bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding stakeholders' perspectives behind wildfires in Sicily: A Q‐methodology approach
Authors: Piroli Erika , La Mela Veca Donato Salvatore , Mistry Jay , Kountouris Yiannis
Published: September 2024

Mediterranean wildfires persistently challenge regions due to climatic factors, changing land use, and abandonment of rural areas, posing threats to both ecosystems and human well‐being.

Current fire management emphasizes fire exclusion, neglecting traditional methods and socio‐ ecological processes, thereby elevating the risk of catastrophic events and negatively impacting ecosystems.

Collaborative efforts among stakeholders and decision makers are essential for effective wildfire mitigation; lack of engagement perpetuates conflicts, underscoring the need to integrate diverse perspectives to enhance environmental management policies.

Focusing on Monreale, Sicily, as a representative of fire‐prone Mediterranean landscapes, this study uses Q‐Methodology to investigate stakeholder attitudes toward the causes and drivers of wildfires.

Using Q‐Methodology, the research identifies shared values and discrepancies among stakeholders, revealing information on acceptable wildfire policies by discerning areas of consensus.

The paper delves into various perspectives on socioeconomic and political dimensions in Sicily, unravelling conflicts and consensus areas for advancing fire management objectives. It concludes with policy insights and recommendations for future research.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
The interface dewetting process of particulate filled polymer composite
Authors: Zou Zijie , Qiang Hongfu , Zhang Fengtao , Pei Baolin , Wang Xueren , Li Yiyi
Published: September 2024

Dewetting is one of the most common damage modes in particulate filled polymer composite, which greatly damages the structural integrity of the composite and leads to the deterioration of its mechanical properties. Studying the dewetting evolution process of composite is of great significance for evaluating the meso damage degree of composite and suppressing the development of dewetting damage. This article constructs an axisymmetric cylindrical cell model of a single particle inclusion matrix, derives the interface dewetting evolution process of the model under uniaxial tensile loading condition, and analyzes the influence of model geometric parameters and external loading conditions on the dewetting process. Subsequently, numerical models were constructed at both micro and meso scales, and dynamic tensile calculations were performed to analyze the correlation between the dewetting rate, porosity, and mechanical performance. Finally, a cylindrical cell specimen was designed to observe the interface dewetting evolution under uniaxial tensile conditions, confirming the conclusions of theoretical analysis and numerical simulation.

Highlights

Constructed a theoretical model for the dewetting process of interface.

Conducted numerical analysis of dewetting process at both meso and micro scales.

Designed interface dewetting experiment and analyzed the dewetting process.
Improved interfacial properties of carbon fiber reinforced epoxy resin composite by in‐situ self‐assembled mental‐phenolic networks
Authors: Xia Anqi , Zhang Kaining , Wang Yining , Yao Zhiqiang , Wang Dongzhi
Published: September 2024

The chemical modification of carbon fiber surface often uses toxic reagents and harsh reaction conditions, while the preparation process of metal‐phenol networks (MPNs) is simple, rapid, non‐toxic and harmless, which provides a direction for alleviating environmental problems. In this study, tannic acid (TA) was coordinated with Fe3+ to form MPNs, which was coated on the surface of carbon fibers through π‐π interaction. The results indicated that oxygen functionalities on the surface of the MPN coating can facilitate better adhesion between the carbon fiber and the epoxy resin, when the molar ratio of TA to Fe3+ is 1:3 and the pH is 4, the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) performance of the composite material reaches its optimal level. In addition, a green and non‐destructive method is provided for the surface modification of carbon fiber, which can effectively optimize the interfacial properties of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites.
Role of Ag Addition on the Microscopic Material Properties of (Ag,Cu)(In,Ga)Se2 Absorbers and Their Effects on Losses in the Open‐Circuit Voltage of Corresponding Devices
Authors: Thomas Sinju , Witte Wolfram , Hariskos Dimitrios , Gutzler Rico , Paetel Stefan , Song Chang‐Yun , Kempa Heiko , Maiberg Matthias , Abou‐Ras Daniel
Published: September 2024

Ag alloying of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGSe) absorbers in thin‐film solar cells leads to improved crystallization of these absorber layers at lower substrate temperatures than for Ag‐free CIGSe thin films as well as to enhanced cation interdiffusion, resulting in reduced Ga/In gradients. However, the role of Ag in the microscopic structure–property relationships in the (Ag,Cu)(In,Ga)Se2 thin‐film solar cells as well as a correlation between the various microscopic properties of the polycrystalline ACIGSe absorber and open‐circuit voltage of the corresponding solar cell device has not been reported earlier. In the present work, we study the effect of Ag addition by analyzing the differences in the various bulk, grain‐boundary, optoelectronic, emission, and absorption‐edge properties of ACIGSe absorbers with that of a reference CIGSe absorber. By comparing thin‐film solar cells with similar band‐gap energies ranging from about 1.1 to about 1.2 eV, we were able to correlate the differences in their absorber material properties with the differences in the device performance of the corresponding solar cells. Various microscopic origins of open‐circuit voltage losses were identified, such as strong Ga/In gradients and local compositional variations within individual grains of ACIGSe layers, which are linked to absorption‐edge broadening, lateral fluctuations in luminescence‐energy distribution, and band tailing, thus contributing to radiative VOC losses. A correlation established between the effective electron lifetime, average grain size, and lifetime at the grain boundaries indicates that enhanced nonradiative recombination at grain boundaries is a major contributor to the overall VOC deficit in ACIGSe solar cells. Although the alloying with Ag has been effective in increasing the grain size and the effective electron lifetime, still, the Ga/In gradients and the grain‐boundary recombination in the ACIGSe absorbers must be reduced further to improve the solar‐cell performance.
Elektronenstruktur angelernt
Authors: von Rudorff Guido Falk
Published: September 2024

Die Dichtefunktionaltheorie (DFT) ist spätestens seit den 1990er‐Jahren ein gängiges Werkzeug der Quantenchemie und der Materialforschung. Inzwischen kommt Maschinelles Lernen als weiteres Werkzeug hinzu, das sich mit der DFT kombinieren lässt. Dieser Beitrag stellt verschiedene Strategien hierfür vor. Vor allem ergänzt das Maschinelle Lernen die empirische Seite, zum Beispiel bei der Entwicklung neuer Funktionale als zentrale Bausteine. Auch in der Verfeinerung der DFT‐Ergebnisse kann Maschinelles Lernen gewinnbringend eingesetzt werden.
The role of gut microbiota involved in prostate microenvironment and symptoms improvement in chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome patients treated with low‐intensity extracorporeal shock wave
Authors: Kong Xiangbin , Dong Zhilong , Hu Weiwei , Mi Jun , Xiao Jie , Wang Yiran , Chen Wenfang , Pei Zixu , Hao Zongyao , Liang Chaozhao , Wang Qi , Wang Zhiping
Published: September 2024

Background

Low‐intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (Li‐ESWT) is emerging as a promising and safe treatment for Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS). In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of the gut microbiota involved in the prostate microenvironment and symptom improvement during the Li‐ESWT for CP/CPPS patients.

Methods

CP/CPPS patients not taking antibiotics or other treatments were included. NIH‐Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH‐CPSI), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF‐5) were used to evaluate the effectiveness of Li‐ESWT at the end of treatment. Visual analogue scale/score was used to evaluate the pain during procedure. Stool and semen samples were collected before and after Li‐ESWT. Shotgun metagenomics analyzed gut microbiota, while ELISA and other diagnostic kits detected biochemical changes in seminal plasma.

Result

Of the 60 enrolled patients, 52 completed treatment. Li‐ESWT response rate was 78.8% (41/52) at end of treatment. Among responders, the subitems of the NIH‐CPSI; IPSS; and IIEF‐5 scores improved significantly, and the seminal plasma analysis showed decreased TNF‐a and MDA levels and increased SOD and Zn2+ levels posttreatment. Gut microbiome analysis indicated that posttreatment, both α and β diversity increased, and the abundance of certain specific species significantly increased. Fifty‐eight pathways significantly enriched posttreatment, notably in branched‐chain amino acid synthesis and butyrate synthesis. The abundance of several specific species was found to be significantly higher in non‐responders than responders. Among responders, at the species level, some bacteria associated with NIH‐CPSI and its subscales, IPSS, IIEF‐5, and prostate microenvironment markers (TNF‐a, MDA, Zn2+, and SOD) were identified.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates for the first time that Li‐ESWT improves the prostate microenvironment and gut microbiota in CP/CPPS patients. Treatment nonresponse may be associated with a high abundance of specific pathogens before treatment. The gut microbiota could have a significant impact on Li‐ESWT response and the prostate microenvironment.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the factor XIa‐inhibiting antibody osocimab in healthy male East Asian volunteers: Results from two phase 1 studies
Authors: Dong Zhili , Hashizume Kensei , Friedrichs Frauke , Liu Pei , Tanaka Toshiaki , Liao Yuqin
Published: September 2024

The pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, immunogenicity, and safety of osocimab single doses in healthy Chinese and Japanese volunteers over 149 days were evaluated. Two phase 1 single‐blinded, placebo‐controlled studies with 27 Japanese and 50 Chinese participants were conducted. Osocimab was investigated with IV doses of 0.3, 1.25, and 2.5 mg/kg (Chinese study) and 0.3, 1.25, and 5.0 mg/kg (Japanese study), as well as SC doses of 3.0 and 6.0 mg/kg (Chinese study) and 6.0 mg/kg (Japanese study). The maximum plasma concentration was reached 1–3 h and 4–6 days after IV and SC administration, respectively. Osocimab exhibited a deviation from dose‐proportional pharmacokinetics for AUC but not Cmax; higher doses had higher apparent clearance and disproportionately lower total exposure. A slightly lower exposure was observed in Japanese compared with Chinese volunteers after IV administration; conversely, relatively higher exposure in Japanese volunteers with SC dosing was identified. Osocimab was associated with a dose‐dependent increase in activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). Maximal aPTT prolongations were observed 1–4 h and 2–6 days after IV and SC administration, respectively. Anti‐drug antibodies of low titer were detected in 1/9 (11.1%) Japanese volunteers administered placebo and 26/40 (65.0%) Chinese volunteers administered osocimab. Adverse events were reported in 8/18 (44.4%) Japanese and 28/40 (70.0%) Chinese volunteers who received osocimab, as well as in 1/9 (11.1%) Japanese and 6/10 (60.0%) Chinese volunteers who received placebo. In conclusion, data did not suggest a clear dose‐proportionality for osocimab within the investigated dose range. The effect of osocimab on aPTT was expected per its mechanism of action. Osocimab was generally well tolerated.
Get out of life on the edge: The role of urban public health services on migrants’ social integration in China
Authors: Li Jun , Li Tiantian , Wang Wei
Published: September 2024

Public health services for migrants are not only related to their health status, but also crucial to their social integration in the host cities. Using data from the 2017 China Migrants Dynamic Survey, we examine the impacts of urban public health services on migrants’ social integration. We find a positive correlation between the accessibility of public health services among migrants and their social integration. Research on the mechanisms reveals that obtaining public health services contribute to social integration by improving migrants’ health status, fostering the alignment of hygiene practices with those of local residents and promoting family migration. Heterogeneity analysis shows that the positive impact of public health services on social integration is notably pronounced among migrants engaged in informal employment, lacking social security, holding rural hukou and having a relatively brief duration of residence in the host cities. This paper presents valuable insights into migrants’ social integration which is a critical issue for policymakers. By improving the accessibility of public health services, migrants will better integrate into host cities. The findings may be instructive for promoting urbanization in China and other countries.
Making Use of Low‐Cost High‐Pressure–High‐Temperature‐Diamond Materials for Industry‐Type Quantum Sensor Device Applications
Authors: Bähr Mario , Wild Christoph , Knolle Wolfgang , Javed Muhammad B. , Fuhrmann Jens , Lühmann Tobias , Reiss Steffanie , Meijer Jan B. , Ortlepp Thomas
Published: September 2024

A cost‐effective approach to provide diamond platelets containing nitrogen vacancy center ensembles (NVs) in the range of ppm is investigated. Industry‐type high‐pressure–high‐temperature‐diamond type 1b containing a high number of interstitial nitrogen in the range of several tens of ppm are used and small diamond platelets (size ≈1 × 1 mm2, thickness ≈300 μm) are prepared by laser cutting and polishing. The nitrogen is converted into NV by means of high‐energy electron irradiation of 10 MeV and annealing at 900 °C. Variations in the irradiation dose between 0.5E18 1/cm2 and 2E18 1/cm2 result in different densities of NV. The diamond platelets are analyzed with regard to their nitrogen concentration and photoluminescence as well as optically detected magnetic resonance is used to investigate the usability for a NV‐based magnetometer. A method to calculate the ratio of negatively to neutrally charged NV (NV−/NV0) is proposed that uses the photoluminescence intensities of the spectrum at 575 and 638 nm, namely, the zero‐phonon lines of NV− and NV0.
Fabrication of Laminated Electrospun Fire˗Resistant Phosphorylated Poly(Vinylalcohol) Membrane for Enhanced Firefighter Safety
Authors: Tripathi Manorama , Parthasarathy Surekha , Roy Prasun Kumar
Published: September 2024

The current study focuses on the creation of breathable and fire˗retardant fibrous membranes using phosphorylated poly(vinylalcohol) (PPVA) via the electrospinning method, with a specific interest in their application for structural firefighter clothing. Poly(vinylalcohol) (PVA) was phosphorylated to enhance its inherent flame resistance. Optimization of reaction conditions, including time and temperature, was conducted to achieve a solution suitable for electrospinning. The flame resistance of PPVA was confirmed through vertical flammability tests, with thermogravimetric analysis indicating a significant increase in carbonaceous char formation during PPVA decomposition compared to unmodified PVA. The limiting oxygen index also exhibited a notable increase from PVA to PPVA. Furthermore, the study established optimal operating conditions for producing uniform fibers, considering parameters such as polymer concentration, feed rate, tip to collector distance, and applied potential difference. The PPVA membrane demonstrated superior water vapor transmission rates compared to PVA, indicating enhanced breathability. The entire fabrication process utilized an environmentally friendly water‐based solvent. Additionally, a moisture‐cum‐thermal barrier layer (MCTB) was developed by laminating the PPVA fibrous membranes with microporous polytetrafluoroethylene and further with needle punch‐spunlaced OPAN fabric. Experimental assessments of the MCTB layer revealed satisfactory breathability and thermal performance, surpassing the standard requirements of 35 cal/cm2 for structural firefighting configuration.
Seeding Layer Effect on the Microstructure of Hydrothermally Grown α‐Manganese Dioxide Nanowires on Three‐Dimensional Graphene Foam
Authors: Feyza Yavuz Gülperi , Güneş Fethullah , Bartu Aydın Kemal , Gergeroglu Hazal
Published: September 2024

Hydrothermal synthesis is a straightforward approach for producing high‐yield manganese dioxide (MnO2) nanostructures with efficient morphological control at low temperatures. This study investigates the microstructural dependency of hydrothermally grown α‐MnO2 nanowires (NWs) on pre‐treatment conditions on the substrate surface. Within this scope, α‐MnO2 NWs were synthesized on chemical vapor deposition (CVD)‐based graphene foam (GF) substrates pre‐treated via potassium permanganate (KMnO4) solution as a seeding layer with different concentrations (0.025, 0.050, 0.075, 0.1 M). A direct α‐MnO2 NWs growth (without pre‐treatment) was also performed on GF by hydrothermal method. The seeding layer effect on the NWs growth was elaborated to comprehend the process‐structure correlations by characterizing the resultant graphene foam/α‐MnO2 nanowires (GF/α‐MnO2 NWs) nanocomposites through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Raman Spectroscopy, X‐Ray Diffraction (XRD), and X‐Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). SEM, XRD, and Raman Spectroscopy revealed the successful acquisition of highly crystalline α‐MnO2 in one‐dimensional nanowire morphology on the high‐quality GF. Moreover, XPS results confirmed that all nanocomposites comprise α‐MnO2 and graphene without chemical degradation. Consequently, slight changes in solution concentration of seeding layers caused a noticeable alteration in the nanowire's structure, which could ensure effective control of nanocomposite properties without sacrificing the high purity of each component.
Exploring the Potential of Isoindole‐1,3‐Dione Derivatives as Novel Inhibitors of Aldose Reductase: An In Silico and In Vitro Insight into Therapeutic Strategies for Diabetic Complications
Authors: Şengül Bülent , Gündoğdu Özlem , Kilinç Namık , Kishali Nurhan
Published: September 2024

This study explores the potential of isoindole‐1,3‐dione derivatives as novel inhibitors of aldose reductase (AR), focusing on their in silico and in vitro effects for therapeutic strategies against diabetic complications. Aldose reductase, a critical enzyme in the polyol pathway, plays a significant role in glucose metabolism and has been linked to diabetic complications. In this comprehensive study, isoindole‐1,3‐dione derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their inhibitory effects on the recombinant human AR enzyme. The compounds’ inhibitory activities were measured both in vitro and through in silico techniques, employing molecular docking and free binding energy calculations and ADME studies. The newly synthesized compounds demonstrated varied inhibitory effects, with ethyl and phenyl substituents at specific positions enhancing inhibitory activity. Notably, compounds with carboxylic acid derivatives exhibited potent inhibitory effects, especially compound 6 with an IC50 value of 1.649 μM. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the inhibitory potential of isoindole‐1,3‐dione derivatives against AR, suggesting their potential therapeutic application in mitigating diabetic complications. The combination of experimental and computational approaches offers a comprehensive understanding of the compounds’ interaction mechanisms and pharmacokinetic profiles, supporting their further exploration as antidiabetic agents.
Investigation of Structural, Photoelectrochemical, Magnetic and Catalytic Properties of LaSrNiO4, LaSrCuO4, LaSrCoO4 Nanoparticles Synthesised by Reverse Micellar Route
Authors: Bhagat Kirandeep , Das Anirban , Dagar Neha , Ramanujachary Kandalam V. , Lofland Samuel E. , Raha Roy Sudipta , Ganguli Ashok K.
Published: September 2024

LaSrCoO4, LaSrNiO4 and LaSrCuO4 were synthesised by the reverse micellar route by using three different microemulsion compositions. The as prepared nanostructures were characterised by powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The PXRD of all samples indicate pure phases which crystallize into a tetragonal system. The particle size and shape of nanoparticles varies with microemulsion system. Magnetisation studies suggested that two of the LaSrCoO4 samples display canted antiferromagnetism while the others showed no sign of long‐range ordering. The LaSrNiO4 and LaSrCuO4 samples seemed to show spin glass behaviour. Some of these materials were successfully used as catalysts for organic transformations. The esterification of aldehydes in the presence of alkyl halides and alcohols has been made mild and practicable with a copper catalysed TBHP/DTBP promoting reaction. This approach is suitable to a wide variety of aldehydes, including those that are notoriously difficult to convert through the C(sp2)−H bond scission to produce the required esters in good to outstanding yield.
Waste Plastic‐Derived FeMo@MgO/CNTs Nanocomposites for High‐Performance Supercapacitor Applications
Authors: Aboul‐Enein Ateyya A. , Yousif Nashwa M. , Awadallah Ahmed E. , Azab Mostafa A. , Haggar Ahmed M.
Published: September 2024

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were prepared from low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic waste using FeMo(x)@MgO catalysts with several FeMo contents (x=10, 30, and 50 %). Pyrolysis of waste LDPE and growth of CNTs over FeMo/MgO catalysts were performed at 450 and 750 °C, respectively. The results indicated that FeMoO4, Fe2(MoO4)3, MgFe2O4, MgMoO4, and Mg2Mo3O11 species were the main components of the calcined catalyst containing 50 %FeMo. However, free monometallic iron oxides and bimetallic oxides (MgFe2O4, and MgMoO4) were the components of the calcined catalyst containing 10 %FeMo. The FeMo content was found to correlate with the yield and quality of the carbon product. TEM images of the spent catalysts proved the formation of MWCNTs at all FeMo contents. The FeMo(30)/MgO catalyst was the most active in CNT production. Raman spectroscopy results proved the generation of the best quality MWCNTs at 30 %FeMo content. XRD analysis of the spent catalysts demonstrated that nanocomposite of Fe3C, Mo2C, MgO, and MWCNTs (FeMoC(x)@MgO/CNTs) was successfully synthesized. The electrochemical performance of FeMoC(x)@MgO/CNTs composites was evaluated as low‐cost supercapacitor nanoelectrodes. Large specific capacity values of 806, 978, and 1180 F g were achieved at the current density of 0.1 A g using nanocomposites with 10, 30, and 50 %FeMo contents, respectively.
Characterization of Langmuir Monolayers for Nanodiamonds Surface‐Modified with 12‐Hydroxystearyl Chains and the Occurrence of Structural Colors
Authors: Yamagishi Yui , Sakamoto Shoma , Hasunuma Yuka , Fujimori Atsuhiro
Published: September 2024

The surfaces of nanodiamond particles are modified using natural castor oil‐derived 12‐hydroxystearic acid, which has thixotropic solvent properties. 12‐Hydroxystearyl chain‐modified nanodiamonds (12OHSt‐ND) are spread from a dispersion medium onto ultrapure water to afford Langmuir monolayers (a single‐particle layer) of 12OHSt‐ND exhibited a two‐dimensional phase transition from an expanded phase to a condensed phase. The surface morphology of the single‐particle layer shows a dispersed form of aggregated particles, while the layered regularity of the multilayers shows high periodicity. The surface hydrophobicity of the single‐particle layer of 12OHSt‐ND is more pronounced than that of the single‐particle layer of stearic acid‐modified nanodiamonds. The origin of the surface hydrophobicity of the single‐particle layer of 12OHSt‐ND is predicted to be the vertical conformation of the modified chains achieved via hydrogen bonding between the modified chains. In addition, the stepwise multilayers of 12OHSt‐ND exhibit various structural colors depending on the number of layers.
Study of Near Band Edge Emission Spectra and Conductivity Transformation in Fe‐Doped Cadmium Telluride Nanoparticles for the Device Applications
Authors: Gumaste Meera Ramachandra , Kulkarni Gururaj Anand , Sangam Sheela A. , Shetty Poornima B. , Joseph C. M.
Published: September 2024

The research work discussed here explains the near band edge emission and conductivity transformation of the Fe‐doped CdTe nanoparticles synthesized by hydrothermal method by using an autoclave. The size of the undoped CdTe nanoparticles is found to be 5.48, 8.45, 9.40, and 14.79 nm, respectively for the nanoparticles collected at 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes of duration of the synthesis. Whereas for the Fe‐doped CdTe nanoparticles, the size is found to be 12.81, 16.9, and 18.5 nm, respectively for the 10%, 20%, and 30% Fe concentrations as doping elements in CdTe nanoparticles. The XPS spectra clearly show the successful doping of Fe in the CdTe QDs and also the orbital state of Fe in CdTe. The EDAX spectra is taken to trace the elements present in the synthesized nanoparticles. From the UV–vis absorption spectrum, the band gap is found to decrease when doped with Fe in different concentrations. Also, an appreciable blue shift is found in the as synthesized undoped and Fe‐doped CdTe NPs. A near band edge emission property is observed for the Fe‐doped CdTe NPs when doped with different Fe concentrations. The van der Pauw Hall measurement technique is employed to study the electrical properties such as conductivity, carrier concentration, mobility, and Hall coefficient of the undoped and Fe‐doped CdTe nanoparticles. The consistent p‐type conductivity is observed for the undoped CdTe nanoparticles till the time duration of 45 minutes of synthesis. When doped with Fe in 30% concentration, the type of conductivity is found to transform from p‐type to n‐type. The luminescence property between 450 and 500 nm makes these materials suitable for device applications like light‐emitting diodes. Also, the study of Hall measurement here explains the application of these materials as photovoltaic cells.
Electrochemically Induced Synthesis of β‐Ketosulfones from Enol Acetates and Sodium Sulfinates
Authors: Zaikina Lada A. , Mulina Olga M. , Merkulova Valentina M. , Ilovaisky Alexey I. , Vil’ Vera A. , Terent'ev Alexander O.
Published: September 2024

β‐Ketosulfones were synthesized from enol acetates and sodium sulfinates under electrochemical conditions. The starting sulfinates can act both as the supporting electrolyte and as the source of S‐centered radicals, allowing electrolysis to proceed without external salt. Side reactions of enol acetates’ oxidation are not observed, and the developed process is quite selective. The proposed electrochemical sulfonylation is compatible with a wide range of the initial enol acetates and sulfinates. On the basis of literature data, control experiments, and CV studies, the presumable reaction pathway is suggested. The key intermediates are S‐centered sulfonyl radical, C‐centered benzylic radical, and β‐acetoxy‐β‐hydroxysulfone.
Pristine Wood‐Supported Electrodes With Intrinsic Superhydrophilic/Superaerophobic Surface Intensify Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Ling Ruihua , Lian Qing , Shan Lianwei , Xiang Shengling , Peng Ouwen , Li Dongyang , Amini Abbas , Wang Ning , Yang Hao , Cheng Chun
Published: September 2024

Wood, as a renewable material, has been regarded as an emerging substrate for self‐supporting electrodes in large‐scale water electrolysis due to numerous merits such as rich pore structure, abundant hydroxyl groups, etc. However, poor conductivity of wood can greatly suppress the performance of wood‐based electrodes. Carbonization process can improve wood's conductivity, but the loss of hydroxyl groups and the required high energy consumption are the drawbacks of such a process. Here, a facile strategy is developed to prepare pristine wood‐supported electrode (Ni‐NiP/W) for enhanced hydrogen evolution reaction (HER); this improves electrical conductivity of wood while retaining its excellent intrinsic properties. The preparation process involves the deposition of copper on the untreated wood followed with the loading of Ni‐NiP catalyst at room temperature. Encouragingly, the Ni‐NiP/W exhibits conductive and inherited pristine wood's superhydrophilic and superaerophobic properties, that effectively boost mass and charge transfer. It demonstrates high activity and excellent stability in acidic, alkali, and seawater conditions as well as high current densities of up to 2000 mA cm−2; particularly a record‐low HER overpotential of 206 mV in acidic conditions at 1000 mA cm−2. This work fully unlocks the admiring potential of pristine wood as superior substrate for high‐performance electrochemical electrodes.
Acidic and Alkaline pH Controlled Oxygen Reduction Reaction Pathway over Co‐N4C Catalyst
Authors: Mahapatra Bikash K. , Barman Pranjit , Panigrahi Dipti R. , Kochrekar Sachin , Paul Bappi , Panghal Abhishek , Kumar U. Anil , Dhavale Vishal M. , Gupta Mukul , Kumar Deepak , Kumar Vijay , Singh Santosh K.
Published: September 2024

Enhanced oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) kinetics and selectivity are crucial to advance energy technologies like fuel cells and metal–air batteries. Single‐atom catalysts (SACs) with M‐N4/C structure have been recognized to be highly effective for ORR. However, the lack of a comprehensive understanding of the mechanistic differences in the activity under acidic and alkaline environments is limiting the full potential of the energy devices. Here, a porous SAC is synthesized where a cobalt atom is coordinated with doped nitrogen in a graphene framework (pCo‐N4C). The resulting pCo‐N4C catalyst demonstrates a direct 4e− ORR process and exhibits kinetics comparable to the state‐of‐the‐art (Pt/C) catalyst. Its higher activity in an acidic electrolyte is attributed to the tuned porosity‐induced hydrophobicity. However, the pCo‐N4C catalyst displays a difference in ORR activity in 0.1 m HClO4 and 0.1 m KOH, with onset potentials of 0.82 V and 0.91 V versus RHE, respectively. This notable activity difference in acidic and alkaline media is due to the protonation of coordinated nitrogen, restricted proton coupled electron transfer (PCET) at the electrode/electrolyte interface. The effect of pH over the catalytic activity is further verified by Ab‐initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations using density functional theory (DFT) calculations.
Weakly Solvating Ether‐Based Electrolyte Constructing Anion‐Derived Solid Electrolyte Interface in Graphite Anode toward High‐Stable Potassium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Feng Qilin , Jiang Jiangmin , Li Shuang , Zhou Gaoyu , Kong Xiangkai , Chen Yaxin , Zhuang Quanchao , Ju Zhicheng
Published: September 2024

Low‐cost graphite has emerged as the most promising anode material for potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs). Constructing the inorganic‐rich solid electrolyte interface (SEI) on the surface of graphite anode is crucial for achieving superior electrochemical performance of PIBs. However, the compositions of SEI formed by conventional strongly solvating electrolytes are mainly organic, leading to the SEI structure being thick and causing the co‐intercalation behavior of ions with the solvent. Herein, a weakly solvating electrolyte is applied to weaken the cation‐solvent interaction and alter the cation solvation sheath structures, conducing to the inorganic composition derived from anions also participating in the formation of SEI, together with forming a uniformly shaped SEI with superior mechanical properties, and thus improving the overall performance of PIBs. The electrolyte solvation structure rich in aggregated ion pairs (AGGs) (69%) enables remarkable potassium‐ion intercalation behavior at the graphite anode (reversible capacity of 269 mAh g−1) and highly stable plating/stripping of potassium metal anode (96.5%). As a practical device application, the assembled potassium‐ion full‐battery (PTCDA//Graphite) displays superior cycle stability. The optimizing strategy of cation solvation sheath structures offers a promising approach for developing high‐performance electrolytes and beyond.
Effect of α‐Ferrite on Plasticity and Fracture Mechanisms of Dual‐Phase Ultrastrong Heterolamellar Steels
Authors: Wu Hao , Jia Ye , Deng Xiangtao , Fu Tianliang , Wang Zhaodong
Published: September 2024

Lamellar heterostructure design is widely recognized as a potential method to improve strength and ductility simultaneously of high‐performance steel. However, the high mechanical contrast among soft/hard phase and inharmonic plastic deformation lead to complex fracture mechanisms and limit the improvement of plasticity. Herein, the plasticity and tensile fracture mechanisms of two types of δ‐ferrite and lath martensite heterolamellar steels with and without α‐ferrite are investigated. The sample without α‐ferrite shows a combination of cleavage in δ‐ferrite and dimple zones in the martensite. The microcracks initiate in the martensite early and the then the cleavage fracture occurs in the δ‐ferrite due to the stress concentration. In contrast, the sample with α‐ferrite has lower plasticity. Failure of the samples with α‐ferrite is govern by the microcracks initiating in the interface of martensite/α‐ferrite. Eliminating the impact of the effect of α‐ferrite, the total elongation increases from 8.9% to 11.6%, and the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) increases from 1567 to 1652 MPa. This study investigates the critical factor in plasticity control of dual‐phase heterostructure and promotes the development and application of lamellar structure.
Molecular Detection and Genetic Characterization of Avian Leukosis Virus From Field Outbreaks in Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Md. Golzar , Pathan Riman , Hasan SM Nazmul , Mozumder Anandha , Mou Moslema Jahan , Akter Marjana , Sikder Chandan , Reshad Riyan Al Islam , Mia Roni , Saha Sukumar , Islam Tofazzal , Akter Sharmin
Published: September 2024

Avian leukosis is a significant viral disease affecting chicken populations globally, including Bangladesh, resulting in high mortality and morbidity rates and causing substantial economic losses in the commercial poultry industry. This study aimed to detect avian leukosis virus (ALV) during recent outbreaks in Bangladesh, utilising a molecular‐based approach. A total of 14 liver samples were collected from the suspected layer flocks in Bangladesh. The diagnosis of ALV infection in chickens was confirmed through necropsy, histopathological examinations, reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), and sequence analysis. Gross observations revealed severe liver enlargement with scattered white nodules on the surface in the infected chickens. Histopathological observations showed the infiltration of huge mononuclear inflammatory cells in the periportal area of liver and microvesicular fatty degeneration and necrosis of some hepatocytes. RT‐PCR results identified three samples positive for the env gene of ALV. Sequence analysis of the env genes demonstrated high homology among the identified strains (97%–98%) and with reference strains (92%–96%) at the nucleotide level. The phylogenetic tree revealed close relatedness of the three identified strains to reference strains from India, USA, and China. Mutational analysis indicated several mutations throughout the envelope glycoprotein of the identified strains. Protein structure analysis showed minor changes in the hydrophobic region of the envelope protein of the identified strains. In conclusion, this study, the first detailed investigation in Bangladesh, contributes to understanding ALV epidemiology, highlights genetic diversity, and emphasises the necessity for further investigations and the implementation of effective control measures in the affected regions.
The clinicopathological landscape of thyroid cancer in South Africa—A multi‐institutional review
Authors: Conradie Wilhelmina , Luvhengo Thifhelimbilu , Lübbe Jeanne Adele , Afrogheh Amir , Bestbier Aneldi , Bhuiyan Mirza , Bombil Ifongo , Čačala Sharon Raye , Cairncross Lydia , Changfoot Chanel , Edge Jenny , Jackson Brandon S. , Jehle Hansjörg S. , Jonas Lusanda , Lukusa Mpoyi Ruphin , Makgoka Malose , Martin Lindi , Nel Daniel , Patel Mohamed Quraish , Sishuba Nosisa Thabile , Razack Rubina , Baatjes Karin
Published: September 2024

Background

In South Africa (SA), data on the incidence of thyroid cancer is limited. Papillary thyroid carcinoma is by far the most common malignancy in developed countries; however, a preponderance of follicular thyroid cancer in developing countries, despite iodized salt, has been observed. The aim of this study was to describe the national landscape of thyroid cancer in SA with reference to pathological subtypes, surgical outcomes, and treatments offered.

Methods

A multi‐institutional retrospective review of thyroid cancer patients operated on between January 2015 and December 2019 was performed. Public hospitals with associated academic institutions were included. Data were collected from theater registers, pathology, and radiology records. Statistical analysis was done to determine intergroup significance.

Results

A total of 464 thyroid cancer cases from 13 centers across five SA provinces were identified. Most patients presented with a mass (67%). Ultrasound was performed in 82% of patients, and 16.3% underwent surgery without pre‐operative cytology. Of the histologically confirmed thyroid cancers, 61.8% were papillary and 22.1% follicular thyroid cancer. There was a significant association between subtype and geographical area, and T‐stage and operation performed. Surgical complication rates included hematoma in 1.8%, post‐operative hypocalcemia in 28.7%, and recurrent laryngeal nerve injury in 3.5%.

Conclusion

This first national review describes the landscape of thyroid cancer in SA, revealing considerable differences compared to international studies. It provides valuable insight into the unique South African experience with this disease. In addition, this study serves as an impetus towards a prospective national registry with real‐world data informing contextualized guidelines.
Effects of human–wildlife conflict on local people's livelihoods and wildlife conservation in and around Alitash National Park, northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Ayalew Mekuriaw Zewdie , Melese Getahun Tassew
Published: September 2024

Human–wildlife conflict has become one of the fundamental aspects of wildlife management. It threatens both wildlife and human welfare. People have injured, abused, and killed wildlife in response to perceived and/or actual damage from wildlife. Such negative interactions are common in adjacent protected areas (PAs) where people and wildlife share the same resources. However, the local contexts of the conflict around the most newly established PAs remain unaddressed. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the effects of human–wildlife conflict on local people's livelihoods and wildlife conservation in and around Alitash National Park, Ethiopia. The data were collected by interviewing 198 households from 11 villages and conducting 3 focus group discussions and 12 key informant interviews. The survey questions were designed to understand the occurrence of wildlife damage, species involved, losses incurred, and local people's perception and reaction. The results revealed that 59.6% of the surveyed households encountered at least a single type of wildlife‐caused damage. Crop damage was the most prevalent, encountered by more than half (54%) of the households, of which 34.4 and 19.6% lost at most 25 and 75% of their crop fields, respectively. Common warthog, African porcupines, and common baboon were the top‐ranked wildlife species involved in crop‐raiding. The livestock loss from 2016 to 2020 was 287.89 tropical livestock units, which were shared by 47.5% of the respondents. Human attacks were rare, although 18 attacks by lion, spotted hyena, and leopard were reported by the study participants. The responses of the victims were negative and full of resentment to the wildlife. This undermines conservation efforts and the socio‐economic welfare of the local people. Thus, providing alternative livelihood opportunities and creating a context‐based conservation scheme along with continuous conservation education would help to reduce the negative effect of human–wildlife conflict on both wildlife and people.
Debating Homo Academicus: A Maieutic Quest for Self-Reflexivity
Authors: Ericsson Daniel , Cinque Silvia
Published: September 2024

In this introductory chapter, a debate is instigated about the different ontological assumptions that scholars in the fields of management and organization make about themselves, and the consequences and implications these assumptions have in practice. In this regard, the debate is positioned in relation to one of the major conversation topics within the fields of management and organization: self-fulfilling prophecies, i.e., the phenomena in which unsubstantiated, unethical, or dysfunctional assumptions about humans can lead to adverse practical consequences. In contrast to the dominating debating tradition in academia—the eristic struggle to defeat the opponent, not for the sake of good arguments, but for the sake of the victory in itself (as sarcastically outlined by Arthur Schopenhauer)—the instigated debate follows Socrates’ somewhat forgotten maieutic tradition in which debates are seen as vehicles for advancing the speaking partner’s arguments. The eleven contributions presented in this book are therefore presented as posts in an ongoing conversation through which discursive positions on the subject are made visible, reflected upon, and (possibly could be) altered. They form a collage of ontological assumptions and practical consequences to promote self-reflexivity in a quest-like manner. It is argued that this collage entails two superimposed debates. On the one hand, a debate about the extent to which scholars in the fields of management and organization are assumed to be—and should be—independent of social pressures, normative expectations, conventions, and institutional logics; on the other hand, a debate about the extent to which scholars in the fields of management and organization are assumed to speak—and should speak—from a position endowed with obligations and privileges. Through the different ways in which the book’s contributors tackle these interrelated issues, three more or less distinct argumentative themes and ontological assumptions emerge: Homo moralis, Homo reflectivus, and Homo mutatus. These themes form the narrative structure of the book but in themselves represent heuristic devices to even further stimulate a self-reflexive debate on Homo academicus within the fields of management and organization.
Living as an Academic-Cum-Something-Else: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Academia
Authors: Mazza Carmelo
Published: September 2024

Extant literature tends to see Homo academicus as a full-time, increasingly stressful, position as new emerging challenges in the managerialized high education field seem to distance from the authentic academic behaviors and attitudes (Mazza, C., & Quattrone, P. (2018). Living in a world of foam: Global ideas, bubbles, and the fairy tale of business education. In M. Izak, M. Kostera & M. Zawadzki (Eds.), The future of university education. Palgrave-MacMillan, (pp. 111–121). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-46,894-5_1; Parker, Pluto Press, 2018). Building on my personal experience combining academic job with consulting and managerial roles, I discuss whether a multiplicity of belongings crossing academia and other fields, the position I called “academic-cum-something else”, is a viable solution for this stress or just a limbo excluding from each of the belongings.

I adopted an autobiographic style, reporting self-reflexive, post-hoc rationalizations of events. The autobiographic genre allowed me to report my observations about Homo academicus at the same time as an insider and as an outsider, critically assess constraints and habits. Therefore, the experience I described in this chapter is ambivalent. It includes the reflections on the academic life by somebody who had the illusio of academic field but also invested in the value of membership of other fields, such as consulting and management.

This ambivalence may help shedding light on controversial aspects of what the life of a Homo academicus meant to be and, more in general, on the extent to which roles and trajectories in different fields could coincide in a single life. It results in the paradox that by staying in the limbo across different fields, I can feel the enchantment of the illusio of the different fields but, reflexively, I could doubt the real value of the stakes of their memberships (Bourdieu, Pascalian meditations, Stanford University Press, 2000), thus experiencing disenchantment. This paradox leads to further reflections on how the Homo academicus should change to cope with the challenges that today’s societal context poses on the higher education field.
The Contribution of Norbert Elias’s Theoretical-Empirical Framework to the Sociology of Childhood: Some Tensions and Research Experiences
Authors: Ferreira Valéria Milena Röhrich
Published: September 2024

This chapter discusses how some theoretical-methodological dilemmas regarding the sociology of childhood can be resolved by studies that use the Eliasian framework. These studies research the influence of spatial dimensions—especially the neighbourhood and city spaces—in children’s chains of interdependence. The following tensions will be analyzed: the dichotomies between individual-society and action-structure; the interdisciplinarity between psychology, sociology, history and biology; children and their intra and intergenerational relations of interdependence; new family compositions and relationships between the local and global. Finally, I will discuss how Elias’s theoretical-empirical approach is highly suitable for the study of the spatial dimension of children’s lives in contemporary society.
Upper Secondary School as an Innovative Health Laboratory: A Process Study About Exercise, Sport and Democracy in a Youth Culture
Authors: Frydendal Stine , Thing Lone Friis
Published: September 2024

This chapter is a discussion of process-oriented methodology as a way of studying health promotion among young people in a Danish school setting. We will discuss this by presenting how we have applied process sociology in a health promotion intervention initiated by a Danish upper secondary school from 2010 to 2014, in which we explored the development process based on a democratic, participatory approach to health promotion. We applied Elias’s conceptualization of civilizing processes, focusing especially on the notions of figuration, interdependencies and power, to analyse the figuration of the school in a health promotion context on a macro level. Elias’s notion of the balance between I-, We- and They-identities as well as the distinction between established and outsider groups was also employed as a way to understand the power struggle between individuals and groups within the figuration on a micro level.
Sociology of Early Childhood: Why We Need Child Psychoanalysis
Authors: Gabriel Norman
Published: September 2024

This chapter will argue that sociologists investigating early childhood need to develop a relational approach that is multi-disciplinary, making important connections with other related disciplines, particularly child psychoanalysis. Although it is well known that Elias was influenced by Sigmund Freud, there are some important psychoanalytic concepts and theories that Elias uses and incorporates into his analysis that have not yet been fully explored for their influence on his approach to childhood—for example, Wilhelm Reich’s concept of ‘armour’. Moreover, I will argue that there are other related approaches in child psychoanalysis such as Anna Freud’s concept of developmental lines that can be integrated with Elias’s perspective to explain young children’s development.