bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving the electrical conductivity of multiwalled carbon nanotubes‐containing micromoldings via in situ construction of electrically conductive networks
Authors: Lei Xue , Shi You , Liang Mei , Zou Huawei , Zhou Shengtai
Published: June 2024

Microinjection molding (μIM) is characterized by high shearing and cooling rates, resulting in higher a degree of filler orientation which impairs the electrical conductivity (σ) of conductive filler‐containing polymer composites when compared with that of compression molding and conventional injection molding processes. In this study, polypropylene/polyamide 6/multiwalled carbon nanotubes (PP/PA6/CNT) composites were used as the model system to investigate how blending sequence, injection speed, and component mass ratios affected the morphology and σ of PP/PA6/CNT microparts. The results demonstrated that CNTs exhibited a higher affinity for the polar PA6 phase and they tended to be preferentially distributed in PA6 domains. The deformation and coalescence of CNT‐rich PA6 phase promoted the creation of an intact and continuous filler network structure along the flow direction under the influence of high shearing conditions in μIM. When the mass ratio of PP:PA6 was 70:30 and the concentration of CNT was 7 wt%, the micropart possessed the highest σ (1.2 × 10−6 S/m) when compared with their PP/CNT (4.4 × 10−9 S/m) and PA6/CNT (3.4 × 10−10 S/m) counterparts. Higher injection speeds resulted in higher degree of CNT orientation, which negatively affected the σ of subsequent moldings. This work established an approach for producing electrically conductive microparts that demonstrate promising applications in the fields of electronics, automotive, and microsystems among others.

Highlights

PP/PA6/CNT composites were used as model systems for microinjection molding.

The electrical conductivity was improved by shear‐induced deformation of CNT‐rich phase.

The properties of PP/PA6/CNT microparts were affected by process parameters.
Simulation and application assessment of the efficacy of fosthiazate‐loaded microcapsules against root‐knot nematode
Authors: Maruyama Takahiro , Ishibashi Yutaka , Sano Mitsuo , Yoshimura Hideshi , Taguchi Yoshinari
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

Although microencapsulation technology is an effective pesticide formulation method, the correlation between the release properties of microcapsules and pesticide concentrations in soil and their efficacy has not been thoroughly investigated. Here, the effects of the release properties of the nematicide Fosthiazate (FTZ) from microcapsules on their efficacy against the nematode Meloidogyne incognita were examined using experimental and mathematical approaches.

RESULTS

Gradual release of FTZ from both polyurea microcapsules (PU‐MC) and melamine‐formaldehyde microcapsules (MF‐MC) was observed over 30 days in the release test, and each release curve was completely distinct. In the biological test, the efficacy of both microcapsules against M. incognita 42 days after the application was 8–15% higher than that of the non‐encapsulated FTZ at a concentration of 2.0 mg FTZ kg−1 soil. Soil degradation experiments suggested that the microcapsules worked effectively to protect the FTZ from degradation, which resulted in higher efficacy at a later stage. A simulation study to predict the concentration of FTZ outside the microcapsule found that the timing of supplying FTZ was important and suggested that the mixture of non‐encapsulated FTZ (non‐MC) and MF‐MC showed enhanced efficiency for the entire cultivation period in the biological test; the efficacy against nematodes was also confirmed by the measurement of nematode density using the Bearman funnel method.

CONCLUSION

The release properties of FTZ from microcapsules are critical for their effective application against M. incognita, and the established simulation study is a useful step in designing suitable release properties under complex soil conditions. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
A shift towards softer pest management differently benefits earwig and spider communities in a multiyear experiment in apple orchards
Authors: Simon Sylvaine , Riotord Dominique , Morel Karine , Fleury Amandine , Capowiez Yvan
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

Environmentally‐friendly crop protection practices are needed to enhance the sustainability of current agricultural systems. This is crucial in orchards which are extensively treated to impair various pests, at the expense of natural enemies. However, the effect of a shift towards softer pest management on the beneficial arthropod community is poorly documented. Earwigs (Dermaptera: Forficulidae) and spiders (Araneae) are relevant groups to assess such effects because they are highly sensitive to agricultural practices. They were monitored for 6 and 4 years, respectively, in apple orchards under three pest management regimes: Organic, Low‐input and Conventional, with pest management being switched during the survey from a broad‐spectrum insecticide schedule to mating disruption in the latter one, and more selective compounds in all orchards.

RESULTS

The survey displayed that earwig abundance (mainly Forficula auricularia) that was initially very low in the Conventional orchard (annual mean 0.5–1.7 earwigs per shelter in the 2010–2012 period) increased to the same level as that of Low‐input and Organic orchards (over 10 earwigs per shelter) in the same year that changes in pest management occurred. The epigeal and arboreal spider communities were not responsive, and no recovering was observed 4 years after change in practices.

CONCLUSION

Predatory arthropod communities are differently affected over time by changes in pest management, most probably due to their biology (dispersion, reproduction rate, susceptibility to pesticides etc.). This outlines the importance of documenting the time required to recover after perturbations and build a natural enemy community to enhance pest control in a win‐win perspective. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Persistent mixed‐phase states in adiabatic cloud parcels under idealised conditions
Authors: Abade Gustavo C. , Albuquerque Daniel G.
Published: June 2024

By assuming that liquid droplets and ice crystals within a computational grid box grow under the same conditions, mean‐field representations of mixed‐phase clouds in numerical models favour a quick cloud glaciation driven by the Wegener–Bergeron–Findeisen process. Consequently, maintenance of mixed‐phase states under the mean‐field approximation is conditioned to external dynamical forcing, such as sufficiently strong updraughts. In this work we go beyond the mean‐field representation and investigate the maintenance of mixed‐phase states in adiabatic (non‐entraining) cloud volumes by accounting for local variability in a particle's growth conditions in the turbulent cloud environment. This is done by using a Lagrangian microphysical scheme, where temperature and vapour mixing ratio are stochastic attributes attached to each cloud particle. Different dynamic scenarios show that microphysical variability and parametrised turbulence effects may significantly reduce cloud glaciation rates, resulting in much more resilient mixed‐phase states in idealised parcels containing non‐sedimenting and non‐aggregating cloud particles. We have stated a more refined criterion for the Wegener–Bergeron–Findeisen process activity in the bulk of a mixed‐phase cloud parcel (or computational grid box). This criterion is stated in terms of the conditional average supersaturations that are experienced by specific cloud particle types (liquid or ice), and not in terms of unconditional averages corresponding to parcel‐ or grid‐mean values of supersaturations. Formulation of a relation between conditional and unconditional average supersaturations poses an interesting closure problem in mixed‐phase cloud microphysics. Our stochastic microphysical model provides a Lagrangian closure to this problem and gives insights towards the development of a prognostic stochastic subgrid‐scale scheme for condensation/deposition in numerical models of mixed‐phase clouds.
Determining skills of basic schoolteachers in test item construction
Authors: Nkonkonya Mpuangnan Kofi
Published: June 2024

Assessment practices play a crucial role in fostering student learning and guiding instructional decision‐making. The ability to construct effective test items is of utmost importance in evaluating student learning and shaping instructional strategies. This study aims to investigate the skills of Ghanaian basic schoolteachers in test item construction. The study focused on the revised Bloom's taxonomy. A cross‐sectional survey design was employed, and a questionnaire was developed and used to collect the needed data. The data were collected from 560 basic schoolteachers selected by using a simple random sampling technique. The participants comprised 280 male teachers and 280 female teachers. The data were collected and subjected to descriptive statistics analysis via mean, and standard deviation. While the p‐value (α ≤ 0.05) was used to determine the differences in the teachers' test item construction skills, the independence t‐test was used to compare the differences between the proficiency of  male and female participants. The analysis revealed a notable contrast in how participants perceived their abilities in constructing test items, indicating a statistically significant difference. Specifically, female teachers demonstrated a stronger proficiency in test item construction skills compared to their male counterparts. Also, most teachers prioritised the lower levels within Bloom's taxonomy while crafting test items. Regular in‐service training on test item construction was recommended at the district level for teachers to update and upgrade their skills.
Optimization‐based motion planning for autonomous agricultural vehicles turning in constrained headlands
Authors: Peng Chen , Wei Peng , Fei Zhenghao , Zhu Yuankai , Vougioukas Stavros G.
Published: June 2024

Headland maneuvering is a crucial part of the field operations performed by autonomous agricultural vehicles (AAVs). While motion planning for headland turning in open fields has been extensively studied and integrated into commercial autoguidance systems, the existing methods primarily address scenarios with ample headland space and thus may not work in more constrained headland geometries. Commercial orchards often contain narrow and irregularly shaped headlands, which may include static obstacles, rendering the task of planning a smooth and collision‐free turning trajectory difficult. To address this challenge, we propose an optimization‐based motion planning algorithm for headland turning under geometrical constraints imposed by headland geometry and obstacles. Our method models the headland and the AAV using convex polytopes as geometric primitives, and calculates optimal and collision‐free turning trajectories in two stages. In the first stage, a coarse path is generated using either a classical pattern‐based turning method or a directional graph‐guided hybrid A* algorithm, depending on the complexity of the headland geometry. The second stage refines this coarse path by feeding it into a numerical optimizer, which considers the vehicle's kinematic, control, and collision‐avoidance constraints to produce a feasible and smooth trajectory. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our algorithm by comparing it to the classical pattern‐based method in various types of headlands. The results show that our optimization‐based planner outperforms the classical planner in generating collision‐free turning trajectories inside constrained headland spaces. Additionally, the trajectories generated by our planner respect the kinematic and control limits of the vehicle and, hence, are easier for a path‐tracking controller to follow. In conclusion, our proposed approach successfully addresses complex motion planning problems in constrained headlands, making it a valuable contribution to the autonomous operation of AAVs, particularly in real‐world orchard environments.
Bayesian hierarchical profile regression for binary covariates
Authors: Beall Jonathan , Li Hong , Martin‐Harris Bonnie , Neelon Brian , Elm Jordan , Graboyes Evan , Hill Elizabeth
Published: June 2024

Dysphagia, a common result of other medical conditions, is caused by malfunctions in swallowing physiology resulting in difficulty eating and drinking. The Modified Barium Swallow Study (MBSS), the most commonly used diagnostic tool for evaluating dysphagia, can be assessed using the Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile (MBSImP™). The MBSImP assessment tool consists of a hierarchical grouped data structure with multiple domains, a set of components within each domain which characterize specific swallowing physiologies, and a set of tasks scored on a discrete scale within each component. We lack sophisticated approaches to extract patterns of physiologic swallowing impairment from the MBSImP task scores within a component while still recognizing the nested structure of components within a domain. We propose a Bayesian hierarchical profile regression model, which uses a Bayesian profile regression model in conjunction with a hierarchical Dirichlet process mixture model to (1) cluster subjects into impairment profile patterns while respecting the hierarchical grouped data structure of the MBSImP, and (2) simultaneously determine associations between latent profile cluster membership for all components and the outcome of dysphagia severity. We apply our approach to a cohort of patients referred for an MBSS and assessed using the MBSImP. Our research results can be used to inform appropriate intervention strategies, and provide tools for clinicians to make better multidimensional management and treatment decisions for patients with dysphagia.
Bayesian transition models for ordinal longitudinal outcomes
Authors: Rohde Maximilian D. , French Benjamin , Stewart Thomas G. , Harrell Frank E.
Published: June 2024

Ordinal longitudinal outcomes are becoming common in clinical research, particularly in the context of COVID‐19 clinical trials. These outcomes are information‐rich and can increase the statistical efficiency of a study when analyzed in a principled manner. We present Bayesian ordinal transition models as a flexible modeling framework to analyze ordinal longitudinal outcomes. We develop the theory from first principles and provide an application using data from the Adaptive COVID‐19 Treatment Trial (ACTT‐1) with code examples in R. We advocate that researchers use ordinal transition models to analyze ordinal longitudinal outcomes when appropriate alongside standard methods such as time‐to‐event modeling.
La‐doped ZnCr‐layered Double Hydroxide with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity for Tetracycline Hydrochloride Removal
Authors: Wang Junfeng , Liu Qimeng , Zhu Jichao , Hu Lifang , He Jie
Published: June 2024

A series of lanthanum‐doped ZnCr‐layered double hydroxide (La/ZnCr‐LDH) photocatalysts were successfully synthesized by a facial hydrothermal method and their photocatalytic activity for degradation tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) were evaluated under visible light irradiation. The structure and physicochemical properties of the as‐synthesized photocatalysts were well characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET), X‐ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS), and UV‐vis absorption spectroscopy. The photocatalyst with La doping content of 10 % (molar ratio La3+/(La3++Cr3+), La/ZnCr‐LDH‐10) has optimal performance for TCH removal (87.2 %) among all synthesized photocatalysts. Radical trapping experiments and Valence Band‐XPS (VB‐XPS) were used to propose a possible photocatalytic degradation process for TCH by La/ZnCr‐LDH‐10 photocatalyst. This strategy can be used to modify other photocatalysts for efficient removal of organic pollution in the environment.
In Situ Phosphorization for Constructing Ni5P2‐Ni Heterostructure Derived from Bimetallic MOF for Li–S Batteries
Authors: Du Meng , Geng Pengbiao , Feng Wanchang , Xu Haoyang , Li Bing , Pang Huan
Published: June 2024

Heterostructured materials commonly consist of bifunctions due to the different ingredients. For host material in the sulfur cathode of lithium‐sulfur (Li‐S) batteries, the chemical adsorption and catalytic activity for lithium polysulfides (LiPS) are important. This work obtains a Ni5P2‐Ni nanoparticle (Ni5P2‐NiNPs) heterostructure through a confined self‐reduction method followed by an in situ phosphorization process using Al/Ni‐MOF as precursors. The Ni5P2‐Ni heterostructure not only has strong chemical adsorption, but also can effectively catalyze LiPS conversion. Furthermore, the synthetic route can keep Ni5P2‐NiNPs inside of the nanocomposites, which have structural stability, high conductivity, and efficient adsorption/catalysis in LiPS conversion. These advantages make the assembled Li–S battery deliver a reversible specific capacity of 619.7 mAh g−1 at 0.5 C after 200 cycles. The in situ ultraviolet‐visible technique proves the catalytic effect of Ni5P2‐Ni heterostructure on LiPS conversion during the discharge process.
Understanding the Role of Imide‐Based Salts and Borate‐Based Additives for Safe and High‐Performance Glyoxal‐Based Electrolytes in Ni‐Rich NMC811 Cathodes for Li‐Ion Batteries.
Authors: Klein Michel , Binder Markus , Koželj Matjaž , Pierini Adriano , Gouveia Tom , Diemant Thomas , Schür Annika , Brutti Sergio , Bodo Enrico , Bresser Dominic , Gómez‐Urbano Juan Luis , Balducci Andrea
Published: June 2024

Herein, the design of novel and safe electrolyte formulations for high‐voltage Ni‐rich cathodes is reported. The solvent mixture comprising 1,1,2,2‐tetraethoxyethane and propylene carbonate not only displays good transport properties, but also greatly enhances the overall safety of the cell thanks to its low flammability. The influence of the conducting salts, that is, lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) and lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI), and of the additives lithium bis(oxalato)borate (LiBOB) and lithium difluoro(oxalato)borate (LiDFOB) is examined. Molecular dynamics simulations are carried out to gain insights into the local structure of the different electrolytes and the lithium‐ion coordination. Furthermore, special emphasis is placed on the film‐forming abilities of the salts to suppress the anodic dissolution of the aluminum  current collector and to create a stable cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI). In this regard, the borate‐based additives significantly alleviate the intrinsic challenges associated with the use of LiTFSI and LiFSI salts. It is worth remarking that a superior cathode performance is achieved by using the LiFSI/LiDFOB electrolyte, displaying a high specific capacity of 164 mAh g−1 at 6 C and ca. 95% capacity retention after 100 cycles at 1 C. This is attributed to the rich chemistry of the generated CEI layer, as confirmed by ex situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy.
High‐Coupled Magnetic‐Levitation Hybrid Nanogenerator with Frequency Multiplication Effect for Wireless Water Level Alarm
Authors: Li Mengfan , Lou Ying , Hu Jiaxi , Cui Weiqi , Chen Li , Yu Aifang , Zhai Junyi
Published: June 2024

Hybrid nanogenerators (HNGs) represent a promising avenue for water energy harvesting, yet their commercial viability faces hurdles such as limited power output, poor coupling, and constrained operational lifespans. Here, a highly coupled triboelectric‐electromagnetic magnetic‐levitation hybrid nanogenerator (ML‐HNG) is introduced that shows great potential for water energy harvesting. The ML‐HNG fulfills the challenges of high power output, strong coupling, and long operational lifespans. During the contact‐separation process of the triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), the changing magnetic flux in the electromagnetic generator's coils generates a potential difference between the coils and Cu electrodes. The unique design of the ML‐HNG employs a shared coil electrode configuration, which enhances the coupling without adding extra volume. This integration allows the ML‐HNG to achieve multi‐frequency vibrations and multiple output cycles per external longitudinal movement, a phenomenon known as the frequency multiplication effect. With an average power density of 1.69 W m−3 in water, the ML‐HNG provides continuous power for a thermo‐hygrometer and can quickly drive a wireless water level alarm system within a minute. This groundbreaking hybrid nanogenerator design holds significant promise for the efficient and consistent harvesting of low‐frequency ocean wave energy, marking a substantial advancement in blue energy technology.
An Elastomeric Lithium‐Conducting Interlayer for High‐Performance LATP‐Based Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Geng Zhisong , Sun Yingqi , Zhang Qing , Shen Shao‐Peng , Zhang Liang , Zheng Jin‐Chi , Luo Yuan , Shi Yongzheng , Chen Zhe
Published: June 2024

In response to the critical challenges of interfacial impedance and volumetric changes in Li(1+x)AlxTi(2‑x)(PO4)3 (LATP)‐based lithium metal batteries, an elastomeric lithium‐conducting interlayer fabricates from fluorinated hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber (F‐HNBR) matrix is introduced herein. Owing to the vulcanization, vapor‐phase fluorination, and plasticization processes, the lithium‐conducting interlayer exhibits a high elasticity of 423%, exceptional fatigue resistance (10 000 compression cycles), superior ionic conductivity of 6.3 × 10−4 S cm−1, and favorable lithiophilicity, rendering it an ideal buffer layer. By integrating the F‐HNBR interlayer, the LATP‐based lithium symmetric cells demonstrate an extended cycle life of up to 1600 h at 0.1 mA cm−2 and can also endure deep charge/discharge cycles (0.5 mAh cm−2) for the same duration. Furthermore, the corresponding lithium metal full cells achieve 500 cycles at 0.5 C with 98.3% capacity retention and enable a high‐mass‐loading cathode of 11.1 mg cm−2 to operate at room temperature.
Bi‐Functional Electrolyte Additive Leading to a Highly Reversible and Stable Zinc Anode
Authors: Tang Mingcong , Liu Qun , Yu Zhenlu , Zou Xiaohong , Huo Xiaoyu , Zhang Biao , An Liang
Published: June 2024

A stable stripping/plating process of the zinc anode is extremely critical for the practical application of aqueous zinc metal batteries. However, obstacles, including parasitic reactions and dendrite growth, notoriously deteriorate the stability and reversibility of zinc anode. Herein, Methyl l‐α‐aspartyl‐l‐phenylalaninate (Aspartame) is proposed as an effective additive in the ZnSO4 system to realize high stability and reversibility. Aspartame molecule with rich polar functional groups successfully participates in the solvation sheath of Zn2+ to suppress water‐induced side reactions. The self‐driven adsorption of Aspartame on zinc anode improves uniform deposition with a dose of 10 mm. These synergetic functions endow the zinc anode with a significantly long cycling lifespan of 4500 h. The cell coupled with a vanadium‐based cathode also exhibited a high‐capacity retention of 71.8% after 1000 cycles, outperforming the additive‐free counterparts.
Theoretical Prediction of Monolayer BeP2O4H4 with Excellent Nonlinear‐Optical Properties in Deep‐Ultraviolet Range
Authors: Liu Xin , Wu Li‐Ming , Kang Lei , Lin Zheshuai , Chen Ling
Published: June 2024

Most 2D nonlinear optical (NLO) materials do not have an ultrawide bandgap, therefore, they are unsuitable for working in the deep‐ultraviolet spectral range (< 200 nm). Herein, the theoretical prediction of an excellent monolayer BeP2O4H4 (ML‐BPOH) is reported. DFT analyses suggest a low cleavage energy (≈45 meV per atom) from a naturally existed bulk‐BPOH material, indicating feasible exfoliation. This novel 2D material exhibits excellent properties including an ultrawide bandgap (Eg) of 7.84 eV, and a strong second‐order nonlinear susceptibility ( = 0.43 pm V−1), which is comparable to that of benchmark bulk‐KBBF crystal (d16 = 0.45 pm V−1). The wide bandgap and large SHG effect of ML‐BPOH are mainly derived from the (PO2H2)− tetrahedron. Notably, ML‐BPOH exhibits an outstanding 50% variation in dsheet under minor stress stimuli (±3%) due to rotation of structurally rigid (PO2H2)− tetrahedron. This indicates significant potential for application in material deformation monitoring.
Looking back and forward: A retrospective and future directions on software engineering for systems‐of‐systems
Authors: Cavalcante Everton , Batista Thais , Oquendo Flavio
Published: June 2024

Modern systems are increasingly connected and more integrated with other existing systems, giving rise to systems‐of‐systems (SoS). An SoS consists of a set of independent, heterogeneous systems that interact to provide new functionalities and accomplish global missions through emergent behavior manifested at runtime. The distinctive characteristics of SoS, when contrasted to traditional systems, pose significant research challenges within software engineering. These challenges motivate the need for a paradigm shift and the exploration of novel approaches for designing, developing, deploying, and evolving these systems. The International Workshop on Software Engineering for Systems‐of‐Systems (SESoS) series started in 2013 to fill a gap in scientific forums addressing SoS from the software engineering perspective, becoming the first venue for this purpose. This article presents a study aimed at outlining the evolution and future trajectory of software engineering for SoS based on the examination of 57 papers spanning the 11 editions of the SESoS workshop (2013–2023). The study combined scoping review and scientometric analysis methods to categorize and analyze the research contributions concerning temporal and geographic distribution, topics of interest, research methodologies employed, application domains, and research impact. Based on such a comprehensive overview, this article discusses current and future directions in software engineering for SoS.
Accurate Internal Monitoring of Batteries by Embedded Piezoelectric Sensors
Authors: Bendadesse Ezzoubair , Lemaire Pierre , Travers Pascal , Tarascon Jean‐Marie , Sel Ozlem
Published: June 2024

Advancements in operando techniques have unraveled the complexities of the Electrode Electrolyte Interface (EEI) in electrochemical energy storage devices. However, each technique has inherent limitations, often necessitating adjustments to experimental conditions, which may compromise accuracy. To address this challenge, a novel battery cell design is introduced, integrating piezoelectric sensors with electrochemical analysis for surface‐sensitive operando measurements. This innovative approach aims to overcome conventional limitations by accommodating commercial‐grade battery electrodes within a single body, alongside a piezoelectric sensor. This enables operando electrogravimetric measurements to be realized, and the electrochemistry of a battery to be more faithfully reproduced at the sensor level. A proof of concept is carried out on both Li‐ion (LiFePO4//Graphite) and Na‐ion (Na3V2(PO4)2F3//Hard carbon) systems, utilizing commercially available powder electrodes. In both cases, the results reveal rational mass variations at the sensor level during the cycling of commercial electrodes with mass loadings several orders of magnitude higher, while performing Galvanostatic Charge Discharge (GCD) tests across various C‐rates. This innovative design opens up possibilities for a broader application of operando electrogravimetry within the battery community, to enhance the understanding of EEI behavior and facilitate the development of more efficient energy storage solutions.
Discretion and political favoritism: Evidence from two reforms in public procurement
Authors: Celis Galvez Marly Tatiana , Titl Vitezslav , Schotanus Fredo
Published: June 2024

The misuse of bureaucratic discretion in public procurement risks political favoritism and corruption. Discretionary thresholds regulate this, with lenient rules below and strict oversight above these thresholds. We examine the impact of changes in these thresholds in the Czech Republic in 2012 and 2016 on discretion misuse and market competition, using bunching estimators, regression discontinuity, and comprehensive data on construction contracts, political ties, and firm productivity. Our findings show a concentration of contracts just below thresholds, both pre and post‐reforms. Reforms reallocating contract values to new thresholds reveal that limiting discretion lowers final contract prices, indicating increased efficiency. However, when discretion increases, final prices are unaffected. Efficiency gains are not seen in contracts awarded to politically connected firms, suggesting that political favoritism hinders market outcome improvements from stricter regulations.
Mechanical Compression‐Enabled Carbon‐Based Perovskite Solar Cells with Enhanced Efficiency and Stability
Authors: Li Xinwei , Fu Nianqing , Mei Aohan , Peng Xiaocao , Wang Hewei , Lin Yuan , Du Jun
Published: June 2024

Carbon electrode‐based perovskite solar cells (C‐PSCs) without hole transport layer (HTL) have been emerging as a promising low‐cost photovoltaic technology with excellent stability for commercialization. However, the loose physical contact between the carbon electrode and perovskite layer, as well as the relatively poor conductivity of the carbon film, contributes mainly to the large gap in the power conversion efficiency (PCE) between C‐PSCs and the metal (Ag, Au, etc.,) electrode‐based counterparts. To this end, a simple but effective mechanical compression strategy for efficient C‐PSCs is developed. The mechanical compression densifies the porous carbon electrode for high film conductivity and also provides intimate contact between carbon and perovskite layers for fast charge extraction. Consequently, the resulting HTL‐free C‐PSCs using MAPbI3 (MA = methylammonium) absorber yield a PCE of 15.29%, corresponding to a 27.6% improvement compared to the counterpart without mechanical pressing treatment. Moreover, the compacted carbon film also serves as an enhanced barrier against the intrusion of water and oxygen, and the unencapsulated device retains 88.9% of its initial PCE after 1000 h of aging in ambient conditions with 35 ± 2% humidity. This work paves a simple and effective way toward efficient and stable C‐PSC.
Advancements in the Understanding of Single‐Bubble Dynamics: Integrated Experimental and Simulation Studies
Authors: Zhao Nannan , Luo Zhiguo , Zou Zongshu
Published: June 2024

Because of wake instability, bubbles always ascend along an unstable path, which is not considered when simulating their movement in steel refining and continuous casting systems. Utilizing the 3D shadow image method, a quantitative characterization of the bubble trajectories is conducted to establish a bubble path oscillation model considering the zigzag lateral movement of bubbles due to asymmetric wake shedding. This model is incorporated into a rectilinear bubble motion model within the Lagrangian framework and then used to simulate the free ascent of single bubbles within the 2.15–2.55 mm range. The predicted bubble ascent velocities and trajectories agree well with the experimental. The spatial position, velocity, acceleration, forces, volume swept by bubbles, and bubble residence time are discussed. The results shown that the dominant force in the horizontal direction is the lateral force, followed by the drag and virtual mass force. Compared to the rectilinear path model, the volume swept by bubbles with initial diameters of 2.15, 2.25, 2.34, 2.45, and 2.55 mm in this model increases by 30.8%, 32.0%, 34.0%, 31.5%, and 29.6%, respectively. These findings help accurately predict the path of bubbles and also may contribute to a better understanding of bubble dynamics in bubble metallurgy and clean steel production.
Perspective on Crystal Structures, Synthetic Methods, and New Directions in Thermoelectric Materials
Authors: González‐Barrios Marta , Tabuyo‐Martínez Marina , Ávila‐Brande David , Prado‐Gonjal Jesús
Published: June 2024

This review explores the state‐of‐the‐art of thermoelectric materials, covering different crystalline structures and material families (e.g., chalcogenides, Zintl phases, skutterudites, clathrates, oxides, half‐Heusler, organic–inorganic composites, metal–organic frameworks, and silicides). It examines their corresponding thermoelectric properties while considering the synthesis methods employed, paying significant attention to those that particularly follow sustainable routes. Additionally, the work addresses current challenges in the field, such as enhancing stability at high temperatures and reducing manufacturing costs. The understanding gained in this field opens avenues for designing more efficient and sustainable devices to convert waste heat into electrical energy, thereby advancing cleaner technologies.
Origin of the synergistic effects of bimetallic nanoparticles coupled with a metal oxide heterostructure for accelerating catalytic performance
Authors: Al Zoubi Wail , Al Mahmud Abdullah , Hazmatulhaq Farah , Thalji Mohammad R. , Leoni Stefano , Kang Jee‐Hyun , Ko Young Gun
Published: June 2024

Precisely tuning bicomponent intimacy during reactions by traditional methods remains a formidable challenge in the fabrication of highly active and stable catalysts because of the difficulty in constructing well‐defined catalytic systems and the occurrence of agglomeration during assembly. To overcome these limitations, a PtRuPNiO@TiOx catalyst on a Ti plate was prepared by ultrasound‐assisted low‐voltage plasma electrolysis. This method involves the oxidation of pure Ti metal and co‐reduction of strong metals at 3000°C, followed by sonochemical ultrasonication under ambient conditions in an aqueous solution. The intimacy of the bimetals in PtRuPNiO@TiOx is tuned, and the metal nanoparticles are uniformly distributed on the porous titania coating via strong metal‒support interactions by leveraging the instantaneous high‐energy input from the plasma discharge and ultrasonic irradiation. The intimacy of PtRuPNiO@TiOx increases the electron density on the Pt surface. Consequently, the paired sites exhibit a high hydrogen evolution reaction activity (an overpotential of 220 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 and Tafel slope of 186 mV dec−1), excellent activity in the hydrogenation of 4‐nitrophenol with a robust stability for up to 20 cycles, and the ability to contrast stated catalysts without ultrasonication and plasma electrolysis. This study facilitates industrially important reactions through synergistic chemical interactions.
Gill alterations of whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) exposed to cadmium under different experimental salinities
Authors: Ehsani Jafar , Movahedinia Abdolali , Abdi Rahim , Safahieh Alireza , Salati Amir Parviz
Published: June 2024

Background

Heavy metals are one of the most important environmental pollutants in marine coastal ecosystems. Cadmium is a heavy metal that enters to marine environments via industrial wastes and oil production activities.

Objectives

This study were done to determine the toxicity of cadmium to Litopenaeus vannamei and to evaluate the histological changes in gill tissues after exposure to sublethal concentrations of cadmium at different salinities.

Methods

For this reason, toxicity test was done to determine the lethal concentration (LC50) of cadmium for whiteleg shrimp. According to the calculated LC50 amount, sublethal doses of cadmium were used to determine its histological effects in different salinity during 2 weeks exposing period.

Results

LC50 of cadmium for 96 h for whiteleg shrimp was 6.56 mg/L. Histological alterations in the gill were observed in L. vannamei after 14 days exposure to different concentrations of cadmium and salinity. Histopathological index was increased in a dose‐dependent manner.

Conclusion

Our findings showed that doses lower than 2 mg/L have repairable effects on gill structure, but the concentration of 2 mg/L cadmium leaves irreparable and destructive effects on the gill tissue.
Suspected hypocortisolaemia‐induced cardiac dysfunction and congestive heart failure in a dog with hypoadrenocorticism
Authors: Russell Oliver Luke , Gardner Larissa , Matos Jose Novo , Kortum Andre
Published: June 2024

A 3‐year‐old, female, neutered lurcher was presented with a 6‐day history of lethargy and hyporexia. Clinical examination documented evidence of dehydration and hypovolaemia, but was otherwise unremarkable, including cardiac and pulmonary auscultation. Clinicopathological results, thoracic radiography, abdominal ultrasound, electrocardiography and adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation testing were consistent with hypoadrenocorticism and hypovolaemia. Following initial stabilisation with intravenous fluid therapy, mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid replacement, the dog became acutely tachypnoeic, and repeat radiography revealed a marked, generalised alveolar lung pattern consistent with pulmonary oedema. Echocardiography documented left ventricular volume overload and mild left atrial enlargement with increased left ventricular filling pressures, suggestive of cardiac dysfunction and left‐sided congestive heart failure. Following initiation of furosemide and pimobendan, alongside desoxycortone pivalate and prednisolone therapy, left‐sided congestive heart failure resolved within 24 hours. Cardiac structure and function, and N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide normalised over the following 2 months, enabling tapering and discontinuation of furosemide and pimobendan therapy.
Improving human rights NGO ethics and accountability: A critique of Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch and human rights utopianism
Authors: Schimmel Noam
Published: June 2024

This commentary calls for a more critical relationship with human rights NGOs, specifically, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. I argue that their politics, positionality, and power are often obscured by their conflation as intrinsically imperfect organizations that yield power and influence with the moral principles of human rights and with international human rights law itself, which are popularly perceived as unimpeachable and sacred in a secular ethical way. I contend that this conflation—often a deliberate and strategic one espoused by the organizations themselves—undermines the integrity of their work and the capacity to hold them accountable for their human rights advocacy. I illustrate ways in which both organizations have neglected to respect human rights and, specifically, principles of equality and universality. I further argue that both organizations need to be humbler and more honest about the moral, legal, and practical limitations of their work and ways in which it can be compromised. This is due to the exigencies of donor dependency and the politics of fundraising, the social, cultural, and political contexts in which the organizations operate and the expectations and demands of their supporters, and the nature of human rights as a movement, body of law, and expression of moral idealism that can sometimes obscure its prejudices, assumptions, and pathologies of power.
The Beast from the East and drought of summer 2018: an example of compound event impacts upon Ireland's agricultural sector
Authors: Noone Clare , Noone Simon , McClean Deirdre , Thorne Peter
Published: June 2024

The most noticeable and damaging manifestation of human‐induced climate change is the increasing likelihood of certain extreme weather events. As defined in the IPCC sixth assessment report, compound extremes can lead to extreme impacts that are much larger than the sum of the impacts due to the occurrence of individual extremes alone. Of these compound weather events, events occurring in close succession have received the least attention to date. In this paper, we explore such a case study of successive events affecting the agricultural sector in Ireland arising from the winter storm of 2018, dubbed the ‘Beast from the East’, followed by the drought of summer 2018 which combined yielded a substantial reduction in agricultural productivity over 2018.
The Rise of the Illiberal Public Sphere
Authors: Štětka Václav , Mihelj Sabina
Published: June 2024

This chapter sets out the theoretical framework of the book, centred on the key concept of the illiberal public sphere. We first outline our understanding of illiberalism and explain what makes it distinct from related phenomena such as populism and democratic backsliding. Following from that, we introduce the concept of the illiberal public sphere, and elaborate on the historical relationship between liberalism and the public sphere, as well as on the existing alternatives to the classic ‘Habermasian’ model, indicating that a public sphere can exist outside of the scope of liberal democracy. The chapter then proceeds to identify three ideal-typical stages in the development of the illiberal public sphere—labelled as incipient, ascendant and hegemonic—and charts the contemporary state of the illiberal public sphere in each of the four countries that are at the forefront of our analysis.
Polarized Media, Polarized Audiences? News Sources and Illiberal Attitudes
Authors: Štětka Václav , Mihelj Sabina
Published: June 2024

In this chapter, we explore the extent and impact of polarization in the media systems of our four Eastern European countries. First, we provide empirical evidence of media polarization, measured by ideological bias and political independence of a sample of the most relevant news brands in each country, which demonstrates that media landscapes display the highest level of polarization in Hungary and Serbia, corresponding with the more advanced state of the illiberal public sphere in these countries compared to the Czech Republic and Poland. Building on this data, we explore patterns of people’s news consumption habits, from the perspective of their political and ideological homogeneity or diversity, identifying five specific ‘media repertoires’ that characterize people’s news diets, which reveal different levels of audience polarization across out countries. Finally, we analyse the relationship between these patterns of news exposure and audiences’ attitudes to culturally and politically polarizing issues, revealing significant associations between political-ideological bias of people’s news sources and their political attitudes, as well as their voting behaviour.
Media Trust and News Consumption in the Illiberal Public Sphere
Authors: Štětka Václav , Mihelj Sabina
Published: June 2024

Chapter 4 examines how the patterns of news consumption outlined in the previous chapter relate to media trust. We start by providing a multi-layered mapping of media trust across the four countries, paying attention not just to the more commonly investigated generalized levels of media trust but also trust in individual news brands. We argue that in a context where generalized media trust declines, people adopt a pragmatic approach to media trust, seeking to follow news sources that may not be completely trustworthy, but nonetheless offer a more credible account than others. Second, we examine the relationship between media trust and news consumption and investigate why people consume media they distrust. Finally, we consider how citizens establish which media are trustworthy. The results suggest that in a context where the illiberal public sphere assumes a dominant position, the normative foundations of media trust start shifting, ultimately leading citizens to place trust in media not because they offer impartial or accurate coverage of public affairs, but because they provide an account of reality they personally agree with or—in the extreme case—because their account of reality is aligned with the one promoted by those in power.
Mainstreaming Illiberalism: The Rise of Immigration and LGBTQ+ Rights as Polarizing Issues
Authors: Štětka Václav , Mihelj Sabina
Published: June 2024

Chapter 5 zooms in on two polarizing issues—immigration and LGBTQ+ rights—that are central to understanding the rise of illiberalism both in Eastern Europe and globally. We focus on the key actors involved in the process of mainstreaming of immigration and LGBTQ+ rights as key polarizing issues in the four countries—primarily illiberal politicians, but also church leaders and other opinion leaders—and on the extent to which this process was either fostered or hindered by the media. We argue that the role of the media differed depending on how advanced the illiberal public sphere was in a particular country, at a given point in time. When the illiberal public sphere is in an incipient stage, alternative and online outlets play a key role in the promotion of anti-immigrant and homophobic views, while independent mainstream media are still able to instil more liberal attitudes. As the strength of the illiberal public sphere increases, illiberal leaders can count on the support of an ever-wider range of mainstream media outlets, which have capacity to promote illiberal views on a large scale, potentially also leading to shifts in public opinion. At the same time, a well-established illiberal public sphere, which resonates with widespread illiberal attitudes among the citizenry, can also limit the ability of illiberal leaders to steer away from the illiberal agenda. In such a context, the illiberal public sphere becomes a powerful actor in its own right, capable of sustaining illiberalism to some extent independently of elite support.
News Consumption and the Illiberal Public Sphere During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Štětka Václav , Mihelj Sabina
Published: June 2024

This chapter focuses on information consumption and the illiberal public sphere during the COVID-19 pandemic. More specifically, we ask whether countries where polarization is more advanced, and where the illiberal public sphere is more firmly established, responded to the health crisis differently than those where illiberal tendencies are less evident. Drawing on a unique set of qualitative interviews and diaries collected during the first wave of the pandemic, we investigate how the combined effects of disruption caused by the pandemic and attempts to abuse the crisis for political gain affected citizens’ engagement with COVID-19 news, responses to government communication, trust in experts, and vulnerability to misinformation. Our analysis suggests that countries where the illiberal public sphere was more entrenched were at a distinct disadvantage, particularly if governing elites abused the situation to further expand their control over public life. Even though leaders in all four countries initially avoided politicizing the crisis, the more advanced state of the illiberal public sphere in two of the countries—Hungary and Serbia—arguably contributed to turning the public health emergency into a divisive event, sawing distrust in the government as well as in experts, while making citizens potentially more vulnerable to misinformation.
Conclusions
Authors: Štětka Václav , Mihelj Sabina
Published: June 2024

This concluding chapter summarizes the main findings across the book and reflects on their broader implications. We first discuss what the comparison between the four countries tells us about the key constitutive processes and tipping points in the rise of the illiberal public sphere, and then outline most recent developments in Eastern Europe and beyond, asking what they might mean for the prospects of the illiberal public sphere. Finally, we offer some suggestions for journalistic practices and media policies with a potential to make media systems more resilient and contain the challenges of illiberalism.