bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What Is Salafism?
Authors: Bishara Azmi
Published: May 2023

This chapter aims to deconstruct the term Salafism, which is used in a careless, simplistic and reductionist way. Salafism, it argues, is a purely historical designation that refers to a variety of Sunni and Shia “salafisms,” rather than a single phenomenon. The chapter also asserts that Orientalist studies of Islam are epistemologically constrained by stereotypes and a viewpoint that tends towards a simple dichotomy of East and West, often tinged with latent or overt racism. It further emphasizes that Islamic movements cannot be understood without examining the socio-cultural context in which they emerged. It further identifies the differences and commonalities among the various types of Salafis, and the difference between two types of “return,” or appeal, to the Salaf: that of the Reformists, and that of puritan and Jihadi Salafis. The chapter also examines the concept of “fundamentalism,” which is often used as synonymous with Salafism.
Conclusion
Authors: Bishara Azmi
Published: May 2023

This chapter asserts that differences between Islamist movements cannot be explained simply with reference to juristic disagreements over how to understand the Qur’an and the Sunna. Rather, we must take account of currently existing social and political realities, including struggles for leadership. Islamic movements must also be understood in light of their relationship with various patterns of religiosity: popular, institutional, political, etc. Further, this chapter observes that Islamist movements are not conservative; truly conservative Islamic thought is hostile to any attempt to impose so-called religious utopias on reality, just as conservative secular thought is opposed to the application of revolutionary utopias. True conservative Islamic thought accepts the ideal, but not its application to reality. Rather, it tends to view this ideal past as a moral compass by which the Muslim is guided.
Here There Be Dragons
Authors: Martel Stéphanie
Published: May 2023

This chapter focuses on the renewed concern for matters of “traditional” security in ASEAN and the Asia-Pacific region. It discusses how major power rivalry, the emergence of an Indo-Pacific order, and maritime disputes tie into the debate on ASEAN’s “centrality” in the regional security architecture. ASEAN’s approach to interstate conflict management has been the target of ongoing criticism and frustration within the expert community and among ASEAN’s “dialogue partners.” The chapter looks at how ASEAN responded to various proposals for alternatives, extending to recent debates on the “Free and Open Indo-Pacific.” The chapter also discusses the evolution of ASEAN’s approach to the South China Sea.
Melville's Democracy
Authors: Greiman Jennifer
Published: May 2023

For Herman Melville, the instability of democracy held tremendous creative potential. Examining the centrality of political thought to Melville's oeuvre, Jennifer Greiman argues that Melville's densely figurative aesthetics give form to a radical reimagining of democratic foundations, relations, and ways of being—modeling how we can think democracy in political theory today.
Across Melville's five decades of writing, from his early Pacific novels to his late poetry, Greiman identifies a literary formalism that is radically political and carries the project of democratic theory in new directions. Recovering Melville's readings in political philosophy and aesthetics, Greiman shows how he engaged with key problems in political theory—the paradox of foundations, the vicious circles of sovereign power, the fragility of the people—to produce a body of radical democratic art and thought. Scenes of green and growing life, circular structures, and images of a groundless world emerge as forms for understanding democracy as a collective project in flux. In Melville's experimental aesthetics, Greiman finds a significant precursor to the tradition of radical democratic theory in the US and France that emphasizes transience and creativity over the foundations and forms prized by liberalism. Such politics, she argues, are necessarily aesthetic: attuned to material and sensible distinctions, open to new forces of creativity
Verdure, Imperial History, and State-of-Nature Theory
Authors: Greiman Jennifer
Published: May 2023

This chapter argues that Melville invokes the color green to consider the paradox of political foundations in nature and history at once. Melville’s first novel is as much a rethinking of state-of-nature theory—specifically the work of Rousseau and Hobbes—as it is a fictionalized account of his sojourn among the Typee people in 1842. Toggling between a view of imperial history from the perspective of the indigenous Typees and his protagonist’s miseducation in state-of-nature philosophy, Melville’s first book proceeds to reimagine the foundations of political community in terms of corporeal sensations, vulnerabilities, and interdependencies.
Don’t Take Food from the Starving
Authors: Margulis Matias E.
Published: May 2023

This chapter examines how the World Food Programme (WFP) used public shaming of WTO members. Political conflict over international food aid reached fever pitch during the WTO Doha Round, when states sought to establish new rules that would ban certain types of food aid. WFP officials were alarmed by the proposed WTO rules, which they predicted would cause a precipitous decline in the supply of international food aid and thereby increase the number of hunger-related deaths. Unable to persuade trade negotiators to change the proposed rules through face-to-face dialogue, the WFP chose to publicly shame WTO members by launching a media campaign that depicted trade negotiators as recklessly endangering the lives of starving people. The WFP’s intervention was controversial and elicited significant backlash from states, yet proved successful in pressuring trade negotiators to change course and drop the proposed food aid ban.
A new species of the genus Atractides Koch, 1837 from Montenegro (Acari: Hydrachnidia: Hygrobatidae), separated from A. nodipalpis (Thor, 1899), one of the most common water mite species in running waters in Europe
Authors: Pešić Vladimir , Smit Harry , Zawal Andrzej
Published: May 2023

A new species of water mite from Montenegro, i.e. Atractides milosevici sp. nov., is described, using morphological data and DNA barcodes. Morphologically, the new species is closely related to A. nodipalpis sensu Gerecke, 2003 but differs in its distinct COI barcode sequence, as well as details of the terminal segments of the first legs. Morphological examination of specimens of A. nodipalpis from the Netherlands which belong to the same BIN (BOLD:ACA0209) as the specimens of the nominal species collected near its type locality in Norway reveals that the latter, one of the most common water mite species in running waters in Europe, can be identified by the shape of male genital plate with a distinct anteromedial peg-like fissure. A redescription is given of Atractides nodipalpis (Thor, 1899) based on material from the Netherlands.
Social Media and Consumer Behavior
Authors: Geurin Andrea N.
Published: May 2023

The topics of social media and consumer behavior are inextricably linked. Since 2008, scholars in sport-studies fields such as sport communication and sport management have increasingly focused their research on social media use by sport entities and consumers. This commentary provides an overview of sport social media and consumer behavior scholarship to date, including prominent and growing topics such as consumers’ uses of social media, social media engagement, user segmentation, and user-generated content. A scoping review was conducted to illustrate the current state of research on social media, sport, and consumer behavior. Future research priorities to advance this area of inquiry are also discussed, including more qualitative research resulting in rich and descriptive analyses, the need to better understand Gen Z as sport social media consumers, and the need to understand the connection between social media consumption and purchasing behavior. Finally, the commentary encourages scholars to expand their research focus in geographic contexts outside of North America, on underrepresented groups, such as women’s sport and disability sport, and to adopt new theoretical frameworks for such research.
Gaze following in Archosauria—Alligators and palaeognath birds suggest dinosaur origin of visual perspective taking
Authors: Zeiträg Claudia , Reber Stephan A. , Osvath Mathias
Published: May 2023

Taking someone else’s visual perspective marks an evolutionary shift in the formation of advanced social cognition. It enables using others’ attention to discover otherwise hidden aspects of the surroundings and is foundational for human communication and understanding of others. Visual perspective taking has also been found in some other primates, a few songbirds, and some canids. However, despite its essential role for social cognition, visual perspective taking has only been fragmentedly studied in animals, leaving its evolution and origins uncharted. To begin to narrow this knowledge gap, we investigated extant archosaurs by comparing the neurocognitively least derived extant birds—palaeognaths—with the closest living relatives of birds, the crocodylians. In a gaze following paradigm, we showed that palaeognaths engage in visual perspective taking and grasp the referentiality of gazes, while crocodylians do not. This suggests that visual perspective taking originated in early birds or nonavian dinosaurs—likely earlier than in mammals.
Geology along the Yuba Pass and Highway 70 corridors: A complex history of tectonics and magmatism in the northern Sierra Nevada
Authors: Roberts Michelle A. , Langenheim Victoria , Schweickert Richard , Hanson Richard
Published: May 2023

This field trip traverses a cross section of northern Sierra Nevada geology and landscape along two major corridors, Highway 49 (Yuba Pass) and Highway 70. These highways, and adjacent roadways, offer roadcuts, outcrops, and overviews through diverse pre-Cenozoic metamorphic rocks along the Laurentian margin, Mesozoic batholithic rocks, and Miocene volcanic rocks. Observing this array of rocks on a single trip provides an opportunity to examine the progression of tectonic forces in this region since the Paleozoic Era. Inspiration for this trip is a 1:100,000-scale geologic map and geophysical maps of the Portola 30′ × 60′ quadrangle that integrate decades of published and unpublished mapping with new geophysical data. The quadrangle map will seamlessly depict a geologically complex region along the boundary between the Sierra Nevada and Basin and Range provinces, dominated by transtensional tectonics of the Walker Lane. This field trip highlights many of the major units of the geologic map and will also feature new geochronological data on plutonic rocks.
Proterozoic and Paleozoic evolution of the Blue Ridge geologic province in northern Virginia, USA
Authors: Burton William C. , Schindler J. Stephen
Published: May 2023

This field guide presents a one-day trip across the northern Virginia Blue Ridge geologic province and highlights published geologic mapping of Mesoproterozoic rocks that constitute the core of the Blue Ridge anticlinorium and Neoproterozoic cover-sequence rocks on the fold limbs. The guide presents zircon SHRIMP (sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe) U-Pb crystallization ages of granitoid rocks and discusses the tectonic and petrologic evolution of basement rocks during the Mesoproterozoic. U-Pb data show more of a continuum for Blue Ridge Mesoproterozoic magmatic events, from ca. 1.18–1.05 Ga, than previous U-Pb TIMS (thermal ionization mass spectrometry)-based models that had three distinct episodes of plutonic intrusion. All of the younger dated rocks are found west of the N-S–elongate batholith of the Neoproterozoic Robertson River Igneous Suite, suggesting that the batholith occupies a fundamental Mesoproterozoic crustal boundary that was likely a fault. Narrow belts of paragneiss may represent remnants of pre-intrusive country rock, but some were deposited close to 1 Ga according to detrital zircon U-Pb ages.

For late Neoproterozoic geology, the guide focuses on lithologies and structures associated with early rifting of the Rodinia supercontinent, including small rift basins preserved on the eastern limb of the anticlinorium. These basins have locally thickened packages of clastic metasedimentary rocks that strike into and truncate abruptly against Mesoproterozoic basement along apparent steep normal faults. Both basement and cover were intruded by NE-SE–striking and steeply dipping, few-m-wide diabase dikes that were feeders to late Neoproterozoic Catoctin Formation metabasalt that overlies the rift sediments. The relatively weak dikes facilitated the deformation that led to the formation of the Blue Ridge anticlinorium during the middle to late Paleozoic as the vertical dikes were transposed and rotated during formation of the penetrative cleavage.

This field trip generally follows the GSA guide published in GSA Field Guide 57 (available at https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/gsa):

Burton, W.C., and Schindler, J.S., 2020, Proterozoic and Paleozoic evolution of the Blue Ridge geologic province in northern Virginia, USA, in Swezey, C.S., and Carter, M.W., eds., Geology Field Trips in and around the U.S. Capital: Geological Society of America Field Guide 57, p. 1–19, https://doi.org/10.1130/2020.0057(01).
Coexistence of the Water Shrew (Neomys fodiens) and the Common Shrew (Sorex araneus), Competing Species, in a Fluctuating Environment: Sociability and Space Use in a “Dry” Habitat
Authors: Shchipanov N. A. , Kasatkin M. V.
Published: May 2023

Sustainable (no trend in the abundance of interacting species) coexistence of species can be maintained due to fluctuations in their abundance and distribution over habitats in a heterogeneous environment. The water shrew and common shrew, coexist in near-water areas and occasionally in “dry” habitats, where the water shrew periodically invades. Given the well-known overlapping of food niches of these species, one would expect the discovery of mechanisms that reduce competition; however, in “dry” habitats, we did not find such mechanisms. The use of space is characterized by a random overlapping of the home ranges of animals. In the preference test (a container with an animal versus an empty container), individual repeatability of sociability was found in tests with a conspecific stimulant, but was absent in tests with a stimulant of another species. The presence of the water shrew (as a stimulant) in the behavioral test did not increase the anxiety of common shrews, but only increased the thoroughness of exploration. No reaction of the water shrew to the common shrew was found in interspecific tests. In the absence of specific adaptations aimed at the spatial segregation of animals, the coexistence of the water shrew and the common shrew is quite well explained by “fluctuation-dependent” models of coexistence.
Silver Clinic: protocol for a feasibility randomised controlled trial of comprehensive geriatric assessment for people living with HIV and frailty
Authors: St Clair-Sullivan Natalie , Bristowe Katherine , Adler Zoe , Bremner Stephen , Harding Richard , Levett Thomas , Maddocks Matthew , Pargeter Gary , Roberts Jonathan , Yi Deokhee , Vera Jaime
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Many people ageing with HIV are also living with multiple comorbidities and geriatric syndromes including frailty and cognitive deterioration. These complex needs can be challenging to meet within existing HIV care services. This study investigates the acceptability and feasibility of screening for frailty and of using a comprehensive geriatric assessment approach, delivered via the Silver Clinic, to support people living with HIV affected by frailty.

Methods and analysis

Mixed-methods, parallel-group, randomised, controlled feasibility trial aiming to recruit 84 people living with HIV≥50, identified as frail. Participants will be recruited from the HIV unit at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, UK. Participants will be randomised 1:1 to receive usual HIV care or the Silver Clinic intervention, which uses a comprehensive geriatric assessment approach. Psychosocial, physical and service use outcomes will be measured at baseline, 26 weeks and 52 weeks. Qualitative interviews will be conducted with a subset of participants from both arms. Primary outcome measures include recruitment and retention rates and completion of clinical outcome measures. These will be used in conjunction with a priori progression criteria and the qualitative data (acceptability of trial procedures and intervention) to determine the feasibility and design of a definitive trial.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by East Midlands—Leicester Central Research Ethics Committee (reference 21/EM/0200). All participants will receive written information about the study and be required to provide informed consent. Results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed journals, conferences and community engagement.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN14646435.
Effects of primary healthcare reform on routine health information systems (RHISs): a mixed-methods study in Lesotho
Authors: Birru Ermyas , Ndayizigiye Melino , McBain Ryan , Mokoena Mathabang , Koto Masebeo , Augusto Orvalho , Casmir Edinah , Puttkammer Nancy , Mukherjee Joia
Published: May 2023

Background and objective

The Ministry of Health of Lesotho and Partners In Health piloted the Lesotho National Primary Health Care Reform (LPHCR) from July 2014 to June 2017 to improve quality and quantity of service delivery and enhance health system management. This initiative included improvement of routine health information systems (RHISs) to map disease burden and reinforce data utilisation for clinical quality improvement.

Methods and analysis

The WHO Data Quality Assurance framework’s core indicators were used to compare the completeness of health data before versus after the LPHCR in 60 health centres and 6 hospitals across four districts. To examine change in data completeness, we conducted an interrupted time series analysis using multivariable logistic mixed-effects regression. Additionally, we conducted 25 key informant interviews with healthcare workers (HCWs) at the different levels of Lesotho’s health system, following a purposive sampling approach. Interviews were analysed using deductive coding based on the Performance of Routine Information System Management framework, which inspected organisational, technical and behavioural factors influencing RHIS processes and outputs associated with the LPHCR.

Results

In multivariable analyses, trends in monthly data completion rate were higher after versus before the LPHCR for: documenting first antenatal care visit (adjusted OR (AOR): 1.24, 95% CI: 1.14 to 1.36) and institutional delivery (AOR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.07 to 1.32). When discussing processes, HCWs highlighted the value of establishing clear roles and responsibilities in reporting under a new organisational structure, improved community programmes among district health management teams, and enhanced data sharing and monitoring by districts.

Conclusion

The Ministry of Health had a strong data completion rate pre-LPHCR, which was sustained throughout the LPHCR despite increased service utilisation. The data completion rate was optimised through improved behavioural, technical and organisational factors introduced as part of the LPHCR.
Suppression of academics and school training in Iran during the “Woman, Life, Freedom” revolution
Authors: Shojaei Shahla , Taefehshokr Nima , Ghavami Saeid
Published: May 2023

For the past 6 months, there has been an ongoing revolution in Iran after the brutal death of Zhina (Mahsa) Amini in morality police custody. Iranian universities’ professors and students have been on the frontline of this revolution and have been fired or sentenced. On the other hand, Iranian high schools and primary schools have been under suspected toxic gas attack. In the current article, the latest status of oppression of the university students and professors and toxic gas attack on primary and high schools in Iran has been evaluated.
First-principles calculations to investigate Band structure and effective masses of direct bandgap hexagonal GeSn alloys
Authors: Rao M. Veeramohan
Published: May 2023

It is well known that hexagonal Ge has a direct bandgap and exhibits excellent light emission. The structure and electrical characteristics of hex-GeSn alloys are investigated using an ab initio computation and the PBEsol-meta-GGA-mBJ function. In all alloys, the direct bandgap is observed. Due to the high radius of the Sn atom, when Sn content increases, the bandgap decreases and lattice parameters expand. Their spin–orbit, crystal field splitting and effective mass of electron and hole were also determined, indicating that the direct bandgap of hex-GeSn alloys has significant application in optoelectronic.
Synthesis, elemental analysis, and structural features of the BaFe11.4In0.6O19 compound
Authors: Ayyubova G. Sh.
Published: May 2023

The compound BaFe[Formula: see text]In[Formula: see text]O[Formula: see text] was synthesized in the solid phase and its chemical composition and structural properties were studied. SEM analysis showed that the size of crystallites in the resulting polycrystal is [Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m. When analyzing the microcomposition of the surface, 55.8% of Fe, 19.7% of O, 14.3% of Ba, and 10.0% of In atoms were determined. XRD analysis showed that the crystal structure of this compound corresponds to hexagonal (P63mmc) symmetry. The crystallographic parameters of the compound were determined by the Rietveld method.
New insights from an emplacement model for the Santa Eulália Plutonic Complex (SW Iberian Peninsula)
Authors: Cruz Cláudia , Nogueira Pedro , Máximo Jaime , Noronha Fernando , Sant'Ovaia Helena
Published: May 2023

The Santa Eulália Plutonic Complex is formed by two main granites: G0 and G1. The G0 granite hosts metasedimentary carbonate and pelitic rocks (roof pendants) and elongated masses of mafic–intermediate rocks (the M-group). The host rocks form a diverse sequence of igneous, metasedimentary and metamorphic rocks. The study area is constrained by Variscan structures formed in a transpressional/transtensional sinistral tectonic regime (the Tomar–Badajoz–Córdoba sinistral shear zone) and is cut by the Alter do Chão and Assumar faults. The geological complexity of the area makes it difficult to determine the emplacement mechanism of the pluton. We propose a model for the ascent and emplacement of the pluton that can also be applied to similar post-collision Variscan granites. The gravity anomalies suggest that the pluton is slightly asymmetrical and extends to the SSE beneath the host rocks; its main root is >8 km thick in its deepest areas. The available radiometric data for an extended area embracing several regional plutons suggest a west–east magmatic alignment. The Variscan structures probably formed efficient crustal discontinuities enabling the generation and ascent of magma. Our model involves a west–east magmatic axis for magma spreading along extensional fractures (T-fractures) related to the Tomar–Badajoz–Córdoba shear zone. The opening movement along these fractures created divergent forces that allowed the ascent and emplacement of the plutonic rocks. The importance of these fractures is represented well by outcrops of porphyritic biotite granites (the Ervedal, Fronteira and G1 granites).
Teaching CS-101 at the Dawn of ChatGPT
Authors: Jacques Lorraine
Published: May 2023

Recent news suggests that the advent of AI-generated coding tools signal the end of humans programming. This news should not, however, suggest that students not learn how to program but instead that instructors rethink how they teach programming. Math education has already addressed the challenge of teaching fluency when there is technology for basic tasks by having students use multiple representations, different approaches, and explanations of others' work to emphasize problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication while still teaching basic skills. These approaches can also be applied to computer science education, especially in an introductory course, and with the same benefits.
The Human Touch
Authors: Neville-Neil George V.
Published: May 2023

The challenge of providing a safe communications environment in the face of such social engineering attacks isn't just the technology; it's also people. As anyone who has done serious work in computer security knows, the biggest problems are between the keyboard and the chair. Most people by default trust other people and are willing to give them the benefit of the doubt.
Dynamic Message Propagation Network for RGB-D and Video Salient Object Detection
Authors: Chen Baian , Chen Zhilei , Hu Xiaowei , Xu Jun , Xie Haoran , Qin Jing , Wei Mingqiang
Published: May 2023

Exploiting long-range semantic contexts and geometric information is crucial to infer salient objects from RGB and depth features. However, existing methods mainly focus on excavating local features within fixed regions by continuously feeding forward networks. In this article, we introduce Dynamic Message Propagation (DMP) to dynamically learn context information within more flexible regions. We integrate DMP into a Siamese-based network to process the RGB image and depth map separately and design a multi-level feature fusion module to explore cross-level information between refined RGB and depth features. Extensive experiments show clear improvements of our method over 17 methods on six benchmark datasets for RGB-D salient object detection (SOD). Additionally, our method outperforms its competitors for the video SOD task. Code is available at
https://github.com/chenbaian-cs/DMPNet
.
Optical Properties of Sputtered Iron Sulfide for Photonic Device Applications
Authors: Zaka Awais , Abdul Hadi Sabina , Alhassan Saeed , Nayfeh Ammar
Published: May 2023

In the current study, two-dimensional pyrite thin films were produced on various substrates using a plasma-assisted, radio frequency (RF)-powered sputtering process. The photosensitivity of pyrite thin films with varying thicknesses was investigated. The sputtering process was carried out at room temperature under argon gas flow. The pressure was maintained at 3 mTorrs, and the RF power was held at 70 watts. The thickness was adjusted by changing the sputtering time from 20 to 90 minutes. The purpose of this work was to investigate the suitability of these films for use in photovoltaic applications. The growth rate, film thickness, and behaviour of as-grown pyrite thin films were analyzed using various characterization techniques. These films displayed favourable absorption in the UV/Vis range.
Enhancement of Transient Current in MIS(p) Tunneling Diode with Reduced Reversed Bias Current by Oxide Removal at the Gate Edge
Authors: Lin Hsuan-Yi , Hwu Jenn-Gwo
Published: May 2023

In this work, the transient current behavior of metal-insulator-semiconductor tunnel diode (MISTD) with oxide removal at the gate edge has been investigated. With an oxide-removed structure at the gate edge, the edge-removed (ER) MISTD not only exhibits reduced reverse bias current but also demonstrates enhanced transient current compared to conventional co-planar MISTD. These improved characteristics of ER MISTD can be attributed to the absence of oxide charges outside the gate edge and the insufficient supply of minority carriers. We also proposed a two-state transient current operation and tested the device’s endurance. Finally, we examined the relationship between oxide thickness and the current window and found that the current window is maximum when EOT is around 3.1 nm. Based on these properties, edge-removed MISTD shows potential as a dynamic transient memory device.
(Digital Presentation) Comparison of Width and Temperature Influence on DIBL Effect in Junctionless and Inversion Mode Nanowire MOSFETs
Authors: Pizzanelli Riccardo , Prates Rhaycen , Pavanello Marcelo Antonio , de Souza Michelly
Published: May 2023

This work compares the Drain-Induced Barrier Lowering (DIBL) effect in SOI nanowire transistors. The fin width, length, and temperature influence are experimentally evaluated for junctionless (JL) and inversion mode (IM) nanowire transistors. The results show that DIBL degradation with length reduction is more pronounced in IM nanowires. Although the DIBL might be higher on JL nanowires, its temperature variation has been reduced compared to IM devices.
Determination of Type II Band Alignment of NiO/α-Ga2O3 For Annealing Temperatures Up To 600°C
Authors: Xia Xinyi , Li Jian-Sian , Chiang Chao-Ching , Yoo Timothy Jinsoo , Hershkovitz Eitan , Ren Fan , Kim Honggyu , Kim Jihyun , Jeon Dae-Woo , Park Ji-Hyeon , Pearton Stephen J
Published: May 2023

There is increasing interest in the alpha polytype of Ga2O3 because of its even larger bandgap than the more studied beta polytype, but in common with the latter, there is no viable p-type doping technology. One option is to use p-type oxides to realize heterojunctions and NiO is one of the candidate oxides. The band alignment of sputtered NiO on α-Ga2O3 remains type II, staggered gap for annealing temperatures up to 600°C, showing that this a viable approach for hole injection in power electronic devices based on the alpha polytype of Ga2O3. The magnitude of both the conduction and valence band offsets increase with temperature up to 500°C, but then are stable to 600°C. For the as-deposited NiO/ α-Ga2O3 heterojunction, ΔEV=-2.8 eV and ΔEC= 1.6 eV, while after 600°C annealing the corresponding values are ΔEV=-4.4 eV and ΔEC= 3.02 eV. These values are 1-2 eV larger than for the NiO/β-Ga2O3 heterojunction.
High-Vacuum Chemical Vapor Deposition of Monolayer Hexagonal Boron Nitride on Ge(001) from Borazine
Authors: Su Katherine Anna , Li Songying , Arnold Michael Scott
Published: May 2023

Hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) is a promising material for next-generation electronics due to its unique optoelectronic and electronic properties. While the synthesis of h-BN on metallic substrates has been studied extensively, h-BN synthesis on CMOS-compatible substrates like Ge has not. Here, we report the growth of h-BN on Ge(001) from borazine via high-vacuum chemical vapor deposition. We find that the sublimation of Ge under high vacuum inhibits h-BN growth. To overcome this challenge, we place two Ge substrates face-to-face and achieve the growth of aligned h-BN islands and monolayer h-BN films.
Ultra-Small Ceria Nanocrystals at Carbon Surface Synthesized by Ultrasound Sonication: A Study of Highly Active Platinum-Cerium Bifunctional Catalysts for Methanol Oxidation and Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Nguyen Huy Quí Vinh , Nerut Jaak , Kasuk Heili , Thomberg Thomas , Romann Tavo , Aruväli Jaan , Lust Enn
Published: May 2023

In this study, 0.7 nm CeO2 crystallites were synthesized by a sonochemical method to prepare a highly active PtCe catalyst material for methanol oxidation and oxygen reduction reaction. The obtained materials contained Pt nanoparticles with a crystallite size of 1 nm and were well dispersed on the surface of carbon material. This is confirmed by ECSA as high as 89 mPt
2 gPt
−1. The PtCe materials synthesized on Ketjenblack carbon with small CeO2 were more favorable with methanol oxidation (MOR) in the mixture of 0.5 mol dm−3 H2SO4 and 1 mol dm−3 CH3OH. The MOR mass activity was as high as 200 A gPt
−1 after 1-hour chronoamperometry measurement at 0.85 V vs RHE. The PtCe synthesized on chromium carbide-derived carbon material was more favorable to oxygen reduction (ORR) in 0.1 mol dm−3 HClO4 saturated oxygen. The ORR mass activity at 0.9 V vs RHE was 304 A gPt
−1. The Pt deposition method was optimized and repeatable.
Valorization of Naturally Abundant Low-Value Peat into Highly Active Non-Platinum Group Metal Oxygen Reduction Catalysts
Authors: Teppor Patrick , Jäger Rutha , Nerut Jaak , Koppel Miriam , Aruväli Jaan , Volobujeva Olga , Lust Enn
Published: May 2023

This work explores the feasibility of synthesizing active non-platinum group metal oxygen reduction catalysts from naturally abundant peat through a facile one-pot method. The procedure yielded highly porous materials (specific surface area ~1000 m2 g-1) with promising oxygen reduction activity. Onset and half-wave potential values of 0.93 and 0.83 V vs RHE, respectively, were attained in rotating disc electrode experiments for the most active catalyst synthesized using dicyandiamide. Notably, the choice of nitrogen precursor influenced both the porosity and the electrochemical activity. Finally, the best-performing catalyst was analyzed in a rotating ring disc electrode setup, where the results confirmed those obtained in rotating disc electrode measurements.
(Invited) The Status of SOFC and SOEC R&D in the Clean Hydrogen Partnership
Authors: Atanasiu Mirela , Aguilo-Rullan Antonio , Dirmiki Dimitra , Tsimis Dionysios , Kontonasiou Eleni
Published: May 2023

The Clean Hydrogen Partnership—the successor of the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU)—aims to accelerate the development and improvement of advanced clean hydrogen technologies. It builds on 13 years of cooperation between public and private sectors through the FCH JU to help innovative technologies graduate from the experimental phases to be exploitedby industry, businesses, and consumers for the benefit of Europe. The three members of the partnership are the European Commission, fuel cell and hydrogen industries represented by Hydrogen Europe and the research community represented by Hydrogen Europe Research. Supported topics cover all fuel cell technologies, SOFC being mostly developed for the stationary heat and power applications, while SOEC technologies are considered for the hydrogen production applications. There are different groups working in Europe on the SOFC/SOEC technologies and supported partially by the Clean Hydrogen partnership. So far, around €262 million have been allocated to support 71 projects, which address specifically SOFC or SOECtechnologies. Largely thanks to this support, the EU is now a world leader on SOFC and SOEC technology with a well-established supply and value chain. In addition, several EU companies have commenced their efforts to increase their manufacturing capabilities with views to introduce their products beyond Europe. The mentioned figures do not include all projects of the first Call for Proposals 2022 of the Clean Hydrogen Partnership as some are still pending signature at the moment of writing. The Clean Hydrogen Partnership presentation will cover the status of R&D in Solid Oxide technologies in Europe
Degradation Analysis of SOFC Performance for Long-Term Operation with High Fuel Utilization (2)
Authors: Asano Koichi , Imabayashi Takumi , Ido Akifumi , Morita Hiroshi , Yamamoto Tohru , Mugikura Yoshihiro
Published: May 2023

Three types of SOFC stacks have been operated in a NEDO’s project from FY2020 to FY2024 in order to clarify the technical issues for high efficiency and toughness of SOFC stacks and establish the methods for advanced degradation diagnosis of SOFC stacks. Long-term durability tests of two types of SOFC stacks as flatten-tubular type and planar type have been conducted toward 20,000 h under the high fuel utilization at 80 and 85 %, respectively close to the operational limits of the stacks. In addition, the degradation factors of SOFCs were analyzed by using the electrode polarization model developed by CRIEPI. As a result, cathode overvoltage and IR loss were the major degradation factors in the durability tests over 10,000 h.
Effects of Transition Metal Elements on Ni Migration in Solid Oxide Cell Fuel Electrodes
Authors: Ouyang Zhufeng , Sciazko Anna , Komatsu Yosuke , Katsuhiko Nishimura , Shikazono Naoki
Published: May 2023

In the present study, Ni-M (M = Fe, Cu) bimetallic fuel electrodes are applied to investigate the effects of transition metal elements on nickel (Ni) migration and Ni coarsening under SOFC and SOEC operations. Ni-Fe, Ni-Cu and pure Ni patterned fuel electrodes are sputtered on YSZ pellets. The electrochemical performance of these Ni-M bimetallic fuel electrodes are lower than pure Ni fuel electrode, while the degradation rate of Ni-Fe fuel electrodes is smaller than the others. The spreading of Ni film on YSZ surface is observed for all samples under anodic polarization, and such Ni migration is suppressed by Fe doping, whereas it was enhanced by Cu doping. The adhesion between the electrode/electrolyte interface is weakened for Ni-Cu and pure Ni fuel electrodes under cathodic polarization, while good adhesion at the interface is maintained for Ni-Fe, which correlates with the smaller performance degradation rate.
Degradation Evaluation of LaCrO3-Based Interconnect on the Basis of Oxygen Permeation Measurements
Authors: Yamaguchi Takuya , Ishiyama Tomohiro , Yamaji Katsuhiko
Published: May 2023

Degradation of LaCrO3-based interconnect was evaluated by comparing the oxygen permeation flux for flat tube SOFC cells before and after long-term operation (20,000 hours). Oxygen permeation flux was estimated based on the amount of water vapor, which was generated as a result of oxygen permeation from the air side to the hydrogen side. The estimated oxygen permeation flux for the SOFC cell before long-term operation was found to be in the range of 0.02–0.06 mL cm−2 min−1 at 750 °C. For the cell after long-term operation, the oxygen permeation flux was found to be in the range of 0.04–0.05 mL cm−2 min−1, which was almost similar with that for the cell before long-term operation. This suggested that degradation of LaCrO3-based interconnect, i.e., increase in oxygen permeation flux, is quite small.
Strontium Free Cu-Doped La2NiO4 Oxides as Promising Oxygen Electrodes for Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells
Authors: Karki Surendra B , Seymour Lorraine , Le Long , Coyle Christopher , Springer R , Escobar Julian , Meinhardt Kerry , Marina Olga A
Published: May 2023

In this work, strontium-free copper-doped nickelates, La2Ni1-xCuxO4 (x=0.1-0.3), were synthesized using solid state synthesis method and tested as potential oxygen electrodes in solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOEC). Similar to the parent compound, the Ruddlesden-Popper (RP) La2NiO4 oxide, the Cu-doped compositions were confirmed to crystallize with tetragonal crystal structure with I4/mmm space group. The electrochemical performance of La2Ni1-xCuxO4 electrodes was studied using Ni-YSZ electrode-supported button cells in SOEC mode and compared to the state-of-the-art (La0.6Sr0.4)0.95Co0.0.8O3-δ (LSCF)-doped ceria composite electrodes. Electrochemical tests were conducted at 750oC with the Ni-YSZ hydrogen electrode exposed to 50% steam in hydrogen. The polarization resistance of SOEC with the La2Ni0.8Cu0.2O4 (LNCuO-20) electrode was lower than that with LSCF. LNCuO-20 showed stable current density output over 800 hours tested, while cell with LSCF showed more degradation.
Long-Term Tests and Advanced Post-Test Characterizations of the Oxygen Electrode in Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells
Authors: Celikbilek Ozden , Sassone Giuseppe , Prioux Manon , Ferreira Sanchez Dario , Benayad Anass , Hubert Maxime , Morel Bertrand , Vulliet Julien , Léon Aline , Laurencin Jérôme
Published: May 2023

Solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOEC) are a promising energy conversion technology for the production of green hydrogen via steam electrolysis. However, performance loss remains a bottleneck for large-scale commercialization. Here, we investigate the different types of degradation occurring in a state-of-the-art cell composed of La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3-Ce0.8Gd0.2O2 (LSCF-GDC) composite for the oxygen electrode, GDC for the barrier layer, Y0.16Zr0.84O1.92 (8YSZ) for the electrolyte and Ni-YSZ for the fuel electrode. Electrochemical impedance spectra measured before and after operation at 750 °C for 2000 hours at -1 A cm-2 in SOEC mode revealed no significant evolution for the oxygen electrode contribution. To investigate potential degradation of this electrode, we performed multi-modal chemical imaging based on synchrotron X-ray diffraction (µ-XRD) with a resolution at the micrometer-scale. In addition, we monitored the evolution of the chemical composition and chemical environment before and after ageing using laboratory X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). All these analyses revealed a slight evolution of the crystal lattice parameter in the oxygen electrode and the inter-diffusion layer. It was also found that Sr segregation accelerates with ageing. However, more severe ageing conditions and/or longer ageing durations are required in order to observe an effect on the performance.
In-Situ Observation of Temperature Distribution on a Planar Type SOEC During Start-Stop Cycle Operation
Authors: Okamoto Takeaki , Yasutake Masahiro , Tachikawa Yuya , Sasaki Kazunari
Published: May 2023

It is important to establish various analytical methods for solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) under practical operating conditions to improve their performance and to analyze their degradation phenomena. In-situ observation of temperature distribution on a planar-type SOEC enables to reveal the distributions of electrochemical reactions and the cell degradation over time. In this study, 600-hour operation tests under start-stop cycling and constant current loading conditions have conducted using a 5 cm × 5 cm planar-type cell to evaluate the SOEC electrochemical performance and to observe the cell surface by infrared camera. The effect of cell performance degradation on the temperature distribution during operation has been evaluated. As a result, it was found that the temperature distribution on the cell surface is affected by the gas flow and current distribution, and that the temperature distribution on the cell surface changes after long-term operation even with constant-current loading operation.
Characterization of Sr2Fe1,5Mo0,5O6-δ Based Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells
Authors: Salvan Laur Kristjan , Lust Enn , Nurk Gunnar , Möller Priit
Published: May 2023

Solid oxide electrolysis cells were made with (La0,6Sr0,4)0,99Co0,96Ti0,04O3-δ (LSCT) and (La0.6Sr0.4)0.95Co0.2Fe0.8O3-δ (LSCF) air electrode materials and Sr2Fe1.5Mo0.5O6-δ (SFM) and SFM/ Ce1-xGdxO2−δ (GDC) fuel electrodes. LSCF has shown significantly higher electrochemical activity when compared to LSCT electrode while at the same time LSCT has proven to be more stable. SFM/GDC fuel electrode demonstrates significant electrochemical activity in electrolysis mode when compared to pure SFM electrode. Additionally, modified method to synthesize electrode powders with different particle size distributions via spray pyrolysis method was developed.
Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells Fabrication: From Single Cells to Batch Production
Authors: Ureña Violeta , Ruiz Kandela , Ciaurriz Paula , Judez Xabier , Aguado Mónica , Garbayo Iñigo
Published: May 2023

Hydrogen is gaining increasing attention in the recent years as an effective energy carrier for grid flexibilization and the decarbonization of hard-to-abate sectors. Among the different technologies under development for power-to-hydrogen conversion, solid oxide electrolysis (SOE) outstands due to its high conversion efficiency, fuel flexibility (e.g., CO2 electrolysis) and reversibility (i.e., the same device can work both as electrolyser and fuel cell). At the Spanish National Renewable Energy Centre (CENER) we have recently launched the Hydrogen Area, dedicated to SOE technology development through modelling, fabrication and validation, from single cells to batch production. This work gives an overview of our activities in the fabrication of cells and stacks and describes the proposed fabrication route for SOE planar cells.
Effect of Fabrication Processes on Electrochemical Performance of Metal-Supported Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Yamaguchi Yuki , Sumi Hirofumi , Takahashi Hiroaki , Aso Shinobu , Tanabe Shigeyuki , Shimizu Hiroshi
Published: May 2023

In this study, MSCs were fabricated on the sintered porous metal substrates by wet coating with high temperature sintering in reduced atmosphere. The electrochemical performance of MSCs strongly depended on the process conditions. The relationship between the electrochemical performance and the structural property were investigated. In order to obtain dense electrolyte, the shrinkage behavior of porous metal substrates is quite important. Large shrinkage of substrate can assist the densification of electrolyte in the sintering process. It was found that the degrease and sintering temperature affected the shrinkage behavior, and existence of H2O in the atmosphere also affect it. It was considered that the oxidation of metal particles in substrate affected on the shrinkage. When the sintering temperature were high to obtain the dense electrolyte, Fe and Cr diffused from the substrate to the anode layer. This metal elements diffusion strongly deteriorated the performance of the anode. When the MSCs are prepared by wet process with high temperature sintering, controlling the sintering behavior of all components by adjusting the process parameter was quite important to low polarization resistance.
Improvement of Mechanical Strength and Long-Term Durability on Anode Support for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells by Adding Nanomaterials
Authors: Kwon Beom-Su , Song Rak-Hyun , Joh Dong Woo , Kim Tae-Hun , Hussain Amjad , Lee Seung-Bok , Lim Tak-Hyoung , Hong Jong Eun
Published: May 2023

This study improves the mechanical strength and long-term durability of Ni-8YSZ, a commonly used anode support(AS) for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC). Instead of Ni-8YSZ, Ni-3YSZ is due to its high mechanical strength and low cost. 3YSZ alone had the disadvantage of degradation of mechanical strength in high-temperature, humidified hydrogen atmospheres due to phase transformation. The addition of nano-ZrO2 and nano-WO3 was expected to improve mechanical strength and long-term durability due to the Hall-Petch equation. For uniform dispersion, NiO and 3YSZ powders were ball-milled for 100 hours, and nano-ZrO2 or nano-WO3 was also added. The powders were sintered at 1400 oC for 5 hours. Sintered specimens were reduced at 750 oC in a hydrogen atmosphere for 8 hours. The reduced specimens were reduced for 500 and 1000 hours, respectively, at 900 oC in a humidified hydrogen atmosphere, which is an accelerated atmosphere. Ni-3YSZ with nano-ZrO2 added had greatly improved mechanical strength and long-term durability.
Influence of A-Site Deficiency and B-Site Composition on the Electrical and Crystallographic Properties of (La0.25Sr0.25Ca0.45)yTi0.95Ni0.05-xMnxO3-δ Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Anode
Authors: Korjus Ove , Moeller Priit , Kivi Indrek , Paydar Sara , Nurk Gunnar
Published: May 2023

In this work, we studied the effect of A-site deficiency and B-site chemical composition on electrical performance of (La0.25Sr0.25Ca0.45)yTi0.95Ni0.05-xMnxO3-δ (x=0-0.05) (y=1, 0.9474) (LSCTNM-x) fuel electrode. The doped compositions were successfully synthesized by the glycine-nitrate combustion method and then characterized by XRD and SEM to confirm the phase purity and visualize the microstructure of studied electrode layers. Furthermore, the DC four-probe conductivity measurements of porous electrode layers has been done to understand the impact of MIEC material composition on electrical conductivities of LSCTNM. Conductivities have been measured at two different atmospheres: 1% H2 + 1.7% H2O + 97.3% Ar and 98.3% H2 + 1.7% H2O. Results of this study demonstrate that the conductivity is considerably dependent on composition and the LSCTNM materials with 10% A-site deficiency showed the maximal total electrical conductivity of porous electrode layers in 98.3% H2 + 1.7% H2O atmosphere.