bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Continuum modelling of an asymmetric CCRF argon plasma reactor: Influence of higher excited states and sensitivity to model parameters
Authors: Baldry Mark , Haidar Laura L. , Akhavan Behnam , Bilek Marcela M. M. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPrecise control of capacitively coupled radiofrequency (CCRF) plasma reactors is required to achieve desired outcomes in surface functionalisation and material synthesis processes. This necessitates detailed mapping of the large process parameter space and a thorough understanding of spatial and temporal variations of the plasma throughout the reactor. These goals can only feasibly be achieved with accurate numerical modelling. Previous numerical studies of CCRF discharges have implemented a range of simplifying assumptions to improve numerical tractability, such as small electrode spacing, radial uniformity, fewer active species and simplified boundary conditions, while neglecting self‐bias formation. Although this approach is useful in developing the methodology for continuum plasma modelling, it poses challenges for direct comparison with experimental data and for understanding the behaviour of plasma processes employed in the surface treatment of large, complex objects, or the synthesis of nanoparticles. Here we report the development of a two‐dimensional axisymmetric continuum model for a CCRF reactor with a pure argon 13.56‐MHz discharge using the finite element method. The large electrode spacing and reactor design result in two distinct discharge regions and the formation of a strong DC self‐bias on the powered electrode. The plasma discharge is studied as the pressure is varied from 0.1 to 0.3 Torr, over the radiofrequency input power range of 25–100 W, which leads to consistent enhancements of the electron density and self‐bias. The impact of the electron energy distribution function (EEDF) on the discharge is assessed, with the assumption of a Druyvesteyn EEDF resulting in a bulk electron density and temperature of 3.4 × 1015 m−3 and 3.3 eV, respectively, compared with 8.1 × 1015 m−3 and 1.9 eV in the Maxwellian case. The asymmetric power distribution throughout the reactor is quantified to build a reduced domain model with a lower computational cost. The effect of an electrically floating parallel plate electrode is assessed, resulting in a 42% higher bulk plasma potential as compared with the grounded case. The inclusion of resonant and 2p excited states of argon is shown to have a major impact on the discharge dynamics, leading to an order of magnitude reduction in bulk electron density. This study proposes a robust numerical model of a CCRF argon plasma discharge to facilitate future simulations of more complex discharges with important implications in plasma surface engineering and synthesis of materials.
Tuning the wicking and wettability properties of PET textiles by DBD or a remote atmospheric RF torch: A comparison
Authors: Demaude Annaëlle , Inturri Rosanna , Satriano Cristina , Leroy Perrine , Reniers François 
Published: March 2021

AbstractTextile industry is constantly searching for easy and rapid ways to improve the properties of textiles. In this matter, plasma treatments have already proven to be an efficient and green solution, as they proceed in a dry environment and require minimal use of chemicals. To date, most of the work on the subject has been performed with low‐pressure plasmas. Recently, atmospheric plasmas have received increasing interest, especially for industrial applications. Indeed, the possibility to avoid the use of pumping systems makes this technology easily implementable in continuous in‐line processes. For many applications, the treatment aims at modifying the textile surface to increase the overall hydrophilicity. The latter is often probed by the water contact angle, but this does not always reflect the global hydrophilic behavior of the textile as a three‐dimensional material. A complementary study of the wicking properties is important to better reflect the penetration of liquids into the textile, but it is poorly reported in the literature. The present work aims at increasing the water uptake of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) textile by direct or remote plasma treatment, which are the two main trends in this field. For this purpose, a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) and a radiofrequency plasma torch at atmospheric pressure are used, respectively. Different plasma parameters are varied and their respective effect on the wicking properties of the fabric, assessed by an absorbency test developed ad hoc, are correlated to their surface chemical composition determined by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. These results are compared with the possible changes in wetting of the fiber surface witnessed by water contact angles measured on PET foil samples submitted to the same plasma treatments. Complete wicking of water in PET textile can be obtained after 20 or 10 s of torch treatment with pure Ar plasma or Ar/O2 mixture, respectively. However, a comparable effect is detected, after 30 s of DBD Ar plasma treatment, under the used experimental conditions. Besides, the addition of O2 to the discharge has an opposite effect on the fabric wicking. These results are discussed in terms of the peculiar processes in surface activation and modification of the fabric surface triggered by the two different plasma technologies.
Adaptive finite‐time event‐triggered control for nonlinear systems with quantized input signals
Authors: Liu Wenhui , Ma Qian , Xu Shengyuan , Zhang Zhengqiang 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe adaptive finite‐time event‐triggered quantized control for the nonlinear systems considering uncertain parameters and external disturbances is investigated in this article. First, for the parametric nonlinear systems with external disturbances, an adaptive finite‐time event‐triggered control scheme with input quantization is proposed. The designed controller can ensure the semiglobal finite‐time stability of the closed‐loop system. Then, to deal with the global finite‐time control problem for the parametric nonlinear systems, a novel adaptive quantized event‐triggered control scheme is constructed. Finally, two simulation examples are utilized to illustrate the effectiveness of the adaptive event‐triggered control schemes.
Single Co‐Atoms as Electrocatalysts for Efficient Hydrazine Oxidation Reaction
Authors: Kadam Ravishankar G. , Zhang Tao , Zaoralová Dagmar , Medveď Miroslav , Bakandritsos Aristides , Tomanec Ondřej , Petr Martin , Zhu Chen Johnny , Miller Jeffrey T. , Otyepka Michal , Zbořil Radek , Asefa Tewodros , Gawande Manoj B. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractSingle‐atom catalysts (SACs) have aroused great attention due to their high atom efficiency and unprecedented catalytic properties. A remaining challenge is to anchor the single atoms individually on support materials via strong interactions. Herein, single atom Co sites have been developed on functionalized graphene by taking advantage of the strong interaction between Co2+ ions and the nitrile group of cyanographene. The potential of the material, which is named G(CN)Co, as a SAC is demonstrated using the electrocatalytic hydrazine oxidation reaction (HzOR). The material exhibits excellent catalytic activity for HzOR, driving the reaction with low overpotential and high current density while remaining stable during long reaction times. Thus, this material can be a promising alternative to conventional noble metal‐based catalysts that are currently widely used in HzOR‐based fuel cells. Density functional theory calculations of the reaction mechanism over the material reveal that the Co(II) sites on G(CN)Co can efficiently interact with hydrazine molecules and promote the NH bond‐dissociation steps involved in the HzOR.
Antibody‐Functionalized Gold Nanostar‐Mediated On‐Resonance Picosecond Laser Optoporation for Targeted Delivery of RNA Therapeutics
Authors: Hasanzadeh Kafshgari Morteza , Agiotis Leonidas , Largillière Isabelle , Patskovsky Sergiy , Meunier Michel 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe rapid advances of genetic and genomic technology indicate promising therapeutic potential of genetic materials for regulating abnormal gene expressions causing diseases and disorders. However, targeted intracellular delivery of RNA therapeutics still remains a major challenge hindering the clinical translation. In this study, an elaborated plasmonic optoporation approach is proposed to efficiently and selectively transfect specific cells. The site‐specific optoporation is obtained by tuning the spectral range of a supercontinuum pulsed picosecond laser in order for each individual cell binding gold nanostar with their unique resonance peak to magnify the local field strength in the near‐infrared region and facilitate a selective delivery of small interfering RNA, messenger RNA, and Cas9‐ribonucleoprotein into human retinal pigment epithelial cells. Numerical simulations indicate that optoporation is not due to a plasma‐mediated process but rather due to a highly localized temperature rise both in time (few nanoseconds) and space (few nanometers). Taking advantage of the numerical simulation and fine‐tuning of the optical strategy, the perforated lipid bilayer of targeted cells undergoes a membrane recovery process, important to retain their viability. The results signify the prospects of antibody functionalized nanostar‐mediated optoporation as a simple and realistic gene delivery approach for future clinical practices.
Inelastic Electron Tunneling Spectroscopic Analysis of Bias‐Induced Structural Changes in a Solid‐State Protein Junction
Authors: Fereiro Jerry A. , Pecht Israel , Sheves Mordechai , Cahen David 
Published: March 2021

AbstractA central issue in protein electronics is how far the structural stability of the protein is preserved under the very high electrical field that it will experience once a bias voltage is applied. This question is studied on the redox protein Azurin in the solid‐state Au/protein/Au junction by monitoring protein vibrations during current transport under applied bias, up to ≈1 GV m−1, by electrical detection of inelastic electron transport effects. Characteristic vibrational modes, such as CH stretching, amide (NH) bending, and AuS (of the bonds that connect the protein to an Au electrode), are not found to change noticeably up to 1.0 V. At >1.0 V, the NH bending and CH stretching inelastic features have disappeared, while the AuS features persist till ≈2 V, i.e., the proteins remain Au bound. Three possible causes for the disappearance of the NH and CH inelastic features at high bias, namely, i) resonance transport, ii) metallic filament formation, and iii) bond rupture leading to structural changes in the protein are proposed and tested. The results support the last option and indicate that spectrally resolved inelastic features can serve to monitor in operando structural stability of biological macromolecules while they serve as electronic current conduit.
Core–Multishell‐Structured Digital‐Gradient Cathode Materials with Enhanced Mechanical and Electrochemical Durability
Authors: Shin Youngho , Maeng Sangjin , Chung Youngmin , Krumdick Gregory K. , Min Sangkee 
Published: March 2021

AbstractNi‐rich cathode materials provide high energy density, but their structural and surface instability limits their cyclability and thermal stability. As one of the approaches to mitigate this problem, cathode materials comprising Ni‐rich high‐capacity core wrapped in Mn‐rich multiple shells are produced successfully. In contrast to the conventional batch‐type process for concentration‐gradient materials, a digital‐gradient cascade coprecipitation process described here achieves the improvements in productivity and quality consistency needed to move toward large‐scale manufacturing. The core–multishell cathode materials produced in this manner not only have longer cycle life and improved rate performance compared to homogeneous Ni‐rich cathode materials having the same overall composition, but also show remarkably enhanced thermal stability and low impedance growth characteristics. In a novel attempt to determine the correlation between the mechanical properties of the core–multishell cathode particles and their electrochemical cyclabilities, their breaking force and elasticity were successfully measured using a statistical approach, which indicates that a cathode particle with stable surface composition as well as high breaking force has improved capacity retention and durability. These results guide the realization of long life and high thermal stability in Ni‐rich cathode materials through heterogeneous particle engineering.
An Iron‐Hydrogen Bond Resistant to Protonation and Oxidation
Authors: Collett Joel D. , Ransohoff Rebecca W. , Krause Jeanette A. , Guan Hairong 
Published: March 2021

AbstractA new synthetic route to cis‐(CyPNP)Fe(CO)2H (CyPNP=2,5‐bis(dicyclohexylphosphinomethyl)pyrrolyl) has been developed, involving the reaction of (CyPNP)Fe(CO)2Br with NaBH4. The Fe−H bond of this iron hydride is remarkably stable to acids (e. g., HBF4 ⋅ Et2O, HCl, and CH3CO2H) and oxidants (e. g., 1,4‐benzoquinone and galvinoxyl), only leading to the protonation of the β‐pyrrolic carbon and the oxidation of the ligand backbone, respectively. Under 369 nm UV irradiation, cis‐(CyPNP)Fe(CO)2H has been shown to react with ethylene to yield cis‐(CyPNP)Fe(CO)2Et and undergo H/D exchange with C6D6 to form cis‐(CyPNP)Fe(CO)2D and C6D5H. Both processes likely proceed via an initial CO dissociation step to yield (CyPNP)Fe(CO)H as a reactive intermediate.
Exclusion from Home Care Services in Central and Eastern European Countries: A Focus on Hungary and the Russian Federation
Authors: Széman Zsuzsa , Golubeva Elena , Patyán László 
Published: March 2021

AbstractDue to demographic changes all European countries face significant challenges concerning the provision of home and community care for older people. While challenges in organising care services seem to be generally similar, the resources, values and responsibilities are different across countries. The purpose of this chapter is to investigate current knowledge and patterns concerning exclusion from home care services in Central and Eastern European countries, focusing especially on Hungary as a central EU member state and the Russian Federation, as a non-EU Eastern European country. As existing international research typically focuses on Anglo-Saxon contexts, this chapter draws on the national language literature of these two nations as sources of empirical data for the analysis. Our analysis indicates that there is a long-standing risk of exclusion from home care services in both countries, with a need for reform to existing provisions to address this exclusion. Despite this a differential impact of macro-level policy is evident within the two jurisdictions, with some new innovations within the Russian Federation.
Introduction: Framing Community and Spatial Exclusion
Authors: Tournier Isabelle , Vidovićová Lucie 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis section focuses on the community and spatial aspects of social exclusion. For this introduction, we define the community aspect of exclusion as the unintended reduction of participation in local life and spatial aspects of exclusion as the unintended reduction of mobility outside and inside of a person’s home. Fighting against social exclusion of older adults is a priority due to the negative effects of exclusion on older adults’ quality of life as well as on the equity and cohesion of an ageing society as a whole (adapted from Levitas et al. 2007 in Walsh et al. 2017, p. 83). Place, as a socio-spatial phenomenon, can shape older adults’ lives and their experiences of social exclusion. It encompasses dimensions such as social and relational aspects of place, amenities and build environment, place-based policy and experiential belonging. The purpose of this chapter is to briefly introduce some allied concepts related to older people’s relationship with their place and environment, and broadly illustrate the relevance of this relationship to old-age social exclusion. The chapter closes with a short introduction to each contribution within this section.
Towards a Structural Embeddedness of Space in the Framework of the Social Exclusion of Older People
Authors: Drilling Matthias , Grove Hannah , Ioannou Byron , Moulaert Thibauld 
Published: March 2021

AbstractCombating social exclusion of older adults is a key objective of European social policy. But from the beginning of the debate, social exclusion has mainly been interpreted as arising from economic circumstances. Doubts have been raised as to whether this narrow focus contributes to solving the problems identified. In particular, spatial aspects come to the fore, highlighting the fact that exclusion always happens in a specific place. However, spatial exclusion is often reduced to a territorial concept of ‘where’ the exclusion takes place. – but it is simplistic to state that everything happens in a space. The aim of this chapter is twofold. First, it presents a theoretical model, developed during and through the ROSEnet COST Action. The model integrates dimensions of age, space and exclusion in one perspective – the ASE Triangle. Second, this chapter explores the potential of the ASE Triangle to enhance our understanding of two specific European case studies of older people’s exclusion, in Greater Dublin – Ireland, and Nicosia – Cyprus. By ‘upgrading space’ as a theory-led idea we contribute to and challenge existing (human) gerontological theory of space. Similar to the exploration of a relational vision of space, our model does not only consider “experience” of space exclusion, but offers the possibility to simultaneously encompass it in societal processes.
The Relationship Between Place and Life-Course Transitions in Old-Age Social Exclusion: A Cross-Country Analysis
Authors: Urbaniak Anna , Wanka Anna , Walsh Kieran , Oswald Frank 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe international literature presents growing evidence of the impact of life transitions in older age on experiences of social exclusion. Older people’s relationship with place potentially plays a mediating role in this interrelation. However, the specific mechanisms through which the older adult place relationship mediates exclusionary outcomes of life-course transitions remain poorly understood in the study of ageing. This chapter investigates how older adults’ relationship with place is interlinked with life-course transitions and old-age social exclusion. To address this interrelation, we present case studies from three different countries, Germany, Ireland and Poland, focusing on individual experiences of retirement and bereavement, and analyse the cases by drawing on the concepts of spatial agency and belonging. We conclude by examining how spatial agency and belonging can protect and empower older people at critical junctures in their lives.
Ageing and Caring in Rural Environments: Cross-National Insights from Central Europe
Authors: Vidovićová Lucie , Alisch Monika , Kümpers Susanne , Perek-Białas Jolanta 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis chapter explores how exclusion from care provision in rural areas can be understood as place-based social exclusion. The analysis focuses on case studies of Czechia, Poland and Germany and compares their approaches to providing care to older rural dwellers. While recognising the heterogeneity of these nations and their rural areas, a spatial framework is used to illustrate how some specific features of rural areas may influence the provision and availability of care. Two examples are explored: the use of professional homecare services by older people; and informal care and assistance provided by older people in the community. Our research shows that, regardless of the size of the country or its proportion of remote or depopulating areas, discourses on care in rural areas share various common features. A large amount of informal care is provided in both the family-oriented Polish countryside and in Czechia, a country with a midsize rural population and comparatively common use of professional homecare services. In Germany, a growing number of rural communities were found to have established local aid associations to support disadvantaged older people in the past decade; however, this approach is viewed as unsustainable given the specificities of the rural contexts.
Reconceptualising Exclusion from Civic Engagement in Later Life: Towards a New Research Agenda
Authors: Serrat Rodrigo , Scharf Thomas , Villar Feliciano 
Published: March 2021

AbstractSocial exclusion in later life remains a major challenge for ageing societies. Despite widespread acceptance of its multidimensional nature, research and policy debates have tended to focus on exclusion from material resources or social relations, overlooking other recognised dimensions of social exclusion. In this context, exclusion from civic engagement has been the least studied dimension. In this chapter, we argue that future research and policy initiatives should pay attention to four key dimensions of older people’s exclusion from civic engagement. First, we need to embrace the multidimensionality of the concept of civic engagement, which includes a range of qualitatively different activities. Second, it is essential to account for the diversity of the older population, since this shapes who is able to engage civically and in which ways. Third, attention should be paid to the dynamics and experiences of engagement across the life course, in order to understand better civic engagement trajectories. Fourth, we need to consider exclusion from civic engagement as a culturally-embedded process that is largely shaped by the particular socio-political context in which engagement occurs. We provide examples of recent research covering these dimensions of exclusion from civic engagement and conclude by proposing areas of further inquiry.
Cultural Exclusion in Old-Age: A Social Exclusion Perspective on Cultural Practice in Later Life
Authors: Gallistl Vera 
Published: March 2021

AbstractCultural exclusion in older age is conceptually under-developed and empirically under-explored. This results in a lack of knowledge concerning the mechanisms through which cultural exclusion is produced and the policy instruments that support cultural inclusion in later life. This article explores how cultural practice changes in old age and how these changes associate with old-age social exclusion. Cultural participation comprises (a) going-out, (b) home-bound and (c) identity-culture. These domains are explored with survey data (n = 1000) of Austrians aged 60 years and older.Results suggest shifting cultural practice later in life, from public to private spaces, and three clusters of cultural participants (Omnivore, Univore-Television (TV), Univore-Entertainment), which differ in their cultural practice, social status, and taste preferences. Univores-TV are typically involved in home-bound cultural practices, most likely to be socially excluded, and show the highest appreciation of folk art. Disengagement from public cultural spaces is, hence, more prevalent among socially marginalised groups with folk tastes.Gerontology needs to problematize older adults’ exclusion from cultural practice as a matter of spatial and taste marginalisation. In order to build more age-inclusive cultures across Europe, policy should address the diversity of older adults’ cultural participation and provide support in bringing marginalised practices to public spaces.