Collaborative Research Program Research Articles

Enhancing Higher Education Industry Linkage: The Contribution of Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

The study was conducted to examine the contribution of Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) to higher education - Industry linkage. The specific objectives of the study included; elaborating the effectiveness of COSTECH policies on promoting innovators activities from higher education institutions, understanding the role of COSTECH on moderating higher education industry linkage, and lastly assessing the efficiency of COSTECH on linking collaborative scientific research between universities and industry. Purposive sampling was used to obtain sample units for the study. The study managed to obtain twenty three (23) respondents who provided information needed to answer specific research questions. The study findings has indicated that, the effectiveness of COSTECH to enhance HIL was demonstrated by the frameworks institutionalized by COSTECH in making use of Science and Technology Policy of 1996 and the Research and Development Policy of 2010 to protect the IP and inventions of researchers. Also by the establishment of National Fund for the Advancement of Science and technology (NFAST) with an obligation to provide grants to (R&D) , awarding funds to (STI’s) and technology transfer activities and also to provide support to technology transfer activities done by local scientists within the priorities that are pee-determined by the government. The study findings shows COSTECH execute its roles by ensuring that industry and higher learning institutions are involved in R&D conducted, through Technology and Innovation Support Centres (TISCs) and Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs), whereas the centers facilitates early engagement with industry stakeholders, aligning research with market needs. The TISCs and TTOs organize consultations, workshops, and collaborative research programs for continuous feedback. Furthermore the efficiency of COSTECH in enhancing HIL was demonstrated by its the ability to issue 45 patent applications, a successful commercialization of 15 intellectual properties and on top of that the awarding of 20 patent certificates, registration of 30 trademarks and 25 copyrights within the financial year 2023/2024. The study was concluded by mentioning that the mechanisms and foundation for HIL nourishment have been well established by COSTECH through different guidelines, frameworks and policies. Lastly The study recommendations suggested that HIL should be championed by state owned universities and firms as a starting point so as to attract other actors from the private sector.

(Invited) Modification of Perovskite Layer for Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells

Perovskite solar cells are expected as promissing photovoltaics, offering a path to highly efficient solar energy conversion.1–4 Surface modification of perovskite layer is crucial to improve device performance and durability. In this talk, our recent progress on the development of charge collecting materials and surface modification with dipole strategy will be shown. Optimized Carrier Extraction at Interfaces 4-7 Carrier extraction in mixed tin–lead perovskite solar cells is improved by modifying the top and bottom perovskite surfaces with ethylenediammonium diiodide and glycine hydrochloride, respectively. Trap densities in the perovskite layers are reduced as a result of surface passivation effects and an increase in film crystallinity. In addition, the orientated aggregation of the ethylenediammonium and glycinium cations at the charge collection interfaces result in the formation of surface dipoles, which facilitate charge extraction. As a result, the treated mixed tin–lead perovskite solar cells showed improved performance, with a fill factor of 0.82 and a power conversion efficiency up to 23.6%.5 The unencapsulated device also shows improved stability under AM1.5G, retaining over 80% of the initial efficiency after 200 h continuous operation in inert atmosphere. Our strategy is also successfully applied to centimeter-scale devices, with efficiencies up to 21.0%. Tripodal Hole-Collecting Monolayer Materials 8 Hole-collecting monolayers have drawn attention in perovskite solar cell research due to their ease of processing, high performance, and good durability. Since molecules in the hole-collecting monolayer are typically composed of functionalized π-conjugated structures, hole extraction is expected to be more efficient when the π-cores are oriented face-on with respect to the adjacent surfaces. However, strategies for reliably controlling the molecular orientation in monolayers remain elusive. In this work, multiple phosphonic acid anchoring groups were used to control the molecular orientation of a series of triazatruxene derivatives chemisorbed on a transparent conducting oxide electrode surface. Using infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy and metastable atom electron spectroscopy, we found that multipodal derivatives align face-on to the electrode surface, while the monopodal counterpart adopts a more tilted configuration.8 The face-on orientation was found to facilitate hole extraction, leading to inverted perovskite solar cells with enhanced stability and high-power conversion efficiencies up to 25.0%. Acknowledgements : This work was partially supported by the JST-Mirai Program (JPMJMI22E2), NEDO ( JPNP21016), , the International Collaborative Research Program of ICR, Kyoto University, etc. T. Nakamura, A. Wakamiya, et al. "Sn(IV)-free Tin Perovskite Films Realized by In Situ Sn(0) Nanoparticle Treatment of The Precuarsor Solution", Nat. Commun. 2020, 11, 3008.S. Hu, J. A. Smikth, H. J. Snaith, A. Wakamiya, "Prospects for Tin-Containing Halide Perovskite Photovoltaics", Precis. Chem. 2023, 1, 69.T. Nakamura, Y. Kondo, N. Ohashi, M. A. Truong, R. Murdey, A. Wakamiya, et al. "Materials Chemistry for Metal Halide Perovskite Photovoltaics", Bull. Chem. Soc, Jpn. 2024, 97, uoad025.S. Hu, J. Thiesbrummel, J. Pascual, M. Stolterfoht, A. Wakamiya, H. J. Snaith, "Narrow Bandgap Metal Halide Perovskites for All-Perovskite Tandem Photovoltaics", Chem. Rev. 2024, in press. (DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00667)S. Hu, A. Wakamiya, et al. "Optimized Carrier Extraction at Interfaces for 23.6% Efficient Tin-Lead Perovskite Solar Cells", Energy Environ. Sci., 2022, 15, 2096.S. Hu, J. Pascual, A. Wakamiya, et al. "A Universal Surface Treatment for p-i-n Perovskite Solar Cells", ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces, 2022, 14, 56290.S. Hu, H. J. Snaith, A. Wakamiya, et al. "Synergistic Surface Modification of Tin-Lead Perovskite Solar Cells", Adv. Mater. 2023, 35, 2208320.A. Truong, A. Wakamiya, et al. "Tripodal Triazatruxene Derivative as a Face-On Oriented Hole-Collecting Monolayer for Efficient and Stable Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells", J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2023, 145, 7528.

Lignin-Derived Carbons for Electrocatalytic Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Alkaline Media

With the Paris agreement, many countries around the world have set ambitious decarbonization goals. Due to high abundance and greenhouse gas emitting index, there is a growing interest toward conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into materials used in the production of electrodes for batteries, fuel cells and supercapacitors. Lignin-derived carbons could substitute fossil fuel-based acetylene black. However, there are many challenges facing production of electrode-grade carbon from lignin. They include, control of inorganic impurities such as SiO2, porosity and conductivity. Lignin source and extraction processes also lead to many undesired impurities and batch to batch variability.Carbon black alone is known to catalyze the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), a key catalytic reaction controlling performance of metal-O2 batteries and fuel cells. The ORR can proceed via sequential 2-electron (2e) or a more desirable direct 4-electrons (4e) reduction pathway depending on the chemical identity of the active material.1-2) In this presentation, we will report on the physio-chemical properties of kraft lignin-derived carbons and their application in formulation of catalytic inks for electrocatalytic applications. In particular, we will discuss the effect of lignin source and pyrolysis parameters on the ORR performance in alkaline media.Lignin-derived carbons were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, SEM-EDX, Raman spectroscopy and electrochemical methods. The catalytic activities of the electrodes prepared using lignin-derived carbons were studied by linear swept voltammetry (LSV) and rotating disk electrode (RDE) methods. Fig. 1 shows LSV of commercial acetylene black and pine-wood derived carbon, after three-steps pyrolysis. The ORR onset potential and a half-wave potential is 0.81 and 0.72 V vs. RHE, for the lignin carbon, which is closer to the half-wave potential of the widely-used 40% Pt/C catalyst. The electron transfer number, obtained from the Koutecky-Levich analysis, was 1.5, suggesting 2e reduction process.References1) Donghui Guo et al., Active Sites of Nitrogen-doped Carbon Materials for Oxygen Reduction Reaction Clarified using Model Catalysts.Science351,361-365 (2016).2) R.P. Putra, Y. Samejima, S. Nakabayashi, H. Horino, I.I. Rzeznicka, Copper-based Electrocatalyst Derived from a Copper Chelate Polymer for Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Alkaline Solutions, Catalysis Today, (2020).AcknowledgementsThis work was supported by JST Strategic International Collaborative Research Program (SICORP), Grant Number JPMJSC2302, Japan. Fig 1. LSV in the ORR region in 1 M KOH for acetylene black and lignin-derived carbon. Figure 1

Studies in Neotropical Araliaceae. X. Four new species of Sciodaphyllum P.Browne from Ecuador, each named in honor of a Danish botanist

Four new species of Sciodaphyllum (Araliaceae) from Ecuador are described, S. balslevii, S. borchsenii, S. oellgaardii and S. pedersenii, each named in honor of a Danish botanist who collected extensively in the country in the late 20th century while contributing to the multi‐decade collaborative botanical research program run by Aarhus University, the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, and the Universidad Nacional de Loja. These new taxa increase to 27 the total number of described species in Ecuador belonging to Sciodaphyllum (whose members were formerly included in Schefflera J.R.Forst. & G.Forst.), which also has an additional 75 new species that remain to be described. Color photos are provided for three of the species along with a scan of the holotype of the fourth taxon. Distribution maps are provided along with preliminary risk of extinction assessments (following the IUCN Red List criteria); S. balslevii is assessed as Least Concern (LC), whereas S. borchsenii and S. oellgaardii are Endangered (EN), and S. pedersenii is Vulnerable (VU).

Cognitive Dysfunction in the Addictions (CDiA): A Neuron to Neighbourhood Collaborative Research Program on Executive Dysfunction and Functional Outcomes in Outpatients Seeking Treatment for Addiction.

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are pressing global public health problems. Executive functions (EFs) are prominently featured in mechanistic models of addiction. However, there remain significant gaps in our understanding of EFs in SUDs, including the dimensional relationships of EFs to underlying neural circuits, molecular biomarkers, disorder heterogeneity, and functional ability. To improve health outcomes for people with SUDs, interdisciplinary clinical, preclinical and health services research is needed to inform policies and interventions aligned with biopsychosocial models of addiction. Here, we introduce Cognitive Dysfunction in the Addictions (CDiA), an integrative team-science and translational research program, which aims to fill these knowledge gaps and facilitate research discoveries to enhance treatments for people living with SUDs. The CDiA Program comprises seven complementary interdisciplinary projects that aim to progress understanding of EF in SUDs and investigate new biological treatment approaches. The projects draw on a diverse sample of adults aged 18-60 (target N=400) seeking treatment for addiction, who are followed prospectively over one year to identify EF domains crucial to recovery. Projects 1-3 investigate SUD symptoms, brain circuits, and blood biomarkers and their associations with both EF domains (inhibition, working memory, and set-shifting) and functional outcomes (disability, quality of life). Projects 4 and 5 evaluate interventions for addiction and their impacts on EF: a clinical trial of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and a preclinical study of potential new pharmacological treatments in rodents. Project 6 links EF to healthcare utilization and is supplemented with a qualitative investigation of EF-related barriers to treatment engagement for those with substance use concerns. Project 7 uses innovative whole-person modeling to integrate the multi-modal data generated across projects, applying clustering and deep learning methods to identify patient subtypes and drive future cross-disciplinary initiatives. The CDiA program has promise to bring scientific domains together to uncover the diverse ways in which EFs are linked to SUD severity and functional recovery. These findings, supported by emerging clinical, preclinical, health service, and whole-person modeling investigations, will facilitate future discoveries about cognitive dysfunction in addiction and could enhance the future clinical care of individuals seeking treatment for SUDs.

Environmental, social, and governance performance: The role of Chinese employee stock ownership plans

The challenges of global warming, resource depletion, and environmental protection require immediate action from corporations, governments, and communities globally. Implementing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) measures represents a key strategy for corporations in addressing sustainability concerns. This study investigates how the ESG performance of publicly listed companies in China is influenced by employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs). Utilizing a dataset covering 4,464 publicly listed Chinese corporations from 2009 to 2022, this analysis employs fixed-effects regressions to reveal the beneficial impact of ESOPs on corporate ESG ratings. A firm’s transition from non-ESOP to ESOP status raises ESG ratings by 1.213, representing 22% of the ESG score’s standard deviation. The findings indicate that greater involvement of the top management team in an ESOP weakens the positive impact of the ESOP on corporate ESG performance. The positive impact of ESOPs on ESG performance is insignificant in the agriculture sector but more pronounced in the manufacturing and service sectors, where the transition to ESOP status results in ESG score increases of 1.122 and 1.500, respectively. The issue of endogeneity is addressed by utilizing a lagged ESOP independent variable and applying two-stage least squares regression with the average ESOP serving as the instrumental variable. The findings confirm that causality runs from ESOP to ESG rather than ESG influencing ESOP. AcknowledgmentThis study was supported by the Department of Education of Zhejiang Province – General Program (Y202249981, Y202353438), the Wenzhou Association for Science and Technology – Service and Technology Innovation Program (jczc0254), the Wenzhou-Kean University Student Partnering with Faculty Research Program (WKUSPF202404, WKUSPF202411), the Wenzhou-Kean University International Collaborative Research Program (ICRP2023002, ICRP2023004), and the Wenzhou-Kean University Internal Research Support Program (IRSPG202205, IRSPG202206).

Collaborative fire research program using donated human remains

AbstractBeginning in 2020, Western Carolina University (WCU)'s Forensic Anthropology Program began a research partnership with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Fire Programs and Training Branch on burned human remains via a continuing education (CE) course. This course has evolved since its original inception to include a controlled burn utilizing donated human remains. The content of the CE course is primarily geared toward law enforcement, fire investigators, medicolegal investigators, and crime scene technicians. The 2021 course was the first to utilize a donor from WCU's Body Donation Program, a willed‐body program where donors or their next‐of‐kin can provide additional consent for skeletal modification and/or genetics studies. In addition to the educational purposes of running a controlled burn within a flashover cell, small research projects are also being conducted. Bullets were inserted into the 2021 donor to test various detection methods for utility within fire investigations. For the 2022 course, WCU's Forensic Science Program joined this partnership; they inserted seminal fluid into bodily cavities to examine the recovery of genetic material from a secondary contributor after a high‐intensity, low‐duration fire. The preservation of sharp force trauma in soft tissues was also examined during this course. Genetic material recovery was retested in the 2023 course, as well as examinations of cranial blunt force trauma and blood preservation within a scene. These courses are generating a sample of thermally altered human remains for future research and education, in addition to providing insights useful for fire investigators.This article is categorized under: Forensic Anthropology > Trauma Analysis Forensic Anthropology > Taphonomic Changes and the Environment

Real-life efficacy of immunotherapy for Sézary syndrome: a multicenter observational cohort study

Sézary syndrome is an extremely rare and fatal cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). Mogamulizumab, an anti-CCR4 monoclonal antibody, has recently been associated with increased progression-free survival in a randomized clinical trial in CTCL. We aimed to evaluate OS and prognostic factors in Sézary syndrome, including treatment with mogamulizumab, in a real-life setting. Data from patients with Sézary (ISCL/EORTC stage IV) and pre-Sézary (stage IIIB) syndrome diagnosed from 2000 to 2020 were obtained from 24 centers in Europe. Age, disease stage, plasma lactate dehydrogenases levels, blood eosinophilia at diagnosis, large-cell transformation and treatment received were analyzed in a multivariable Cox proportional hazard ratio model. This study has been registered in ClinicalTrials (SURPASSe01 study: NCT05206045). Three hundred and thirty-nine patients were included (58% men, median age at diagnosis of 70 years, Q1-Q3, 61-79): 33 pre-Sézary (9.7% of 339), 296Sézary syndrome (87.3%), of whom 10 (2.9%) had large-cell transformation. One hundred and ten patients received mogamulizumab. Median follow-up was 58 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 53-68). OS was 46.5% (95% CI, 40.6%-53.3%) at 5 years. Multivariable analysis showed that age ≥ 80 versus <50 (HR: 4.9, 95% CI, 2.1-11.2, p=0.001), and large-cell transformation (HR: 2.8, 95% CI, 1.6-5.1, p=0.001) were independent and significant factors associated with reduced OS. Mogamulizumab treatment was significantly associated with decreased mortality (HR: 0.34, 95% CI, 0.15-0.80, p=0.013). Treatment with mogamulizumab was significantly and independently associated with decreased mortality in Sézary syndrome. French Society of Dermatology, Swiss National Science Foundation (IZLIZ3_200253/1) and SKINTEGRITY.CH collaborative research program.

Puzzling parrotfishes: Radiocarbon age validation and updated longevity estimates for western Atlantic species in support of sustainable fisheries management

For management efforts to succeed in Caribbean fisheries, local fishers must support and be willing to comply with fishing regulations. This is more likely when fishers are included in a stock assessment process that utilizes robust scientific evidence, collected in collaboration with fishers, to evaluate the health of fish stocks. Caribbean parrotfishes are important contributors to coral reef ecosystem health while also contributing to local fisheries. Scientifically robust stock assessments require regional species-specific information on age-based key life history parameters, derived from fish age estimates. Evaluation of the accuracy of age estimation methods for fish species is a critical initial step in managing species for long-term sustainable harvest. The current study resulted from a collaborative research program between fish biologists and local fishers investigating age, growth, and reproductive biology of the seven parrotfish species landed in U.S. Caribbean fisheries; specifically, we validated age estimation for stoplight parrotfish Sparisoma viride and queen parrotfish Scarus vetula. This is the first study to directly validate age estimation for any parrotfish species through analysis of Δ14C from eye lens cores. Our age estimation validation results show that enumeration of opaque zones from thin sections of sagittal otoliths for a Sparisoma and a Scarus species provides accurate age estimates. The oldest stoplight parrotfish and queen parrotfish in the Δ14C age estimation validation series were 14 y and 16 y; while the oldest stoplight parrotfish and queen parrotfish we aged to-date using the Δ14C validated age estimation method were 20 y and 21 y, respectively. Fish longevity (maximum age attained/life span) is a key life history parameter used for estimation of natural mortality, survivorship, and lifetime reproductive output. Past reviews on parrotfishes from the Pacific and Atlantic concluded that most Caribbean/western Atlantic parrotfish species are relatively short-lived with estimated maximum ages ranging from 3–9 y. However, information from our collaborative research in the U.S. Caribbean combined with recently published age estimates for Brazilian parrotfish species indicate that many western Atlantic parrotfishes are relatively long-lived with several species attaining maximum ages in excess of 20 y.

The impact of investor sentiment on stock liquidity of listed companies in China

Researchers have scrutinized the link between investor sentiment and stock market liquidity globally, yet few have delved into this dynamic in emerging markets, especially China. Utilizing a sample of 1,839 publicly listed companies in China from 2010 to 2019, this study applies firm- and year-fixed-effects models to explore the nexus between investor sentiment and stock illiquidity, employing the Amihud measure for stock illiquidity assessment. The outcomes of these fixed-effect regressions illustrate a significantly positive relationship between investor sentiment and stock liquidity in the Chinese market. The positive link is more evident in scenarios characterized by high firm leverage, rapid revenue growth, larger corporations, greater institutional ownership, higher stock volatility, and lower book-to-market ratios. Intriguingly, this analysis incorporates the quadratic term of investor sentiment to examine the potential for a nonlinear dynamic between stock illiquidity and investor sentiment. The findings elucidate that the effect of investor sentiment on stock liquidity diminishes at elevated levels of sentiment, revealing a nonlinear inverse U-shaped relationship. The positive correlation between investor sentiment and stock liquidity persists across the three divisions of the Chinese Shenzhen Stock Exchange and remains robust using alternative liquidity measures, such as Roll’s impact and zeros impact. Addressing causality concerns, current investor sentiment appears to influence subsequent liquidity levels. These results provide valuable perspectives for policymakers, business executives, and investors in the stock market. Acknowledgment This research was funded by the Department of Education of Zhejiang Province General Program [Y202353438], the Wenzhou Association for Science and Technology—Service and Technology Innovation Program [jczc0254], the Wenzhou-Kean University Student Partnering with Faculty Research Program [WKUSPF2023004], and the Wenzhou-Kean University International Collaborative Research Program [ICRP2023002].

Participation in collaborative fisheries research improves the perceptions of recreational anglers towards marine protected areas

Collaborative fisheries research programs engage stakeholders in data collection efforts, often with the benefit of increasing transparency about the status and management of natural resources. These programs are particularly important in marine systems, where management of recreational and commercial fisheries have historically been contentious. One such program is the California Collaborative Fisheries Research Program (CCFRP), which was designed in 2006 to engage recreational anglers in the scientific process and evaluate the efficacy of California’s network of marine protected areas. CCFRP began on the Central Coast of California and expanded statewide in 2017 to include six partner institutions in three regions: Northern, Central, and Southern California. To date, over 2,000 volunteer anglers have participated in the program, with many anglers volunteering for multiple years. However, the impacts of outreach, education, and collaborative research on those anglers at the statewide scale are currently unknown. Thus, the objective of the current study was to survey the statewide pool of volunteer anglers to assess the degree to which participation in CCFRP has influenced angler perceptions of MPAs, fisheries management, and conservation. We received 259 completed surveys out of a pool of 1,386 active anglers, equating to an 18.7% response rate. Participation in CCFRP resulted in a significant, positive impact on anglers’ attitudes towards MPAs in California across all regions. Anglers who participated in six or more CCFRP fishing trips had a more positive perception of MPAs than those who participated in fewer trips. Volunteer anglers across all regions perceived that they caught larger fishes, a higher abundance of fishes, and a greater diversity of species inside MPAs, consistent with the ecological findings of the program. These results highlight the benefits of involving community members in collaborative scientific research. Collaboration between researchers and the broader community increases transparency and trust between stakeholders, and results in greater understanding of natural resource dynamics, ultimately producing better management outcomes.

ESG ratings and stock performance in the internet industry

Amidst the escalating emphasis on sustainable development, numerous corporations and organizations have intensified their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) efforts. The internet sector, intrinsically linked to the ESG domain, has consequently garnered amplified scrutiny. This study delves into the correlation between ESG ratings and the stock performance of publicly listed Chinese companies in the internet sector from 2016 to 2020. The findings reveal that initiatives in the ESG sphere significantly and negatively influence stock performance in these firms, assessed through raw stock returns, stock excess returns relative to the market index, Jensen’s one-factor alpha, and the Fama-French three-factor alpha. This inverse correlation between ESG ratings and stock performance is nonlinear and convex, indicating a lessening negative impact at elevated ESG levels. Moreover, this adverse effect is more pronounced in value stocks compared to growth stocks. Predominantly manifesting before 2018, this negative trend diminishes amidst the COVID-19 period. The reverse causality analysis employing lagged ESG ratings suggests that higher ESG ratings precipitate reduced stock performance, as opposed to vice versa. This study bridges a gap in the existing literature concerning ESG and stock performance specific to the Chinese internet industry and proposes recommendations for its sustainable evolution. AcknowledgmentThis research was supported by the Department of Education of Zhejiang Province General Program (Y202249981, Y202353438), the Wenzhou Association for Science and Technology – Service and Technology Innovation Program (jczc0254), the Wenzhou-Kean University Student Partnering with Faculty Research Program (WKUSPF2023004), the Wenzhou-Kean University International Collaborative Research Program (ICRP2023002, ICRP2023004), and the Wenzhou-Kean University Internal Research Support Program (IRSPG202205, IRSPG202206).

Regional differences in fishing behavior determine whether a marine reserve network enhances fishery yield

A network of marine reserves can enhance yield in depleted fisheries by protecting populations, particularly large, old spawners that supply larvae for interspersed fishing grounds. The ability of marine reserves to enhance sustainable fisheries is much less evident. We report empirical evidence of a marine reserve network improving yield regionally for a sustainable spiny lobster fishery, apparently through the spillover of adult lobsters and behavioral adaptation by the fishing fleet. Results of a Before-After, Control-Impact analysis found catch, effort, and Catch-Per-Unit Effort increased after the establishment of marine reserves in the northern region of the fishery where fishers responded by fishing intensively at reserve borders, but declined in the southern region where they vacated once productive fishing grounds. The adaptation of the northern region of the fishery may have been aided by a history of collaboration between fishers, scientists, and managers, highlighting the value of collaborative research and education programs for preparing fisheries to operate productively within a seascape that includes a large marine reserve network.

Collaborative fisheries research reveals reserve size and age determine efficacy across a network of marine protected areas

AbstractA variety of criteria may influence the efficacy of networks of marine protected areas (MPA) designed to enhance biodiversity conservation and provide fisheries benefits. Meta‐analyses have evaluated the influence of MPA attributes on abundance, biomass, and size structure of harvested species, reporting that MPA size, age, depth, and connectivity influence the strength of MPA responses. However, few empirical MPA evaluation studies have used consistent sampling methodology across multiple MPAs and years. Our collaborative fisheries research program systematically sampled 12 no‐take or highly protective limited‐take MPAs and paired fished reference areas across a network spanning 1100 km of coastline to evaluate the factors driving MPA efficacy across a large geographic region. We found that increased size and age consistently contributed to increased fish catch, biomass, and positive species responses inside MPAs, while accounting for factors such as latitude, primary productivity, and distance to the nearest MPA. Our study provides a model framework to collaboratively engage diverse stakeholders in fisheries research and provide high‐quality data to assess the success of conservation strategies.

(Invited) Correlation of Exciton and Charge Carrier Dynamics with the Performance of Metal Halide Perovskite Solar Cells

Perovskite solar cells have been recognized as a newly emerging solar cell with the potential of achieving high efficiency with a low cost fabrication process. In particular, facile solution processed cell fabrication facilitated rapid development of optimum cell structure and composition. Over the last few years, the cell efficiency has exceeded 25%.Highly efficient charge transfer reactions in addition to high charge separation efficiency and swift charge transport with minimum charge recombination are required to improve solar cell performance. Intensive studies have been focused on monitoring photo-induced exciton formation and charge dissociation, charge transport and interfacial charge transfer dynamics including interfacial charge recombination in perovskite solar cells.[1-5] Several parameters have been identified to influence these charge carrier dynamics, and therefore the solar cell performance.[1-5] Clarifying these parameters is extremely important to understand the charge transfer mechanisms to further improve solar cell performance.In this presentation, we will present parameters controlling charge dissociation in metal halide perovskites and their charge separation and recombination dynamics at the perovskite interfaces employing a series of transient absorption and emission spectroscopies. Correlation of the key parameters controlling the exciton and charge carrier dynamics with the solar cell performance will be discussed [1-5].This work was partly supported by JSPS KAKENHI Grant (19H02813) and (22H02182), and the Collaborative Research Program of Institute for Chemical Research, Kyoto University (grant number 2023-45 and 2022-99), Japan. We would like to acknowledge supports from the Australia-Japan Foundation for the international collaborative project. We also acknowledge supports from ARC LIEF fund (LE200100051 and LE170100235), Australia and School of Engineering in RMIT University, and Forefront Research Center, Faculty of Science at Osaka University.

Photo-Generated Charge Carrier Dynamics in Metal Oxide Photocatalysts

Solar water splitting is one of the most attractive energy carrier generation processes to utilize solar energy. Light generated hydrogen is a clean energy carrier, since their consumption for energy generation produces only water. Moreover, generated hydrogen can be stored and used whenever required. Hydrogen is mostly used as a feedstock in the chemical and petrochemical industries, e.g. production of ammonia, methanol and fertilisers.[1]The photocatalytic solar water splitting process has been studied extensively over the last half century. However, despite the efforts, no ideal photocatalyst has yet been identified to meet three main requirements for commercialisation: (1) low cost, (2) high solar to hydrogen (STH) efficiency and (3) durability. Over the last two decades, considerable efforts have focused on developing visible light active photocatalysts, and some promising photocatalysts with relatively high water splitting efficiency were discovered.[2] In contrast to search of appropriate photocatalyst (nano)materials, mechanisms of photocatalytic water splitting reactions, in particular charge carrier dynamics of photocatalysts, were little studied. Understanding charge carrier dynamics in photocatalysts will certainly provide an opportunity to design high efficiency photocatalysts.In this presentation, we will show dynamics of photo-generated charge carries in metal oxide photocatalyst by employing a series of transient absorption spectroscopies covering from 150 fs to 100 s over UV-VIS-NIR wavelength ranges.[2] Correlation of the charge carrier dynamics with photocatalysis reactions will be discussed.This work was partly supported by ARC DP fund (DP180103815) and ARC LIEF funds (LE170100235 and LE200100051), Australia, and the Collaborative Research Program of Institute for Chemical Research, Kyoto University (grant number 2023-45 and 2022-99), Japan. We also acknowledge supports from School of Engineering, RMIT University, and Forefront Research Center, Faculty of Science, Osaka University.

Bio-Waste Derived Hard Carbon: Effect of Treatment Conditions on Electrochemical Performance

There is a great deal of demand for rechargeable Li-ion batteries due to their high energy and power density compared to other rechargeable batteries. Despite the concern about limited lithium resources, scientists have re-examined sodium-ion batteries, since sodium is below lithium on the periodic table, and the two metals have many similar properties. As a result of its low cost, good cycle life, and reversible capacity, hard carbon (HC) is considered to be the most attractive negative electrode material for sodium-ion batteries. Nevertheless, the practical application of HC remains challenging due to its low capacity and initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE). We investigated how pre-treatment conditions affected the graphitization degree in order to overcome these issues. In addition, we observed a strong correlation between pre-oxidation and electrochemical performance when the carbonization temperature was increased. The observed results will be presented during the presentation. Acknowledgments This work was funded by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan Grant (AP09259165) and by Nazarbayev University under Collaborative Research Program Grant № 20122022P1611, AK.

Developing inclusive and equitable education systems: some lessons from Uruguay

ABSTRACT This paper addresses one of the greatest challenges facing education systems globally, that of making progress in relation to inclusion and equity in schools. Building on the findings of a programme of international collaborative action research carried out over the last twenty years, it reports on a pilot study carried out in Uruguay using professional learning materials developed by UNESCO. This points to the potential of a strategy for moving thinking and practice forward based on a collaborative action research approach. At the same time if shows how attempts to introduce the strategy have thrown light on local cultural and structural barriers that limited its implementation. Drawing on this analysis, the paper makes recommendations for future developments in Uruguay. It then concludes by arguing that the strategy could be used in other countries to identify factors that are limiting progress in order to develop more effective interventions.

Adversarial Resilient Cyber Effects for Decision Dominance Collaborative Research Program (DOD)

Adversarial Resilient Cyber Effects for Decision Dominance Collaborative Research Program (DOD)

(Digital Presentation) P-n Heterostructured Mos for NOx Gas Sensing

The significant air pollution caused mainly by exhaust and factory emissions has become a considerable hazard to human survival and development [1]. Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are a family of poisonous and highly reactive gases which forming at fuel high temperatures burn [2]. As an industrial source, such as power plants, industrial boilers, cement kilns, and turbines, NOx pollution is emitted by automobiles, trucks and various non-road vehicles (e.g., construction equipment, boats, etc.) [3]. Hazardous compounds such as NOx with negative environmental and human health consequences, must be controlled to avoid ecological disasters [4]. Metal-oxide-semiconductors (MOSs) as a class of chemoresistive sensors have attracted great attention in environmental monitoring, automotive emission monitoring and food safety testing, due to their low production cost, high sensitivity, simplicity of use and their ability to detect various gases [5].Due to its inherent advantages in charge carrier mobility, chemical activity, and redox potential, TiO2 (n-type) is a widely used and extensively researched MOSs. At the same time, CuO is also known to be an active transition-metal based semiconductor (p-type) having a lower electrical resistance value as well as a narrow band gap. A promising strategy for improving the gas sensitivity at room temperature (RT) is to apply p-n heterostructures to modulate resistance more strongly. The active surface area and nanoarchitecture affect the gas sensors' sensitivity. The provision of porous MOSs nanostructures to improve the diffusion channel and increase the adsorption of target gas molecules is the most promising means of achieving enhanced sensitivity [6-7]. The mentioned structures may be created using the glancing angle deposition (GLAD) reactive magnetron sputtering method. The TiO2/CuO heterostructure gas sensors were synthesized by reactive magnetron sputtering using the GLAD. The application CuO layer improves the gas sensor device's sensitivity due to electron-hole pair recombination and a reduction in the concentration of charge carriers in the TiO2 and CuO layers. The identical circumstances of 10 ppm and RT were used for each gas selectivity test. It demonstrates the potential of using heterostructured CuO/TiO2 nanorods as N2O gas sensors. Dynamic gas response analysis shows that the response time is only 47s, whereas the recovery time is 80s. The dynamic gas sensing measurements at various N2O gas concentrations exhibit excellent linearity at 50 ppb to 5 ppm range. The sensor's gas response was 2% at a very low N2O concentration (50 ppb) and 9.8% at 5 ppm. Thus, the research findings indicate that the p-n heterostructured CuO/TiO2 nanorods synthesized by reactive magnetron sputtering using the glancing angle deposition show fast response and recovery times in ultra-low N2O gas concentration in RT. It can be used as excellent N2O gas sensors for quickly monitoring air pollution. Acknowledgements. This research has been funded by the Science Committee of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Grant No. AP13067814) and Nazarbayev University under the Collaborative Research Program (Grant No. 021220CRP0122). References Zhu, L., Zeng, W. Room-temperature gas sensing of ZnO-based gas sensor: A review // Sensors and Actuators A: Physical. – 2017. №267. –P. 242-261. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sna.2017.10.021.Bhati, V., Hojamberdiev, M., & Kumar, M. The enhanced sensing performance of ZnO nanostructures-based gas sensors: A review // Energy Reports – 2019. №6. P. – 46-62. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egyr.2019.08.070.Daryakenari, A., Apostoluk, A., & Delaunay, J. Effect of Pt decoration on the gas response of ZnO nanoparticles // Physica Status Solidi (C). – 2012. №10(10). P. – 1297-1300. https://doi.org/10.1002/pssc.201200937H.B. Kim, S.P. Eckel, J.H. Kim, F.D. Gilliland, Exhaled NO: determinants and clinical application in children with allergic airway disease Allergy Asthma Immunol Res, 8 (2016), pp. 12-21Dae-Sik Lee, Jun-Woo Lim, Sang-Mun Lee, Jeung-Soo Huh, Duk-Dong Lee, Fabrication and characterization of micro-gas sensor for nitrogen oxides gas detection, Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, Volume 64, Issues 1–3, 10 June 2000, Pages 31-36M. Chen, Z. Wang, D. Han, F. Gu, G. Guo, Porous ZnO Polygonal Nanoflakes: Synthesis, Use in High-Sensitivity NO 2 Gas Sensor, and Proposed Mechanism of Gas Sensing, J. Phys. Chem. C. 115 (2011) 12763–12773. https://doi.org/10.1021/jp201816d.L. Van Duy, N. Van Duy, C.M. Hung, N.D. Hoa, N.Q. Dich, Urea mediated synthesis and acetone-sensing properties of ultrathin porous ZnO nanoplates, Mater. Today Commun. 25 (2020) 101445. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtcomm.2020.101445.