Formation Process Research Articles

Atomically Dispersed Co-P Moieties via Direct Thermal Exfoliation for Alkaline Hydrogen Electrosynthesis.

The development of highly active and stable cathodes in alkaline solutions is crucial for promoting the commercialization of anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolyzers, yet it remains a significant challenge. Herein, we synthesized atomically dispersed CoP4 moieties (CoP4-SSC) immobilized on ultrathin carbon nanosheets via a phosphidation exfoliation strategy at medium temperature. The thermodynamic formation process of the Co-P moieties was elucidated using X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and theoretical calculations. Remarkably, the resulting CoP4-SSC electrocatalyst exhibited outstanding activity for alkaline hydrogen evolution, with a low overpotential of 52 mV at 10 mA cm-2 and a turnover frequency of up to 23.83 s-1. Moreover, the AEM electrolyzer fabricated with CoP4-SSC achieved a current density of 1 A cm-2 under an applied voltage of only 1.94 V, showing negligible degradation after 500 h of continuous electrocatalysis. A series of operando characterizations and density functional theory calculations revealed that the atomically dispersed Co-P moieties formed a nanointerface of [P-*H···H2O*-Co], which facilitates water dissociation during the Volmer-Heyrovsky pathway.

Demographic and Experiential Characteristics of Asexual Individuals and Associations with Well-Being.

The visibility and number of people identifying as asexual-those with little to no sexual attraction-have been increasing in recent years. In the current study, we examined variation in experiential and developmental milestones and psychosocial functioning in 1,726 individuals on the asexual spectrum (61.2% women, 15.0% non-binary, 14.2% men, 9.0% other gender). A lack of sexual attraction was a lifelong orientation-most (i.e., often half to two-thirds) asexual individuals reported never experiencing sexual attraction or acting on it. Identity formation processes and romantic feelings tended to be most salient in adolescence. People are identifying as asexual more recently, such that 18-22-year-olds did so recently in adolescence (ages 13-17), 23-29 year-olds did so recently in young adulthood (ages 18-24), and 30 + year-olds did so recently in adulthood (ages 25-34). This may be consistent with the visibility of asexuality increasing in recent years, providing a useful label for people. Asexual people were more out to other members of the LGBTQIA+ community but less to family, coworkers, and the heterosexual community. Being out and lower levels of internalized acephobia were associated with higher life satisfaction. We discuss these findings in the context of identity development and the mechanisms linking individual and relational characteristics to well-being in asexual populations.

Stabilizing Layered Oxide Cathodes Based on Universal Surface Residual Alkali Conversion Chemistry for Rechargeable Secondary Batteries.

Layered transition metal oxides (LTMOs) are attractive cathode candidates for rechargeable secondary batteries because of their high theoretical capacity. Unfortunately, LTMOs suffer from severe capacity attenuation, voltage decay, and sluggish kinetics, resulting from irreversible lattice oxygen evolution and unstable cathode-electrolyte interface. Besides, LTMOs accumulate surface residual alkali species, like hydroxides and carbonates, during synthesis, limiting their practical application. Herein, a universal strategy is suggested to in situ convert surface residual alkali into a stable polymer coating layer for LTMOs, thus turning wastes into treasure. The formation process of polymer coating involves NH4F treatment to consume residual alkali, then utilizing generated fluorides to induce the ring-opening polymerization of tetrahydrofuran. Implementing this strategy to Li-rich Mn-based cathode materials (LRM) results in a notable reduction in voltage hysteresis, along with enhanced kinetics and cycling stability in lithium-ion batteries. With this layer of encapsulation, surface lattice oxygen release and layered-to-spinel phase transition of LRM are significantly alleviated with minimal mechanical degradation and surface parasitic reactions. Such strategy can also be applied to air-sensitive sodium-rich LTMOs in sodium-ion batteries,which showcases superior universality. This work might provide a promising solution to overcome residual alkali and interfacial instability issues for LTMOs in practical application.

Wheat straw-based carboxymethyl cellulose and glycerol films enriched with polymalate: Characterization and application in grape preservation.

The shelf-life of grapes is reduced due to infection by various pathogens and mechanical damage, which consequently limits their availability on the market and results huge economic losses. Active packaging films are expected to overcome this problem. In this study, packaging films (CMC-Gly-PMA) were developed using wheat straw-based carboxymethyl cellulose (2%), glycerol (30% w/w of CMC) and polymalate (0.9%) to prolong the grape shelf-life. With regard to physical properties of films, TS, EB, OP and WVP were 28.4MPa, 142.1%, 8.52mmol/kg and 0.55×10-12g·m/m2·s·Pa, respectively. The FTIR spectra indicated that the interactions between CMC, glycerol and polymalate within the matrix were primarily physical in film formation process. In addition, the film cross-section showed a compact yet smooth surface. Films had UV barrier performance and positive antibacterial effects on E. coli and S. aureus. From the composting experiment, films decomposed almost entirely on day 21. Besides, during the storage period, the coated grape exhibited a lower decay index, weight loss and respiration rate than the control group, and the coated grape exhibited greater hardness than the control group. It can therefore be concluded that the coating treatment preserved grape quality and extended their shelf-life. The findings suggest that the active film has the potential to serve as an edible and biodegradable material for food packaging, which represents a promising avenue for further research in this field and supports the transition towards a circular economy in the packaging industry.

Revisited and Revalorised: Technological and Refitting Studies at the Middle Stone Age Open-Air Knapping Site Jojosi 1 (KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa)

The Middle Stone Age (MSA) of southern Africa is mainly known from rock shelters and caves. How early modern humans interacted with their landscapes remains comparatively understudied. The site of Jojosi 1, situated north of Nquthu in north central KwaZulu-Natal, is set within erosional badlands known locally as ‘dongas’. This locality offers a rare opportunity to study MSA technology and settlement dynamics in an open-air context. G. Botha initially discovered Jojosi 1 in 1991. He brought it to A. Mazel’s attention who excavated the site in the same year, but did not publish the lithic assemblage. Here, we report on the site’s rediscovery coupled with the first lithic analysis and luminescence dating. This work provides insights into the site formation processes of Jojosi 1 and lithic reduction strategies, raw material provisioning, and landscape use. Our techno-typological analysis draws upon Mazel’s collection of 7529 artefacts, combining attribute analysis and refitting studies. The results show the exclusive use of hornfels and its reduction via platform cores and Levallois methods to produce flakes and blades. Retouched tools are scarce and comprise mostly notched or denticulate pieces but lack backed tools, unifacial, and bifacial points. The museum collection features abundant small debitage and a strong component of cortical, initial stage, and core preparation flakes. The 48 refitted artefacts and ample small debitage in a spatially constricted band suggest high assemblage integrity with minimal post-depositional disturbance. Infrared stimulated luminescence dating of coarse grain feldspars brackets the archaeological occurrence to ~ 139–106 ka. Comparisons with contemporary lithic assemblages link the assemblage to the early MSA in southern Africa. We interpret Jojosi 1 as a knapping event aimed at blank production and exploitation of local high-quality hornfels. With little evidence for other behaviours, the site likely reflects a short-term knapping workshop on a source of abundant hornfels slabs. Our ongoing excavations in the Jojosi Dongas will be able to test this hypothesis and will work to characterise the technological adaptations and settlement dynamics of the MSA hunter-gatherers in this area.

Thermoelectrochemical formation of a solid electrolyte interphase on a silicon negative electrode to enhance the durability of silicon-enriched lithium-ion batteries by compositional modification.

The SiO electrode interface is passivated with a SiO2 layer, which hinders the deposition of an inorganic solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) due to its high surface work function and low exchange current density of electrolyte decomposition. Consequently, a thermally vulnerable, organic-based SEI formed on the SiO electrode, leading to poor cycling performance at elevated temperatures. To address this issue, the SEI formation process is thermoelectrochemically activated. Increasing the formation temperature lowers the work function by shifting the electron energy levels and increases the exchange current density for SEI formation. Higher temperatures promote the incorporation of inorganic Li2CO3 into the SEI film, resulting from the two-electron reduction of ethylene carbonate, and hence the thermally stable SEI film leads to stable cycleability. However, excessively high temperatures cause the SEI layer to become thick and resistive, significantly increasing the polarization of the SiO electrode, which leads to a deficient improvement of cycle performance. Therefore, moderate temperature exposure is required to convert the organic SEI into less resistive, inorganic components. The implementation of a mechanism-assisted SEI formation process in pouch cells using identical materials significantly improves the cycling performance, with a 20% enhancement by the 300th cycle. Additionally, the thermoelectrochemical activation of SEI formation reduces cathodic side reactions on SiO electrodes, which helps in preventing coupled failure of the NCM electrode by mitigating intergranular cracking and preserving its structure.

Efficient construction of core/double-shelled structured AP@nano-graphite@F2603 energetic microcapsules with low sensitivity and hygroscopicity.

Ammonium perchlorate (AP) is widely utilized in aerospace, defense and other fields due to its high energy density, exceptional stability, easy availability and adaptability. However, the high sensitivity and hygroscopicity of AP severely constrain its application in numerous fields. In this study, a two-step continuous coating method was employed to construct AP-based energetic microcapsules with low sensitivity and hygroscopicity. The formation process of the F2603 shell on the AP@nano-graphite surface was simulated using Materials Studio (MS), which proved the rationality of the shell formation process. In addition, the excellent electrical and thermal conductivity of the nano-graphite shell combined with the superior hydrophobicity and thermal insulation of the F2603 shell advanced the high-temperature decomposition process of the AP-based energetic microcapsules, enhanced the hydrophobicity of the AP (the water contact angle increased from 0° to 73° and the hygroscopic rates decreased from 0.132% to 0.051%), and reduced the impact sensitivity of the AP (the H50 value increased from 42.2 cm to 86.6 cm). Clearly, the diverse materials in the shell layer could endow the core AP with multiple functions. Therefore, this meaningful work provides a novel and extensive strategy to improve the performance of AP-based energetic microcapsules.

Solar-Active Carbon Nitride Film Integrated by Free Radical Copolymerization for Photocatalytic Indoor Air Purification.

The current lack of stable, scalable, and efficient coating technology dramatically limits the exploitation of solar-driven graphitic carbon nitride (CN) photocatalysts. Herein, a unique, efficient, and scalable method is reported to immobilize CN powder on various substrates ranging from Fluorine tin oxide (FTO), glass, Plexiglas, Al foil, Ti foil, and Granite stone, to even wood. The film shows an outstanding thickness of 212µm, which is the highest value ever reported. The formation process is ascribed to free radical copolymerization between the tri-s-triazine backbone and polyacrylamide, followed by cross-linking. The smooth, non-oxidizable, and well-defined continuous coating exhibits excellent adherence and durability. The distinctive sequence segments preserve the light transition within the film while enhancing the optical absorption in the solar spectrum. Under visible light illumination, the film shows outstanding photodegradation performance toward air pollutants, whether for gaseous acetaldehyde (Act) or toluene (Tol). This method is a great step forward that can open new opportunities for the commercial applications of CN powder.

Optimizing FACTS Device Placement Using the Fata Morgana Algorithm: A Cost and Power Loss Minimization Approach in Uncertain Load Scenario-Based Systems

Today, reliable power delivery and increasing demand are important issues in modern power systems. Flexible Alternating Current Transmission Systems (FACTS) devices are used to control transmission line parameters to increase power transfer and stability. Nevertheless, the problem of determining the optimal placement and sizing of these devices is still challenging, as the placement and sizing of the devices affects generation costs, power losses, voltage stability, and system reliability. This study proposes the Fata Morgana Algorithm (FATA), an optimization algorithm inspired by the natural process of mirage formation to optimize placement and sizing of FACTS devices in an IEEE 30 bus system with wind turbine integration. The FATA algorithm is evaluated against recently developed and improved optimization techniques, such as rime-ice formation phenomenon based Improved RIME (IRIME) Algorithm, Newton–Raphson-Based Optimization (NRBO), Resistance Capacitance Algorithm (RCA), Krill Optimization Algorithm (KOA), and Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO), across multiple optimization objectives: reduction in generation cost, reduction in power loss and combined generation cost plus power loss, termed as Gross cost function. Results obtained show that FATA consistently outperforms the other algorithms in terms of convergence and solution quality, offering a robust approach to solving single objective optimization problems. FATA theoretically provides a good balance between exploration and exploitation, and produces better global solutions. It practically increases power system efficiency by lowering operational costs and losses and improving stability. Results indicate that the FATA algorithm produced minimum generation cost of 807.0405 $/h, which is 0.088–0.426% less than the competing algorithms. It also reduced power losses to 5.5917 MW, which is 1.095–6.781% less than other methods. For gross cost minimization, the FATA algorithm achieved a minimum gross cost of 1366.3727 $/h, which is 0.4799% better than the next best algorithm and 3.2261% better than the worst. The results also show that FATA is robust in solving complex optimization problems in power systems, and it provides significant improvements in run time and convergence efficiency. The main advantage for readers is that FATA provides a reliable and efficient way to optimize power systems. Future work could also investigate the application of FATA in real time, as well as in larger power networks with more renewable energy sources.

The Transformative Power of Embodied Behaviour: Influencing Tourists' Experience in the Guangzhou Marathon as a Mass Participant Sports Event.

Mass-participation sports events (MPSEs) are of significant value to the fields of sports, culture, and tourism. MPSEs have witnessed a remarkable surge in popularity, which has led to a complex interplay of factors influencing participants' overall experience, making it crucial to understand the role of embodied behaviour. However, the existing literature is deficient in terms of providing substantial evidence, particularly with regard to the growing significance of experience planning as a core aspect of event design. This research employed the Guangzhou Marathon, one of the most renowned MPSEs in China, as a case study. The objective of this research is to investigate and extend the knowledge of the embodied behaviour of MPSE tourists through the mixed method of a questionnaire survey together with interviews. Furthermore, this research aimed to explore the antecedents and consequences of the embodied experience formation process. The findings demonstrated the pivotal role of the embodied experience in shaping tourist perceptions and subsequent intentions. Specifically, this research suggested that tourist behaviour with experience and attachment influenced the perceived value and cost of participation willingness through moderating and mediating effects. The findings contribute to the existing knowledge on sports tourism and behavioural studies and provide sustainable event management strategies.

An adaptive ensemble learning capacity prediction method with dual-modal data in lithium-ion battery manufacturing

ABSTRACT To measure the capacity of lithium-ion batteries in manufacturing, it is necessary to go through the formation, standing, and grading processes. The existing data-driven capacity prediction methods can only reduce a portion of the grading process and do not comprehensively use both time series data and statistical feature data. In response to the above problems, this paper proposes an adaptive ensemble learning method, which does not go through the grading process and only uses the statistical features and time series of dual-modal data in the formation process to predict the capacity. The LightGBM algorithm is used to predict statistical feature data, while the multi-channel GRU and multi-head self-attention network are used to predict time series data. Then, the two parts are fused through adaptive ensemble learning to estimate the capacity. Furthermore, the proposed method could be flexibly applied to the prediction of single-modal dirty data as required. The method is verified using actual industrial production line data. The experimental results show that the MAE and MAPE of the test set are 0.948 Ah and 0.324%, respectively. For single-modal dirty data (accounting for about 4%), MAPE of its prediction results is less than 0.65%.

Naa15 Haploinsufficiency and De Novo Missense Variants Associate With Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Interfere With Neurogenesis and Neuron Development.

Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) encompass a group of conditions that impact brain development and function, exhibiting significant genetic and clinical heterogeneity. NAA15, the auxiliary subunit of the N-terminal acetyltransferase complex, has garnered attention due to its association with NDDs. However, the precise role of NAA15 in cortical development and its contribution to NDDs remain elusive. By employing targeted sequencing on a large Chinese cohort affected by ASD and conducting an extensive literature review, we have compiled 64 distinct variants in the NAA15 gene identified among individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders. Our research demonstrates that loss of NAA15 leads to a substantial increase in neuronal count, potentially resulting in aberrant brain development and triggering repetitive as well as anxious behaviors in mice models. Furthermore, disorder-associated variants within NAA15 impair axon and synapse formation processes crucial for neural connectivity establishment. These findings shed light on the consequences of NAA15 deficiency along with its de novo mutations on brain development while unraveling the cellular mechanisms underlying NDDs.

Heterotopic ossification: Current developments and emerging potential therapies.

This review aimed to provide a comprehensive analysis of the etiology, epidemiology, pathology, and conventional treatment of heterotopic ossification (HO), especially emerging potential therapies. HO is the process of ectopic bone formation at non-skeletal sites. HO can be subdivided into two major forms, acquired and hereditary, with acquired HO predominating. Hereditary HO is a rare and life-threatening genetic disorder, but both forms can cause severe complications, such as peripheral nerve entrapment, pressure ulcers, and disability if joint ankylosis develops, which heavily contributes to a reduced quality of life. Modalities have been proposed to treat HO, but none have emerged as the gold standard. Surgical excision remains the only effective modality; however, the optimal timing is controversial and may cause HO recurrence. Recently, potential therapeutic strategies have emerged that focus on the signaling pathways involved in HO, and small molecule inhibitors have been shown to be promising. Moreover, additional specific targets, such as small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and non-coding RNAs, could be used to effectively block HO or develop combinatorial therapies for HO.

Assessment of Soil Organic Matter and Its Microbial Role in Selected Locations in the South Bohemia Region (Czech Republic)

Organic matter has a very important function in soil, without which, soil formation processes cannot take place properly. It can be divided and classified based on several aspects; the most general division is between the living and non-living parts of organic matter. The results presented in this paper specifically refer to the living microbial part of organic matter. This research was carried out in the years 2021–2024 in the South Bohemia region located in the Czech Republic. Two types of land use (four permanent grassland areas, two forest areas) were evaluated. Based on laboratory soil analyses, some significant dependencies were found. For example, in grasslands with statistically identical pH, there was a dependence (p-value 0.05) between soil organic carbon (SOC), carbon of microbial biomass (MBC) and microbial basal respiration (MBR). Additionally, coniferous forest experimental locations had a lower pH, which, in turn, slowed the activity of microorganisms and promoted the accumulation of SOC in the soil. The results from this experiment support the current knowledge of organic matter and are important for a better understanding of the soil organic matter cycle.

Rod‐Shaped Microgel Scaffolds with Interconnective Pores and Oxygen‐generating Functions Promote Skin Wound Healing and Alleviate Hypertrophic Scar Formation

AbstractThe processes of skin wound healing and scar formation are complex, often involving hypoxia and inflammation, which create a pathological microenvironment that impedes normal healing. Improving wound oxygenation and reducing inflammation are crucial for accelerating healing and reducing scarring. Traditional dressings like sponges, gauze, and hydrogels struggle to balance moisture retention, breathability, and exudate absorption. To address these challenges, rod‐shaped microgel scaffolds with larger surface areas and interconnected porous structures are explored to enhance gas transport, promoting wound oxygenation and moisture retention, thus accelerating healing and reducing scarring. Nanoparticles (NPs) are used to mediate the formation of microgels‐assembled scaffold and to load catalase (CAT) for enhanced bioactivity. In vitro experiments showed that this material alleviated oxidative stress and reduced the activity of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α), nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB), and the downstream transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β)/Smad pathway in fibroblasts. The incorporation of CAT showed a significant promotion of M2‐phenotype macrophage polarization. In vivo studies on rat and rabbit wounds demonstrated that the microgel scaffolds significantly improved exudate absorption and breathability, maintaining a moist and oxygenated environment. These scaffolds reduced tissue hypoxia, accelerated wound healing, and decreased hypertrophic scar formation in vivo. This innovative method leveraged the unique properties of microgels to effectively enhance skin tissue regeneration.

Droplet Trajectory Movement Modeling Using a Drop-on-Demand Inkjet Printhead Simulations

Previous studies of the authors were focused on the vertical movement of the jet print when the printed head was stationary. In this work, the following study was presented, in which the movement of droplets is achieved using a moving horizontal print head. The printed head moves at various velocities, which affects the time of printing and deposition accuracy. This study provides a 3D numerical model with a complete turnover/interchange of the droplet shape at different time steps during the formation and movement process. By considering the dynamics of a droplet surrounded by air, we modeled them using the two-phase flow coupling and level set function from the computational fluid dynamics module by COMSOL Multiphysics. The trajectory shifts of the inkjet droplet are considered from its ejection to its impact on the surface at each time step. The conclusions summarize all the factors responsible for the trajectory shift of the droplet during vertical fall.

Hill Stations in Vietnam During the French Colonial Period: The Case Study of Tam Dao

In the process of colonial conquest, beside political and economic strategies, Western powers continually sought to establish hill stations as “sanctuaries from the death in the tropics”. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, French colonialism in Vietnam intensified their exploration and search for places in the midlands and mountainous areas to establish hill stations. These stations served as retreats for vacationing, recuperation, and cure during summers, eliminating the need for travel to distant lands. This article aims to answer the question of the reasons and conditions that led the colonial authorities to choose locations for establishing these mountain resorts. It elucidates the process of formation and development of Tam Dao (Vinh Yen province), in comparison with Da Lat (Central Highlands) and Sapa (Northwest region). The article contributes to sparking further research on this intriguing topic in the modern history of Vietnam, particularly in Vĩnh Yên.

Assessment, Decision, Adaptation, Production, Topical Experts-Integration, Training, and Testing (ADAPT-ITT) Framework to Tailor Evidence-Based Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Treatment for People With HIV to Enhance Engagement and Adherence: Qualitative Results from a Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial.

Individuals with co-occurring posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and HIV are at high-risk for negative HIV-related outcomes, including low adherence to antiretroviral therapy, faster disease progression, more hospitalizations, and almost twice the rate of death. Despite high rates of PTSD in persons with HIV (PWH) and poor HIV-related health outcomes associated with PTSD, an effective evidence-based treatment for PTSD symptoms in PWH does not exist. This study aimed to describe the adaptation and theater testing of an evidence-based intervention designed for people with co-occurring PTSD and HIV. The Assessment, Decision, Adaptation, Production, Topical experts-integration, Training, and Testing (ADAPT-ITT) framework guided the formative process used to modify an evidence-based PTSD treatment (cognitive processing therapy; CPT) to meet the unique needs of PWH experiencing PTSD. With the integration of Life-Steps for Medication Adherence (Life-Steps), the adapted protocol (CPT-Life-Steps for integration of adherence; CPT-L) targeted HIV-related stigma and HIV medication adherence within a trauma-informed framework. Theater testing was completed with 7 participants to evaluate acceptability of CPT-L for PWH. The qualitative data (N=54 recordings) used to evaluate and adapt CPT-L emerged from individual interviews conducted with participants after each therapy session as well as exit interviews conducted at posttreatment data collection. After challenging stigma-related appraisals, participants expressed feeling less constrained by maladaptive thoughts. These shifts translated to increased self-efficacy with both HIV-related care and mental health. These results indicate that trauma-informed work with PWH should consider the impact of HIV on trauma-related stuck points, intersecting identities (including living with HIV), and challenging internalized stigma. Findings provide evidence that CPT-L is acceptable and effective in addressing internalized HIV stigma that impacts PTSD symptom maintenance and HIV treatment engagement. ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT05275842; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05275842?id=NCT05275842&rank=1. RR2-10.1016/j.conctc.2023.101150.

ANALYSIS OF CANISIAN SELF-TRANSFORMATION THROUGH IGNATIAN LEADERSHIP TRAINING AT KOLESE KANISIUS JAKARTA

Ignatian leadership training programs at Kolese Kanisius Jakarta need to be evaluated periodically. The goal of this study is to examine how the Ignatian transformation designated as the goal of the leadership training programs is experienced by the students involved. This study also aims to clarify the characteristics of an Ignatian transformation and its prerequisites. The methods used in this research were a literature study mainly on Jesuit education and in-depth interviews with 9 former members of the Canisius College students council. All respondents were determined according to the purposive sampling principle while the data analysis was done using Miles and Huberman’s method. Ignatian transformation in this study is discussed in the sense of the formation of “men and women for and with others” and “human excellence,” which together form two complementary aspects of a single transformative process. This transformation takes place in Canisians who have completed their Ignatian leadership training at Kolese Kanisius. The transformative effect manifests in four areas of human excellence, namely the 4Cs (competence, conscience, commitment, compassion), aimed at service to others. Canisians display the qualities of Ignatian leaders who can reflect on themselves and direct their actions towards addressing the needs of the world. The self-transformation experienced by the Canisians results from leadership training aligned with the Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm (IPP). Additional factors to this transformation include: a school environment that encourages ongoing formation, a shared Ignatian language within the school community, peer accompaniment throughout the formation process, and role models from the former Presidium.

Changes in the Dominant Contributions of Nitrate Formation and Sources During Haze Episodes: Insights From Dual Isotopic Evidence

AbstractInorganic nitrate (NO3−), a crucial component of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), has not shown a consistent decrease, despite an obvious decrease of nitrogen oxide (NOx) and PM2.5. The atmospheric oxidation process for nitrate formation has been deemed a key factor in pollution; however, the changes of sources and oxidation pathways during a particular haze episode require further investigation. Here, daily dual isotopes (δ15N and δ18O) were used to quantify the sources and oxidation pathways of nitrate formation in Qingdao, a port city in Northern China, from September 2017 to February 2018. This study also includes a detailed introduction to two haze episodes. δ15N and δ18O results show that both fractions of nocturnal oxidation for nitrate formation and NOx from coal combustion were lower in warmer season and higher in colder season. The fractions increased with increasing PM2.5 under low PM2.5 concentration while the fractions were not significantly changed under higher PM2.5 concentration, dominated by nocturnal oxidation (70.6% ± 9.7%) and coal combustion (66.1% ± 18.2%), respectively. The haze episode 1 was attributed to smoke transported over long distances, which provided a large amount of aerosol particles to absorb more locally formed gaseous HNO3 or N2O5. In this episode, meteorological and air quality factors, nitrate sources, and formation mechanism did not obviously change. Haze episode 2 was caused by unfavorable meteorological factors that enhanced local nitrate accumulation. As pollution worsened, the oxidation pathway shifted from OH oxidation to N2O5 hydrolysis, and the primary source changed from coal combustion to more vehicle exhaust.