Formation Process Research Articles

Size dependence of electrical resistivity caused by stress-induced rejuvenation for metallic glassy microfibers

In this paper, we investigate the electrical transport properties of Zr-, La- and Pd-based metallic glassy fibers (MGFs) with diameters at microscale, which are fabricated by superplastic deformation at high temperatures. It is found that with the decrease of the diameter, the resistivity of the MGF increases with decreasing temperature more quickly. As compared to the thicker one, the structure of the thinner MGF is more strongly rejuvenated with a larger relaxation enthalpy, a larger average short-range atomic distance and less crystal-like structure induced by the larger normal stress during its formation process. Based on the evolution of the heterogeneous structure, the dependence of electrical resistivity on the size for the MGFs is interpreted within the extended Ziman liquid-metal theory. The results might be significant for controlling the electrical properties of MGFs via tunning their glassy states and applying them in micro-electromechanical systems.

Enhancing precursor stability with suitable additives to enable blade-coating of organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites at room temperature for efficient perovskite solar modules

In this study, room temperature blade coating organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite (OIHP) films with the precursors made of adding additives such as dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) to the volatile solvent of 2-methoxylethanol (2-ME) were explored. Unlike NMP, DMSO and DMF interact with the perovskites to form Lewis adducts, suggesting important factors beyond the Gutmann donor number and dielectric constant, such as molecular structure, influence adduct formation. The OIHP solar cells made of the precursors with optimized amount of DMSO, DMF and NMP showed the efficiency of 16.5 %, 16.1 % and 8.3 %, respectively. After optimizing the blade-coating process for OIHP film formation by using the Taguchi's method, the optimized OIHP solar modules (active area = 25.2 cm2) achieve PCEs of 14.6 % and 14.1 % with the precursor added 20 mol% DMSO and 30 mol% DMF, respectively. Moreover, the precursor added with DMF demonstrates better storage stability than that of DMSO, achieving the best module PCE of 13.4 % fabricated from the 3-day stored DMF-added precursors, while the module fabricated from the DMSO-added precursor shows a PCE of 9.1 %.

Redefining Home: Adaptive Transnationalism in the Migration of Tatar Women from Russia to Kazakhstan

This study explores the experiences of Tatar women who migrated to Almaty, Kazakhstan following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Employing theoretical frameworks of transnationalism and intersectionality, we analyze these women's migration experiences, religious practices, and identity formation processes. Based on in-depth interviews with ten Tatar women migrants, the research reveals how they navigate multiple identities, maintain and transform transnational connections, and construct new forms of belonging in their host society. Our findings demonstrate that these women are not merely navigating between two worlds, but actively creating new, transnational ways of being. Their stories highlight how migrants creatively adapt to new environments, negotiate multiple identities, and form communities that transcend traditional national and ethnic boundaries. Drawing on these insights, we propose a new conceptual framework of "Adaptive Transnationalism," which captures the dynamic process through which migrants actively reshape their identities, practices, and social connections in response to new cultural contexts, while maintaining and transforming ties to their places of origin. This framework offers a fresh perspective on how migrants actively shape their experiences and identities across borders, providing a valuable tool for navigating the complexities of modern migration and fostering more inclusive and adaptive societies.

Seasonal variation and size distribution of aromatic acids in urban aerosols in Beijing, China

Aromatic acids are an integral component of organic acids in the atmosphere, contributing to the formation of climate-altering brown carbon (BrC). To better understand the sources and formation processes of aromatic acids, we collected size-segregated particulate matter samples in urban Beijing from April 2017 to January 2018, which were analyzed using solvent-extraction followed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Phthalic acid (o-PhA) had the greatest average annual concentration, followed by terephthalic acid (p-PhA), 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (4-OHBA), dehydroabietic acid (DA), syringic acid (SA), 3-hydroxybenzoic acid (3-OHBA), isophthalic acid (m-PhA), and vanillic acid (VA). We identified distinct seasonal variations in aromatic acids, with o-PhA peaking in summer due to photochemical activity, while p-PhA and 4-OHBA elevated in autumn and summer, respectively, influenced by open waste and biomass burning. Wintertime variations in all aromatic acids were driven by complex meteorology and increased anthropogenic emissions, including rural biomass burning for cooking and heating. Particle size distribution of aromatic acids was affected by seasonal agricultural activities and dust storms, multiple emission sources, and formation mechanisms. The o-PhA has predominantly bimodal distribution, with diverse sources and complex formation mechanisms including gas- and aqueous-phase chemistry. The applicability of o-PhA as a tracer for specific secondary organic aerosols has been questioned due to its potential primary sources. The 3-OHBA, 4-OHBA, VA, SA, and DA exhibited bimodal or trimodal patterns during haze and non-haze periods across different particle size ranges. The seasonal variation in VA/SA and VA/4-OHBA ratios demonstrated the complexity of biomass burning types, influenced by season, particle size, meteorological conditions, and combustion sources.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF FORMING TECHNOLOGY MULTI-GROUP TRAINS ON DIFFERENT SORTING DEVICES

Purpose. The purpose of the work is a comparative analysis of the multi-group trains forming technology on various sorting devices for solve the task of choosing the best sorting device depending on the initial conditions (combination of train and sorting devices parameters) using both one-sided and two-sided methods of forming such trains. Method. The methods of combinatorics, mathematical statistics and simulation modeling were used for comparative analysis of the of forming multigroup trains methods. The formalization of both classical one-sided and adapted two-sided formation methods was taken from published scientific publications. Results. An illustration of the use of one-sided and two-sided forming methods for real trains allows a better understanding of the reason for the superiority of some methods over others for certain initial conditions. As a result, with the help of a simulation model, the time indicators of the formation of multi-group trains were obtained for various initial conditions, the comparison of which allows to establish the best option for the implementation of the technology of the formation of multi-group trains. Practical importance. The performed analysis allows to choose the best method for each specific case of the initial conditions which will speed up the formation process and reduce the idling time of local cars at the stations. For this purpose, it is advisable to include the specified forming algorithm in the station dispatching staff decision-making support system, which based on the data about the cars parameters and given classification tracks specialization that used to form such trains, will allow to obtain the time parameters of train forming in different ways and choose the best of them (for example, with the minimum duration of the train formation), for which a shunting work plan will be offered.

Передумови становлення радянської номенклатури в УСРР в 1919-1924 рр.: історичний контекст

The aim of the article is to clarify the historical context and reasons for the formation of the Soviet nomenclature in the Ukrainian SSR in 1919 – 1924. The research methodology is based on a combination of general scientific (analysis, synthesis, deduction) and special-historical (historiographical scientific analysis, structural-systemic) methods with the principles of historicism, objectivity, scientificity, and evidence. The scientific novelty of the work lies in the fact that using the above-mentioned methods in combination with scientific principles, the authors analyze the process of formation of the Ukrainian nomenclature as a systemic whole, consisting of elements (each element corresponds to a corresponding field of activity), on top of which a super-system is built as a peculiar basis, namely: the form of formation of the Russian nomenclature in the RSFSR (according to which nomenclature is formed in the Ukrainian SSR). Conclusions. Formation of the nomenclature in the Ukrainian SSR occurred as a result of the direct intervention of the Bolsheviks. To form the Ukrainian nomenclature, the Bolsheviks used methods of physical intervention and influence, which was accompanied by the expulsion of Ukrainian communists outside the republic and the appointment of communists from the center (RSFSR) to leadership and vacant positions in the government and communist party in the Ukrainian SSR.

Biological small molecule interface-modification fostering resilient interfacial chemistry for silicon-based anodes

Silicon-based materials, particularly at the microscale, are prone to rapid capacity fade due to substantial volume fluctuations during the charge-discharge cycles, significantly impeding their commercial viability. Constructing a stable solid electrolyte interface (SEI) is an effective means to improve the performances of silicon-based anodes. Here small biomolecules, tryptophan (Trp) and phytic acid (PA), are introduced as interface modifiers to optimize the interfacial chemistry of micron-silicon anodes. By engaging in the SEI formation process, these small biomolecules effectively regulate the chemical composition and mechanical properties of the formed SEI, fostering a more cohesive and durable interface. The simultaneous addition of PA and Trp has been observed to yield a synergistic effect, creating a tightly bonded and resilient SEI that confers markedly improved battery performances upon the co-modified micron silicon anodes. Density functional theory calculations reveal charge interactions between these small biomolecules and silicon particles, facilitating effective adsorption onto the silicon surface. Simultaneous adsorption of Trp and PA on silicon surface can significantly enhance adsorption strength, providing a compelling explanation for the observed synergistic effect of Trp and PA co-modification.

Shaking table simulation of soft sediment deformation structures in lacustrine sediments

Soft sediment deformation structures (SSDSs) in lacustrine sediments could record paleoearthquakes in tectonically active areas. However, their interpretations of deformation and triggering mechanisms still exist disagreement due to the lack of understanding of natural formation processes of SSDSs. In this study, two large shaking table experiments of saturated lacustrine sedimentary sequences, including Model 1 (simple stratigraphic system of thick silty-clay and sand layer) and Model 2 (stratigraphic systems of thin silty-clay and sand alternating layers) were carried out at the different peak ground accelerations (PGA) in order to simulate the earthquake-triggered SSDSs on the basis of field investigation in Tashkorgan of western China. The results showed that there were no SSDSs formed at the PGA 0.125g, and the excess pore-water pressure ratio (γμ) measured in the sand layer was lower than 0.1; sand volcanos, pipes and sand veins were formed at the PGA 0.25g, and the γμ value of the sand layer reached about 0.2 with the maximum liquefied depths of nearly 30 cm, indicating that weak liquefaction occurred in the sand layer; sand volcanos, pipes, sand veins, diapirs, load and flame structures, ball-and-pillow structures, silty-clay deformation structures were formed at the PGA 0.5g and 0.8g, and the γμ value of sand layer reached about 0.91 and 0.94 with the maximum liquefied depths of nearly 60 cm and 100 cm, respectively. The γμ value of silty-clay layers measured in all the tests was lower than 0.1, indicating that little liquefaction but thixotropy happened in the silty-clay layers. The tests showed that liquefied SSDSs could form at the PGA 0.25g, while thixotropic and gravity-driven SSDSs could form until the PGA reached 0.5g. This study also provided insights for a single or closely spaced shaking events being responsible of superposed deformed beds. The simulated SSDSs have striking resemblance to that of ones identified in the field, supporting the earthquake triggering of SSDSs in the Tashkorgan area.

Cerium(III)-induced structural transformation of hexagonal birnessite: Effect of mineral phase transition on arsenite transport and valence changes

The widespread mining and application of rare earth elements (REEs) have led to their continuous accumulation in the environment, with increasing concentrations in soil. The interaction between the most abundant REEs, cerium (Ce), and the prevalent hexagonal birnessite (HB) in the environment is worth attention. HB is one of the most effective metal oxides for the oxidation of arsenite [As(III)] and subsequent adsorption, and thus for arsenic (As) immobilization. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effect of the presence of Ce(III) ion on the HB formation process and the influence of generating minerals on the oxidation and removal of As(III). Research has found that the interfacial reactions of REEs in manganese (Mn) minerals not only affect their cycling but also alter the properties of the Mn minerals, thereby affecting the environmental fate of As. The results indicated that the presence of Ce ions affected the structure of HB during mineral synthesis and reduced the crystallinity of the conversion products. Their substitution for Mn(IV) in the lattice increased the specific surface area of minerals, reduced particle size, and produced more hydroxyl groups that were conducive to the immobilization of As(III). Meanwhile, Ce(III) was oxidized to Ce(IV) during the formation of Ce-bearing hexagonal birnessite (Ce-HB), and CeO2 nanoparticles were formed on the mineral surface and the removal rate of As(III) by Ce-HB was greatly improved. When the As concentration was lower than 6 mg·L−1, the removal effect of Ce-HB could reach the drinking water standard. However, the oxidation rate decreased due to the decrease in the proportion of Mn(IV). This study fundamentally reveals the behavior of HB coexisting with Ce in the migration and transformation of As(III) in the environment.

A transcription-independent role for HIF-1α in modulating microprocessor assembly.

Microprocessor is an essential nuclear complex responsible for the initial RNase-mediated cleavage of primary miRNA, which is a tightly controlled maturation process that requires the proper assembly of Drosha and DGCR8. Unlike previously identified mechanisms directly targeting the enzymatic subunit Drosha, current knowledge about the biological ways of controlling miRNA nuclear maturation through DGCR8 is less addressed. In this study, we unveiled that the microprocessor assembly is governed by a master gene regulator HIF-1α irrespective of its canonical transcriptional activity. First, a widespread protein binding of HIF-1α with DGCR8 instead of Drosha was observed in response to biological stimulations. Similar protein interactions between their corresponding orthologues in model organisms were also observed. After dissecting the essential protein domains, we noticed that HIF-1α suppresses microprocessor assembly via binding to DGCR8. Furthermore, our results showed that HIF-1α hijacks monomeric DGCR8 thus reducing its dimer formation prior to microprocessor assembly, and consequently, the suppressed microprocessor formation and nuclear processing of primary miRNA were demonstrated. In conclusion, here we unveiled the mechanism of how microprocessor assembly is regulated by HIF-1α, which not only demonstrates a non-transcriptional function of nuclear HIF-1α but also provides new molecular insights into the regulation of microprocessor assembly through DGCR8.

AI (Artificial Intelligence) culture in the context of the culture of working society

A problem-thematic analysis of the most important problems associated with the appearance of a chatbot with generative artificial intelligence (ChatGPT) in human life is presented. The process of formation of the ChatGPT culture over the past few years, its sources and prospects are considered. The concept of the culture of a working society is outlined — a set of values, norms, traditions and institutions that emphasize the importance of labor, production and interaction between people in many respects for the organization of society and the satisfaction of its needs. Through the lens of working society culture, the author postulates, firstly, that ChatGPT reinforces the growing trend of the end of working society. Secondly, the emergence of ChatGPT has activated the development of a culture of artificial intelligence (AI). Thirdly, the AI culture formed by man is, in fact, a counterversion to the culture of the working society formed over the last five hundred years — the culture of a “non-working society”. The author comes to the conclusion about the need to rethink the utopian and communist future proposed by thinkers and philosophers.

The Impact of Gastrointestinal Hormones on Human Adipose Tissue Function

Background: Obesity is a global issue, the development of which depends on many interacting factors. Among these, hormones secreted in the gastrointestinal tract play an important role. The aim of this review was to assess the impact of these hormones on the functions of adipose tissue. Methods: The analysis was based on the latest research concerning both adipose tissue and gastrointestinal hormones. Results: It was found that these hormones can significantly affect adipose tissue, both directly and indirectly. Some hormones, when secreted in excess, can stimulate adipose tissue formation processes, while others can inhibit them. The impact of hormones depends on the location and type of adipose tissue as well as the physiological state of the body. It should also be noted that no hormone acts in isolation but in close cooperation with other factors. Conclusions: The relationship between gastrointestinal hormones and adipose tissue, and their role in obesity, is a complex and evolving field of study. Further research is necessary, particularly into the interactions between hormones and other factors, as well as their mutual interactions.

Incentive strategies of an e-tailer considering online reviews: Rebates or services

This paper mainly considers an e-tailer-Stackelberg supply chain and characterizes the formative processes and distinct impacts of positive reviews and negative reviews on consumer purchases. The e-tailer can adopt either a pre-sales strategy (i.e., service strategy) or an after-sales strategy (i.e., rebate strategy) to encourage consumer purchases and stimulate positive reviews. By studying the above two strategies, we show that: (1) positive reviews and negative ones will exert a synergistic adverse effect on price decisions. (2) Given the exogenous rebate and service levels, the service (rebate) strategy becomes optimal for the e-tailer if consumers are more (less) willing to leave positive reviews. Notably, the e-tailer should refrain from adopting any incentive strategy when consumers exhibit a moderate willingness to provide positive reviews. (3) When the e-tailer can determine rebate and service levels, it should adopt the service (rebate) strategy if the threshold for positive reviews is intermediate (very low or high).

Gendered Consumer Responsibilization: The Constitution of Menopausal Women as Responsible Feminine Consumer Subjects

Abstract Recent decades have witnessed menopause, an inevitable, natural bodily transition come under the purview of the market. Menopausal women are increasingly expected to be informed entrepreneurs of their bodies, bringing this transition within the domain of self-regulation and responsibility. Using data emanating from institutionalized market actors (ie, pharmaceutical and insurance companies, healthcare professionals) and the accounts of consumers, we investigate the construction of responsibility in the contested field of menopause. We show that the formation of the responsible feminine consumer subject is an adjustive process generated through contestations between different articulations of subjectivity. Specifically, we identify three subject formative subprocesses and show how gender is implicated in each. Instead of following a singular path, these subprocesses culminate in two distinct, yet coexisting routes to responsibilization, either by appealing to the qualities of traditional feminine subjectivity or by aligning with postfeminist subjectivity. We extend existing theorizations by revealing how gender shapes the processes of responsible subject formation and broadening the investigation of consumer responsibilization to a personal and embodied level.

Preparing to play: a thematic analysis of bottom training in gay men’s fist-play

Anal fisting amongst gay men has been characterised as a risky form of sexual play, particularly for the bottoming (receptive) playmate. This view may be oversimplistic and fail to recognise how fist-bottoms ready themselves for fist-play through preparatory journeys of bottom training. This study explored how gay men who bottom in fist-play understand bottom training and how this understanding informs their personal sense of pleasure, risk, and safety. Unstructured individual interviews were conducted with 8 gay men who play as fist-bottoms. An inductive thematic analysis was conducted on the data, from which four main themes were developed: (1) training the body to play; (2) training for headspace; (3) training to understand pleasure; and (4) training by rules. Taken together, the findings highlight how fist-bottoms understand their bottom training as both a formative and transformative process that shapes their corporeal, psychological, erotic, and subcultural knowledge and skills to navigate play. Through bottom training, fist-bottoms explore and attune their understanding of what is safe and pleasurable, as well as riskier play.

Program for forming psychological readiness for professional communication in future pre-school education teachers during the process of studying at university

Introduction. The article deals with the problem of preparing specialists of the preschool education system for future professional activity in the process of studying at higher school. The authors present the basic concept for the creation and implementation of the main stages of the program for the formation of psychological readiness among students of preschool education for professional communication with all subjects of the educational process. The modular principle of designing a program based on the main components of the structure of psychological readiness is discussed, and the need to increase the practical training of future teachers of preschool education is noted. Materials and Methods. The research used: theoretical methods: analysis of scientific publications, psychological and pedagogical literature; synthesis and interpretation, method of generalization and systematization of information, modeling of the process of formation of psychological readiness for professional communication; empirical research methods: psychological and pedagogical experiment, testing, direct and indirect observation, proximetric techniques; data analysis methods: methods of mathematical statistics, quantitative and qualitative analysis of the results. Results. The authors substantiate and concretize the scientific and theoretical foundations, approaches and principles, organizational, psychodidactic and psychological-pedagogical conditions, present a detailed approbation of the program, assess the dynamics of the formation of psychological readiness for professional communication among future teachers of preschool education. The program allows undergraduate students to consistently master general cultural and general psychological communicative competencies; skills, abilities, actions of planning, designing, building, accumulating individual experience of interpersonal and professional communication with different subjects of the educational process; building personalized communication models with different target groups and subjects of education; to form the initial style of professional communication of the future teacher, his value-semantic, a substantial and structural-organizationaloutline. Discussion and Conclusions. The performed research has shown the need and possibility of systematic and systematic formation of psychological readiness for professional communication among students of preschool education in the process of studying at a university. The psychological readiness of students of preschool education has its own characteristics and correlates with the requirements for the professional competencies of a future teacher of preschool education.

The formation of a sustainable organizational identity: Insights from Brazilian coffee producers

AbstractOrganizations craft their identities to define their character and effectively communicate their values to stakeholders. In the contemporary quest for sustainability, building an identity that genuinely reflects their awareness and attention to these issues is increasingly salient. Over the years, research on organizational identity exhibited constant growth, witnessing the power of organizational identities exerted over organizational behavior. Prior research has emphasized the importance of organizational identity for an array of positive organizational outcomes. Still, much less is known about the levers behind the identity formation process. Against this backdrop, the present study explores the pathways to the formation of a sustainable organizational identity. By drawing on organizational identity and sensemaking literature, we build up a narrative inquiry, analyzing the experiences and perspectives of executives from 25 Brazilian coffee producers through in‐depth interviews. The findings underline that the process of formation involves three phases, namely, orienting toward sustainability, acting sustainably, and forging a sustainable identity, which are also shaped by contextual factors. We emphasize the key role of leadership in building a sustainable identity, as their motivations and sustainability‐oriented commitments could serve as catalysts for triggering organizational change.

Synergistic regulation of microstructure, properties, and abrasive wear mechanism of a medium carbon dual phase steel for plowshares

In this study, a new medium carbon dual phase (DP) steel for plowshares is prepared. The quenching and partitioning process of the medium carbon steel is designed and optimised using the constrained carbon equilibrium model. The optimised process parameters are quenching temperature of 880 °C, quenching bath temperature of 190 °C and partitioning temperature of 350 °C. The microstructure of the acicular martensite matrix with 13% retained austenite was prepared, so that the good mechanical properties of tensile strength of 2007 MPa, yield strength of 1689 MPa, elongation of 11% and impact energy of 12 J are obtained. The multi-scale characterisation and abrasive wear experiments are carried out to investigate its microstructural evolution and wear mechanism under simulated working conditions. The results show that the coordinated deformation of retained austenite and martensite, as well as the trip effect, endows it with ultra-high strength and good plasticity. The recurring process of formation and spalling of the hardened layer is the main wear pattern of this medium carbon DP steel. The synergism of twinning formation and (Ti, Mo)C precipitation enhances wear resistance of this medium carbon DP steel.

Sensitive Monitoring of the Minimum Inhibitor Concentration under Real Inorganic Scaling Scenarios.

Flow assurance is a long-term challenge for oil and gas exploration as it plays a key role in designing safe and efficient operation techniques to ensure the uninterrupted transport of reservoir fluids. In this regard, the sensitive monitoring of the scale formation process is important by providing an accurate assessment of the minimum inhibitor concentration (MIC) of antiscale products. The optimum dosage of antiscale inputs is of pivotal relevance as their application at concentrations both lower and higher than MIC can imply pipeline blockages, critically hindering the entire supply chain of oil-related inputs and products to society. Using a simple and low-cost impedimetric platform, we here address the monitoring of the scale formation on stainless-steel capillaries from its early stages under real topside (ambient pressure and 60 °C) and subsea (1000 psi and 80 °C) sceneries of the oil industry. The method could continuously gauge the scale formation with a sensitivity higher than the conventional approach, i.e., the tube blocking test (TBT), which proved to be mandatory for avoiding misleading inferences on the MIC. In fact, whereas our sensor could entail accurate MICs, as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy, TBT suffered from negative deviations, with the predicted MICs being lower than the real values. Importantly, the impedance measurements were performed through a hand-held, user-friendly workstation. In this way, our method is envisioned to deliver an attractive and readily deployable platform to combat the scale formation issues because it can continuously monitor the salt precipitation from its early stages and yield the accurate determination of MIC.

Automated compound speciation, cluster analysis, and quantification of organic vapors and aerosols using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography and mass spectrometry

Abstract. The advancement of analytical techniques, such as comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC×GC–MS), enables the efficient separation of complex organics. Developing innovative methods for data processing and analysis is crucial to unlock the full potential of GC×GC–MS in understanding intricate chemical mixtures. In this study, we proposed an innovative method for the semi-automated identification and quantification of complex organic mixtures using GC×GC–MS. The method was formulated based on self-constructed mass spectrum patterns and the traversal algorithms and was applied to organic vapor and aerosol samples collected from the tailpipe emissions of heavy-duty diesel vehicles and the ambient atmosphere. Thousands of compounds were filtered, speciated, and clustered into 26 categories, including aliphatic and cyclic hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons, aliphatic oxygenated species, phenols and alkylphenols, and heteroatom-containing species. The identified species accounted for over 80 % of all the eluted chromatographic peaks at the molecular level. A comprehensive analysis of quantification uncertainty was undertaken. Using representative compounds, quantification uncertainties were found to be less than 37.67 %, 22.54 %, and 12.74 % for alkanes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and alkyl-substituted benzenes, respectively, across the GC×GC space, excluding the first and the last time intervals. From a source apportionment perspective, adamantane was clearly isolated as a potential tracer for heavy-duty diesel vehicle (HDDV) emissions. The systematic distribution of nitrogen-containing compounds in oxidized and reduced valences was discussed, and many of them served as critical tracers for secondary nitrate formation processes. The results highlighted the benefits of developing self-constructed models for the enhanced peak identification, automated cluster analysis, robust uncertainty estimation, and source apportionment and achieving the full potential of GC×GC–MS in atmospheric chemistry.