Incorporation Of Elements Research Articles

Unveiling the Influence of Sulfur Doping on Photoelectrochemical Performance in BiVO4/FeOOH Heterostructures.

BiVO4 is a promising photoanode for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting but suffers from high charge carrier recombination and sluggish surface water oxidation kinetics that limit its efficiency. In this work, a model of sulfur-incorporated FeOOH cocatalyst-loaded BiVO4 was constructed. The composite photoanode (BiVO4/S-FeOOH) demonstrates an enhanced photocurrent density of 3.58 mA cm-2, which is 3.7 times higher than that of the pristine BiVO4 photoanode. However, the current explanations for the generation of enhanced photocurrent signals through the incorporation of elements and cocatalyst loading remain unclear and require further in-depth research. In this work, the hole transfer kinetics were investigated by using a scanning photoelectrochemical microscope (SPECM). The results suggest that the incorporation of sulfur can effectively improve the charge transfer capacity of FeOOH. Moreover, the oxygen evolution reaction model provides evidence that S-doping can induce a "fast" surface catalytic reaction at the cocatalyst/solution interface. The work not only presents a promising approach for designing a highly efficient photoanode but also offers valuable insights into the role of element doping in the PEC water-splitting system.

Microstructure and mechanical properties of AlTiCrFe and AlTiCrCu alloys processed by Laser Powder Bed Fusion

Additive manufacturing (AM) of aluminium alloys urges new alloy compositions to meet the requirements for high-strength and processability of the engineering products. This research focuses on the development of two Al alloys, AlTiCrFe and AlTiCrCu, with the goal to exploit the potential of transition element additions for grain refinement and increasing strength. Robust processability and build rates are reached for the two alloys, with no cracks and high density up to 99.8%. AlTiCrFe shows a bimodal microstructure, with the presence of ultrafine and fine grained zones, that can be attributed to a dual precipitation stage. Al3Ti precipitates are present in the ultrafine grained zone, confirming the effectivity of Ti as grain refiner. In addition, Al6Fe precipitates are present in the fine grained region, as a consequence of the later precipitation stage. AlTiCrCu, on the contrary, shows an homogeneous ultrafine grain microstructure, with Cu segregating at the grain boundaries. SAED analyses confirm the phase identification with the presence of high volume density cubic precipitates of Al3Ti_L12. AlTiCrFe and AlTiCrCu exhibit a yield strength value of 363 ± 1 MPa and 340 ± 1 MPa, respectively. These findings indicate that the two alloys open up new possibilities for a novel class of aluminium alloys for AM, leveraging the incorporation of transition elements, which aids in achieving strength during the as-built state, eliminating the requirement for supplementary heat treatment.

Enhanced Oxygen Evolution Activity and Stability of RuO2(110) Surface by Ti Doping

Introduction Developing highly active and durable electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is essential for efficient hydrogen production through polymer electrolyte membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE). Although RuO2 exhibits the highest OER activity among pure transition metal oxide catalysts, its low durability hampers its practical application as an OER catalyst for PEMWE. Recent studies have shown that the incorporation of dissimilar metal elements, such as Ni, Mn, and Cu, effectively enhances the OER activity and stability of RuO2 in acidic electrolytes (1-3). In this study, we focus on Ti, a corrosion-resistant element in the PEMWE environment, and investigate the effects of doping amounts on the OER activity and stability of a RuO2(110) single crystal model catalyst surface. Experimental Non-doped rutile-type TiO2(110) single crystals were used as sample substrates. Ru and Ti, with a total thickness of 40 nm, were deposited onto the substrate at 400 ℃ under 0.5 Pa-O2 partial pressure using the arc-plasma deposition (APD) method. Subsequently, the sample was post-annealed at 400℃ for 1 hour in air using a tube furnace. Hereafter, the samples are denoted as RuO2-Tix (x represents the atomic percentage of doped Ti).Oxygen evolution activity was measured by linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) at a scan rate of 20 mV s-1 in N2-purged 0.1 M HClO4 at room temperature. Chronopotentiometry (CP) was conducted at 1 mA cm-2 for 120 min to evaluate the durability. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was conducted at 1.6 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) to measure the solution resistance. All the LSV and CP data were iR-corrected using the Rs values. Out-of-plane X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was carried out to evaluate the crystal structure. The dissolution amounts of Ru into the electrolyte after CP were evaluated by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results and Discussions Fig. 1(a) presents the out-of-plane XRD patterns of Ti-doped and non-doped RuO2(110) samples. The results indicate that (110)-oriented Ti-doped and non-doped RuO2 thin films were successfully obtained on TiO2 substrates. However, the peak position of RuO2(110) gradually shifts to the lower angle side, and the peak becomes less distinct with increasing Ti-doping amounts, suggesting that doped Ti is dissolved in the RuO2 crystal lattice and the crystallinity decreases with increasing doping amounts. Initial LSV curves for OER are shown in Fig. 1(b). The current density of RuO2-Ti4, 5, and 7 samples significantly increases at higher potential regions above 1.6 V vs. RHE, while RuO2-Ti2 and 10 exhibit decreased activity. The CP curves presented in (c) demonstrate that Ti doping, especially at 5 and 7 at.%, effectively suppresses the overpotential increase during CP. The dissolution amounts of Ru after 120 min of CP are summarized in (d). The dissolution amounts tend to decrease with increasing Ti-doping amounts. These results clearly show that an appropriate amount of Ti-doping effectively enhances both the OER activity and electrochemical stability of the RuO2(110) surface.AcknowledgmentsThis study was partly supported by JSPS KAKENHI Grant Number 21H01661, 22K19078 and Toyota Mobility Foundation Hydrogen Initiative. References Z. Y. Wu, F. Y. Chen, B. Li, S. W. Yu, Y. Z. Finfrock, D. M. Meira, Q. Q. Yan, P. Zhu, M. X. Chen, T. W. Song, Z. Yin, H. W. Liang, S. Zhang, G. Wang and H. Wang, Nat. Mater., 22, 100 (2023). S. Chen, H. Huang, P. Jiang, K. Yang, J. Diao, S. Gong, S. Liu, M. Huang, H. Wang and Q. Chen, ACS Catal., 10, 1152 (2020). J. Su, R. Ge, K. Jiang, Y. Dong, F. Hao, Z. Tian, G. Chen and L. Chen, Adv Mater, 30, 1801351 (2018). Figure 1

Rationalizing the Effect of the Redox-Inactive Metals on the Activity of Oxides in Oxygen Electrocatalysis

The large-scale implementation of renewable energy conversion and storage technologies is a key challenge to transition to a sustainable society. One of the most critical elements towards this goal is the discovery of active, stable and inexpensive catalysts for electrochemical energy conversion processes, such as the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), which are central for the efficiency of water-splitting electrolyzers, fuel cells and metal–air batteries.1 Manganese-based spinels, MxMn3-xO4, and ruthenium pyrochlores, M2Ru2O7 − δ, are known as active catalysts for the ORR and OER, respectively, and were studied here as model systems to rationalize the effect of the incorporation (doping) of redox-inactive elements (M) into the structure on the catalytic performance of complex oxides in oxygen electrocatalysis.We found a direct correlation between the ORR/OER activity of Mn3O4:M spinels (M = Mn, Cu, Zn, Mg, Ca, Sr),2 and Y1.8M0.2Ru2O7 − δ pyrochlores (M = Y, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu),3 the lattice oxygen binding strength/lability and the formation enthalpy of the binary MO x oxides. We found experimentally that the activity of Mn3O4:M and Y1.8M0.2Ru2O7 − δ in, respectively, ORR and OER, varies significantly depending on the nature of M. We observed that metals M with higher enthalpies of formation for the respective oxide weaken the oxygen binding on the surface of the complex oxide that correlates in turn with changes in ORR/OER activity. DFT studies captured changes in the electronic structure upon M substitution and allowed to correlate trends in the electronic band structure and the oxygen vacancies formation energies with the ORR/OER performance of the Mn3O4:M/Y1.8M0.2Ru2O7 − δ catalysts. These activity trends are subsequently discussed in the framework of theoretically established correlations between the electrocatalytic activity and adsorption energies of catalytic intermediates. We demonstrated that the introduction of redox-inactive metal substituents/dopants into the host structure of a metal oxide is a highly versatile approach to tune the binding strength of reaction intermediates (determining the position of the catalyst on the ORR/OER activity volcano), and in turn improve the ORR/OER activity and also selectivity. This approach is a general concept that is transferrable to a broad selection of materials and processes associated with adsorption and redox reactions involving oxygen species.References(1) Seh, Z. W.; Kibsgaard, J.; Dickens, C. F.; Chorkendorff, I.; Nørskov, J. K.; Jaramillo, T. F. Science 2017, 355, eaad4998.(2) Wu, Y.-H.; Mehta, H.; Willinger, E.; Yuwono, J. A.; Kumar, P. V.; Abdala, P. M.; Wach, A.; Kierzkowska, A.; Donat, F.; Kuznetsov, D. A.; Müller, C. R. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2023, 62, e202217186.(3) Kuznetsov, D. A.; Naeem, M. A.; Kumar, P. V.; Abdala, P. M.; Fedorov, A.; Müller, C. R. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2020, 142, 7883-7888.

Breastfeeding and transpersonal values

This inquiry explored the impact of breastfeeding on mothers’ transpersonal values. It acknowledged societal obstacles mothers’ experience when attempting to breastfeed and included 12 participants who had a breastfeeding experience that reflects the current recommendations by the World Health Organization (WHO), meaning six months of exclusive breastfeeding followed by a combination of breastfeeding and solid foods for at least two years. The study followed an Organic Inquiry design which allowed for the incorporation of elements of feminism and environmental responsibility. Participant stories were collected through semi-structured online interviews, and the data was analysed using thematic analysis. Participants felt that breastfeeding enhanced transpersonal qualities at a personal level and noticed that these gave rise to transformative action at a community level. Six themes were identified: Transpersonal self-concept, spiritual insights, interconnectedness, discernment, alignment with nature and transformative changes. All participants regarded breastfeeding as a transformative experience which contributed to a sense of alignment with the natural world. Participants insights suggest a congruence of transpersonal psychology’s current focus on social engagement and environmental protection and global breastfeeding support efforts carried out by the WHO.

Neutron shielding analysis for a gadolinium doped nickel alloy

Rare-earth-nickel (RE-Ni) alloy is a kind of appealing neutron shielding material for advanced reactors and spent fuel storage containers. The incorporation of neutron-absorbing additive RE elements results in a RE-Ni alloy with integrated structural and functional features, which can drastically reduce shielding material weight. Gadolinium (Gd), in comparison to other rare-earth elements, has a much larger thermal neutron absorption cross section, necessitating only a low fraction to achieve the desired shielding capability. Hence, gadolinium is doped into a nickel-based alloy to form a gadolinium-nickel (Gd-Ni) alloy. Due to its extremely low solubility in the nickel phase, gadolinium is commonly manifested as heterogeneously spatially scattered Gd-rich phases in existing preparation procedures of alloys rather than homogeneously distributed gadolinium elements. This would result in a strong neutron tunneling effect, limiting the neutron shielding capability of Gd-Ni alloys. In this work, a superfine layered Gd-Ni alloy doped with Gd-rich phases and arranged in dislocations is proposed to provide an adequate dislocation density of Gd-rich phases to suppress the neutron tunneling effect. With the same Gd content, the thermal neutron shielding ability of a layered Gd-Ni alloy is comparable to the case that Gd is assumed to be an ideally homogeneous distribution in the material. The smaller the particle size of the Gd-rich phase, the weaker the neutron tunneling effect, and the lower the thermal neutron transmission ratio. For a 0.5 cm-thick Gd-Ni alloy, the particle size of Gd-rich phase should be kept within 20μm to achieve a thermal neutron transmission ratio of less than 10−5 for natural gadolinium content of 0.6 at.%. This work provides an important guidance for the design and fabrication of the next-generation neutron shielding materials.

Exploring the intersection of Anton Chekhov and Haruki Murakami: a slow reading analysis of “Drive My Car”

The study aims to employ the method of slow reading to analyze the short story authored by Haruki Murakami. Intertextuality is the predominant feature of the narrative, the references to the Beatles’ song and Ernest Hemingway’s collection of stories add to the subtext of the story. However, it is the allusion to Chekhov’s “Uncle Vanya” in the Meiji-era adaptation (translated by Senuma Kayō) that stands out among others as the basis for deeper understanding of the story’s nuances. The characters in the 2014 story encounter similar challenges as those in Chekhov’s 1890s play, where the inability to comprehend others raises a crucial question of how to continue living and for what purpose. Misaki’s articulation of the answer echoes Sonya’s words from “Uncle Vanya”, emphasizing the necessity of enduring difficulties and persevering in one’s trained and most proficient area. The literary work “Drive My Car” epitomizes the characteristic style of Haruki Murakami, as evidenced by his fondness for music and incorporation of songs and musical elements, his propensity for employing allusions, quotations, and other forms of intertextuality. The story is similar to Chekhov’s play in the melancholic tone of the narration, lack of action, loose plot structure, a metaphorical employment of mundane life events, the choice of words the text is made of. Chekhov and Murakami stand together in their refusal to judge or blame their characters, in their acceptance of life in all of its most complicated manifestations.

The incorporation of chlorine and cosmogenic 36Cl into speleothem carbonate

AbstractCave carbonate mineral deposits (speleothems) contain trace elements that are intensively investigated for their significance as palaeoclimate and environmental proxies. However, chlorine, which is abundant in marine and meteoric waters, has been overlooked as a potential palaeo-proxy, while cosmogenic 36Cl could, in principle, provide a solar irradiance proxy. Here, total Cl concentrations analysed from various speleothems were low (3–14 mg/kg), with variations linked to crystal fabrics. High-resolution synchrotron radiation micro X-ray fluorescence (μ-XRF) trace element mapping showed Cl often associated with Na, Si, and Al. We propose that speleothems incorporate Cl in two fractions: (1) water soluble (e.g., fluid inclusions) and (2) water insoluble and strongly bound (e.g., associated with detrital particulates). However, disparities indicated that alternate unidentified mechanisms for Cl incorporation were present, raising important questions regarding incorporation of many trace elements into speleothems. Our first measurements of 36Cl/Cl ratios in speleothems required large samples due to low Cl concentrations, limiting the potential of 36Cl as a solar irradiance proxy. Critically, our findings highlight a knowledge gap into how Cl and other trace elements are incorporated into speleothems, how the incorporation mechanisms and final elemental concentrations are related to speleothem fabrics, and the significance this may have for how trace elements in speleothems are interpreted as palaeoclimate proxies.

The role of post-mortem alteration in tooth enamel revisited: A combined strontium isotope and geochemical evaluation

Assessing post-mortem alteration of tooth enamel in archaeological burial sites of interest is critical and required in order to accurately interpret the isotope composition of bioavailable Sr for use in determining migration patterns of populations in ancient civilizations. Several statistical approaches have been established to evaluate the degree of post-mortem alteration within tooth enamel, and these are based on the incorporation of trace elements (Mn, V, Fe, REEs, Th, U) typically present within the burial environment. In this study, both new and previously reported chemical data and radiogenic Sr isotope ratios for both modern-day and archaeological tooth enamel samples are presented, which range from pristine to altered in nature. Significant correlations between elevated abundances of mobile elements (V, Fe, Nd, U) and their corresponding Sr isotope signatures are limited and are most prevalent when the latter are compared to their Fe contents. Tooth enamel samples affected by diagenesis based on their outlier chemical composition do not necessarily record perturbed Sr isotope signatures, and therefore should not be precluded precipitously from provenance studies.

Assessing the Efficacy of Reflective Game Design: A Design-Based Study in Digital Game-Based Learning

Reflective learning is widely recognised as a highly effective approach to learning. It involves learners in a process wherein they reflect on their past experiences to improve their skills and knowledge. In recent years, there has been growing recognition of the capacity of games to facilitate experiential learning. Therefore, this research aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of integrating reflective design principles into digital game-based learning (GBL). The focus was on assessing the reliability and appropriateness of reflective game design, as well as learner perceptions. This study adopted a participatory design approach, ensuring the active involvement of the target audience across all extensive phases. The research consisted of three main phases. Firstly, reflective learning was integrated into game design to develop the Reflective Game Design (RGD) framework. This development was guided by insights gathered from participants through both a user survey (N = 101) and semi-structured interviews (N = 15). Subsequently, a GBL digital game was developed based on the RGD framework in co-design sessions (N = 6). Finally, a prototype evaluation (N = 56) was conducted to assess the feasibility and practicality of implementing reflective game design within digital GBL contexts. Overall, the RGD approach and the game prototype received positive feedback in terms of engagement, content clarity, the incorporation of reflective game elements, and player immersion. This study contributes to the literature by providing principles and guidelines for RGD, thus offering valuable insights for researchers, educators, and game designers looking to create effective educational games.

Phase diagram-guided composition design and property investigation of Ni-based filler metals

The fundamental mechanism underlying the formation of brazed joints involves the diffusion of elements between the base metal (BM) and the brazing filler metal (FM). The formation of brittle compounds in FM during the brazing process frequently results in a significant deterioration of the mechanical properties of the brazed joints. Ni and Cu elements exhibit infinite solubility, and the incorporation of Cu element results in a decrease in the liquidus temperature of FM, thereby enhancing its surface wettability on the BM. The present investigation involves the preparation of as-cast and amorphous FMs with varying Cu element concentrations to examine their material properties, such as weldability, wettability, thermophysical behavior, and creep resistance. The thermophysical and mechanical properties of the nickel-based filler metal BNi-2 were evaluated using the JMatPro software for material thermodynamic simulation and compared with data obtained from existing literatures. An analysis is conducted on the creep properties of a novel FM comprising of Ni, Cr, Fe, Si, B, and Cu. The results suggest that the thermophysical properties of BNi-2 filler are minimally impacted by the presence of Cr (6–8 wt%), Fe (2.5–3.5 wt%), Si (4–5 wt%), and B (2.75–3.5 wt%). Furthermore, alterations in the composition of Si and B elements have a significant impact on the distribution of γ and γ′ phases, consequently influencing the creep properties of the material. At 25 °C, the equilibrium phase of BNi-2 with different Cu contents indicates a gradual decrease in the content of γ phase, while the content of γ′ and Cu–Ni phases increases with an increase in Cu content. The BNi-2 filler with 3 % Cu exhibits the most favorable properties in terms of steady creep rate and fracture life compared to other fillers. This is attributed to the competitive equilibrium between the γ phase and Cu–Ni phase. The addition of 6 % Cu element results in the optimal wettability of the filler metal and creep resistance of the brazed joints. It is also observed that as the concentration of Cu reaches 9 %, there is a gradual increase in the FeB phase, a rise in the proportion of brittle compounds, and a decline in the amorphous forming ability.

Exploring critical behavioral differences in physical, structural, and nuclear radiation attenuation properties of produced High Entropy Alloy (HEA) and Refractory-High Entropy Alloy (RHEA) samples

Refractory-High entropy alloys (RHEAs) are known for their exceptional mechanical and radiation-resistant properties, making them promising materials for use in nuclear reactors. Their high entropy composition, which consists of multiple elements in roughly equal proportions, can create a stable microstructure that withstands high levels of radiation damage. The objective of this work is to further our comprehension of the unique behavioral, physical, structural, and nuclear radiation attenuation characteristics shown by High-Entropy Alloys (HEA) and Refractory-High entropy alloy (RHEA) materials. Accordingly, two high entropy alloy (HEA) samples through two different compositions were produced. The first composition under consideration is the typical high-entropy alloy (HEA) defined as MnCrFeNiCoMo0.5. The second composition under consideration is a refractory high entropy alloy (RHEA) characterized by the following elemental composition: TiZrNbHfVTa0.1. SEM and EDX analyses were conducted in terms of determining their physical and structural attributes. Next, a133Ba radioisotope together with a HPGe detector were utilized for gamma-ray transmission experiments. Finally, a241Am/Be source and a gas proportional detector were used for neutron absorption experiments for HEA and RHEA samples. The alloy structures displayed a unique degree of uniformity. Throughout the RHEA phase, the incorporation of refractory elements did not provide any discernible adverse impacts on the physical stability. The counting spectrum provided a clear explanation of the gamma ray absorption features shown by the RHEA (R) sample, highlighting its exceptional absorption properties. Regarding the absorption properties of neutrons, it was observed that RHEA had a comparatively reduced amount of absorption. Therefore, it can be concluded that the basic structure of RHEA grants it superior gamma-ray attenuation qualities compared to HEA. It can be concluded that RHEA demonstrates superior applicability as a material in comparison to HEA, especially in situations involving the use of fuel rods, where maintaining of neutron quantity has paramount importance for achieving optimum neutron activation.

Exploring the impact of songs on student cognitive and emotional development

This scholarly article investigates the impact of diverse songs on second language (L2) learning, emphasizing cognitive, kinesthetic, and emotional engagement. This research recognizes songs as literary expressions, specifically through the lens of lyrics as literary texts, and explores their historical and ongoing significance in L2 education. Beyond linguistic proficiency, the article delves into the broader implications of integrating songs into language education. Educators observe that incorporating music fosters a positive learning environment, contributing to increased motivation and engagement among learners. The discussion in this article addresses the gaps in the integration of literary texts, including songs, into language education. It criticizes the tendency of tertiary foreign language programs to overemphasize 'literature' at the expense of linguistic aspects and the opposite approach at the lower secondary level, which focuses on linguistic aspects while neglecting literary involvement. The results of this literature review highlight the need to recognize the profound impact that literary texts, including songs, have on individual learners, urging the incorporation of artistic elements into language teaching practices in a more comprehensive and balanced manner. This article emphasizes that literature, through stories and narratives, contributes to the emotional development of learners, fostering empathy and understanding of 'otherness.' This research advocates the balanced and thoughtful integration of literature in FL classrooms, recognizing its capacity to go beyond language instruction and contribute to broader education and individual growth.

Cultural identity in the Amazon: ethnography of indigenous people day in Aipã Anambé (PA/Bazil)

This reflection deals with the culture and identity of a traditional indigenous community in the interior of the Amazon. Through the process of reconfiguring identities, in dialogue with modernity, we analyze the negotiations and conflicts between a traditional way of life and external references to the community. Methodologically, we draw on the ethnography of social practices of self-affirmation in the Aipã Anambé indigenous community, the locus of the research, analyzing the subjects who, displaced and decentered from themselves, reconfigure their identities while maintaining cultural traditions, customs, ritualizations and other identity elements. The thesis that guides this reflection is based on the fact that the Anambé, due to a series of social, economic and cultural factors, have currently gone through a significant process of (re)construction of their identities, modifying customs and traditions, in addition to the incorporation of new identity and cultural elements arising from coexistence with modern society.

In situ trace elements and sulfur isotope analyses of layered sphalerite as a record of ore-forming processes in the world-class Jinding sediment-hosted Zn-Pb Ore Deposit, China

The Jinding deposit is well-known to contain high concentrations of metals Zn, Pb, Cd, Tl, Ag, etc. in the world. The associated critical metals and their substitution mechanisms were wildly concerned. This study investigated and compared sphalerites using a combination of textural, trace element, and sulfur isotopic analyses to give insights into element substitution mechanisms and possible sources of ore-forming fluids and to constrain processes involved in ore genesis of the world-class Jinding sediment-hosted Zn-Pb deposit. LA-ICP-MS analyses reveal chemical zoning in the sphalerites together with the coupling of two main groups of trace elements substitution mechanisms: one is Fe + Ge + Mn + Pb + As + Tl and vacancies to substitute Zn, and the other is Cd + Cu + Ag + Sb to substitute Zn. The incorporation of trace elements is facilitated by the replacement of Zn by Cd and Fe. These two group elements have distinct color oscillatory zonation and are intertwined in the trace element LA-ICP-MS element maps. The sulfur isotopic values show high isotope fractionation in the sphalerite from −28.4 to −0.5 ‰, suggesting a bacteriogenic sulfur origin at Jinding. Sphalerite sample has observed that sulfur isotope is correlated with Fe concentration and anti-correlated with Cd concentration. These variations in isotope fractionation and trace element disequilibrium partitioning were interpreted as the effects of temperature and pH with less influence from sulfur activity. These variability zones of sphalerite alternately enriched in Cd- and Fe-related elements suggested that ore fluids may flow from metal-fertile sedimentary/basement sequences during their ascent, and colloform sphalerite was likely formed by a high degree of supercooling, over-saturation, and rapid mixing between bacteriogenic sulfur and metal-rich in spaces of collapse dome. Based on our observations, we suggested that these variability zones of layered sphalerite alternately enriched in Cd and Fe would likely provide useful insight for a potential economic Zn-Pb and associated critical metals mineral exploration deposit.

Main directions of formation of tax policy of the organization in the conditions of introduction of ESG-technology

Aim. To consider the main problems of transformation of tax policy of the organization under the influence of ESG-regulations in the conditions of global development of integrated reporting and to establish the dependence of the level of sustainable economic development of the company, growth of its rating on the incorporation of tax policy elements into the indicators of financial and non-financial reporting.Objectives. To study the concept and significance of tax policy for the formation of qualitatively new integrated reporting; to determine the role of tax policy in improving the investment attractiveness and competitiveness of the company; to establish the impact of ESG-concept on the construction of tax policy and financial results of the company; to study the current state of the regulatory and legal framework of the Russian Federation (RF), which regulates the introduction of ESG-technology in the composition of local acts of the company.Methods. The study used private-scientific and general scientific methods, including methods of historical approach, systematization of empirical and theoretical research; analyzed the current legal and regulatory framework in the field of development and implementation of ESG-elements and identified the leading directions of tax policy formation in the conditions of ESG-rating.Results. The recommendations developed by state regulators on the formation of integrated reporting and ESG-rating of sustainable development do not reflect the tax component. In this regard, the methodology proposed by the author is designed to contribute to the formation of, in fact, an innovative complex local normative legal act, tax policy in general, which takes into account the specifics of the introduction (embedding) of ESG-components.Conclusions. Creation of a comprehensive science-based architecture of tax policy within the framework of ESG-technology will contribute to the achievement of sustainable development goals of the company. In particular, it will improve the quality of integrated reports, increase investment attractiveness, strengthen the organization’s position in ESG-ratings and reduce tax risks.

Enhanced dopant incorporation into SnO2 thin films based on dual source spray pyrolysis deposition process

Recently, SnO2 has attracted much attention for optoelectronic applications in infrared (IR) spectral ranges due to its high transparency in the ultraviolet to IR wavelength spectral range and high electrical conductivity. The transition metal-doped SnO2 based on the ultrasonic-assisted spray pyrolysis deposition (SPD) method has been widely used for various optoelectronic applications. However, the SPD process has suffered from inefficient doping of foreign elements due to difficulties in controlling the single precursor source solutions and complicated solution dynamics. To overcome these problems, the co-SPD process supplying the host and dopant solutions separately was suggested for the deposition of the Zn-doped SnO2 thin films. The Zn-doped SnO2 thin films deposited by co-SPD showed insulating electrical properties due to the efficient incorporation of the Zn element as an oxygen vacancy scavenger and acceptor to annihilate the free charge carriers. Also, the Zn-doped SnO2 films showed an IR transmittance of over 80 %, maintained at a temperature of up to 500 ℃. Thus, the co-SPD process can be a promising approach to achieve highly doped oxide films with high IR transmittance even at elevated temperatures.

The influence of water, diet, and temperature on 87Sr/86Sr in fin spines of juvenile Atlantic Sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus

Analysis of microchemistry in fish fin spines offers a non-lethal approach to address key questions about life history specific movement and habitat use. Reconstruction of life history is based on chemical changes within calcified structures with an underlying assumption of elemental incorporation relative to environmental concentration. However, information on the relative contributions of water and diet to trace elements in calcified structures of fishes, including fin spines, is limited. Strontium (Sr) is commonly used in trace element studies because of its predictable changes within watersheds, with recent applications showing utility of 87Sr/86Sr for greater spatial resolution. In this study we evaluated the influence of water and diet 87Sr/86Sr on pectoral fin spines of Atlantic Sturgeon A. oxyrinchus oxyrinchus in controlled laboratory experiments. To understand the extent to which water and diet 87Sr/86Sr contribute to levels in fin spines, we exposed fish to one of four treatments for 12 weeks; a control, water spiked with 87Sr, and diet spiked with medium and high levels of 87Sr. To determine the amount of time it takes to elicit a shift in fin spine 87Sr/86Sr following a change in 87Sr/86Sr, fish were maintained in water- or diet-spiked treatments for up to 6 weeks. Lastly, we investigated how temperature may influence fin spine 87Sr/86Sr by holding fish at either 16 °C or 24 °C for 12 weeks. Our experiments indicated water is the primary contributor of 87Sr/86Sr levels in fin spines of Atlantic Sturgeon, and these levels shifted 1 week and 12 weeks following changes in water and diet, respectively. Water temperature did not have an effect on 87Sr/86Sr fin spine chemistry, although sample size was low (n = 3). These results provide guidance for interpretation of 87Sr/86Sr in pectoral fin spines of sturgeon and indicate usefulness of the technique for retrospectively estimating movement and habitat use.

The influence of fluid inclusions, organics, and calcite fabric on trace element distributions in stalagmites

Trace elements and calcite fabrics in stalagmites are increasingly employed as indicators of past environmental conditions. The drivers of trace element concentrations and fabrics reflect a complex interplay of factors during crystal growth, and accurate interpretation of geochemical proxies requires a clear understanding of the incorporation of the proxy signal in the stalagmite. We employ a series of non-destructive techniques to compare the spatial distribution of water, organic components, and trace elements and in relationship with calcite fabrics, and evaluate if these distributions are consistent with recent hypotheses about controlling factors on crystal fabrics, fluid inclusions, and element incorporation. We use for the first time Fourier Transformation Infrared Focal-Plane Array (FTIR-FPA) imaging to show the distribution of molecular water (3,400 cm−1 absorbance) and organic matter (2,983 cm−1) in calcite. To test if entrapped water in speleothem calcite affects the abundance or distribution of trace elements, the element distribution (Na, Mg, Sr, U, Al, Y, and Zn) is mapped by Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). Transmitted Light Microscope imaging constrains crystal fabrics. We find that stalagmite areas with strong Organic Matter fluorescence via Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy coincide with areas of high Fourier Transformation Infrared absorbance at 2,983 cm−1, suggesting common co-location of multiple organic matter types in the stalagmite. While microscopic fluid inclusions visible in transmitted light are also detected by FTIR 3400 cm−1 absorbance, the FTIR additionally detects submicroscopic fluid inclusions, but not evident in transmitted light microscopy. In most samples, Na concentration is elevated in regions of high fluid inclusion density, suggesting that a significant portion of Na may be hosted in entrapped water rather than in the calcite. Only samples with 100-fold higher Y, feature Na concentrations which appear dominated by coupled Y-Na substitution and little influenced by fluid inclusion hosted Na. Our analysis provides new evidence of the influence of fluid inclusions on trace element content of stalagmites and illustrates the utility of several non-destructive imaging techniques to improve interpretations of proxy signals based on trace elements.

Triboactive CrAlN+MoWS coatings deposited by pulsed arc PVD

Cathodic arc physical vapor deposition (arc PVD) is widely used due to its high deposition rate and degree of ionization. However, reducing droplet emission and surface roughness without compromising the deposition rate remains challenging. CrAlN+XS coatings (X = Mo, W) have shown potential for friction and wear reduction under dry-running conditions by forming solid lubricants MoS2 and WS2. Nevertheless, the evaporation of electrically low conductive materials like MoS2 or WS2 in arc PVD presents difficulties. This study investigates the use of pulsed arc PVD as a promising technology to address these challenges. CrAlN+XS coatings were developed using pulsed arc PVD, with a focus on analyzing their properties, including the incorporation of triboactive elements (S, Mo, W). Additionally, variations in coating architecture, substrate material, and process temperature were explored for CrAlN+MoS coatings. Subsequently, tribological investigations were conducted under dry-running conditions using a pin-on-disk tribometer. The results revealed that pulsed arc PVD effectively decreased droplet emission and thus surface roughness of the coatings. Moreover, the triboactive coatings exhibited significantly lower wear and friction compared to uncoated steel references. Raman spectroscopy was employed to examine the tribofilms on coated parts. This work represents the first-time deposition of CrAlN+XS coatings (X = Mo, W) using pulsed arc PVD. Notably, the CrAlN+MoS coating displayed the highest sulfur content of xS = 9 at.-%, as verified by electron probe microanalysis. The tribofilm analysis provided evidence that CrAlN+MoS coatings deposited by pulsed arc PVD can form solid lubricant MoS2 under tribological load, resulting in a reduced coefficient of friction. In conclusion, pulsed arc PVD shows promise for applications that require the evaporation of electrically low conductive target materials during coating deposition, while achieving a low surface roughness. The findings contribute valuable insights into the performance of CrAlN+XS coatings and their potential for enhancing tribological applications.