Intermediate Mechanism Research Articles

A Three-Granularity Pose Estimation Framework for Multi-Type High-Voltage Transmission Towers Using Part Affinity Fields (PAFs)

At present, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) combined with deep learning have become an important means of transmission line inspection; however, the current approach has the problems of high demand for manual operation, low inspection efficiency, inspection results that do not reflect the distribution of defects on transmission towers, and the need for a large number of manually annotated captured images. In order to achieve the UAV understanding the structure of transmission towers and identifying the defects in the parts of transmission towers, a three-granularity pose estimation framework for multi-type high-voltage transmission towers using Part Affinity Fields (PAFs) is presented here. The framework classifies the structural critical points of high-voltage transmission towers and uses PAFs to provide a basis for the connection between the critical points to achieve the pose estimation for multi-type towers. On the other hand, a three-fine-grained prediction incorporating an intermediate supervisory mechanism is designed so as to overcome the problem of dense and overlapping keypoints of transmission towers. The dataset used in this study consists of real image data of high-voltage transmission towers and complementary images of virtual scenes created through the fourth-generation Unreal Engine (UE4). In various types of electrical tower detection, the average keypoint identification AF of the proposed model exceeds 96% and the average skeleton connection AF exceeds 93% at all granularities, which demonstrates good results on the test set and shows some degree of generalization to electricity towers not included in the dataset.

Synthesis of Dendronized Polymers via a “m+n” Grafting‐onto Strategy with Reaction‐Enhanced Reactivity of Intermediates (RERI) Mechanism

Comprehensive SummaryDendronized polymers (DenPols) with tunable shape and surface property have been recognized as a type of promising unimolecular nanomaterials. However, it still has lacked a rapid and efficient approach to the facile synthesis of DenPols with high‐generation and well‐defined structures. Herein, we report a “m+n” grafting‐onto strategy combined with the copper‐catalyzed azide‐alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction with reaction‐enhanced reactivity of intermediates (RERI) mechanism for synthesizing DenPols Gm+n by attaching n‐generation dendrons (Gn) onto the m‐generation DenPols Gm. In this “m+n” grafting‐onto strategy, the DenPols Gm (m = 1, 2) bearing 1,3‐triazido branches on the repeating unit were capable of RERI effect that guaranteed the CuAAC reaction in an extremely efficient way with ultrafast kinetics to synthesize third‐, fourth‐ and fifth‐generation DenPols (G1+2, G1+3, G1+4, G2+2, and G2+3) with near quantitative grafting density and narrow distribution. Moreover, these resultant DenPols Gm+n had more terminal groups per repeating unit due to the three branches of 1,3‐triazido structure, exhibiting valuable potential opportunities for molecular surface engineering. The development of this “m+n” grafting‐onto strategy with RERI mechanism not only presents a new avenue for ultrafast preparing DenPols but also holds great promise for preparing unimolecular materials with more functional terminal groups.

Theoretical Study on the Generation Mechanism of Intermediates During Discharge/Charge Processes in Lithium‐Air Batteries

AbstractIn this paper, molecular dynamics (MD) was used to investigate the problem of the generation mechanism of product intermediates in the aprotic electrolyte in lithium‐air batteries. Through the utilisation of simulations of the electrolyte system, molecular orbitals of the electrolyte, thermodynamic analysis of the product intermediates' reactions, the Li+ solvation structure, the electrochemical stability of the electrolyte, the Li+ and O2‐ diffusion coefficients, and the Gibb's free energy of the Li+‐O2‐ and Li+‐C2O62− were investigated in detail. The results show that the Li+ coordination structure was a contact ion pair (CIP) structure, and the formation of a 5‐coordination structure with oxygen atoms was lower in energy and more stable in structure. The TEGDME‐LiTFSI electrolyte was the most stable in electrochemistry. The Gibbs free energy of the generated Li+‐O2− and Li+‐C2O62‐ was negative, indicating that the reaction can proceed spontaneously at ambient temperature. The intermediate products were present in the electrolyte in the form of [Li(solvent)n+‐O2‐] and [Li(solvent)n+‐C2O62‐]. The study of the mechanism of product intermediates in the lithium‐air battery is important for scholars to analyze the product growth pathway and improve the battery performance.

Experimental and Numerical Study on NOx Emissions Characteristics in a Coaxial Staged Combustor

Abstract A deep understanding of NOx formation characteristics and correlations can significantly enhance the operational adjustment efficiency of gas turbine combustors. To reduce pollutants emissions, this study proposed a coaxial staged combustion technology, experimental and numerical work was further conducted to investigate the impact of fuel stage ratio on NOx formation in an industrial gas turbine combustor operating at different loads. The dome equivalence ratio was ranging from 0.455 to 0.635, the fuel stage ratio was ranging from 0.27 to 3.23. Experimental results show that NOx emissions can be controlled within 25 ppm at 15% O2 with the combustor outlet temperature up to 1673 K. There exists an optimal fuel stage ratio that leads to the lowest NOx emissions. Moreover, as the dome equivalence ratio increases, the optimal fuel stage ratio decreases. Numerical results indicate that NOx generation through the prompt mechanism is negligible. At low-power conditions, NOx is primarily generated at the flame front through the N2O intermediate pathway. In contrast, at high-power conditions, NOx is mainly produced in the burnout and recirculation zones through the thermal pathway. Thermal NOx is highly sensitive to fuel stage ratios, unlike the relatively stable NOx production via the N2O intermediate mechanism. Based on the experimental data, it was found that the inner stage flame temperature has a more significant impact on NOx emissions. Furthermore, a new NOx emissions prediction model within an error of 20% that considers the impact of two-stage swirl flames was proposed.

Pediatric Lateral Condyle Fractures With Elbow Dislocation: Revisiting the Song Classification of the Most Severe Injuries.

Lateral condyle fractures are the second most common pediatric elbow fracture and are at risk for malunion, nonunion or avascular necrosis. The Song or Jakob classification guides management and risk of complications. However, many lateral condyle fractures have accompanying bony or soft tissue injuries, including elbow dislocations, which are not represented in the current Song or Jakob classification systems. Little is known about the incidence and outcomes of these more complex injuries. The purpose of this study was to describe the largest known case series of these injuries and characterize the incidence and outcomes. Injury, presentation, treatment, and outcome data were retrospectively gathered on pediatric elbow fractures at a single center from November 2007 to October 2017. Of 4607 pediatric elbow fractures, 492 were lateral condyle fractures, with 30 cases (6.1%) presenting with concomitant elbow dislocation. Predominantly affecting males (76.7%) with a median age of 6.9 years, these injuries often resulted from intermediate energy mechanisms. High rates of coincident neurovascular deficits (23%), skin tenting (13.3%), and polytrauma (13.3%) were observed. All cases were treated surgically, primarily within 24 hours, with no instances of AVN, nonunion, or fixation failure reported. Across the cohort, there were 2 (6.7%) pin tract infections, 2 cases required return to the operating room, and 12 (40.0)% patients requiring outpatient physical therapy for elbow stiffness. Lateral condyle fractures with concomitant ulnohumeral dislocation are distinct and unstable injuries requiring prompt inpatient treatment. Current classification systems do not adequately address this fracture-dislocation combination, risking underdiagnosis and potentially delayed reduction of a dislocated elbow. We propose adding a "Song 6" or "Jakob 4" category to existing classifications to ensure these injuries are properly identified and managed. This amendment will improve clinical awareness, facilitate timely intervention, and optimize outcomes for pediatric patients with these complex fractures. IV.

Electrochemical Reactions of Graphite Fluoride Electrodes in Ionic Liquids

Li-graphite fluoride (CF x ) primary batteries show the highest energy density (2180 Wh kg− 1) among commercialized Li primary batteries, long life storage, and wide operating temperature range, and are the power sources for medical equipment, stand-alone devices, remote keyless systems, and space crafts. Recently, Li-CF x cells could be used as secondary batteries1 and are attracting attention as next-generation storage batteries with high energy density. Current problems of conventional Li-CF x batteries are safety issues due to using flammable organic electrolytes and short cycle life originated from oxidative decomposition of organic solvents while using as secondary batteries. In this study, we focused on the application of ionic liquids which shows nonvolatile, nonflammable, and wide electrochemical potential window. However, there had been no previous reports of Li-CF x battery operation using ionic liquids.In Li-CF x primary batteries with organic electrolytes, solvent and Li+ co-intercalate into CF x layer to form an intermediate product and that decomposes to LiF and amorphous carbon (intermediate mechanism).2 Because of the strong interaction between organic solvent and Li+, the solvated Li+ can diffuse into the bulk of the CF x . The slow desolvation within the CF x layer contributes to the small and dispersed crystallization of LiF, and CF x can react completely.3 In the case of ionic liquids, however, Li+ and CF x may react directly due to the lack of solvent, resulting in localized crystallization of LiF, inhibiting subsequent Li+ intercalation and preventing CF from reacting completely.Therefore, in this study, we focused on shortening the diffusion distance of Li+ and made the CF x particles finer to submicron size and the electrochemical reaction of CF x with Li+ ions were successfully carried out completely in ionic liquids. In this presentation, we will report the fundamentals on the electrochemical reactions of CF x electrodes in ionic liquids, including how the components of ionic liquids influence on the electrode potential of CF x . The realization of Li-CF x batteries using ionic liquids will expand the range of applications with batteries at the environments (undersea, subterranean, and outer space) where conventional batteries have been difficult to be used. Y. Ito, et al., Chem. Mater., 34, 19, 8711, (2022).H. Touhara, et al., Solid State Ionics, 14, 163 (1984).J. Wang, J. Mater. Chem. A, 8, 6105 (2020).

Self-created or collaborative? The effects of virtual influencers' identity type and post type on purchase intentions

PurposeConsidering that when endorsing the same product, virtual influencers with different identity types (self-created, collaborative) can have different impacts on consumers' purchasing behaviors, this paper aims to explore how to maximize the impact effects of the VIs' respective identities. It provides companies with new perspectives on endorsement strategies.Design/methodology/approachThe interaction between VI identity type and post type (informational, storytelling) on purchase intention was analyzed in four experiments (N = 1,007), considering informational and normative social influence as intermediate mechanisms and consumer self-construal as moderators.FindingsThe findings show that self-created VI is suited to informational posts and collaborative VI to storytelling posts. This identity-content match effectively triggers the social influence mechanism: informational posts of self-created VI significantly enhance informational social influence. In contrast, storytelling posts of collaborative VI primarily stimulate normative social influence. Consumer self-construal also moderates the process of influencing mechanisms.Originality/valueBased on social influence theory and matching theory, this paper confirms the existence of an interaction between VI identity types, which influences consumers' purchase intention through informational and normative social influence. This finding fills the research gap in the field of VI endorsement strategy. It also emphasizes the importance of consumer self-construal and contributes new insights into the related field.

Synthesis of a novel Bi19Cl3S27/Bi2MoO6 Z-type heterojunction for efficient photocatalytic removal of tetracycline antibiotic and Cr(VI): Intermediate toxicity and mechanism insight

Novel Bi19Cl3S27/Bi2MoO6 (BCS/BMO) Z-type heterojunctions were synthesized using a straightforward hydrothermal method. Benefiting from the large specific surface area (62.41 m2/g) and the effective separation of photogenerated carriers facilitated by the Z-scheme heterojunction, the BCS/BMO exhibited remarkable improved photocatalytic tetracycline degradation and Cr(VI) reduction efficiency in comparison to BCS, BMO, and their physical mixture. Specifically, the photocatalytic degradation rate constants for TC and Cr(VI) are 0.0209 and 0.0218 min−1, respectively, which are 16.08 and 15.57 times those of BCS, 1.74 and 1.31 times those of BMO, and 2.4 and 1.73 times those of the physical mixture. Additionally, based on density functional theory (DFT) calculations and empirical data, three potential photocatalytic pathways of tetracycline were presented. This study presents a novel approach for designing and synthesizing high-efficiency Z-scheme photocatalysts for the degradation of TC and the reduction of Cr(VI) in wastewater.

N-Methyl-d-Aspartate Receptor Antibody and Sensory Gating Deficits in Non-smoking, Minimal Antipsychotic Medication Exposure, and First-Episode Patients With Schizophrenia.

Sensory gating deficit is considered a pathophysiological feature of schizophrenia, which has been linked to N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) hypofunction as one of the potential underlying mechanisms. Here, we hypothesize that higher levels of NMDAR antibody (Ab) may contribute to the sensory gating deficits in schizophrenia. We enrolled 72 non-smoking inpatients with first-episode schizophrenia (FES), most of them with only a relatively short duration of exposure to antipsychotic medications, and 51 non-smoking healthy controls (HC). Sensory gating was measured by P50 evoked potentials ratio and the difference between the two stimuli in an auditory paired-stimuli paradigm and serum NMDAR Ab levels were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The FES group showed higher serum NMDAR Ab levels [(9.23 ± 4.15) ng/mL vs. (7.08 ± 2.83) ng/mL; P = .002], higher P50 ratio (P = .002), and less P50 difference (P = .001) than HC. In partial correlation analysis, serum NMDAR Ab levels were positively correlated with the P50 ratio (r = 0.36, P = .003) and negatively with the P50 difference (r = -0.39, P = .001) in the FES group. The NMDAR Ab levels mediated the diagnosis of schizophrenia and P50 sensory gating deficits (P50 ratio and P50 difference). Autoimmunity targeting NMDAR is a crucial intermediate mechanism in impaired sensory gating in patients with schizophrenia. The findings support early intervention targeting NMDAR for patients with schizophrenia.

Association between parental phubbing and short-form video addiction: A moderated mediation analysis among Chinese adolescents

BackgroundShort-form video applications have spread rapidly and gained popularity among adolescents for their interactivity, sociality, and personalization. However, excessive and uncontrolled use has also caused some adolescents to develop short-form video addiction (SFVA). Although parental phubbing has been shown to be a risk factor for SFVA in adolescents, its intermediate mechanisms, particularly the emotional mediation mechanisms, remain unclear. Therefore, this study aims to explore the relationships among parental phubbing, SFVA, symptoms of depression and anxiety, and neuroticism in adolescents. MethodsAdolescents aged 13–19 (N = 5785) were recruited from Shandong Province, China, as participants in 2023. Participants were asked to complete five self-report questionnaires, including the Parental Phubbing Behavior Questionnaire (PPBQ), Short-Form Video Addiction (SFVA) Scale, The Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CESD20), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) Scale, and Chinese Big Five Personality Inventory (Brief Version) (CBF-PI-B). ResultsThe results indicate that the influence of parental phubbing on short-form video addiction among adolescents is mediated by symptoms of depression and anxiety. Additionally, neuroticism moderates the association between parental phubbing and symptoms of depression and anxiety. LimitationsCross-sectional design limits causal inferences. Reliance on self-report scales. ConclusionsThese findings contribute to a better understanding of the systemic impact mechanisms of negative family interactions on SFVA. Moreover, prevention and intervention strategies targeting high neuroticism and symptoms of depression and anxiety may help prevent the developmental pathway from parental phubbing to SFVA.

Effects of adipose tissues on the relationship between type 2 diabetes mellitus and reduced heart rate variability: mediation analysis.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with decreased heart rate variability (HRV) with an unclear intermediate mechanism. This study aimed to conduct mediation analysis to explore the impact of various adipose tissues on the relationship between T2DM and HRV. A total of 380 participants were enrolled for analysis, including 249 patients with T2DM and 131 non-diabetic controls. The thicknesses of four adipose tissues (subcutaneous, extraperitoneal, intraperitoneal, and epicardial) were measured by abdominal ultrasound or echocardiography respectively. HRV was assessed by 24-hour Holter for monitoring both frequency domain indices (LF, HF, and LF/HF) and time domain indices (SDNN, SDANN, SDNN index, rMSSD and pNN50). Mediation analysis was used toexamine whether adipose tissues mediated the relationship between T2DM and each index of HRV. Then, a latent variable - HRV burden - was constructed by structural equation model with selected HRV indices to comprehensively assess the whole HRV. Compared to non-diabetic controls, patients with T2DM exhibited a significant reduction in indices of HRV, and a remarkable increase in the thicknesses of extraperitoneal, intraperitoneal, and epicardial adipose tissues. Mediation analysis found significant indirect effects of T2DM on six indices of HRV, including HF, SDNN, SDANN, SDNN index, rMSSD, and pNN50, which was mediated by epicardial adipose tissue rather than other adipose tissues, with the mediation proportions of 64.21%, 16.38%, 68.33%, 24.34%, 24.10% and 30.51%, respectively. Additionally, epicardial adipose tissue partially mediated the relationship between T2DM and reduced HRV burden (24.26%), which composed by SDNN, SDNN index, rMSSD, and pNN50. Epicardial adipose tissue partially mediated the relationship between T2DM and reduced HRV, which reinforces the value of targeting heart-specific visceral fat to prevent cardiac autonomic neuropathy in diabetes.

Transcriptomics-based anti-tuberculous mechanism of traditional Chinese polyherbal preparation NiuBeiXiaoHe intermediates.

Integrated traditional Chinese medicine and biomedicine is an effective method to treat tuberculosis (TB). In our previous research, traditional Chinese medicine preparation NiuBeiXiaoHe (NBXH) achieved obvious anti-TB effects in animal experiments and clinical practice. However, the action mechanism of NBXH has not been elucidated. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected to extract mRNA and differentially expressed (DE) genes were obtained using gene microarray technology. Finally, GEO databases and RT-qPCR were used to verify the results of expression profile. After MTB infection, most upregulated DE genes in mice were immune-related genes, including cxcl9, camp, cfb, c4b, serpina3g, and ngp. Downregulated DE genes included lrrc74b, sult1d1, cxxc4, and grip2. After treatment with NBXH, especially high-dose NBXH, the abnormal gene expression was significantly corrected. Some DE genes have been confirmed in multiple GEO datasets or in pulmonary TB patients through RT-qPCR. MTB infection led to extensive changes in host gene expression and mainly caused the host's anti-TB immune responses. The treatment using high-dose NBXH partially repaired the abnormal gene expression, further enhanced the anti-TB immunity included autophagy and NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity, and had a certain inhibitory effect on overactivated immune responses.

Digital transformation and corporate tax avoidance: An analysis based on multiple perspectives and mechanisms.

Promoting the seamless integration of the digital economy with the real economy, mitigating the adverse impacts of widespread corporate tax avoidance, and optimizing tax governance are critical imperatives in the era of digital economy. This study examines all A-share listed companies from 2007 to 2022 as research samples. It utilizes multiple perspectives including signal theory, information asymmetry theory, and the T-O-E (Technology-Organisation-Environment) framework to investigate the primary impacts of digital transformation on corporate tax avoidance, along with the intermediate mechanisms and foundational conditions that influence its effectiveness. After conducting both theoretical and empirical analyses, this paper presents the following conclusions. (1) The implementation of digital transformation significantly reduces corporate tax avoidance, a conclusion supported by rigorous robustness tests. Moreover, digital transformation enhances corporate productivity through the suppression of tax avoidance. (2) Digital transformation diminishes corporate tax avoidance through enhanced innovation and efficiency in resource allocation (technology level), improved quality of internal controls (organization level), and decreased industry competition (environment level). (3) The impact of digital transformation in reducing tax avoidance is significantly greater for enterprises in their growth phase, experiencing lower financing constraints, particularly those situated in the central and western regions. (4) Lower business risk is essential for maximizing the effectiveness of digital transformation and reducing corporate tax avoidance. This is crucial for governments seeking to improve tax administration, guide market and regional development, and enhance the impact of corporate digital transformation on mitigating tax avoidance.

SFGCN: Synergetic fusion-based graph convolutional networks approach for link prediction in social networks

Accurate Link Prediction (LP) in Social Networks (SNs) is crucial for various practical applications, such as recommendation systems and network security. However, traditional techniques often struggle to capture the intricate and multidimensional nature of these networks. This paper presents a novel approach, the Synergetic Fusion-based Graph Convolutional Networks (SFGCN), designed to enhance LP accuracy in SNs. The SFGCN model utilizes a fusion architecture that combines structural features and other attribute data through early, intermediate, and late fusion mechanisms to create improved node and edge representations. We thoroughly evaluate our SFGCN model on seven real-world datasets, encompassing citation networks, co-purchase networks, and academic publication domains. The results demonstrate its superiority over baseline GCN architectures and other selected LP methods, achieving a 6.88 % improvement in accuracy. The experiments show that our model captures the complex interactions and dependencies within SNs, providing a comprehensive understanding of their underlying dynamics. The approach mentioned can be effectively applied in the domain of SN analysis to enhance the accuracy of LP results. This method not only improves the precision of predictions but also enhances the adaptability of the model in diverse SN scenarios.

Physically hybrid Zr(OH)4 + CuO catalyzed selective aniline oxidation: A new Ph‐N˙OH mediated mechanism

AbstractDeveloping the sustainable and cost‐effective heterogeneous catalytic system for controlling chemoselectivity holds substantial importance in fine organic chemicals. Herein we construct a unique Zr(OH)4 + CuO physically hybrid system for selective oxidation of anilines. Zr(OH)4 alone leads to azoxybenzene formation, and Zr(OH)4 + CuO shifts the reaction favorably toward nitrosobenzene. The proximity study indicates Zr(OH)4 + CuO outperforms its counterparts synthesized through methods like ball‐milling, loading, and coprecipitation, because the closer proximity exhibits stronger chemical interaction, restricting the activity of Zr‐OH hydroxyl sites. Through mechanistic experiments, in situ DRIFT‐IR and DFT calculations, a new Ph‐OH intermediate mechanism is firstly proposed. Two Ph‐OH self‐condensate to form azoxybenzene for only Zr(OH)4, whereas Zr(OH)4 + CuO could promote rapid transformation of Ph‐OH to nitrosobenzene on CuO through a hydrogen transfer process. Moreover, Zr(OH)4 + CuO displays good recyclability and robust scalability. This is the first report demonstrating the utilization of a physically hybrid catalyst to adjust the selectivity of the aniline oxidation reaction.

Secure image communication based on two-layer dynamic feedback encryption and DWT information hiding.

In response to the vulnerability of image encryption techniques to chosen plaintext attacks, this paper proposes a secure image communication scheme based on two-layer dynamic feedback encryption and discrete wavelet transform (DWT) information hiding. The proposed scheme employs a plaintext correlation and intermediate ciphertext feedback mechanism, and combines chaotic systems, bit-level permutation, bilateral diffusion, and dynamic confusion to ensure the security and confidentiality of transmitted images. Firstly, a dynamically chaotic encryption sequence associated with a secure plaintext hash value is generated and utilized for the first round of bit-level permutation, bilateral diffusion, and dynamic confusion, resulting in an intermediate ciphertext image. Similarly, the characteristic values of the intermediate ciphertext image are used to generate dynamically chaotic encryption sequences associated with them. These sequences are then employed for the second round of bit-level permutation, bilateral diffusion, and dynamic confusion to gain the final ciphertext image. The ciphertext image hidden by DWT also provides efficient encryption, higher level of security and robustness to attacks. This technology offers indiscernible secret data insertion, rendering it challenging for assailants to spot or extract concealed information. By combining the proposed dynamic closed-loop feedback secure image encryption scheme based on the 2D-SLMM chaotic system with DWT-based hiding, a comprehensive and robust image encryption approach can be achieved. According to the results of theoretical research and experimental simulation, our encryption scheme has dynamic encryption effect and reliable security performance. The scheme is highly sensitive to key and plaintext, and can effectively resist various common encryption attacks and maintain good robustness. Therefore, our proposed encryption algorithm is an ideal digital image privacy protection technology, which has a wide range of practical application prospects.

Breaking through the State-of-the-Art Frontier in Oxygen Electrocatalysis: Geometry Adaptive Catalysts (GACs)

The grand challenge in oxygen electrocatalysis lies in overcoming scaling relations. The theoretical activity volcano positions the ideal catalyst at the apex. However, the OH–OOH scaling relation determines a linear path on the volcano surface that limits the activity. The current state-of-the-art (SOTA) in modeling confirms this scaling relation, at the same time it hinders the experimental development of novel oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts, impeding progress in sustainable energy solutions. To address this challenge, we propose to use the geometry effect and introduce the concept of Geometry Adaptive Catalysts (GACs).[1]The geometry effect, based on preliminary research, involves changing catalytic activity by adjusting the adsorption energy of intermediates through the control of catalyst geometry. Our goal is to break through the SOTA frontier for ORR by synthesizing GACs and supporting our efforts with theoretical and computational modeling of the geometric effect. In this work we aimed to utilize the geometry effect by synthesizing GACs with various controlled structures, including specific intersite distances, and variable curvature. This enables precise control of catalyst geometry, allowing manipulation of catalytic activity and overcoming scaling relations. Key geometric parameters, namely inter-site distance, curvature, and specific stabilizations of ORR intermediates, are explored to test our hypothesis: Controlling catalyst geometry adjusts the ORR mechanism and adsorption energies of intermediates, enabling the switching, pushing, and even bypassing of scaling relations.This approach holds promise for substantial improvements in environmental sustainability and human life quality, with broad applicability to various electrocatalytic reactions beyond ORR.

Motivations for a firm's willingness to standardize: A perspective based on collective action theory

AbstractStandards allow companies to improve their competitiveness and achieve their strategic goals. Encouraging a strong willingness among firms to develop and implement standards is a complex task; consequently, the linkages between internal and external factors influencing this willingness require further exploration. This study considers interorganizational learning as an intermediate mechanism for empirical research and investigates the relationship between external motivation for collective action and a firm's willingness to participate in standards development. To verify the proposed theoretical model, this study used a questionnaire to collect 205 responses from companies belonging to the Zhejiang Brand Building Association. Structural equation modeling was conducted to verify the research framework. The results of this study reveal that an association's organizational capability has a direct positive effect on its willingness to develop and implement standards; however, government support and industrial scale have no significant positive direct effects on collective action willingness. Moreover, knowledge acquisition and knowledge application have mediating effects on the relationship between external motivation for collective action and willingness for collective action. This study analyzes the factors influencing a firm's participation in standardization activities on the basis of a collective action perspective and the mediating role of interorganizational learning. This study contributes to the literature by developing collective action and interorganizational learning theories.

Synergistic catalytic degradation of benzene and toluene on spinel MMn2O4 (M[dbnd]Co, Ni, Cu) catalysts

Owing to the complexity of multicomponent gases, developing multifunctional catalysts for synergistic removal of benzene and toluene remains challenging. The spinel MMn2O4 (MCo, Ni, or Cu) catalysts were successfully synthesized via the sol–gel method and tested for their catalytic performance for simultaneous degradation of benzene and toluene. The CuMn2O4 sample exhibited the best catalytic performance, the conversion of benzene reached 100 % at 350 °C, and toluene conversion reached 100 % at 250 °C. XRD, N2 adsorption-desorption, HRTEM-EDS, ED-XRF, Raman spectroscopy, H2-TPR, NH3-TPD, O2-TPD and XPS were used to characterize the physical and chemical properties of MMn2O4 catalysts. The excellent redox properties, high concentration of surface Mn4+, and adsorption of oxygen species over the CuMn2O4 sample facilitated the simultaneous and efficient removal of benzene and toluene. Additionally, in situ DRIFTS illustrated the intermediate species and reaction mechanism for the synergetic catalytic oxidation of benzene and toluene. Notably, as an effective catalytic material, spinel oxide exhibited excellent synergistic degradation performance for benzene and toluene, providing some insight for the development of efficient multicomponent VOC catalysts.

Thermal decomposition behaviors of adamantane and 1-methyladamantane in oxygen atmosphere: ReaxFF molecular dynamics simulation

High energy density fuels (HEDFs) have garnered considerable interest in the aerospace applications due to their high density and effective heat dissipation capabilities. However, there is still no clear understanding of the pyrolysis and oxidation mechanisms of HEDFs. In this work, a computational strategy based on ReaxFF molecular dynamics reveals dehydrogenation and ring-opening reaction events for adamantane and 1-methyladamantane. A comparative analysis of the initial decomposition behavior, intermediate reaction mechanism, and final product distribution demonstrates that the decay of the reactants is dependent on temperature and oxygen concentration. The main decomposition pathways of adamantane and 1-methyladamantane involve multi-step dehydrogenation and ring opening by the following reaction: i. C10H16 → C10H15 → C7H10 + C3H5, ii. C10H16 → C10H12, iii. C11H18 → C11H16, iv. C11H18 → C11H15 → C2H4 + C9H11. C7H10, C3H5, and C9H11 undergo further bond-breaking reactions to form linear hydrocarbon chains. At low temperatures, C10H16 and C11H18 exhibit a preference for reacting with OH and HO2, accounting for 15 %–35 % of the reactions. At high temperatures, the preferred reaction for C10H16 and C11H18 is with O2, accounting for 33 %–64 % of the reactions. The bridge carbon atom acts as the initial dehydrogenation site for both adamantane and 1-methyladamantane, as well as the active site for ring opening. The decomposition energy barrier for 1-methyladamantane (108.16–130.39 kJ/mol) is lower than that for adamantane (130.72–142.61 kJ/mol). Our findings shed light on the complicated interplay of oxidation of adamantane and 1-methyladamantane.