Key Constraints Research Articles

Challenges in Accessing Agricultural Technology Information Centre’s Services: Identifying Key Constraints in Kanpur District

Challenges in Accessing Agricultural Technology Information Centre’s Services: Identifying Key Constraints in Kanpur District

The deubiquitinase Ubp3/Usp10 constrains glucose-mediated mitochondrial repression via phosphate budgeting.

Many cells in high glucose repress mitochondrial respiration, as observed in the Crabtree and Warburg effects. Our understanding of biochemical constraints for mitochondrial activation is limited. Using a Saccharomyces cerevisiae screen, we identified the conserved deubiquitinase Ubp3 (Usp10), as necessary for mitochondrial repression. Ubp3 mutants have increased mitochondrial activity despite abundant glucose, along with decreased glycolytic enzymes, and a rewired glucose metabolic network with increased trehalose production. Utilizing ∆ubp3 cells, along with orthogonal approaches, we establish that the high glycolytic flux in glucose continuously consumes free Pi. This restricts mitochondrial access to inorganic phosphate (Pi), and prevents mitochondrial activation. Contrastingly, rewired glucose metabolism with enhanced trehalose production and reduced GAPDH (as in ∆ubp3 cells) restores Pi. This collectively results in increased mitochondrial Pi and derepression, while restricting mitochondrial Pi transport prevents activation. We therefore suggest that glycolytic flux-dependent intracellular Pi budgeting is a key constraint for mitochondrial repression.

Challenges and Adoption of Bivoltine Hybrid Silkworm Rearing in Karnataka's South-Eastern Dry Zone, India

The present study explores the adoption of bivoltine hybrid silkworm rearing practices in the South-Eastern Dry Zone of Karnataka, specifically within the Kolar and Chikkaballapur districts. Data collected from thirty sericulturists using a pretested interview schedule, reveal a mixed picture of practice adoption. The adoption levels of recommended practices vary significantly among rearers. While high adoption rates were observed for certain practices, such as the use of recommended mulberry varieties and irrigation techniques, other practices show only moderate adherence. Specifically, cent per cent of the sericulturists have adopted the recommended mulberry variety and 93.33% follow suggested irrigation schedules. However, there is only a 60% adoption rate for the use of prescribed fertilizers and pest management practices. The study also highlights several key constraints impacting the adoption of these practices. Major constraints include limited access to quality inputs, insufficient technical knowledge and inadequate extension services. Financial constraints and environmental challenges further exacerbate these issues, affecting the overall effectiveness of sericulture practices. Recommendations to improve adoption levels include enhancing access to quality inputs, enhancing educational and extension services which talking financial obstacles. By implementing these recommendations, it is anticipated that sericulturists in these region will be better equipped to adopt and benefit from advanced silkworm rearing practices, resulting in greater productivity and long-term sustainability in the sericulture sector.

Employees’ sustainability behavior: moderating effects of customer environmental awareness

ABSTRACT In response to the widespread issue of significant food waste in the foodservice industry, this study aims to explore the key constraints that hinder restaurants’ efforts to reduce food waste. Through a comprehensive literature review, three key constraints – intra-, inter-, and structural – were identified at both the organizational and individual employee levels to investigate their impact on employee food waste reduction behavior (EFWRB). Data obtained from 300 restaurant employees via an online survey were analyzed using Partial Least Squares (PLS)-Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Results revealed that while organizational constraints did not directly influence EFWRB, they intensified employee constraints, ultimately reducing EFWRB. Additionally, our findings emphasize the crucial role of customer environmental awareness in mitigating the adverse effects of both organizational and individual employee constraints on EFWRB. This study expands to the existing body of relevant knowledge and offers valuable insights for restaurant management in improve, ultimately promoting effective sustainable practices.

Gas hydrate stability for CO2-methane gas mixes in the Pegasus Basin, New Zealand: A geological control for potential gas production using methane-CO2 exchange in hydrates

Gas hydrate is an ice-like form of water containing gas, in nature mostly methane (CH4), which requires moderate pressures and low temperatures. The replacement of CH4 by CO2, which also forms a hydrate, could allow CH4 production from hydrate while sequestering CO2. A number of recent studies have focused on theoretical background, experimental simulations, and engineering approaches related to CH4-CO2 exchange in hydrates. We here investigate a key geologic constraint for possible CH4-CO2 exchange in sub-seafloor reservoirs, hydrate stability. We analyze seismic data and gas hydrate system models from the Pegasus Basin east of New Zealand, a region with evidence for abundant gas hydrates. Pressure-temperature conditions beneath the seafloor need to be within the stability fields for both CH4 hydrate and hydrate from the resulting gas mix after CO2 injection. Based on experimental and theoretical studies, we consider 64% a benchmark for maximum achievable CH4 replacement by CO2, resulting in a mix of 64% CO2 – 36% CH4, in hydrate. Down to a water depth of 1087 m, hydrate from this gas mix is stable within the entire CH4 hydrate stability field. A gap develops in deeper water with the base of gas hydrate stability (BGHS) for CH4 being deeper than for the 64% CO2 – 36% CH4 mix. In nature, most mechanisms for CH4 hydrate formation favor high saturation near the BGHS. For an evaluation of possible CH4-CO2 exchange, it is therefore important to investigate mixed-gas hydrate stability near the CH4-BGHS and to identify CH4 hydrates closer to the seafloor.

Deformation-Adapted Spatial Domain Filtering Algorithm for UAV Mining Subsidence Monitoring

Underground coal mining induces surface subsidence, leading to disasters such as damage to buildings and infrastructure, landslides, and surface water accumulation. Preventing and controlling disasters in subsidence areas and reutilizing land depend on understanding subsidence regularity and obtaining surface subsidence monitoring data. These data are crucial for the reutilization of regional land resources and disaster prevention and control. Subsidence hazards are also a key constraint to mine development. Recently, with the rapid advancement of UAV technology, the use of UAV photogrammetry for surface subsidence monitoring has become a significant trend in this field. The periodic imagery data quickly acquired by UAV are used to construct DEM through point cloud filtering. Then, surface subsidence information is obtained by differencing DEM from different periods. However, due to the accuracy limitations inherent in UAV photogrammetry, the subsidence data obtained through this method are characterized by errors, making it challenging to achieve high-precision ground surface subsidence monitoring. Therefore, this paper proposes a spatial domain filtering algorithm for UAV photogrammetry combined with surface deformation caused by coal mining based on the surface subsidence induced by coal mining and combined with the characteristics of the surface change. This algorithm significantly reduces random error in the differential DEM, achieving high-precision ground subsidence monitoring using UAV. Simulation and field test results show that the surface subsidence elevation errors obtained in the simulation tests are reduced by more than 50% compared to conventional methods. In field tests, this method reduced surface subsidence elevation errors by 39%. The monitoring error for surface subsidence was as low as 8 mm compared to leveling survey data. This method offers a new technical pathway for high-precision surface subsidence monitoring in mining areas using UAV photogrammetry.

Using RSQSim to Determine Seismic Sequence in Eastern Taiwan Fault System

Abstract Understanding the spatial and temporal patterns of seismic activity, along with fault interactions in Taiwan, is essential for earthquake hazard assessment and advancing knowledge of regional tectonics. This study employs the Rate and State Earthquake Simulator (RSQSim) to simulate the eastern Taiwan fault system, integrating fault geometry from the multidisciplinary Taiwan Earthquake Model. We applied long-term simulations spanning 400,000 yr to conduct earthquake sequences and recurrence intervals on five distinct faults in eastern Taiwan: Milun fault, Longitudinal Valley fault, Central Range structure, Luyeh fault, and Taimali Coastline structure. The simulated earthquake catalogs are compared against the historical record in terms of seismicity, frequency–magnitude statistics, and recurrence patterns. The model reasonably reproduces key observational constraints, including spatial patterns, magnitude probabilities fitting a gamma distribution, and periods of quiescence resulting from fault interactions. Overall, the results demonstrate RSQSim’s potential for physics-based seismic hazard modeling and provide insights into regional seismotectonic processes in eastern Taiwan for constructing sustainable cities and communities.

Recent advantages on mass transfer structure construction in transition metal‐based cost‐effective catalyst toward alkaline oxygen evolution

The electrochemical oxygen evolution reaction (OER) can be combined with various reactions to fabricate electrochemical energy conversion and storage devices while the slow kinetics and poor mass transfer capability at high current densities were the key constraints to its large‐scale application. Therefore, this review primarily focuses on design and optimization of mass transfer structures of TM‐metal‐based OER catalysts. Nanostructuring, porous design, and the creation of hierarchical architectures have been applied during catalyst synthesis to enhance the surface area and accessibility, thereby improving mass transfer and catalytic OER efficiency. Strategies including doping, substrate invitation, soft/hard templating has been utilized to accelerate mass transfer as well as the ion/electron conduction efficiency for the overall improvement of OER performance of the catalysts. These developments underline the critical role of advanced material design in achieving high‐performance OER catalysts and highlight the potential of TM‐based materials in cost‐effective and scalable applications.

Pests, Diseases, Growth and Yield of Tomato as Influenced by Variety and Cultivation Technology

Tomato (<i>Solanum lycopersicum</i> L.) is one of the most important vegetables in the world. However, dearth of knowledge exists on cultivation technology that contributes to increased production of the crop. Meanwhile, low yielding varieties, high pests and diseases attacks, climate variability and poor soil fertility are among key production constraints that limit the increased production and productivity of tomato in Sierra Leone. A two-year field experiment was conducted at the School of Agriculture and Food Sciences experimental site during 2022 and 2023 to evaluate the effects of variety and cultivation technology (CT) on pests, diseases, growth, yield and productivity of tomato. The experiment was laid in a 2 × 4 factorial (i.e. two varieties of tomato, and four treatments: CT 1, CT 2, CT 3 and CT 4 known as control) arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Results showed that organic (CT 1 and CT 2) and inorganic (CT 3) treatments had a positive impact on growth parameters of tomato. The CT 1 (chicken dung, mulching, and neem extract biopesticide) was most effective in promoting vegetative growth and higher fruit yield, while CT 2 (NPK 15:15:15, urea, promethrin herbicide, and chlorpyrifos pesticide) exhibited highest potency in reducing population and damage caused by diseases and pests. Findings demonstrate that improved variety and cultivation technology boost tomato tolerance to pests and diseases, as well as its growth and yield performances that could be exploited for increased production and fruit quality of the crop. The CT1 was the most effective, followed by CT 2, while CT 4 or control plots had the lowest performance. The outperformance of the organic treatments relative to the inorganic and control is suggested to be attributable to its nitrogen-rich components. Weed control was also established to be effective in both inorganic and CT 2 treatments. The findings suggest that the CT 1 should be promoted for sustainable tomato cultivation, prioritizing environmentally friendly methods for long-term success.

Bayesian frameworks for integrating petrologic and geochronologic data

Constraining the absolute time and duration of geologic processes is one of the great challenges and goals in Earth sciences. Increasingly, the integration of geochronologic constraints with petrologic information is being qualitatively applied to understanding the timescales of metamorphic, igneous, tectonic, and fluid-related processes. Many rocks and geochronometers preserve relative age constraints such as compositional zoning or cross cutting relationships. This prior information can be formalized in a Bayesian statistical framework to generate a probabilistic posterior chronology. As we show here, these “age-sequence” models can enhance precision on geochronologic dates and rates and insight into tectonic models. Bayesian modeling of complex, concentrically, zoned monazite from the northern Appalachian orogen was used to develop a detailed temperature-time history through the Acadian (∼405–395 Ma) and Neoacadian (∼380–350 Ma) orogenies with significantly reduced uncertainties (40–70 %). Modeling of zoned monazite from a southern Trans-Hudson orogen granulite yielded durations of 0.5+9/-0.4 Ma and 20+5/-8 Ma for biotite-dehydration melting and suprasolidus conditions, respectively. The relatively short intervals of heating and peak conditions are consistent with a back-arc tectonic setting. A complementary approach, Bayesian change point detection, provides a framework to constrain the timing of compositional changes that can be linked with metamorphic reactions. Applying this approach in the northern Appalachian orogen demonstrates contrasting durations of low-Y monazite crystallization (∼10 vs ∼30 myr) in regions with different pressure-temperature histories. Compositionally distinct monazite domains can be linked with garnet stability, which provides a key constraint on tectonic models. Bayesian statistical analysis represent a powerful tool that can be widely applied to refine the absolute time and duration of geologic processes. A more objective and reproducible set of interpretations are produced by this more formal, although not necessarily complex, statistical analysis.

Accuracy optimized neural networks do not effectively model optic flow tuning in brain area MSTd.

Accuracy-optimized convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have emerged as highly effective models at predicting neural responses in brain areas along the primate ventral stream, but it is largely unknown whether they effectively model neurons in the complementary primate dorsal stream. We explored how well CNNs model the optic flow tuning properties of neurons in dorsal area MSTd and we compared our results with the Non-Negative Matrix Factorization (NNMF) model, which successfully models many tuning properties of MSTd neurons. To better understand the role of computational properties in the NNMF model that give rise to optic flow tuning that resembles that of MSTd neurons, we created additional CNN model variants that implement key NNMF constraints - non-negative weights and sparse coding of optic flow. While the CNNs and NNMF models both accurately estimate the observer's self-motion from purely translational or rotational optic flow, NNMF and the CNNs with nonnegative weights yield substantially less accurate estimates than the other CNNs when tested on more complex optic flow that combines observer translation and rotation. Despite its poor accuracy, NNMF gives rise to tuning properties that align more closely with those observed in primate MSTd than any of the accuracy-optimized CNNs. This work offers a step toward a deeper understanding of the computational properties and constraints that describe the optic flow tuning of primate area MSTd.

Determination of Adoption Traits and Key Production Constraints of Improved Maize Varieties Using Participatory Research Appraisal

Introduction: Maize is a staple crop critical to the food security and livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa. Despite the availability of improved maize varieties, adoption rates among farmers remain suboptimal. Understanding the traits that drive adoption and identifying key production constraints is essential for the development and dissemination of varieties that meet farmers' needs. Aims: This study aimed to identifying the most valued traits of improved maize varieties from the farmers' perspective, assessing the socio-economic and biophysical factors influencing the adoption of these varieties and identifying the main production constraints faced by farmers in different agro-ecological zones. Study Design: The study was conducted in three regions representing diverse agro-ecological zones. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select a representative sample of maize farmers. Data collection involved focus group discussions (FGDs), key informant interviews (KIIs), and household surveys. PRA tools such as pairwise ranking and matrix scoring were employed to capture qualitative and quantitative data on adoption traits and production constraints. Place and Duration of Study: The study took place at Ejura Sekyeredumasi, Nkoranza South District and Wenchi Municipal district, between June 2017 and December 2017. Methodology: Descriptive statistics were used analyzed the demographic characteristics of maize farmers as well as socioeconomic factors influencing the adoption of improved maize farming technology using SPSS 16 version. Data collected included; socio-demographic characteristics, adoption of improved maize varieties and constraints to maize production. Results: The results showed that about 78 % and 18 % of farmer respondents perceived that both fertilizers and improved seed were too expensive. Other constraints to maize production were drought, high cost of other agro-inputs, lack of improved cultivars and poor soil fertility significantly influenced the adoption of improved maize farming technologies in the area Conclusion: The study underscores the importance of incorporating farmers' preferences and addressing context-specific production constraints in maize breeding programs. Enhanced extension services, improved seed distribution systems, and tailored agronomic practices are recommended to increase adoption rates and improve productivity. Participatory approaches in agricultural research are vital for aligning breeding objectives with the real-world needs of smallholder farmers, ensuring the relevance and impact of improved maize varieties in the Ghana.

SCM-198 ameliorates the quality of postovulatory and maternally aged oocytes by reducing oxidative stress

Oocyte aging is a key constraint on oocyte quality, leading to fertilization failure and abnormal embryonic development. In addition, it is likely to generate unfavorable assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes. SCM-198, a synthetic form of leonurine, was found to rescue the rate of oocyte fragmentation caused by postovulatory aging. Therefore, the aim of this study was to conduct a more in-depth investigation of SCM-198 by exploring its relationship with aged oocytes after ovulation or maternal aging and clarifying whether it affects cell quality. The results indicate that, compared to the postovulatory aged group, the 50 µM SCM-198 group significantly improved sperm-egg binding and increased fertilization of aged oocytes, restoring the spindle apparatus/chromosome structure, cortical granule distribution, and ovastacin and Juno protein distribution. The 50 µM SCM-198 group showed significantly normal mitochondrial distribution, low levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and a small quantity of early oocyte apoptosis compared to the postovulatory aged group. Above all, in vivo supplementation with SCM-198 effectively eliminated excess ROS and reduced the spindle/chromosome structural defects in aged mouse oocytes. In summary, these findings indicate that SCM-198 inhibits excessive oxidative stress in oocytes and alters oocyte quality both in vitro and in vivo.Graphical

Preparation, microstructure and interfacial architecture of Ni-coated Ti3C2Tx reinforced Al6061 composites

Aluminum matrix composites (AMCs) reinforced by Ti3C2Tx are receiving increasing attention. However, the key constraints to its application breadth are the poor thermal stability and its poor interfacial bonding with aluminum (Al). In this paper, the surface modification of Ti3C2Tx is carried out by chemical Ni coating, and the effects of such reinforcement on the microstructure and interfacial architecture, as well as the mechanical properties of the Al6061 composites before and after Ni-coated are compared. The results show that Ni-coated Ti3C2Tx improves its dispersion in the Al melts and blocks the interfacial reaction between Al and Ti3C2Tx. HRTEM analysis shows that the dense Ni nanoparticles on the surface of Ti3C2Tx optimize its interfacial structure with Al. The mismatch of (102)Al3Ni//(1−11)Al is 4.3 %, indicating that the Al6061–2.5 wt% Ti3C2Tx@Ni (AT2.5@Ni) composites are strengthened by the form of Al3Ni-Al interfacial coherence. The yield strength, tensile strength, and elongation of AT2.5@Ni composites are 122.1 MPa, 223.4 MPa, and 5.2 %, which are 53.0 %, 57.9 %, and 2.0 % higher than that of Al6061 matrix, respectively. The better mechanical properties are mainly attributed to the strong Ti3C2Tx-Ni-Al3Ni-Al interfacial architecture formed in the composites, resulting in the effective load transfer from matrix to Ti3C2Tx.

Velocity-resolved Ionization Mapping of Broad Line Region. I. Insights into Diverse Geometry and Kinematics

Broad emission lines of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) originate from the broad-line region (BLR), consisting of dense gas clouds in orbit around an accreting supermassive black hole. Understanding the geometry and kinematics of this region is crucial for gaining insights into the physics and evolution of AGNs. Conventional velocity-resolved reverberation mapping may face challenges in disentangling the degeneracy between intricate motion and geometry of this region. To address this challenge, new key constraints are required. Here, we report the discovery of an asymmetric BLR using a novel technique: velocity-resolved ionization mapping, which can map the distance of emitting gas clouds by measuring Hydrogen line ratios at different velocities. By analyzing spectroscopic monitoring data, we find that the Balmer decrement is anticorrelated with the continuum and correlated with the lags across broad emission line velocities. Some line ratio profiles deviate from the expectations for a symmetrically virialized BLR, suggesting that the redshifted and blueshifted gas clouds may not be equidistant from the supermassive black hole (SMBH). This asymmetric geometry might represent a formation imprint, provide new perspectives on the evolution of AGNs, and influence SMBH mass measurements.

Harnessing Educational Big Data Analytics for Decision-Making in Enhancing School Teaching Quality

The application of educational big data analytics holds significant importance in enhancing decision-making processes for school teaching quality. This study explores the effective utilization of educational big data analytics technologies to support the improvement of teaching quality in schools. Initially, the challenges and needs faced by current school teaching quality decision-making were analyzed, highlighting the critical role of educational big data analytics in this context. Subsequently, the limitations and gaps in existing study were identified through a review of related studies, underscoring the study value of this study. Based on this foundation, this study progresses through an examination of the decision-making factors that influence school teaching quality, problem description and model assumptions, construction of decision models, and model solutions using genetic algorithms. By analyzing key factors and constraints in the decision-making process for school teaching quality and integrating optimization algorithms, a viable decision support model was proposed and empirically analyzed. This study aims to provide a scientific basis for school administrators and decision-makers, thereby promoting continuous improvement in school teaching quality.

Property Enhancement of Recycled Coarse Aggregate and Its Concrete under CO2-Accelerated Curing Treatment.

The poor properties of recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) and recycled coarse aggregate concrete (RCAC) are considered key constraints hindering the reuse of this waste resource in marine engineering. The CO2-based accelerated carbonation method, which utilizes the alkali aggregate properties of RCA to achieve CO2 uptake and sequestration while significantly enhancing its properties, has attracted widespread attention. However, the degree of improvement in the properties of RCA under different initial moisture conditions (IMCs) and aggregate particle sizes (APSs) after CO2-accelerated carbonation remains unclear. Moreover, the quantitative effect of carbonated recycled coarse aggregate (CRCA), which is obtained from RCA samples with the optimal initial moisture conditions, on the improvement of RCAC under optimal accelerated carbonation modification conditions still needs to be studied in depth. For this investigation, a CO2-accelerated carbonation experiment was carried out on RCA samples with different IMCs and APSs, and the variations in the properties of RCA with respect to its IMC and APS were assessed. The degree of accelerated carbonation modification of RCA under different IMCs and APSs was quantified, and the optimal initial moisture conditions for enhancing the properties of the RCA were confirmed. By preparing concrete specimens based on the natural coarse aggregate, RCA, and CRCA with the best initial moisture conditions (considering the same concrete-water proportion), the effect of CRCA on the workability, mechanical properties, and durability of the corresponding concrete specimen was determined. The findings of this study can be used to effectively promote the sustainable development of marine science and engineering in the future and contribute to global dual-carbon goals, which are of great practical significance and scientific value.

Consumption Pattern of A2 Milk in Bengaluru City of Karnataka of India

The dairy sector in India, often referred to as the "milk bowl of the world," is a cornerstone of the nation's agricultural economy. A2 milk, derived from native Indian cow breeds, is gaining popularity due to its perceived health benefits over conventional milk. The research aims to provide a complete understanding of factors that influence A2 milk consumption in Bengaluru, addressing both consumer behaviour and market dynamics. The study used a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative analysis through surveys and factor analysis. Data were collected from 80 respondents across Bengaluru city of Karnataka. Garrett ranking was utilised to identify key constraints faced by consumers, while the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) measure and Bartlett's test were applied to ensure data adequacy for factor analysis. Results indicate that 82.50% of respondents are aware that A2 milk is a good source of lactose, but awareness drops significantly for other nutritional benefits, with only 19.16% aware of its omega-3 fatty acid content. The general awareness of A2 milk's health benefits of the A2 milk is moderate, with 57.5% of respondents exhibiting a medium level of awareness. Factor analysis revealed that product quality and market considerations significantly influence purchasing decisions, while high cost and lack of awareness are major constraints. The high price is attributed to lower yield per cow and higher maintenance costs. Furthermore, 90.50% of respondents highly accepted the taste of A2 milk, indicating a strong sensory appeal. In conclusion, the study highlights the need for targeted awareness campaigns and pricing interventions to enhance consumer education and engagement. Addressing these constraints could improve market penetration and maintain consumer interest in A2 milk, promoting its health benefits, and ensuring its competitive edge in the dairy market. The findings provide valuable information for producers and marketers aiming to expand the A2 milk market in Bengaluru and similar urban areas.

Glacially influenced provenance and Sturtian affinity revealed by detrital zircon U–Pb ages from sandstones in the Port Askaig Formation, Dalradian Supergroup

The Cryogenian ‘Sturtian’ snowball Earth glaciation ( c. 717–658 Ma) likely had a major role in shaping continental landscapes and biotic radiations of the late Neoproterozoic Era. However, an incomplete sedimentary record and inadequate syn-glacial age constraints make Cryogenian studies challenging. We present detrital zircon U–Pb ages for >2000 zircons from 11 sandstone samples taken at <200 m stratigraphic resolution throughout the Port Askaig Formation, a c. 1.1 km thick glaciogenic succession within the Dalradian Supergroup of Scotland and Ireland. Eight new maximum depositional age constraints, including a key constraint on deglaciation (<662.7 ± 7.8 Ma), support lithostratigraphic and stable isotope evidence that suggests the Port Askaig Formation preserves a relatively complete record of the global ‘Sturtian’ glaciation. An increasing contribution from Archean and Paleoproterozoic detritus to the sandstones through the lower c. 500 m of the Port Askaig Formation likely reflects the progressive glacial unroofing of the previously buried Lewisian Gneiss terrane. Archean and Paleoproterozoic grains then become scarce in the uppermost c. 300 m of the formation, which we attribute to glacial modification of the Laurentian continental margin landscape during the waning stage of ‘Sturtian’ glaciation. The disruption to sediment transport pathways caused by this modification, and evidenced by the detrital zircon data, points to partially warm-based ‘Sturtian’ ice sheets that were, to some degree, dynamic.

In situ synthesized dilithium rhodizonate/carbon nanotube composite cathodes for high-performance all-solid-state lithium batteries

The construction of all-solid-state organic batteries is considered as one of the ideal means to solve the dissolution of organic electrode materials (OEMs). Unfortunately, the interface contact problem caused by the volume expansion of OEMs has been a key constraint in the development of all-solid-state organic batteries. Here we report an in situ method for fabricating nano-sized dilithium rhodizonate/carbon nanotubes (Li2C6O6/CNTs) composites as cathodes for high-performance all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) based on Li6PS5Cl sulfide electrolyte. The in situ formed Li2C6O6/CNTs composite with uniform cross-linking distribution of each component promotes facile electron conduction in cathodes and adapts to volume expansion of Li2C6O6, which significantly outperforms the conventional grinding Li2C6O6/CNTs composite. Besides, the sulfide electrolyte Li6PS5Cl can avoid the dissolution of Li2C6O6 during discharge/charge processes. As a result, the Li2C6O6 cathode demonstrates an impressive capacity retention of 63.5 % after 200 cycles at room temperature, markedly surpassing the performance of Li2C6O6 in liquid electrolyte (21 % after 50 cycles). Moreover, the capacity of Li2C6O6 can retain 141.2 mAh⋅g−1 at 5 C, which is more superior than most of ASSBs with OEMs reported so far. This work proposes an effective design strategy to achieve high-performance organic composite cathodes for ASSBs.