Linear Transition Research Articles

From just transitions to just transformations; observations from Aotearoa New Zealand in addressing the human wellbeing impacts of climate change

Abstract This paper interrogates the utility of a just transition framework for climate change and human wellbeing in the context of Aotearoa New Zealand. Drawing on historical conceptualisations and applications of just transitions, their limitations and potential, we argue that an expansive and anti-reductionist conceptualisation of the just transition is best suited to address complex and inter-sectoral issues across time and space. Expansive just transitions are characterised by four features; relationality, systems-thinking, place-based and inter-generational approaches, where emancipation is held as the overarching objective. While we argue in favour of an expansive and anti-reductionist just transition framework being employed in the face of complex issues, such as the human wellbeing impacts of climate change, we introduce the concept of a just transformation: achieving true equity and justice in the face of climate change requires a transformative approach, situated outside of the confines of the hegemonic economic system and linear transitions. Transformations and not transitions are required for the health and wellbeing outcomes desired amidst threats of climate change.

General descriptors for glycerol oxidation to glyceric acid over PtM3‐derived bimetallic catalysts in base‐free medium

AbstractExploring efficient Pt‐based catalysts for the selective oxidation of polyol is still a challenge due to the lack of a mechanism‐driven approach. Here, low‐Pt content PdM3 were systematically investigated for glycerol oxidation to glyceric acid (GLYA) by density functional theory (DFT) linear synchronous transit and quadratic synchronous transit (LST/QST) assisted descriptor‐based micro‐kinetic modeling. Results revealed that the PdM3 surface induces the dissociation of O2 and H2O to form a polarized PdM3‐OH* surface, participating in the subsequent adsorption and activation of glycerol and oxygen‐containing intermediates. Moreover, the binding energy of O and H on the PdM3 could be labeled as descriptors describing catalytic selectivity and activity. On this basis, a strong electron reconstruction effect described by EO (−4.5 to −3.0 eV) and appropriate dehydrogenation ability described by EH (−3.5 to −2.5 eV) contribute to the improvement of catalytic performance for the selective oxidation of glycerol to GLYA. This study may give insights into the rational design of high‐efficient Pt‐based catalysts for polyol oxidation.

Performance Evaluation of Battery Swapping Stations for EVs: A Multi-Method Simulation Approach

This study presents an optimisation framework for operating a battery swapping station (BSS) to enhance efficiency and sustainability in electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. A hybrid modelling approach combines agent-based discrete event simulation and linear programming to model the dynamic behaviour of batteries and operational processes within the BSS. The model considers factors such as charging speed, battery degradation, grid power constraints, customer behaviour, and range anxiety. The agent-based model simulates the interaction between vehicles, batteries, and the station, capturing the stochastic nature of EVs’ arrivals and battery demand with the discrete event simulation. The linear programming component optimises battery state transitions to minimise degradation and ensure that the demand is met while respecting the power limits of the grid. Different battery types are considered based on vehicle category, each with specific capacity and usage patterns, reflecting real-world market conditions. The results demonstrate that the proposed optimisation framework can effectively manage the complex operational needs of a BSS. The proposed framework effectively balances service quality with resource efficiency by employing a strategic mix of charging modes and inventory management, reducing operational and degradation costs. This approach supports a more sustainable EV infrastructure, highlighting BSS as a viable solution to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of EV operations. Furthermore, the analysis highlights the critical role of power limits in determining charging strategies and their impact on operational efficiency. The findings suggest that with optimised operations, BSS can play a critical role in accelerating the adoption of EVs by offering a faster, more reliable, and sustainable alternative.

Effective natural rubber vulcanization using electron beam irradiation and DFT driven cross-linking agents

This study explores an eco-friendly and efficient method for vulcanizing natural rubber latex using electron beam irradiation, enhanced by cross-linking agents. Unlike conventional sulfur vulcanization, electron beam vulcanization can occur at room temperature, reducing the need for chemical additives and eliminating toxic waste. Both experimental and theoretical studies were performed to evaluate vulcanization efficiency, utilizing ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EDMA) and 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate (HDDA) as cross-linking agents. Electron beam irradiation is an effective method for generating reactive radical species via homolytic cleavage of covalent bonds in natural rubber. Quantum mechanical calculations, including density functional theory (DFT) and transition state searches using linear and quadratic synchronous transit methods, were employed to examine molecular structures, energies, and reaction pathways in the vulcanization process. The findings reveal that HDDA demonstrates superior cross-linking performance compared to EDMA, making it the preferred choice for enhancing vulcanization efficiency. These results offer valuable insights for optimizing rubber manufacturing processes, potentially improving the quality and efficiency of industrial rubber production.

First principle calculations of Janus 2D-TiSSe as an anodic electrode in batteries of lithium, sodium, and magnesium ions.

In recent years, rechargeable batteries have received considerable attention as a way to improve energy storage efficiency. Anodic (negative) electrodes based on Janus two-dimensional (2D) monolayers are among the most promising candidates. In this effort, the adsorption and diffusion of these Li, Na, and Mg ions on and through Janus 2D-TiSSe as anodic material was investigated by means of periodic DFT-D3 calculations. Electrochemical parameters were computed and compared. The diffusion barrier energies for migration of ions in monolayer TiSSe in three different potential directions were determined. Furthermore, the electronic properties and Mulliken charge analysis and plots of CDD were employed to investigate the interaction between ions and their surrounding surface. Our results show that the adsorption ability of TiSSe surface up to 32 metal ions falls in the following order: Li+ > Na+ > Mg2+. The maximum storage capacity is 337.37 mAh/g for Li/Na ion and 674.75 mAh/g for Mg ion. The average open-circuit voltage is 1.39, 0.93, and 0.73V for Li, Na, and Mg ions, respectively. Lastly, the minimum diffusion barriers follow the order Li+ < Na+ < Mg2+. The structural, energetic, and thermal stability of clean Janus surface and its saturated adsorbed systems was proved by MD simulations. In addition, we compared the obtained electrochemical parameters to those reported by other researchers. This comprehensive approach demonstrates valuable insights, furthering our understanding of TiSSe's behavior and its suitability for use in MIBs. DFT calculations were applied with projector augmented plane waves (PAWs)/PBE functional. A two-dimensional (2D) monolayer TiSSe surface was built with a 4 × 4 supercell. The energy cutoff of plane waves was set to 400eV. The DFT-D3 model has been used to incorporate van der Waals interactions. A geometric relaxation process was conducted using Monhkorst-Pack 8 × 8 × 1 in reciprocal space. The relaxation and electronic calculations were carried out using the Vienna Ab initio Simulation Package (VASP). Using the transition state (TS) search algorithm implemented in the Dmol3 module, linear synchronous transition and quadratic synchronous transit tools were utilized to find the minimum energy paths.

A prediction model for surface settlement during the construction of variable cross-section tunnels under existing structures based on stochastic medium theory

When predicting ground surface settlement caused by constructing a new tunnel beneath existing structures, traditional stochastic medium theory inadequately accounts for the effects of abrupt changes in the cross-sectional areas of variable-section tunnels and the presence of existing structures, potentially leading to significant errors. In this paper, an enhanced ground surface settlement prediction model, based on stochastic medium theory, is proposed. The model equates the settlement of the existing structure’s base slab to that of the overlying soil and divides the horseshoe-shaped tunnel cross-section into eight arc segments, which are calculated using a polar coordinate system. Furthermore, the model treats soil loss at the junctions of variable-section tunnels as a linear transition, introduces the concept of a linear transition segment for variable sections, and accounts for the superimposed effects of closely spaced twin-tunnel excavations. Based on this model, a general-purpose calculation program has been developed that enables the rapid prediction of ground surface deformation caused by a variable-section tunnel passing beneath existing structures, simply by inputting engineering parameters. Finally, the accuracy of the prediction model was validated through comparisons with field measurement data, finite element analysis results, and calculations based on traditional stochastic medium theory. The results indicate that the proposed prediction model demonstrates high consistency with field data and finite element analysis results, whereas traditional stochastic medium theory results exhibit significant errors. This model is scientifically valid and provides a reliable reference for predicting ground surface settlement in comparable variable-section metro tunnel construction projects.

Multi-fidelity simulation of inlet mode transition with smooth thrust of turbine based combined cycle

A multi-fidelity simulation method of external and internal flow has been developed using commercial software to achieve a smooth thrust of the turbine-based combined-cycle (TBCC) propulsion system. This platform enables the investigation of the flow field and performance of the TBCC propulsion system at different mode transition schemes. The integrated multi-fidelity simulation includes the inlet, turbojet engine, ramjet engine, and nozzle, providing insights into the operation process of the TBCC propulsion system during the transition from turbojet mode to ramjet mode. Three mode transition schemes are proposed: critical mode transition, constant aerodynamic interface plane (AIP) Mach number mode transition, and linear mode transition. From the perspective of TBCC inlet, the performance of the critical mode transition exhibits the best performance among these mode transition schemes, while the linear mode transition performs the worst. However, from the viewpoint of the TBCC propulsion system and the hypersonic vehicle, the performance of constant AIP Mach number mode transition is the best. The non-dimensional thrust increases almost linear from 1.0 to 1.2, enabling hypersonic vehicle to accelerate steadily during the transition from turbojet mode to ramjet mode.

Reduction in wave shoaling over a linear transition bottom using a porous medium

Wave shoaling, which involves an increase in wave amplitude due to changes in water depth, can damage shorelines. To mitigate this damage, we propose using porous structures such as mangrove forests. In this study, we use a mathematical model to examine how mangroves, acting as porous breakwater, can reduce wave shoaling amplitude. The shallow water equations are used as the governing equations and are modified to account for the presence of porous media. To measure the wave reduction generated by the porous media, the wave transmission coefficient is estimated using analytical and numerical approaches. The separation of variables method and the staggered finite volume method are utilized for each approach, respectively. The numerical results are then validated against the previously obtained analytical solutions. We then vary the friction and porosity parameters—determined by the presence and extent of porous media, to evaluate their effectiveness in reducing wave shoaling.

Fabrication and Characterization of Carrageenan‐Biopolymer Composite Microneedles for Interstitial Fluid Collection

AbstractIdentification of suitable polymeric materials to fabricate microneedles (MNs) for the collection of interstitial fluid (ISF) is a challenge. Here, characterization of different carrageenan‐biopolymer composites for MN patch fabrication intended for ISF collection is reported. Systematic oscillatory rheological studies of composites containing iota‐carrageenan mixed with alginate, gelatin, or pectin are performed to determine the linear viscoelastic region, gel point, tan delta, complex viscosity, and flow transition index. A polynomial equation is derived by relating flow transition index of biopolymer composites and compression strength of fabricated MNs. The biopolymer composite of iota‐carrageenan and gelatin at 2% and 14%, respectively, and CaCl2 crosslinker (80 mm) shows the greatest compression strength sufficient for MNs insertion into the excised porcine skin. MNs swell up on application in an agarose gel model and the ex vivo excised porcine skin model to collect 36 ± 5 and 14 ± 1 µL of fluid within 10 min, respectively. Taken together, it is demonstrated that rheological analysis can be performed to select suitable polymer composites that possess sufficient strength for the skin insertion and swellability for ISF collection.

First‐Principle Calculation of the Hydrogen Adsorption and Diffusion Characteristics at an Ni3Al/Ni Interface

ABSTRACTThe occurrence of hydrogen embrittlement often leads to significant fracturing in materials. Thus, a comprehensive understanding of the interactions of hydrogen and its effects on material properties is essential. In this study, first‐principle calculations based on density functional theory are conducted to investigate the adsorption and diffusion characteristics of hydrogen at the Ni/Ni3Al(γ/γ') interface of a Ni‐based single‐crystal superalloy. The results show that hydrogen can stably adsorb onto the γ/γ′ interface, nearby octahedral interstitial sites, and tetrahedral interstitial sites in the γ‐phase. Analysis of the density of states and charge density confirms that the hydrogen atoms formed covalent bonds and ionic bonds with nearby Al atoms. A transition state structure search based on linear synchronous transit (LST) and quadratic synchronous transit (QST) models is utilized to calculate the diffusion paths and energy barriers of the hydrogen atoms between the stable adsorption sites near the interface. In addition, the permeation characteristics of hydrogen atoms at the interface are analyzed. Furthermore, it is confirmed that hydrogen atoms entering the matrix from the interface preferentially occupy the positions of the regular octahedral interstitial sites, diffuse towards adjacent regular 6Ni octahedral interstitial sites through the inclined octahedral interstitial sites between the atomic layers, and converge at the interface.

Waves of Popular Contention and Democracy in Denmark, 1700–2000

AbstractContrary to the dominant narrative of the historical formation of democracy in Denmark, which emphasises a smooth and gradual linear transition to democracy and modernity, this paper accentuates a discontinuous and contentious road towards democratisation. Based on quantitative and qualitative sources, this article identifies four major waves of popular mobilisation that paved the way for the introduction and expansion of political rights. The first wave of popular protest began in the 1830s and culminated in 1848 with the fall of absolutism and the transition to constitutional monarchy. The next protest wave from 1885 to 1887 arose from the so‐called ‘constitutional struggle’ and mobilised hundreds of thousands of ordinary Danes and contributed to the nationalisation and parliamentarisation of the political system. The third wave unfolded around the end of the Second World War, while the hitherto last wave of popular struggle erupted in 1968 with the youth rebellion. The analysis shows that ‘democracy’ was the central issue of contention in all four protest waves and supports the main thesis that periods of intense interaction between popular protest and the state have had a decisive formative influence on the genesis and further development of Danish democracy.

Performance evaluation of GH3536/GH4169 functionally graded materials with linear gradient changes fabricated through direct energy deposition

This study employs the direct energy deposition method to fabricate functionally graded materials (FGMs) using GH3536 and GH4169 alloys. The approach achieves a seamless linear gradient transition in the FGMs, progressing from GH3536 alloy to GH4169 alloy. Additionally, the impact of a solid solution twin-aging process on the properties of the FGMs was investigated. The findings reveal that variations in the powder content of GH3536/GH4169 alloy exhibit minimal impact on the microstructure of the deposited FGMs, with columnar crystals predominantly growing along the <001> direction. The direct energy deposition process induces an exceptionally high temperature gradient and cooling rate, preventing the timely precipitation of the second strengthening phase (γ", γ', δ), as well as M6C and M23C6 in the FGMs. Furthermore, the formation of the Laves phase (Ni2Nb, Cr2Mo) diminishes the overall performance of the FGMs. In correspondence with the linear variation of GH3536/GH4169 alloy powder content, the hardness of each layer within the deposited FGMs exhibits an initial increase followed by a subsequent decrease. Following the solution aging treatment, complete dissolution of the Laves phase and δ phase occurs, leading to the formation of a secondary chain phase (M23C6) along the grain boundaries. Simultaneously, needle and granular δ phases disperse within the grain structure, contributing to enhanced performance in the FGMs and ensuring uniform hardness throughout.

Exploration of the rapid growth of high-molecular-weight oligomers in the later stage of diisocyanate self-polymerization

Diisocyanate trimers are important products in the polyurethane industry. Large amounts of high-molecular-weight oligomers, which change the physical and chemical properties of the final products, are generated in the later stages of the synthesis process. It is important to understand the self-polymerization of high-molecular-weight oligomers. The relationship between this phenomenon and the PDI monomer concentration was first experimentally demonstrated. Then the self-polymerization of pentamethylene diisocyanate (PDI) was investigated via Dmol3 calculations using the linear synchronous transition (LST) and quadratic synchronous transition (QST) methods. Calculations revealed a new synthesis pathway with a reaction energy barrier of 31.548 kcal/mol, leading to the conversion of pentamers into decamers. In the initial stage of the polymerization reaction, the PDI monomer concentration was high, and the reaction followed a step-growth polymerization. However, as the PDI monomer concentration decreased and the PDI pentamer concentration increased in the later stage of the reaction, a new synthesis pathway emerged, leading to the direct synthesis of high-molecular-weight oligomers from the available oligomers. This study further demonstrates the self-polymerization of diisocyanate and provides a comprehensive understanding of its synthesis process. By inhibiting this new pathway can reduce the content of high-molecular-weight oligomers, increase yields, and reduce the product viscosity, all of which are beneficial for chemical process optimization.

The link between abnormal numbers and price movements of financial securities: How does Benford’s law predict stock returns?

This paper studies the potential effect of deviation from Benford’s law on stock return prediction. Departures from the anticipated pattern can act as early indicators of irregular market behavior or possible fraudulent activities, both of which have the potential to impact future price trends. In this study, the deviation is measured by chi-squared test statistics over the first significant digit. Preliminary results indicate no compliance between daily stock returns data from Euronext Paris and Tunisian stock markets with Benford’s distribution. Then, the impact on the returns is explored via several models: linear regression and smooth transition models with various transition variables. Empirical results show the nonlinear effect of Benford’s law on stock returns prediction. We illustrate that this law can detect and predict abnormal returns generated by fraudulent or abnormal activities in both developed and emerging markets. By using Benford’s Law to analyze leading digits, investors and analysts can effectively identify irregularities and gain valuable insights into market dynamics.

Young women, dating apps, and affective assemblages in the time of pandemic: No relationship is a linear transition to a fixed point

The article aims to explore the centrality in young women’s life of the affective assemblages that took shape in their relationship with digital media during the pandemic, particularly fostered by the use of dating apps. Emotional and affective connection is and has been prevented by the pandemic in the form of physical distancing and the risk of contagion, but also by regulations that in some states, such as Italy, have only recognised legitimate familial relationships to grant permission to mobility (like marriage, birth family). So, what happens when people cannot take care and be sustained by their affective web of relationships? On one hand, this negative situation limited desire, mutual sharing, and pleasure as potential pushes for social change, and on the other hand, it opened up new mediated spaces in which to cultivate different and unexpected effects and relationships. Therefore, the article looks at the role of the affective realm as a political space linked to social change, and explores the use of dating apps by young women during the pandemic as an element of a broader affective assemblage. The article follows a subgroup of young women who used dating apps during the Covid lockdown over the three waves of interviews. The young women are aged 24–30 years and have been encountered as a part of a longitudinal research project on the transition to adulthood in Italy conducted from 2020 to 2022. Specifically, it focuses on those biographies of youth who are not in a stable romantic relationship, and often live alone, and who have therefore experienced unprecedented forms of emotional/affective isolation and have recurred to dating apps for different purposes. The goal here is to analyse the unexpected uses of these apps – not only centred in erotic or romantic purpose – and the online (and sometimes offline) relationships that ensue: for example, making sense of rarefied and solitary time, building relations of care in everyday life. These assemblages – made up of bodies, digital media, and affects – intervene in the current context of normalised crisis and precarity, characterised by a digitally saturated environment, giving the possibility to young people to produce and enjoy spaces for non-normative/linear/straight desire and sharing that go beyond the pandemic.

Representative days and hours with piecewise linear transitions for power system planning

Electric demand and renewable power are highly variable, and the solution of a planning model relies on capturing this variability. This paper proposes a hybrid multi-area method that effectively captures both the intraday and interday chronology of real data considering extreme values, using a limited number of representative days, and time points within each day. An optimization-based representative extraction method is proposed to improve intraday chronology capturing. It ensures higher precision in preserving data chronology and extreme values than hierarchical clustering methods. The proposed method is based on a piecewise linear demand and supply representation, which reduces approximation errors compared to the traditional piecewise constant formulation. Additionally, sequentially linked day blocks with identical representatives, created through a mapping process, are employed for interday chronology capturing. To evaluate the efficiency of the proposed method, a comprehensive expansion co-planning model is developed, including transmission lines, energy storage systems, and wind farms.

Linear and non-linear electrooptical transitions in CDSE nanoplatelets

Linear and non-linear electrooptical transitions in CDSE nanoplatelets

‘Hanging up the boots, picking up the whistle’: An interpretative phenomenological analysis of the player-to-coach transition in elite football

Athletes encounter a complex decision-making process when it comes to their athletic retirement. While some athletes step away from their sport entirely, others opt to pursue a coaching career within it. Recent pedagogical research has revealed the ubiquitous nature of this phenomenon within the elite academy setting. However, despite the prevalence of this coaching pathway, there remains a lack of literature concerning this unique career transition within sports psychology. By providing nuanced and textured accounts of the transition from athletic retirement to the elite coaching environment, this study sought to broaden our understanding of the lived-experience of the player-turned-coach in elite football. The subsequent study used semi-structured interviews and interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) to collect and analyse the first-hand accounts of elite academy coaches who were former professional footballers in the EPL and EFL. Interpretation of the coaches’ own sensemaking allowed us to derive meaning through hermeneutic methods based on Heideggerian philosophical traditions, while convergent and divergent themes were revealed by applying an idiographic approach. The phenomenological, hermeneutic, and idiographic aspects of this investigation serve to underpin the epistemological and ontological tenets of the methodology applied in this study. IPA was chosen as a means of better understanding the perspective of coaches who have experienced this unique journey and how they navigated the re-negotiation of their athletic identity whilst simultaneously developing their coaching philosophy. Phenomenological methods view the participant as the “expert”; therefore, no hypothesis is required. However, we hoped to ascertain: [1] how the athletic identity carries over into coaching philosophy; [2] whether this linear transition mitigates the sense of loss often associated with athletic retirement; [3] how returning to coach at the club in which they developed influences the independent formation of beliefs and practices; and [4] whether there is a risk of perpetuation of practice, as clubs favour their former players over outside candidates. This study sought to understand the lived experience of the player-to-coach transition and aimed to provide insight into this process to better facilitate the athletes and coaches on either side of this phenomenon.

Solvent stabilizing effects on the order-disorder transition of schizophyllan in aqueous mixtures of carboxylic acids.

Schizophyllan is a triple helical β-1,3-D-glucan, and shows the cooperative order-disorder transition in the aqueous solution at the triple helix state. In this paper, the solvent stabilizing effects of two carboxylic acids, acetic acid and citric acid, on the cooperative order-disorder transition of aqueous schizophyllan solution were investigated from DSC and SEC-MALS measurements. The transition temperature (Tr) was shifted to higher temperature with increasing the molar fraction of carboxylic acid in the mixture (x). The transition enthalpy (ΔHr) was increased with increasing x. These solvent stabilizing effects indicate that these carboxylic acid molecules were selectively associated with the branched side chains of schizophyllan to stabilize the ordered state. The composition dependencies of Tr and ΔHr were analyzed by the linear cooperative transition theory to estimate the association parameters between the side chains and carboxylic acid. The theoretical parameters obtained were compared with those for the other active substances for the transition to discuss the molecular interactions between the triple helix and carboxylic acid.

Enhancing the circular economy business model towards sustainable business performance: Moderating the role of environmental dynamism

Enhancing the emphasis on incorporating sustainable practices reinforces a linear transition towards a circular economy by organizations. Nevertheless, although studies on circular economy demonstrate an increasing trend, the drivers that support circular economy practices towards sustainable business performance in the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise (SME) sector, especially in developing nations, demand exploration. Accordingly, the study examines circular economy drivers, i.e., green human resource management, in establishing sustainability performance and environmental dynamism as moderating variables. The study engaged 207 SMEs and 621 respondents who were analyzed utilizing structural equation modeling. The analysis indicated that sustainable business performance was affected by green human resource management and a circular economy. Subsequently, the circular economy mediated the linkage between green human resources management and sustainable business performance. The environmental dynamism moderated the linkage between green human resources management and the circular economy.