Conversion Method Research Articles

Electron-catalytic conversion of carbon dioxide into formaldehyde and methanol

Since the mid-19th century, there has been a steady increase in the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere, leading to global warming due to the greenhouse effect. CO2 can be utilized to obtain a large number of organic compounds. The formation of these compounds depends on the methods of CO2 processing, which include biological, thermal conversion, photochemical, and plasma methods. Most of these methods involve the use of catalysts. One of the plasma methods is the electron-catalytic method using a barrier discharge. Studies on the catalytic conversion of CO2 into methanol and formaldehyde were carried out on a laboratory setup consisting of two sources of low-temperature plasma – dischargers, one of which contains a heterogeneous catalyst. Water vapor was used as the source of hydrogen. The formation of methanol and formaldehyde was investigated under different operating modes of the setup. The effect of sample aging for a day was determined. As a result, there is an increase in the concentration of methanol in the sample from 5.8% to 49.74% and formaldehyde from 4.1% to 50.01% for different operating modes of the setup. The observed results are explained by a sharp increase in the yield of oxygen-containing radicals and , which are formed by the interaction of ozone, formed from CO2 in the discharge zone, with aqueous solutions.

Some Reflections on the Environment of Reality and Modern Technologies Evolving in the Study of Law

An advanced university methodology is a response to modern general and particular didactic challenges that is conditioned by an effective and indisputable exploitation of modern methodological resources. Incorporating recent data from socio-psycho-pedagogical research, the current university methodology, in addition to classic, traditional strategies and methods, includes modern strategies and methods of teaching-learning-evaluation, but especially new ways of exploring the best-known traditional methods: the debate , heuristic conversation, problematization, case study, etc. and other methods of individual investigation and indirect exploration. The objective of this study is to analyze the impact of professional thinking styles on legal teaching and training methods in law schools. In this article, we define what teaching methods are, explore new types of teaching methods, review the benefits of these methods, and offer some tips for doing so successfully. We summarize the literature and recent thinking on the role, form and practices of modern university teaching in the digital age.

Nowhere to Hide: Online Rumor Detection Based on Retweeting Graph Neural Networks.

Online rumor detection is crucial for a healthier online environment. Traditional methods mainly rely on content understanding. However, these contents can be easily adjusted to avoid such supervision and are insufficient to improve the detection result. Compared with the content, information propagation patterns are more informative to support further performance promotion. Unfortunately, learning the propagation patterns is difficult, since the retweeting tree is more topologically complicated than linear sequences or binary trees. In light of this, we propose a novel rumor detection framework based on structure-aware retweeting graph neural networks. To capture the propagation patterns, we first design a novel conversion method to transform the complex retweeting tree as more tractable binary tree without losing the reconstruction information. Then, we serialize the retweeting tree as a corpus of meta-tree paths, where each meta-tree can preserve a basic substructure. A deep neural network is then designed to integrate all meta-trees and to generate the global structural embeddings. Furthermore, we propose to integrate content, users, and propagation patterns to enhance more reliable performance. To this end, we propose a novel self-attention-based retweeting neural network to learn individual features from both content and users. We then fuse the node-level features with our global structural embeddings via a mutual attention unit. In this way, we can generate more comprehensive representations for rumor detection. Extensive evaluations on two real-world datasets show remarkable superiorities of our model compared with existing methods.

199 Early expansion and outcomes of a multilingual Latine review board for inclusive science

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: The NC Translational and Clinical Sciences (NC TraCS) Institute’s Latine Community Review Board (CRB) provides expertise to researchers seeking to culturally adapt interventions and improve language access in clinical and translational science. Early efforts aimed to expand CRB membership, build member capacity, and assess CRB impact. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Founded in 2021, the NC TraCS Latine CRB is an advisory group of natively Spanish-speaking, Latine North Carolinians who contract with research teams (RTs) to review Latine community-facing study materials (e.g., decision aids, scales, recruitment scripts) and provide feedback for improving or validating materials’ linguistic accuracy and cultural relevance. Bilingual staff facilitate members’ review of materials, use focus group methods to solicit feedback, and report key findings and suggested revisions to RTs. In 2023, we recruited new age-, gender-, and racially diverse members; and implemented process and impact evaluation, via (1) post surveys of RTs and (2) assessment of members’ experiences and visions for growth utilizing the Focused Conversation Method (Top-network, 2021). RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Since 2021, NC TraCS has conducted 11 Latine CRB review sessions to support 7 research studies. Current CRB members (n=8) report that (1) their work effectively supports Latine inclusion in research; (2) increased group size and diversity help ensure study materials are comprehensible to heterogenous Latine populations; and (3) an hourly member compensation rate equal to the hourly rate of TraCS’ staff accurately represents member contributions. Members also cited that they value open communication, continuous improvement, communication via email and group chat, periodic programming meetings, and RT updates on study outcomes. Post-session RT surveys to date (n=3) show that RTs would recommend this program to other researchers (pending survey responses from RTs this year will provide additional impact data). DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Early data highlight the value of fairly compensated, bilingually coordinated input from diverse Latine community members for improving studies’ inclusion of heterogeneous, multilingual communities. Our approach can inform the development, growth, and continuous improvement of multilingual review boards at other research institutions.

A programmable metasurface based on acoustic black hole for real-time control of flexural waves

The time-modulated active medium with linear independent frequency conversion method has been demonstrated to enable wave orientation and reconstruction. However, due to the symmetric scattering field, this technique requires intricate microcircuit designs. To overcome this limitation, this paper proposes a tunable piezoelectric metasurface based on acoustic black holes (ABHs) to redirect flexural wave reflections. The system can convert an incident flexural wave into a reflected wave of any direction and frequency. This is accomplished through the linear time modulation of the sensing signal, which breaks the constraints of Snell’s law inherent in traditional designs and is insensitive to the incident amplitude. The coupling of the ABH damping system with a linear independent frequency conversion mechanism allows for the conversion of an incident flexural wave into a reflected wave in any direction and frequency while also eliminating the influence of second harmonic reflection on the wave field and simplifying the time modulation circuit. In addition, this paper demonstrates arbitrary angle reflection, focusing, beam splitting, and frequency conversion of the incident wave. By improving the flexibility of elastic wave manipulation, this paper introduces a new approach for active control of elastic waves and provides a design method that can be employed in a variety of applications ranging from vibration protection of engineering structures to vibration sensing and evaluation.

Impact of CO2 emissions on the economy of Vinh Tan 4 Extention Thermal Power Plant

The increasing demand for modern living leads to an increasing demand for energy, including electricity. In Vietnam, the issue of electricity shortage has been addressed in the past five years. However, traditional electricity production methods have serious environmental consequences. While countries around the world are gradually closing down coal-fired power plants and switching to environmentally friendly electricity production, according to Vietnam’s recently issued Power Development Plan VIII, the proportion of coal-fired power plants is projected to account for approximately 31% by 2030 in the base-load scenario and around 28% in the high-load scenario. Vinh Tan 4 Extention Thermal Power Plant is part of Vinh Tan Power Plant Complex and was operated in late 2019. The amount of CO2 emissions has been calculated and the impact of CO2 emissions on economic efficiency and the environmental impact of coal-fired power generation has been assessed. This highlights the importance of transitioning to environmentally friendly electricity production methods in Vietnam. Therefore, it is necessary to calculate the amount of CO2 emissions from the power plant to assess the emission status and propose appropriate energy conversion methods.

Microalgae to biodiesel: A novel green conversion method for high-quality lipids recovery and in-situ transesterification to fatty acid methyl esters

Greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions due to increasing energy demand have raised the need to identify effective solutions to produce clean and renewable energy.Biotechnologies are an effective platform to attain green transition objectives, especially when synergically integrated to promote health and environmental protection. In this context, microalgae-based biotechnologies are considered among the most effective tools for treating gaseous effluents and simultaneously capturing carbon sources for further biomass valorisation. The production of biodiesel is regarded as a promising avenue for harnessing value from residual algal biomass. Nonetheless, the existing techniques for extracting lipids still face certain limitations, primarily centred around the cost-effectiveness of the process.This study is dedicated to developing and optimising an innovative and cost-efficient technique for extracting lipids from algal biomass produced during gaseous emissions treatment based on algal-bacterial biotechnology. This integrated treatment technology combines a bio-scrubber for degrading gaseous contaminants and a photobioreactor for capturing the produced CO2 within valuable algal biomass. The cultivated biomass is then processed with the process newly designed to extract lipids simultaneously transesterificated in fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) via In Situ Transesterification (IST) with a Kumagawa-type extractor. The results of this study demonstrated the potential application of the optimised method to overcome the gap to green transition. Energy production was obtained from residuals produced during the necessary treatment of gaseous emissions. Using hexane-methanol (v/v = 19:1) mixture in the presence KOH in Kumagawa extractor lipids were extracted with extraction yield higher than 12% and converted in fatty acid methyl esters. The process showed the enhanced extraction of lipids converted in bio-sourced fuels with circular economy approach, broadening the applicability of biotechnologies as sustainable tools for energy source diversification.

Review of Methods for Converting Biomass into Biofuels

Thermochemical processes are among the most effective methods of obtaining hydrogen-rich gases from biomass. These technologies mainly include pyrolysis, gasification and hydrothermal liquefaction. Thermochemical conversion of dry biomass is similar to the conversion of fossil fuels using gasification and pyrolysis methods. Products obtained through thermochemical processes (CO and CH4) can be processed into other biofuels, e.g. syngas, a raw material for producing synthetic hydrocarbons, methanol and alcohols. In recent years, advanced research has been carried out using biomass to produce liquid fuels. The biomass pyrolysis process in the presence of a catalyst is based on the rapid heating of the biomass to a temperature of approximately 500°C in the so-called inert atmosphere in which there are no reactive gases. This process produces a liquid product: pyrolysis oil, gas and charcoal. The bio-oil produced in this process constitutes 60-75% of the mass of the biofuel and is thermally unstable because it contains up to 300 different chemical compounds. However, the bio-oil obtained in this way is incompatible with conventional liquid transport fuels (gasoline, diesel) due to its high oxygen content. Pyrolysis in the presence of a zeolite catalyst is a process that allows for the effective conversion of biomass in economic and ecological terms. A zeolite catalyst makes it possible to remove oxidized compounds in situ and modify the properties of the biofuel to ensure its compatibility with conventional transport fuels. The catalyst plays a crucial role in this process because it removes oxygen from oxygenates and, consequently, creates stable reaction products that can then be treated to obtain renewable transport fuels or other useful chemicals. The article presents methods of biomass conversion via pyrolisis, microorganisms usage, zeolite-based catalysis, biocatalysis and photo-fermentation, which poses a big possibility of diversification of renewable energy sources.

Ensuring uniformity of measurements in the European Metrology Cloud

The main requirements for the calibration of measuring channels of distributed measuring instruments at the operation site are described. When preparing for calibration, the use of portable discharge working measurement standards, which consist of a reference voltage source and a divider, is substantiated. The proposed structure of the device for calibration is based on a divider of single-nominal resistors and corresponding algorithms for processing the conversion results. The feasibility of using a divider in which the resistors are closed in a ring is substantiated. To ensure the invariance to residual parameters of switching elements when implementing several evenly spaced calibration points in the conversion range, a potential-current switching of both the input reference voltage and the output converted voltage is proposed. In addition, a method to correct the equivalent additive error component of the entire measuring channel during its calibration is proposed. The expediency of the studied measuring channels to obtain intermediate conversion results is shown. An algorithm and method of processing intermediate conversion results to obtain code values at all calibration points are proposed. To process these results, it is advisable to apply an additional software in the European Metrology Cloud. It is shown that the calibration error of the measuring channels at the operation site is determined by the error of the reference voltage source.

The method of research nuclear installation conversion at the decommissioning stage

The article examines the problem of forming scientific and technical programs for the conversion of research nuclear installations at the decommissioning stage, which arose in the aspect of justifying the possibility of extending the designated service life of all existing research nuclear reactors in Russia. To solve this problem, a methodology is proposed, which includes an information model and a process description of the necessary step-by-step actions, as well as a set of appendices in the form of documents justifying the most optimal ways to form a project for managing the quality of nuclear reactor conversion processes in relation to special life cycle conditions of specific nuclear reactors. The general view of the methodology is described: principles and methods of construction, structure. An example of the application of this technique in the conversion of the Hydra salt solution pulsed research reactor for the decommissioning stage is given. The purpose of the conversion of the Hydra reactor is to extend the designated service life by replacing non-repairable equipment ­ the vessel. The main criteria for justifying the residual life of the housing are formulated, which are the presence of a safety margin of the housing material, taking into account the accumulated fluence on more vulnerable areas and the justification of the integrity and tightness of the housing. For clarity, the conceptual information model of the methodology for justifying the safety of the process of replacing the Hydra reactor vessel is presented in the form of an Ishikawa diagram. The methodology represents a series of sequential scientific and technical activities, research and a finite number of step-by-step actions to achieve the final goal – extending the service life. The stages of the methodology for justifying the safety of replacing the Hydra reactor vessel are described, such as «clarification of initial data», «performing computational studies and laboratory experiments», «clarification of the requirements of methodological documentation» and «formation of a work plan» and «registration of licensing documents for operation».

Domain-Aware Fine-Tuning: Enhancing Neural Network Adaptability

Fine-tuning pre-trained neural network models has become a widely adopted approach across various domains. However, it can lead to the distortion of pre-trained feature extractors that already possess strong generalization capabilities. Mitigating feature distortion during adaptation to new target domains is crucial. Recent studies have shown promising results in handling feature distortion by aligning the head layer on in-distribution datasets before performing fine-tuning. Nonetheless, a significant limitation arises from the treatment of batch normalization layers during fine-tuning, leading to suboptimal performance. In this paper, we propose Domain-Aware Fine-Tuning (DAFT), a novel approach that incorporates batch normalization conversion and the integration of linear probing and fine-tuning. Our batch normalization conversion method effectively mitigates feature distortion by reducing modifications to the neural network during fine-tuning. Additionally, we introduce the integration of linear probing and fine-tuning to optimize the head layer with gradual adaptation of the feature extractor. By leveraging batch normalization layers and integrating linear probing and fine-tuning, our DAFT significantly mitigates feature distortion and achieves improved model performance on both in-distribution and out-of-distribution datasets. Extensive experiments demonstrate that our method outperforms other baseline methods, demonstrating its effectiveness in not only improving performance but also mitigating feature distortion.

Single-atom anchored on curved boron nitride fullerene surface as efficient electrocatalyst for carbon dioxide reduction

Electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR) is currently one of the most promising methods for conversion of excessive CO2 emission. In this study, the electrocatalytic performance of transitional-metal atoms anchored on defective boron nitride fullerene of different size were systematically investigated by density functional theory study (TM= Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Zn, and Mo). The results showed Mn-B23N24 and Fe-B23N24 exhibited high activity and selectivity for CO2RR to CH4. Analysis of the high catalytic performance origin indicates the binding energy of *CO and *OH intermediates (Eb(*CO) and Eb(*OH)) can server as descriptors for the catalytic performance. The curvature effect of the boron nitride fullerene surface on the catalytic performance was analyzed by the so-called pyramidalization angle which shows TM-N3 center with the pyramidalization angle of about 26° exhibits the highest activity. The analysis of the coordination environment also reveals B defects are more favorable for regulating catalytic activity compared with N defects. Especially, compare with the Mn doped BN nanosheet, the limiting potential is significantly decreased from −0.64 V on the flat nanosheet to −0.25 V on TM doped B defective B24N24, highlighting the importance of the curvature effect on the CO2RR performance. This study demonstrated that metal-doped boron nitride fullerene with appropriate curvature is high potential to be efficient CO2RR catalysts, providing valuable insights for the rational design of CO2RR electrocatalysts with high-efficiency.

Anomaly‐based Alzheimer's disease detection using entropy‐based probability Positron Emission Tomography images

AbstractDeep neural networks trained on labeled medical data face major challenges owing to the economic costs of data acquisition through expensive medical imaging devices, expert labor for data annotation, and large datasets to achieve optimal model performance. The heterogeneity of diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, further complicates deep learning because the test cases may substantially differ from the training data, possibly increasing the rate of false positives. We propose a reconstruction‐based self‐supervised anomaly detection model to overcome these challenges. It has a dual‐subnetwork encoder that enhances feature encoding augmented by skip connections to the decoder for improving the gradient flow. The novel encoder captures local and global features to improve image reconstruction. In addition, we introduce an entropy‐based image conversion method. Extensive evaluations show that the proposed model outperforms benchmark models in anomaly detection and classification using an encoder. The supervised and unsupervised models show improved performances when trained with data preprocessed using the proposed image conversion method.

Abstract 7022: Whole genome and reduced representation enzymatic methyl-seq enable cost effective methylomes

Abstract DNA methylation is an epigenetic regulator of gene expression with important functions in development and diseases such as cancer. Traditionally, sodium bisulfite conversion was used to distinguish 5-methylcytosines (5mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosines (5hmC) from cytosines. However, this method damages DNA and introduces significant sequencing bias. NEBNext® Enzymatic Methyl-seq (EM-seq™) is an enzymatic conversion approach that minimizes DNA damage therefore enabling longer insert sizes, lower duplication rates and a more accurate quantification of methylation in DNA samples with inputs ranging from 10 ng to 200 ng. An improved enzymatic conversion method, EM-seq v2, has a more streamlined workflow and an expanded DNA input range of 100 pg to 200 ng. Libraries made using NA12878 genomic DNA show improved yields, consistent global methylation and an even GC bias representation. The increased library yields subsequently reduces sequencing duplications and costs. Sequencing costs are an important consideration when performing whole genome methylome analysis as this often needs high sequencing depth to attain meaningful coverage to accurately call methylation. Reduced representation libraries, a commonly used method to investigate DNA methylation, relies on enrichment of CpGs within libraries digested using MspI. These CpGs are commonly found in regulatory regions. Although lacking comprehensive CpG coverage, for many researchers this method provides enough cost effective CpG methylation coverage for their studies. Reduced Representation EM-seq libraries (RREM-seq) and Reduced Representation Bisulfite libraries (RRBS) were made using 200 ng to 100 pg of NA12878 DNA. EM-seq adaptors were ligated to MspI digested DNA followed by conversion using either EM-seq v2 or sodium bisulfite. Libraries were PCR amplified and sequenced on an Illumina NovaSeq platform. RREM-seq resulted in higher yields and reproducible results regardless of input amounts compared to RRBS libraries. RREM-seq libraries also identified a higher number of CpGs with even coverage facilitating accurate methylation calling. RREM-seq libraries have superior sequencing metrics resulting in robust methylation profiling. Focusing on a subset of the genome generates higher coverage DNA methylation data at a lower DNA sequencing cost. Citation Format: Vaishnavi Panchapakesa, Chaithanya Ponnaluri, Daniel Evanich, Ariel Erijman, Bradley Langhorst, Louise Williams. Whole genome and reduced representation enzymatic methyl-seq enable cost effective methylomes [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 7022.

Abstract 7025: Advancing methylation analysis: TAPS v1.0: A fast, scalable, and non-destructive sequencing method

Abstract In the pursuit of advancing multi-cancer early detection, the exploration of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) through methylation profiling has emerged as a promising avenue. However, the realization of its full potential is impeded by limitations inherent in conventional methodologies, notably the 'gold standard' bisulfite conversion methods. These approaches pose challenges such as DNA destruction and the generation of low-complexity sequences resulting from the conversion of unmethylated cytosines to thymine. TET Assisted Pyridine-Borane Sequencing (TAPS) holds the potential as a non-destructive, rapid, and scalable alternative for base-level methylation analysis. In this context, we introduce TET Assisted Pyridine-Borane Sequencing version 1.0 (TAPS v1.0), showcasing advancements to the technology originally introduced by Schuster-Böckler, Song, and their collaborators. TAPS v1.0 transforms 5mC into dihydrouracil (DHU) through a series of oxidation and reduction reactions. Ultimately, DHU is recognized as dU during PCR resulting in C-to-T conversions at 5mC sites, leaving unmethylated cytosines, the majority of cytosines, unchanged. The nondestructive nature of 5mC conversion yields significantly higher library yield and complexity compared to BS-seq. By leveraging Watchmaker's proprietary polymerase evolution platform, a DNA polymerase tolerant to DHU was selected for library amplification post DHU conversion, enabling unimpeded detection of 5mC, particularly in densely packed CpG repeats. Coupled with an optimized End Repair and A-tailing chemistry preceding TAPS v1.0, clinically relevant cfDNA samples of low quality and/or quantity can be analyzed in methylation detection pipelines. To evaluate the performance of TAPS v1.0, human genomic DNA with control spike-ins featuring varying methylation statuses were employed. TAPS v1.0 exhibited significantly higher final library yield and greater complexity compared to BS-seq. Similar outcomes were observed in clinically relevant cfDNA samples. Citation Format: Josh Haimes, Craig Marshall, Travis Sanders, Sam Vogel, Martin Ranik, Eduard Casas, Doug Wendel, Leo Karamanof, Bjarne Faurholme, Abre de Beer, Lee French, Ross Wadsworth, Kristina Giordia, Eric van der Walt, Brian Kudlow. Advancing methylation analysis: TAPS v1.0: A fast, scalable, and non-destructive sequencing method [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 7025.

Synthesis of 2D PtSe2 Nanolayers on Glass Substrates and Their Integration in Near-Infrared Light Shutters.

PtSe2 has asserted its key role among the emerging 2D transition metal dichalcogenides, however, its simplified growth process with controlled number of layers, high crystalline quality, and on inexpensive substrates is still challenging. Here, we report the synthesis details of PtSe2 layers on soda lime glass substrates by selenization of predeposited Pt layers using the thermally assisted conversion method at atmospheric pressure. PtSe2 syntheses are confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Raman analysis. The layers were further investigated with transmission electron microscopy and optical ellipsometry, revealing the thickness and its dependence on the metal precursor sputtering time. Finally, the integration of PtSe2 as transparent conductive layers in polymer-dispersed liquid crystal structures operating as near-infrared light shutters is demonstrated and device performance is discussed. The proposed simple and inexpensive synthesis approach opens up new directions toward PtSe2 potential technological applications, including ITO-free optoelectronics.

Validation of the prevalence to incidence conversion method for healthcare associated infections in long-term care facilities.

Residents of long-term care facilities (LTCFs) are a population at high risk of developing severe healthcare associated infections (HAIs). In the assessment of HAIs in acute-care hospitals, selection bias can occur due to cases being over-represented: patients developing HAIs usually have longer lengths of stays compared to controls, and therefore have an increased probability of being sampled in PPS, leading to an overestimation of HAI prevalence. Our hypothesis was that in LTCFs, the opposite may occur: residents developing HAIs either may have a greater chance of being transferred to acute-care facilities or of dying, and therefore could be under-represented in PPS, leading to an underestimation of HAI prevalence. Our aim was to test this hypothesis by comparing HAI rates obtained through longitudinal and cross-sectional studies. Results from two studies conducted simultaneously in four LTCFs in Italy were compared: a longitudinal study promoted by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC, HALT4 longitudinal study, H4LS), and a PPS. Prevalence was estimated from the PPS and converted into incidence per year using an adapted version of the Rhame and Sudderth formula proposed by the ECDC. Differences between incidence rates calculated from the PPS results and obtained from H4LS were investigated using the Byar method for rate ratio (RR). On the day of the PPS, HAI prevalence was 1.47% (95% confidence interval, CI 0.38-3.97), whereas the H4LS incidence rate was 3.53 per 1000 patient-days (PDs, 95% CI 2.99-4.08). Conversion of prevalence rates obtained through the PPS into incidence using the ECDC formula resulted in a rate of 0.86 per 1000 PDs (95% CI 0-2.68). Comparing the two rates, a RR of 0.24 (95% CI 0.03-2.03, p 0.1649) was found. This study did not find significant differences between HAI incidence estimates obtained from a longitudinal study and through conversion from PPS data. Results of this study support the validity of the ECDC method.

CO2 and Lignin‐Based Sustainable Polymers with Closed‐Loop Chemical Recycling

AbstractThis work highlights the conversion method of chaining up greenhouse gas CO2 with biomass lignin to develop new sustainable, recyclable polymers from abundant and non‐food based renewable resources. A cyclic carbonate monomer has synthesized using a cost‐effective, non‐phosgene‐based, and greener approach under atmospheric pressure and room temperature. The fully programable ring‐opening polymerization is accomplished by varying the catalyst (DBU and TBD), catalyst loading (0.5–5.0%) and reaction time (2–40 min). The best polymer is obtained in 1% TBD with a 30‐min reaction. The precise characterization of the synthesized cyclic carbonate monomer and polymers' structure are established using spectroscopic analyses including 1H, 13C, and 2D HSQC NMR, FT‐IR, and GPC. The new polymers exhibit high molecular weights (Mn: 120.34–154.58 kDa) and adequate thermal stabilities (Td5%: 244–277 °C from TGA and Tg: 33–52 °C from DSC), rendering them advantageous for practical applications. Significantly, the CO2 and lignin‐based polymers have successfully recycled to the monomer for a circular plastic economy by heating at 90 °C for 12 h in the presence of DBU. This process yields original monomers for another polymerization without unwanted changes in chemical structures, presenting an ultimate sustainable solution.

Fabrication and Ablation Properties of SiC Nanowires-Network Modified Carbon/Carbon–Ultrahigh Temperature Ceramics Composites

In order to address the anti-ablation of carbon/carbon (C/C) composites, SiC nanowires (SiCnws) network-modified C/C-ZrB2-ZrC-SiC composites were prepared through the one-step precursor conversion method. With an optimized B-Si-Zr sol-precursor, uniformly dispersed SiCnws and ceramic particles forming an interlocking structure were synchronous in situ grown in the C/C matrix. During ablation, the partially oxidized SiCnws networks with molten SiO2 surface can stabilize the oxide protecting layer and heal the microcracks efficiently in combination with the refractory ZrO2 particles, thus significantly improving the anti-ablation properties of the composites. This study lays the foundation for the high temperature and long-term anti-oxidation and anti-ablation application of C/C composites in the aerospace industry.

A Case Study Method for Integrating Spirituality and Narrative Therapy

Theological/spiritual reflection in psychotherapeutic practice has increased in recent years. Approaches for reflection and integration vary depending on the practitioner’s spiritual and theoretical beliefs. The integrative approach utilized in this paper is derived from a phenomenological perspective of the author, who was schooled in pastoral theology and later family therapy. Considering the pastoral theologian Seward Hiltner’s perspectival approach, this integrative approach creates a conversational method, integrating the client’s concerns with specific narrative therapy interventions or practices and the theological/spiritual concepts of immanence–transcendence. Finally, this case study’s methodology offers constructive questions that clinical practitioners can apply to specific psychotherapy approaches as well as theological concepts.