Optimal Composition Research Articles

Crystallization of Cathode Active Material Precursors from Tartaric Acid Solution.

In this study L-(+)-tartaric acid was used to extract metals from either pure cathode material (NMC111) or black mass from spent lithium-ion batteries. The leaching efficiencies of Li, Co, Ni, and Mn from NMC111 are > 87% at 70 °C, with an initial solid to liquid ratio of 17, and > 72.4±1.0% from black mass under corresponding conditions. The metals tend to form mixed phases in antisolvent crystallization and seeding has a minimal effect on the final solid composition. Impurities influence both crystal nucleation and growth. By controlling the antisolvent addition rate crystal growth can be promoted. The theoretical dielectric constant of the solution is shown to correlate excellently to the recovery efficiency across different antisolvents, where a value <52 results in over 95% total transition metal recovery efficiency. The correlation can be a powerful tool for quantitative prediction of optimal solvent composition for effective antisolvent crystallization.

Thermodynamic properties of non-azeotropic refrigerant heat pumps under full operating conditions with non-phase-change heat sinks and heat soucres

ABSTRACT When using pure refrigerants in heat pump, a significant temperature mismatch arises between hot and cold fluids within the evaporator and condenser, adversely impacting the thermal efficiency of system. To mitigate this issue, we incorporated non-azeotropic refrigerant blends such as R1233zd(e)/R152a, 1224 yd(z)/R152a and 1234ze(z)/R152a into heat pumps devoid of phase-change heat sinks and sources. Through rigorous examination of the temperature glide characteristics of these refrigerants, we determined an optimal R152a composition of 0.3, resulting in COPs of 3.326, 3.36, and 3.605 for the respective heat pumps. Our analysis further delved into heat pump configurations, revealing that the COP of the regenerative configuration could be substantially elevated from 3.36 (in the simple configuration) to 3.79. Additionally, the maximum temperature observed in the two-stage compression configuration was significantly lower compared to the regenerative setup. A comprehensive thermodynamic assessment = across all operating conditions indicated that COP of all configurations decreases markedly as heat production diminishes below 50% of full load. Conversely, when heat production exceeds 50% of full load, the COP remains relatively stable across different heat production levels. Notably, the COP of the regenerative configuration closely approximates that of the two-stage configuration. Considering factors such as investment cost, system complexity and operational efficiency, the regenerative configuration stands out as the optimal choice across all operating conditions.

Optimal levels of sleep, sedentary behaviour, and physical activity needed to support cognitive function in children of the early years.

Sleep, sedentary behaviour, physical activity, and the composition of these movement behaviours across the 24-h day are associated with cognitive function in early years children. This study used a Goldilocks day compositional data analysis approach to identify the optimal duration of sleep, sedentary behaviour, light physical activity, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity associated with desired cognitive function outcomes in early years children. This cross-sectional study included 858 children aged 2.8-5.5 years from the Sleep and Activity Database for the Early Years. 24-h movement behaviours (sleep, sedentary behaviour, light physical activity, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity) were measured using ActiGraph accelerometers. Cognitive function was measured using three tasks from the Early Years Toolbox: visual-spatial working memory, response inhibition, and expressive vocabulary. A Goldilocks day compositional data analysis approach was used in R software to identify the optimal time-use compositions associated with the best 10% of the cognitive function scores. The movement behaviour composition and the relative time spent in sleep and sedentary behaviour but not different intensities of physical activity were significantly associated with working memory (P ≤ 0.01). The movement behaviour composition and relative time spent in sleep, sedentary behaviour, and different intensities of physical activity were not significantly associated with response inhibition or expressive vocabulary (P > 0.2). Therefore, optimal time use was only determined for working memory. Optimal daily durations for working memory were observed with 11:00 (hr:min) of sleep, 5:42 of sedentary behaviour, 5:06 of light physical activity, and 2:12 of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Working memory was the only cognitive function outcome related to the 24-h movement behaviour composition. Optimal sleep for working memory was consistent with current recommended durations, while optimal moderate-to-vigorous physical activity greatly exceeded minimal recommended levels. Optimal sedentary behaviour was longer and light physical activity was shorter than the sample average.

Revealing the Dual Role of Ammonia in the Hydroxide Co-precipitation Synthesis of Cobalt-free Nickel-rich LiNi0.9Mn0.05Al0.05O2 (NMA955) Cathode Materials for Lithium-ion Batteries.

Nickel-rich cobalt-free LiNi0.9Mn0.05Al0.05O2 (NMA955) is considered a promising cathode material to address the scarcity and soaring cost of cobalt. Particle size and elemental composition significantly impact the electrochemical performance of NMA955 cathodes. However, differences in precipitation rates among metal ions coveys a challenge in obtaining cathode materials with the desired particle size and composition via hydroxide co-precipitation synthesis. Utilizing complexing agents like ammonia offers an effective strategy to tackle these issues. Here, we investigate the optimal ammonia concentration to achieve moderate particle size and precise material composition. Although ammonia only forms complex coordination with transition metals, its concentration also affects the final product's precipitation and composition, including aluminum. This study shows that ammonia serves a dual function in NMA synthesis via hydroxide co-precipitation, i.e., regulating particle size and adjusting elemental composition. It was found that an ammonia concentration of 1.2 M achieved optimal particle size and composition, resulting in superior electrochemical performance. NMA955 synthesized in 1.2 M ammonia demonstrated a high specific capacity of 188.12 mAh g-1 at 0.1C, retained 71.16% of its capacity after 200 cycles at 0.2C, and delivered 110.30 mAh g-1 at 5C. These results suggest tuning ammonia concentration is crucial for producing high-performance cathode materials.

Class B60-B80 cement concretes using crushed gravel from the Kama field

The results of a study of the quality of crushed stone from gravel of fr. 5–20 mm and screening of crushing of fr. 0–5 mm of the Kama field were presented and an analysis of their compliance with the requirements of regulatory documents was carried out. The characteristics of the crushing products were determined: grain composition, content of crushed grains; amount of lamellar (flaky) and needle-like shape, presence of dust-like and clay particles, crushed stone crushability during compression in a cylinder, screening fineness modulus and content of reaction silica in crushed stone and screening. Compositions of high-strength concretes of class B60–B80 were developed, in which fine quartz sand was used to enrich the crushing screening, carbonate mineral powder of MP-1 grade and microsilica (MK-85) as a filler, and polycarboxylate superplasticizer Polyplast PK as a water-reducing additive. Optimal compositions were obtained with the following cement consumption: for concrete B60 with a compression strength of 78 MPa, cement consumption was 466 kg/m3, for class B70 with a strength of 91 MPa – 483 kg/m3 and for B80 with a strength of 104 MPa – 503 kg/m3. At the same time, concrete mixtures were characterized by a cone settlement of 25–27 cm.

Influence of breastfeeding on the ontogenesis of mucosal immunity in children

The role of breastfeeding in the development of the cellular immune system, antimicrobial strategies of neutrophils, and local cytokine levels was evaluated in a single-center, prospective, open-label, uncontrolled study of healthy infants who were either naturally or artificially breastfed. The main group included practically healthy children who were exclusively breastfed for the first year of life. Thirty-six children were examined during the first stage and 25 from this group during the second stage. The comparison group included children who received an adapted cow’s milk formula during the first half-year of their lives and a different formula during the second half-year. Thirty-one children were examined during stage one and 27 from this group were examined during stage two. A comprehensive study of mucosal immunity was conducted, assessing the cytokine profile and cellular components using the method of smear prints from the nasal mucosa. The results showed that the nature of feeding during the first year of life influences the formation of mucosal immunity and programming the postnatal development of the child’s immunological reactivity. In the absence of the immunomodulatory effects of breast milk, there is an imbalance in the cytokine profile, with a physiological deviation of the immune response linked to the predominance of Th2 profiles. In contrast, breastfeeding promotes the optimal cellular composition of the upper respiratory mucosa and a cytomorphological neutrophil profile with minimal destructive changes. Breastfeeding programs the optimal functional profile of neutrophils, including the level of receptor activity, intracellular biocidal activity, cytotoxicity, ability to complete phagocytosis. This natural infant feeding method has a long-term protective effect, preventing neutrophil destruction under the influence of environmental factors and respiratory viral agents, and ensuring optimal mucosal immunity development in the respiratory tract.

One-step simultaneous and efficient extraction of multiple active compounds from Lycium barbarum by aqueous three-phase system: Focusing on polysaccharides

In the past few years, the aqueous three-phase system (A3PS) has attracted a lot of attention due to its effectiveness in the efficient separation. Polysaccharides, carotenoids and polyphenols were separated simultaneously from Lycium barbarum by an aqueous three-phase system (A3PS) formed by acetonitrile/betaine/K2HPO4 as a novel extraction technique. The system is characterized by small amount of machine reagents, few consumables and simple extraction steps. The effects of acetonitrile, betaine and K2HPO4 concentrations on the extraction efficiency were investigated by Response Surface Methodology. The optimum composition of A3PS were 26.2 % (w/w) acetonitrile, 10.2 % (w/w) betaine and 27.6 % (w/w) K2HPO4. Under this condition, the extraction efficiencies of carotenoids, polyphenols, and Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) were 42.12±0.10 %, 88.61±0.95 % and 84.63±0.46 %, respectively. The obtained LBP was characterized by several technologies. The LBP was proved to consist of mannose, ribose, rhamnose, glucuronic acid, galacturonic acid, glucose, galactose, xylose, arabinose and fucose in a proportion of 4.14:0.80:4.00:4.43:22.20:39.9:12.44:3.22:8.46:0.41. The molecular weight of LBP was 12554 Da. In addition, LBP exhibited excellent antioxidant activity. In general, as a rapid developing method of extraction and separation, A3PS had potential application in the simultaneous separation of multiple substances.

Machine learning algorithms for optimization of magnetocaloric effect in all-d-metal Heusler alloys

This study examines the application of machine learning algorithms, specifically the Random Forest regression model, to optimize the magnetocaloric effect in all-d-metal Heusler alloys. The model was trained using descriptors related to the mean properties of individual atoms, the properties of simple compounds in their ground state, and measures of chemical disorder. It demonstrated high accuracy in predicting structural properties, while exhibiting moderate accuracy in predicting magnetic properties. To identify optimal alloy compositions, a genetic algorithm was used to find those with the greatest differences in magnetization during martensitic transitions. Using this combined approach, the Ni–Co–Mn–Ti alloy system was thoroughly explored, resulting in the discovery of an alloy with a maximum magnetization difference. These results are consistent with previous research based on density functional theory and highlight the effectiveness of integrating machine learning with genetic algorithms for the discovery of new materials with outstanding magnetocaloric properties. The study emphasizes the need for further refinement of models capable of accurately predicting complex magnetic interactions, which is essential for fully leveraging the potential of all-d-metal Heusler alloys in practical applications.

Formation of optimal slag composition in ladle furnace for improvement of desulfurization properties and optimization of consumption of slag-forming materials

Formation of optimal slag composition in ladle furnace for improvement of desulfurization properties and optimization of consumption of slag-forming materials

Optimized Liquid Medium Formulation for Sanghuangporus vaninii and Biological Activity of the Exopolysaccharides

Aims: Sanghuangporus vaninii (S. vaninii) is a rare medicinal mushroom that is rich in polysaccharides, triterpenes, flavonoids, and other bioactive compounds. It has good potential development value. Methods and Results: We performed single factor experiments and Box-Behnken response surface methodology to optimize the liquid fermentation medium formulation for S. vaninii with mycelial biomass as the indicator. The in vitro antioxidant and anti-cancer capacity of the exopolysaccharides of S. vaninii were estimated. The optimal liquid fermentation media composition for the MS-4, MS-6, and MS-8 strains of Sanghuangporus vaninii consisted of 25.86 ± 0.068 g/L maltose, 7.3 ± 0.043 g/L yeast extract, and 0.71 ± 0.005 g/L dandelion powder. The average mycelial biomass of S. vaninii under optimal conditions was 12.61 g/L. The mycelial biomass of the Sanghuangporus vaninii strains in the optimized formulation was 109–191% higher than that obtained with the basic potato dextrose broth (PDB). The exopolysaccharides of Sanghuangporus vaninii exhibited an ABTS radical scavenging activity with an EC50 of 0.021 ± 0.017 mg/mL and a DPPH radical scavenging activity with an EC50 of 0.076 ± 0.043 mg/mL. In anti-cancer assays, these exopolysaccharides demonstrated an IC50 value of 1.98 ± 0.36 mg/mL against PC-3 human prostate cancer cells, indicating significant bioactivity, highlighting their potential as functional food ingredients. Conclusions: In this study, the formula of liquid fermentation of S. vaninii strains was optimized, which lays a theoretical foundation for increasing the yield of S. vaninii and its application in industry. Moreover, our data showed the clinical potential of the S. vaninii exopolysaccharides as antioxidants and anti-cancer drugs.

Enhanced Electrochemical Performance of Highly Porous CeO2-Doped Zr Nanoparticles for Supercapacitor Applications.

The aim of this work was to develop an ultrasonic-assisted synthesis method for the fabrication of CeO2-doped Zr nanoparticles that would improve the performance of supercapacitor electrodes. This method, which eliminates the need for high-temperature calcination, involves embedding CeO2 into Zr nanoparticles through 1 hr (CeO2-Zr-1) and 2 hrs (CeO2-Zr-2) of ultrasonic irradiation, resulting in the formation of nanostructures with significant improvements in their electrochemical properties. Through physicochemical analysis, we observed that the CeO2-doped Zr nanoparticles, particularly those treated for 2 hrs (CeO2-Zr-2), exhibit superior crystalline phase purity, optimal chemical surface composition, minimal agglomeration with particle sizes below 50 nm, and an impressive average surface area of 178 m2/g. Compared to the 1 hr irradiation samples (CeO2-Zr-1) and undoped CeO2 nanoparticles, the (CeO2-Zr-2) electrodes demonstrated a remarkable capacitance of 198 Fg-1 at a current density of 1 A/g while maintaining ~94.9% of their capacity after 3750 cycles. This indicates not only good reversibility but also exceptional stability. In (CeO2-Zr-2) samples, the nanospherical structure achieved through ultrasonic synthesis is responsible for the enhanced capacitive behavior and stability, along with the synergistic effects caused by Zr doping, which improves the CeO2 nanoparticle conductivity to a significant extent. Surface areas of the electrodes are larger due to the combination of these two materials, which contribute to their superior performance.

One-pot fabrication of sodium deoxycholate based supramolecular self-healing antibacterial double network hydrogels

Double network (DN) hydrogels have emerged as a significant technology for enhancement of mechanical strength of weak supramolecular gels. In the present study, we report the one-pot route for design of a low molecular weight gelator based DN hydrogel wherein sodium deoxycholate (NaDC) forms the primary network entangled with agar matrix. Various compositions of the reported agar-NaDC hydrogels were examined through FTIR, sol-gel transition temperature (Tsg), XRD, circular dichroism (CD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), hydrophobicity probe studies, Zeta potential studies and rheology measurements. Analysis of all studies together reveal that 1 mg/ml agar-NaDC DN hydrogel is the optimum composition that exhibits dense networking with primarily β-sheet like structure, highest mechanical strength as well as self-healing characteristics with reversed optical activity and highest Tsg. Antibacterial activity studied using inhibition zone method suggests that 1 mg/ml agar-NaDC gel demonstrates significant bactericidal effect unlike the pure gel with an inhibition zone of ∼25 mm against E.coli after 24 h and ∼32 mm after 48 h incubation. The antibacterial activity was unique for this composition of the DN hydrogel which is attributed to its reversal in optical activity exhibiting positive cotton effect resulting in stronger interaction with the bacterial cell wall. Additionally, nearly 2 times reduced water absorption capacity of the 1 mg/ml agar-NaDC DN hydrogel compared to pure NaDC hydrogel ensures the retention of its mechanical strength as well as other properties in high moisture containing environment. Hence, the 1 mg/ml agar-NaDC DN hydrogel holds appreciable potential as a novel strong supramolecular self-healing antibacterial hydrogel with sustained release characteristics primarily important for biomedical applications.

Innovative development of high-performance aerogel-phosphogypsum thermal insulation mortars: Optimization of composition and enhanced mechanical properties

This study investigates the effects of various components on the performance of aerogel-phosphogypsum (APG) thermal insulation mortar. This study investigates the effects of various components on the performance of aerogel-phosphogypsum (APG) thermal insulation mortar, with a special focus on optimizing the composition to enhance mechanical properties. The parametric range explored included phosphogypsum content from 10 to 30 wt%, hollow glass microspheres (HGS) from 5 to 15 wt%, and aerogel slurry from 40 to 80 wt%. Our findings reveal that the optimal composition, which provided the best balance between thermal insulation and mechanical strength, consisted of 20 wt% phosphogypsum, 10 wt% HGS, and 60 wt% aerogel slurry. Notably, the introduction of 0.14 % hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and 1.89 % re-dispersible polymer powder (RPP) significantly enhanced the compressive strength of the mortars. Specifically, compressive strength increased from an initial 0.05 MPa–0.27 MPa post-enhancement with HPMC and RPP. This research provides a detailed understanding of how individual components influence the formulation of APG and offers insights for optimizing the overall performance of aerogel-phosphogypsum composites, contributing to advancements in sustainable building materials.

Production of cost-effective green energy using Mn/Gd co-substituted cobalt ferrites hydroelectric cells and their oxygen evolution reaction

A thorough investigation into hydroelectric cells (HECs) composed of spinel ferrites, aiming to generate environmentally friendly electricity through the dissociation of water molecules into H3O+ and OH- ions without producing any harmful by-products has been reported. Utilizing a modified sol-gel auto-combustion synthesis method, we synthesized highly porous Mn2+/Gd3+ co-substituted cobalt ferrites (CFO) with the formula) [Co1-xMnxFe2-yGdyO4, 0≤x≤0.30 and y = 0.10]. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed a singular-phase cubic structure, while Rietveld refinement provided essential parameters such as crystallite size, lattice constant, density, porosity percentage, and unit-cell volume. Morphological examination using Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) confirmed nanoparticle formation with an average size of 60.418 nm, and porosity increasing from 30 % to 51 % with Mn2+ ion doping, indicating enhanced water adsorption. XPS analysis highlighted increased lattice defects due to Mn/Gd co-substitution, boosting water adsorption capacity. Vibrating Sample Measurements showed a rise in Ms value with increasing Mn2+ concentration. Fabricated HECs delivered a maximum output current density of 13.906 mA/cm2, with 20 % Mn-substituted gadolinium cobalt ferrites-based HEC achieved a peak short-circuit current of 9.16 mA. These cells exhibited pseudo-capacitive behaviour, characterized by rapid and reversible faradaic reactions near electrode surfaces, while ionic diffusion mechanisms confirmed ion diffusion over the material's surface. Co1-xMnxGd0.1Fe1.9O4 (x = 0.20) is the optimal composition to get best OER performance having an overpotential of 342 mV at 10 mA/cm2 with a Tafel slope of 48 mV/dec in alkaline medium. This study underscores the potential of Mn2+/Gd3+ co-substituted cobalt ferrite as a promising alternative in green energy conversion applications, potentially replacing conventional fuel and solar cells. It has been concluded that the x = 0.20 is the composition that exhibits the best OER as well as HEC performance.

Determining skill mix and optimal multidisciplinary team composition: A scoping review.

Holistic care models aligned to population care needs are needed to help leaders shed pre-existing mindsets when determining skill mix and Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) composition. Using a PRISMA flowchart, a narrow eligibility criterion, and a research question, this scoping review resulted in 9 frameworks/models published between January 2000 and September 2023. Analysis showed common methodological elements such as a population needs-based approach, a systematic process, engagement, three or more professions reporting task or competency level analysis, change advocacy, and reliance on population and workforce supply data. Key system enablers were sponsorship, access to population needs-based and workforce supply data, a learning management system for MDT development, and health human resource policies and governance to drive health system redesign to distribute an equitable workforce. This scoping review offers health leaders and policy-makers options and next-step considerations to inspire fresh thinking for making evidence-informed decisions about skill mix and MDT composition.

Rheological properties of phosphorus-containing oligoester(meth)acrylate for processing by vacuum infusion

Objectives. To obtain polymer composite materials (PCM) with enhanced physicomechanical properties using the vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VaRTM) method, binders must have a viscosity of up to 500 mPa∙s. In some cases, this leads to restrictions on the use of certain materials or requires the use of temporary diluents. This is closely related to the deterioration of other required composite characteristics, such as increased flammability. Three phosphorus-containing oligoester(meth)acrylates PhOEM-1, PhOEM-2, and PhOEM-3 were synthesized with significant differences in viscosity characteristics in the series PhOEM-1 &lt;&lt; PhOEM-2 &lt;&lt; PhOEM-3. The polymer based on PhOEM-1 exhibits inferior physicomechanical properties despite having lower viscosity. Hence, the aim of the study was to investigate the viscosity characteristics of mixtures of methacrylate binders of the same nature but different structures and functionalities. This was done by studying the rheological properties of the original oligoester(meth)acrylates and their mixtures taken in various ratios. The method used was to optimize compositions via a simplex lattice (Scheffe’s plan), in order to obtain PCM using the VaRTM technology.Methods. The study of rheological properties of phosphorus-containing oligoester(meth)acrylates and their mixtures was conducted using the method of rotational viscometry on a Brookfield LVDV-II + Pro viscometer with a spindle 27 at different shear rates ranging from 0 to 70 s−1 and temperatures from 30 to 70°C. Rheological studies were also conducted on a Lamy Rheology GT300 PLUS (GEL TIMER) viscometer in the same range of shear rates and temperatures.Results. It was established that the objects under investigation can be characterized by viscosity values ranging from 96 to 2137 mPa∙s depending on the temperature. The nature of the viscous flow of phosphorus-containing oligoester(meth)acrylates and their mixtures is similar to that of Newtonian liquids only at certain shear rates. The effective activation energies of the viscous flow of binders and their mixtures were calculated, and the influence of temperature on the viscosity of binders was determined.Conclusions. The study identified the features and nature of the flow curves of phosphorus-containing oligoester(meth)acrylate binders of the same nature but different structures and functionalities, as well as of their mixtures. The optimal composition ranges of threecomponent mixtures of phosphorus-containing oligoester(meth)acrylates for use in the VaRTM technological process in producing polymer composite materials within the temperature range of 30 to 70°C were defined. The optimal compositions and temperature conditions for obtaining polymer composite materials using the VaRTM technology were also identified. This enables the production of polymer products with complex geometric shapes and varying sizes.

Effect of CO2-assisted surfactant/polymer flooding on enhanced oil recovery and its mechanism

D oilfield is a typical heavy oil reservoir affected by bottom water and has the characteristics of high porosity, high permeability, and strong heterogeneity. However, water flooding leaves oil behind due to unfavorable mobility ratios and capillary forces. The layer (well section) with poor or no liquid entry ability originally has been improved in the process of surfactant/polymer flood. However, fluid entry distribution interlayers were not improved obviously in the middle and late stages. To further improve the recovery efficiency of surfactant/polymer flooding on bottom water reservoirs, the CO2-assisted surfactant/polymer flooding development method had been proposed. The optimal composition of the surfactant/polymer system was selected by evaluating the oil-water interfacial tension and viscosity. Three-dimensional cores with bottom water were used in CO2-assisted surfactant/polymer flooding experiments to improve oil recovery. On this foundation, the screening of oil displacement agents, optimization of oil production well location, and injection pressure were carried out. Based on the comprehensive analysis of the produced liquid, the CO2 assisted surfactant/polymer flooding to enhanced oil recovery mechanism was analyzed. The results showed that the surfactant named BS had a low oil-water interfacial tension of 3.79 × 10-3 mN/m. In addition, salinity decreases the viscosity of the surfactant/polymer solution. It was found that conducting CO2 huff and puff after chemical flooding can improve oil recovery. Among the four chemical agents, CO2-assisted the anionic nonionic surfactant and the salt-resistant polymer system flooding had the highest recovery. Moreover, the location of the oil production well, that is, the distance between it and the bottom water layer, has an impact on the recovery. During the experiment, 2.5 cm was the farthest distance between the oil production well and the bottom water layer, at which point the recovery was highest at 70.9%, and the bottom water breakthrough rate was 2.4%. These results provide theoretical and technical support for the development of CO2-assisted surfactant/polymer flooding and its application in wells.

Professional Male Soccer Players' Perspectives of the Nutrition Culture Within an English Premier League Football Club: A Qualitative Exploration Using Bourdieu's Concepts of Habitus, Capital and Field.

Professional soccer players' self-reported dietary intakes often do not meet recommended sport nutrition guidelines. Although behaviour change models have previously explored barriers and enablers to nutritional adherence, the cultural factors influencing players' nutritional habits also warrant investigation. Accordingly, we aimed to explore players' perceptions of the nutrition culture within the professional soccer environment. An interpretivist paradigm, which emphasises that reality is subjectively and socially constructed, underpins this study. Qualitative, face-to-face semi-structured interviews (comprising open-ended questions) were conducted with purposively sampled male soccer players from the English Premier League (EPL) (five British, five migrant; mean age: 26 ± 6years; mean EPL appearances: 106 ± 129). Data were abductively analysed using thematic analysis according to Bourdieu's concepts of habitus, capital, field and doxa practices. This study revealed five key themes: (1) players' habitus, as shaped by familial, ethnic and religious backgrounds, influences their dietary habits; (2) social capital, via managers (head coaches), teammates and online influences, impact players' dietary practices; (3) the increase in both soccer clubs' and players' economic capitals has advanced nutrition provision; (4) an unequal distribution of economic capitals has led to hierarchical practice in the performance nutrition field with personalised nutrition being somewhat enacted at the higher levels; and (5) body composition measurement is a 'doxic' practice in professional soccer that warrants challenge. Soccer players' habitual nutritional practices are influenced by personal upbringing and the club context, including economic resources and social capital from managers. The performance nutrition field within professional soccer is also shaped by stakeholders' doxic beliefs surrounding the perceived optimal body composition of players, with managers exerting social capital.

Flat biofilms extrusion of poly(lactic acid)/poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) grafted with glycidyl methacrylate blends: Toward ecological packaging for sustainability

AbstractBlends of poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) grafted with glycidyl methacrylate (PBAT‐g‐GMA) were developed to produce flat and flexible biofilms through extrusion. The PLA/PBAT‐g‐GMA (90%/10%, 80%/20%, 70%/30%, and 60%/40% by mass) blends were processed in the internal mixer, injection molded, and manufactured into flat films. The optimal composition to produce flexible biofilms was PLA/PBAT‐g‐GMA (60/40%), as it demonstrated a decrease in elastic modulus of 53.2% and a significant gain in elongation at a break of 4923% about pure PLA. The incorporation of 40% PBAT‐g‐GMA in PLA increased the torque (Z) by 208%, while the melt flow index (MFI) decreased by 51.57%, compared to PLA. Additionally, the degradation rate (Rz) and molar mass loss (Rm) during processing were minimized, indicating that 40% PBAT‐g‐GMA enhanced stability of the PLA matrix. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated interactions between the GMA of PBAT‐g‐GMA and PLA, justifying the increase in viscosity and elongation at break. The PLA/PBAT‐g‐GMA (60/40%) composition showed a transmittance in the range of 20%–48% (400–800 nm) and an oxygen gas permeability of 1.56 × 10−5 cm3 STP/cm−2 h bar, indicating its potential for applications in packaging with optical barrier properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed ligaments in the interfacial region between PLA and PBAT‐g‐GMA, confirming the good performance in elongation at break. The results presented are essential for the plastics processing sector, aiming to develop eco‐friendly packaging.

Bayesian optimization of 7-component (AlVCrFeCoNiMo) single crystal alloy’s compositional space to optimize elasto-plastic properties from molecular dynamics simulations

Abstract Exploring the vast compositional space of high-entropy alloys (HEAs) promises materials with superior mechanical properties much needed in industrial applications. We demonstrate on the 7-component alloy AlVCrFeCoNiMo system with randomly ordered atoms that this exploration of the compositional space can be accelerated by combining molecular dynamics simulations with Bayesian optimization. Our algorithm is tested on maximizing the shear modulus, resulting in pure Mo, an unsurprising result based on Mo’s large density. Maximizing the yield stress results in Co-, Cr- and Ni-based alloys with the optimal composition varying depending on the presence of defects within the crystal. Finally, we optimize the plastic behaviour by aiming for high stresses while minimizing the deformation fluctuations, and find that a predominantly NiMo alloy’s high lattice distortions ensure a smooth stress response. The results suggest that mechanical properties of 2- to 4-component alloys with optimized composition may be superior to those of equiatomic HEAs without short-range order.