Phase Analysis Research Articles

Improved rapid gas decompression of novel NBR-CTS polymer blends

Nitrile rubber (NBR) and polysulfides are two classes of polymers known for their resistance against swelling when in direct contact with hydrocarbon-based oils and non-polar solvents. In this study nitrile rubber (NBR) and a cyclic tetrasulfide (CTS) are combined with a goal of achieving a rubber blend that has superior properties than of each component. The role of CTS in the blend is discussed, as it presents several functions. This study represents a fundamental analysis of NBR-CTS blends, starting with polymeric phase analysis by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Thermodynamic compatibility studies are deployed in this study to illustrate the materials’ compatibility. Mechanical properties with an emphasis on Payne effect were also studied for blends of NBR-CTS. The synergistic effect found between NBR and CTS can be further expanded in a practical application of rapid gas decompression test as a side-by-side comparison for NBR and NBR-CTS blend compounds. This type of polymer blend represents a potential replacement of fluoroelastomers.

Phase Transitions and Thermoelectric Properties of Charge-Compensated ZnxCu12-xSb4Se13.

In this study, we investigated the phase transitions and thermoelectric properties of charge-compensated hakite (ZnxCu12-xSb4Se13) as a function of Zn content. Based on X-ray diffraction and a differential scanning calorimetric phase analysis, secondary phases (permingeatite and bytizite) transformed into hakite depending on the Zn content, while Zn2Cu10Sb4Se13 existed solely as hakite. Nondegenerate semiconductor behavior was observed, exhibiting increasing electrical conductivity with a rising temperature. With an increase in Zn content, the presence of mixed phases of hakite and permingeatite led to enhanced electrical conductivity. However, Zn2Cu10Sb4Se13 with a single hakite phase exhibited the lowest electrical conductivity. The Seebeck coefficient exhibited positive values, indicating that even after charge compensation (electron supply) by Zn, p-type semiconductor characteristics were maintained. With the occurrence of an intrinsic transition within the measured temperature range, the Seebeck coefficient decreased as the temperature increased; at a certain temperature, Zn2Cu10Sb4Se13 exhibited the highest value. Thermal conductivity showed a low temperature dependence, obtaining low values below 0.65 Wm-1K-1. A power factor of 0.22 mWm-1K-2 and dimensionless figure of merit of 0.31 were achieved at 623 K for ZnCu11Sb4Se13.

An in vitro platform for quantifying cell cycle phase lengths in primary human intestinal epithelial cells

The intestinal epithelium dynamically controls cell cycle, yet no experimental platform exists for directly analyzing cell cycle phases in non-immortalized human intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). Here, we present two reporters and a complete platform for analyzing cell cycle phases in live primary human IECs. We interrogate the transcriptional identity of IECs grown on soft collagen, develop two fluorescent cell cycle reporter IEC lines, design and 3D print a collagen press to make chamber slides for optimal imaging while supporting primary human IEC growth, live image cell cycle dynamics, then assemble a computational pipeline building upon free-to-use programs for semi-automated analysis of cell cycle phases. The PIP-FUCCI construct allows for assigning cell cycle phase from a single image of living cells, and our PIP-H2A construct allows for semi-automated direct quantification of cell cycle phase lengths using our publicly available computational pipeline. Treating PIP-FUCCI IECs with oligomycin demonstrates that inhibiting mitochondrial respiration lengthens G1 phase, and PIP-H2A cells allow us to measure that oligomycin differentially lengthens S and G2/M phases across heterogeneous IECs. These platforms provide opportunities for future studies on pharmaceutical effects on the intestinal epithelium, cell cycle regulation, and more.

Nurse-led virtual clinic for liver cirrhosis: impact on quality of life and health outcomes – a mixed methods research proposal

Liver cirrhosis causes high mortality and morbidity, affecting patients' quality of life (QoL) and health outcomes. Given the significant burden of liver cirrhosis, restructuring healthcare services is crucial. Nurses' involvement in secondary prevention for other chronic diseases has shown benefits, including improved symptom control, reduced hospitalisations and enhanced HRQoL. However, the nursing role in liver disease management remains understudied. This mixed-methods study proposal with an embedded sequential design will assess the effectiveness of a nurse-led virtual liver cirrhosis clinic (NLVLCC) on QoL, self-efficacy, and health outcomes in 90 patients with alcohol-related cirrhosis (60 intervention, 30 control). Health outcomes include medication adherence, performance status, dietary adherence, alcohol intake, depression, anxiety, stress and 30-day readmission. Phase one will involve a randomised controlled trial, followed by narrative analysis in phase two. Data collection will utilize standardized and structured tools, including the Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire, Self-Efficacy for Managing Chronic Disease 6-item Scale, MARS, Karnofsky Performance Scale, 24-hour dietary recall, AUDIT, DASS, and adherence logs. NLVLCC components include patient education, dietary counseling, brief alcohol de-addiction intervention, psychological support, medication adherence, physical activity guidance and regular virtual follow-ups.

Study on hydrogen reduction mechanism of MoO3 using Ti–Mo core–shell powder

In this study, the hydrogen reduction mechanism of MoO3 was analyzed in detail using Ti–Mo core–shell powder manufactured through a milling and reduction process. MoO3 and Ti powders were ball-milled to refine the MoO3 powder and coat it onto the Ti powder to fabricated core-shell structure. Subsequently, the milled powder was heat-treated at 600°C in a hydrogen atmosphere to reduce MoO3 to nano-sized Mo. In addition, the reduction behavior of MoO3 was analyzed by varing the reduction times to 1, 10, 30 min and 1, 3, 5 h. Phase analysis was conducted using X-ray diffraction, and oxidation state analysis was conducted using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Morphology analysis was performed using scanning electron microscopy, and elemental analysis was conducted using electron probe micro-analysis. It was confirmed that Mo9O26 and Mo4O11 intermediate phases were formed sequentially as MoO3 was reduced to MoO2, and Mo9O26 had a plate shape with a thickness of sub-70 nm, and Mo4O11 exhibited a thickness of sub-300 nm. Especially, the Mo2O3 intermediate phase, previously studied only theoretically, was experimentally confirmed for the first time in the reduction process from MoO2 to Mo. Furthermore, the analysis of Mo-oxide intermediate phases was explained by the structural characteristics of the core–shell. The shell of Mo oxide was thick and dense, making it difficult for the vapor phase necessary for CVT reduction to penetrate and diffuse into the shell. As a result, the rapid CVT reduction occurred outside the shell, while relatively slower reduction occurred inside the shell where intermediate phases were observed.

Hydration characteristics and kinetic analysis of polyacrylamide (PAM) anti-dispersion cement-based materials

Abstract Through phase analysis and quantitative calculations of the hydration process, the inclusion of polyacrylamide (PAM) in Anti-dispersion Water Paste affects its hydration characteristics is discovered. Specifically, the presence of PAM reduces early reactivity while accelerating progress in the middle to late stages of hydration. By employing K-D hydration kinetic analysis, it is confirmed that the use of PAM results in the formation of a multi-nucleation homogeneous point system within the cement slurry. This system prolongs the NG (nucleation and growth) process time, increases the hydration degree during the transition from NG to I (induction) process, and inhibits the heterogeneous precipitation of hydration products. Consequently, the early hydration of cement is hindered. As the hydration reaction advances, the microstructure of the product under multi-nucleation points increases the specific surface area. This gradual breakthrough of the hydration threshold barrier shortens the duration of the phase boundary reaction process and reduces the hydration degree during the I and D (diffusion) processes. Consequently, the late-stage hydration rate is accelerated.

Assessing viability and leachability in fly ash geopolymers incorporated with rubber sludge

This study explores the innovative use of rubber sludge (RS) from glove manufacturing as a partial replacement for fly ash (FA) in geopolymer production. The research investigates the physical properties, functional group analysis, microstructural analysis, phase analysis and compressive strength. The partial replacement of different types of RS, such as activated sludge (AS), pre-leaching sludge (PLS) and coagulant sludge (CS), will affect differently on the geopolymer integrity and performance. CS enriched with high calcium content, facilitated the formation of a denser geopolymer matrix with C(N)-A-S-H gel in conjunction with C-S-H, C-A-S-H and N-A-S-H gels, enhancing the compressive strength of FA/CS geopolymers up to 70.4 MPa, surpassing FA/AS and FA/PLS geopolymers. The fly ash/rubber sludge geopolymers exhibited compressive strengths ranging from 20.5 to 70.4 MPa, not only meeting ASTM standards for construction but also effectively immobilizing hazardous metals, particularly Zn (>98.4 %), the Zn leaching in geopolymers was reduced by more than 87.4 % compared to the rubber sludge itself, thereby mitigating environmental toxicity. This utilization addresses significant industrial waste management issues, providing a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative for construction. The findings contribute to advancing sustainable building materials and advocate for equitable utilization of industrial waste resources.

Development of explainable recognition models for ADMFB flow regimes based on ensemble learning

The spatiotemporal characteristics of fluidization within an Air Dense Medium Fluidized Bed (ADMFB) are critical for its heat and mass transfer, as well as for mixing and separation processes. Yet, detailed analyses of the dynamic behavior of flow regimes during progressive transformations are scarce. This study captured synchronous pressure drop signals at multiple points along the sidewall of the bed using a non-intrusive measurement technique. Statistical analyses were utilized to extract the pressure drop's characteristic parameters and examine the statistical features' spatiotemporal fluctuations during fluidization state transitions. We proposed a method to quantitatively characterize the bed's real-time fluidization state through the combined use of multiple-point pressure characteristics. Following this approach, a multidimensional spatio-temporal matrix was constructed to depict the flow regime transitions quantitatively. Concurrently, ensemble learning techniques were applied to classify flow regimes based on various feature parameters and sample lengths. In the final phase, comprehensive interpretations and detailed visual analyses were deployed on the inputs to the optimized ensemble learning model, XGBoost, utilizing the Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) framework. This study provides additional insights and methodologies for managing the transition and intelligent control of flow regimes within an ADMFB.

The influence of supervisory support on clinical learning as experienced by Czech Nursing and health professional students in the context of patient safety events: A qualitative study

AimTo explore the influence of supervisory and mentoring relationships on the clinical learning experiences of Czech Nursing and health professional students in the context of patient safety events BackgroundClinical experience is integral to healthcare education, shaping skills, behaviours, values and professional identity. During clinical placements, students may encounter memorable patient safety events and experience varied reactions from mentors/supervisors/others. Some research has highlighted challenges faced by students on clinical placement. Few studies involve multiple professions, most emanating from Western Europe, the UK, the USA and Australia with little relating to central European countries such as the Czech Republic. DesignTwo stage interpretivist qualitative study based in social constructionism MethodsConvenience sample across 13 undergraduate and 18 postgraduate health professions courses. Stage 1 (2022): using SLIPPS Learning Event Recording Tool translated into Czech. 20 students’ (Midwifery=11, Nursing=1, Paramedic=1, Occupational therapy =7) submitted 21 patient safety learning event narratives. Stage 2 (2022): Focus group with 2 nursing and nine midwifery students. Phased thematic analysis involving multiple researchers. ResultsThree themes illustrate the circumstances and impact of placement mentoring/supervision experiences, conceptualised as: ‘Clinical and Emotional Companionship’, ‘Clinical and Emotional Abandonment’ and ‘Sense of agency - Professional and personal growth’. ‘Companionship’ reflected the students’ feelings of being welcomed, respected, heard, trusted and supported. Conversely ‘abandonment’ emerged from feelings of being unheard, vulnerable, humiliated, afraid, leaving students feeling abandoned, lonely and ‘useless’. Notwithstanding these conditions, students showed the ability to identify patient safety issues with agency evident in reactions such as stepping-in to try to ameliorate a situation, rather than speaking-up. Professional and personal growth was also apparent in their narratives and a conceptual diagram illustrates the students’ learning journeys in a patient safety context. ConclusionThe findings and new conceptualisations around abandonment and companionship emerging from this study expand the evidence base regarding the profound impact of clinical experience and mentorship/supervision on learning and students’ emotional wellbeing. A sense of companionship appears to play a buffering role even in challenging circumstances of involvement in or witnessing compromised patients’ safety. Allowing students a sense of belonging, to vent, grow, feel supported and safe to ask/learn - contributing to ‘emotional safety for learning’, promotes students’ behaviour that may prevent/minimize hazards or ameliorate the aftermath. However, we must not simply blame mentors/supervisors, staff, or the students themselves- they are simply part of a much larger complex environment of professional education encompassing hidden curriculums, power dynamics and professional socialisation.

Densification, microstructure, and wear properties of TiB2-TiC-GNP and TiB2-TiC-BN composites

In this study, TiB2–TiC, TiB2–TiC-GNP, and TiB2-TiC-BN composites were produced via spark plasma sintering (SPS). The densification and sintering behavior, phase and Raman spectroscopy analyses, microstructural properties, Vickers microhardness, and wear behavior of the binary and ternary composites were investigated. The addition of various amounts of TiC to TiB2 resulted in nearly complete densification. The TiB2–TiC-GNP specimens exhibited a relative density of more than 99 %; in contrast, the addition of BN did not contribute to the densification. The Vickers hardness of the GNP-added composites was ∼25 GPa, whereas hBN addition to the matrix decreased the hardness to ∼22 GPa (∼9 % decrease). According to the wear test, the addition of GNPs did not result in a significant change in the TiB2–TiC matrix; however, the addition of hBN increased the specific wear rate of the matrix by ∼100 %. The GNPs did not have a negative effect on the densification, microstructural, or mechanical properties, such as the Vickers hardness and wear resistance. Hence, they were determined to be a more suitable sintering aid for matrix composition than hBN.

Chromo-fluorogenic detection of Sarin, Tabun, and mustard gas mimics triggering the ring-opening reaction in a spirolactam-based probe

Nerve agents are becoming serious issues for the healthy and sustainable environment in modern civilization. Strategically, we have designed and introduced a Schiff base triggered dual chromo-fluorogenic probe BASO via condensation reaction between rhodamine B hydrazide and 3-formyl chromone, which can selectively recognize different toxic target analytes helping a reference to a healthy and sustainable environment. The BASO probe displays enhanced pink photoluminescence extraordinarily due to the introduction of sarin, tabun, and mustard gas mimics diethylchlorophosphate (DCP), diethylcyanophosphonate (DCNP), and 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (2CEES), in a 1:1 water–dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) mixture while native one was non-fluorescent. The opening of the spirolactam ring owing to the addition of DCP, DCNP, and 2CEES shows a noticeable pink colorimetric and pink color fluorometric change, which is readily detectable by the naked eye in the µM range in neutral medium and found to be better than numerous available chemosensor (Table S1). We have also fabricated simple paper strip-based test kits as portable and displayable handy photonic tools for on-site detection without any expensive instrumental techniques. The probe BASO has also been employed for detecting the vapor phase and soil sample analysis as a practical applicability. The simple, rapid detection techniques make our probe unique and have significant utility for the recognition of DCP, DCNP, and vesicant or blistering agents mimicking 2CEES.

The Influence of CdS on the Structural and Optical Properties of Nano ZnWO4

We investigated the influence of CdS on the structural and optical properties of nano ZnWO4 for optical applications. (1−x)ZnWO4/xCdS (x; 0 to 0.25) heterojunctions were formed and the structure and microstructure of the ZnWO4 and CdS phases developed were investigated using Rietveld refinement analysis for synchrotron X-ray diffraction data. Phase analysis revealed the phase percentage of the CdS phase is always less than the nominated value (x), implying merging of some Cd and S into ZnWO4. Raman spectra showed CdS peaks, confirming the existence of CdS. Scanning electron microscopy showed two distinct morphologies: plate-like particles (ZnWO4 phase) and spherical shape (CdS phase). UV–vis diffuse measurements revealed enhancement of absorbance and reduction in reflectance and transmittance, in the range 300–56 nm, as the amount of CdS (x) increased in the (1−x)ZnWO4/xCdS system. Band gap of the ZnWO4 phase reduced from 4.0 eV for x = 0.0 to 3.9, 3.6, and 2.9 eV for x = 0.05, 0.1, and 0.25, respectively. The highest refractive index values were obtained as the amount of CdS reached 0.05. Impact of alloying on linear and nonlinear parameters and emitted photoluminescence spectra was studied. Upon loading ZnWO4 with CdS, the PL intensity is greatly quenched and the whole spectrum is red shifted, from 480 to 540 nm. CIE chromaticity diagrams show that ZnWO4 sample without any doping exhibits a blue color while the doped system reveals green-yellow colors.

A gait phase recognition method for obstacle crossing based on multi-sensor fusion

The analysis of human motion patterns and gait phase detection holds significant importance for both human motion analysis and precise control of exoskeleton devices. Presently, research on gait during obstacle crossing primarily focuses on the medical rehabilitation domain, with limited studies concerning gait phase analysis during obstacle crossing. This study conducts a detailed analysis of gait data during obstacle crossing and proposes a CNN-PCA-LSTM algorithm that fuses multi-sensor data to accurately identify gait phases when crossing obstacles in the horizontal direction. A wearable multi-sensor data acquisition system was designed, utilizing flexible capacitive pressure sensors to collect pressure data from the soles of both feet and IMUs to gather foot motion data. Kinematic simulation analyses of human obstacle-crossing motions were performed using Anybody software to determine various gait phases, validating the efficacy of the simulation model. Subsequently, one-dimensional and two-dimensional convolutional neural networks were separately employed to extract features from sole pressure data and foot motion data. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was utilized to reduce the dimensionality of these feature datasets, which were then inputted into LSTM networks. Finally, the Softmax function was employed for the classification and recognition of gait phases when crossing obstacles in the horizontal direction. The experimental results indicate that employing the CNN-PCA-LSTM algorithm integrating multiple sensor data achieves a recognition accuracy of 97.91 % for identifying gait phases during horizontal obstacle crossing.

Mechanical properties of blended cements affected by impurities in thermally activated clays

Abstract With the scarcity of raw materials, energy intensiveness and environmental burden connected with producing Portland cement, there is a growing need to find substitute binders. Thermally activated clay also appears to be a suitable material for partial cement replacement. However, not all clays are the same. It depends very much on the place of collection, its chemical and phase composition, and the activation temperature. This study compared six different types of clays fired at 600 °C in terms of quantitative phase analysis and mechanical strength results. In addition to the fineness of grinding and firing temperature, the clay composition had an immense impact on mechanical properties. Content of illite up to 20% was found to be beneficial, as this clay reached the highest mechanical strengths. Regarding the quartz, its presence did not harm the overall performance of thermally activated clays and the presence of calcite could cause the improvement of the mechanical strengths. However, the clay with the most miscellaneous composition caused the deterioration of compressive strength but reached much higher bending strength compared to pure cement.

Magnetron carbon structures obtained by high-frequency magnetron sputtering in Argon and Nitrogen

Purpose of research. Creation and characterization of carbon nanostructures by high-frequency magnetron sputtering from a carbon target in argon on a silicon substrate and in a reactive nitrogen environment, obtained on a Ni catalyst buffer layer. Methods. High-frequency magnetron sputtering on a silicon substrate with changes in control parameters: sputtering time power and working gas pressure Ar and N. Research was carried out using X-ray phase analysis, atomic force microscopy and holographic microscopy, Raman scattering. Results. The formation of carbon nanotubes, including single-walled ones, was confirmed by the method of Raman scattering of light along the lines ID 1363 and IG 1564 cm-1, as well as ωRDМ 308 and 227 cm–1. Using atomic force microscopic images, the fractal dimension of the nanofilms was calculated, which indicated their 3D nature. Based on X-ray phase analysis of magnetron nanofilms, the dimensions of the coherence region, texture, microdeformations and interplanar deformation distortions were determined. Conclusion. In carbon magnetron nanofilms, deformations of both signs occur: both compressive (∆a < 0) and tensile (∆a > 0). Carbon magnetron nanofilms are represented, among other things, by single-walled carbon nanotubes, the chirality of which in an argon environment is (6, 6), and in a reactive mixture of nitrogen and argon on a Ni buffer layer (7, 7). It was discovered that in high-frequency magnetron mode, silicon carbide is formed in both inert and reactive environments.

Influence of the composition and structure of sodium borosilicate glasses on the optical-color characteristics of chromium aventurine glass in the presence of cobalt (II) oxide

We investigated the influence of cobalt (II) oxide additive in the amount of 1–3 mol.% on the structure and optical-color characteristics of chromium-containing glass with the following composition (mol.%): 29.6 Na2O; 19.7 В2О3; 49.3 SiO2; and 1.5 Cr2O3. The dependence of the optical-color characteristics of the glasses under study on the thermal treatment of the glass melt at a temperature of 10500C for 20 minutes was established. The thermal treatment resulted in the volumetric crystallization with the subsequent development of the aventurine effect. According to X-ray phase analysis data, the decorative effect was caused by Cr2O3 crystals. By using IR spectroscopy and differential thermal analysis, the structure of the experimental glasses was studied, and the influence of thermal treatment of glass melts on the formation of the structure of glass-ceramic material was established. Aventurine glass of dark blue-green color was obtained with a color tone =490 nm, color purity P=11.35%, and lightness L=5.454 %. The nature of the influence of cobalt (II) oxide on the optical-color characteristics of chromium-containing aventurine glass based on the Na2O–В2О3–SiO2 system is of interest for further development of new compositions of decorative ceramic glazes and enamel coatings.

Synthesis of Eu-doped TiO<sub>2</sub> nanoparticles by hydrothermal method

Purpose of research. Synthesis, characterization and comparison of the photocatalytic properties of europium-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles. Methods. Europium-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles were synthesized via a hydrothermal method followed by post-treatment processes including washing and annealing. Characterization was conducted using transmission electron microscopy, X-ray phase analysis, and energy-dispersive analysis. The bandgap width of the nanoparticles was determined through diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. Photoluminescence properties were studied using scanning probe microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The photocatalytic properties were studied by spectrophotometry to determine the degradation of methylene blue under ultraviolet radiation. Results. Transmission electron microscopy identified the average particle sizes of europium-doped titanium dioxide. Using X-ray phase analysis, it was established that the nanoparticles were in the anatase phase regardless of the europium content percentage. Energy-dispersive spectroscopy confirmed the presence of the dopant in the samples. The photoluminescence intensity peak increased proportionally with the increase in europium content percentage. The strongest photocatalytic properties were exhibited at the lowest europium content among the samples studied. Conclusion. Synthesized and processed europium-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles with anatase polymorphic modification exhibit photoluminescent properties. The luminescence intensity depends on the concentration of europium in the particles, due to the formation of additional energy levels inside the band gap. The photocatalytic properties of europium-doped nanoparticles are significantly improved in comparison with samples synthesized without impurities. However, a europium concentration above 0,5% leads to the growth of structural defects that reduce the mobility of photogenerated charge carriers and creates a high energy barrier that prevents them from reaching the surface.

Atomic Layer Deposition of Molybdenum Carbide Thin Films

AbstractThe development of deposition processes for metal carbide thin films is rapidly advancing, driven by their potential for applications including catalysis, batteries, and semiconductor devices. Within this landscape, atomic layer deposition (ALD) offers exceptional conformality, uniformity, and thickness control on spatially complex structures. This paper presents a comprehensive study on the thermal ALD of MoCx with MoCl5 and 1,4‐bis(trimethylgermyl)‐1,4‐dihydropyrazine [(Me3Ge)2DHP] as precursors, focusing on the functional properties and characterization of the films. The depositions are conducted at 200–300 °C and very smooth films with RMS Rq ≈0.3–0.6 nm on Si, TiN, and HfO2 substrates are obtained. The process has a high growth rate of 1.5 Å cycle−1 and the films appear to be continuous already after 5 cycles. The films are conductive even at thicknesses below 5 nm, and films above 18 nm exhibit superconductivity up to 4.4 K. In lieu of suitable references, Raman modes for molybdenum carbides and nitrides are calculated and X‐ray diffraction and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy are used for phase analysis.

Lattice strain induced by trace Pt single atoms in nickel for accelerating industrial hydrogen evolution

Strategically designing the electrocatalytic system and cleverly inducing strain is an effective approach to balance the cost and activity of Pt-based electrocatalysts for industrial-scale hydrogen production. Herein, we present a unipolar pulsed electrodeposition (UPED) strategy to induce strain in the Ni lattice by introducing trace amounts of Pt single atoms (SAs) (0.22 wt%). The overpotential decreased by 183 mV at 10 mA cm−2 in 1.0 M KOH after introducing trace amounts of PtSAs. The industrial electrolyzer, assembled with PtSAsNi cathode and a commercial NiFeOx anode, requires a cell voltage of 1.90 V to attain 1 A cm−2 of current density and remains stable for 280 h, demonstrating significant potential for practical applications. Spherical aberration corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (AC-STEM), X-ray absorption (XAS), and geometric phase analysis (GPA) indicate that the introduction of trace amounts of Pt SAs induces tensile strain in the Ni lattice, thereby altering the local electronic structure and coordination environment around cubic Ni for enhancing the water decomposition kinetics and fundamentally changing the reaction pathway. The doping-strain strategy showcases conformational relationships that could offer new ideas to construct efficient hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalysts for industrial hydrogen production in the future.

Effects of Game-Based Activities on Student's Social Skills and Attitudes toward Learning Science

This study evaluated the effectiveness of four game-based activities (GBAs) in teaching ecosystems to Grade 7 Biology students. Involving 69 students (34 control, 35 experimental), the quasi-experimental study used a mixed-methods approach. The researcher utilized a static-group comparison design for the quantitative phase and a thematic analysis for the qualitative phase. Quantitative analysis revealed significant improvements in the experimental group's social skills (p<0.05; Cohen’s d = 0.63) and conceptual understanding (p<0.05; Cohen’s d = 0.86). Descriptive statistical analysis also suggests that GBAs can foster positive attitudes toward using GBAs and learning. Qualitative data from journal entries and teacher-observer interviews highlighted enhanced communication, collaboration, confidence, and participation among students using GBAs. The study also recognized the interconnection between conceptual understanding, social skills, and attitude toward learning, not just as pedagogical tools but also as practical tools in improving students’ affective domain, creating a safe environment beneficial for the learning process in general.