Centralized Research Articles

Z-ACA allotrope: a topological carbon material with obstructed Wannier charge center, real topology, and hinge states

Z-ACA allotrope: a topological carbon material with obstructed Wannier charge center, real topology, and hinge states

Overview of global monitoring systems for the side effects and adverse events associated with medicinal cannabis use: a scoping review using a systematic approach

ObjectivesThe use of cannabis-based medicine (CBM) as a therapeutic has surged in Australia over the past 5 years. Historically, the United Nations Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs (1961) prohibited cannabis...

Regulating the cationic vacancy structure of NiO to optimize its d band center and accelerate oxygen evolution reaction

In order to study the influence of cationic vacancy structure on the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity of catalysts. A series of cationic vacancy NiO catalysts (d-Mx-NiO) with different vacancy structure were prepared by alkali-etching the doping amphoteric oxide element in this paper. Due to diverse intrinsic characteristic of doping amphoteric oxide element, the electronic configuration of cationic vacancy in d-Mx-NiO is changed after alkali-etching. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the d band center of Ni element is increased gradually with the increasing valence state of doping vacancy element, which is beneficial to optimize the adsorption energy for the OER intermediate products. Among the d-Mx-NiO catalysts, d-Al0.2-NiO catalyst possesses the highest d band center and oxidation state of Ni, resulting in the superior OER performance with only 285 mV overpotential to achieve the current density of 10 mA cm−2. Additionally, d-Al0.2-NiO also demonstrates admirable stability after 100 h OER test with a ∼99% faradaic efficiency. The current finding would offer a valuable insights to design and fabricate the cationic vacancy OER catalysts with high efficiency.

Tracing nation branding in Slovakia

ABSTRACT Nation branding as a concept and practice of highlighting the country’s most important performance indicators has been important for the state’s conduct in the last 30 years. Although not fully grounded within existing theories, its association with neoliberal state conduct explains its application in the post-socialist countries of Central and Eastern Europe. Slovakia, as an example of a new, small, and post-socialist country, has been trying to impact its visibility by means of nation branding. Key to it were the motivations and milestones of European Union accession and the presidency of the Council of the European Union. Despite these significant events, the management and content development of the Slovak brand stands as a particularistic example with creative ideas but lack of brand continuity. Explored by a qualitative approach demonstrating nation branding as a process, of process-tracing and content analysis, this paper follows the trajectory of nation branding in the Slovak sovereign statehood with an emphasis on the European Union. The analysis confirms the particular standing of the Slovak brand.

Revealing the atomic and electronic mechanism of human manganese superoxide dismutase product inhibition

Human manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) is a crucial oxidoreductase that maintains the vitality of mitochondria by converting superoxide (O2●−) to molecular oxygen (O2) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) with proton-coupled electron transfers (PCETs). Human MnSOD has evolved to be highly product inhibited to limit the formation of H2O2, a freely diffusible oxidant and signaling molecule. The product-inhibited complex is thought to be composed of a peroxide (O22−) or hydroperoxide (HO2−) species bound to Mn ion and formed from an unknown PCET mechanism. PCET mechanisms of proteins are typically not known due to difficulties in detecting the protonation states of specific residues that coincide with the electronic state of the redox center. To shed light on the mechanism, we combine neutron diffraction and X-ray absorption spectroscopy of the product-bound, trivalent, and divalent states of the enzyme to reveal the positions of all the atoms, including hydrogen, and the electronic configuration of the metal ion. The data identifies the product-inhibited complex, and a PCET mechanism of inhibition is constructed.

Design and implementation of real-time log analysis based on ELK

With the rapid development of the IT industry, the integrated solution of real-time log analysis has become a member of the new generation of IT operation and maintenance structure. The traditional manual log analysis system is no longer suitable for the rapid development of the operation and maintenance system. The log analysis software commonly used in enterprises includes Elasticsearch, Logstash, and Kibana systems. The advantage is that it is free and open source. "Design and implementation of real-time log analysis based on ELK" was born for system maintenance and developers to understand server software and hardware information through logs, and check the cumbersome operations in the configuration process. Because frequent analysis of the log can understand the load of the server, performance security, so as to take timely measures to correct errors. If you manage dozens or hundreds of servers, there is no centralized log management system to collect and summarize the logs on all servers, which causes great difficulties for operation and maintenance managers. "Design and implementation of real-time log analysis based on ELK" uses Elasticsearch, Logstash, and Kibana to achieve unified collection and classification of server logs, which can solve the defects of traditional log analysis platforms, improve the efficiency of server application positioning problems, and help enterprises solve data center problems running problems of related applications.

Spin states of metal centers in electrocatalysis.

Understanding the electronic structure of active sites is crucial in efficient catalyst design. The spin state, spin configurations of d-electrons, has been frequently discussed recently. However, its systematic depiction in electrocatalysis is lacking. In this tutorial review, a comprehensive interpretation of the spin state of metal centers in electrocatalysts and its role in electrocatalysis is provided. This review starts with the basics of spin states, including molecular field theory, crystal field theory, and ligand field theory. It further introduces the differences in low spin, intermediate spin, and high spin, and intrinsic factors affecting the spin state. Popular characterization techniques and modeling approaches that can reveal the spin state, such as X-ray absorption microscopy, electron spin resonance spectroscopy, Mössbauer spectroscopy, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, are introduced as well with examples from the literature. The examples include the most recent progress in tuning the spin state of metal centers for various reactions, e.g., the oxygen evolution reaction, oxygen reduction reaction, hydrogen evolution reaction, carbon dioxide reduction reaction, nitrogen reduction reaction, nitrate reduction reaction, and urea oxidation reaction. Challenges and potential implications for future research related to the spin state are discussed at the end.

Foreign Policy of Germany towards Kazakhstan

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, a large number of newly formed states appeared on the geopolitical map of the world, some of which are located in Central Asia. As one of the largest and most influential countries in Europe, Germany sought to establish strong economic, political and cultural ties with these countries. The author pays attention to the stages of development of bilateral relations from the early 90s to the present.Aim. The aim of this study is to identify key aspects of German foreign policy in the region, focusing on relations with Kazakhstan.Tasks. Study the main stages of the development of diplomatic relations between Germany and Kazakhstan. Identify the current state of relations between Germany and Kazakhstan. Explore possible expansion of economic ties and prospects for future cooperation. Show the importance of studying the foreign policy of Germany in relation to Kazakhstan for the Russian Federation.Methods. The research methodology is based on historical analysis, which helped to identify the stages of development of international relations between the two states. The comparative analysis defines the differences in the foreign policy line of Germany towards Kazakhstan at different stages. Regular summit meetings were the objects of event analysis.Results. By examining historical context, economic partnerships, and geopolitical considerations, it is possible to investigate the dynamics shaping German engagement in Central Asia.Conclusions. The genesis of the development of interstate relations was the collapse of the USSR, which served to form sovereign states in the post-Soviet space. The development of bilateral relations is characterized by several stages: some of them were characterized by stagnation, others, by an increase in the attention of Germany to Kazakhstan. The beginning of 2022 served to intensify Germany’s foreign policy in the region. At the present stage, Germany uses a multi-pronged approach that includes diplomatic, economic, cultural and educational components. Germany’s foreign policy in the region is aimed at protecting its national interests. Secondly, the partnership with Kazakhstan is a symbol of Germany’s shared foreign policy goals, emphasizing the importance of cooperation, dialogue and joint development efforts in the heart of Eurasia.

Information features of management decisions in the system of public authority

The article considers the formation of two management systems after the adoption of the Constitution of the Russian Federation — the system of public administration and the system of local government. The conceptual peculiarities of managerial decision-making in both systems are investigated, and the conclusion is made about the differences in the configurations of the channels of their information links. The advantages and disadvantages of the public administration system as a centralized system based on cybernetic principles, as well as the positive and negative aspects of the synergetic nature of the local government system are analyzed. As public administration systems need a certain decentralization of management, so local government systems cannot do without orientation on a number of issues on centralized commands. It is concluded that in Russia for a long period of time there was no proper information interaction between the system of public administration and the system of local government. It is noted that the appearance in the Constitution of the Russian Federation of part 3 of Article 122 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation determined not only the existence of a unified system of public power, but also the existence of an integral system of governance, the capacity of which to make effective management decisions is higher than the total capacity of the previously existing self-sufficient systems.

The Future of Septic Tanks: Uncovering Technological Trends through Patent Analysis

As global urbanisation, industrialisation, and population growth escalate, the production of wastewater also increases, leading to significant water pollution on a global scale. This pollution poses severe threats to environmental health, wildlife, and human communities. In rural areas where centralised sewage systems are often absent, septic tanks play a crucial role in managing wastewater. They separate solids from liquids and facilitate the biological decomposition of organic matter. This paper utilises a Patent Landscape Review (PLR) to analyse the scope and direction of innovations in septic tank technology. Conducted on 23 September 2022, the patent search targeted filings from January 2001 through June 2022 to identify prevailing trends and advancements within this field. Through a detailed examination of 889 patents, categorised by keywords, processes, materials, and designs, this study offers a comprehensive overview of the patent landscape for septic tanks. Key findings indicate that fibreglass cylindrical tanks dominate the market due to their durability and efficiency. This review also highlights a growing trend towards modular septic systems, which offer scalable solutions adaptable to specific environmental conditions. Furthermore, some patents propose the repurposing of various objects as septic tanks, demonstrating a move towards sustainability by reducing waste and enhancing environmental conservation. This paper emphasises the importance of continued innovation in septic tank technology to address the challenges of effective wastewater management in underserved rural communities.

A testing theory for simultaneously determining asphalt mixture’s dynamic modulus in compression and tension by use of IDT test

The compressive and tensile moduli of asphalt mixtures are not equal. As a result, in order to obtain reasonable response calculation results, asphalt pavement mechanical analysis should first determine the compressive and tensile moduli of asphalt mixtures separately. Then, it should assign an appropriate modulus to the FEM element based on the stress state of the element. However, conventional uniaxial compression modulus testing protocol is typically unable to determine the actual asphalt pavement's coring specimen due to the limitation that general dynamic modulus testing protocol requires a larger size of specimen and conventional coring specimen from field usually cannot meet the requirement in regard to specimen size. In this case, the dynamic modulus of the asphalt mixture can only be ascertained using the IDT test method.Nevertheless, the current IDT test protocol is unable to distinguish between the compressive and tensile moduli of asphalt mixtures, and the testing results are usually different from those obtained by using the conventional uniaxial compression or tension method. This is because the current IDT test method for determining the dynamic modulus of asphalt mixtures generally treats asphalt mixtures as a kind of ideal elastic material and considers its compressive modulus is equal to its tensile modulus.Consequently, this paper presents a new theory, based on Ambartsumyan's bi-modulus constitutive relation theory, that can use the IDT test method to simultaneously determine the dynamic modulus of an asphalt mixture in both compression and tension. This theory assumes that the stress-strain relationship of asphalt mixture complies with the bi-modulus constitutive relation, and obtains the vertical deformation or horizontal deformation of the IDT specimen by solving a definite integral for the displacement of a small segment on the vertical or horizontal axis, which utilizes the results of the mathematical analysis of the stress distribution of the IDT specimen under distributed strip load. Then, the specimen's dynamic modulus in compression and tension can be obtained via back-calculating method, if the specimen's vertical and horizontal displacement are measured by a physical test in the lab. Obviously, this theory addresses the limitation of the conventional IDT method that cannot reflect the distinction of compressive modulus with tensile modulus, and can be better utilized to simultaneously determine compressive and tensile modulus of cored specimen from field. The verification test also demonstrates, the dynamic modulus determined by this theory are in line with the results of the conventional uniaxial test and is highly practicable.

A review of the legitimacy of FIFA’s participation in Qatar’s human rights governance

ABSTRACT Respecting and protecting human rights is one of the fundamental principles stipulated in the FIFA Charter. In the case of labour issues in Qatar, there is a legality issue with FIFA’s participation in Qatar’s human rights issues. FIFA has not clarified either its legal status or responsibilities in participating in human rights governance. FIFA claims that its involvement is based on the International Bill of Human Rights and the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, but neither of these gives FIFA the right to directly intervene in the human rights affairs of other sovereign states. Therefore, it is necessary to review the legal insturments of the human rights sanctions imposed by FIFA in the Qatar case and deduce from various legal documents those activities in which FIFA is entitled to engage, and the role it had played and would play in human rights issues deduced from the FIFA’s practice in Qatar.

Unlocking pathways in constrained local governance: exploring paradiplomacy under competitive-disharmony through the case of Istanbul

ABSTRACT Amidst the complexities of globalisation and resurgent global protectionism, paradiplomacy emerges as pivotal in sub-state politics. This paper delves into the case of Turkish local governance post-2019 elections, within a unitary, centralised state structure. Termed ‘competitive-disharmony’, it scrutinises how opposition mayors in key Turkish metropolitan areas, notably Istanbul, navigate tensions with central authorities through foreign diplomacy. Analysing political activities from 2019 to 2024, the study uncovers strategies used by sub-state actors to assert their interests on the international stage. Focusing on Istanbul, it offers insights into paradiplomacy’s role within authoritarian governance structures and evolving city diplomacy. These findings illuminate paradiplomacy’s resilience and adaptability, crucial for managing tensions between local and national governments in highly centralised political environments.

Survival rates and extra-regional migration patterns of children and adolescents with cancer in Italy: The 30-year experience of the Italian Association of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology (AIEOP) with the Italian hospital-based registry of pediatric cancer (Mod. 1.01).

Since the 1970s, Italian pediatric oncologists have collaborated through the Italian Association for Pediatric Hematology Oncology (AIEOP) network using a common centralized system for the registration of childhood cancer, known as Model 1.01 (Mod. 1.01). In this study, we report on recruitment trends, extra-regional migration and changes in outcome over time in the Italian population of children (0-14 years) and adolescents (15-19 years) registered and treated within the national AIEOP network in the period between 1989 and 2017. In almost 30 years, a cohort of 43,564 patients with a neoplasia diagnosis was registered in Mod. 1.01. The analysis of national extra-regional migration showed that patients tend to migrate from the South to the North and, to a lesser extent, to the Center of the country. During the study period, migration apparently decreased, especially for lymphohematopoietic diseases, whereas it remained substantial for solid tumors. Our data showed a progressive and significant increase in the cumulative survival 5 years after diagnosis since the 1990s, reaching almost 84% for all patients diagnosed in the last decade. Survival rates of Mod. 1.01 patients are similar to those provided by the main national and international reports showing childhood cancer surveillance estimates. The AIEOP Mod 1.01 has proved to be an invaluable tool from both an epidemiological and a health policy point of view, allowing us, in this study, to examine the survival experience of the largest cohort of Italian pediatric cancer patients with a very long follow-up.

Monitoring questing winter tick abundance on traditional moose hunting lands

AbstractAn important symbolic and subsistence animal for many Native American Tribes, the moose (Alces alces; mos in Algonquin, Penobscot language) has been under consistent threat in the northeastern United States because of winter tick (Dermacentor albipictus) parasitism over the past several decades, causing declines in moose populations throughout the region. This decline has raised concern for Tribes and agencies that are invested in moose. Given this concern, it is increasingly important to effectively monitor and develop strategies to manage winter ticks to address consistent population declines of moose due to winter ticks. The Penobscot Nation developed a novel strategy to sample questing winter ticks (i.e., ticks that are actively seeking hosts) using a plot‐based sampling protocol that may be suitable for heterogeneous habitats. We deployed this protocol in the northeastern United States in 2022 during the tick questing period (Sep–Dec) on Penobscot Nation sovereign trust lands, the White Mountain National Forest and Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge, and western‐central Massachusetts, USA. We analyzed the data using occupancy and N‐mixture models. Detection probability peaked during mid‐October and tick occupancy and abundance were greatest at sites with intermediate understory vegetation height. The sampling protocol was successful at sampling ticks in Massachusetts, where abundances were expected to be low, indicating that it may be useful for studies planning to monitor winter tick distribution and abundance in areas with sub‐optimal moose habitat and where winter tick abundance is expected to be low. This approach may also benefit managers or researchers intending to monitor many species of hard ticks, and where imperfect detection is expected.

Do Chinese secondary schools develop global citizens?

ABSTRACT This paper examines the nature of global citizenship education in Chinese secondary schools by investigating what kind of global citizens these institutions try to develop in the twenty-first century. Drawing on qualitative data from six high schools in China, the study reveals a distinctive Chinese perspective shaping the understanding of global citizenship. Educators purposefully harmonise the attributes of global citizens with cultural and traditional values inherent to the Chinese context, actively seeking common ground while adhering to national government policies. The research underscores a deliberate effort to connect global citizenship with the necessity of adapting to international competition and China’s role in world leadership. Furthermore, notable variations emerge among schools in their conceptualisations of developing global citizens, reflecting diverse expectations aligned with the different strata of students within China’s highly centralised education system. This exploration provides insights into the nuanced nature of global citizenship education in Chinese secondary schools.

Decreasing the Bond Order between Vanadium and Oxo Ligand to Form 3d Schrock Carbynes.

Preserving vanadium in a high oxidation state during chemical transformations can be challenging due to the oxidizing nature of V(+5) species. Oxo and similar isoelectronic ligands have been utilized to stabilize V(+5) by extensive π-donation. However, decreasing the bond order between V and the oxo ligand often results in a reduction of the metal center. Herein, we report a unique transformation involving anionic V(+5) alkylidene that converts a V(+5) oxo complex to a V(+5) alkylidyne in three steps without altering the oxidation state of the metal center. This method has been used to obtain rare 3d Schrock carbynes, which provide easy and scalable access to V(+5) alkylidynes.

Improving Health and Reducing Chronic Disease Disparities with Latinx Communities: Evaluating the Role of Documented Community-Based Intervention Participation.

Limited evidence exists on the impact of participation in community-based chronic disease self-management and prevention programs on health disparities. The purpose of this research was to determine the effects of participation in the Healthy Here Wellness Referral System on existing disparities in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), systolic blood pressure (BP), and diastolic BP among Hispanic/Latinx adults compared with non-Hispanic White adults. We merged administrative clinical and referral data from 2018 through 2022 for adult patients in six focus ZIP codes in New Mexico resulting in a sample of 1331 patients and used regression models to examine predictors of intervention participation as well as propensity-adjusted impacts of participation on HbA1c and BP outcomes. Non-Hispanic White patients who were referred to community-based programming but did not participate saw statistically significant increases in HbA1c. Hispanic/Latinx patients saw statistically significant decreases in HbA1c with referral alone, with no added benefit from program participation. The impact of participation differed statistically significantly (t(683) = 3.55, p < .001) between these two groups for HbA1c levels, as well as for systolic (t(958) = 2.11, p = .04) and diastolic BP outcomes (t(958) = 2.96, p = .003). Results of this study support the promise of using centralized referral systems to co-produce health improvement in community settings. Mixed findings highlight the need for further uptake of theory-informed measurement in evaluations seeking to understand heterogeneous program impacts by race and ethnicity.

Blackfeet innovation pathways to food sovereignty: sustainability through indigenous-led research partnerships

The Blackfeet Nation in northwestern Montana, United States, is implementing its Agriculture Resource Management Plan (ARMP), an Indigenous-led, sustainable agriculture plan prioritizing economic development for Indigenous producers, intergenerational health and well-being of Amskapi Piikani Blackfeet people, and ecological and cultural sensitivities within this sovereign nation and its traditional territories. Since the passage of the American Indian Agricultural Resource Management Act of 1993, only three Tribes have drafted and finalized Agricultural Resource Management Plans (ARMPs). The Blackfeet ARMP is now being held up as a national model of Tribal sovereignty. “Blackfeet Innovation Pathways to Food Sovereignty,” an Indigenous-led research project, emerged from the Blackfeet Nation’s community-based strategic planning process identifying gaps, systemic barriers and impactful solutions for achieving Blackfeet food sovereignty through the implementation of the Blackfeet Nation ARMP, along with research influenced by the ARMP. This paper provides a community case study of the ongoing process and offers a translational model of sustainable agriculture and food sovereignty within Indigenous lands to improve the economic futures of producers and their families, as well as health outcomes for Native communities.

Unravelling Kinetics of Intramolecular NdIII → FeII Energy Transfer in Spin Crossover Single Molecules: Dotting the i's and Crossing the t's.

Compared with the ripple of visible EuIII-based emission intensity induced by appended [FeIIN6] spin crossover (SCO) units, as detected in the triple-stranded [EuFe(L1)3]5+ helicate, the lanthanide-based luminescent detection of FeII spin-state equilibria could be improved significantly if the luminophore emission is shifted toward the near-infrared (NIR) domain. Replacing EuIII with NdIII in [NdFe(L1)3]5+ (i) maintains the favorable SCO properties in acetonitrile [critical temperature T1/2 = 322(2) K], (ii) saturates nonradiative vibrational relaxation processes in the 233-333 K range, and (iii) boosts the crucial intramolecular NdIII → FeII energy transfer rate processes, which are sensitive to the spin state of the FeII metallic center. Consequently, the steady-state NIR Nd(4F3/2 → 4IJ) emission of the luminophore is amplified and linearly correlated with the low-spin-[FeIIN6] and high-spin-[FeIIN6] mole fractions controlled by the SCO equilibrium. This paves the way for a straightforward and direct NIR luminescent reading/sensing of the FeII spin state in single molecules.