Specific Area Activity Research Articles

Zirconium-doped lead dioxide anodes prepared by sol-gel method for ampicillin removal from simulated pharmaceutical polluted wastewater.

New anodes consisting of zirconium-doped PbO2 coating, growth on titanium dioxide interlayer, were deposited on titanium substrates using spin coating method and have been tested for the removal of ampicillin, a β-lactam antibiotic, from water. Morphological, structural, and electrochemical properties of the prepared coatings were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscope (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and electrochemical impendence spectroscopy (EIS). Results showed that the incorporation of zirconium dopant had a noticeable modification in the morphology of anodes. An increase in the surface roughness and the specific active area were observed with Ti/TiO2/PbO2- 10% Zr electrode compared to other anodes. The electrochemical measurements indicated that the anode doped with 10% Zr showed a more protective coating performance than the undoped and 20% Zr-doped PbO2 electrodes. The experiments on ampicillin degradation revealed that doped lead dioxide anodes have excellent electrocatalytic activity. The major byproduct generated during anodic oxidation treatment has been identified as ampicilloic acid by liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (LC-MS) analysis. Results demonstrated that Ti/TiO2/PbO2- 10% Zr anode presents the best removal rate of ampicillin with a minimum intermediate amount, which leads to conclude that 10% is the optimum percentage of zirconium dopant for antibiotic wastewater treatment.

The system of international legal norms and principles – the basis of legal regulation of the activities of national law enforcement bodies

It is indicated that the introduction of advanced international and European norms regarding the functioning of law enforcement agencies into Ukrainian legislation is a key indicator that the country not only declares a sustainable course for the democratization of all aspects of public life, but also takes concrete measures for its implementation. Ukraine has made significant progress in this direction, but there are still a number of challenges, the legal analysis of which will contribute to the further approximation of the domestic system of law enforcement agencies to global and European standards. In this context, one of the priority areas of scientific research is the justification of the need to update and improve the ethical codes of conduct of law enforcement officers based on international standards. This task becomes particularly relevant in view of the need for constant improvement of professional ethics and standards of behavior in the law enforcement sphere. This approach will not only improve the efficiency of law enforcement agencies, but also strengthen public trust in them, which is crucial for building the rule of law and civil society. In addition, it will allow Ukraine to demonstrate its commitment to the principles of the rule of law and the protection of human rights in the international arena. The article examines the system of international legal norms and principles that form the basis of legal regulation of the activities of national law enforcement agencies. Two groups of international standards are distinguished. The first group includes international legal acts that declare human rights and freedoms, primarily those that may be violated by the unethical behavior of law enforcement officers as representatives of state bodies. The second group represents international legal standards of professional and ethical behavior of employees of a specific law enforcement agency, the norms of which directly indicate the proper behavior of law enforcement officers in a specific area of law enforcement activity (judicial, prosecutorial, police, investigative, etc.). The main emphasis is on the need to cover the rules of professional ethical behavior of employees of all law enforcement agencies without exception, including those legally endowed with special rights and competence.

Simulation of novel Pt-M nanocatalysis for proton exchange membrane fuel cells

To enhance proton exchange membrane fuel cells, an ultra-thin cathode catalytic layer based on PtPdCu nanowires is analyzed. The purpose is to optimize fuel cell performance by analyzing key parameters of the catalytic layer in detail, such as thickness and porosity. Numerical simulation methods are used to simulate the structural parameters and operating conditions of the catalytic layer using COMSOL Multi-physics software. The paper focuses on analyzing the changes in the transport resistance of electrons, protons, and oxygen within the catalytic layer, as well as the measurement method of the porosity of the catalytic layer. The results demonstrated that when the catalytic layer thickness reached 450 nm, the power density of proton exchange membrane fuel cells reached its peak, which was 801 and 996 mW/cm2, respectively. In catalytic layers with a thickness of less than 1 µm, the transfer efficiency of oxygen and electrons was higher. When the thickness exceeds 5 µm, oxygen transmission was hindered, and the proton transfer path becomes longer. The average porosity was 44.02%, indicating a high structural consistency of the catalytic layer. In terms of redox reaction performance, the area specific activity of PtPdCuNWs was four times that of commercial Pt/C. This study emphasizes the importance of the ultra-thin cathode catalytic layer in optimizing the performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cells and provides insights into improving catalytic efficiency and overall fuel cell performance through micro-structure design.

Regulating the surface Pt coordination environment in the PtN overlayers on PtCuN hollow nanospheres for efficient oxygen reduction reaction

Engineering the surface Pt coordination environment is a promising strategy for promoting the kinetically sluggish oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) on Pt-based catalysts. In this study, we achieve the compressive strain effect and electronic effect by Cu and N co-doping to synthesize the PtCuN hollow nanospheres with PtN overlayers (PtCuN@PtN HNSs) using a facile solvothermal synthesis. Electrochemical investigations show that the constructed disordered Pt–N coordination structures effectively facilitate the ORR and stabilize Pt atoms in the compressed lattice, whereas an excessive N-doping can lead to the formation of a structurally unstable Pt nitride phase. Theoretical analyses confirm that the oxygen reduction kinetics on the compressed PtN overlayers are regulated by a synergistic effect resulting from N-doping and lattice compression, circumventing the traditional linear scaling relationships (LSR). The optimized PtCuN@PtN HNSs, with the composition of PtCu0.29N1.1, demonstrate an area-specific activity of 1.98 mA cm–2 and a mass-specific activity of 1.81 A mgPt–1.

Dealloyed Pt74Ni26 and Pt26Ni74 Electrodeposited Thin Film Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction

Electrodeposition and microstructure of thin films close to Pt75Ni25 and Pt25Ni75 stoichiometry are described and their catalytic oxygen reduction reaction performance, dealloying, and strain evolution detailed. Multiple techniques are used to characterize the morphology, crystalline structure, and chemical homogeneity of the as-deposited and dealloyed films. A fine-scale percolating network of lower-density regions is evident in the as-deposited Pt74Ni26 films while the as-deposited Pt26Ni74 films are more homogenous and compact. Electrodeposition is accompanied by development of significant in-plane tensile stress that increases at more negative growth potentials to reach 1.28 GPa for as-deposited Pt26Ni74. Dealloying of the near-surface regions of Pt74Ni26 is accompanied by limited expansion or opening of the low-density regions while massive dealloying of the highly stressed Pt26Ni74 results in shrinkage, extensive cracking, and formation of a bi-continuous nanoporous structure with an average pore diameter close to 5 nm. Relative to electrodeposited Pt, the alloy films exhibit enhanced area-specific oxygen reduction reaction activity (at 0.95 V vs RHE, iR-corrected) that amounts to a factor of 3.4 for dealloyed Pt74Ni26 and 5.1 for dealloyed Pt26Ni74 while the Pt-based mass activity increased by a factor of 5.1 and 12.3, for the respective films.

Tracking activity behavior of oxygen evolution reaction on perovskite oxides in alkaline solution via 3-dimensional electrochemical impedance spectroscopy

Developing electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is essential for enhancing the efficiency of electrochemical water electrolysis. Among potential candidates, certain metal oxides, such as Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3−δ (BSCF), undergo structural transformations at their surface during OER operation, and the in situ-formed active layer enhances their OER activities. However, it is challenging to quantitatively evaluate the time-variant electrochemically active surface area (ECSA) and inherent catalytic activity per surface area (area-specific activity) of the oxides. In this study, we utilize the 3-dimentional electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (3D EIS) technique to reveal the variations in the ECSA and area-specific activity of the perovskite oxides during OER operation in an alkaline solution. In BSCF, the diameter of instantaneous Nyquist plots decreases as the number of potential cycling in the OER potential range increases, contrasting with other perovskite oxides, such as La0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3−δ and LaCoO3. The fitting results of the Nyquist plots demonstrate that in BSCF, the ECSA significantly increases while the area-specific activity drops to less than half of its initial value during OER operation. Consequently, enhanced OER activity of BSCF mainly attributed to the increased ECSA rather than area-specific activity. This study demonstrates the utility of 3D EIS for tracking the ECSA and the area-specific activity of electrocatalysts.

Interdepartmental Commission on Countering Extremism in the Russian Federation: scientific and practical aspects of its activities and issues of its optimization

The object of the study is public relations related to counteraction to extremist activities. The subject of the study is the organizational and legal basis for its provision, both in modern Russia and in foreign countries. The purpose of the study is to conduct a comprehensive theoretical study of the fight against extremism and its prevention by the Interdepartmental Commission on Countering Extremism, to study the mechanisms of countering extremism, to analyze the available scientific literature, to develop a theoretical design of the support system. Theoretical and other sources considered together are a common information base that contributes to the achievement of scientific validity and reliability of the formulated provisions. The empirical basis of the study is formed by documents and materials of federal government bodies, public authorities of the subjects of the Russian Federation, information and analytical materials that allow assessing the state and level of protection of the state and society from extremist threats. The methodological basis of the research consists in the use of a set of existing methods of cognition, the basis of which is the dialectical method. General scientific techniques (analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction) are used in the study of individual issues of the topic. Special legal methods of scientific cognition are also widely used: formal legal, historical legal, comparative legal, structural and functional. The use of a set of methods allowed us to explore the theoretical aspects of countering extremism. The scientific novelty of the study is that it is one of the first scientific papers addressing the issues of the Interdepartmental Commission on Countering Extremism in the Russian Federation by analyzing various aspects of its activities and legal regulation. The article proposes the author's own approaches to the systematic study of problems related to legal regulation and the mechanism for exercising the powers of the Interdepartmental Commission on Countering Extremism in the context of analyzing the essence and issues of implementing specific areas of activity, building interaction with public authorities and public organizations, examines the problems of anti-extremist work, their content and relationship with the operational situation, suggests specific directions for improving legislation and directions for new scientific research in this area.

Machine-learning-accelerated design of high-performance platinum intermetallic nanoparticle fuel cell catalysts

Carbon supported PtCo intermetallic alloys are known to be one of the most promising candidates as low-platinum oxygen reduction reaction electrocatalysts for proton-exchange-membrane fuel cells. Nevertheless, the intrinsic trade-off between particle size and ordering degree of PtCo makes it challenging to simultaneously achieve a high specific activity and a large active surface area. Here, by machine-learning-accelerated screenings from the immense configuration space, we are able to statistically quantify the impact of chemical ordering on thermodynamic stability. We find that introducing of Cu/Ni into PtCo can provide additional stabilization energy by inducing Co-Cu/Ni disorder, thus facilitating the ordering process and achieveing an improved tradeoff between specific activity and active surface area. Guided by the theoretical prediction, the small sized and highly ordered ternary Pt2CoCu and Pt2CoNi catalysts are experimentally prepared, showing a large electrochemically active surface area of ~90 m2 gPt‒1 and a high specific activity of ~3.5 mA cm‒2.

«Как нам жить дальше»: комбинаты Ленинградского отделения Художественного фонда СССР накануне «оттепели» на рубеже 1940–1950-х гг. По материалам ЦГАЛИ СПб

The article is devoted to the activities of the combines of the Leningrad Branch of the USSR Art Fund in the mid-1950s. The article is based on materials from the Branch's fund deposited in the Central State Archive of Literature and Art of St. Petersburg. The research approach according to which the material is analyzed is connected with the study of everyday life as one of the relevant areas of modern historical science. Researchers advocate the “chamber propaganda program” that operated in the art production of the USSR in the mid- second half of the 20th century. The material of the Leningrad Branch's fund allows us to trace the specific problems faced by the implementation of this plan in practice. Basing on this source, we reveal how reality corrected ideological attitudes. The focus of the article is on the activities of the Painting and Sculpture and Art-design combines of the Branch. The year 1956 was chosen as a chronological marker, as the moment of transition from one political and cultural period to another, from the period of “late Stalinism” to the period of “Thaw”. The archival materials analyzed in the article allow us to draw the following conclusions. Firstly, the personal factor made significant adjustments to the work of the combines. On one hand, there was a struggle against bureaucracy and routine. On the other hand, policy on combating anti-Semitism was publicly announced. Both were supposed to demonstrate a new ideological atmosphere, “correction of the mistakes in the past”. Secondly, an important role in the real participation of combines in the process of forming the living environment of a Soviet citizen was played by the distribution of funding in specific areas of activity. The most artistic trends related to the manufacture of applied art and interior design received the least money. The main funds were spent on direct propaganda and ongoing technical work. Finally, another factor of adjustment was the accepted system of wage payment. It made more profitable work not creative, but routine, related to the repetition of what had already been done earlier. All that complex of factors, of course, left its mark on the implementation of ideological attitudes and corrected the implementation of the "chamber propaganda plan". It seems that this trend of research may be of significant interest both for studying the activities of the enterprises of the USSR art industry, and for the political history of the country and the history of its everyday life. The scientific potential of the relevant archival materials, some of which did not attract the attention of researchers, is extremely great.

MoOy-Pt(CuNi)x heterojunction nanostructured catalyst for promoting the oxygen reduction reaction activity property

The catalyst intrinsic area-specific activity for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) was constrained by the scaling relations governing the adsorption of reaction intermediates. In this study, we strategically modified the electronic band structures of Pt(CuNi)x alloy nanoparticles by varying their composition, resulting in a specific activity trend resembling a volcano shape. The introduction of MoOy shattered the existing scaling relations, leading to a significant enhancement in ORR activity of Pt alloys, surpassing the activity of Pt(CuNi)x catalysts. These findings proved the effectiveness of MoOy deposition on Pt(CuNi)x in disrupting the scaling relations, ultimately improving ORR activity.

Topical Issues of the Organization of Public Services within the Framework of a Social Order, Taking into Account Regional Practice

Within the framework of the organization of the social order, the economic and legal form of the implementation of social programs and projects to solve social problems at the federal and regional levels of executive power is being improved, contributing to the formation and functioning of an optimal model of interaction between the executor of the state social order and the social customer in a specific area of economic activity. In this regard, the study of the mechanisms of the organization of public services using the form of social order is a very urgent problem. The purpose of the scientific article is to study the state of the mechanisms used for the organization of public services in the light of the implementation of regional practices for the execution of a social order. The analytical usefulness of the article is due to the consideration of approbation of approaches to the implementation of the social order in the pilot regions. The article substantiates the preliminary results of testing the social order at the level of regional coordination platforms. The organizational mechanisms of servicing the population in the regions were studied in the following areas: the provision of palliative care, the provision of sanatorium-and-spa treatment and the maintenance of the processes of development of the tourism industry in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation. For the purposes of the study, approaches to the implementation of the regional policy for the provision of services of state (municipal) significance in the social sphere are formulated.

Innovations in the Russian School: Categorical Analysis, Social Realities and Barriers, Prospects

The purpose of the article is to identify social barriers to innovation in modern Russian schools based on the analysis of empirical sociological material, to interpret them in the context of risks and consequences for the innovative development of the general education system. Preliminary to the analysis of empirical data, the authors conduct a categorical analysis of educational innovation. The need for significant improvement and expediency are emphasised as key characteristics of innovation. The innovativeness of education is considered in conjunction with the social functions of education and the professional activities of the teacher. The fetishisation of innovation and bureaucratic practices of managing it are justifiably pointed out as a source of social barriers to the development of innovative activity in a modern school. A relatively new contradiction in the sociology of education is identified between the need for innovative development of the general education system and the presence of social barriers to the innovative activity of all participants in educational relations. Based on the analysis of the results of a sociological study conducted by online questioning, the following barriers are identified: notional, conceptual, organisational, content-managerial, blurred perception of obstacles, professional overload, competence and information. It has been revealed that all the subjects of innovation activities at school act as social sources and carriers of barriers to innovation: teachers, the administration of an educational organisation, specialists from educational authorities. It has been determined that the impact of these factors on the innovative development of the general education system is complex and systemic.
 Taking into account the high risk of their negative impact on the innovative development of the general education system, specific areas of activity for researchers and managers are formulated on a local, regional and federal scale. They concern the elaboration of the problem of innovation in the interdisciplinary synthesis of scientific disciplines studying education; development of targets, planning technology, determination of content and performance indicators of innovative development of the general education system in Russia; increasing the professional level of teachers and education managers for innovative activities; changes in the principles of innovation management in education. Systematic actions in these directions can minimise the negative manifestations of barriers to innovation and ensure a sustainable perspective for the innovative development of the education system.

Tracking Oxygen Evolution Activities of Perovskite Oxide Catalysts By 3D Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy

IntroductionPromoting the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is important for more efficient electrochemical water splitting because its sluggish reaction kinetics degenerate the overall efficiency. Perovskite oxides (ABO3) are known as promising electrocatalysts for the OER, which have a flexibility of composition and structure. Among these electrocatalysts, Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3–δ (BSCF) exhibits good OER activities in an alkaline solution1. One of its specific properties is the change of the surface structure and composition during the OER in alkaline solutions, leading the improvement of the OER activity2. In general, the OER activities of metal oxides significantly depend on electrochemical surface area (ECSA) and activity per surface area (specific activity). However, it is not easy to decouple these two factors when the surface structure and composition change continuously during the OER.Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) has been used as a useful tool, which provides information related to electrode/electrolyte interface3. Here, in order to reveal the origin of the OER activities behavior, we used 3D EIS including time axis and tracked the ECSA and specific activity of perovskite oxides during the OER in alkaline solutions.Experimental methodsPerovskite oxides used in this study (BSCF, La0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3–δ (LSCF) and LaCoO3–δ (LCO)) were synthesized by the sol–gel method.The OER activities of obtained perovskite oxides were evaluated using a three-electrode electrochemical cell with a rotating disk electrode (RDE) in 1.0 mol dm–3 KOH solution. A working electrode was prepared by drop-casting an ink suspension with perovskite oxides (0.25 mg cm–2), acetylene black (0.05 mg cm–2), and Nafion (0.05 mg cm–2) on glassy carbon. Pt wire and a reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) were used as the counter and reference electrodes, respectively. 3D EIS was obtained in the following steps: First, cyclic voltammetry (CV) was performed at certain cycles (1, 5, 10 ,30, and 50 cycles). Second, the electrode was left at open circuit potential for 5 min. Finally, potentiostatic EIS (PEIS) was recorded 5 times (approximately 10 min), and then Nyquist plots at 5 min from the beginning of the first PEIS were compared.Results and discussionFrom CV measurements of perovskite oxides, while the OER activities of BSCF increased, those of LSCF and LCO slightly decreased with increasing CV cycles. Figure shows Nyquist plots of perovskite oxides after certain CV cycles. The impedance spectra show a semicircle in the high- and mid-frequency regions, respectively. While a semicircle in the high-frequency region was independent on the direct current (DC) potential, the mid-frequency region semicircle was dependent on DC potential. The contrasting behavior indicated that the semicircle in the mid-frequency region corresponds to the charge transfer resistance, which contains the information of double-layer capacitance for the OER. Therefore, we tracked the semicircle in the mid-frequency region during the OER.A semicircle in the mid-frequency region of BSCF gradually decreased with CV cycles, indicating that the BSCF surface changed to a preferred structure during the OER cycles. As a result of the equivalent circuit fitting, the charge transfer resistance decreased and the double-layer capacitance increased with CV cycles. On the other hand, a semicircle in the mid-frequency region of LSCF and LCO remained unchanged or slightly increased.More detailed evaluation of their ECSA and specific activities during OER will be discussed at the conference.Reference[1] J. Suntivich, K. J. May, H. A. Gasteiger, J. B. Goodenough and Y. Shao−Horn, Science, 334, 1383 (2011).[2] K. J. May, C. E. Carlton, K. A. Stoerzinger, M. Risch, J. Suntivich, Y.-L. Lee, A. Grimaud and Y. Shao-Horn, J. Phys. Chem. Lett., 3, 3264 (2012)[3] V. A. Alves, L. A. da Silva, and J. F. C. Boodts, Electrochim. Acta, 44, 1525 (1998). Figure 1

Carbon-Free, Connected Core-Shell Nanoparticle Catalysts with Advanced Oxygen-Reduction Performances for PEFCs

As the world faces diminishing non-renewable energy sources and a surge in global pollution, establishing a hydrogen and low-carbon economy has become crucial. Polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) hold great promise as a sustainable energy source with the potential for high efficiency, and clean power generation in both stationary and mobile applications. However, the conventional platinum nanoparticle catalysts on carbon support (Pt/C) used for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at the cathode shows sluggish ORR activity, leading to high cost and inferior PEFC performance. Moreover, the carbon-supports used for the Pt catalysts are susceptible to degradation caused by carbon-corrosion during start-stop operations, which can severely compromise the overall performance of the PEFCs. Hence, in order to significantly enhance the commercial viability of PEFCs, considerable progress must be made in terms of cost, performance, and durability.Previously our group has reported carbon-free, connected Pt-alloy catalysts to address the above issues. This catalyst is composed of connected Pt-alloy nanonetworks with high electronic conductivity and exhibits enhanced ORR activity, high start-stop durability, and thin catalyst layers. Specifically, this catalyst exhibited 9 times higher specific activity than that of the commercial Pt/C, making it an excellent candidate for cathode catalyst applications.[1,2] However, high-temperature annealing process is required to develop connected networks between the Pt-alloy nanoparticles, resulting in larger crystallite sizes and reduced surface areas. This limitation has prevented connected Pt-alloy catalysts from achieving significant improvement in mass activity.In this work, we have proposed a novel synthesis method that enables the development of connected core-shell nanoparticle catalysts without any high-temperature treatment. This method eliminates the particle growth and exhibit a high surface area, making it highly effective for ORR applications. Here, a carbon-free catalyst with a core-shell nanonetwork structure having a non-Pt (Pd) core and Pt shell was developed. Additionally, the relationship between the thickness of the Pt-shell layer and ORR activity was investigated.Connected core-shell catalysts with Pd nanoparticles as core and Pt as atomic shell (Pd@Pt) were synthesized in a one-pot polyol process that does not require high-temperature annealing as shown in Fig. 1. The formation of connected Pd@Pt core-shell nanonetworks (< 10 nm) was confirmed by TEM and STEM-EDX analysis. Also, the structure of Pt shell on core metals was successfully tuned by controlling the reaction temperature and time, precursor ratio, etc. Here, the number of the Pt layers on the surface of the connected Pd@Pt core-shell catalysts were varied from 1–6 atomic layers and the results show that the ORR mass activity was notably enhanced in the catalyst with a moderate shell thickness ranging from 2.5 to 3.5 Pt atomic layers. This suggests that connected Pd@Pt catalyst with a moderate Pt layer achieves both high surface area and ORR specific activity. The high surface area of the developed catalysts is attributed to a new synthesis method that does not use high temperature annealing and a low Pt core-shell structure. The improvement in ORR specific activity can be attributed to the more suitable d-band center position of the Pt shell, which is influenced by strain and ligand effects resulting from the Pd core. The ORR performance of the carbon-free connected Pd@Pt catalyst showed 2–4 times enhancement in electrochemical surface area (ECSA) and 1.5–3 times improvement in ORR mass activity compared to the connected Pt-alloy catalysts prepared using high-temperature annealing. Further, high durability of the connected core-shell catalyst against load cycles (0.6 ↔1.0 V) at 60 °C in acidic electrolyte solution was also demonstrated, indicating that a high stability nanonetwork connected by Pt atomic shell.In summary, we have successfully demonstrated a new synthesis method for the formation of connected core-shell nanoparticles by Pt atomic shell without high-temperature annealing and prepared a carbon-free, connected Pd@Pt core-shell catalyst with advanced ORR performance, highlighting its great potential as a cathode catalyst. Acknowledgement The part of this presentation is based on results obtained from a project, JPNP20003, commissioned by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).

“Dewetted” Metal Nanoparticles As a Platform to Study Electrocatalytic Reactions

Metal nanoparticles (NPs) are key for catalytic applications such as electrocatalysis. Besides morphology and composition, also structural features largely affect their performance [1]. Recent work uncovered correlations between exposed facets [2,3] and grain boundaries’ density [4,5] with nanoparticles’ activity, selectivity, and stability.The present contribution addresses the effects of structural features of Pt NPs on the electrochemical performance in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Our approach for the synthesis of metal NPs is distinct in that we produce a "monolayer" of spaced and defined Pt NPs directly on the electrode surface by controlled solid-state dewetting, i.e., by controlled heat-induced agglomeration of thin Pt films into particles [6,7] – see Fig. a. We use magnetron sputtering to deposit Pt films on electrically conductive substrates, followed by thermal treatment in a suitable environment. The resulting NP "monolayers" are tested for electrochemistry without using any binder or ionomer. By varying the duration of the thermal treatment systematically, we observe that dewetted Pt NPs show an evident increase of the ECSA area-specific HER activity compared to as-sputtered films – see Fig. b. This activity trend is consistent in the range of Pt particles’ size investigated (3-60 nm – see size control in Fig. c). The present contribution provides an analysis of the influence of NPs’ features, such as structure, grain size, grain boundaries’ density, and electronic metal-support interaction (EMSI), on the HER activity.In a broader perspective, controlled dewetting allows to precisely tune the properties of metal NPs while at the same reduces the electrode complexity. Advantages are that single-crystalline, well-faceted NPs can be produced on desired electrically conductive substrates (see control of exposed facets in Fig. d). Moreover, dewetted NPs are free from impurities or additives, can be formed with desired composition by tuning the composition of the parent metal film, and can be formed on flat electrode geometries, which is ideal to minimize mass transport limitations and to enable accessibility for spectroscopic techniques.[1] Zhu et al., Chem. Rev. 2020, 120 (2), 851.[2] Lim et al., ACS Catal. 2021, 11 (12), 7568.[3] de Gregorio et al., ACS Catal. 2020, 10 (9), 4854.[4] Feng et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2015, 137 (14), 4606.[5] Zhu et al., Nano Research 2020 13:12 2020, 13 (12), 3310.[6] Thompson, C.V., Annu. Rev. Mater. Res. 2012, 42, 399.[7] Altomare et al., Chem. Sci. 2016, 7 (12), 6865. Figure 1

Nanostructured Catalyst Layer Allowing Production of Ultralow Loading Electrodes for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells with Superior Performance.

This study introduces a simple method to produce ultralow loading catalyst-coated membrane electrodes, with an integrated carbon "nanoporous layer", for use in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells or other electrochemical devices. This approach allows fabrication of electrodes with loadings down to 5.2 μgPt cm-2 on the anode and cathode (total 10.4 μgPt cm-2, Pt3Zn/C catalyst) in a controlled, uniform, and reproducible manner. These layers achieve high utilization of the catalyst as measured through electrochemical surface area and mass specific activities. Electrodes composed of Pt/C, PtNi/C, Pt3Co/C, and Pt3Zn/C catalysts containing 5.2-7.1 μgPt cm-2 have been fabricated and tested. These electrodes showed an impressive performance of 111 ± 8 A mgPt-1 at 0.65 V on Pt3Co/C with a power density of 31 ± 2 kW gPt,total-1, about double that of the best previous literature electrodes under the same operating conditions. The performance appears apparently mass transport free and dominated by electrokinetics over a very wide potential range, and thus, these are ideal systems to study oxygen electrokinetics within the fuel cell environment. The improved performance is associated with reduced "contact resistance" and more specifically a reduction in the resistance to lateral current flow in the catalyst layer. Analytical expressions for the effect illuminate approaches to improve electrode design for electrochemical devices in which catalyst utilization is key.

ОСВІТЛЕННЯ У КВАРТИРАХ ПРИСТОСОВАНИХ ДЛЯ ГАРМОНІЙНОГО СПІВІСНУВАННЯ ЛЮДЕЙ ТА ТВАРИН

Interior lighting in pet-friendly apartments is a multifaceted and important aspect of creating a harmonious living environment for both humans and their companions. Research will include the importance of lighting in pet-friendly interiors, delving into design features, technologies and benefits that promote the well-being of both pets and their owners. Research sheds light on the art and science of pet-focused lighting, from providing comfort and safety to improving overall quality of life. We begin by recognizing the deep connection between people and their pets. Lighting in pet-friendly apartments serves not only practical purposes, but also helps create an environment that nurtures this unique bond. Natural lighting is a cornerstone of pet-friendly interiors. We investigate the benefits of using sufficient natural light, including its positive effects on animal behavior, circadian rhythms and general well-being. Different pets have different lighting needs. Whether it's providing adequate UVB light for reptiles or creating cozy nooks for feline sunbathing, we explore lighting settings for different animal species. Lighting is adapted to specific areas of pet activity, such as feeding, play and rest areas. We discuss how task lighting and LED lights adapt to different tasks and activities related to pets. Lighting is key to keeping pets safe. We examine how the right lighting can prevent accidents, such as tripping over pets in low-light conditions. We investigate the effects of lighting color on both pets and their owners. The psychology of color is studied, it is emphasized how lighting can affect mood and behavior. Intelligent lighting systems are increasingly being integrated into pet-friendly apartments. Consider the convenience of remote control, scheduling, and motion-activated lighting for pets and owners. Lighting is an integral part of the overall well-being and health of pets. We discuss how natural light conditions and well-planned artificial lighting can positively affect the physical and emotional health of animals. It is important to take care of the safety of pets and lighting. We outline measures to protect pets from electrical hazards and prevent damage to lighting fixtures caused by curious animals. The Future of Pet Lighting: We conclude with a look at the future of pet-centric lighting, including innovations in smart pet monitoring systems and advanced lighting technologies that will further enrich the lives of pets and their owners. In summary, this abstract highlights the key role of lighting in pet-friendly apartment interiors. By taking into account the special needs of pets, taking advantage of natural light and implementing smart lighting solutions, we can create living spaces that prioritize the well-being, safety and happiness of both the occupants and their beloved companion animals.

Recording group and area-specific activity of fattening pigs by using Passive Infrared Detectors on farm

Animal activity in pigs can be a direct indicator of animal welfare. Passive infrared detectors (PID) provide one method of measuring animal activity on the pen level as a cost-effective and easy-to-use sensor technique. The study aimed to test PIDs on different commercial farms with fattening pigs. On each farm, a focus pen was selected and group activity, and activity in the feeding and exploration area was measured by using three PIDs. For data evaluation, three continuous 24h time periods were selected for each farm. Additionally, animal behavior was recorded by video cameras for visual scan sampling. To compare the PID outcome with the recorded behaviors, an ethogram was used to categorize active and inactive behaviors. Using scan sampling, the validation of the PID data was based on still frames at 10 min intervals. In addition, barn climate such as temperature, relative humidity, and ammonia concentration were measured. The analysis of seven farms showed a strong correlation between PID data and visual assessment for group activity from 0.67 - 0.91 (p &amp;lt; 0.001; n = 432). For the activity in the feeding area, medium to strong correlations between 0.44 - 0.65 (p &amp;lt; 0.001; n = 327) could be found. The PID data for the exploration area reached correlations with a smaller effect strength. Based on the activity data measured by PIDs, a typical diurnal rhythm for pigs could be found for all farms. Moreover, the PID data indicated different activity patterns depending on, e.g., feeding times and sex group composition. The results demonstrated that PIDs can also be used in different housing conditions for measuring animal activity. In combination with barn climate data, the PIDs can provide useful information for the farmer and also characterize farm-specific management.

A model for evaluating the scientific capital of an innovative industrial enterprise

Subject. The article addresses the implementation of import substitution policy and development by industrial enterprises of new areas of scientific and technical activity after the departure of foreign companies. Objectives. Our aim is to develop a model for evaluating the scientific capital of an innovative industrial enterprise in a specific area of scientific and technical activity. Methods. The study rests on the systems approach and general scientific methods of analysis, synthesis, abstraction, generalization, and grouping. Resource and competence-based approaches to managing the activities of an industrial enterprise serve as the scientific basis of the research. Results. We present our own model to evaluate the scientific capital of an innovative industrial enterprise, offer an approach to assessing the scientific capital based on determination of the adequacy of enterprise’s resources and competencies to the requirements of a certain area of activity. We also define the sequence of stages for assessing the resource and competence components of scientific capital based on characteristics of the product that form its consumer value (scoring), present a scale of levels of scientific capital, which helps decide if the enterprise has necessary reserve. Conclusions. The developed model is based on determining whether the resources and competencies available to the enterprise meet the requirements of a certain area of activity. The model can be used by the management of an innovative industrial enterprise to determine the feasibility of investing the resources in the development of new areas of activity, strengthening market positions.

RESEARCH OF ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY OUTSOURCING

The article examines the advantages and disadvantages of information technology outsourcing. It is determined that outsourcing is one of the actual methods of increasing the efficiency of economic activity. It is emphasized that in the conditions of a significant increase in costs for modern information technologies; the practice of outsourcing acquires a special role. Conditional reasons have been determined; in the presence of which the company's management resorts to the services of external outsourcers. It has been proven that all models of information technology outsourcing; which are currently used in the production and economic activities of industrial enterprises; have their strengths and weaknesses; which must be known; researched; analyzed and taken into account when forming strategic and current plans and when managing the company The advantages and disadvantages of information technology outsourcing are described in detail. It has been proven that the advantages of IT outsourcing include increasing productivity by using the special knowledge of experts in specific areas of activity and market segments; and also enable the company to focus the attention of management and resources on the main (direct) tasks and on the development of specialized business activities. It was determined that the main disadvantage of IT outsourcing is the presence of certain difficulties in choosing a professional and adequate IT outsourcer. It is noted that the outsourcing of information services significantly affects the level of efficiency; flexibility and adaptability of industrial enterprises; contributes to reducing costs and increasing the quality of services.