Strategic Research Research Articles

Genetic insights into psychotic major depressive disorder: bridging the mood-psychotic disorder spectrum.

Psychotic major depressive disorder (MDD), a subtype of MDD characterised by psychotic symptoms that occur exclusively during mood episode, is clinically significant yet underexplored genetically due to its rarity. This study comprehensively examines the genetic basis of psychotic MDD and elucidates its position within the mood-psychotic spectrum. This population-based cohort study used Swedish and Danish registry data for over 5.1M individuals born between 1958 and 1993/1996. Specialist-diagnosed psychotic MDD was defined using ICD-10 sub-codes of MDD, F32.2/F32.3. We estimated familial aggregation/coaggregation using generalised estimating equations, heritability and genetic correlations using structural equation modelling. We also analysed ∼30,000 genotyped MDD cases from the UK Biobank and a Swedish cohort to explore which polygenic risk score (PRS) may predispose individuals to psychotic MDD. With over 10,000 psychotic MDD identified from the two nationwide patient registers, this study highlights the familial aggregation of psychotic MDD, co-aggregation with mood and psychotic disorders, and its stronger genetic correlation with schizophrenia compared to non-psychotic MDD. The familial risks increased with closer biological relatedness, suggesting genetic influence. Pedigree-heritability of psychotic MDD was 30.17% (95% CI 23.53-36.80%). While the genetic correlation between psychotic and non-psychotic MDD was high (0.82, 95% CI 0.73-0.92), the psychotic subgroup showed a higher genetic correlation with schizophrenia than non-psychotic MDD (0.67 vs 0.46, p-value 7.55∗10-4). Within 30,000 genotyped MDD cases, individuals with psychotic MDD had higher mean PRS for schizophrenia and BD but a lower MDD PRS than non-psychotic MDD. PRS for BD type-I was associated with increased odds of psychotic MDD, while BD type-II PRS showed no significant association with psychotic MDD. This study provides evidence for the genetic basis of psychotic MDD, underscoring its unique position bridging the spectrum of mood and psychotic disorders. These findings advance our understanding of the aetiology of psychotic MDD and contribute to the limited body of evidence on this phenotype by utilising large-scale population-based data. European Research Council; US National Institutes of Mental Health; European Union Horizon 2020 Program; Swedish Research Council; Research Council of Norway; Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research; Hjärnfonden.

Birthweight and risk of chronic kidney disease after a type 2 diabetes diagnosis in the DD2 cohort.

Low birthweight (LBW) is associated with younger age, less obesity and more hypertension among people recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, as well as increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality risk. It is not known whether LBW is associated with an increased risk of incident chronic kidney disease (CKD) among people with a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Original midwife records were retrieved for 5982 participants with recently diagnosed type 2 diabetes enrolled in the Danish Center for Strategic Research in Type 2 Diabetes (DD2) cohort between 2010 and 2024. They were followed until first incident CKD diagnosis, defined as either two eGFR measurements <60 ml/min per 1.73m2 or two urine albumin/creatinine ratio (UACR) measurements >3 mg/mmol, each 90-365 days apart. Confounder-standardised 10year risks of CKD were estimated, with death considered as a competing risk. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) for CKD were computed using Cox and spline regression analyses. All analyses were controlled for differences in sex, age at enrolment, calendar year at birth, family history of diabetes and born-at-term status. Mixed-effects models were used to examine the trajectories of eGFR and UACR following enrolment. A total of 1501 incident CKD endpoints occurred, corresponding to an incidence rate of 42.4 per 1000 person-years over a median follow-up time of 8.3 years. Spline models with birthweight as a continuous measure showed progressively increasing aHRs for CKD with decreasing birthweight. The 10-year standardised risk of CKD was 36.0% in people with LBW (<2500 g) and 30.6% in people with a normal birthweight (2500-4000g), yielding a risk difference (RD) of 5.5% (95% CI -0.5%, 11.8%) and an aHR of 1.23 (95% CI 0.98, 1.55). People with type 2 diabetes and high birthweight (>4000 g) had a similar 10-year standardised CKD risk compared with normal birthweight (33.1% and 30.6%, respectively). This yielded an RD of 2.5% (95% CI -1.6%, 6.7%) and an aHR of 1.10 (95% CI 0.93, 1.29). In mixed-effects models examining eGFR and UACR trajectories, each 1kg decrease in birthweight was associated with a 6.6% (95% CI 1.9, 11.1) increase in UACR, whereas no association was found for eGFR. A history of LBW was associated with elevated risk of CKD among people with a recent type 2 diabetes diagnosis, although the precision of risk estimates was limited.

Competing frames of STI policy: uncovering ‘fragmented cohesion’ in reorganization of public research funding

Abstract Despite variation across Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) policies, project-based public research funding allocation models, characterized by a complexity of policy objectives, are becoming increasingly prevalent. This article examines the emergence of such a development within a specific context through a case study on the policy process leading to the establishment of Finland’s Strategic Research funding instrument. Drawing on the policy proposal, organizational responses, and interviews, it explores five frames for and against the proposal and its development into a decision. Based on the empirical analysis, I propose the notion of ‘fragmented cohesion’ to characterize how several stakeholder organizations employed framing as an argumentative tool to valorize the proposal’s objectives, while selectively justifying and opposing the proposed methods of achieving them. I argue that this dynamic increased the likelihood of policymakers embracing one-size-fits-all models across diverse sectors, as originally outlined, rather than case-by-case consideration.

The association between job design and organisational performance: the role of workforce engagement and burnout

Strategic Human Resource Management research generally focuses on a set of HR practices, thereby concealing single HR practices’ potential impact. This study examines whether – and, if so – how job design, an important HR practice, relates to organisational performance and whether a mutual gains, mutual loss or conflicting outcomes perspective holds. A multilevel moderation and mediation path analysis – underpinned by Job-Demands-Resources theory – was performed to test whether the workforce’s perceived job resources and job demands relate to labour productivity, via workforce well-being (i.e. workforce engagement and burnout). Analyses are based on an industry-wide sample of 187 organisations (and 33801 employees). Our findings show that job resources are positively (negatively) associated with engagement (burnout) and labour productivity. Job demands are positively related to burnout, but this relationship is buffered by job resources. Surprisingly, organisations with a highly engaged and/or a low burned-out workforce do not show higher labour productivity. Overall, findings suggest that the organisation and workforce benefit from high job resources, in line with the mutual gains (win-win) perspective. Results for job demands indicate, in line with a mutual loss (lose-lose) perspective, that nobody seems to benefit from high job demands. These findings create useful insights for research and practitioners.

Strategic Research on Consumer Behavior in the E-Commerce Environment

Strategic Research on Consumer Behavior in the E-Commerce Environment

Optimizing Performance: The Link between Strategic Management and Public Research University in Ethiopia

Optimizing Performance: The Link between Strategic Management and Public Research University in Ethiopia

ADVANCING OLDER ADULTS’ QUALITY OF LIFE AND INDEPENDENCE WITH FITNESS: INNOVATIVE APPROACHES AND STRATEGIES

Abstract This symposium by the Fitness, Exercise, and Wellness (FEW) Interest Group showcases diverse approaches to enhancing well-being and quality of life for older adults through innovative exercise interventions and research methodologies. Dr. Sara Pappa’s work outlines the success of the Northern Virginia Falls Prevention Alliance in deploying community-based evidence-based fall prevention programs, highlighting the effectiveness of academic-community partnerships in implementing and scaling such initiatives. Dr. James Dowd delves into the motivations of older runners, revealing that while health benefits play a role, the habit and joy of running are fundamental factors in their persistence, shedding light on the fortitude of this demographic and the new insights that this research is contributing to the field. Dr. Julie Ries and colleagues address research redundancy in meta-analyses evaluating exercise interventions for older adults with cognitive impairments, advocating for more strategic and ethical research practices to optimize resources and knowledge accumulation. Finally, Dr. Patricia C. Heyn and colleagues present a case study of implementing the 4Ms framework in dementia care in Brazil, emphasizing personalized approaches and the role of technology in maintaining family engagement and improving caregiving quality and connectivity from afar. Together, these innovative presentations highlight the importance of interdisciplinary collaborations, personalized care approaches, and technological innovations in promoting older adults’ functional well-being and autonomy, particularly in the realms of fall prevention, physical activity performance, cognitive health, and dementia care.

Shaping the Future of Turkish Polar Research Activities: Organizational Priorities

This study aims to identify the key organizational priorities for a Polar Research Institute in Türkiye, employing the Analytic Network Process (ANP) as a decision-support tool. Through a survey of experts, this study gathers insights on various relevant criteria to inform the institute's strategic focus. The analysis highlights that scientific research should be the central mission of the Polar Research Institute, supported by strong logistical infrastructure. Additionally, the findings emphasize the critical importance of postgraduate programs as a key human resource first degree sub-criteria for advancing polar research. Based on these results, the study proposes essential considerations for the future development of the Institute`s organizational design, ensuring that it effectively supports the strategic research goals of Türkiye`s Polar Program. Scientific research in the polar regions has much to say globally about the past, present, and future-especially climate change. While the first Turkish researcher conducted studies in Antarctica in 1967, it was not until 2017, during the Turkish Presidency, that the formal National Polar Research Program was established. While priority research areas are outlined in the program`s strategy document, the organizational structure of the Polar Research Institute has not yet been fully aligned with these priorities.

“The value of privacy is not as high as finding my person” — Privacy risks as abstractions

Online dating has emerged as a key platform for digital engagement among young people, serving as a common medium for building relationships. As multimedia platforms, dating apps encourage users to translate their notions of identity construction, self-expression, and communication into engagement and participation in the digital world. Dating apps are one of several technologies that are changing existing norms of relationship building, self-presentation, and ideals of romance. Dating apps foster a unique form of engagement because to facilitate a date users must reveal sensitive details about their demographics, location, values, and lifestyle that they might not otherwise display on social media. On dating apps privacy concerns are unusually self-conscious. This unique digital environment constitutes a strategic research site where research can explore how privacy concerns influence the process of personal information (PI) disclosure. Findings reveal that users perceive other users as threats to their privacy, which makes them carefully consider what they reveal. In contrast, risks associated with app providers, such as selling data to advertisers, are viewed as abstract, and not behavior-altering. This discrepancy in risk is attributed to inadequate data literacy and agency over personal data. This paper concludes with suggestions for future research and policy that would improve the quality of youth engagement.

Perceived task complexity in strategic decision situations: the role of cognitive integration and cognitive load

Purpose Strategic decisions in organizations are often characterized by high uncertainty and ambiguity, which increases their perceived complexity. While research has shown that perceived task complexity impacts strategic decisions, its drivers have not received much attention. Based on managerial cognition research, this paper aims to introduce cognitive abilities, especially cognitive integration and cognitive load, as important individual characteristics that impact perceived task complexity through their effects on information acquisition and processing. Design/methodology/approach Building on managerial cognition research, the authors argue that strategic decision-makers with high levels of cognitive integration perceive a task as less complex, whereas high levels of cognitive load have the opposite effect. Perceived task complexity, in turn, negatively affects strategic decision outcomes. The authors test the hypotheses based on a field study with 50 graduate-level management students who participated in a computer-based strategic decision simulation. Findings Based on OLS regression analyses, the authors find a positive effect of cognitive integration and a negative impact of cognitive load on perceived task complexity, which negatively impacts strategic decision outcomes. Originality/value The authors contribute to strategic decision-making research by highlighting the role of cognitive processes and abilities for strategic decision-making processes and outcomes.

Exploring Strategic Entrepreneurship Research: A Comprehensive Decadal Bibliometric Analysis

Strategic entrepreneurship indeed plays a crucial role in contemporary business environments. It integrates entrepreneurial actions with strategic management practices to navigate complexities and achieve long-term goals effectively. With an emphasis on trend analysis, collaborative mapping, and future objectives for the subject, bibliometric analysis of strategic entrepreneurship research is attempted to be done comprehensively in this work. The research aims to offer insights into strategic entrepreneurship literature's development and current status by utilizing data from the Scopus database spanning a decade of 2014 – 2024 with the 694 documents. The methodology involves collecting and analyzing data from Scopus using tools like Bibliometrix for data extraction and R-Studio for statistical analysis. VOSviewer is employed for visualizing co-authorship networks, keyword co-occurrences, and bibliographic couplings. The study filters publications using specific criteria related to strategic entrepreneurship, ensuring a focused dataset for analysis. Key metrics such as publication growth rates, international collaboration percentages, citation trends, and keyword frequencies are quantitatively analyzed to uncover patterns and relationships within the literature. By utilizing advanced bibliometric techniques, it provides a detailed visualization of the research landscape, highlighting emerging trends and identifying gaps for future exploration. The emphasis on international collaboration and the identification of influential authors, journals, and institutions offer novel perspectives on the dynamics of strategic entrepreneurship research.

Innovation Behavior Research: Global Trends and Emerging Themes in Entrepreneurial Business Practices

Innovation behavior research has emerged as a critical field due to its role in enhancing business competitiveness and organizational performance. This bibliometric analysis aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of global trends and emerging themes in innovation behavior research from 2015 to 2024. Using the Dimensions database, 11,798 articles were identified and analyzed with VOSviewer software. The results reveal that Australia, China, the United Kingdom, and the United States are the top contributors to this research, with strong international collaboration networks highlighting its global nature. Brock University, Jiangsu University, and Erasmus University Rotterdam stand out for their collaborative networks and strategic research directions. In the author-based analysis, research efforts primarily focus on the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation, transformational leadership, and innovation behavior. Frontiers in Psychology and Sustainability emerge as influential journals, covering topics such as digital transformation, organizational behavior, and sustainable business practices. Groundbreaking studies have developed frameworks linking innovation behavior with knowledge sharing, digital transformation, and conflict management. Keyword co-occurrence analysis highlights "innovation", "performance", and "leadership" as frequently occurring terms, reflecting a core focus on understanding how innovation directly impacts organizational outcomes and the importance of transformational leadership in fostering innovation behavior. The findings provide valuable insights into global innovation behavior research, identifying emerging interdisciplinary themes like digital transformation and sustainability. Future research should explore global collaboration networks, interdisciplinary approaches, and the influence of leadership styles on innovation behavior.

Exposure to air pollution increases susceptibility to ulcerative colitis through epigenetic alterations in CXCR2 and MHC class III region

This study aims to confirm the associations of air pollution with ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD); to explore interactions with genetics and lifestyle; and to characterize potential epigenetic mechanisms. We identified over 450,000 individuals from the UK Biobank and investigated the relationship between air pollution and incident inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Cox regression was utilized to calculate hazard ratios (HRs), while also exploring potential interactions with genetics and lifestyle factors. Additionally, we conducted epigenetic Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to examine the association between air pollution-related DNA methylation and UC. Finally, our findings were validated through genome-wide DNA methylation analysis of UC, as well as co-localization and gene expression analyses. Higher exposures to NOx (HR=1.20, 95% CI 1.05-1.38), NO2 (HR=1.19, 95% CI=1.03-1.36), PM2.5 (HR=1.19, 95% CI=1.05-1.36) and combined air pollution score (HR=1.26, 95% CI=1.11-1.45) were associated with incident UC but not CD. Interactions with genetic risk score and lifestyle were observed. In MR analysis, we found five and 22 methylated CpG sites related to PM2.5 and NO2 exposure to be significantly associated with UC. DNA methylation alterations at CXCR2 and sites within the MHC class III region, were validated in genome-wide DNA methylation analysis, co-localization analysis and analysis of colonic tissue. We report a potential causal association between air pollution and UC, modified by lifestyle and genetic influences. Biological pathways implicated include epigenetic alterations in key genetic loci, including CXCR2 and susceptible loci within MHC class III region. Xue Li was supported by the Natural Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars of Zhejiang Province (LR22H260001) and the National Nature Science Foundation of China (No. 82204019). ET was supported by the CRUK Career Development Fellowship (C31250/A22804) and the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO). JW was supported by Belgium by a PhD Fellowship strategic basic research (SB) grant (1S06023N). JKN was supported by the National Science Center, Poland (No. 2020/39/D/NZ5/02720). The IBD Character was supported by the European Union's Seventh Framework Programme [FP7] grant IBD Character (No. 2858546).

Canadian Organization on Health Effects from Radiation Exposure (COHERE) strengthening co-operation within the Canadian Government on radiation research

The Canadian Organization on Health Effects from Radiation Exposure (COHERE) is a collaborative initiative between two federal organisations, Health Canada (HC) and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC). COHERE will work to advance knowledge on biological mechanisms and human health risks from exposures to ionising radiation relevant to environmental and occupational settings. The objectives of the initiative include: better aligning Health Canada's and the CNSC's radiation science research priorities to focus and leverage resources; maintaining and enhancing expertise in radiobiology and epidemiology within the Government of Canada; providing an informed and consistent federal message to the public and stakeholders on matters involving low dose and low dose-rate ionising radiation; and strengthening Canada's contribution towards international efforts on the assessment of ionising radiation doses and health effects. These objectives support the application of international recommendations, Canadian regulations, and national guidance. COHERE's vision is to contribute knowledge to reduce scientific uncertainties from low dose and dose-rate exposures. It will advance our understanding by bridging the knowledge gap between human health outcomes, and linkages to molecular- and cellular-level responses to radiation. Research priorities focus on identifying sensitive, early, and key molecular events of relevance to risk assessment. The initiative will address questions of relevance to better apprise Canadians, including radiation workers, members of the public and indigenous peoples, on health risks from low dose and low dose-rate radiation exposure and inform radiation protection frameworks at a national and international level. Furthermore, it will support global efforts to conduct collaborative undertakings and better coordinate research. The strategic research agenda (SRA) developed by COHERE specifically considers the areas of research identified by many international radiation agencies to support the current and evolving system of radiological protection. The evolution of COHERE, its SRA and its activities since inception are discussed.

Small Modular Reactors and Virtual Reactor

In February of this year, the Ministry of Science and ICT launched a call for proposals for the Global TOP Strategic Research Groups project with the slogan “Bold Challenges from Research Institutes, Innovative Steps Together.” The Global TOP Strategic Research Groups initiative aims to establish an open collaborative framework focused on national missions that transcends the boundaries of research institutes, supporting them to achieve significant outcomes befitting national research organizations. This feature aims to briefly introduce the research background and goals of one of the five selected strategic research groups: the “Development of an SMR Virtual Reactor Platform.” This initiative, led by the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI), the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information (KISTI), and the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI), will be conducted over five years, starting from June 2024.

Rethinking the missions and functions of public research institutes: evidence from Iranian PRIs

Abstract Public research institutes (PRIs) are pivotal in national and sectoral innovation systems and the transition to a knowledge-based economy. So, the current study has reassessed these institutes’ functions and suggested policy recommendations to augment their influence in moving toward a knowledge-based economy. The findings of this research reveal that functions such as innovation hub and specialized accelerator; strategic and problem-oriented research management platform; standard and regulatory reference; specialized technical service center; center for cooperation, transfer, and dissemination of technology; and the hub of technology and policy intelligence in a specific industrial sector are crucial functions of PRIs in transitioning to a knowledge-based economy. Additionally, to foster a conducive environment for the influence of PRIs in actualizing a knowledge-based economy, policies related to governance and division of responsibilities, stimulation of both supply and demand sides, strengthening the linkage between the supply and demand sides, and provisioning supportive environment and infrastructure are recommended.

Fabrication of Pt-Rich CoPt/Co-Rich CoPt Bilayer Films with Perpendicular Magnetic Anisotropy for Vertical Domain Wall Memory

Vertical domain wall memory (V-DWM) is an advanced racetrack memory, whose recording density reaches more than 10 Tb･cm-2 due to the racetracks installed vertically [1]. Conventionally, horizontal racetrack memories have been fabricated by dry etching [2-5]. However, ferromagnetic materials are difficult to etch into high-aspect-ratio structure vertically. Therefore, electrodeposition in nanoholes is a suitable process to fabricate V-DWM. In addition, V-DWM has multilayer structures in the vertical racetracks, which improves controllability of domain walls and lowers power consumptions [1]. In the multilayers, magnetic layers with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) and those with weak anisotropy are stacked. CoPt alloy is a candidate for the material of V-DWM because its magnetic anisotropy can be altered by changing its composition [6]. Until now, though Co/Pt multilayer films have been fabricated by electrodeposition [7, 8], they do not have both PMA and high coercivity enough for storage medium. In this study, to establish the method of stacking CoPt layers which can be applied to V-DWM, the bilayer film where PMA Co-rich CoPt layer and Pt-rich one were stacked was fabricated, and its structures and magnetic properties were characterized. At first, monolayer Co-rich CoPt films with PMA were electrodeposited on Pt substrates potentiostatically. The plating bath consisted of 1 mM CoSO4, 0.1 mM H2PtCl6, and 0.1 M Na2SO4. The counter and reference electrodes were Pt mesh and Ag/AgCl. The deposition potential was set to -650 mV. Deposition time was varied from 100 to 1300 s and suitable time for PMA was found. From the results of vibration sample magnetometer (VSM) measurements, the electrodeposited CoPt films showed PMA when the deposition time was from 500 to 700 s, and their easy axis changed into in-plane direction from 1100 s. The coercivity of PMA sample deposited for 500 s was 1.5 kOe. Cross-sectional transmission electron microscope (TEM) images showed the thickness of the CoPt film with PMA deposited for 500 s was 6 nm while that with in-plane magnetic anisotropy deposited for 1300 s was 10 nm. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) results showed the composition of Co in deposited films were 70-90 at%. Considering that crystal magnetic anisotropy keeps PMA even if the thickness of CoPt film with almost the same composition is 20 nm [9], the deposited film could have weak crystal magnetic anisotropy, which suggests that interface magnetic anisotropy between the CoPt layer and Pt substrate is the cause of the PMA. Next, Pt-rich layer was deposited on the PMA CoPt layer by changing deposition potential from -650 mV to -500 mV. The deposition time of the Pt-rich layer was 2000 s to design its thickness to be 10 nm. A bilayer structure was observed in a TEM bright field image and EDS mapping. The average compositions of top and bottom layers were Co42Pt58 and Co72Pt28, respectively. The total thickness of the bilayer was confirmed to be 12 nm. From VSM measurements, fabricated the bilayer film showed PMA and its coercivity was 1 kOe. However, PMA in the bilayer film was smaller than that of the bottom Co-rich layer. The reason why PMA was weakened would be that large total thickness of bilayer weakened interface anisotropy. However, smaller Co composition of the top layer than that of the bottom layer decreases demagnetization in the film, which could prevent the easy axis to become in-plane direction. Thus, Pt-rich CoPt/Co-rich CoPt bilayer film with PMA and the coercivity of 1 kOe can be fabricated. With this stacking method, CoPt multilayered structures which can be applied for V-DWM will be fabricated in the future.Acknowledgements This work was supported in party JST Strategic Basic Research Programs CREST (No. JR-MJCR31C1). Also, part of this work was the results of using a research equipment (G1026) shared in MEXT Project for promoting public utilization of advanced research of advanced research infrastructure (JPMXS0440500024).

Hydrothermally Synthesized SnS2 Anode Materials with Selectively Tuned Crystallinity as an Asset for Self-Healing Property and One Step in Situ Solid State Carbonization and Synthesis of C-SnS2

Tin-based chalcogenides such as SnS2 have been investigated as potential anode active materials for Li-ion batteries due to their high theoretical reversible capacities (e.g., 644 mAhg-1 for SnS2). These high capacities are associated with the reversible alloying of Sn with Li after the conversion reaction of SnS2 to Sn and Li2S. In this work, SnS2 was prepared via two approaches: hydrothermal synthesis of SnS2 and one step solid state synthesis of carbon coated SnS2. In the hydrothermal reaction, different molar ratios of tin chloride to thioacetamide were employed to synthesize SnS2 nanocrystals with varying fractions of the crystalline and amorphous states. An increase in molar ratio showed more crystalline SnS2 products with intensified different crystal plane orientations and formation of monolayers on the surface grains. During electrochemical analysis vs Li/Li+, partial reversibility of Sn and Li2S back to SnS2 was observed, leading to a unique self-regeneration property of the electrode. The presence of nano crystals and their level of crystallinity was examined by ex-situ Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and X-ray Diffraction analysis (XRD). Galvanostatic Intermittent Titration (GITT) with in-situ Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) after each galvanostatic step was used to evaluate the lithium diffusion coefficients (DLi+) to elucidate the lithium intercalation kinetics of SnS2 and its conversion to Sn and Li2S phases up to x ≈ 2.08 moles of lithiation or 300 mAh g-1. The SnS2 anode samples showed good cycling stability across 100 cycles at 0.1 C rate (560 mAh g-1) in half cell testing against Li chip. In full cell mode against NCM 811 cathodes, the cell retained a specific capacity of 160 mAh g-1 at 300th cycle.Further, we introduce a low cost, scalable solid state heat treatment method to produce SnS2-C materials, where the carbon not only facilitates electron transport, but also assists to mitigate the volume expansion of SnS2 during lithiation and enhance its structural stability. However, due to the phase transformations of SnS2 during heating, SnS2-C materials cannot be synthesized via solid state heat treatments of SnS2 with a carbon source. However, in this work, we show a novel method of producing carbon-coated SnS2 by thermally treating Sn-precursors and S with organic polymers. Using this method, SnS2-C materials were prepared, where the SnS2 crystal structure was retained and no impurity tin-sulfides such as SnS and Sn2S3 were formed. The electrochemical performance of the SnS2-C anode active materials was tested vs Li/Li+ and excellent cycling stability can be reported when compared to non-coated SnS2.Keywords: SnS2, anodes, composite anodes, carbon coating. Acknowledgement This research work is funded by Project “RESTINA”, where the main goal is to deliver “generation 3b cells for battery electric vehicles (BEVs)”. Funding agentM-ERA.NET has defined 6 quantified priorities, both in terms of their objectives and their budgetary impact: 1) support basic research in all scientific fields, 2) intensify the strategic research, 3) amplify the international dimension, 4) develop interdisciplinary research, 5) encourage "risky" projects and 6) establish equipment and infrastructure at the service of fundamental research and innovation. Figure 1

Can informal lobbying be responsible? Evidence from Brussels

PurposeThis study links the notion of responsible strategic communication to the field of lobbying at the European (EU) level. It provides empirical findings on the relevance of informal interaction and communication in EU public affairs (PA). Focusing on functional expectations and uses tied to informality from an actors’ perspective, this study not only includes lobbyists and their attempts to gain influence on political actors but also attempts of lobbyists to control journalistic output through informal relationships and exchange mechanisms. The results are discussed with a view to further inform the concept of “responsible lobbying.”Design/methodology/approachBuilding on a theoretical background from strategic communication, informal politics and interest group research, findings from a qualitative content analysis of 43 semi-structured interviews with actors from PA (n = 27) and journalism (n = 16) at the EU level are reported, focusing on one policy case.FindingsThe study shows motives for establishing and using informality for both actor types. Functional expectations relate to a range of tasks at the core of the respective actors’ day-to-day activities: monitoring political developments, pre-negotiating policy options in protected, confidential spaces with political decision-makers, receiving relevant sectoral background information and “technical coaching” on legislative dossiers directed to journalists.Originality/valueStudies on lobbying have rarely been conducted from a strategic communications perspective, especially focusing the EU level. Albeit widely accepted, the understanding of lobbying and PA as an informal activity has not been scrutinized by academic research.

A PROTEÇÃO DO TRABALHO E SUA IMPORTÂNCIA PARA A GERAÇÃO DE BIOCOMBUSTÍVEIS

This article studies the importance of Labor Law from the point of view of fundamental social rights, and how important it is for an adequate environmental policy and the energy matrix of biofuels. The national sustainable energy matrix is dependent on agricultural work, and this must be fair and adequate for energy generation to be truly sustainable. The research has the nature of strategic basic research presenting a possible solution in the regulation of work in the field. As it seeks to describe the labor regulatory system, but also to present a regulatory solution, it has a descriptive and exploratory character. The approach to the work is qualitative, seeking to express, in the end, the positive valuation for the correct respect for labor legislation and how important this is for the generation of clean energy. The research relied on bibliographic and documentary sources for its final draft.