Strong Orientation Research Articles

Exploring women’s and men’s belonging in STEM

PurposeAs of 2023, the total number of Nobel Prizes granted in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields was roughly 622 and of those, only 26 have been awarded to women. STEM fields have historically excluded women at all levels with increasing impact at the higher levels of the career ladder (NSF, 2010). The study serves to shed light on women’s and men’s experiences of belonging in STEM fields – uncovering similarities and differences between the two groups.Design/methodology/approachThe study is a qualitative phenomenology, investigating the phenomenon of belonging in STEM among 39 workers in STEM fields.FindingsThrough this qualitative study, we uncovered the similarities around the three primary ways that both men and women conceptualized belonging in these spaces – through feeling heard and contributing, through representation and through feeling safe to take risks. We also identified differences in the ways the men and women conceptualized belonging, such as women’s stronger leadership orientation, greater pull toward connection and more negative mindsets around their inclusion in STEM spaces, and men’s strong orientation toward merit and performance, lesser leadership orientation and more positive mindsets about women’s belonging in STEM fields.Originality/valueThe study takes a novel approach by investigating the experiences of belonging in STEM fields, bringing to light new concepts about the different ways that groups experience belonging. The study uses the Appreciative Inquiry framing of questions to highlight the peak experiences of belonging.

Research on the Reform Path of Ideological and Political Education in Tourism English Courses in Higher Vocational Education

Tourism English in higher vocational education has profound humanistic, strong professional orientation, and instrumental characteristics. Through analyzing the current situation of ideological and political teaching in Tourism English courses in higher vocational education, it is found that there are too few ideological and political elements in the curriculum, the skills teaching and ideological education are not unified, and the ideological and political education in the curriculum tends to be empty preaching. The reasons for this are the weak ideological and political awareness of teachers, the emphasis on skills in textbooks over ideological and political education, and the conservatism of teaching methods. Based on the requirements of curriculum ideological and political education and teaching reform, a teaching reform practice path is constructed from four aspects: anchoring curriculum ideological and political goals, improving teachers’ ideological and political awareness and educational ability, creating ideological and political-oriented textbook resources, and integrating ideological and political teaching methods through multiple channels throughout the entire process, in order to cultivate students with patriotism, international vision, and professional skills.

Barriers and facilitators to the application of nurse practitioners' training pilot programs in China: A CFIR-guided descriptive qualitative study

BackgroundThe Guidelines on Prescriptive Authority for Nurses released by the International Council of Nurses indicate that 44 countries or territories worldwide have enacted legislation granting prescriptive authority to nurses. In the US, 27 states, two territories, and Washington, D.C. have authorized certified nurse practitioners full practice authority, including prescriptive authority, and momentum is building. Currently, in mainland China, there is no national legal mandate for nurse practitioners to prescribe, although a few institutions have initiated pilot training programs for nurse practitioners. However, little is known about the factors influencing their prescribing. Research on the value of such pilot programs from the perspectives of nurse practitioners and stakeholders is required.AimThe purpose of this study is to identify, assess and synthesize the perceptions of nurse practitioners and stakeholders in two pilot training programs on the barriers and facilitators to the potential development and implementation of nurse prescribing in mainland China. DesignA descriptive qualitative research design. SettingsThe study was conducted at two nurse practitioner pilot institutions in mainland China. ParticipantsFive nurse practitioners, three collaborators, three policymakers and three trainers of nurse practitioners from two pilot institutions. MethodsData were collected via semi-structured interviews. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) was used as a framework to orient the data analysis. ResultsWithin the five Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research domains, we identified 31 barriers and 50 facilitators influencing the potential implementation of nurse practitioner prescribing. Barriers mainly included insufficient urgency for change, lack of policy and legal support, inadequate education and training on prescribing, and low public awareness. Facilitators encompassed nurses' practical prescribing experience, their competence and confidence in role expansion, effective teamwork, and a strong demand orientation within healthcare settings. ConclusionOur findings suggest that China possesses significant potential to successfully carry out nurse practitioner prescribing initiatives. It is crucial to explore factors hindering or promoting the development of nurse practitioners to effectively support their implementation within healthcare systems while strategizing for future advancements in this area. In the case that the national policy has not yet been promulgated, the outcomes derived from our pilot work will carry substantial influence over national policies.

Evaluating the impact of place-based education: insights from a river environmental program in Taiwan

PurposeThe current education paradigm is often criticized for fostering human dependence and failing to reduce environmental impacts. This has led researchers to propose alternative approaches. One alternative approach, place-based education, integrates a specific location’s natural and social context into learning experiences. By deepening students’ connection to their surroundings, place-based environmental education aims to enhance students’ sense of interdependence with a place and their place attachment in cognitive and affective dimensions. While widely practiced, its effectiveness remains largely unevaluated, particularly in the East Asian context. The gap hinders the development of impactful pedagogical approaches for educators.Design/methodology/approachThe authors examine a river environmental education program located upstream of Taiwan’s capital, offering a valuable case study within the East Asian context. The program’s design is analyzed, and its impact on enhancing students’ place attachment is assessed through a pre- and post-survey approach.FindingsThe results indicate a substantial increase in students’ place attachment following program participation, particularly pronounced among children with limited prior experience with the river. Importantly, this increase is comparable to or exceeds those observed in similar studies from other regions.Originality/valueThe considerable increase in place attachment observed in this program demonstrates its effectiveness in fostering environmental connections, particularly among children with limited prior experience. The magnitude of the increase might be partially attributable to the interdependent orientation of Taiwanese culture. This suggests that place-based education might yield significant positive outcomes in other non-Western countries with strong interdependent cultural orientations.

The ongoing debate about expertise in psychotherapy – what would Bernie Neville say?

ABSTRACT In response to the ongoing and unresolved debate about expertise in psychotherapy, and in the context of this special issue, this article contends that Bernie Neville would argue that expertise in psychotherapy is more likely to be indicated by the quality of the therapeutic relationship than by the therapist’s specific methods or techniques. His teaching and research in education and psychotherapy was firmly grounded in humanistic-existential theory with a strong Rogerian orientation. Creativity was a hallmark of his work in education; for example, he deployed the myths of the ancient Greek gods to encourage students and practitioners to critically analyze and imaginatively understand being in the world. In this article, I also point to how the gods informed his thinking in relation to humanistic-existential themes concerning the precariousness of existence, to evidence-based psychotherapy relationships, and to the ‘Master Therapist’ model whereby the quest for expertise in psychotherapy is typically a dynamic process beset with paradox and ambiguity.

Teaching the Professional Dimension of Translation in Academic Translation Programmes

Reform policies in higher education have brought about changes in attitudes regarding the education of translators. One of the latest challenges concerns the concept of professionalization of translation and the need for a type of training that would provide students with the specific skills required for the translator’s profession. Indeed, most translation programmes today aim at educating highly qualified translators on a competence-based training. Μore particularly, the emphasis is on metacognitive competence acquisition and the reflexive capacity development taking into account students’ motivation and expectations, their general background knowledge as well as individual learning styles. The present paper proposes a didactic approach on a professionally-oriented basis that would help students enter most effectively the translation industry by realizing at the same time the importance of acquiring a strong theoretical background on translation. Among the main issues to be addressed are the contribution of translation theory to the practice of translation, the role of the translator as cultural mediator, his social responsibilities as well as the translator’s psychological traits and their effect on translation quality. Finally, it proposes a variety of learning activities that are closely related to the act of translating together with a number of student assessment methods bearing a strong professional orientation.

All ears on? A survey on podcasters’ profiles, practices and self-perceptions

Despite the continuous growth in podcast consumption among listeners and podcast offerings on various streaming platforms, there remains a lack of research concerning podcasters. This paper presents an exploratory analysis of the profiles, practices, role perceptions, and values of podcasters based on the results of an online survey among 1 073 podcasters from Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. The findings reveal that podcasters are predominantly male, middle-aged, and academically educated. Regarding their professional practices and profiles, the majority of podcasters lack prior experience in the field of journalism despite often taking on journalistic functions. Concerning their perception of their roles and values, podcasters place significant emphasis on the relevance of entertainment, education, and information dissemination. Overall, they demonstrate a strong orientation towards the needs of their audiences. As podcasts continue to gain popularity among audiences, studying podcast producers helps to better understand their content creation processes, prioritized topics, and approaches to engaging with their audiences.

The value of owning the symbols that orientate us within Subjectivity

Judith Butler contests Ernesto Laclau and Slavoj Žižek's argument that the limits to symbolisation which shape political action are best accounted for through Jacques Lacan's account of the Symbolic, Imaginary and Real. Butler agrees that we each emerge as social subjects on the condition of foreclosures, but disagrees that such foreclosures are prior to the social or explicable through a universal account of kinship. Oyèrónkẹ́ Oyĕwùmí has a somewhat similar critique of the Eurocentric foundations of feminist concepts. She argues that Western hierarchies, organised through ‘bio-logic’ or ‘body-reasoning’ with an emphasis on the sex/gender binary, are culturally particular. Oyĕwùmí distinguishes between relational, dynamic, fluid social hierarchies organised by seniority, and hierarchies organised by body-reasoning which are orientated towards fixity, and certainties. In this article I outline Bracha Ettinger's matrixial theory and argue that while it does not do what either Oyĕwùmí (transcend the terms of the nuclear family) or Butler (divest Lacan's paternal law of its power) advocate, it does provide us with the language to better account for how ‘body-reasoning’ structures our orientations and sets constraints on transformative processes. Through an account of multiple strata of subjectivity, within an expanded Symbolic, inscribed in social life through symbolic filters based on corporeality, matrixial theory enables us to account for the embeddedness of a strong orientation towards constant individuation, alongside a persistent disavowal and fear of processes of co-emergence at a non-cognitive level of subjectivity within Western thought. In their exchange, Laclau theorises social transformation through articulatory logics whereas Butler stresses the need for the work of cultural translation. Drawing on Ettinger’s and Oyĕwùmí's work, I propose that practices of translation must include a rigorous accounting for our orientations and investments within Subjectivity.

Towards decolonial IS: Insights from applying pluriverse and conviviality to analyse a co‐production intervention in Peru

AbstractWhile there is a growing interest in applying decolonial approaches within the field of information systems (IS), effective avenues for engagement remain largely unexplored. To this end, our paper introduces a framework focused on decolonial IS research informed by the notions of the pluriverse and conviviality. These concepts emphasise a focus on ontological, epistemological and methodological dimensions, with a strong orientation to justice. We illustrate the application of the framework through a re‐analysis of our own research project, the co‐production of the Metropolitan Water Observatory (MWO) in Lima, Peru. Applying the framework to learn new insights about the MWO, this paper contributes to the IS field by providing a framework from which to examine IS interventions from a decolonial perspective. In addition to advancing theoretical understanding, our framework serves as a valuable resource for scholars navigating the complex landscape of decolonial approaches in IS.

Determinants of the functionality of cost accounting systems in social welfare organizations: Exploratory study using cluster analysis

This paper presents a quantitative exploration of the functionality of cost accounting systems and their determinants in social welfare organizations. We conducted a questionnaire survey of managers of social welfare organizations running special nursing homes for the elderly and conducted a cluster analysis based on the data collected. The questionnaire was created based on the scales used in previous studies, with some new scales developed. For data analysis, the statistical analysis environment R was used. The clValid package of R was used to assess the validity of the cluster analysis. Based on the results of the analysis in this paper, it is expected that social welfare organizations that pursue cost leadership strategies and have a strong public interest orientation will benefit greatly by being able to utilize a highly functional cost accounting system. Such organizations will be able to improve their business efficiency by utilizing cost information, and their social contribution activities based on the resulting resources will truly be a contribution to public welfare. The findings from this study are of practical significance because they can be used by business managers of social welfare organizations to review the functionality of their cost accounting systems. We also focus on the degree to which nonprofit organizations focus on social contribution activities (in this paper, we call this public interest orientation). The public interest orientation of an organization is thought to affect the functionality of the cost accounting system in the same way as the organization’s strategy, but there has not been enough quantitative research on this point. By focusing on the public interest orientation of social welfare organizations, this study contributes to deepening our knowledge in this area.

Texture evolution induced by extrusion parameters and its effect on strengthening-toughening mechanisms of Al-Mg-Si-Cu-Mn alloys

In this study, extrusion experiments were carried out on Al-Mg-Si-Cu-Mn alloys with different extrusion ratios (ERs), extrusion temperatures (ETs), and extrusion speeds (ESs). By using electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) analysis, tensile testing, and other analytical means, the evolution of microstructure, texture, and properties of the extruded alloys was systematically investigated, and the strengthening-toughening mechanism induced by the extrusion parameters was revealed. It was found that the strength of the extruded alloy shows a tendency to first increase and then decrease with the increase of the ER and ES, and the ‘critical ER' and ‘critical ES' are 29.5 and 2.5 mm/s, respectively; the strength of the extruded alloy gradually increases with the increase of the ET. The alloy achieved excellent strength-toughness matching at the ER of 29.5, ET of 480 °C, and ES of 2.5 mm/s. The yield strength (YS), ultimate tensile strength (UTS), and elongation (EL) of the extruded alloy at this condition were ∼169.58 MPa, ∼314.36 MPa, and ∼16.57 %, respectively. This excellent strength-toughness matching is mainly related to the following aspects: 1) grain refinement provides high grain boundary strengthening effect and appropriate work hardening ability; 2) <111>//ED texture has a strong preferential orientation; 3) the variation trend of dislocation density is importantly related to <111>//ED and EXa{011}<111> textures; 4) Cube{001}<100> and Goss{011}<100> textures have a softening effect. The above findings provide new insights into the potential mechanisms of hot extrusion forming of aluminum alloys, which are of important guiding for the design and development of aluminum alloys with excellent strength-toughness combinations.

Mediating role of organizational commitment in learning orientation and performance relationships for cooperatives in Malaysia

This research explores the mediating role of organisational commitment in the relationship between learning orientation and the performance of cooperatives in Malaysia. The study aims to investigate into how learning orientation and organisational commitment interact and collectively influence the performance outcomes of cooperatives. By employing a systematic random sampling technique, data was gathered from 236 small and micro cooperatives across Malaysia. The analysis was conducted using partial least squares-based structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), a robust statistical method well-suited for examining complex relationships, particularly in studies with relatively small sample sizes. The findings underscore that organisational commitment plays a significant mediating role, enhancing the impact of learning orientation on cooperative performance. This indicates that while a strong learning orientation is essential for cooperative success, its effectiveness is markedly amplified when it is supported by a high level of organisational commitment among members. This suggests that cooperative leaders should prioritize fostering a culture of commitment within their organizations to fully leverage the benefits of a learning-oriented approach. This study contributes to the broader academic discussion by providing empirical evidence from the cooperative sector in a developing country, an area that has been relatively underexplored in previous research. The practical implications are clear where cooperative management should strategically focus on enhancing both learning orientation and organisational commitment to drive better performance outcomes. Moreover, this study sets the stage for future research to investigate these dynamics in various cultural and organisational contexts, thereby broadening the applicability of the findings beyond the Malaysian cooperative sector.

Compatibility of Agriculture Development Policy of Nepal to Sustainable Agriculture Development Principles

The agricultural sector, on which the majority of Nepal's population depends, faces significant challenges due to global warming, climate change, and rising global food insecurity. This underscores the need for a carefully designed agricultural development policy focused on sustainable practices. This study aims to assess the compatibility of key policy interventions in agricultural development of Nepal with sustainable agriculture principles. These policies prioritize the conservation, promotion, and utilization of natural resources, environmental protection, and biological diversity to encompass economic, social, and environmental attributes of sustainable agriculture development in Nepal. This paper scrutinizes various aspects of Nepal's agricultural development policy, including governance systems, bureaucratic and institutional structures, supportive policies and programs, and regulatory frameworks, to evaluate their compatibility with sustainable agriculture principles. The findings indicate a strong orientation of Nepal's agricultural development policy towards sustainability. Legislative, policy, and governance provisions serve as a foundation for steering the agricultural sector towards sustainable practices. However, despite these positive aspects, significant challenges remain, including the prevalence of traditional agricultural systems and constraints such as limited financial resources, technical expertise, and knowledge among farmers and smallholders. Overcoming these obstacles will require considerable efforts to achieve the desired outcomes in sustainable agriculture.

Electric Field Regulator Constructed by Magnetron Sputtering for Dendrite‐Free and Stable Zinc Metal Anode

AbstractRechargeable aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs) are considered to be one of the most promising devices in the next generation of energy storage systems. However, the uncontrolled growth of Zn dendrites during electroplating leads to rapid battery failure, which hinders the wide application of AZIBs. In this work, an Fe metal interface (FMI) with electric field regulation is designed on the Zn metal anode using a magnetron sputtering technology. The FMI layer with nanosheet array not only uniforms the surface electric field, but also adjusts the surface Zn2+ ion distribution to inhibit 2D diffusion. The strong orientation relationships of the FMI layer enhance the reversibility of Zn plating/stripping, improving the structural stability of the interface layer. Consequently, FMI@Zn symmetric cell exhibits ultra‐stable lifespan for over 6000 h (Cumulative plated capacity, CPC = 15 Ah cm−2) with a low voltage hysteresis of 46.4 mV and high Coulombic efficiency of 99.8% at 5 mA cm−2. Even at the large current density of 40 mA cm−2, the CPC reaches 19.7 Ah cm−2. The proposed electric field regulation strategy reveals a promising prospect for designing highly stable Zn anode, which also applies to other metal anodes in energy storage systems.

People do not always want more: Effects of gains and satisfaction on goal orientation in different age groups

Past research suggests age-related differences in goal orientation: Whereas younger adults are more likely to orient their goals towards gains and growth, older adults have a stronger orientation towards maintenance and loss avoidance. Three online studies with US participants on MTurk examined the role of gains, losses, and satisfaction for these age-related differences in goal orientation. Studies 1 (N = 179, 20–82 years, 49.2% female) and 2 (N = 241, 18–73 years, 53.1% female) showed that goal orientation was mainly associated with perceived gains and satisfaction with the current state but not with losses: the subjectively experienced accumulation of gains was positively associated with gain, maintenance, and loss-avoidance orientation; higher satisfaction with the status quo was associated with a stronger maintenance orientation and a weaker gain orientation. Subjectively experienced and expected losses were unrelated to goal orientation. Study 3 (N = 611, 18–83 years, 46.7% female) confirmed the causal effect of satisfaction with the current state on gain orientation (but not on maintenance or loss-avoidance orientation) by experimentally manipulating satisfaction with a given status quo. When higher (versus lower) satisfaction was induced, participants were less oriented towards striving for gains. The results suggest that, across age groups, perceived accumulation of gains and satisfaction with the current state impact goal orientation more strongly than losses. This research promotes our understanding of the antecedents of age-related differences in goal orientation and motivational development across adulthood.

Equitable Access for Persons with Disabilities: Assessing the Effectiveness of Assistive Device Service Provision in San Mateo, Rizal

The Philippines is home to over 1.5 million Persons with Disabilities, with an estimated 0.33% or 5,157 of the population living in San Mateo, Rizal. The country recognizes ten (10) types of disabilities, but availability of assistive devices is only specific to the needs of three (3) types: deaf or hard of hearing, visual, and physical (orthopedic). Despite efforts to break barriers through assistive devices for a livable and sustainable living condition for Persons with Disabilities, access to equal opportunities in education, employment, health services, and meaningful participation in mainstream society remains a prominent limitation, rather than the disability itself. The study aims to assess the effectiveness of the Assistive Device Service Provision (ADSP) program for Persons with Disabilities, an umbrella program under the social welfare services of the Local Government of San Mateo, Rizal. The assessment is grounded in the principles of New Public Administration, focusing on the program’s relevance, value orientation, social equity and ability to drive change in protecting, promoting, and supporting the rights and well-being of all Persons with Disabilities. A mixed-methodology approach was employed to explore the relationship between Persons with Disabilities and the effective use of Assistive Devices, using surveys and open-ended data collection to quantify responses and deepen understanding. Findings showed that the ADSP is relevant, as it largely meets the needs of Persons with Disabilities in terms of access to mobility, though some devices could be better aligned by considering the specific requirements of each disability. While the ADSP is perceived by recipients as significant in demonstrating a strong value orientation, disparities in distribution—affected by socioeconomic status and type of disability—persist, indicating the need for more inclusive distribution strategies to ensure equitable access for all Persons with Disabilities. The program's ability to drive change varies among individuals, highlighting the need for continuous monitoring and support. The study focuses on assessing the effectiveness of a localized assistive device provision program based on its relevance, value orientation, social equity, and ability to drive change in promoting the rights and welfare of Persons with Disabilities (Union of Public Service Commission, 2024).

The Social Economy and Contemporary Challenges: Innovation and Sustainability

This article explores the relevance of the social economy in addressing contemporary challenges through innovative and sustainable practices, supported by public policies. The research investigates the management models that social and solidarity economy organizations (SSEOs) employ to respond to the challenges of innovation and sustainability. The study includes an in-depth analysis of diverse operational models and accomplishments across various cases, presenting evidence on how the sector adopts innovative and sustainable practices. The article scrutinizes essential characteristics of SSEOs, such as democratic governance, reinvestment of surpluses in social businesses based on innovation and entrepreneurship, and a strong community orientation. These characteristics are examined for their relevance in addressing issues like social inequalities, digital transformation, and climate change. Additionally, the research includes an examination of four diverse cases of SSEOs established in mainland Portugal. It reveals the wide range of activities and significant interactions that these organizations have with various stakeholders in different economic and social contexts, contributing to regional social innovation ecosystems. The empirical study, based on a descriptive case study methodology applied to multiple and heterogeneous cases (in terms of fields of intervention and scale of resources), demonstrates that sustainability has become a driver in the social economy, within a framework of democratic governance and community involvement. Moreover, the research fills a gap in empirical literature by providing strong evidence through real cases of collaborative social innovation, the integration of environmental, social, and governance practices, as well as financial and regulatory support from the state for the resilience of SSEOs. The social value of the research lies in its empirical contribution to demonstrating how social business is a crucial element for communities to address global challenges, promoting economic growth and employment, social justice, including the fight against poverty, and environmental sustainability.

For Grades or for Learning? Influence of Academic Orientations on Vietnamese Undergraduates' Learning Strategy Use and Mental Well-Being

&lt;p style="text-align:justify"&gt;The use of grades as an extrinsic motivator in formal schooling has been demonstrated in previous research to have negative implications for students’ learning and mental health. This subject matter has been particularly absent from the research literature in Vietnam, where the obsession with grades is self-evident. The present study aims to explore Vietnamese university students’ orientations toward learning and grades, learning strategy use, mental well-being, and how these variables correlate. In addition, the study examines the potential interplay between learning orientation and grade orientation to influence the latter two variables. A quantitative research design was employed to achieve these goals. Survey responses were collected from 38 second- and third-year students majoring in English Language at a large, public university during a summer semester. Specifically for learning strategy use, participants were directed to pull from their experiences in a Public Speaking course that they had completed in the previous semester. Results revealed that a learning orientation was moderately related to both adaptive learning strategy use and mental wellness, whereas a grade orientation was only negatively related to learning strategy use and unrelated to mental well-being. Moreover, a strong learning orientation alone resulted in the most positive outcomes for both learning and mental health, and higher levels of grade orientation weakened those outcomes. Limitations of the study, directions for future research in this area, and implications for students and educators are then discussed. &lt;/p&gt;

Market and entrepreneurial orientations model to increase product innovation of culinary micro small medium enterprises in Indonesia

The objective of the article is to examine how market orientation and entrepreneurial orientation within an organization might bolster product innovation capabilities. By exploring these connections, the research aims to present a more comprehensive understanding of the research model and bridge existing limitations. This study employed a quantitative associative with a proportional-clustered-random-sampling technique. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey involving 400 respondents representing micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and used structural equation modeling (SEM) to test hypotheses. The results indicated a significant impact of market and entrepreneurial orientations on product innovation with market orientation having a more dominant effect on product innovation than entrepreneurial orientation. A strong market orientation shows business players can absorb market knowledge for product innovation. Thus, MSME owners must swiftly digest this market information to plan future product developments, especially since some product types change rapidly during the product life cycle. The findings also show that the entrepreneurial approach has a poorer influence on product creation in MSMEs due to the necessity for competencies and risk-taking that the organization lacks. The Ministry of Cooperatives and MSME can use this input to design targeted programs to help MSME owners and creativity and invention to make distinctive things while being highly impacted by market demands. With its findings, the study augments our understanding of the product innovation position in Indonesian MSMEs and, illuminates MSMEs owners' next steps to sustain the competitiveness and operationalization of their businesses.

Structural, optical and attenuation properties analysis of iron-doped zirconium oxide nanoparticles for photocatalytic and radiation shielding applications

This manuscript explores the effects of iron doping on the structural, optical, and photocatalytic properties of ZrO2 nanoparticles (NPs) for photocatalytic applications. Techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and UV–visible spectroscopy were used to investigate the characteristics of synthesized materials. The XRD pattern of ZrO2 indicates a pure monoclinic phase structure and strong diffraction orientation along the (1¯11) direction; with adding Fe with different concentrations, a new phase appeared, indicating ZrO2 NPs with tetragonal phase structure with strong diffraction orientation along the (101) direction as well as Fe concentrations increase, new phases appeared, namely α-Fe2O3, Zr3Fe, and Zr4Fe2O0.6. The observed trend in the crystallite size decreases from 25 nm to 13 nm with increasing Fe concentrations. The NPs’ optical bandgap was found to be 4.28 eV, reducing to 2.93 eV as the concentration of Fe increased. This value is in good agreement with those previously published for photocatalytic applications. The photocatalytic performance was determined and found to obey a first-order rate constant where the best-performing sample was FZO-10 with methylene blue degradation (94 %) and k values (36.2 × 10 −3 min −1), respectively. Additionally, the mass attenuation coefficient and half-value layer analysis revealed significant attenuation properties, showing a consistent decrease in GMAC with increasing gamma energy and highlighting the impact of ZrO2 concentration on gamma-ray shielding effectiveness. The outcomes demonstrate that Fe doping has a significant effect and has the potential to improve ZrO2-based photocatalytic applications’ performance.