Rational Structure Research Articles

One-step construction of light-responsive intelligent foam by the Hoffmeister effect and 2D black phosphorus: High stability and on-demand degradation

Stimulus-responsive liquid foams have gained much attention for use in various industrial applications. However, it remains challenging to construct such systems with integrated functionality of easy preparation, high stability, high foaming ability, and rapid on-demand degradation. Herein, by combining the Hofmeister effect and nanotechnology, a promising ultrastable and photoresponsive liquid foam was prepared that had a lifetime of several months and could be destroyed on demand in a few minutes. Specifically, the system was prepared by simply mixing a gelatine solution containing black phosphorus nanosheets (BPNs) and kosmotropic anions in the Hofmeister series with air in one step using only two syringes, and there were no chemical modifications or crosslinking agents required. The kosmotropic anions induced stronger hydrophobic interactions, bundling within molecular chains, and blockage of foam drainage channels, which significantly improved the foaming ability and the lifetime and mechanical properties of the foam. Moreover, rational structure design realized a promising on-demand degradation mechanism via a cascading “light trigger–heat generation–Marangoni flow generation” process occurring on the bubble surfaces. On this basis, the BPNs converted light into thermal energy, which induced Marangoni flow driven by surface tension gradients along the gas‒liquid interfaces, and the bubble film ruptured within seconds upon light illumination. The designed stimulus‒response systems combined stable, fast and repeatable processes without sacrificing the foaming abilities, thus providing a general way to control the stabilities of foams, bubbles and films.

ІСТОРИКО-ПЕДАГОГІЧНА РЕКОНСТРУКЦІЯ РАННЬОМОДЕРНОЇ ІДЕЇ ЦІЛІСНОЇ ОСВІТИ ОСОБИСТОСТІ: КОНЦЕПТУАЛЬНО-ЕПІСТЕМОЛОГІЧНІ ІНТЕНЦІЇ ДОСЛІДЖЕННЯ

The article is devoted to the analysis of the epistemological foundations of the historical and pedagogical study of the development of the idea of a holistic education of the individual in the European worldview systems of the early modern period. The author's vision of the research tools for the formation of historical and pedagogical knowledge is proposed, presented according to four conceptual and epistemological intentions: epistemes, concepts, priorities and risks. The author's definition of the concept of "conceptual and epistemological intentions of historical and pedagogical research" is given, which is considered as a system of methodological values, attitudes, priorities and scientific and ideological visions that allow for historical and pedagogical research, the result of which is a legitimized historical and pedagogical research. The epistemes of the study are identified and analyzed, in particular, methodological diffusion and interdisciplinary synthesis; continuity of empirical, rational and intuitive structures of the formation of historical and pedagogical knowledge; gnoseological legitimation of historical and pedagogical discourse The heuristic possibilities of the concepts of paradigmality; comparability; anthropologization are named and outlined, contributing to a comprehensive and systemic consideration of the idea of holistic education of the individual, allowing us to identify its humanistic nature and human-creative content. The priorities of the epistemology of the study are analyzed: historical primary sources; historical context; historical interpretation, which allow us to build the research process on historically correct and correct facts, contribute to their scientifically correct interpretation. Methodological risks are named, in particular, the modernization of pedagogical phenomena of the past; mechanical extrapolation of pedagogical phenomena of the past to modern educational practice; the risk of "idols". Conclusions are made on the implementation of the proposed epistemology in the study of the early modern idea of holistic education of the individual. Key words: holistic education, historical and pedagogical discourse, epistemology of the history of pedagogy, methodology, conceptual and epistemological intentions, early modern times.

Boosted hydrogen evolution in conjugated polymer photocatalyst by noncovalent conformation-locked architecture

A synergetic effect of noncovalent conformational locks (NCLs) and molecular framework engineering on the performance of polymeric photocatalysts is comprehensively investigated by tuning fluorination as well as framework structure with linear or planar backbone of conjugated polymers on the basis of the 2,2′-bithiophene and pyrene building blocks. Both fluorine-induced NCLs and molecular framework structure have beneficial influence on the electronic structure, photon absorption, nanomorphology and porosity, and charge migration/separation of conjugated polymers. As a result, the noncovalent conformation-locked conjugated polymer Py-2F2T achieves a significant high hydrogen evolution rate of 404.8 mmol h−1 under the conditions of being visible-light-driven and cocatalyst-free, which is 2.5- and 202.4-fold as those of the planar counterpart without NCLs and the linear counterpart with NCLs, respectively. Remarkably, Py-2F2T could show excellent apparent quantum yields of over 25.0 % at 450–600 nm irradiation with the highest value of 39.0 % at 575 nm. Overall, this work demonstrates the significance of the synergy of NCLs and molecular framework engineering for enhancing the photocatalytic activity, and the strategy of “noncovalent conformation-locked architecture” as a novel approach to the rational structure design of high-efficiency polymeric photocatalysts for visible-light-driven hydrogen evolution through water splitting.

Significantly enhanced OER and HER performance of NiCo-LDH and NiCoP under industrial water splitting conditions through Ru and Mn bimetallic co-doping strategy

High-performance electrocatalysts play a crucial role in promoting the development of industrial water splitting. Reasonable electronic structure design is key to improving the performance of electrocatalysts. This study proposed a Ru and Mn bimetallic co-doping strategy to achieve rational electronic structure design of both NiCo-LDH (RMNCL) and NiCoP (RMNCP). Specifically, we first obtained Ru and Mn bimetallic co-doped NiCo-LDH through a one-step electrodeposition, exhibiting superior catalytic activity (342 mV at 500 mA/cm2) for the oxygen evolution reaction in alkaline solution. Subsequently, we prepared Ru and Mn co-doped NiCoP by a simple phosphorization treatment of RMNCL, demonstrating impressive low overpotentials (200 mV at 500 mA/cm2) for hydrogen evolution reaction in alkaline solution. Furthermore, we constructed an anion exchange membrane electrolyzer using the prepared catalysts, achieving a high current density of 1 A/cm2 with only 2 V, maintaining stability over a prolonged 100 h duration. Further studies revealed the highly dispersed Ru atoms provided abundant active sites, while Mn modified the electron filling of anti-bonding orbitals in both catalysts, optimizing reactant adsorption. Additionally, multivalent Mn contributed to the improved catalytic performance. This study provides insights into rational electrocatalyst design and lays the foundation for catalyst development with outstanding activity under industrial-scale conditions.

The spatial effect of financial openness on high-quality economic development: Evidence from provincial-level data in China

Serious environmental pollution challenges have compelled policymakers to replace China's previous crude rapid economic development model with high-quality economic development (HQED) to promote sustainable social progress. Since finance is the core of the modern economy, financial openness (FOPEN) may affect China's HQED. This study uses provincial-level data from 2007 to 2020 as a research sample to examine the relationship between the FOPEN and HQED. We construct indicator models for HQED and FOPEN and analyze the resulting spatiotemporal evolutionary features applying the Dagum Gini coefficient and kernel density estimation. We observe significant overall differences between HQED and FOPEN, which are mainly interregional in origin. In addition, HQED and FOPEN exhibit opposing dynamic evolutionary features, revealing that the polarization of the former (latter) is becoming progressively larger (smaller). With the spatial Durbin model, we demonstrate that FOPEN exerts a positive (negative) direct (indirect) impact on HQED. The subsample test indicates that the influence of FOPEN in the eastern and central regions is similar to the entire sample, while it has only a direct impact in the western region. These findings are validated by a series of robustness tests. Finally, our threshold effect analysis shows that FOPEN has a stronger promotional impact on HQED in regions with more advanced and rational industrial structure. The findings of this study suggest the policymakers should apply supporting policies to enhance the promotional direct effect and relieve the inhibiting indirect effect of FOPEN, and rationally plan local industrial structure upgrading, so as to more efficiently promote HQED.

Optimization of ecological network function and structure by coupling spatial operators and biomimetic intelligent algorithm

Ecological networks (ENs) can maintain regional ecological security and reconcile the contradiction between development and conservation. Optimization of ENs is crucial for promoting sustainable development and human well-being. Although various valuable methods have been explored to optimize ENs, collaborative optimization research on the EN function and structure through a quantitative simulation at the patch level is yet to be conducted. This study integrated spatial function and structural operators into a multi-type ant colony optimization model and constructed a high-performance land-use conversion framework for EN optimization. Results showed that: (1) the optimized ecological source exhibits heightened functionality and improved connectivity, resulting in a more stable and rational network structure; (2) the proposed ecological nodes emergence mechanism prevents fragmentation of local ENs and improves the overall structural integrity and resilience; and (3) the introduction of graphics processing unit (GPU) parallelization improves the efficiency of the model at city level by 13.49 times, resolving the paradox between the computational efficiency of high-precision land-use simulation and the construction of large-scale ENs. This study provides methodological support for patch-level landscape planning and reference for formulating reasonable ecological restoration strategies.

Analysis and Optimization of Operating Modes of Mini-CHP on Local Fuels in Conditions of Surplus Electric Power Capacities in the Unified Energy System of Belarus. Part 1

The paper presents the results of a study to determine the rational structure of mini-CHP (Cogeneration Heat and Power Plant) using local fuels types (LFT) for operation as part of the United Energy System (UES) of Belarus with a surplus of electricity generating capacity and dominance of imported types of energy resources (natural gas and nuclear fuel) in the fuel balance. When optimizing the operating modes of mini-CHPs using LFT and operating in parallel with the UES, which has a significant surplus of electricity generating capacity, it is necessary to separate options for existing stations and options for newly built ones. In the first case, due to the fact that the power of the equipment is known, it is advisable to consider two extreme options, i.e., the operation of the heating unit according to an electrical or thermal load schedule. In this case, in order to maintain the daily consumption traffic it is necessary to provide for the accumulation of thermal or electrical energy, respectively. In the case of new construction, the optimized parameter is the power of the generating equipment, so it is advisable to give preference to the option with the maximum number of hours of use of the rated power. In order to increase the economic attractiveness of mini-CHP, options for developing the structure of mini-CHP using LFT with the transition to multi-generation technologies and adaptation to the existing operating conditions of the UES of Belarus have been considered. The results of an analysis of commercially available technologies for storing excess electrical energy are presented in accordance with current and projected (until 2030) cost and operational indicators. For adapting mini-CHP to operate in the UES in conditions of a surplus of electrical power capacity, an electrical energy storage system using hydrogen as an intermediate energy carrier is of greatest interest. To utilize the excess electrical energy consumption from a mini-CHP with a heating ORC unit during the daily dips, a structural diagram configuration using an alkaline electrolysis module for hydrogen production is proposed. The efficiency of energy storage and use technology is considered depending on the specific energy intensity for various electrical energy storage technologies. The use of the two most energy-intensive energy storage technologies is proposed: accumulation based on electrochemical batte-ries and the “electricity-hydrogen” type. During the study, an analysis of the functioning of the ORC-installation Turboden 14 CHP ORC-installation operating as part of a mini-CHP using LFT was carried out. It was revealed that today the installation operates in a wide range of load changes (from 17 to 87 % of the rated electrical power), while the generation of electrical energy from thermal consumption varied in the range from 0.20 to 0.026 MW/MW. Due to the fact that the ORC installation under study is a component of the energy source with a high installed peak thermal power, in the current state there is no direct correlation between the outside air temperature and the generation power of the ORC installation. This circumstance indicates the need to continue the study of heat load trends to build functional models for short- and medium-term forecasting of heat load depending on the time of day and average hourly outside air temperature, which was implemented in the second part of the work.

The influence of nutrients in relation to the hypersthenic type of constitution on the activity of proteolitic and amylolytic enzymes

Personalized nutrition systems development will be the main focus of personalized medicine in the future. For individualization, the paper outlines the fundamental principles of sanogenic nutrition according to the type of constitution. For the hypersthenic constitution, four variants of food rations with different caloric percentages were created. In the research carried out, the characteristics of the activity of amylolytic enzymes, proteolytic enzymes of the small intestine, pancreas and stomach peptidases were identified in animals with hypersthenic constitution, when nutritional factors are influenced. The collected data show that in animals with a low level of stress reactivity, the activity of digestive enzymes depends on the macronutrients of the food ration composition and the caloric structure of the food ration. It should also be noted that, compared to representatives of other types of constitution, the enzyme systems of the digestive organs are more resistant to changes in the caloric structure of the food ration in representatives of the hypersthenic type of constitution.

NiCoMn-LDH with core-shell heterostructures based on CoS nanotube arrays containing multiple ion diffusion channels for boosted supercapacitor applications

Nanostructure engineering and composition rationalization are crucial for materials to become candidates for high-performance supercapacitor. Herein, a novel core-shell heterostructured electrode, combining CoS hollow nanorods with NiCoMn-layered double hydroxides (LDH) ternary metal nanosheets, were prepared on carbon cloth by reasonably controlled vulcanization and electrodeposition. By optimizing electrodeposition conditions, the material's structure and properties can be fine-tuned. The enhanced capacitance of the optimized carbon cloth (CC)@CoS/NiCoMn-LDH-300 electrode (4256.0 F g−1) lies in the open space provided by CoS and the establishment of a new charge transfer channel across the interfaces of CC@CoS/NiCoMn-LDH-300 nanosheets. This is further demonstrated by Density functional theory (DFT) simulations based on OH− adsorption energy, which produces faster redox charge kinetics and significantly enhances the electrode's energy storage capacity. The hybrid supercapacitor, integrating the optimized CC@CoS/NiCoMn-LDH-300 electrode with active carbon, demonstrates the highest energy density of 86 Wh kg−1 (under the power density of 850 W kg−1) and the long cycle stability of 89.7%. This study aims to go beyond simple binary LDH by constructing a ternary LDH with a hierarchical core-shell heterostructure to provide an effective and feasible new concept for high-performance supercapacitor electrode materials via rational structure design.

Rapid Hole Generation via D–A Structure‐Dependent Built‐In Electric Field of Deacetylated Chitin‐PDI for Efficient Photocatalytic Oxidation

AbstractBreaking the trade‐off between broad spectrum response and efficient charge separation is a major challenge in the photocatalysis. Unlike the conventional practice of suppressing charge separation when shrinking the bandgap, a series of deacetylated chitin‐perylene diimide (DC‐PDI) donor–acceptor (D–A) photocatalysts is proposed with tunable charge distribution by modulating the C─N covalent bond content, expanding the spectral absorption range as the expanded D–A. The enlarged D–A structure achieves efficient photogenerated electron–hole separation by increasing the charge of the positive and negative charge centers, inducing larger dipole moments, generating 4.7 times higher built‐in electric field, and reducing the charge transfer barrier. Among them, the optimum DC/PDI (2:1) with enlarged D–A enables to capture the largest number of electrons for persulfate activation, and concurrently affords the highest hole generation efficiency with the deepest valence band (1.67 V). Such merits contribute to 1.2–2.8 times higher degradation rate and 1.1–1.6 times higher mineralization rate of organic pollutants in comparison with other counterparts. The mineralization rate can reach 100% in the engineered microreactor setup. This study elucidates the structure‐mechanism‐performance relationship of D–A modulation and charge separation/transport, guiding the rational molecular structure design for efficient photocatalytic oxidation.

Теоретические предпосылки формирования теории демократической организации труда

This scientific article is a study of the theoretical prerequisites for the formation of the concept of democratic labor organization. In the past, the main focus was on the concept of rational formal structures as a means of implementing organizational decisions. However, in modern concepts, democratic forms of governance are gaining priority, considering the personal interests of individuals and based on horizontal interaction within the organization. The article analyzes the shift from traditional formal structures to more democratic management models within the framework of modern organizational behavior. The authors emphasize the importance of transitioning to more flexible and democratic management structures to increase organizational efficiency, stimulate employees’ creative potential, as well as create a favorable working environment. The analysis presented in the study is relevant and important in the context of modern labor organization theory, enriching the understanding of how democratic principles can be successfully implemented in the management practice of modern organizations. In conclusion, the study underscores the significance of embracing democratic principles in labor organization theory and practice. By advocating for more flexible and participatory management structures, organizations can enhance their efficiency, foster innovation, and cultivate a conducive work environment. Moving forward, further research and implementation of democratic principles are vital for advancing organizational effectiveness and employee satisfaction.

Hybrid catalyst‐assisted synthesis of multifunctional carbon derived from Camellia shell for high‐performance sodium‐ion batteries and sodium‐ion hybrid capacitors

AbstractBiomass‐derived carbon as energy storage materials have gradually attracted widespread attention due to their low cost, sustainability, and inherent structural advantages. Herein, hard carbon (H‐1200) and porous carbon (PC‐800) for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs), sodium‐ion capacitors (SICs) half cells and sodium‐ion hybrid capacitors (SIHCs) have been synthesized from the same biomass precursor of Camellia shells through different treatments. H‐1200 synthesized by directly high‐temperature carbonization possesses a rational graphitic layer structure and plentiful heteroatoms. When applied as anode for SIBs, it exhibits a reversible capacity of 365.5 mAh g–1 at 25 mA g–1 and capacity retention 89.0% after 400 cycles at 200 mA g–1. Additionally, PC‐800 prepared by catalytic carbonization of K2C2O4/CaC2O4 hybrid catalyst has a sophisticated porous structure and a high surface area of 2186.9 m2 g–1. When employed as a cathode for SICs, it delivers a maximum capacity 104.2 mAh g–1 at 100 mA g–1 and 35.0 mAh g–1 at 5 A g–1. Furthermore, the all carbon assembled SIHC (H‐1200||PC‐800) using H‐1200 as anode and PC‐800 as cathode, features a broad output voltage range (0.01 ~ 4.1 V), high energy density of 161.5 Wh kg–1, power density of 12896.1 W kg–1, and superior capacity retention of 90.32% after 10000 cycles at 10 A g–1. This research result provide a new horizon for constructing low‐cost and large‐scale production of biomass derived carbon for energy storage materials.

Local microenvironment modulation of Pt0/Pt2+ nano-clusters inducing synchronous mass transfer effect to boost catalytic ozonation

Rational catalyst structure design is expected to solve the low O3 utilization and poor molecular mass transfer efficiency in heterogeneous catalytic ozonation (HCO). Herein, Pt/CMK-3 catalyst with confined space to enhance mass transfer was synthesized and employed for CH3SH removal. Unlike fully free diffusion in 0–2.0 wt% Pt/CMK-3 and bulk phase diffusion in 10.0 wt% Pt/CMK-3, removal efficiency of 5.0 wt% Pt/CMK-3 was significantly improved to 97.0%, which was attributed to the effective interfacial diffusion of O3 and CH3SH through local microenvironment modulation of Pt0/Pt2+ nanoclusters (NCs) inducing synchronous mass transfer. Experimental and DFT calculations confirmed the strong electronic interactions between O3 and Pt0 facilitated charge redistribution and preferential O3 activation. AIMD simulation demonstrated that the synchronous difference in mean-square displacements (MSD) and diffusion coefficient (Dc) of CH3SH (Dc=0.022) and O3 (Dc=0.0046) in the confined Pt/CMK-3 system could facilitate CH3SH migrate to Pt2+ through interfacial diffusion. Especially, the d-orbital electrons of Pt NCs interact sequentially with p-orbital electrons of CH3SH and O3 to maintain redox of Pt0/Pt2+. This study provides novel insights on effective mass transfer and kinetic properties of gaseous reaction between oxidant and pollutant by constructing unique interfacial diffusion behaviors.

Integrating intrinsic and configural superiority into advanced impact-resistant organohydrogels via cryo-assisted direct ink writing

The growing safety consciousness towards life and engineering poses demand for efficient anti-impact materials. Decent advances have been made in material development and structure design, whereas the superiority synergism of materials and structures remains challenging. This work develops an advanced impact-resistant shear stiffening gel-polyvinyl alcohol-chitosan (SSG-PVA-CS) organohydrogel by integrating 3D printed customized architectures with strain rate enhanced matrix materials. Following rheological optimization of components, the precursor ink presents shear thinning and yield stress fluid behaviors enabling the direct ink writing (DIW) printing techinique. The printability is systemically explored through finite element modeling assisted flow dynamics analysis and experimental validating, and a quantitative phase diagram is constructed which determines the dependence of parameters on the printing mode and quality. The organohydrogel presents favorable mechanical strength, cyclic durability and rate enhancement effect, which imparts basis of impact resistance to the matrix. The rational structure design effectively reduces the volume density within 0.60 to 0.71 g/cm3 while maintaining considerable attenuation ratios of 73.09 % to 83.55 %, with structure-dependent dynamic mechanical behaviors clarified via finite element analysis. This study provides a reliable approach to fabricate impact-resistance materials with tailored architectures and mechanically functional matrix materials, unlocking paths to break through the performance bottleneck.

Unique construction of hierarchical PANI–based nanofibrous network for boosting water electrolysis through highly efficient utilization of Pt nanocatalyst

Enhancing catalytic activity of Pt and designing rational structure of catalytic layer (CL) are effective strategies for improving the performance of proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) with lower Pt loading. Herein, a hierarchical nanostructured CL based on co–doped carbon, sulfonated polyaniline (PANI) nanofibrous network and Pt nanoparticles is constructed on carbon cloth by layer–by–layer in–situ growth method. The N/P/S co–doped carbon interlayer derived from PANI can promote the growth of sulfonated PANI nanofibers. The in–situ grown Pt nanoparticles is anchored by sulfonated PANI, achieving uniform and stable distribution as well as altered electronic structure for improved catalytic activity. The unique CL greatly improves the electrochemical surface area and provides interconnected pathways. The as–prepared cathode exhibits an overpotential of 23 mV at 10 mA cm−2, indicating excellent hydrogen evolution performance. Furthermore, the PEMWE device with above–mentioned cathode achieves an excellent performance of 1.771 V @ 2 A cm−2 with low Pt loading of 0.07 mg cm−2, which is comparable to that of the conventional cathode with 14 times higher Pt loading of 1 mg cm−2. Our strategy of designing hierarchical nanostructured CL provides a feasible approach to lower the consumption of Pt without performance loss for further industrialization of PEMWE.

Deformation and fracture of SiCp/Al composites under complex loading conditions: A simulation study

An accurate depiction of the deformation and fracture mechanisms of metal matrix composites is the key to their rational structure and property design. In the present work, the Advanced Guerson Tvergaard Needleman (AGTN) constitutive model is firstly combined with an algorithm to reconstruct realistic 3D microstructures within the finite-element framework. We employ this model to probe the elastoplastic response and fracture behaviors of aluminum matrix composites with different volume fractions of reinforcing particles (7, 14, and 21 %) and under various loading conditions (tension, compression and shear). Real microstructures are referred to reconstruct the three-dimensional model of the composites. The AGTN constitutive model is integrated with the micromechanical damage model, which is capable of independently describing the constitutive behavior of various components, including the elastoplastic damage of the metal matrix, particle-enhanced elastic-brittle failure, and the interfacial traction separation. By using the conventional SiCp/Al composite system as a model material, we examine the stress state of the matrix and fracture mechanisms under different loading conditions by using triaxiality, Lode angle and statistical analysis. In general, the damage of SiCp/Al composites can be attributed to interfacial debonding and particle fracture, whereas the latter dominates when the volume fraction of SiCp is high. Furthermore, the critical volume fraction for the transition of damage mechanisms is found to be largely dependent on the loading conditions. Our work provides a comprehensive understanding of particle-reinforced aluminum matrix composite under in-service conditions.

Toward the microporous zeolite family with tunable large-medium cage and pore opening

Modulation of zeolite porosity, including the size and type of channel and cage, is essential for catalysis and separation. Although zeolites with a variety of porous systems have been synthesized by hydrothermal or post-synthetic routes, there is still a lack of rational control of zeolite porosity in the range of large to medium pore/cage. Herein, based on the rational structure building, the structure similarity between IWV topology with large-pore opening and supercage and NES topology with medium-pore opening and medium cage is discovered. Based on the guidance of structure building, two IWV-derived daughter zeolites with different framework compositions, (Si,Ge)-ECNU-31 and (Si,Ge,Al)-ECNU-31, are hydrothermally prepared with built-in structural weakness due to the presence of a large amount of framework Ge atoms, which are utilized to prepare ECNU-32 zeolite with NES topology through subsequent post-synthetic treatment under controlled condition. It is demonstrated that the parent IWV zeolite with only Ge and Si as framework atoms is benefit in post-treatment to obtain a highly crystalline NES zeolite. In contrast, the co-existence of framework Al atoms in (Si,Ge,Al)-ECNU-31 zeolite enhances its hydrothermal stability in water. However, the treatment with acid and amine solutions causes the partial collapse of zeolite structure. Our results demonstrate that rational selection of the framework composition and post-synthetic parameters are crucial for the transformation of large-pore zeolite to medium-pore zeolite.

Developing Nepal's medicines pricing policy: evidence synthesis and stakeholders' consultation.

The objectives of this paper are to (a) explore stakeholders' opinions regarding Nepal's existing medicines pricing practices/situation and (b) build and present a set of medicines pricing policies for Nepal. A review of the literature and field visits to community retail pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, wholesalers, and distributor outlets in Kathmandu were conducted to assess the medicines pricing situation. Following the literature review, preliminary meetings with stakeholders and field visits were held and a draft interview guide was prepared. Consultative sessions subsequently were undertaken in Kathmandu, Nepal, in January 2023 with representatives from the Department of Drug Administration, Ministry of Health and Population, Association of Pharmaceutical Producers of Nepal, consumer groups, Transparency International, Medicines Importers Association of Nepal/ Pharmaceutical Distributors Association of Nepal, Nepal Chemist and Druggist Association, and Nepal Pharmaceutical Association. Notes were taken during these meetings regarding issues and concerns raised as well as experiences and recommendations for the future, as outlined in the interview guide. The stakeholders in general stated that they do not have any objection to price regulation; however, they believe such regulation should be subject to periodic review. Both the importers and the Ministry of Health and Population have the view that an independent body/authority should be charged with regulating the prices of medicines. A set of policy options to be considered for use in Nepal include cost-plus pricing, external price referencing, internal reference pricing, and mark-up regulations. Key issues related to pricing were identified and suggest that a set of pricing policies and updated regulations need to be considered to establish changes that are transparent, rational, and acceptable to the related stakeholders. Hence, suggestions made in this paper could be useful to inform a rational and fair pricing structure and to improve access to medicines.

Fundamental of theories on human resource quality improvement in the universities and lesson learned

The development of human resources in education and training is becoming more important, and the roles of human resources have become necessary to contribute to all sectors of national development. This study aims to codify the fundamental theories on human resources quality improvement in universities and draw lessons learned for Svay Rieng University. As a methodology, the research results are mainly collected from the published information, and descriptive statistics are the principal analytical method used in this article. The study presents the basic concepts of human resources, human resources quality, human resources management structure in universities, and the rational structure of human resources in universities. As lessons learned, in order to develop the quality of lecturers as well as human resources at Svay Rieng University, first of all, it must have proper, reasonable, and objective assessments so that it can clearly find out the strengths, weaknesses, and constraints of human resources quality improvement. After accurately assessing these issues, it is necessary to have regulations, policies, and strategies for human resources development; therefore, human resources can constantly improve their quality and quantity to meet the vision and mission of the university in the next period.

Pore walls as high-way for efficient bulk charge transfer in porous SrTiO3 single crystals boosting photocatalytic overall water splitting

Suppressing carrier recombination in bulk and facilitating carrier transfer to surface via rational structure design is of great significance to improve solar-to-H2 conversion efficiency. We demonstrate a facile hydrothermal method to synthesize porous SrTiO3 single crystals (SrTiO3-P) with exposed (001) facets by introducing carbon spheres as templates. The obviously increased surface photovoltage and photocurrent response indicate that the interconnected pore walls act as enormous charge transfer “highways”, accelerating carrier transport from bulk to surface. Furthermore, the absence of grain boundaries and high crystallinity could also lower the carrier recombination rate. Thus, the SrTiO3-P photocatalyst loaded with Rh/Cr2O3 as cocatalyst exhibits 1.5 times higher overall water splitting activity than that of solid SrTiO3, with gas evolution rate of 19.99 μmol h−1 50 mg−1 for H2 and 11.37 μmol h−1 50 mg−1 for O2. Additionally, SrTiO3-P also shows superior stability without any decay during cycling testing. This work provides a new insight into designing efficient multicomponent photocatalysts with a single-crystal porous structure.