Synchronous Formation Research Articles

Study protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial evaluating the efficacy of an online yoga intervention in high-grade glioma patients and their caregivers: the YINOTA-O-trial

IntroductionHigh-grade glioma patients and their caregivers often suffer from distress and a lower quality of life. Results from studies with patients with mixed cancer entities suggest that yoga can be...

The evolution of cooperation and global synchronization in the evolutionary Kuramoto dilemma combined with the prisoner's dilemma

In this work, we have studied the evolution of the cooperation and the global synchronization on the Kuramoto model upon random networks with two games, in which one is the evolutionary Kuramoto dilemma and the other is the weak prisoner's dilemma. Agents can gain their payoffs from these two games synchronously. In the evolutionary Kuramoto game, cooperators prefer the formation of local synchronization but pay less cooperative cost. Cooperators in weak prisoner's dilemma can form cooperator clusters because of the network reciprocity. Combining these two games shows a mutual promotion effect upon the order of the global synchronization but a competition effect on the cooperation level. The global synchronization begins to rise only when most agents choose cooperation. It is manifested by the fact that the optimal coupling strength for the highest cooperation level is smaller than that for the highest synchronization level. The high cooperation cost makes defection the most advantageous strategy when the coupling strength reaches rather high, which diminishes the effect of cooperator clusters, and ultimately results in the absence of both cooperators and global synchronization. When agents have more neighbors in the random network, it is observed that cooperation is consistently hindered unless the coupling strength is relatively small. Additionally, there is always an optimal average degree that allows for global synchronization.

REE-phosphate mineralization stages and conditions of monazite formation in the ore veins in the northern part of Ditrău Alkaline Massif (Eastern Carpathians, Romania)

In terms of rare earth potential, the Ditrău Alkaline Massif (Romania) is one of the most prospective formations in Europe. The REE mineralization occurs as mineralized ore veins and is most prominent in the northern (Jolotca) and eastern (Belcina) parts of the Massif. The ore veins of Jolotca area outcrop over a larger area than the Belcina ones, and are predominantly rich in LREE minerals. The most important REE minerals in the Jolotca veins are phosphates, of which monazite (Mnz) (group) is by far the most abundant, while xenotime (Xtm) occur only sporadically. The monazite-xenotime mineral assemblages are the products of at least three successive mineralization stages: (1) Mnz1 followed by Xtm1 (the vast majority of REE phosphates formed in this stage); (2) Mnz2 + Xtm2 (as inclusions in apatite) and Mnz3 + Xtm3 (as interstitial phases), the two assemblages are texturally distinct but their synchronous formation is likely; (3) Mnz4 scattered in magnetite veins (no xenotime formed in this stage). The chemical composition of the phases formed in each stage supports their hydrothermal origin. The alteration characteristics, reaction patterns and internal textural features of the monazite-xenotime assemblages reflect the metasomatizing effect of each hydrothermal stage. Three fluid types with different compositions were identified in the earliest Mnz1 phase: An H2O-NaCl-CO2 type (2–4 mol% CO2, 10–22 wt% NaCleq., Th: 225–350 °C), an H2O-NaCl type (10–22 wt% NaCleq., Th: 160–330 °C) and an H2O-NaCl-CaCl2 type (23–25 wt% NaCleq., Th: 150–250 °C). Combining Y-in monazite thermometry data with isochores of primary originated fluid inclusions indicate <500 MPa pressures and 200–420 °C temperature conditions for formation of Mnz1. The observed REE patterns of monazites were most probably resulted by a temperature derived fractionation of REEs carried as carbonate complexes in hydrothermal fluids by the effect of successive metasomatic flushing.

Secular Changes in the Occurrence of Subduction During the Archean

AbstractSubduction processes play a pivotal role in facilitating material exchange between the crust and mantle, contributing to the growth of continents. However, the onset and evolution of subduction remain hotly debated. Here, we developed a high‐dimensional machine learning (ML) model to use multiple compositional data (e.g., Nb/La, Nb, Ti, Nb/U, Pb/Nd, and Nb/Th) to distinguish arc‐type from non‐arc basalts worldwide, then applied this well‐trained ML model to identify and delineate the secular occurrence of Archean arc‐type basalts. Our findings indicate that basaltic arc magmatism can be traced back to only a few early Archean cratons. A noticeable increase in the prevalence of arc‐type basalts during the Mesoarchean and Neoarchean suggests the synchronous formation of Archean subduction across different cratons. This observation hints at transitioning from the predominantly stagnant geodynamic regime to the early, more mobile tectonic regime.

Exploration of field-like torque and field-angle tunability in coupled spin-torque nano oscillators for synchronization.

We investigate the influence of field-like torque and the direction of the external magnetic field on a one-dimensional array of serially connected spin-torque nano oscillators (STNOs), having free layers with perpendicular anisotropy, to achieve complete synchronization between them by analyzing the associated Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert-Slonczewski equation. The obtained results for synchronization are discussed for the cases of 2, 10, and 100 oscillators separately. The roles of the field-like torque and the direction of the external field on the synchronization of the STNOs are explored through the Kuramoto order parameter. While the field-like torque alone is sufficient to bring out global synchronization in the system made up of a small number of STNOs, the direction of the external field is also needed to be slightly tuned to synchronize the one-dimensional array of a large number of STNOs. The formation of complete synchronization through the construction of clusters within the system is identified for the 100 oscillators. The large amplitude synchronized oscillations are obtained for small to large numbers of oscillators. Moreover, the tunability in frequency for a wide range of currents is shown for the synchronized oscillations up to 100 spin-torque oscillators. In addition to achieving synchronization, the field-like torque increases the frequency of the synchronized oscillations. The transverse Lyapunov exponents are deduced to confirm the stable synchronization in coupled STNOs due to the field-like torque and to validate the results obtained in the numerical simulations. The output power of the array is estimated to be enhanced substantially due to complete synchronization by the combined effect of field-like torque and tunability of the field-angle.

Engineering in situ growth of Au nanoclusters on hydrophilic paper fibres for fluorescence calligraphy-based chemical logic gates and information encryption.

Gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) are a type of rising-star fluorescence nanomaterials, but their properties and applications are hindered by the multi-step synthesis and purification routes, as well as the lack of desired supporting substrates. To enhance optical performance and working efficiency, the synthesis and applications of AuNCs are suggested to be merged with emerging substrates. Herein, glutathione-modified hydrophilic rice papers are incubated in chloroauric acid aqueous solutions, and the oxidation-reduction reaction between glutathione and Au ions enables the in situ formation of fluorescent AuNCs on the solid fibres of rice papers. The in situ growth of fluorescent AuNCs on rice papers resulted in eye-catching fluorescence tracks, similar to traditional Chinese conventional calligraphy; thus, this fluoresence calligraphy is defined in this work. The entire process, including synthesis and signal responses, is extremely simple, rapid, and repeatable. Moreover, the diversity of additive chemical reagents in the studied rice papers resulted in responsive fluorescence calligraphy, and the as-synthesized AuNC materials exhibited high reliability and optical stability. Significantly, with the integration of synchronous formation and application of Au nanoclusters on hydrophilic paper substrates, high-performance logical gates and information encryption systems were constructed, remarkably facilitating the progress of molecular sensing and important information transmission.

Morphotectonics and paleoseismology of the North Darhad fault (SW Baikal Rift, Mongolia)

The North Darhad Fault, a major N-S fault at the SW Baikal Rift, demonstrates weak present-day activity, but several morphotectonic features indicate the occurrence of strong surface-rupturing earthquakes in the past. The seismic potential of the North Darhad Fault has not been accurately assessed, leaving a gap in the assessment of the seismic hazard. In this paper we present remote and field morphotectonic and paleoseismological studies carried out along this fault system. A detailed topographic mapping of the fault scarp in alluvial surface and trenching across the fault revealed two paleoseismic events responsible for the scarp formation. Dating of organic remnants found in the cross-section allow estimating a Holocene age for the paleoearthquakes and bracket the vertical slip rates along the North Darhad Fault between 0.3 ± 0.06 mm/yr (min) and 0.6 ± 0.12 mm/yr (max) over the last ∼ 8.4 ka. The obtained morphotectonic and paleoseismological data suggest that the North Darhad Fault has produced two magnitude Mw7 earthquakes separated by mean recurrence period of ∼ 3.5 ka. We have demonstrated that within the SW Baikal Rift the ∼ M7-7.5 earthquakes likely occur during temporal clusters along the faults separated in space by up to 250 km. The slip rates along the North Darhad Fault allowed us to compute the age of the Darhad Basin at 6.5–3.3 Ma, suggesting a synchronous formation of fault-controlled horst-graben systems throughout the SW Baikal Rift. The opening of the Darhad Basin fits well into the pull-apart model of deformation between the two largest strike-slip fault systems - Bulnay in the south and Mondy-Tunka-Sayan in the north.

The relationship between length of denosumab treatment for postmenopausal osteoporosis and serum TRAcP5b measured six months after the last injection.

In women with postmenopausal osteoporosis the aetiology of the observed inverse relationship between duration of denosumab (Dmab) therapy and bone loss after its discontinuation is currently unknown. In studies in mice inhibition of RANKL is associated with an increase in osteomorphs and osteoclast precursors that recycle into osteoclasts and may accumulate with time. We hypothesized that longer inhibition of RANKL by Dmab will be followed by the synchronous formation of a larger number of osteoclasts after stopping treatment. To test this hypothesis, we measured serum TRAcP5b, a marker of osteoclast numbers, in postmenopausal women treated with Dmab for different periods of time up to 10years. TRAcP5b, C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTX) and procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide (P1NP) were measured at 6.0months ± 15days after last Dmab injection in 59 women who had received Dmab for 4.0 ± 2.3years (range 1-10years). Of these, 38 were treatment naïve (group 1) and 21 had received other treatments prior Dmab (group 2). Duration of Dmab treatment was not related to serum TRAcP5b values or to TRAcP5b/CTX ratio either in the whole cohort or in each of the two groups separately. In contrast, serum TRAcP5b values were significantly correlated with serum CTX values (rs = 0.619; p < 0.001), but not with serum P1NP values or BMD at all skeletal sites. Our observations indicate that serum TRAcP5b, measured at 6months after a Dmab injection, is not a useful early marker for time-dependent increased accumulation of osteoclasts in humans and for identification of patients at risk for a higher rebound increase in bone resorption.

Thinking outside the Zoom box: Discovering resilience, innovation and creativity for large instrumental ensembles during the pandemic

This paper provides readers with insights and strategies to tackle challenges of various remote and in-person large ensemble rehearsal situations, as well as hopefully inspires others to find the opportunities through the obstacles. The authors provide tips and strategies for creating innovative and cross-disciplinary projects and providing valuable experience for the ensemble students in virtual, hybrid and socially distanced in-person educational settings. Strategies presented are gathered from the authors’ first-hand experiences with their large orchestral ensembles (ranging from 50–70 students) during the pandemic. Finally, the authors provide insights on what has worked well, challenges faced, technologies applied and lessons learned during the process. This paper also discusses various creative strategies to highlight collaboration and create a sense of community and belonging in a remote environment. Readers will gain ideas regarding unique teaching concepts for the music ensemble in the current environment including fully remote instruction, hybrid instruction and in-person settings. Matters such as utilising the audio Jamulus platform, engaging students in synchronous format, wellness for the instructor and students, finding value and motivation and embracing technology will be explored throughout the paper.

Deoxygenation of Phosphine Oxides by PIII/PV═O Redox Catalysis via Successive Isodesmic Reactions.

Deoxygenation of phosphine oxides is of great significance to synthesis of phosphorus ligands and relevant catalysts, as well as to the sustainability of phosphorus chemistry. However, the thermodynamic inertness of P═O bonds poses a severe challenge to their reduction. Previous approaches in this regard rely primarily on a type of P═O bond activation with either Lewis/Brønsted acids or stoichiometric halogenating reagents under harsh conditions. Here, we wish to report a novel catalytic strategy for facile and efficient deoxygenation of phosphine oxides via successive isodesmic reactions, whose thermodynamic driving force for breaking the strong P═O bond was compensated by a synchronous formation of another P═O bond. The reaction was enabled by PIII/P═O redox sequences with the cyclic organophosphorus catalyst and terminal reductant PhSiH3. This catalytic reaction avoids the use of the stoichiometric activator as in other cases and features a broad substrate scope, excellent reactivities, and mild reaction conditions. Preliminary thermodynamic and mechanistic investigations disclosed a dual synergistic role of the catalyst.

Synchronous formation of the ‘forearc’ Bay of Islands ophiolite and its basal high-temperature metamorphic sole constrained by U–Pb zircon ages

The welded metamorphic sole at the base of the Bay of Islands Ophiolite Complex (BOIC) in the Northern Appalachians of Newfoundland shows a typical inverted pressure-temperature (P-T) metamorphic gradient from HT-MP granulite to LT-LP greenschist facies. It incorporates mafic volcanic/plutonic protoliths mixed with pelagic, hemi-pelagic and coarser epiclastic sedimentary protoliths. New LA-ICP-MS U–Pb concordia ages, trace elements, and Ti-in-zircon geothermometry for ∼250 zircon analyses from three metabasites of the upper HT sole amphibolites with N-MORB-like protoliths are reported. Two samples collected within meters of the ophiolite peridotite-sole contact of the Blow Me Down Mountain and North Arm Mountain massifs yielded the oldest comparable concordia ages of 487.7±2.6 Ma and 489.1±3.1 Ma, respectively, that are both within error of the igneous age of 488.3±1.5 Ma of the directly overlying BOIC ophiolite, which formed at a supra-subduction zone (SSZ) forearc spreading center. A third slightly younger age of 484.2±2.4 Ma was obtained for an upper HT amphibolite sample with similar phase assemblages but collected ∼30 m below the peridotite contact of the Table Mountain massif. Zircon crystals analyzed have similar size and morphologies, subparallel rare earth element (REE) variation patterns, and steep heavy REE-enrichments ((Lu/Gd)cn >20), significant positive Ce anomalies (dominantly >5) and slight positive to dominantly negative Eu anomalies (1.2 – 0.4). Zircon shows Th/U mean values of 0.37 – 0.48 with little to no rim to core variation. Minimum Ti-in-zircon mean crystallization temperatures range from ∼764 – 787 °C. These neocrystallized zircon crystals appear to be derived from thin leucosomes within the three amphibolites. Two other samples also from the upper HT sole show evidence of inherited detrital zircon with core dates spanning the Cambrian Notre Dame Arc through older Laurentian-like basement and rift age ranges.Subcretion of the sole took place below a hot forearc asthenospheric wedge, that is, a consequence of the newly-formed BOIC forearc spreading center extending from the back arc to a triple junction along the westward- (or paleo-northward) verging trench of the Notre Dame arc. The early HT sole formation age at ca. 489–488 Ma is long prior to initiation of obduction at ca. 470 Ma and long after initiation of subduction beneath the paleo-northward verging Notre Dame peri-Laurentian arc at ca. 514 Ma. This indicates Newfoundland sole ages of the BOIC and St. Anthony Complex are correlated with the age of SSZ spreading, but not necessarily subduction initiation because previously existing and self-sustaining subduction was ongoing. Sole ages are then not correlated with the younger age of obduction-related orogenic events (e.g., proposed Taconic I and II) in the Newfoundland Appalachians.

Gelation behaviors and mechanism of a new pectic polysaccharide from apple pomace as a potential gelatin substitute

In this study, we reported a pectic polysaccharide industrially obtained from apple pomace by metal ion precipitation technique showing an unexpected gelation behavior. Structurally, this apple pectin (AP) is a macromolecular polymer with a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of 361.7 kDa, and DM (degree of methoxylation) of 12.5 %, comprising 60.38 % glucose, 19.41 % mannose, 17.60 % galactose and 1.00 % rhamnose and 1.61 % glucuronic acid. The low acidic sugar percentage relative to the total monosaccharide amount indicated a high branching structure of AP. On addition of Ca2+ ions, AP exhibited a remarkable gelling ability upon cooling its heat solution to low temperature (e.g., 4 °C). However, at room temperature (e.g., 25 °C) or in the absence of Ca2+, no gel was formed. At a fixed pectin concentration (0.5 %, w/v), AP showed increasing gel hardness and gelation temperature (Tgel) with CaCl2 concentration increasing to 0.05 % (w/v); however, further addition of CaCl2 weakened AP gels and even abolished the gelation. On reheating, all gels melted below 35 °C, which suggests the potential use of AP as a gelatin substitute. The gelation mechanism was explained as an intricate balance of the synchronous formation of hydrogen bond and Ca2+ crosslinks between AP molecules during cooling.

Abstract P6-06-01: Development of a patient advocate training at UNC’s Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center

Abstract Development of a patient advocate training at UNC’s Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center Introduction: Patient advocates are survivors, caregivers, or people affected by cancer who represent the patient experience and bring a nonscientific viewpoint to the research process. Based on a previous assessment of engagement related needs of researchers and patient advocates at UNC’s Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center (LCCC), the need for a comprehensive training for patient advocates was identified to better facilitate collaboration in cancer research, including learning more about the role of patient advocates to prepare them for meaningful interactions with researchers. Purpose: To provide an engaging, empowering training for patient advocates involved in (or interested in becoming involved in) research projects with faculty and staff of LCCC. LCCC is committed to offering trainings that better equip researchers and patient advocates to meaningfully work together. This training will be the first step towards that goal and introducing patient advocates to patient advocacy, LCCC’s programs and services, and working with researchers. Methods: Prior to designing the patient advocate training, we, the student team working with LCCC, created a Curriculum Adaptation Plan and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) plan to include implementation steps along with questions to ask, items to consider, and examples organized by section. We then conducted three interviews with members of LCCC to collect qualitative data on existing, external patient advocate trainings and provide insight on best practices. Using our findings, we created a five-part training to better equip advocates for research partnership. We reviewed the training for health literacy and to ensure alignment with the Curriculum Adaptation and DEI plans. Lastly, we facilitated a one-hour focus group via Zoom with experienced patient advocates to receive feedback on the training. As a result, we integrated key changes into the final training to encourage participants that all comments and questions are welcome, add clear definitions of patient advocacy, and include an optional activity reviewing research abstracts. Results: We developed a training to engage patient advocates involved or interested in becoming involved in research projects at LCCC. Training objectives include understanding LCCC’s goals and the role of patient advocacy, building a sense of community and passion for advocacy, and gaining confidence in providing feedback on research materials. The training consists of a facilitator script and outline, PowerPoint slide deck, handouts, and an evaluation survey to be delivered in a two-hour hybrid synchronous format. Training content is organized into five parts: Welcome and Introductions, Purpose of Training and Introduction to LCCC, What is Patient Advocacy at LCCC?, Practice Giving Feedback, and Conclusion. The training is designed to be skills-based, consisting of group discussions, an interview with a current patient advocate-researcher pair, and the opportunity for participants to make suggestions on research materials. Recommendations: Based on our recommendations, LCCC will offer the training as onboarding for new patient advocates with the option for seasoned patient advocates to attend as a refresher. An individual with direct involvement with patient advocates and researchers will lead the training. To tailor to varying patient advocates’ experience and knowledge, more advanced research examples based on participants’ experience in advocacy should be included. LCCC will use this training and consider ways to provide iterations of the training in other languages and engage individuals from different cultural backgrounds disproportionately burdened by cancer and not commonly involved in patient advocacy. We propose a scale-up implementation at other institutions to adapt this patient advocate training. Citation Format: Kathryn L. Kennedy, Angelica M. Mejia, Emily K. Walton, Joia Freeman, Alice Lu, Jennifer A. Potter, Patty Spears. Development of a patient advocate training at UNC’s Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2022 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(5 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-06-01.

Self-Controlled Flashing Nuclear Fusion in Stationary Magnetized Low-Temperature Plasma

The prerequisites and mechanism for the implementation of efficient pulsed (flashing) nuclear fusion in a low-temperature hydrogen plasma with a temperature of 10 to 20 eV in a constant magnetic field are considered. It is shown for the first time that the natural very frequent alternation of the processes of ionization of atoms and recombination of ions leads to the synchronous formation of coherent correlated states of hydrogen nuclei and its isotopes. The formation of such states leads to the generation of very large fluctuations of kinetic energy (up to 10 to 100 keV) at the initial stage of each ionization event, which exists for most of the lifetime of the ionized state before ion recombination. It is shown that the relatively long duration of the existence of these fluctuations and their very large amplitude are sufficient for efficient nuclear fusion in such a magnetized low-temperature plasma.

Adaptation process of a culturally congruent parenting intervention for parents of Hispanic adolescents to an online synchronous format.

Adaptations to interventions for specific settings or communities are critical for facilitating successful implementation. The Dynamic Adaptation Process model was applied to systematically assess the adaptation process made to an in-person parenting intervention (FPNG+) prior to its implementation online. This qualitative case study design included meeting notes and interviews completed with project team members. Meeting notes were analyzed using content analysis. Semi-structured interviews regarding project team members' roles on FPNG+ and processes and activities they identified as critical for the adaptation of FPNG+ to an online intervention were analyzed using a deductive-inductive approach. In the formative phase, three primary processes were identified: information gathering to determine if the environment existed for the implementation of an online program; considerations to support the facilitation process of FPNG+ to an online environment, and decision-making to support modifications to FPNG+. The pre-implementation phase consisted of three processes: information shared by the instructional designer to facilitate the delivery of the FPNG+ content online; modifications made to the format of the intervention to meet the cultural needs of Hispanic families and address contextual issues; and iterative efforts to tailor the intervention by the project team. This study used implementation science to distinguish the dynamic processes that occurred across different systems and multiple levels in the project team's effort to modify FPNG+ to an online intervention. The contribution of this study underscores the importance of identifying the processes that facilitate the modifications made to an intervention and the capacity to implement the modified intervention with Hispanic families.

Conductive carrier promotes synchronous biofilm formation and granulation of anammox bacteria

The extracellular electron transfer capability of some anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) bacteria was confirmed in recent years. However, the effect of conductive carriers on the synchronous formation of anammox biofilm and granules is rarely reported. Anammox biofilm and granules with compact and stable structures accelerate the initiation and enhance the stability of the anammox process. In this study, we found that the conductive carbon fiber brush (CB) carrier promoted synchronous biofilm formation and granulation of anammox bacteria in the internal circulation immobilized blanket (ICIB) reactor. Compared with polyurethane sponge and zeolite carrier, the ICIB reactor packed with CB carrier can be operated under the highest total nitrogen loading rate of 6.53 kg-N/(m3·d) and maintain the effluents NH4+-N and NO2−-N at less than 1 mM. The volatile suspended solids concentration in the ICIB reactor packed with conductive carrier increased from 5.17 ± 0.40 g/L of inoculum sludge to 24.24 ± 1.20 g/L of biofilm, and the average particle size of granules increased from 222.09 µm to 879.80 µm in 150 days. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis showed that anammox bacteria prevailed in the biofilm and granules. The analysis of extracellular polymeric substances indicated that protein and humic acid-like substances played an important role in the formation of anammox biofilm and granules. Microbiome analysis showed that the relative abundance of Candidatus Jettenia was increased from 0.18% to 38.15% in the biofilm from CB carrier during start-up stage. This study provides a strategy for rapid anammox biofilm and granules enrichment and carrier selection of anammox process.

SWOT analysis of telerehabilitation after stroke: synchronous format

SWOT analysis of telerehabilitation after stroke: synchronous format

Anion-modulated CoPelectrode asbifunctional electrocatalystfor anion-exchange membrane hydrazine-assisted water electrolyser.

The hydrazine oxidation reaction (HzOR) is considered as a promising alternative process of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) to realize more energy-efficient hydrogen generation. However, the lack of highly active bifunctional catalysts poses a huge challenge to this strategy. In this work, we report a novel and universal electrodeposition strategy to rationally synthesize a self-supporting electrode. The utilization of ammonium fluoride helps to modulate not only the morphology of CoP, but also the synchronous formation of an anion-modified structure, leading to an excellent bifunctional performance. The optimal F-CoP/CF exhibits small potentials of -90 mV and 41 mV at 1 A cm-2, high stability and low Tafel slopes of 28 mV dec-1 and 3.26 mV dec-1 for the HER and HzOR, respectively. The highly efficient and stable bifunctional activity of F-CoP/CF can be further confirmed in an anion-exchange membrane hydrazine-assisted water electrolyzer (0.49 V at 1 A cm-2). Utilizing the density functional theory calculations, the optimized adsorption energy of water molecules and hydrogen intermediates of the HER as well as the rate-determining step of the HzOR are demonstrated for the F-CoP.

Ball-Milling-Triggered Synthesis of Si/C/SiC@MCMB Composites from Carbon Dioxide for Improved Lithium Storage Capability

The excessive emission of carbon dioxide (CO2) poses a serious threat to the sustainable development of human beings. The efficient conversion of CO2 into high-value-added chemicals is of great significance for solving the greenhouse effect and energy crisis. Herein, a new strategy is proposed to turn CO2 into Si/C/SiC composites through a one-step ball-milling reaction with Mg2Si at room temperature. Moreover, mesophase carbon microspheres (MCMB) are introduced into reactants to prepare Si/C/SiC@MCMB composites for possible commercial application. This method realizes the synchronous formation of Si, C, and SiC with a tight interfacial contact at room temperature, which enhances the electronic conductivity and structural stability of Si/C. It is found that the addition of MCMB greatly restricts the formation of SiC inactive phase and leads to a thin lamellar structure for lithium storage. When evaluated as a lithium-ion battery anode, the Si/C/SiC@MCMB composites exhibit superior cycling stability and rating performance. This room temperature synthesis strategy has the advantages of low cost, simple operation process, and easy scalable production, which not only provide a new route to turn CO2 into a benefit but also provide a new way for the design and synthesis of high-capacity Si/C anodes.

The Ethics of the Virtual Educational Environment, New Meanings

Introduction. The purpose of this study is to analyze the ethical and linguo-didactic aspects of the virtual educational space of higher education. The COVID-19 pandemic has served as a catalyst for the transition of education to an online format. Of course, most educational institutions and teachers were forced to quickly adapt the methods and forms of online organization of the educational process. The issue of online education has long been considered from the scientific and practical sides, but such a quick and forced transition to online revealed a number of problems and features of online communication. One of the most significant is the problem of the ethics of online communication in education.Methodology and sources. The theoretical base of the study is represented by the works of Russian and foreign authors in the field of pedagogy of the Higher School (I.V. Robert, I.P. Kuzheleva-Sagan), the theory of generations (N. Howe and W. Strauss, D. and I. Stillman, Shamis) and intercultural communications (G. Hoftede).The empirical base of the study was data obtained during interviews with teachers (23) and students (27) of a higher school (semi-structured, random sample), analysis of the content of educational chats and visual analysis of student avatars (625) used in Zoom.Results and discussion. The article outlines the directions of research into the problems of ethics in the process of online education. On the basis of empirical data, the authors record the transfer of an informal style of communication into the format of educational communication with a teacher, which is spontaneously emotional in nature. The authors make the assumption that the regulation of communication processes had an optional and often non-mandatory format. Particular attention is paid to the understanding and perception of the ethical norms of communication by representatives of different generations.Conclusion. The synchronous format of educational communication in the online format has other syntactic, semantic and stylistic features that differ from the previously generally accepted academic language. In the future, this issue requires a comprehensive consideration not only from the communication and ethical side, but also from the point of view of legal and information security. It is necessary to form ethical standards for online teaching.