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Trace alcohol ether electrolytes with dual-site hydrogen bonds and modulated solvation structures for ultralong-life zinc-ion batteries
Get PDFAqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) are highly regarded for their affordability, stability, safety, and eco-friendliness. Nevertheless, their practical application is hindered by severe side reactions and the formation of zinc (Zn) protrusions on the Zn metal anode surface. In this study, we employ tetrahydrofuran alcohol (THFA), an efficient and cost-effective alcohol ether electrolyte, to mitigate these issues and achieve ultralong-life AZIBs. Theoretical calculations and experimental findings demonstrate that THFA acts as both a hydrogen bonding donor and acceptor, effectively anchoring H2O molecules through dual-site hydrogen bonding. This mechanism restricts the activity of free water molecules. Moreover, the two oxygen (O) atoms in THFA serve as dual solvation sites, enhancing the desolvation kinetics of [Zn(H2O)6]2+ and improving the deposition dynamics of Zn2+ ions. As a result, even trace amounts of THFA significantly suppress adverse reactions and the formation of Zn dendrites, enabling highly reversible Zn metal anodes for ultralong-life AZIBs. Specifically, a Zn-based symmetric cell containing 2 % THFA achieves an ultralong cycle life of 8,800 h at 0.5 mA cm−2/0.5 mAh cm−2, while a Zn//VO2 full cell containing 2 % THFA maintains a remarkable 80.03 % capacity retention rate at 5 A g−1 over 2,000 cycles. This study presents a practical strategy to develop dendrite-free, cost-effective, and highly efficient aqueous energy storage systems by leveraging alcohol ether compounds with dual-site hydrogen bonding capabilities
Perisynaptic Schwann cells: guardians of neuromuscular junction integrity and function in health and disease
No full textThe neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a highly reliable synapse to carry the control of the motor commands of the nervous system over the muscles. Its development, organization, and synaptic properties are highly structured and regulated to support such reliability and efficacy. Yet, the NMJ is also highly plastic, able to react to injury, and able to adapt to changes. This balance between structural stability and synaptic efficacy on one hand and structural plasticity and repair on another hand is made possible by perisynaptic Schwann cells (PSCs), glial cells at this synapse. They regulate synaptic efficacy and structural plasticity of the NMJ in a dynamic, bidirectional manner owing to their ability to decode synaptic transmission and by their interactions with trophic-related factors. Alteration of these fundamental roles of PSCs is also important in the maladapted response of NMJs in various diseases and in aging
The paradox of standards and innovation: reconceptualising standards and standardisation with the help of Niklas Luhmann
Get PDFThis research explores the intricate relationship between standards and innovation through the lens of Niklas Luhmann's theoretical framework. Standardisation transforms uncertainty into certainty, providing a stable foundation for modern social systems and shaping reality. Historically, standardisation has facilitated social homogenisation and bureaucratic efficiency, as observed by Max Weber. However, defining standards and standardisation remains ambiguous due to their diverse applications across various domains. This study reconceptualises standards and standardisation as dynamic constructs that integrate specific forms and general principles, aligning with Luhmann's notion of unity. It addresses the paradox of standards and innovation, which arises from the duality and simultaneity of complexity reduction (uniformity) and complexity increase (diversity), as well as the tension between compatibility (standards) and novelty (innovation). The research introduces the concept of stylisation to the works of technological standardisation, enabling the comparability of technological systems with art systems. By embracing dynamic stability and stylisation, systems can navigate the paradox effectively, ensuring sustainable growth and adaptation
“I felt her poems were more like my life”: cultivating BPoC teenagers’ writer-identity through a poet residency
Get PDFThis article examines the impact of a poet-led classroom-based poetry programme on secondary school students' writer identities and self-expression, particularly focusing on BPoC teenagers. Drawing on the Writing Realities framework, the research uses focus groups, participant observations, and interviews with the poet-in-residence. Rather than analysing the students' poems, the study explores their engagement with poetry writing and the poet-in-residence, highlighting the contribution to self-reflection and meaning-making. The findings reveal how the residency introduced students to diverse poetry forms, community-based poetry, and collaborative writing, facilitating critical engagement with themes relevant to their lives. However, the school's status as a Predominantly White Institution hindered full expression of BPoC students' identities. The presence of the poet-in-residence, a young mixed-heritage Muslim woman, positively influenced students' relationships with writing, particularly for BPoC students, by providing a protected space for self-expression and identity exploration. The study underscores the importance of creating supportive environments in schools to nurture BPoC students' creativity and writer identity, emphasising the need for anti-racist practices and culturally sustaining pedagogies to empower students from socially marginalised groups
A paradox of ethnic politics? Minority language recognition and political trust in an authoritarian setting
Get PDFDoes a state's increased use of a minority language affect the political attitudes of minorities using that language? To explore the impact of minority language recognition on minority individuals’ political attitudes, we conducted an online survey experiment in Turkey, recruiting citizens of Kurdish origin. Our results point to a recognition paradox. While Kurdish people in Turkey become more satisfied with state services when these services are provided in the Kurdish language, this satisfaction does not increase trust in state institutions. On the other hand, the recognition of the minority language further increases demands for policies regarding that ethnic language
Scientific literacy in biology and attitudes towards science in the Chilean education system
Get PDFBackground:
The development of scientific literacy in young people is seen as important in several countries. In recent decades, Chile’s educational reforms aimed at performance have led to a market-oriented funding and management system, worsening social inequality and segregation.
Purpose:
The study looked at biology literacy and science attitudes in Chilean secondary school students, considering two aims: 1) to analyse the level of scientific literacy in biology and attitudes toward science posed by secondary school students, making comparisons by gender, age, socio-economic status (SES), and type of school; and 2) to evaluate the relationship between scientific literacy in biology and attitudes towards science.
Sample:
612 secondary school students in a central southern region of Chile, took part in the study.
Design & Methods:
A quantitative method was used to analyse the students’ responses on two validated and adapted instruments; A test to measure biological knowledge (TOSLS) and Likert Scale Science-related (LSSr) to measure attitude towards science. These instruments were administered to secondary students, and descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted.
Results:
The adapted TOSLS showed significant differences in SES, school type and slight variations by gender and age, although, no illiteracy level in biology was found among the Chilean students. The adapted LSSr showed significant differences concerning attitudes toward science were found in school type, and variations by SES and age, and gender. Also, the correlation analysis shows a weak positive relationship between scientific literacy in biology and attitudes towards science, although of moderate magnitude.
Conclusion:
This study found that scientific literacy in biology does not necessarily impact attitudes towards science. However, SES and type of school can affect understanding and views of science and its role in society, which aligns with previous findings on social inequality in Chilean education
Flight Performance Of Multi-rotor Configuration Tail Rotors
Get PDFTo better understand and predict the flight performance of multi-rotor configurations of tail rotors controlled via collective pitch or rotor speed, a flight performance tool is derived. The tool includes a tail rotor model, an aerodynamic interference model, and a trim method. The vertical configuration of a multi-rotor tail rotor can effectively take advantage of aerodynamic interference to reduce the required power. The five-rotor configuration with fixed rotor speed reduces the power by 36.7%. More rotors are preferable from the point of view of power consumption. Too many rotors are unnecessary, since the extra benefit obtained is very diminished. Varying the rotor speed is better for performance improvement compared with varying the collective pitch, since lower rotor speed leads to rotor power reduction. The five-rotor configuration with fixed collective pitch reduces the power by 53.3%. The severe aerodynamic interference between the rotors leads to the longitudinal configuration of multi-rotor configuration having much poorer performance. The four-rotor configuration in a “plus” arrangement achieves better performance than the cross four-rotor configuration or a vertical four-rotor configuration
Onlife Criminology: Virtual Crimes and Real Harms
No full textOnlife Criminology is the study of crime and social harm produced by the blurring lines between online technological interactions and our everyday lives. The term on+life was originally coined by Luciano Floridi (2015) and is used here to represent the conditions of harm, crime and deviance recurring in the everyday life of smart device users and globally connected citizens. Onlife criminology engages with the liminal aspect of cyber-criminality, whereas digital existence and online activity have evolved into a new, hybrid dimension of crime and harm
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