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Long-term stability and power conversion efficiency of perovskite solar cells are strongly affected by their precursor compositions and intermediate phases during the fabrication process. In general, complex chemical reactions happen in a short time scale during the nucleation and crystal growth steps. However, the ex-situ characterization probes cannot capture the dynamics of perovskite film formation and degradation. In this review, we discussed the ambient air-compatible in-situ characterization probes that are used to monitor the evolution of the structural, morphological, and optoelectronic properties of perovskite films, which provides a deep understanding of the perovskite crystal formation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Patients and Methods Results Conclusions To investigate the outcomes of ureteroscopy and lasertripsy in lower pole renal stones <2 cm when treated in situ compared to displacement to the upper pole.Using the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE)/PubMed, the Excerpta Medica dataBASE (EMBASE), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), the Cochrane Library, and Clinicaltrials.gov we identified adult population, English language, studies published until March 2023 comparing surgical outcomes and stone‐free rates (SFRs) in relation to lower pole stones <2 cm managed in situ vs those displaced (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews [PROSPERO] identifier: CRD42023432750). Analysis was performed using R with the ‘meta’ package. Bias analysis was performed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool for randomised trials and the Newcastle–Ottawa scale for observational studies. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to ascertain the certainty of evidence.A total of five studies were included, comprising two retrospective cohort studies, three randomised trials, with a total of 408 patients. Meta‐analysis demonstrated SFRs are significantly higher in those patients undergoing displacement vs those managed in situ (risk ratio 1.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.10–1.34, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in complication rates. Operative time was significantly longer in the displacement group (mean difference 5.62 min, 95% CI 0.40–10.83 min; P = 0.03). Overall risk of bias was moderate. Certainty of evidence was moderate for stone‐free status, and very low for all other outcomes.This systematic review and meta‐analysis demonstrates that for lower pole stones <2 cm displacement strategies have significantly higher SFRs than treatment in situ, with no significant difference in complications. There is significantly increased operative time in the displaced group, but an additional 6 min is unlikely to be clinically significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When the lubricating oil flowing between the contact surfaces contains simulated wear particles, it is considered that there is a high possibility for the particles to enter between the contact surfaces if the particles are present on the disk side in a friction test between a fixed ball and a rotating disk. For particles with a diameter of 0.8 µm, it has been previously shown that the entrainment frequency changes with the outside oil film thickness, but the effect of the disk material on the amount of particle deposition and the visualization of particle movement direction due to vortices generated between the contact surfaces had not been performed. In this study, by using SiO2 disks and sapphire disks with different Hamaker constants, the effect on the amount of particle deposition in front of the contact surfaces was experimentally clarified by changing the van der Waals forces acting between the particles and the disks. Additionally, assuming that vortices generated in the oil film between the contact surfaces move the particles to the disk surface side, the flow direction of the lubricating oil was visualized using Navier-Stokes simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aerogel possesses distinctive features rendering it widely applicable in thermal insulation. Nevertheless, supercritical fluid drying (SCFD) method and freeze-drying employed for aerogels necessitates the complex process, resulting in heightened energy consumption and more risk. To achieve the cost-effective preparation of silica aerogel, we introduce an in-situ acid catalysis strategy for rapidly crafting high-performance SiO2 aerogel materials under ambient conditions. The resultant SiO2 aerogels exhibit remarkable porosity (95%) and a substantial specific surface area (759 m²/g). Furthermore, SiO2 aerogel composites display low thermal conductivity (0.015 W·m−1 K−1), coupled with commendable mechanical property. More importantly, we reveal the mechanism of the in-situ acid catalysis (ISAC) strategy. The entire production cycle of SiO2 aerogel composites and powder is only 6 and 4 h respectively, which greatly reduces the preparation time while ensuring excellent performances. This study introduces a novel approach for the industrial, low-cost, and rapid preparation of SiO2 aerogel materials through ambient pressure drying. Highlights: For the first time, the creation of SiO2 aerogels using in-situ acid catalysis (ISAC) strategy is suggested. Reveal the mechanism of the ISAC strategy. The entire production cycle of SiO2 aerogel composites and powder is only 6 and 4 h respectively, which greatly reduces the preparation time. The composites have low thermal conductivity (0.015 W·m−1 K−1) and outstanding mechanical characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: A breast cancer (BC) diagnosis may negatively affect health-related quality of life (HRQoL). However, there are few comparisons of HRQoL at several time points for women with BC, and particular when subdivided into invasive and in situ tumors. The purpose of this study was to investigate various aspects of HRQoL in women recently diagnosed with invasive BC or ductal carcinoma in situ (in situ) compared to age-matched BC free controls in a population-wide sample recruited through the Cancer Registry of Norway. Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized HRQoL data collected in 2020–2022 from a digital survey including 4117 cases (3867 women with invasive BC and 430 with in situ) and 2911 controls. HRQoL was assessed ≥ 21 days after diagnosis, using EORTC QLQ-C30. This includes scores assessing global quality of life (gHRQoL) and HRQoL functions and symptoms. Multivariable regression analyses were used to compare HRQoL between cases and controls and to identify factors associated with gHRQoL and fatigue. Additionally, HRQoL 14 months after diagnosis was analyzed in 1989 of the included cases and in 1212 of the controls. Score differences of ≥ 10 points were considered clinically relevant and thus presented in the results. Results: Invasive BC cases had lower gHRQoL, role- and social functioning in addition to more fatigue than controls. In situ cases had lower role—and social functioning than controls. Invasive BC cases scored worse than in situ on all domains, but the differences were not considered clinically relevant. Physical activity was associated with better gHRQoL and less fatigue in invasive BC, in situ and controls. Both invasive BC and in situ cases improved their role- and social functioning scores from diagnosis to 14 months follow-up, however no improvement was seen for fatigue. Conclusion: Women with invasive BC and in situ reported lower role- and social functioning scores than controls right after diagnosis with improvements 14 months after diagnosis. Physical activity was associated with better gHRQoL and less fatigue and should, whenever possible, play a key role in the care for BC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MgO nanoparticles have good As-adsorption capacity in treating As-contaminated wastewater but suffer from high production cost. In this study, instead of using pre-formed MgO nanoparticles, we found that in-situ formed Mg(OH)2 from MgCl2 and NaOH reaction exhibited super high arsenate (As(V)) removal efficiency. Only 1.5 mmol/L of in-situ formed Mg(OH)2 could remove more than 95% As(V) within 10 min to make the As contaminated water (10 mg-As(V)/L) meet the municipal wastewater treatment standard, whereas MgO nanoparticles failed. The Mg-As sludge has an amorphous crystal structure while no Mg(OH)2 phase could be observed. As(V) existed uniformly within the sludge which was confirmed by elemental mapping. A precipitation-adsorption-coagulation mechanism might exist, which could relieve the restriction of limited surface area of solid MgO adsorbents. This study not only reveals an applicable method for efficient removal of trace level As(V) from water but also implies the huge potential of in-situ formed adsorbents in water treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

3D printing technology allows for precise control of preparing complex geometries and internal defects in printed rock analogs, while in-situ Micro-CT imaging enables real-time observation of crack behavior. The combination of these technologies offers a new research approach for studying rock crack behavior. In this study, 3D-printed rock-like specimens containing a pre-existing flaw were prepared using a gypsum powder-based 3D printer. An advanced in-situ Micro-CT system equipped with a loading device was used to quantitatively and visually investigate the crack behavior in 3D-printed specimens under uniaxial compression testing. 2D CT images obtained from in-situ compression testing at different deformations could be used to reconstruct a 3D model and visually identify the crack patterns of the extracted cracks in 3D-printed specimens. The initiation angle of cracks, volume of the pre-existing flaw, volume of newly formed cracks, and damage value with respect to strains were analyzed to quantitatively investigate crack behavior. The results indicated that within the 3D-printed specimens, tensile cracks were first initiated near the internal flaw, followed by the occurrence of shear cracks or tensile-shear mixed cracks at the flaw tips. Additionally, there was a negative linear correlation between the initiation angle of newly formed cracks and the initial flaw angle. For flaw angles in the range of 0° ≤ α ≤ 45°, a higher number of newly formed cracks were observed in the 3D-printed specimens, and the rates of increase in crack volume and damage values with strain were faster. However, for flaw angles in the range of 45° < α ≤ 90°, the results showed the opposite trend. Furthermore, through comparison with the crack behavior of natural rocks containing a single flaw, it was found that the failure modes and crack behavior of the 3D-printed specimens exhibit certain similarities with natural rocks. Highlights: In-situ Micro-CT tests were performed on 3D-printed specimens with a single flaw during uniaxial compression. Crack behavior in 3D-printed rock-like specimens during uniaxial compression were visually and quantitatively investigated. Damage evolution of the initial flaw and newly formed cracks in 3D-printed rock-like specimens were respectively discussed. Comparison of crack behavior between 3D-printed specimens and natural rocks were investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spatiotemporal distribution of phytoplankton in estuaries is indicative of processes and transport across the land–ocean aquatic continuum (LOAC). Estuaries, as biogeochemically and physically active systems, process large amounts of nutrients and organic matter influencing the transformation of ecological functions. The transformation of the water column drives variation in phytoplankton composition, biomass, and their spatial distribution. Understanding the dynamics of nutrients and organic matter is challenging, yet it provides a comprehensive insight into phytoplankton spatiotemporal distribution across estuaries. Multiple studies have been conducted to understand the spatiotemporal distribution of phytoplankton. Recently, phytoplankton photosynthetic pigments, fatty acids and stable isotopes have been widely used to identify and quantify phytoplankton distribution. This review highlights the use of biogeochemical markers to identify phytoplankton functional groups. It also assesses the current understanding of patterns in the spatiotemporal distribution of phytoplankton and the impact of physical and environmental factors on their distribution in estuaries and coastal oceans. The review will also gather information from in situ sampling studies to evaluate the current state of knowledge and identify gaps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Typhoons, fueled by warm sea surface waters, heighten concern as they increasingly interact with frequent Marine Heatwaves (MHWs) in a changing climate. Typhoon Hinnamnor (2022) weakened and re‐intensified as it approached the Korean Strait, interacting with an underlying MHW in the northern East China Sea (nECS). In‐situ observations and reanalysis products revealed a significant increase in latent heat loss from the nECS during the MHW period, contributing to the typhoon re‐intensification. Strong sea surface wind forcing with the typhoon enhanced vertical mixing and upwelling, resulting in a pronounced (0.90°C) sea surface cooling after the typhoon passage, facilitating MHW disappearance with reduced thermal stratification. During MHWs, increased background stratification increases temperature oscillations associated with semidiurnal internal tides. Furthermore, post‐typhoon changes in stratification weakened semidiurnal internal tides due to unfavorable conditions for generation from a nearby source. These findings highlight the importance of continuous time‐series observations to monitor interactions among climatic extremes. Plain Language Summary: Typhoons, powered by warm ocean waters, are causing more concern as they increasingly interact with frequent episodes of extremely warm sea conditions known as Marine Heatwaves (MHWs) in a changing climate. This study focuses on Typhoon Hinnamnor in 2022, which went through a weakening and then strengthened as it moved to the Korean Strait and encountered an MHW in the northern East China Sea (nECS). By using in‐situ data collected in the nECS and additional data analysis, we discovered a significant increase in heat loss from the nECS during the MHW, contributing to the intensification of typhoon. The powerful winds from the typhoon caused enhanced mixing and cooling of the sea surface after it passed, helping to cause the disappearance of the MHW and reduce the layering of temperatures in the ocean. During MHW, strong layering strengthens the temperature oscillation linked with the semidiurnal internal tides in the ocean. After typhoon passage there is a decrease in the layering in the ocean, thus weakening the internal tide. The study emphasizes the importance of continuous observations to understand and monitor these interactions in our changing climate. Key Points: Typhoon Hinnamnor (2022) re‐intensified after interacting with the underlying Marine Heatwave (MHW) in the East China SeaTyphoon wind‐driven mixing caused the disappearance of the underlying MHWStratification change accompanied by MHW, and typhoon reduced the local activities of semidiurnal internal tides [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anticipation is key to performance in many sports. By definition, anticipation as a perceptual-cognitive process is meant to inform action and help athletes reduce potential motor costs under spatiotemporal pressure. Anticipation research has repeatedly been criticized for neglecting action and raised the need for predominant testing under conditions of perception-action coupling (PAC). To the best of our knowledge, however, there is a lack of explicit criteria to characterize and define PAC conditions. This can lead to blurred terminology and may complicate interpretation and comparability of PAC conditions and results across studies. Here, we make a first proposal for a 7-level classification of PAC conditions with the defining dimensions of stimulus presentation and response mode. We hope this classification may constitute a helpful orientation for study planning and reporting in research on anticipation. Further, we illustrate the potential utilization of the PAC classification as a template for experimental protocol analysis in a review on anticipation in racket sports. Analysis of N = 115 studies reported in N = 91 articles confirms an underrepresentation of representative PAC conditions and reveals little change in PAC approaches over more than 40years of research in that domain. We discuss potential reasons for these findings, the benefits of adopting the proposed PAC classification and reiterate the call for more action in anticipation research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Purpose A breast cancer (BC) diagnosis may negatively affect health-related quality of life (HRQoL). However, there are few comparisons of HRQoL at several time points for women with BC, and particular when subdivided into invasive and in situ tumors. The purpose of this study was to investigate various aspects of HRQoL in women recently diagnosed with invasive BC or ductal carcinoma in situ (in situ) compared to age-matched BC free controls in a population-wide sample recruited through the Cancer Registry of Norway. Methods This cross-sectional study utilized HRQoL data collected in 2020–2022 from a digital survey including 4117 cases (3867 women with invasive BC and 430 with in situ) and 2911 controls. HRQoL was assessed ≥ 21 days after diagnosis, using EORTC QLQ-C30. This includes scores assessing global quality of life (gHRQoL) and HRQoL functions and symptoms. Multivariable regression analyses were used to compare HRQoL between cases and controls and to identify factors associated with gHRQoL and fatigue. Additionally, HRQoL 14 months after diagnosis was analyzed in 1989 of the included cases and in 1212 of the controls. Score differences of ≥ 10 points were considered clinically relevant and thus presented in the results. Results Invasive BC cases had lower gHRQoL, role- and social functioning in addition to more fatigue than controls. In situ cases had lower role—and social functioning than controls. Invasive BC cases scored worse than in situ on all domains, but the differences were not considered clinically relevant. Physical activity was associated with better gHRQoL and less fatigue in invasive BC, in situ and controls. Both invasive BC and in situ cases improved their role- and social functioning scores from diagnosis to 14 months follow-up, however no improvement was seen for fatigue. Conclusion Women with invasive BC and in situ reported lower role- and social functioning scores than controls right after diagnosis with improvements 14 months after diagnosis. Physical activity was associated with better gHRQoL and less fatigue and should, whenever possible, play a key role in the care for BC patients.

Abstract MgO nanoparticles have good As-adsorption capacity in treating As-contaminated wastewater but suffer from high production cost. In this study, instead of using pre-formed MgO nanoparticles, we found that in-situ formed Mg(OH)2 from MgCl2 and NaOH reaction exhibited super high arsenate (As(V)) removal efficiency. Only 1.5 mmol/L of in-situ formed Mg(OH)2 could remove more than 95% As(V) within 10 min to make the As contaminated water (10 mg-As(V)/L) meet the municipal wastewater treatment standard, whereas MgO nanoparticles failed. The Mg-As sludge has an amorphous crystal structure while no Mg(OH)2 phase could be observed. As(V) existed uniformly within the sludge which was confirmed by elemental mapping. A precipitation-adsorption-coagulation mechanism might exist, which could relieve the restriction of limited surface area of solid MgO adsorbents. This study not only reveals an applicable method for efficient removal of trace level As(V) from water but also implies the huge potential of in-situ formed adsorbents in water treatment.

The in-situ TEM irradiation experiments of zirconium alloy were conducted at 573 K, 673 K, and 773 K utilizing a 400 keV Kr + single beam and a 400 keV Kr+ and 30 keV He + dual beam. The results show that a large number of dislocation loops have been characterized in the matrix of the zirconium alloy under irradiation. With increasing the irradiation damage dose, some dislocation loops have reacted with one another to form a larger dislocation loop, which has finally formed dislocation lines or other defect structures. In zirconium alloys irradiated with Kr + single beam and Kr+ and He + dual-beam radiation, the proportion of type dislocation loops with different Burgers vectors is essentially the same at low damage doses, but the proportion of interstitial type dislocation loops with the same Burgers vectors is obviously different. The amorphization of the second phase and the dissolution of the small-sized second phase were also pointed out. With the increase in temperature, the density of the dislocation loop in zirconium alloy gradually decreases, and the size of dislocation loop first increases and then decreases. Kr+ and He + dual beam irradiation increases the size of dislocation loops but decreases their density as compared with Kr + single beam irradiation.

The sensitivity of grain boundary (GB) cracks often limits the high-temperature plasticity of superalloys. The 750 ℃ tensile deformation of fine-grained Ni-Co based wrought superalloys was observed in situ using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with an electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) probe to clarify the texture formation and GB response. The GB stress concentration depends on the grain orientation and slip system alignment on both sides. This reflects the ability of GBs to cope with deformation incompatibility. This study provides valuable insights for predicting the failure of polycrystalline superalloys and offers new ideas for microstructure evaluation and GB design.

[Display omitted] Acoustic levitation is a suitable approach for studying processes occurring at the gas–liquid interfaces, as it allows its investigation in a contact-free manner while providing control over the gas phase. Here, we hypothesize that phase transitions induced by a CO 2 rich atmosphere can be examined, at different length scales, in a contact-free manner. A system consisting of 12-hydroxysteric acid (HSA) soaps mixed with different ratios of monoethanolamine (MEA) and choline hydroxide, was prepared. Microliter droplets of the samples were acoustically levitated and monitored with a camera, while exposed to CO 2 to modify the pH through diffusion at the air–liquid interface and inside the droplet. The phase transition and water mobility in the levitated droplets were evaluated through X-ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS) and magnetic resonance studies, in real-time. Finally, the droplets were collected and examined under the microscope. The introduction of CO 2 gas induced a phase transition from micelles to multi-lamellar tubes, resulting in a gel-like behavior both in the bulk and at the interface. The high stability of the acoustic levitator allowed the investigation of this dynamic phenomenon, in real-time, in a contact-free environment. This study showcases the suitability of acoustic levitation as a tool to investigate complex chemical processes at interfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The design of low-cost, efficient, and stable multifunctional basic catalysts to replace the high-cost noble metal catalysts remains a challenge. In this work, we report a dual-component Co-W 2 C catalytic system which achieves excellent properties of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER, η 10 = 63 mV), oxygen evolution reaction (OER, η 10 = 259 mV) and overall water splitting (η 10 = 1.53 V) by adjusting the interfacial electronic structure of the material. Further density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicate that the efficient electronic modulation at the W 2 C/Co interface leads to the generation of favorable hydroxyl and hydrogen species energetics on the hybrid surface. The results of the in-situ Raman spectra show that W 2 C can suppress the excessive oxidation of the active site during the OER process, and the existence of core–shell structure also protects the W 2 C substrate. The stable and efficient catalytic performance of Co-W 2 C is attributed to the common advantages of structural and interface manipulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the challenges and solutions in the physical characterization of materials at the microscale using robotized systems, with a specific focus on manipulating and characterizing micrometer-sized particles with different and complex 3D shapes and internal sub-micrometer structures. In this paper, the studied particles are Molybdenum diSulfide (MoS2) based materials generated within the contact interface during friction.These particles are being studied because they offer a particularly promising solution for reducing mechanical friction and the associated high energy losses. However, they are distributed randomly within the contact area and possess intricate sub-micrometer structures. Characterization demands precise manipulation techniques in an in-situ Scanning Electron Microscope(SEM) environment. To address these challenges, existing commercial micro and nanomanipulation tools are integrated within a vacuum SEM chamber, and robotics strategies are investigated to enable the whole process from particle preparation, and manipulation setup definition, to effective MoS 2 particle characterization all in-situ SEM. A set of several complementary experimental investigations are done and involve force measurement and deformation estimation studies, leading to the first qualitative results on MoS 2 based particles directly from the friction track. The work contributes to advancements in both microscale manipulation and characterization. It also has implications for lubrication research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper has reported a novel ternary system consisting of (1- x - y) BiScO 3 - x PbTiO 3 - y CaZrO 3 (y CZ-BS- x PT). The phase structure, microstructure and electrical parameters of the new piezoelectric material at room temperature were studied in detail. The results showed that d 33 increased significantly with the increase of CZ content. Combined with the results of phase structure, the MPB of 0.02CZ-BS- x PT is located at x = 0.615, which demonstrates optimum piezoelectric performance (d 33 = 470 pC/N， k p = 52.0 %, ε r = 1704). At the same time, the in-situ high-temperature electrical parameters were characterized systematically. It is worth noting that the in-situ electrical parameters are more attractive. When the temperature rises from room temperature to 300 °C, the k t and k p of 0.02CZ-BS-0.615 PT decreases by less than 7 % and the k p reaches the maximum of 60.7 % at 200 °C, and remains 49.8 % even at 300 °C. In addition, the in-situ d 33 test of 0.005CZ-BS-0.63 PT showed that the d 33 of the material increased from room temperature to 424 °C, reaching a maximum of 690 pC/N. From room temperature to 300 °C, the change rate is only 26 %, lower than that of the undoped BS-PT, which is 38.6 %. And the d 33 * reaches a maximum of 994 p.m./V at 200 °C. The improved in-situ piezoelectric properties of y CZ-BS- x PT ternary system makes it a great candidate for high temperature piezoelectric applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anisotropic nanopores are essential to regulate materials' anisotropic performance including thermal conductivity, ion blocking and so on. Nevertheless, fabricating anisotropic nanopores remains challenging because the formation mechanism is ambiguous, due to the lack of direct experimental evidence. Here, we reveal a unique strain-induced mechanism for the fabrication of anisotropic nanopores under electron beam irradiation. With the in-situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) technique, an initial symmetric nanopore, with another nanopore nearby, is found to expand relatively uniformly in the first stage. When the spacing between two nanopores reaches to a critical point, however, the area near to the reference nanopore is stretched drastically by a strong driving force along the spacing direction, resulting in an obvious anisotropic morphology. The surrounding environment, spacing and relative position between two nanopores significantly influence the shape of eventually formed nanopores by controlling the strain's uniformity, action range and direction, respectively. Our work demonstrates a novel mechanism and visual evidence for the preparation of asymmetric nanopores in real time, with the hope of assisting in the controllable fabrication of desired nanostructures.

Hydraulic concrete structures often suffer from cracking that could lead to engineering accidents. Thus, it is important to identify emerging concrete cracks so that the premonitory danger of the components can be comprehensively evaluated, and the disaster management level can be advanced to the initial stage of the hazard. This study investigated the use of ultrasound-excited thermography to detect surface microcracks in concrete engineering components. A detection system and method for the synergistic excitation of multiple excitation sources were developed, and self-adaptive pressure-loading sleeves containing back shafts made of glass fibre-reinforced nylon were developed to exert pressure on the transducers. Eighteen groups of in-situ experiments were conducted on important parts of the key component using a combination of 28-kHz and 40-kHz-transducers with a power of 100 W. The results demonstrate that ultrasound-excited thermography with the synergistic excitation of multiple excitation sources can be applied to detect surface cracks in approximately semi-infinite reinforced concrete members in-situ. The radius of the current investigation of cracks stimulated by one 100-W transducer pressed by the self-adaptive sleeve in reinforced concrete members is as far as 300 mm. The minimum widths of the detected cracks are 0.03 mm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the thermally activated ultralow friction of 100% cellulose nanofiber (CNF) molding. The mechanism of friction reduction was investigated using a laboratory-built in-situ Raman tribometer. Our experimental results showed that a CNF molding exhibited an ultralow friction coefficient of below 0.04 in a CNF ring and steel disk tribopair under high-temperature conditions (T > 100°C). The results of the temperature-rise friction test showed that the friction coefficient of the CNF molding strongly depended on the temperature and decreased linearly with increasing temperature. The in situ tribo-Raman monitoring results, during friction, indicated a change in the structure of the CNF molding. Therefore, the crystallinity indices and lengths of the CNF fibers gradually changed as the temperature increased. Moreover, transfer tribofilms were observed on the counter-steel surface against the CNF rings. When the CNF molding exhibited thermally activated ultralow friction, the tribofilm was mainly composed of cellulose and graphitic carbon. Our results suggest that the thermal and friction-activated structural transformations of CNF molding and CNFderived transfer film formation are pivotal factors contributing to the ultralow friction phenomenon observed in CNF molding at high temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, TiC particle-reinforced high-manganese-steel (Mn18Cr2) matrix composites were successfully prepared using an in-situ method, and a millimeter micrometer dual-scale architecture was constructed in the composites to further enhance their mechanical properties. The effects of different moderator contents in the precursor on the size, volume fraction, mechanical properties, and impact wear resistance of the generated TiC particles were primarily investigated. The results showed that the moderator considerably influenced the microstructure and mechanical properties of the composites. As the moderator content increased, the size, volume fraction, mechanical properties, and wear resistance of TiC particles decreased. The optimal comprehensive performance of the composites was obtained when the moderator content was 20 wt%., average TiC particle size was 1.21 μm, volume fraction was 64.9 %, bulk hardness was more than three times that of the matrix, compressive strength was ∼2 GPa, and relative wear resistance was 2.47 times that of the matrix. The main wear behaviors of composites included grooves, microcutting, pits, and plastic deformation. In conclusion, this study guides the design and synthesis of steel matrix composites with tunable in-situ ceramic particle sizes and volume fractions to enhance wear resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The expanding realm of high‐frequency electronics necessitates materials with exceptional attributes: notably, a low dielectric constant (Dk) to minimize signal propagation delays, high thermal conductivity for effective heat dissipation, higher breakdown strength, and robust mechanical properties to withstand demanding operational environments. While cycloolefin copolymers (COC) excel in electrical insulation, chemical resistance, and mechanical durability, their intrinsic slightly higher dielectric constant compared to other polymers, along with challenges such as poor dispersibility and low compatibility with nanoparticles, hinder their full potential in this domain. Considering these drawbacks, this study fabricated a series of COC/mica composites by integrating natural mica particles into the COC matrix via a CTAB‐assisted surface modification of mica to enhance dispersibility and mitigating particle aggregation through in‐situ mixing and hot‐press methods. The resultant composites demonstrate an outstanding ultra‐low Dk of 1.44, marking a significant decrease of over 36% compared to pristine COC with a Dk of 2.26, along with exceptionally low dielectric loss (δ) of 0.00013 at the frequency of 10 GHz, high dielectric breakdown strength ~49.40 kV/mm and enhanced thermal conductivity up to 0.88 W/(m K) at 40% mica loading. Additionally, the composites heightened mechanical performances like tensile strength 69 MPa at 6.5% elongation at break, impact strength up to ~17.9 kJ × m−2, and exceptional water resistance with absorption below 0.097%. These exceptional ultra‐low dielectric performance with above mentioned properties can meet the stringent requirements of modern high‐frequency electronics packaging for next generation electronics development. Highlights: Surface modification by CTAB enhanced homogeneous dispersibility of composites.Achieved ultra‐low dielectric constant and loss compared to pure COC.Thermal conductivity improved significantly with incorporation of mica.Unlocking high‐frequency applications potential with ultralow Dk performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The majority of a football referee's time is spent assessing open-play situations, yet little is known about how referees search for information during this uninterrupted play. The aim of the current study was to examine the exploratory gaze behaviour of elite and sub-elite football referees in open-play game situations. Four elite (i.e. national) and eight sub-elite (i.e. regional) referees officiated an in-situ football match while wearing a mobile eye-tracker to assess their gaze behaviour. Both referential head and eye movements (i.e. moving gaze away from and then back to the ball) were measured. Results showed gaze behaviour was characterised overall by more referential head than eye movements (~75 vs 25%), which were of longer duration (~950 vs 460 ms). Moreover, elite referees employed faster referential movements (~640 vs 730 ms), spending less time with their gaze away from the ball (carrier) than the sub-elite referees. Crucially, both the referential head and eye movements were coordinated relative to key events in the match, in this case passes, showing that referees anticipate the passes to ensure that the referential movements did not occur during passes, rather before or after. The results further our understanding of the coordinative gaze behaviours that underpin expertise in officiating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal flood risk is expected to increase due to climate change and population growth. Much of our coastlines is protected by “grey” infrastructure such as a dike. Dike maintenance and strengthening requires ever increasing capital and space, putting their economic viability in question. To combat this trend, more sustainable alternatives are explored, also known as Nature based Solutions. A promising option has shown to be tidal marshes. Tidal marshes are coastal wetlands with high ecological and economic value. Also, they protect dikes through wave attenuation and in case of a dike breach reduce its development. However, the effectiveness of a tidal marsh on reducing dike breach development rates highly depends on the stability of the tidal marsh itself. Not much is known about the stability of a tidal marsh under dike breach conditions, which are accompanied with flow velocities that can reach 4–5ms−1. In this study we tested the vegetation response and erodibility of a mature tidal marsh, in-situ, under high flow velocities ( > 0.5 m s−1). Our results confirm that tidal marshes similar to the one tested in this study are highly erosion resistant with low erodibility. More research is necessary to confirm this for tidal marshes with different soil and vegetation properties. For tidal marshes similar to what is tested thus far, erosion under dike breach conditions is negligible and other erosion mechanisms such as headcut erosion probably dominate the erosion process [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, K2TiF6 and C powder (Ti:C atomic ratio 1:1) are introduced into Al-Si-Fe alloy by contact reaction method. The focus of this study is to investigate the reaction and precipitation behavior of Ti source in the alloy melt, and the effect of reaction products on the microstructure and properties of Al-Si-Fe alloy. The results show that the reaction products formed between Ti and the matrix alloy can destroy the acicular β-Fe phase in the original alloy. The transformation results in the a morphological change of the alloy from needle-like structure to Chinese script and fishbone-like structure, which effectively improves the mechanical properties of the alloy. The DSC analysis results indicate that Al-Si- Fe powder, K2TiF6 powder, and C powder undergo significant exothermic reactions at around 950 °C, corresponding to the formation of TiC. Further microscopic morphology observations support the inference that TiC powders formed in this temperature range. Firstly, the synthesis of the matrix takes place at 580 °C. K2TiF6 mixed with alloy powder shows an obvious exothermic peak at 660 ℃, corresponding to the formation of the second phase Al3Ti by wetting and chemical reaction. However, it is worth noting that the reaction intermediate product(Al4C3 phase) consumes three times as much Al3Ti as itself. As a result, the exothermic peak generated by Al3Ti disappears. Lastly, a long-term exothermic reaction that takes place above 850 °C lead to the gradual replacement of the Al3Ti phase by TiC particles. The mechanical properties test indicates that the needle-shaped Al3Ti to some extent deteriorates the alloy's properties. But the final product (TiC) can offset the deteriorating effect of Al3Ti and restore the alloy's property. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrocatalysis plays a pivotal role in energy conversion and holds significant promise for the development of new energy sources. Understanding the intricate atomic‐level interplay between active sites and electrocatalytic activity is essential for comprehending catalytic behavior and advancing high‐performance catalysts. In this review, an overview of the recent advances in X‐ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) is provided for deciphering the local environment of electrocatalytic metal sites. The application of XAFS in disclosing the electronic interaction and coordination environment of metal sites is summarized, offering insights into the correlation between ligand arrangement and catalytic activity. Special attention is given to advanced XAFS techniques for exploring active species, including determining the actual active sites, monitoring the local structure transformation, and deciphering metal sites–catalysis relationship. The limitations of traditional XAFS have naturally prompted the development of high‐spatiotemporal‐resolution and high‐energy‐resolution techniques as well as in‐situ/operando methods to better understand the entire catalytic process. This review is anticipated to provide a comprehensive understanding of the capabilities of XAFS in exploring the fine structure of electrocatalysts, with implications for the design of advanced catalytic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We reported new in‐situ ternary nano/microcomposite layered double hydroxides/Ag2O/bayerite in trimetallic NiAg/Al layered double hydroxides (LDH) via hydrothermal technique; and characterization by powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and N2 adsorption‐desorption. The formation of bayerite and silver oxide species on the LDH nanosheet depended on the excess of Al3+ and Ag+ in the solution under alkaline and hydrothermal conditions. The nitrogen isotherm adsorption profile for all ternary composites exhibited uniformity with mesoporous and lamellar characteristics. The surface area of all the composites ranged from 81.17 to 150.23 m2. g−1, the Barret‐Joyner‐Halenda (BJH) pore volume from 0.22 to 0.27 cm3. g−1, and the average pore diameter ranged from 3.47 to 5.78 nm. All composites show a laminar plate‐like structure covered with elongated pieces. The particle size of the composites ranged from 54.86 to 115.96 nm, indicating the size changed from nano to microcomposite because of the different molar ratios of Ag and Ni in the solid. The ternary composite reveals CO2 capture activity with adsorption capacity ranging from 13.93 to 19.61 mmol g−1. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Quantitative imaging technologies for in-situ non-destructive testing (NDT) demand high-resolution, wide-field, and stable metrology capabilities. Moreover, live processing and automation are vital for real-time quality control and inspection. Conventional methods use complex optical setups, resulting in large, immobile systems which can solely operate within controlled environmental conditions due to temporal instabilities, rendering them unsuitable for in-situ measurements of micro-to nano-scale physical phenomena. This article delves into the multiphysics application of lensless digital holography, emphasizing its metrological capacity for various in-situ scenarios, while acknowledging and characterizing the differing constraints imposed by various physical phenomena, both transient and steady-state. The digital reconstruction of holograms is computed in real-time, and numerical focusing capabilities allow for instantaneous retrieval of the optical phase at various working distances without the need of complex optical setups, making lensless digital holography well-suited for in-situ quantitative imaging under various types of environments. Current NDT capabilities are demonstrated, including high-resolution and real-time reconstructions, simultaneous measurements for comparative metrology, and practical applications ranging from vibrations and acoustics to thermo-mechanics. Furthermore, methodologies to enhance overall metrology capabilities are exploited, addressing the study of existing physical phenomena, thereby expanding the applicability of holographic techniques across diverse industrial sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Today, the transition to green chemistry and the photocatalytic removal of harmful waste are very relevant. Purpose. Synthesis of hybrid/composite samples based on PANI/MoS2 and study of their photocatalytic activity. Methodology. Hydrothermal and in-situ methods, SEM EDS and ultraviolet spectroscopy analysis were used in this work Originality. photocatalytic properties of hybrid/composites based on polyaniline and MoS2 in various proportions were studied. Findings. The band gap value Eg = 1.55 eV of the rods formed in the obtained PANI/MoS2 composite was considered active for photocatalytic processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

United Nations SDGs-11 focuses on safe, resilient, sustainable cities and human settlement. Importance given to implement the Disaster Risk Reduction strategy where the number of death and economic loss to be reduced. Seismic disaster risk reduction is one of the major task in SDGs., The occurrence of earthquake in the Himalayan region is continuous and infrastructures are highly affected. The study aims to suggest a suitable seismic retrofitting technique for infrastructures in Sikkim Himalayan region by In-situ and laboratory based analysis. In the lab environment, geoinformatic based geospatial databases have been generated to understand the seismological characteristics of the study area and a seismic retrofitting experiment has been conducted with the help of plaster of Paris column wrapping with glass fiber to test the strengthening of the column specimen. Also, In-situ field observation data has been collected and analyzed to recognize the vulnerable infrastructures which have the probability to get damaged during an earthquake and relevant seismic retrofitting technique has been suggested for vulnerable infrastructures by incorporating with lab based structural analysis. The experimental result shows that the first crack is developed in the Specimen-I without wrapping while the applied load is 320N, deflectometer reading is 555 mm. At a load of 640N, the column developed crack. The complete failure of the column has also been recognized from this specimen while the applied load is 832N and deflectometer reading is 924 mm. In the fiber wrapped specimen (Specimen- II), it is observed that the crack is not developed in the specimen-II column till it has been completely uprooted from the base when the load reached 320N the corresponding deflection was found to be 350 mm which is very much less than Specimen I. The experimental result indicates that the glass fiber wrapped specimen appears stronger with an increasing load than without wrapped specimen. It can be inferred that the seismic retrofitting technique using GFRP wrap in concrete structure can improve the strength of the buildings in the study region. The proposed technique is suggested for different concrete infrastructures in the study region to improve the strength of the columns and beams for protecting infrastructures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on digital cores of oil shale obtained from high-temperature steam in-situ pyrolysis and micro-CT scanning experiments, the real structures of oil shale after pyrolysis at different temperatures were seamlessly integrated into COMSOL through precise grid partitioning. This enabled the simulation of in-situ steam-assisted oil recovery two-phase flow fields. The study examines the dynamic evolution of phase interfaces, pressure fields, velocity fields, and oil displacement efficiency during the in-situ two-phase flow process in pore structures with varying degrees of development. The research indicates that: Firstly, the development and connectivity of pore structures significantly influence the advancement speed of the phase interface — the better the pore structure development, the faster the phase interface advances. Secondly, as seepage progresses, the stability of phase interface advancement improves, with the difference between the peak δa value before stabilization and the stabilized δa value decreasing over time. Thirdly, at the moment of steam injection, a surge in Pa within the seepage zone occurs. The complexity of the pore structure effectively mitigates the surge in Pa caused by the instantaneous gas drive effect. Finally, the total seepage volumetric flow rate Qtotal increases with time. The oil production ratio α at the outlet decreases slightly with time, but remains above 97.6 %, demonstrating the effectiveness of steam-assisted oil recovery.

The environmental challenges associated with cadmium contamination in wastewater have necessitated the development of high-performing activated carbons (ACs) for effective wastewater treatment. Adsorption capacity depends on both the surface area and the adsorption-active functional groups developed on the adsorbent's surface during activation. Proper manipulation of key process variables using the appropriate activation route produces highly efficient and economically viable ACs. This research investigates the viability of pig fur biowaste as a novel precursor for activated carbons using two distinct activation methods—in-situ and ex-situ. Using a central composite design (CCD) of the Response Surface Methodology (RSM), the study systematically examines the effects of impregnation ratio, carbonization temperature, and carbonization time on the cadmium adsorption capacities of the resulting ACs. The optimal conditions for in-situ activation were found to be 691 °C, 175.11 min, and an impregnation ratio of 1.784 g/g, resulting in a cadmium adsorption capacity of 91.57 %. For ex-situ activation, the optimal conditions were 468.8 °C, 80.81 min, and an impregnation ratio of 2.915 g/g, which achieved a higher cadmium adsorption capacity of 91.21 %. Both types of activated carbons maintained high efficiency after five regeneration cycles, indicating they are suitable for long-term applications requiring repeated regeneration. Although both methods produced ACs with comparable cadmium removal efficiency, the ex-situ activation route proved to be more economically viable due to its lower temperature and shorter processing time. This study demonstrates the potential of pig fur biowaste as a sustainable and underutilized resource for AC production and highlights the ex-situ activation route as the more cost-effective approach for producing high-performance adsorbents.

Abstract Typhoons, fueled by warm sea surface waters, heighten concern as they increasingly interact with frequent Marine Heatwaves (MHWs) in a changing climate. Typhoon Hinnamnor (2022) weakened and re‐intensified as it approached the Korean Strait, interacting with an underlying MHW in the northern East China Sea (nECS). In‐situ observations and reanalysis products revealed a significant increase in latent heat loss from the nECS during the MHW period, contributing to the typhoon re‐intensification. Strong sea surface wind forcing with the typhoon enhanced vertical mixing and upwelling, resulting in a pronounced (0.90°C) sea surface cooling after the typhoon passage, facilitating MHW disappearance with reduced thermal stratification. During MHWs, increased background stratification increases temperature oscillations associated with semidiurnal internal tides. Furthermore, post‐typhoon changes in stratification weakened semidiurnal internal tides due to unfavorable conditions for generation from a nearby source. These findings highlight the importance of continuous time‐series observations to monitor interactions among climatic extremes.

The identification and reduction of methane sources is considered an important part of the fight to stem greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to the atmosphere. One of the largest industrial contributors to national GHG emissions in Canada is the Alberta Oil Sands Region. To quantify and investigate the spatial distribution and temporal variability of methane emissions from this region, airborne measurements were conducted in 2017 and 2018 with three aircraft. 59 flights were conducted in total to assess emissions for both open-pit and in-situ facilities, in both cold and warm seasons. Derived emission rates were higher than those reported in national inventories by 30%–96% depending on the facility. In-situ facilities had emission rates an order of magnitude lower than surface mining operations and differed significantly from inventory estimates. No statistical differences in CH4 emissions between cold and warm seasons were observed, substantiating the use of simple upscaling to annual emissions within inventories. Rather than confirming a reported decrease in emissions between 2013 and 2018, the measurements suggest essentially no change from the 18 t h−1 for the region observed in 2013. Overall, the results suggest that current methods of CH4 emission determination within the oil sands region, for use in reporting, require improvement.

It has been a common method to improve the mechanical properties of metals by manipulating their microstructures via static recrystallization, i.e., through heat treatment. Therefore, the knowledge of recrystallization and grain growth is critical to the success of the technique. In the present work, by using in-situ high temperature EBSD, the mechanisms that control recrystallization and grain growth of an extruded pure Mg were studied. The experimental results revealed that the grains of priority for dynamic recrystallization exhibit fading competitiveness under static recrystallization. It is also found that grain boundary movement or grain growth is likely to show an inverse energy gradient effect, i.e., low energy grains tend to swallow or grow into high energy grains, and grain boundaries of close to 30° exhibit superior growth advantage to others. Another finding is that {10–12} tensile twin boundaries are sites of hardly observed for recrystallization, and are finally swallowed by adjacent recrystallized grains. The above findings may give comprehensive insights of static recrystallization and grain growth of Mg, and may guide the design of advanced materials processing in microstructural engineering.

Abstract The effects of long-term biochar application on soil phosphorus (P) flux across the root-soil interface and its availability in the rhizosphere of rice (Oryza sativa L) remain unclear. We used diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT), laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and planar optode sensor techniques to characterize, in-situ, the 2D heterogeneity and dynamics of rhizosphere soil P, iron (Fe), sulfur (S) and trace element fluxes, dissolved oxygen and pH in paddy soil, after 10 years of biochar application. Compared to the control (no biochar applied), biochar applied at 4.5, 22.5 and 45.0 Mg ha−1 yr−1 decreased rhizospheric P fluxes by 11.6%, 63.4% and 79.0%, respectively. This decrease under biochar treatments was attributed to changed redox status of Fe and S caused by the lower dissolved oxygen in rhizosphere soil and increased soil pH induced precipitating of soluble inorganic P into insoluble P forms, such as calcium-bound and residual P that are unavailable for crop uptake. Higher application rate of biochar resulted in lower As and Pb fluxes in rice rhizosphere and their availabilities for crop uptake. The in-situ observation results in rice rhizosphere at μm-scale after 10 years of biochar addition directly showed the complex effects of long-term biochar and rhizosphere heterogeneity on P transformation process. Graphical Abstract

Conservation programs require rigorous evaluation to ensure the preservation of genetic diversity and viability of conservation populations. In this study, we conducted a comparative analysis of two indigenous Chinese chicken breeds, Gushi and Xichuan black-bone, using whole-genome SNPs to understand their genetic diversity, track changes over time and population structure. The breeds were divided into five conservation populations (GS1, 2010, ex-situ; GS2, 2019, ex-situ; GS3, 2019, in-situ; XB1, 2010, in-situ; and XB2, 2019, in-situ) based on conservation methods and generations. The genetic diversity indices of three conservation populations of Gushi chicken showed consistent trends, with the GS3 population under in-situ strategy having the highest diversity and GS2 under ex-situ strategy having the lowest. The degree of inbreeding of GS2 was higher than that of GS1 and GS3. Conserved populations of Xichuan black-bone chicken showed no obvious changes in genetic diversity between XB1 and XB2. In terms of population structure, the GS3 population were stratified relative to GS1 and GS2. According to the conservation priority, GS3 had the highest contribution to the total gene and allelic diversity in GS breed, whereas the contribution of XB1 and XB2 were similar. We also observed that the genetic diversity of GS2 was lower than GS3, which were from the same generation but under different conservation programs (in-situ and ex-situ). While XB1 and XB2 had similar levels of genetic diversity. Overall, our findings suggested that the conservation programs performed in ex-situ could slow down the occurrence of inbreeding events, but could not entirely prevent the loss of genetic diversity when the conserved population size was small, while in-situ conservation populations with large population size could maintain a relative high level of genetic diversity.

Indentation tests create complex stress–strain states in the region beneath the indentation tip. However, it is difficult to observe the indentation responses of bulk materials. Therefore, this study presents a wedge-indentation test technology that can investigate the subsurface deformation behavior during loading and unloading inside a scanning electron microscope. In situ observations based on multiple techniques, including a secondary electron detector, electron backscatter diffraction, and digital image correlation, are realized and used to investigate the texture evolution and stress–strain behavior of monocrystalline copper in the microregion beneath the indentation tip. Indentation induces kinked slip bands along the [01‾1‾] and [011‾] directions. The maximum shear strain of 0.324 occurs at the sides of the area in direct contact with the indentation tip. The lattice rotations in three dimensions are calculated and obtained quantitatively, and the geometrically necessary dislocation density beside the contact region reaches 0.70 × 1014/m2. The proposed method has considerable potential for explaining the deformation mechanisms of materials at microscale.

The compound AgBiS2, a ternary sulfide, has gained significant attention in the field of photovoltaics due to its characteristic properties of being non-toxic, low-cost, and highly efficient. However, due to the instability of its grain boundaries, the structure of the AgBiS2 may be transformed at high temperatures, consequently influencing the lifetime of devices utilizing this material. In this study, the mechanism of interfacial structural transition and the factors affecting the stability of AgBiS2 were investigated by in-situ transmission electron microscopy. Our observations revealed that, under high-temperature conditions, the structure of the material changes with the formation of triangular hole-like defects at the AgBiS2 interface, which is directly related to the movement of defects. Furthermore, the surface energy of the AgBiS2 crystal planes is different due to different atomic arrangements. Combining the experiments with theoretical calculations, we found that the defects such as dislocations tend to cluster on the high-energy plane (111), thereby leading to localized stress and strain concentration. Then, the structure transforms by reconstructing its interfacial atoms to reduce the local stress. Of note, this reconstruction leads to the formation of triangular hole-like defects, consequently reducing the overall energy of the system.

It has been a common method to improve the mechanical properties of metals by manipulating their microstructures via static recrystallization, i.e., through heat treatment. Therefore, the knowledge of recrystallization and grain growth is critical to the success of the technique. In the present work, by using in-situ high temperature EBSD, the mechanisms that control recrystallization and grain growth of an extruded pure Mg were studied. The experimental results revealed that the grains of priority for dynamic recrystallization exhibit fading competitiveness under static recrystallization. It is also found that grain boundary movement or grain growth is likely to show an inverse energy gradient effect, i.e., low energy grains tend to swallow or grow into high energy grains, and grain boundaries of close to 30° exhibit superior growth advantage to others. Another finding is that {10–12} tensile twin boundaries are sites of hardly observed for recrystallization, and are finally swallowed by adjacent recrystallized grains. The above findings may give comprehensive insights of static recrystallization and grain growth of Mg, and may guide the design of advanced materials processing in microstructural engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and Raman spectroscopy are still rather new techniques for in-situ exploration of extraterrestrial planetary surfaces but have shown their suitability and great potential in several successful robotic missions already. Next to serving primary scientific applications, both methods can also be used in the context of in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) such as scouting for wanted substances and the surveillance of extraction processes. Here, we present two laboratory studies conducted in the context of ISRU with a focus on the chain from prospecting to extracting oxygen from lunar regolith. For LIBS, with optimized data processing and combined with state-of-the-art multivariate data analysis approaches, we show the potential of the technique for identifying samples with increased ilmenite content and for elemental quantification. The measurements were done using lunar regolith simulant and low pressures simulating vacuum on atmosphereless bodies such as the Moon. With Raman spectroscopy, we analyzed lunar regolith simulant samples that underwent electrochemical alteration for oxygen extraction and production of metal alloys demonstrating the potential of Raman spectroscopy for ISRU process monitoring. We also discuss the results in a broader context, evaluating the potential of both methods for other aspects of ISRU support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of long-term biochar application on soil phosphorus (P) flux across the root-soil interface and its availability in the rhizosphere of rice (Oryza sativa L) remain unclear. We used diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT), laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and planar optode sensor techniques to characterize, in-situ, the 2D heterogeneity and dynamics of rhizosphere soil P, iron (Fe), sulfur (S) and trace element fluxes, dissolved oxygen and pH in paddy soil, after 10 years of biochar application. Compared to the control (no biochar applied), biochar applied at 4.5, 22.5 and 45.0 Mg ha−1 yr−1 decreased rhizospheric P fluxes by 11.6%, 63.4% and 79.0%, respectively. This decrease under biochar treatments was attributed to changed redox status of Fe and S caused by the lower dissolved oxygen in rhizosphere soil and increased soil pH induced precipitating of soluble inorganic P into insoluble P forms, such as calcium-bound and residual P that are unavailable for crop uptake. Higher application rate of biochar resulted in lower As and Pb fluxes in rice rhizosphere and their availabilities for crop uptake. The in-situ observation results in rice rhizosphere at μm-scale after 10 years of biochar addition directly showed the complex effects of long-term biochar and rhizosphere heterogeneity on P transformation process. Highlights: In-situ 2D imaging of rice rhizosphere P, Fe, S, and trace elements was elucidated. Long-term biochar application conspicuously lowered rice rhizosphere available P. Soil P release process was related to Fe and S redox status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer membrane electrolyzers benefit from high‐pressure operation conditions and low gas cross‐over and can either conduct protons (H+) or hydroxide ions (OH−). Both types of electrolyzers have a similar design, but differ in power density and the choice of catalysts. Despite the significant endeavor of their optimization, to date, there is no well‐established impedance model for detailed analysis for either type of these devices. This complicates the in‐situ characterization of electrolyzers, hindering the investigation of degradation mechanisms and electrocatalytic processes as a function of applied current density or time. Nevertheless, a detailed understanding of such individual processes and distinguishing the performance‐limiting factors are the keystones for sophisticated device optimization. In this work, an impedance model based on electrode processes has been developed for an anion exchange membrane electrolyzer utilizing iridium oxide anode and platinum cathode electrocatalysts. This model allows to deconvolute the measured impedances into constituents related to the individual electrode processes and to estimate actual physico‐chemical quantities such as the reaction kinetic parameters and double‐layer capacitances. We discuss the meaning of the fitting parameters and show that this model enables, for the first time, the estimation of the electrochemically active surface area of the anode electrocatalysts under reaction conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The winning of critical raw materials from secondary resources, e.g., from abandoned mines, mining residues, electronic waste or low-grade ores, is a potential source with promising outcomes due to innovative and more efficient extraction methods. The research and education mine "Reiche Zeche" at the TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Germany offers a scientific lab in a real application environment for an in-situ bioleaching section from a low-grade sulfide ore vein with on-site associated membrane downstream processing. The evaluation and resumption of previous research activities showed both the feasibility and the potential for further up-scaling. But there was also potential evaluated for improving the effectiveness, especially in terms of individual process elements within the leaching and membrane cycle as well as regarding microbiology. Based on this, further optimization was carried out and effectiveness was evaluated and compared to the prior state. The results regarding the leaching outcome proved that process optimization leads to stable and continuous leaching process operations as well as to improved and more favorable conditions for the microorganisms due to the implementation of a bioreactor and changing the whole leaching operation from a direct into an indirect process. Furthermore, cleaning in place (CIP) resulted in the maintenance of selectivity despite discontinuous membrane process operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landslides frequently occur at expansive soil slopes with characteristics of gradualness and chronicity that are related to the time-effect deformation, so it is crucial to study the creep behavior of expansive soils. Menard pressuremeter was used to conduct short-term tests and long-term creep tests on expansive soils at Nanyang, China, in order to analyze the in-situ behavior of expansive soils. The results of short-term tests show that the initial pressure, yield pressure, and limit pressure all increase with the increase of testing depth. The results of long-term creep tests show that: (1) Under low applied pressure, only instantaneous deformation and decay creep occur. However, when the pressure level reaches a certain value, the soil fails owing to excessive deformation within a few minutes, and different from the results of triaxial loading creep tests, there is no apparent accelerated deformation stage before the failure. (2) The expansive soil has nonlinear creep characteristics, and the boundary pressure of the linear and nonlinear characteristics is around the yield pressure. Besides, a nonlinear creep model for the pressuremeter test is proposed, which can well describe the in-situ creep behavior of expansive soils. This model can also give the critical pressure for the failure of expansive soils, which is between yield pressure and limit pressure. Hence, it is advised to monitor the pressure to be lower than the yield pressure, and to monitor the deformation of expansive soil slope in practical engineering projects to avoid disasters caused by excessive deformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]