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This article examines the socioeconomic impacts of the 2014 policy that imposed restrictions on new construction land in Chinese megacities, emphasising the pivotal role of quantitative land supply regulations in land allocation and industrial structural transformation. The policy restrictions on expanding construction lands likely prompted local governments in these megacities to prioritise reallocating land to the tertiary sector, which is recognised for its higher efficiency in land use. This study employs a synthetic control method to empirically assess the policy’s effects. The findings indicate that the policy significantly fostered the transition of both land and ISs towards the tertiary sector, particularly in megacities at the early stages of structural transformation. The mechanism analysis indicates that the primary economic benefits of the policy derive from industrial structural change, rather than improvements in intra-industry land use efficiency or changes in sectoral relative prices. Additionally, this article provides supporting evidence of the policy’s positive impact on sustainable development, demonstrated by improvements in income and reductions in environmental pollution. Nevertheless, it also highlights a potential risk of increased inequalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly selective capture of Pb2+ is achieved by an barium-zinc-antimony-oxo cluster-based material in the presence of an excess of individual or multiple competing ions. The mechanism of the capturing and desorbing of Pb2+ ions is unveiled from the perspective of structural chemistry for the first time, that is, the ion exchange between Pb2+ and Ba2+ ions. [Display omitted] • A highly stable cluster-based material FJSM-BZA for lead remediation. • FJSM-BZA exhibits fast kinetic response and excellent selectivity for Pb2+. • Unprecedented SC-SC transformation during Pb2+ adsorption and elution. • Pb2+ capture mechanism illuminated at the molecular level for the first time. Efficient removal of Pb2+ from wastewater is of great significance for human health and environmental protection. However, Pb2+ capture from complex wastewater is still very challenging due to the strong competition with other metal ions. Herein, the highly selective removal of Pb2+ has been achieved by a cluster-based material, namely H 1.03 Ba 2.485 (H 2 O) 15 [Zn 2 Sb 12 (μ 3 -O) 8 (μ 4 -O) 3 (tta) 6 ]·8H 2 O (H 4 tta = tartaric acid) (FJSM-BZA). FJSM-BZA exhibits high adsorption capacity (199.29 ± 5.86 mg/g) and fast kinetic response (kinetic equilibrium is reached in 20 min) for Pb2+. In particular, even in the presence of competing ions Mn2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, and Cd2+, FJSM-BZA maintains excellent selectivity for Pb2+ with removal rate much higher than that of other metal ions. The material after Pb2+ adsorption could be regenerated by a simple elution method. The unprecedented single-crystal-to-single-crystal (SC to SC) structural transformations during Pb2+ adsorption and elution are unveiled, which helps directly elucidate the distinctive mechanisms of ion exchange between Ba2+ and Pb2+. It is revealed that the strong coordination interactions of the active carboxyl groups at the periphery of the cluster with Pb2+ ions are the intrinsic driving forces for the ion-exchange. This work highlights the design and synthesis of crystalline metal-oxo cluster-based materials for highly selective removal of Pb2+. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In light of the challenges posed by depleting energy resources and environmental degradation, the effective use of renewable energy is becoming ever more crucial. This study mainly investigates the role of ICT as a driver of renewable energy consumption in Africa. Furthermore, the study aims to emphasize the moderating effects of economic growth and structural transformation. To achieve this, the study employs the Augmented Mean Group (AMG) estimator on a panel of 45 African countries over the period 2000–2019. The findings show that internet and ICT service export promotes the use of renewable energy consumption, suggesting that the African nations examined have realized improvements in their energy mix as a result of ICT development. The moderating effects reveal that upgrading the energy consumption structure affected by digitalization is more significant in countries with high economic growth and more service-oriented. Our findings lead to a discussion of policy implications in relation to sustainable development goals (SDG). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The stability and structural characteristics of Xe + LMGS hydrates were investigated. • The equilibrium curves of Xe + MCH and Xe + NH hydrates deviated from that of pure Xe hydrate. • Xe + MCH + water and Xe + NH + water systems formed sH hydrates under low pressure conditions. • MCP did not participate in sH hydrate formation with Xe throughout the pressure range. • MD simulations indicated the instability of the sH (Xe + MCP) hydrate. In this study, the influence of different types of large-molecule liquid substances (LMGSs) and formation conditions on the stability and structural transformation of Xe + LMGS hydrates was investigated using phase equilibria, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), 129Xe NMR spectroscopy, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The phase equilibria of Xe hydrates in the presence of three different LMGS types (neohexane [NH], methylcyclopentane [MCP], and methylcyclohexane [MCH]) were measured in the pressure range of 0.1–1.0 MPa. The equilibrium curves of Xe + MCH and Xe + NH hydrates shifted away from that of pure Xe hydrate under low pressure, whereas they coincided with that of pure Xe hydrate under high pressure. Interestingly, the equilibrium curve of Xe + MCP hydrate aligned with that of pure Xe hydrate throughout the pressure range. PXRD and 129Xe NMR analyses demonstrated that the equilibrium curve shift under low pressure was caused by the formation of sH (Xe + LMGS) hydrates, which was attributed to the inclusion of NH or MCH. However, MCP did not participate in sH hydrate formation with Xe. MD simulations revealed that MCP in the large cages did not contribute to the thermodynamic or dynamic stability of sH hydrates. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the development of hydrate-based noble gas capture and storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amorphous mesoporous materials derived from synthetic saponite (Sap) by acid treatment have been used in catalysis for several decades. Uncovering the transformation process of Sap from layered to amorphous structure under acid attack is beneficial to optimize the structure of Sap-derived mesoporous materials, yet such transformation process remains unclear. Herein, a magnesium-Sap was synthesized by hydrothermal method and then treated with sulfuric acid. By studying the changes in phase composition, morphology, chemical state of elements and surface area of the synthetic Sap after acid attack, a specified transformation mechanism of synthetic Sap to amorphous silica is clarified. The experimental results indicate that after leaching of Mg and Al cations from the Mg/AlO 6 octahedral sheets of Sap during acid attack, the retained SiO 4 tetrahedral sheets of Sap were transformed into amorphous short-range ordered silica phases and nanoscrolls with pseudohexagonal side pores. The transformation process of synthetic Sap under acid attack can be divided into leaching of metal ions from octahedral sheets of Sap to form layered silica particles, splitting and crimping of surface nano-silica layers from the formed silica particles, and completely amorphous transformation. The distortion of Si O bonds in SiO 4 tetrahedral sheets during acid attack might be the driving force for such transformation. This work provides specific transformation process of synthetic Sap under acid attack which is conductive to the controllable preparation of acid-treated Sap derivates, and has certain significance for understanding of structural transformation of clay minerals with MgO 6 octahedral structure. [Display omitted] • Structural transformation process of synthetic saponite under acid attack is clarified. • The acid-treated Sap consists of an amorphous silica phase and a spherical aluminoxy phase. • About 30 silica monolayers are split from Sap particle and crimped to nanoscrolls under acid attack. • Protons entering the cavities of Sap layers play a predominant role during acid attack. • Attack on Sap octahedral sheets contributes to the formation of short-range ordered silica layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the Green Revolution in Asia, the gap in agricultural yield with the developed world has been closed, while the gap in farm labour productivity has greatly widened. This reveals a deepening agrarian and environmental crisis in India. The industrial mode of production has led to the massive use of costly industrial inputs to increase yields and offset economies of scale that are almost impossible to achieve in this densely populated country. Such a development path is a trap for millions Indian micro-farmers and their natural capital. We then unveil the promises of a type of agroecology called ‘natural farming' that has developed in Andhra Pradesh, a State in South India. Andhra’s natural farming has pioneered the adoption of technical and organizational innovations that could lead to the first large-scale agroecological transition in the world. But in 2019, these local innovations were accused of following a regressive path and endangering the country’s food security. This attack reveals the current omnipotence of the industrial sociotechnical regime over science, as well as a conception of science and progress antithetical to agroecology.

Rural structural transformation is best defined as structural changes in the rural areas occasioned by government policies and programmes with the intention of altering the contributions of major sector of the economy for the enhancement of agricultural sector. The study aimed at investigating the impact of rural structural transformation on agricultural productivity in Nigeria. The methodology adopted for the study was Structural Autoregression (SVAR). Six variables of expenditure on education (EXPE), expenditure on health (EXPH), expenditure on electricity (EXPEL), expenditure on telecommunication (EXPTC), expenditure on roads and construction (EXPRC) and expenditure on agriculture (EXPA). Of the six explanatory variables only expenditure on agriculture was found to be negatively related to agricultural productivity, while the others were positively related to it. Several reasons of which of official corruption by the handlers of agricultural funds could possibly be one of the reasons for the negative relationship between expenditure on agriculture and agricultural productivity. Among many other recommendations was the need to provide clinics and health centres to the rural areas, provision of good and accessible roads, provision of electricity and internet facilities. This will act as motivating factors in curbing rural-urban migration, and by extension improve the lots of agricultural productivity in Nigeria.

When a racemic mixture of chiral building blocks self‐assembles to form discrete molecular or supramolecular cages, the system can adopt either social or narcissistic chiral self‐sorting. However, control over such chiral self‐sorting is hard to achieve with a desired choice of outcome. Herein, we report anion templated high‐fidelity chiral self‐sorting during the coordination‐driven self‐assembly of [Pd2L4] metal‐organic cages, with a racemic mixture of an axially chiral ligand. Upon varying the counter‐anions, the outcome of the choice of chiral self‐sorting, whether social or narcissistic, leading to kinetically favored heterochiral or thermodynamically favored homochiral cages, can be controlled through specific anion encapsulation. Non‐encapsulating anion afforded a mixture of all possible diastereomers. Anion exchange enabled structural transformations between the diastereomers and the conversion of the mixture of diastereomers into homochiral diastereomers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decades of 'feminist' sexual- and gender-based violence (SGBV) policies have produced limited change in southern African SGBV rates. Recent critiques highlight ongoing colonial legacies in such policymaking, arguing that these legacies limit the potential for liberatory change. Further, reflecting on such discourses can highlight reasons behind global public health intervention failure. To promote reflexivity among public health actors who create, reproduce, and implement SGBV policies, this paper presents a critical discourse analysis of how women's empowerment is constructed in foundational global and national health and development policies bearing on SGBV in Zambia. The analysis identifies neoliberal feminist discourses of empowerment: (i) the protection of women, which perpetuates a saviour complex; (ii) the promotion of equality to men, which excludes those deemed unworthy; (iii) the eradication of harmful cultural norms, which challenge the preservation of African values; and (iv) (neoliberal) empowerment through women's attained employment and capital, which empowers women within unequal economic relations rather than liberating women from those relations. The author critiques such neoliberal empowerment discourses for failing to structurally transform the conditions for women's liberation. This paper offers a first step to the dismantling of colonial structures in SGBV policies by unpacking and promoting reflexivity about such discourses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Union Cohesion Policy lies on a variety of policy instruments including Research and Innovation Strategies for Smart Specialisation (RIS3) on a regional level. Despite its proximity to Europe, there is currently no strategy of its own for North Africa, only a strategy-building process. Since Smart Specialisation claims to address regional disparities by initiating catch-up processes and exploiting endogenous growth potential, the concept is particularly promising for less-developed regions. The authors present five steps to define priority sectors for the development of a Smart Specialisation strategy for the country of Tunisia, using the regions of Sfax and Medenine as an example. These steps involve regional qualitative and quantitative assessment, trend analysis and an analysis of sectoral internationalisation potential. The findings align with previous work and contribute to the discussion about Smart Specialisation on the African continent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

African countries face an economic transformation gap. Given the large and growing Chinese presence on the African continent, a fundamental question is whether Chinese firms contribute to, or hinder, economic transformation in Africa. This article conducts a scoping review of over one hundred sources, examining the pathways through which Chinese firms can affect economic transformation. On balance, the literature points to a positive role of Chinese firms. Africa–China trade leads to mixed results, while Chinese investment and infrastructure construction are found to contribute positively to transformation. Chinese firms are also found to support capacity building, spillovers and innovation in African countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This interview addresses Andreas Reckwitz's main work, A Society of Singularities, but puts it in relation to his earlier and later writings. It starts with the strong and broad reception of this work in Germany. Next, it turns to how his understanding of the transformation of the social logics of modernity is related to other sociological understandings. In this way, the crucial distinctions of his work between the general and the particular, between formal rationalisation and culturalisation, are thematised. The next part addresses Reckwitz's Foucault-inspired concept of critique and his understanding of the relation between theoretical and empirical work. The interview then goes on to the transformation of class structure, which is understood in terms of a culturalisation of inequality. The interview ends with a section about the kind of sufferings and problems that are typical of the present age, and how they might affect social transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article conveys the critical elements of the keynote address delivered by the author at the opening session of the Second African Conference on Debt and Development (Lilongwe, Malawi). It presents four propositions to analyze and tackle the political economy of African external debt in the context of the socio-economic transformation of the continent. It claims that confronting, dismantling and reframing such political economies offer a level of difficulty that perhaps exceeds the challenges faced with respect to the attainment of political independence. The significant role of a collective African leadership in championing the evolution of an African financial architecture is emphasized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women in rural India are largely concentrated in agriculture. Most women workers are either working as unpaid labour on their family farms or are landless workers working for wages on others' farms. However, in recent years, we see deagrarianization at the household level in terms of a decrease in the proportion of households that earn their primary income from agriculture as well as the withdrawal of women from agriculture. These patterns have mostly been studied concerning the mechanization of agriculture. In the larger history of development, reallocation of resources from agriculture to other productive sectors is usual although the exact mechanics have varied across time and space based on the context. However, the gender dimensions of such processes have not been studied. In this paper, we use the India Human Development Survey (IHDS 2004/2005 and IHDS 2011–2012), the only available pan-India panel data set to first map the change in female workforce participation outcomes as the households undergo deagrarianization, focusing on alternative trajectories of women either moving out of the workforce or transitioning to non-agricultural occupations. Second, using a linear probability model framework, the paper analyses the effect of deagrarianization at the household level on the likelihood of a woman staying in the workforce. We find that a substantial proportion of women transitioned across agriculture and non-agriculture occupations and that the transitions are not unidirectional. Further, we find that the proportion of women who dropped out of the workforce between 2004–2005 and 2011–2012 is higher among the households that have deagrarianized as compared to households that have stayed in agriculture. The paper also finds that deagrarianization negatively affects the likelihood of a woman staying in the workforce and household and individual-level characteristics such as religion, marital status and education are significant determinants of the likelihood of a woman staying in the workforce. We also find that deagrarianization negatively affects the likelihood of women entering the workforce after controlling for various household and individual level characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study analyses the effectiveness of aggregate as well as sectoral foreign aid on growth and structural transformation for 32 sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries over the period from 2002 to 2019. For this purpose, a structural transformation index (STI) has been constructed using the value-added and employment shares of the economy. There is a lack of studies in the aid effectiveness literature that examine the effects of sectoral aid on overall growth and development of the economy. Comparing the effectiveness of different types of aid on growth and structural transformation is a novel approach. In this analysis, we also take into account the roles of institutional quality and human capital on aid effectiveness. To this end, we have used Driscoll–Kraay Fixed-Effect estimators, Fixed-Effects Panel Threshold regression and Method of Moments Quantile regression to analyse the effectiveness of aggregate and sectoral foreign aid. Our estimation techniques are robust to cross-sectional dependence and slope heterogeneity. We find that both agricultural and social-sector aid have positive significant effects on growth but negative significant effect on structural transformation. This suggests that foreign aid should be increased in these sectors, conditioned by the level of institutional quality. Human capital is found to increase the effectiveness of foreign aid. Aid to economic infrastructure is the only type of aid which is found to increase structural transformation significantly. This study helps in designing aid allocation strategies, so as to promote both growth and structural transformation in the SSA countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examine Malawi's employment landscape between 2004/05 and 2016/17, focusing on sectoral change and youth entering the workforce. Little evidence of a structural transformation in cross sectoral patterns of employment is found. The share of employment in agriculture rose slightly over the period, though the share of full time equivalent jobs declined in the sector. The analysis shows that younger youth are not participating in the limited employment growth in the service sector. Agriculture remains the sector in which most Malawians first obtain employment. Only later in their working lives are Malawian workers, particularly males, in a position to obtain work outside of agriculture. With limited structural change occurring in the economy, Malawi's challenging employment landscape for youth is characterised by a scarcity of jobs outside agriculture and insufficient work within the sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyses the impact of trade liberalization on local labour markets in Ethiopia, with a focus on the gender dimension of employment and on the process of structural transformation. By exploiting rich micro-level data on Ethiopian workers, we evaluate the effect of the Ethiopian trade reforms on the changes and composition of employment. We find that districts more exposed to trade liberalization experienced reductions in their employment levels, especially in female employment. We also show that reductions in tariffs trigger a process of sectoral reallocation from agriculture to services and that this process is particularly pronounced for women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern detection technology has driven camouflage technology toward multispectral compatibility and dynamic regulation. However, developing such stealth technologies is challenging due to different frequency-band principles. Here, this work proposes a design concept for a fluid-actuated multispectral compatible smart stealth device that employs a deformable mechanochromic layer/elastomer with a channeled dielectric layer. After fluid actuation, the deformable elastomer layer transmits mechanical strain to the mechanochromic layer, thereby altering the visible reflectance wavelengths in [568, 699] nm. Concurrently, the pumped-in liquid reconfigures the spatial structure parameter to alter microwave resonance and diffraction for dynamic radar absorption, enabling dynamic radar absorption with significant broadband absorption at [8.16, 18.0] GHz. Using the heat-absorption property also achieves dynamic infrared stealth, shown by a Δ T ≈ 16.5 °C temperature difference. Additionally, the device exhibits a rapid response time (∼1 s), excellent cycling performance (100 cycles), and programmability (10 codes), offering a new stealth strategy.

The dynamic behaviour of metal-ligand bonding cultivates stimuli-mediated structural transformations in self-assembled molecular architectures. The propensity of synthetically designed self-assembled systems to interchange between higher-order architectures is increased multi-fold when the building blocks have higher conformational degrees of freedom. Herein, we report a new ligand, (2,7-bis(di(pyridin-4-yl)amino)-9H-fluoren-9-one) (L), which, upon self-assembly with a cis-[(ethylene-1,2-diamine)Pd(NO 3 ) 2 ] acceptor (M), resulted in the formation of a M 6 L 3 trifacial barrel (C1) in water. Interestingly, during crystallization, a rare M 12 L 6 triangular orthobicupola architecture (C2) was generated along with C1. C2 could also be generated in solution via the application of several stimuli. C1 in aqueous media could stabilize one trans-stilbene (tS) or cis-stilbene (cS) molecule in its cavity, with a selectivity for the former from their mixture. Moreover, C1 acted as an effective host to prevent the otherwise facile photoisomerization of tS to cS inside its hydrophobic cavity under UV irradiation. Conversely, the visible-light-induced reverse isomerization of encapsulated cS to encapsulated tS could be achieved readily due to the better stabilization of tS within the cavity of C1 and its transparency to visible light. A multi-functional system was therefore designed, which at the same time is stimuli-responsive, shows isomer selectivity, and photo-protects trans-stilbene., (© 2024 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Recent efforts on manipulating metal nanoparticles (NPs) using an electron beam have offered new insights into nanoparticle behavior, structural transition, and the emergence of new properties. Despite an increasing understanding of the dynamics of electron beam-induced coalescence of NPs, several phenomena are yet to be investigated. Here, we show that repulsion between two NPs is as favorable as coalescence under electron beam irradiation at room temperature. Using small-sized (D ≈ 5.9 nm) and large-sized (D ≈ 11.0 nm) gold (Au) NPs, and different electron dose rates, a unique sequential attraction-repulsion between NPs is disclosed. The real-time in situ transmission electron microscopy imaging suggest that at a low dose rate, two small-sized AuNPs with 1.0 nm particle-particle distance undergo repulsion to 18 nm with a diffusion rate of 0.4 nm min -1 . For large-sized AuNPs, the repulsion rate is 0.08 nm min -1 at a low dose rate and is comparable to that of small-sized AuNPs at a high dose rate. Surprisingly, large-sized AuNPs at a high electron dose rate displayed attraction in the first 15 min, followed by rapid repulsion. This unique sequential attraction-repulsion behavior of NPs offers possibilities to manipulate interparticle distance and properties without inducing dimensional changes for advanced photonic and plasmonic nanodevices., (© 2024 The Author(s). Small published by Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

It is promising but still challenging for the widespread application of aqueous zinc batteries due to the poor reversibility of the zinc anode caused by prevalent dendrite growth and pronounced interfacial side reactions. Herein, we report a rare soluble and water-stable high-nuclearity {Nd 9 Si 4 W 39 } polyoxotungstate. Interestingly, upon encountering Zn 2+ ions, the discrete {Nd 9 Si 4 W 39 } nanocluster undergoes a structural transformation to form an infinitely extended cluster-based {[Zn(H 2 O) 4 ] 3 [Nd 9 Si 4 W 39 ] 2 } two-dimensional honeycomb layer, with which atomic-level Zn 2+ ion effects in reconstructing the layer are determined. More interestingly, we demonstrate that the structural transformation property renders the {Nd 9 Si 4 W 39 } cluster an efficient electrolyte additive for aqueous zinc batteries, enabling the formation of the 2D layer as a protective layer on the zinc anode, significantly enhancing the reversibility of the zinc anode. Compared to the pristine Zn//Zn symmetric battery, the Zn//Zn symmetric battery with the {Nd 9 Si 4 W 39 } additive exhibits an extended lifespan of over 2000 hours at a current density of 1 mA cm -2 . In situ optical microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and molecular dynamics simulations reveal that the formation of the protective layer effectively promotes uniform zinc deposition, and inhibits zinc agglomeration, dendrite growth, and side reactions, thereby enabling the zinc anode to exhibit high reversibility and long-term service life., (© 2024 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Despite insurance contributions to economic growth, the intervening role of structural transformation on the insurance-growth nexus remains scarce, leaving a gap in the literature. Motivated by the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, which envisages higher structural transformation, financial development and economic progress, this study examines the threshold effects and the joint impact of insurance and structural transformation on economic growth in Africa. The study employed the generalised method of moments and dynamic panel threshold estimations on 38 countries covering 2008 to 2020. The following findings emerge: First, insurance and structural transformation promote economic growth. Second, the results indicate that structural transformation enhances the impact of insurance on economic growth. This suggests that structural transformation matters in driving insurance market development, ultimately promoting economic growth. Third, the empirical evidence further reveals nonlinearities in the relationship and presents that a high level of insurance penetration stimulates growth and vice versa. More so, the synergistic effect of insurance and structural transformation on economic growth is more substantial at higher threshold levels. This implies that though insurance spurs economic growth, its impact is more effective through the intervening role of a strong structural transformation. Therefore, this study calls for government intervention and policies to improve structural transformations and form insurance synergies to promote growth., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 The Authors.)

The paper describes the results of the scanning electronic and atomic force microscopy research of the surface structure of the Ni57Mn21Al22, Ni57Mn21Al19Si3, Ni40Co10Mn34Al16 rapidly quenched ribbons. The influence of the chemical composition on the size, boundary geometry and structure of the grains is considered. It is shown that all the test samples have a nano-sized martensitic relief, and its parameters are determined. It has been established that the cross section of the ribbon is represented by crystalline grains of different shapes which are due to differences in the cooling rates along the edges and in the center of the samples. Elemental mapping of the cross-sectional surface of the ribbons was carried out using an X-ray energy dispersive spectrometer, and a uniform distribution of chemical elements in the samples was established. It is shown that the cobalt doping of Ni57Mn21Al22 ribbon causes changes in the micromorphology of the surface and has a significant effect on the magnetic properties of rapidly quenched ribbons: field dependences of themagnetization and domain structure.

In this paper, two near-net-shape continuous casting technologies (strip casting and compact strip production) were used to produce a typical Si–Mn bearing Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS) slab/strip, aiming to provide a clear understanding on the cooling rate on the solidification structure and corresponding properties. The results showed that strip casting (SC) technology under sub-rapid cooling conditions owns a higher heat transfer efficiency, and the solidified grains have been obviously uniformed and refined. Meanwhile, a substituted quenching process has been completed under high cooling strength of SC, leading the structural transformation from the initial ferrite/pearlite to the composite structure of martensite and bainite, which provides a very good structural basis for the excellent comprehensive mechanical performance of Si–Mn AHSS.

Al1.5(CoxFe6-x)6Cr high-entropy alloy (HEA) soft magnetic powder cores (SMPCs) were designed and prepared via gas atomization and insulation, and the effects of the Co/Fe ratio on their phase formation, microstructure evolution, and soft magnetic properties were systematically investigated. An increase in Co content promoted the precipitation of the B2 phase from the body-centered cubic (BCC) matrix, and the content of the B2 phase was greater than that of the BCC phase at x = 4, thus replacing the BCC phase as the matrix, which contributed to the optimization of the soft magnetic properties of the AlCoFeCr HEA. The SMPC composed of the BCC single phase exhibits the lowest eddy current loss (Pe) of 55.1 mW/cm3 (@100 kHz, 50 mT), excellent direct current (DC) bias performance of 80.6 % at 100 Oe, and high stable effective permeability (μe) of 49.9 up to 1 MHz. The association of magnetic domains, grain size, and particle size with Hc variation was analyzed, providing guidelines for subsequent studies to obtain HEAs with good soft magnetic properties. By comprehensively and systematically comparing the microstructural differences of diverse matrix-phase HEAs and SMPCs, the specific application of this HEA system under high-temperature conditions can be expanded.

This paper investigates the effects of foreign direct investment (FDI) on structural transformation using panel data from 44 developing countries and four newly industrialized countries from 1990 to 2018 by employing the generalized method of moment approach of Arellano-Bond (1991). The estimated results suggest that FDI inflows have a positive significant effect on the structural transformation. In addition, the paper explores the channels through which FDI affects structural transformation. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) indicates that structural change contributes 55.95 percent to structural transformation, followed by capital accumulation (37.92 percent) and economic growth (6.13 percent). Particularly, manufacturing and service-sector output and employment growth, as well as urbanization, are major pathways via which FDI fosters structural transformation in developing countries. Therefore, special consideration should be given to FDI motivated by manufacturing exports, as well as policies that boost absorption capacity and enable labor mobility in developing countries.

Intraparticle ion motions are critical to the structure and properties of nanomaterials, but rarely disclosed. Herein, in situ visualization of ion motions in a single nanoparticle is presented by dark‐field microscopy imaging, which shows HgCl2‐induced structural transformation of amorphous selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) with the main composition of Se8. Owing to the high binding affinity with selenium and coulomb interactions, Hg2+ ions can permeate into the interior of SeNPs, making the amorphous Se8 turn to polycrystalline Hg3Se2Cl2. As a proof of concept, SeNPs then serve as a highly effective scavenger for selective removal of Hg2+ ions from solution. This new finding offers visual proof for the photophysical process involving intraparticle ion motion, demonstrating that tracking the ion motions is a novel strategy to comprehend the formation mechanism with the purpose of developing new nanostructures like nanoalloys and nano metal compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports the synthesis of Sr/Nb-modified Bi 4 Ti 3 O 12 Aurivillius phase, Sr x Bi 4- x Ti 3- x Nb x O 12 (x = 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2) for lead-free relaxor ferroelectric materials using the molten-salt method. The effects of cation substitution (x content) on the structure, morphology, electrical and optical properties was investigated. X-ray diffraction and dielectric measurements revealed that the phase structures of the parent compound Bi 4 Ti 3 O 12 (x = 0) experienced a gradual transformation from the orthorhombic B 2 cb phase to the tetragonal I 4/ mmm phase, for x = 1.5 and 2. Upon increasing the x content, the Curie-Weiss temperature (T c) and dielectric constant decreased, which are explained in terms of reducing the structural distortion of orthorhombic structure. The cation substitution induced the A- and B -site cation disorder and intensified diffusion and relaxor-ferroelectric behavior. These findings will provide significant impetus for further research on relaxor ferroelectric Aurivillius phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving the competitiveness of the agro-industrial complex in the context of an imbalance in the global food market and a tough sanctions policy can be achieved by stimulating the innovation and investment activities of regional and sectoral agricultural systems. The purpose of this article is to improve approaches to the optimal distribution of investments in agriculture and to develop tools to stimulate innovation and investment activity. It has been empirically proven that in Russia the priority areas for the use of investment resources are significantly underfunded, which is a blocking factor in increasing the competitiveness and economic growth of the agricultural sector of the economy. New investment mechanisms aimed at further improvement of regional and federal investment policy have been studied. Measures to stimulate innovation and investment activity are proposed and a pool of indicators for assessing indirect effects is substantiated. A mechanism for the development of the agroindustrial complex was developed on the basis of systemic mediation with the substantiation of the functions of an innovative mediator as a link between the institutional actors of the organization. This mechanism makes it possible to increase the efficiency of institutional interaction between the stakeholders of the innovation process, ensures planning and coordination of fundamental and applied research at the federal and regional levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chinese investment in Africa has captured the interest of both academia and the wider policy world, with some postulating that Chinese firms have the potential to bring about a structural transformation of the continent. Some scholars have even gone as far as to claim that Africa may be turned into the 'next factory of the world'. By focusing on spillover effects – arguably the most sought-after of foreign direct investment effects – this article seeks to challenge such celebratory assumptions. Drawing on over 80 interviews with Zambian institutions and Chinese firms, supplemented by surveys carried out in these firms, we provide empirical evidence showing that Chinese investment brings little in terms of linkage formation and spillover effects, and those rare linkages that do exist relate to low-technology inputs that offer little hope for long-awaited industrial upgrading. Rather than blaming Chinese investors, however, we turn our attention to the question of institutional capacity, arguing that Zambia has largely failed when it comes to building adequate local supply capacity. This leads us to conclude that the chances of Chinese investment leading to structural transformation are limited and that this will remain the case unless industrial policy plays a more transformative role in fostering linkages and facilitating spillovers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The abuse of chemical fungicides not only leads to toxic residues and resistance in plant pathogenic fungi, but also causes environmental pollution and side effects on in humans and animals. Based on the antifungal activities of berberine, seven different types of berberine derivatives (A1–G1) were synthesized, and their antifungal activities against six plant pathogenic fungi were evaluated (Rhizoctonia solani, Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium graminearum, Phytophthora capsici, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, and Magnaporthe oryzae). RESULTS: The results for antifungal activities in vitro showed that berberine derivative E1 displayed good antifungal activity against R. solani with a median effective concentration (EC50) of 1.77 μg ml−1, and berberine derivatives F1 and G1 demonstrated broad‐spectrum antifungal activities with EC50 values ranging from 4.43 to 42.23 μg ml−1 against six plant pathogenic fungi. Berberine derivatives (E2–E29, F2–F18, and G2–G9) were further synthesized to investigate the structure–activity relationship (SAR), and compound E20 displayed significant antifungal activity against R. solani with an EC50 value of 0.065 μg ml−1. Preliminary mechanism studies showed that E20 could cause mycelial shrinkage, cell membrane damage, mitochondrial abnormalities and the accumulation of harmful reactive oxygen species, resulting in cell death in R. solani. Moreover, in vivo experimental results showed that the protective effect of E20 was 97.31% at 5 μg ml−1, which was better than that of the positive control thifluzamide (50.13% at 5 μg ml−1). CONCLUSION: Berberine derivative E20 merits further development as a new drug candidate with selective and excellent antifungal activity against R. solani. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of efficient and stable electrocatalysts is of great significance for improving water splitting. Among them, transition metal oxyhydroxides show excellent performance in oxygen evolution reactions (OER), but there are certain difficulties in direct preparation. Recently, Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) as precatalysts or precursors have shown promising catalytic performance in OER and can be decomposed under alkaline conditions. Therefore, using a mild and controllable way to convert MOFs into oxyhydroxides and retaining the original structural advantages is crucial for improving the catalytic activity. Herein, a rapid electrochemical strategy is used to activate well-mixed MOFs to prepare Co/Ni oxyhydroxide nanosheets for efficient OER catalysts, and the structural transformation in this process was investigated in detail by using scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, Raman, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electrochemical methods. It is discovered that electrochemical activation can promote ligand substitution of well-mixed MOFs to form porous oxyhydroxide nanosheets and tune the electronic structure of the metal (Co and Ni), which can lead to more active site exposure and accelerate charge transfer. In addition, the change of structure also improves hydrophilicity, as well as benefiting from the strong synergistic effect between multiple species, the optimal a-MCoNi–MOF/NF has excellent OER performance and long-term stability. More obviously, the porous CoNiOOH nanosheets are formed in situ during electrochemical activation process through structural transformation and acts as the active centers. This work provides new insights for mild synthesis of MOFs derivatives and also provides ideas for the preparation of highly efficient catalysts. [Display omitted] • CoNiOOH nanosheets derived from the well-mixed MOFs by electrochemical activation. • Porous CoNiOOH species can directly act as real active center for water oxidation. • Porous structures and hydrophilic oxyhydroxide nanosheets play a key role in OER. • The optimal a-MCoNi–MOF/NF exhibits 227 mV overpotential and long-term stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the structural, electronic and optical absorption properties of m -aminobenzoic acid crystals (hereinafter referred to as m -amino) in the pressure range of 0–300 GPa are calculated by density functional theory (DFT). The changing trend of the lattice constant of m -amino under different pressures is analyzed. We find that the crystal undergoes complex transformation. Furthermore, it can be seen that the structure of m -amino along the b -axis is stiffer than that along the a -axis and c -axis, suggesting that the crystal has anisotropic compressibility. Through the analysis of the band gap and density of states of m -amino, it is found that the electronic properties of m -amino are transformed from semiconductor phase to metal phase at 100 GPa, then jump into the semiconductor phase and maintain the metal phase again in the pressure range of 150–250 GPa. Repeated phase transitions indicate that the structure of m -amino becomes more unstable as the pressure increases. Besides, from the absorption spectra, the optical activity of m -amino is relatively high with the increase of pressure, and two obvious structural transitions are observed at 70 and 270 GPa, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We examine the association of structural transformation (specifically, premature deindustrialisation) with growth slowdowns in middle-income countries. • To identify countries experiencing premature deindustrialisation we propose a new method based on manufacturing employment and value-added share. This method identifies deindustrialisation trend and also specify whether this trend is premature or not. • The empirical findings indicate that the premature deindustrialisation trend increases the incidence of growth slowdowns in middle-income countries. • The evidence from our study emphasises that reversing the early deindustrialisation trend is critical for breaking out of middle-income status In this study, we examine how the premature deindustrialisation trend hinders the channels of economic growth in middle-income countries. To identify the 'premature deindustrialisation' phases, we arrive at a set of five conditions. The first and second conditions detect the deindustrialisation phase in terms of employment and value-added share of the manufacturing sector. In the last three conditions, we define the upper threshold levels in terms of income per capita, employment, and value-added share of the manufacturing sector to capture the 'premature' element in deindustrialisation. The empirical results indicate that premature deindustrialisation raises the likelihood of growth slowdowns in an economy. Further, the increase in informal and low-productive service employment raises the incidence of growth slowdowns in middle-income countries. The evidence emphasises that it is critical to reverse the early deindustrialisation trend to break out of the middle-income status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicon carbide (SiC) is an attractive semiconductor material for devices that operate under extreme conditions. However, its high hardness and chemical stability hinder micromachining. Femtosecond laser has been proposed extensively as an effective micromachining tool for SiC. However, the fundamental mechanisms of laser-material interaction during femtosecond laser irradiation process remain elusive. This paper presents a comprehensive study of the structural transformation and residual stress induced by irradiating a 4H–SiC target with a single-pulse femtosecond laser. The energy dependence of the structural characteristics at the spot center and the spatial distribution across the laser spot were determined using optical microscopy and micro-Raman spectroscopy. The effect of the laser fluence on the residual stress was discussed. The obtained results showed that no structural changes occurred at low energy, whereas bond breaking occurred among crystalline SiC (c-SiC) at high energy. A central disk with no structural transformation and no residual stress was formed for the fluence of 22.2 J/cm2, owing to phase explosion-induced spluttering. Meanwhile, an inhomogeneous distribution of the structural transformation was generated from the spot centre to the edge. Based on this, threshold fluences for modification and structural transformation were proposed and calculated. The fundamental mechanisms for different laser-fluence regimes are discussed, and some suggestions for improving the surface quality are put forward. This study provides deep insights into the laser-material interaction mechanisms and is beneficial for optimising the utilisation of femtosecond laser for 4H–SiC micromachining. • Structural characteristics and residual stress at the spot centre depend on laser energy. • Spatial distribution of structural transformation from the spot centre to the edge is inhomogeneous. • Threshold fluences for modification and structural transformation are proposed and calculated. • The fundamental mechanisms of laser-material interaction for different laser-fluence regimes are analysed. • The residual stress in central disk region vanishes for the laser fluence of 22.2 J/cm2, owing to explosive boiling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the pattern of composition of sectoral output and consumption are well stylised during growth and structural transformation of an economy, the evidence on the movement of inter‐sectoral relative price is mixed across countries. This paper investigates how demand and supply side forces simultaneously shape structural transformation and the path of relative price in a two‐sector economy comprising an agricultural and a non‐agricultural sector. The model incorporates non‐homothetic preference, heterogeneous sectoral production functions with heterogeneous and exogenous total factor productivity growth. We further investigate how the equilibrium path of relative price contributes to inflation measured by proportionate changes in the aggregate price level which is an index of sectoral prices. We find that the equilibrium rate of inflation is always positive during structural transformation. The rate of inflation increases with increase in growth rate of the non‐agricultural sector and with a higher preference for agricultural goods, and reduces with an increase in the growth of the agricultural sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chelerythrine (CH) and ethoxychelerythrine (ECH) are chemical reference substances for quality control of Chinese herbal medicines, and ECH is the dihydrogen derivative of CH. In this study, their fluorescence and absorption spectra, as well as their structural changes in different protic solvents were compared. It was observed that their emission fluorescence spectra in methanol were almost the same (both emitted at 400 nm), which may be attributed to the nucleophilic and exchange reactions of CH and ECH with methanol molecules with the common product of 6-methoxy-5,6-dihydrochelerythrine (MCH). When diluted with water, MCH was converted into CH, which mainly existed in the form of positively charged CH+ under acidic and near-neutral conditions with the fluorescence emission at 550 nm. With the increase of pH value of the aqueous solution, CH+ converted to 6-hydroxy-5,6-dihydrochelerythrine (CHOH) with the fluorescence emission at 410 nm. The fluorescence quantum yields of MCH and CHOH were 0.13 and 0.15, respectively, and both the fluorescence intensities were much stronger than that of CH+. It is concluded that CH and ECH can substitute each other in the same protic solvent, which was further verified by high-performance liquid chromatography. This study will help in the investigation of structural changes of benzophenanthridine alkaloids and will provide the possibility for the mutual substitution of standard substances in relevant drug testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Being highly dependent on the oil sector, Azerbaijan suffered from economic downturn due to sharp fall in oil prices in 2015. However, such dependence creates development challenges for her. Simulated impact of prioritized economic reform policies—using a computable general equilibrium model (AZEORANI)—shows that, under the business-as-usual case with oil prices at 2011 level, it is projected to grow by 2.0% a year to 2030. However, consistent policy reforms enable enhanced growth by another 1.1 percentage points annually due to productivity boost and increased exports from non-oil sectors, viz., tourism and agriculture. In particular, following strategic roadmap, we consider baseline and policy shocks—10% improvement in productive efficiency, investment boost by 5% in non-mineral sector, and enhanced agricultural efficiency by 5%, and boost in tourism and transport by 10% via logistics-infrastructure, and technical progress in manufacturing over long run by 10–20% per annum. All these show that economic reforms have potentials to induce positive impact to overcome the binding constraints inhibiting growth and hence could promote economic development of Azerbaijan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper identifies industries in Tanzania that are critical for (i) upgrading and diversifying the economy, (ii) increasing export revenue and (iii) absorbing labour. First, a Product Space analysis identifies industrial niches, which Tanzania should promote to increase economic complexity and stimulate structural transformation. The identification of industries is based on a supply‐side network method following the literature on economic complexity. Second, we combine the complexity analysis with a gravity model, identifying industries with high, demand‐driven export potential. In combination, the supply‐and‐demand framework finds industries that are complex, feasible to target given Tanzania's existing know‐how and profitable to export given product‐specific trade resistance and geographically dispersed demand. Third, we construct an employment absorption index to identify industries with a high labour intensity. Our findings suggest a high export potential and scope for learning spillovers in complex sectors, such as machinery and chemicals. In contrast, less complex sectors, such as agro‐processing, metal and wood, are correlated with higher employment creation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past few decades. agriculture in Southeast Asia has experienced robust growth and undergone a significant structural transformation, albeit at a different pace in different countries in the region. This paper aims to understand the process of agricultural transformation and growth in Southeast Asia. The findings of this study show that, driven by technological change, area expansion and diversification, agriculture has grown faster in low income countries in the region. In contrast. agricultural growth in high-income countries has been slow and driven by price increases. mainly of export-oriented commercial crops such. as oil palm, rubber and coconut-alongside expansion of cropped area under these crops. In view of the fixed supply of land and high volatility in global food prices, the area- and price-driven growth is not sustainable in the long run. For efficient, sustainable and inclusive growth, exploiting the potential of existing and frontier technologies and diversification of production portfolio holds greater promise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Value-added tax is levied at various stages of the import, production, distribution, and consumption chain based on a percentage of the value of goods sold or services provided at each stage and ultimately paid by the final consumer. Structural transformation is considered as one of the variables affecting the efficiency of VAT collection often has led to an increase in the share of services in the total value added of the economy. In this study, the effect of structural transformation on the efficiency of VAT collection in provinces of Iran during 2008-2016. The results indicate that the ratio of value added of the service sector to total value added has a negative and significant effect on the efficiency of VAT collection. The value-added ratio of the services sector to the value added of the industrial sector has a negative and significant effect on the efficiency of VAT collection. Also, GDP growth per capita, Gini coefficient and the interval of value-added ratio of the agricultural sector of total value added has a negative effect on the efficiency of VAT collection. The rate of urbanization and the ratio of construction expenditures to total government expenditures have a positive and significant effect on the efficiency of VAT collection in the provinces.

Census data for 7000 cities – three fourth of the world's urban population – reveal that cities of the same population size in countries with similar development levels differ substantially in terms of their employment composition, especially in the developing world. Using these data, we classify cities into production cities with high employment shares of urban tradables (e.g., manufacturing or business services), consumption cities with high employment shares of urban non-tradables (e.g., retail and personal services), or neutral cities with a balanced mix of urban tradables and non-tradables. After establishing stylized facts regarding the sectoral distribution of employment in our global sample of cities, we discuss the various paths by which developing nations may urbanize through production cities – via industrialization or tradable services – or consumption cities – via resource exports, agricultural exports, or deindustrialization. Country and city-level data corroborate our hypotheses. Results on the construction of very tall buildings also provide suggestive evidence on the relationship between resource exports and consumption cities. Importantly, consumption cities seem to present lower growth opportunities than production cities, diminishing the role of cities as "engines of growth." Understanding how sectoral structure mediates the urbanization-growth relationship and how consumption cities become production cites is thus highly relevant for policy. • Production cities emerge via industrialization or expansion of tradable services. • Consumption cities emerge via resource exports, agricultural exports, or deindustrialization. • Cities in industrialized countries have more urban tradable and wage employment. • Cities in resource-rich and de-industrializing countries have less of such employment. • Consumption cities appear to have lower growth opportunities than production cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel unsymmetrical ligand, tpy-NDI-teg , specifically designed with a hydrophilic π-conjugated aromatic surface to promote directional π-π stacking interactions. • The square planar Pt(II)tpy-NDI-teg, 1 complex has been synthesized for applications in ATP sensing. • Complex 1 triggers a helical self-assembly process upon ATP coordination, leading to the formation of hierarchical self-assembled nanoarchitectures. • Complex 1 facilitates the generation of luminescent nano-vesicles through a nucleation-elongation mechanism, leading to enhanced confocal imaging and chiroptical signals, thereby highlighting its diverse capabilities and potential in sensing applications. A new cationic Pt(II)tpy-NDI-teg, 1 complex has demonstrated that a simple naphthalenediimide (NDI) core can be unsymmetrically modified with coordinated platinum(II)-terpyridine (Pt(II)-tpy) and hydrophilic nature of tetraethylene glycol (teg) moieties. This complex has been exclusively used for sensing ATP in water, resulting in the formation of highly green fluorescent nano-vesicles via self-organised helical ribbons by hierarchical self-assembly process. This study highlights the ability to modulate the properties of platinum(II) complexes upon ATP binding, facilitating the design of responsive systems for real-time monitoring of ATP levels in biological contexts. In this study, we have demonstrated ATP-driven hierarchical self-assembly, where complex 1 forms luminescent nano-vesicles through helical ribbon organization. The process is driven by multivalent ATP and π-conjugated moieties, enabling directional π-π stacking interactions and a nucleation-elongation mechanism. This novel strategy offers multifunctional platforms for bio-imaging, bio-sensing, and targeted drug delivery. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]