Search Results (169)

Vibocracy refers to societal conditions in which public life and decision-making are shaped by affective resonance, performative legitimacy, and unstable epistemic frames, often amplified by algorithmic media and neo-oral communication environments. Unlike wicked problems, which presuppose shared intelligibility, and post-truth politics, which emphasize the erosion of factual authority, vibocracy designates contexts where problems themselves are enacted and sustained through affective circulation. Recent years have seen the emergence of societal challenges where public life and decision-making are shaped less by shared evidence and deliberative reasoning than by affective resonance and performative legitimacy. This entry introduces the concept of vibocracy to describe these conditions and distinguishes it from existing categories such as wicked problems and messes. The analysis is based on a conceptual synthesis of scholarship from planning, organizational studies, media theory, and political science, combined with illustrative examples from recent societal controversies. The main finding is that vibocratic problems resist not only solutions but stable framing itself, creating volatile, performative arenas where legitimacy is enacted rather than negotiated. The entry concludes by proposing vibocracy as a distinct conceptual lens for understanding emerging societal challenges and outlines methodological implications for researchers and practitioners. Full article

This paper explores how digital crowdsourcing platforms communicate sustainability-oriented innovation and mobilise stakeholder engagement. Through a directed content analysis of three platforms (OpenIDEO, San Francisco, CA, USA; Enel Innovation Hub, Rome, Italy; and InnoCentive, Waltham, MA, USA). The study examines communication strategies, participation models, and alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Results show that communication is not neutral but functions as a governance mechanism shaping who participates, how innovation is framed, and what outcomes emerge. OpenIDEO fosters inclusive co-creation and SDG alignment, Enel Innovation Hub highlights technical readiness and energy transition, and InnoCentive relies on rewards and competition. Word-frequency analysis confirms these emphases, while interpretation through Motivation Crowding Theory, Social Exchange Theory, and Transaction Cost Theory explains how motivational framing, legitimacy signals, and participation structures affect engagement. The study contributes to research on open innovation and platform studies by demonstrating the constitutive role of communication in enabling or constraining sustainable collective action. Practical implications are outlined for platform designers, marketers, and policymakers seeking to align digital infrastructures with systemic sustainability goals. Full article

The present study aims to develop 3D-structured adsorbents for carbon capture with the utilization of coal ash after its conversion into zeolites. For this purpose, printing paste mixtures with a viscosity of 800 Pa·s were developed based on an environmentally friendly and safe polymer binder filled with coal ash zeolite with the addition of bentonite as a filler. The optimal consistency of the printing mixtures for preserving the shape and dimensions of the 3D-printed structures was established. Various model configurations of the macrostructure of 3D adsorbents were developed, and the optimal settings of the extruding system for their printing were established. After calcination, the resulting 3D structures were studied using instrumental analysis techniques, investigating the influence of 3D structuring on the phase composition, surface characteristics, and adsorption capacity for CO₂ capture in comparison with the initial powder coal ash zeolite adsorbents. The role of compensating cations in terms of the adsorption ability of powders in 3D-printed adsorbents was investigated. The current study offers an innovative and previously unexplored approach to a more expedient and practically significant utilization of aluminosilicate solid waste and, in particular, coal ash, through their 3D structuring and outlines a new research and technological direction in the development of economically advantageous, technologically feasible, and environmentally friendly 3D adsorbents. Full article

Decision Support Systems (DSSs) are increasingly shaping high-performance sport by translating complex time series data into actionable insights for coaches and practitioners. This paper outlines a structured, five-stage DSS development pipeline, grounded in the Schelling and Robertson framework, and demonstrates its application in professional basketball. Using changepoint analysis, we present a novel approach to dynamically quantify Most Demanding Scenarios (MDSs) using high-resolution optical tracking data in this context. Unlike fixed-window methods, this approach adapts scenario duration to real performance, improving the ecological validity and practical interpretation of MDS metrics for athlete profiling, benchmarking, and training prescription. The system is realized as an interactive web dashboard, providing intuitive visualizations and individualized feedback by integrating validated workload metrics with contextual game information. Practitioners can rapidly distinguish normative from outlier performance periods, guiding recovery and conditioning strategies, and more accurately replicating game demands in training. While illustrated in basketball, the pipeline and principles are broadly transferable, offering a replicable blueprint for integrating context-aware analytics and enhancing data-driven decision-making in elite sport. Full article

The article deals with the evaluation of dimensional deformations of a building element manufactured additively from a cement mixture. The study follows up on previous research within the 3DStar project and expands the methodology for monitoring deformations over time. The aim is to contribute to the development of more accurate simulation models for predicting the behaviour of printed structures, especially in the early stages after printing. For the analysis, an experimental ‘L’-shaped element was designed and printed, whose deformations were monitored using repeated 3D scanning and dimensional changes were evaluated for up to 93 days. The results show that the most significant deformations occur in the first hours after printing due to gravitational loading and mixture curing, while later changes are mainly due to shrinkage. The element’s geometry and the walls’ thickness also play a role. The analysis confirms the effectiveness of the ‘Caliper’ measurement method and outlines the potential for future use of photogrammetry as a method for online deformation monitoring. The data obtained will be used to optimise printing parameters and calibrate material parameters in the developed simulation software for non-linear numerical simulations in additive manufacturing using cement mixtures. Full article

This study investigates two-sided pulsed-periodic laser welding of three-layer metal–polymer–metal (MPM) composite sheets composed of galvanized dual-phase steel (DPK 30/50+ZE) as outer layers and a polypropylene–polyethylene (PP–PE) core. Welding was performed using a Rofin StarWeld Performance pulsed Nd:YAG laser with controlled parameters: pulse energy (30–32 J), duration (6–8 ms), and frequency (up to 1 Hz). High-quality welds were achieved with penetration depths reaching 70% of the outer metal layer thickness and minimal defects. Microscopic analysis revealed distinct fusion and heat-affected zones (HAZ) with no evidence of cracks or porosity, indicating stable thermal conditions. Mechanical testing showed that the welded joints attained a tensile strength of approximately 470 MPa, about 80% of the ultimate tensile strength of the base metal, with an average elongation of 0.6 mm. These results confirm the structural integrity of the joints. The observed weld morphology and microstructural features suggest that thermal conditions during welding significantly affect joint quality and HAZ formation. The study demonstrates that strong, defect-free joints can be produced using basic beam-shaping optics and outlines a pathway for further improvement through the integration of diffractive optical elements (DOEs) to enhance spatial-energy control in multilayer structures. Full article

The Eastern Kazakhstan Gold Belt is a major black-shale-hosted gold province in Central Asia where the main types of deposits comprise mineralized zones with auriferous sulfides (micro- and nano-inclusions of gold and refractory gold) and quartz veins with visible gold. The quartz vein deposits are economically less important but may potentially represent the upper parts of bigger ore systems concealed at depth. In this work, the mineralogy of the quartz vein deposits and related wall rock alteration zones was studied using microscopy and SEM-EDS analysis, and the geochemical dispersion of the ore elements in primary alteration haloes was documented utilizing spatial distribution maps and statistical treatment methods. The studied auriferous quartz veins are classified as epizonal black-shale-hosted orogenic gold deposits. The veins generally have linear shapes with an average width of ca. 1 m and length up to 150 m and contain high-grade native gold with minor amounts of sulfides. In supergene oxidation zones, the native gold is closely associated with Fe-hydroxide minerals cementing brecciated zones within the veins. The auriferous quartz veins are usually enclosed by the wall rock alteration envelopes, where two types of alteration are distinguished. Proximal phyllic alteration (sericite-albite-pyrite ± chlorite, Fe-Mg-Ca carbonates, arsenopyrite, and pyrrhotite) develops as localized alteration envelopes, and pervasive carbonation accompanied by chlorite ± sericite and albite is the dominant process in the distal alteration zones. The rocks within the alteration zones are enriched in Au and chalcophile elements, and three groups of chemical elements showing significant positive mutual correlation have been identified: (1) an early geochemical assemblage includes V, P, and Co (±Ni), which are the chemical elements characteristic for black shale formations, (2) association of Au, As, and other chalcophile elements is distinctly overprinting, and manifests the main stage of sulfide-hosted Au mineralization, and (3) association of Bi and Hg (±Sb and U) includes the chemical elements that are mobile at low temperatures, and can be explained by activity of the late-stage hydrothermal or supergene fluids. The chalcophile elements show negative slopes from proximal to distal alteration zones and form overlapping positive anomalies on spatial distribution mono-elemental maps. Thus, the geochemical methods can provide useful tools to delineate the ore elemental associations and to outline reproducible anomalies for subsequent regional gold prospecting. Full article

Seeds of different Vitis cultivars (V. vinifera subsp. vinifera) have an interesting diversity of shapes, ranging from the small seeds of high solidity and low aspect ratio in some species of Vitis and V. vinifera subsp. Sylvestris to other morphological types with elongated stalks, characteristic of the more recent cultivars, suggesting a transition with alterations in seed shape associated with groups of cultivars. J-index analysis is a morphometrical technique that measures the percentage similarity of seed images with geometric models. Three models based on the outlines of reference cultivars (a model based on the Spanish female cultivar Hebén; and mixed models for French and German Chenin and Gewürtztraminer, both related to Savagnin Blanc; and Regina dei Vigneti and Muscat Hamburg, related with the Muscat group) have been applied to select the average outlines (Aos) resembling these models from a collection of cultivars maintained at IMIDRA. Three groups resulted, called Hebén, Chenin, and Regina, with 15, 25, and 18 cultivars, respectively. Principal component analysis (PCA) with the Fourier coefficients of the Aos for these cultivars and seeds of other species of Vitis and V. vinifera subsp. sylvestris showed differences between groups. Specific Fourier coefficients were related with geometric properties of the seeds, circularity, roundness, aspect ratio, and solidity as well as with diverse measurements of curvature allowing to establish hypothesis about the change in geometric properties along the evolution of cultivars. Full article

Mechanical processes such as mixing, extrusion, and drying are key operations in food engineering, with a significant impact on product quality and process efficiency. The increasing complexity of food materials—due to non-Newtonian properties, multiphase structures, and thermal–mechanical interactions—requires advanced modeling approaches for process analysis and optimization. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) has become a vital tool in this context. This review presents recent progress in the use of CFD for simulating key mechanical operations in food processing. Applications include the analysis of fluid flow, heat and mass transfer, and mechanical stresses, supporting improvements in mixing uniformity, energy efficiency during drying, and optimization of extrusion components (e.g., shaping dies). The potential for integrating CFD with complementary models for system-wide optimization is also discussed, including challenges related to scale-up and product consistency. Current limitations are outlined, and future research directions are proposed. Full article

Analysis of the EPR of dilute transition-ion complexes and metalloproteins in random phases, such as frozen solutions, powders, glasses, and gels, requires a model for the spectral ‘powder’ shape. Such a model comprises a description of the line shape and the linewidth of individual molecules as well as a notion of their physical origin. Spectral features sharpen up with decreasing temperature until the limit of constant linewidth of inhomogeneous broadening. At and below this temperature limit, each molecule has a linewidth that slightly differs from those of its congeners, and which is not related in a simple way to lifetime broadening. Choice of the model not only affects precise assignment of g-values, but also concentration determination (‘spin counting’), and therefore, calculation of stoichiometries in multi-center complexes. Forty years ago, the theoretically and experimentally well-founded statistical theory of g-strain was developed as a prime model for EPR powder patterns. In the intervening years until today, this model was universally ignored in favor of models that are incompatible with physical reality, resulting in many mistakes in EPR spectral interpretation. The purpose of this review is to outline the differences between the models, to reveal where analyses went astray, and thus to turn a very long standstill in EPR powder shape understanding into a new start towards proper methodology. Full article

Flexibility in phased antenna arrays open the world of new applications. Such arrays can conform to different shapes while ensuring performance in harsh conditions. The purpose of this study is to perform a detailed comparative analysis of numerous studies of flexible phased antenna arrays. This work summarizes the main manufacturing techniques and the commonly used materials with their properties. It also outlines the key challenges and future trends in the development of flexible phased antenna arrays. The paper concludes with research recommendations to address the identified technical issues. Full article

This article uses the sailfish outline as an airfoil profile to create a dual vertical-axis water turbine model for capturing wave and tidal current energy. A parametric water turbine model is built with the shape function perturbation and characteristic parameter description methods. Optimized by the multi-island genetic algorithm on the Isight platform, a CNC sample of the optimized model is made. Its torque and pressure are measured in a wind tunnel and compared with CFD numerical analysis results. The results show small differences between the numerical and experimental results. Both indicate that the relevant performance parameters of the turbine improved after optimization. During constant flow velocity measurement, the optimized axial-flow turbine has a pressure increase of 55% and a torque increase of 40%, while for the centrifugal turbine, the pressure increases by 60% and the torque by 12.5%. During constant rotational speed measurement, the axial-flow turbine’s pressure increases by 16.7%, with an unobvious torque increase. The Q-criterion diagram shows more vortices after optimization. This proves the method can quickly and effectively optimize the dual vertical-axis water turbine. Full article

Child and adolescent health plays a critical role in shaping future public health and intergenerational outcomes. In China, rising rates of myopia, obesity, mental health issues, and other common conditions highlight the need for continuous monitoring. Since 2016, the Chinese National Surveillance on Students’ Common Diseases and Risk Factors (CNSSCDRF) has provided comprehensive, nationwide data on student health. By 2022, the system had expanded to nearly all counties, tracking key indicators such as vision problems, overweight/obesity, dental caries, and health-risk behaviors across multiple administrative levels. This review outlines the surveillance methodology, including sampling, data collection, and analysis. Findings have directly informed school health policies and technical guidelines, supporting national goals such as those in the Healthy China 2030 Plan. Full article

With the explosive growth in global lithium demand driven by the new energy industry, traditional lithium extraction methods face critical challenges such as resource scarcity, environmental pressure, and high energy consumption, necessitating sustainable alternatives. Under such circumstances, geothermal brine has emerged as a critical lithium resource, attracting significant attention due to advancements in efficient extraction technologies. This review establishes a comprehensive framework for analyzing geothermal lithium extraction technologies, with the following key contributions: an in-depth analysis of resource characteristics and development advantages, an innovative technical evaluation and performance comparison, and strategic pathways for technological synergy and industrial integration. This article reviews the global distribution and characteristics of lithium resources, analyzes the advantages and primary methods of geothermal lithium extraction, and examines key challenges such as high energy consumption and environmental impacts. Furthermore, future development directions are outlined. Currently, applicable technologies for geothermal lithium extraction include evaporation–crystallization, chemical precipitation, adsorption, solvent extraction, electrochemical methods, and membrane separation. Among these, membrane separation, particularly forward osmosis (FO), is identified as a pivotal research focus. The industrialization of geothermal lithium extraction and its integration with other industries are expected to shape future trends. This review not only provides critical insights and optimization strategies for geothermal lithium resource development, but also establishes a theoretical foundation for the green transition and sustainable utilization of resources in the global new energy industry. Full article

The geological structure of interbedded shale oil reservoirs is complex, later characterized by high reservoir heterogeneity and diverse reservoir spaces. These distinctive features are primarily attributed to their unique source–storage configuration. This paper comprehensively investigates the pore structure characteristics and controlling factors, which are beneficial for realizing efficient and sustainable resource utilization. The pore structure characteristics and main control factors of interbedded shale oil in the Heshuinan (HSN) area of the Ordos Basin are studied by analyzing thin sections and scanning them under an electron microscope, and using XRD analysis, a high-pressure mercury injection, a constant-rate mercury injection, and a nitrogen adsorption method. The influence of sedimentation and diagenesis on the pore structure is analyzed. Research shows that the interbedded shale oil reservoirs of the Triassic Chang 7 in the HSN area have an average porosity of 8.47% and an average permeability of 0.74 × 10⁻³ μm². The reservoirs are classified as typical ultra-low porosity, ultra-low permeability reservoirs. The various pore types in the study area are mainly residual intergranular pores and feldspar dissolution pores. The pores are mostly in the shape of parallel slits and ink-bottle-shaped. The pore-throat radii range from 0.02 μm to 200 μm. Sedimentation and diagenesis jointly control the pore structure in the study area. Sedimentation determines the material foundation of the study area. Diagenesis affects later pore development. Early compaction greatly reduces the intergranular pores, but the chlorite envelope reduces the influence of compaction to some extent. The compacted residual intergranular pores are further reduced by clay minerals, carbonate minerals, and siliceous minerals. Late dissolution promotes pore enlargement, which is the key to the formation of high-quality reservoirs. Furthermore, on this basis, this paper outlines the genetic mechanism of the Chang 7 high-quality reservoir in the HSN area to provide guidance for the exploration and development of interbedded shale oil and gas. Full article