International School of Management

Cobaltabis(dicarbollide) anion ([Co(C2B9H11)2]⁻) named COSAN is a sandwich‐type metallacarborane that has been widely explored in a variety of fields, due to its interesting physical and chemical properties. While COSAN and its derivatives have recently been investigated in catalysis, their chiral counterparts have, to our knowledge, never been investigated in asymmetric catalysis. This may be due to the difficulty associated with preparing and isolating enantiopure COSAN derivatives. Inspired by our previous work on the chiral induction of nanoscale silica helices on achiral objects, we prepared and characterized enantiopure COSAN‐based left‐and right‐handed hybrid silica nanohelices (NANOCOSANs). In these structures, achiral COSAN anions are encapsulated within left‐and right‐handed organic‐inorganic hybrid nanohelices, which serve as a chiral platform for COSAN in enantioselective transformations. The morphology and structural composition of these NANOCOSAN hybrids as well as the presence of COSAN species were confirmed using UV/Vis, Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), and solid nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Their optical activity was demonstrated by circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy and Raman optical activity (ROA), highlighting the induction of chirality from chiral hybrid nanohelices to the achiral COSAN anions. To the best of our knowledge, these NANOCOSAN hybrids represent the first examples of COSAN‐based chiral systems displaying chiroptical effects. In addition, they show excellent catalytic activity and enantioselectivity in the photooxidation of secondary aromatic alcohols in water. Specifically, the left‐handed NANOCOSAN that selectively oxidizes the (S)‐alcohol, while the right‐handed oxidizes the (R)‐alcohol, achieving up to 85% enantiomeric excess (ee). This proof‐of‐principle catalytic experiment demonstrates the transfer of chiroptical properties from the hybrid nanohelices to the catalytically active and originally achiral COSAN anion, enabling supramolecular asymmetric catalysis. Remarkably, the catalyst was recovered and reused at least three times without any loss of catalytic activity or enantioselectivity. This study reports the first example of enantiopure COSAN‐containing nanohelices, which can promote photooxidation of organic substrates in water with high enantioselectivity.

The vacuum ultraviolet photoionization and dissociative photoionization of isomeric radicals, acetyl (CH3CO) and vinoxy (CH2CHO), have been studied using synchrotron radiation double imaging photoelectron photoion coincidence (i²PEPICO) spectroscopy. Mass-selected threshold photoelectron spectra (ms-TPES) corresponding to the parent cations (m/z = 43, CH3CO⁺ and CH2CHO⁺) and their fragment ions (m/z = 15, CH3⁺) are measured and assigned based on theoretical calculations. The first and second bands of the ms-TPES of m/z = 43 are mainly unstructured due to the large molecular configuration changes upon photoionization, and they are attributed to contributions of the singlet ground state of CH3CO⁺ and CH2CHO⁺. The ms-TPES of m/z = 15 exhibit a rich structure with two vibrational series superimposed onto a broad envelope. The first vibrational series is attributed to the photoionization of the methyl radical (CH3), generated from secondary reactions in the flow tube reactor, while the second series is attributed to pre-dissociation of the triplet electronic state of CH2CHO⁺, and the statistical dissociation of ground state CH3CO⁺ in high vibrational levels contributes to the broad envelope. The dissociation mechanisms for the generation of CH3⁺ from CH3CO⁺ and CH2CHO⁺ are also discussed with the aid of a theoretical energy diagram and a breakdown diagram. In particular, a dissociation mechanism is proposed, in which CH2CHO⁺ in a triplet electronic state first undergoes an intersystem crossing into the singlet electronic state, followed by a structural rearrangement and dissociation into CH3⁺ along the singlet minimum energy path of CH3CO⁺.

Organic bulk heterojunction particles are decorated in a well-controlled way with metals by using light-assisted bipolar electrodeposition to yield Janus particles. Their asymmetric character leads to significantly enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction. The organic particles are first synthesized via miniemulsion, tuning their size by carefully controlling various preparation parameters. Subsequently, the synergistic effect of an electric field and light is explored for the site-selective bipolar electrochemical deposition of different metals (Pt, Au or Pd). Photocatalytic tests reveal that in the case of platinum, the resulting Janus particles significantly outperform particles randomly covered with metal, as well as unmodified particles, showing an increase in hydrogen evolution efficiency by up to 500%. This superior performance is attributed to an enhanced charge carrier separation in the Janus structure, where Pt, confined at one side, facilitates more efficient electron shuttling and transfer. This work constitutes the first study reporting a promising approach for designing novel metal–organic Janus particles to boost photocatalytic hydrogen evolution and opens up new perspectives for optimizing the design of various other hybrid systems for sustainable energy conversion.

Web-like obstacles, such as safety nets, represent a unique hazard for drones, and especially UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles). Fencing and netting are particularly difficult to distinguish from the background using either computer vision, lidar and sonar. In contrast, animals such as flying insects may detect these web-like obstacles using Optic Flow (OF), and more precisely motion parallax. A netting-avoidance solution was proposed using a OF-based detection method. The netting detection method was based on a signature defined by the shape of the OF magnitude across the visual field. We established that the OF shape depends on the orientation of the netting in relation to the hexarotor’s movement. This paper demonstrates netting detection in real-world experiments, according to any direction flight made by the UAV along the net. The proposed NOWA method (which stands for Netting Optical floW-based distinction Algorithm) separates the OF signatures belonging to these different surfaces -netting or background- whatever their orientations. By extracting the OF signatures of these different surfaces and separating them, the proposed visual method can estimate their relative locations and orientations. In a robotic simulations, the multirotor explores and navigates automatically using this netting detection method, using saccades to avoid obstacles. In the simulations, these saccades are also used to simplify netting detection by orienting itself systematically parallel to these planes, a behavior reminiscent of flying insects.

With the increasing requirement for phosphorus resources and their shortage in nature, cyclic utilization of organophosphorus pollutants into phosphatic fertilizer might offer a sustainable approach to achieve the recycling of phosphorus. Herein, we first report the selective degradation of organophosphorus pollutants, via the synergistic effect of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) and sodium percarbonate (SPC), into phosphates (o‐PO4³⁻), which are continually converted into phosphatic fertilizer by struvite precipitation on the continuous‐flow reactor. Quenching experiments, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) results, electrochemical analysis, and density functional theory (DFT) calculation suggest that the transfer of electrons from SPC to PMS results in the synthesis of catalytically active species (i.e., ·OH, ·O2⁻, ¹O2, and CO3·⁻) for hydroxyethylidene‐1,1‐diphosphonicacid (HEDP) degradation. For the real glyphosate wastewater, the PMS/SPC system exhibits excellent catalytic activity with 69.20% decrease in chemical oxygen demand (COD) and 37.80% decrease in the total organic carbon (TOC) after 90 min. Indeed, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) confirms that glyphosate is completely degraded in 90 min with the formation of 271.93 µmol/L of o‐PO4³⁻, which is further converted into phosphatic fertilizer by the precipitation of struvite with 87.20% yield on continuous‐flow reactor. Finally, biotoxicity of glyphosate to zebrafish and wheat seeds are significantly deceased after treatment of PMS/SPC system by zebrafish toxicology assays and germination tests of wheat seeds.

Ionic transition metal complexes (iTMCs) often suffer from low photoluminescence quantum yield, especially in the red to near‐infrared spectral region. Rational molecular design strategies unlock recovering the emission features efficiently. A potential solution is offered by bimetallic complexes, which are rapidly emerging as a valid and attractive class of emitters. In this work, the yet unexplored electrochemiluminescence (ECL) properties of a series of heterobimetallic complexes of general structure IrIII‐MI are investigated, where the formally neutral cyclometalated iridium complex provides efficient photo‐ and electro‐active properties to the molecular emitters. Whereas bulky MI (gold or copper) metalloligand increases structural rigidity and chemical stability of the architecture while enabling larger values for the radiative rate constant. The IrIII‐MI shows highly efficient red ECL at λem,max = 600 nm, which is stable in a wider range of applied potential. The activation is triggered at 0.45–0.65 V, ca. 0.3–0.5 V lower than that of tris‐(2,2′‐bipyridyl) ruthenium(II) complex, [Ru(bpy)3]²⁺. Remarkably, the ECL quantum yield relative to [Ru(bpy)3]²⁺ is up to six‐fold higher, thus positioning this new series of iTMCs amongst the brightest ECL‐active emitters to date and possibly offering a platform to develop novel and even more efficient ECL probes for biosensing and bioimaging applications.

Piezogenic papules (PP) are protrusions of fat that form within the subcutaneous tissue, which are typically found on the heels. We herein describe the ultrasound (US) presentation (topography, echogenicity, shape, dynamic reducibility, and power Doppler activity) and magnetic resonance imaging features (topography, signal, and shape) of PP in three female patients who were referred to our institution for evaluation of soft tissue nodules of the heel. Then, we discuss the anatomy of the heel fat pad and its implication in the pathophysiology of PP. Because PP consist of herniations of subcutaneous fat from deep macrochambers to superficial microchambers through focal defects in the fibroconjunctive capsule of the heel fat pad, dynamic US can demonstrate the reducibility of PP under probe compression and therefore allows easy differentiation from other soft tissue tumors.

Percutaneous bone consolidation is increasingly used for the management of bone pain resulting from benign and malignant conditions. Percutaneous vertebroplasty was first performed in 1984 through the injection of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) bone cement directly into the cancellous bone of the vertebral body. Then, in the late nineties, balloon kyphoplasty was introduced consisting of the positioning of an inflatable balloon at the fracture site to create a cavity and restore the vertebral height, followed by PMMA injection. In recent years, more advanced techniques involving spinal implants combined with cement injection have also been developed in an attempt to restore vertebral body height. Vertebral augmentation techniques have been shown to be more effective for the treatment of vertebral fragility fractures than non-surgical management. Apart from osteoporotic fractures, vertebral augmentation has also demonstrated pain reduction and function improvement in patients with metastatic fractures. In extraspinal bone sites, percutaneous osteoplasty has proved helpful in treating both osteoporotic and pathological fractures, as well as in preventing tumor-related impending fractures. Recently, screw-mediated osteosynthesis has been described to withstand shear and rotational forces in the pelvic ring and long bones. We herein provide recommendations for the most common clinical situations that may benefit from such bone consolidation techniques. KEY POINTS: Vertebral augmentation is more effective for the treatment of vertebral fragility fractures than non-surgical management. Vertebral augmentation can provide pain reduction and function improvement in patients with spinal metastases. Percutaneous osteoplasty and osteosynthesis can treat osteoporotic and pathological fractures in the pelvic ring and long bones.

With the increasing requirement for phosphorus resources and their shortage in nature, cyclic utilization of organophosphorus pollutants into phosphatic fertilizer might offer a sustainable approach to achieve the recycling of phosphorus. Herein, we first report the selective degradation of organophosphorus pollutants (such as HEDP and glyphosate), via the synergistic effect of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) and sodium percarbonate (SPC), into phosphates, which are continually converted into phosphatic fertilizer by struvite precipitation on the continuous‐flow reactor. Quenching experiments, EPR result, electrochemical analysis, and DFT calculation suggest that the transfer of electrons from SPC to PMS results in the synthesis of catalytically active species (i.e. ∙OH, ∙O2‐, 1O2 and CO3∙‐) for HEDP degradation. For the real glyphosate wastewater, the PMS/SPC system exhibits excellent catalytic activity with 69.2% decrease in COD and 37.8% decrease in TOC after 90 min. Indeed, HPLC confirms that glyphosate is completely degraded in 90 min with the formation of 271.93 μmol/L of o‐PO43‐, which is further converted into phosphatic fertilizer by the precipitation of struvite with 87.2% yield on continuous‐flow reactor. Finally, biotoxicity of glyphosate to zebrafish and wheat seeds are significantly deceased after treatment of PMS/SPC system by zebrafish toxicology assays and germination tests of wheat seeds.

Virtual Reality Head-Mounted Display (VR-HMD) is increasingly being used as a tool to improve sport performance. Recent studies showed that VR-HMD is well accepted by athletes, before a first use, to improve their sport performance. But if athletes accept the VR-HMD but their coaches do not, there is a risk that the VR-HMD will never be used despite its benefits. Consequently, the aim of the present study was to assess coaches’ acceptance of VR-HMD prior to first use, to highlight potential initial psychological blockages. The study sample included 239 French coaches training competitive athletes from different sports and different levels of competition (departmental-regional, national, international). Based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), coaches filled out a questionnaire assessing perceived usefulness of the VR-HMD for coaching, perceived usefulness for athletes, perceived ease of use, perceived enjoyment, job relevance, and intention to use. The results of the structural equation modelling highlighted that all the previous variables (except perceived ease of use) were positive predictors of coaches’ intention to use the VR-HMD. The results of the one-sample t-tests showed that VR-HMD was well accepted by coaches before a first use, with scores of all the TAM variables significantly higher than the mean of the Likert scale for the full sample and for each level of competition (except for departmental-regional coaches). Before a first effective use, no issues of non-acceptance have been identified for the use of VR-HMD by coaches for sport performance optimization purposes.

Transition metal-based catalyst layers for hydrogen evolution (HER) and urea oxidation (UOR) are coupled to a Perovskite/Silicon (PK/Si) tandem photovoltaic (PV) cell and tested for H2 production from urea-rich alkaline...

This research aims to examine the underlying motivations across generations to engage in the growing trend of Chinese people incorporating traditional Chinese ethnic clothing into their travel photography. As globalization continues to reshape cultural identities, individuals seek ways to connect with their heritage and express their cultural pride. This study delves into the factors that drive Chinese travelers to embrace traditional Chinese ethnic clothing as a means of self-expression and cultural representation. Data were collected through an online survey that was distributed to a diverse sample of Chinese travelers, capturing their perspectives on the significance of traditional Chinese ethnic clothing in travel photography. The findings indicate that there are differing motivations across generations and that a desire for cultural connectivity plays a moderating role in the relationship between different generations and their level of interest in traditional costume photo tourism. By understanding these motivations, travel agencies, photographers, and cultural organizations can better cater to the evolving needs and desires of Chinese travelers. Additionally, this study contributes to the broader discourse on cultural identity and globalization, illustrating the ways in which individuals negotiate their sense of self in an interconnected world.

Winner of multiple prestigious awards, contemporary English poet Alice Oswald is considered one of the leading voices in modern poetry. In her seventh poetry collection, Falling Awake, Oswald has crafted a poetic image of death that diverges from the traditional conceptions of death as morbid and a source of anxiety. This article examines Oswald’s depiction of death in Falling Awake within the framework of German-American philosophy academic Peter Koestenbaum’s theory of the two dimensions of death. In her exploration of the physical and metaphysical dimensions of death, the ‘death of another’ and the ‘death of myself’, Oswald actively investigates their roles as agents of erosion and their relationship with life and vitality. This essay analyses a selection of poems from Falling Awake in accordance with Koestenbaum’s dimensions of death, arguing that in her illustration of death, Oswald conceptualises it as a reminder to sustain life and vitality, and as a process in the cycle of life that fosters the disintegration and diversification of the individual, thereby enabling the emergence of new life forms and the enhancement of the vitality of the macrocosm.

Purpose] To confirm the reliability and validity of an anticipatory socialization index created for physical therapy students. [Participants and Methods] We conducted a web survey of 304 physical therapists with a management title and experience of supervising novice physical therapists in medical/care facilities. The study items were basic attributes and 35 items of the anticipatory socialization index. [Results] Twenty-eight items were finally selected, with the following 5 factors identified: ＜knowledge necessary for job performance＞, ＜knowledge necessary for physical therapy practice>, ＜ability necessary for smooth work performance＞, ＜ability to manage physical condition＞, and ＜understanding of workplace functions＞, which confirmed the reliability and validity of this index. [Conclusion] The use of the anticipatory socialization index to assess physical therapists led to the identification of 2 characteristic factors, ＜knowledge necessary for physical therapy practice＞ and ＜ability to manage physical condition＞, which were not reported when using an organizational socialization assessment scale.

Smart factories act as focal points to the process of Industry 4.0, and for this reason they pose distinct issues in terms of their applicability within manufacturing organizations. The purpose of this research is to establish the challenges and approaches regarding implementation of smart factories, and it will be based on the manufacturing sector only; results will then be used to analyze and verify for a German firm. The study assesses 47 performance variables placed under nine main groups with the support of the BWM. The application of this approach enables the author to classify the barriers and group them by means of the gathered data and the reference to the other experts’ opinions from the case study. Main discoveries highlighted the existence of significant challenges such as connectivity, technology, and program complexity; the need for a flexible software solution; and a stable structure for IT support. New pairs of environmental considerations, such as electronic waste and energy, emerged as important issues, together with ethical issues needed for the safety of society and its employees and the management of information. Implications for theory highlight the necessity of elevating the status of challenges and incorporating applicable factors to improve the appreciation of subjects like e-waste and ethical SCM as priorities. Application-based research suggests conceptual frameworks for smart manufacturing system definition and functioning, with a strong focus on the strategic approach to prioritization and flexibility. Shortcomings are likely to involve the use of consultant advice and the fact that the conclusions are industry-specific. The further study about this subject could be done from a cross-industry perspective, as well as employing integration of new advanced technologies such as blockchain and AI to take the industrial sector to new frontiers of digitalization.

This article provides a comprehensive investigation of the global tourism industry, combining two critical streams from the academic literature: the economic determinants of the tourism industry and the influence of technology on this industry. More precisely, this study examines the influences of technology advancement (Internet and mobile usage) on the outbound tourism (OT) in a global sample. We found interesting and consistent results by applying various panel data estimations for a sample of 126 economies composed by 3 subsamples, including (49 Low and Lower-Middle Income Economies [LMEs], 29 Upper-Middle Income Economies [UMEs] and 48 High-Income Economies [HIEs]) between 2000 and 2017. Internet use has a significant positive impact on all the three aspects of OT, including total OT expenditures , international tourism expenditures for travel items and the number of international tourism departures. The effects of Internet usage are stronger than the one observed for mobile usage. Finally, the positive influences of Internet and mobile usage are found with strong consistency across the three income groups (with a stronger marginal impact in HIEs and UMEs, and lastly in LMEs). Our study invites policy-makers to integrate digital information within the tourism sector to boost the industry and economic growth.

This study investigates the barriers and strategies related to the installation of smart factories in the manufacturing domain, with a focus on the manufacturing industry integrated with a German company as a case study. Utilizing the Best Worst Method (BWM), 47 performance variables were assessed and ranked in nine key groups, revealing significant factors that influence the installation of the smart factory. Technological challenges, complexity, and integration emerged as critical priorities, emphasizing the essence of robust IT infrastructure and agile software development practices. Additionally, e-waste management and energy efficiency were highlighted as imperative aspects for sustainable smart factory operations. Ethical considerations, including worker safety standards and data governance, were emphasized for ethical and societal sustainability. Theoretical implications elucidate the contribution to existing knowledge by identifying and ranking key barriers, revealing effective strategies, and expanding understanding in specific areas such as e-waste management and ethical supply chain methodology. Practical contributions offer insight to optimize the design and implementation of smart factories, focusing on strategic prioritization, comprehensive planning, and ongoing adaptation. Nevertheless, it is essential to acknowledge limitations, including the reliance on expert opinions, sector-specific applicability, and the need for larger sample sizes. Future research avenues could include cross-industry comparative studies and the incorporation of cutting-edge technology like blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI). Ultimately, this research offers insightful knowledge about the challenges and opportunities of smart factory installation in the manufacturing sector, particularly in Germany. By clarifying identified barriers and adopting recommended strategies, organizations could navigate the complex landscape of smart factory adoption and contribute to the ongoing digital conversion of the industrial sector.

The clinical effects of a serious game with electromyography feedback (EMGs_SG) and physical therapy (PT) was investigated prospectively in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy (USCP). An additional aim was to better understand the influence of muscle shortening on function. Thirty children with USCP (age 7.6 ± 2.1 years) received four weeks of EMGs_SG sessions 2×/week including repetitive, active alternating training of dorsi- and plantar flexors in a seated position. In addition, each child received usual PT treatment ≤ 2×/week, involving plantar flexor stretching and command strengthening on dorsi- and plantar flexors. Five-Step Assessment parameters, including preferred gait velocity (normalized by height); plantar flexor extensibility (XV1); angle of catch (XV3); maximal active ankle dorsiflexion (XA); and derived coefficients of shortening, spasticity, and weakness for both soleus and gastrosoleus complex (GSC) were compared pre and post treatment (t-tests). Correlations were explored between the various coefficients and gait velocities at baseline. After four weeks of EMGs_SG + PT, there was an increase in normalized gait velocity from 0.72 ± 0.13 to 0.77 ± 0.13 m/s (p = 0.025, d = 0.43), a decrease in coefficients of shortening (soleus, 0.10 ± 0.07 pre vs. 0.07 ± 0.08 post, p = 0.004, d = 0.57; GSC 0.16 ± 0.08 vs. 0.13 ± 0.08, p = 0.003, d = 0.58), spasticity (soleus 0.14 ± 0.06 vs. 0.12 ± 0.07, p = 0.02, d = 0.46), and weakness (soleus 0.14 ± 0.07 vs. 0.11 ± 0.07, p = 0.005, d = 0.55). At baseline, normalized gait velocity correlated with the coefficient of GSC shortening (R = −0.43, p = 0.02). Four weeks of EMGs_SG and PT were associated with improved gait velocity and decreased plantar flexor shortening. A randomized controlled trial comparing EMGs_SG and conventional PT is needed.