New telechelic polymers functionalized with terminal ethyl xanthate or vinyl groups were synthesized via cationic ring-opening polymerization (CROP). The polymerization of 2-ethyl-2-oxazoline (Etoxa) and 2-methoxycarbonylethyl-2-oxazoline (Esteroxa) was initiated by 1,4-trans-dibromobutene in acetonitrile at 78 ℃, with termination using either potassium ethyl xanthate or 4-vinylbenzyl-piperazine. Structural characterization by 1H and 13C NMR and FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the telechelic architecture. 1H NMR analysis revealed degrees of polymerization (DP) of 24–29 for ethyl xanthate-terminated polymers and 22–23 for vinyl-terminated polymers, consistent with theoretical values. The molar compositions of Etoxa and Esteroxa in all telechelic polymers matched the initial monomer feed ratios. End-group functionalization efficiency was quantified as follows: Ethyl xanthate-terminated polymers: 64%–82%, and vinyl-terminated polymers: 69% and 98% (for respective batches).

Heat removal has become an increasingly crucial issue for microelectronic chips due to increasingly high speed and high performance. One solution is to increase the thermal conductivity of the corresponding dielectrics. However, traditional approach to adding solid heat conductive nanoparticles to polymer dielectrics led to a significant weight increase. Here we propose a dielectric polymer filled with heat conductive hollow nanoparticles to mitigate the weight gain. Our mesoscale simulation of heat conduction through this dielectric polymer composite microstructure using the phase-field spectral iterative perturbation method demonstrates the simultaneous achievement of enhanced effective thermal conductivity and the low density. It is shown that additional heat conductivity enhancement can be achieved by wrapping the hollow nanoparticles with graphene layers. The underlying mesoscale mechanism of such a microstructure design and the quantitative effect of interfacial thermal resistance will be discussed. This work is expected to stimulate future efforts to develop light-weight thermal conductive polymer nanocomposites.

The concept of sustainable urban mobility has gained increasing attention in recent years due to the challenges posed by rapid urbanization and environmental degradation. The objective of this study is to explore the role of on-demand transportation in promoting sustainable urban mobility, incorporating insights from customer interests and demands through survey analysis. To fulfill this objective, a mixed-methods approach was employed, combining a systematic literature review with survey analysis of customer interests and demands regarding on-demand transportation services. This study combines a systematic literature review and a targeted survey to provide a comprehensive analysis of sustainable urban mobility, addressing gaps in understanding customer preferences alongside technological and financial considerations. The literature review encompassed various aspects including technological advancements, regulatory frameworks, user preferences, and environmental impacts. The survey analysis involved collecting data on customer preferences, satisfaction levels, and suggestions for improving on-demand transportation services. The findings of the study revealed significant insights into customer interests and demands regarding on-demand transportation services. Analysis of survey data indicated that factors such as convenience, affordability, reliability, and environmental sustainability were key considerations for customers when choosing on-demand transportation options. Additionally, the survey identified specific areas for improvement, including service coverage, accessibility, and integration with existing transportation networks. By providing flexible, efficient, and environmentally friendly transportation options, on-demand services have the potential to reduce congestions, improve air quality, and enhance overall urban livability.

The aim of this paper is to introduce a research project dedicated to identifying gaps in green skills by using the labor market intelligence. Labor Market Intelligence (LMI). The method is primarily descriptive and conceptual, as the authors of this paper intend to develop a theoretical background and justify the planned research using Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques. This research highlights the role of LMI as a tool for analysis of the green skills gaps and related imbalances. Due to the growing demand for eco-friendly solutions, there arises a need for the identification of green skills. As societies shift towards eco-friendly economic models, changes lead to emerging skill gaps. This study provides an alternative approach for identification of these gaps based on analysis of online job vacancies and online profiles of job seekers. These gaps are contextualized within roles that businesses find difficult to fill due to a lack of requisite green skills. The idea of skill intelligence is to blend various sources of information in order to overcome the information gap related to the identification of supply side factors, demand side factors and their interactions. The outcomes emphasize the urgency of policy interventions, especially in anticipating roles emerging from the green transition, necessitating educational reforms. As the green movement redefines the economy, proactive strategies to bridge green skill gaps are essential. This research offers a blueprint for policymakers and educators to bolster the workforce in readiness for a sustainable future. This article proposes a solution to the quantitative and qualitative mismatches in the green labor market.

Bibliometric analysis is a commonly used tool to assess scientific collaborations within the researchers, community, institution, regions and countries. The analysis of publication records can provide a wealth of information about scientific collaboration, including the number of publications, the impact of the publications, and the areas of research where collaborations are most common. By providing detailed information on the patterns and trends in scientific collaboration, these tools can help to inform policy decisions and promote the development of effective strategies to support and enhance scientific collaborations between countries. This study aimed to analyze and visualize the scientific collaboration between Japan and Russia, using bibliometric analysis of collaborative publications from the Web of Science (WoS) database. The analysis utilized the bibliometrix package within the R statistical program. The analysis covered a period of two decades, from 2000 to 2021. The results showed a slight decrease in co-authored publications, with an annual growth rate of −1.26%. The keywords and thematic trends analysis confirmed that physics is the most co-authored field between the two countries. The study also analyzed the collaboration network and research funding sources. Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the current state of scientific collaboration between Japan and Russia. The study also highlights the importance of research funding sources in promoting and sustaining scientific cooperation between countries. The analysis suggests that more efforts in government funding are needed to increase collaboration between the two countries in various fields.

Phytochemical and antioxidant analysis of some varieties of Capsicum was evaluated. Mature Capsicum varieties were collected across the State. The seeds were removed, sun-dried for 3 days, stored for 2 weeks at 15 ºC–25 ºC in polythene bags before planting. Saponins, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids and cardiac glycosides were present in abundant, moderate and trace amounts. Combined anthraquinones were absent in all varieties. Yellow (0.810 ± 0.0006 µg/mL), red long dry (0.211 ± 0.0006 µg/mL) and round peppers (2.527 ± 0.0003 µg/mL) had the largest values for total phenol, flavonoids and tannins. Shombo and yellow peppers had the largest (0.270 ± 0.002 µg/mL) and least (0.102 ± 0.001 µg/mL) capsaicin content. The antioxidant activities varied across the varieties. At 100 µg/mL of methanol, yellow (45%) and round peppers (45%) had largest mean absorbances for 2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) Radical Scavenging Activity while sub-shombo pepper (23%) had the least. For Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP), yellow (0.63 ± 0.001 µg/mL) and sub-shombo peppers (0.55 ± 0.001µg/mL) had the largest and least values at 100 µg/mL of methanol. At 100 µg/mL of methanol, red long dry (0.112 ± 0.001) and shombo peppers (0.101 ± 0.001) had the largest and least values for the nitric oxide scavenging activity. This study shows that Capsicum varieties exhibit bioactive componds similarities and variations with implications in hybridization, taxonomy and conservation.