Polymorphs of Rb3ScF6: X-ray and Neutron Diffraction, Solid-State NMR, and Density Functional Theory Calculations Study

The crystal structures of three polymorphs of Rb3ScF6 have been determined through a combination of synchrotron, laboratory X-ray, and neutron powder diffraction, electron diffraction, and multinuclear high-field solid-state NMR studies. The room temperature (RT; α) and medium-temperature (β) structures are tetragonal, with space groups I41/a (Z = 80) and I4/m (Z = 10) and lattice parameters a = 20.2561(4) Å, c = 36.5160(0) Å and a = 14.4093(2) Å, c = 9.2015(1) Å at RT and 187 °C, respectively. The high-temperature (γ) structure is cubic space group Fm3¯ m (Z = 4) with a = 9.1944(1) Å at 250 °C. The temperatures of the phase transitions were measured at 141 and 201 °C. The three α, β, and γRb3ScF6 phases are isostructural with the α, β, and δforms of the potassium cryolite. Detailed structural characterizations were performed by density functional theory as well as NMR. In the case of the β polymorph, the dynamic rotations of the ScF6 octahedra of both Sc crystallographic sites have been detailed. © 2021 American Chemical Society.For DFT calculations, we thank the “Centre de Calcul Scientifique en region Centre” (Orléans, France). We acknowledge the Interface, Confinement, Materials and Nanostructures (Orléans, France) for access to their transmission electron microscope. Financial support from the IR-RMN-THC Fr3050 CNRS for conducting the research is gratefully acknowledged. This study was also financially supported by VEGA-2/0060/18 and ITMS project (code 313021T081, Research & Innovation Operational Programme funded by the ERDF). We thank also Dr. F. Vivet, Dr. F. Fayon, and Dr. D. Massiot for useful discussions

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Abstract Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

Application possibilities of thermovision technique in diagnostics of aerial systems of radio transmitters

The paper deals with possibilities of use of thermovision technique in diagnostics of aerial systems of radio transmitters. Graphically presented: heating characteristic of the junction at the transmitter power of 60 % (slack and polluted junction); relationship between temperature of connection (feeder – line, capacitor frame) spacing collar and power; relationship between temperature rise amount of connection and feeder line upon power; thermogram of the junction feeder line – spacing collar, capacity frame; thermogram of the junction feeder line – spacing collar

The Application of the Theory of Synthesis of a Delay Line with a Surface Acoustic Wave for a Single-Mode Oscillator of Electric Signals in Some Sensors of Non-Electrical Quantities

The paper deals with the issue of constructing delay lines on the basis of surface acoustic waves and their application to single-mode oscillators. As a result of a theoretical analysis concrete delay lines are proposed. In the contribution, there is presented a theory of designing a symmetrical mismatched and matched delay line for a single-mode oscillator of electrical signals on the basis of which there were designed and fabricated acoustic-electronic components for sensors of non-electrical quantities. From the experimental results it can be stated that all of six designed and fabricated delay lines can be effectively used in the construction of single-mode oscillators