Greening Business Information Systems

Efficient and effective environmental information processing is a key element for the improvement of an organization‘s environmental performance. Business Information Systems (BIS) are recognized as a tool for the facilitation of collecting, storing, processing and communicating any kind of information. However, there are other benefits that BIS can provide for a company. These benefits are related to the effective use of information, such as support of informed decision-making, increase of overall environmental awareness in an organization and, as a consequence, behavioral change. Therefore, the purpose of study is related to the extension of BIS‘ functionalities through the integration of the environmental information flow. The efficient and effective integration of environmental information flow is pursued by means of application of the multi-disciplinary approach where organizational and cybernetic science and environmental management are combined. Beer‘s Viable System Model and Organizational Information Processing Theory are the main theories used for the assessment of studied information systems and information technology solutions in the purchasing process. The studied IT solutions are deployed in the areas of supplier evaluation, logistics and business traveling. The Environmental Information System Evaluation Framework (EISEF) is the principal outcome of the research work. The research implications are two-fold. The scientific implication is based on the application of the aforementioned theories for the environmental information processing by means of Business Information Systems. According to the results of literature review, a similar approach has not been used before in this field. The practical implications are EISEF itself and recommendations for its use that are also the principal outcomes of research

X-ray Spectroscopy Study of Defect Contribution to Lithium Adsorption on Porous Carbon

Lithium adsorption on high-surface-area porous carbon (PC) nanomaterials provides superior electrochemical energy storage performance dominated by capacitive behavior. In this study, we demonstrate the influence of structural defects in the graphene lattice on the bonding character of adsorbed lithium. Thermally evaporated lithium was deposited in vacuum on the surface of as-grown graphene-like PC and PC annealed at 400 °C. Changes in the electronic states of carbon were studied experimentally using surface-sensitive X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy. NEXAFS data in combination with density functional theory calculations revealed the dative interactions between lithium sp2 hybridized states and carbon π*-type orbitals. Corrugated defective layers of graphene provide lithium with new bonding configurations, shorter distances, and stronger orbital overlapping, resulting in significant charge transfer between carbon and lithium. PC annealing heals defects, and as a result, the amount of lithium on the surface decreases. This conclusion was supported by electrochemical studies of as-grown and annealed PC in lithium-ion batteries. The former nanomaterial showed higher capacity values at all applied current densities. The results demonstrate that the lithium storage in carbon-based electrodes can be improved by introducing defects into the graphene layers

Photolysis of Fluorinated Graphites with Embedded Acetonitrile Using a White-Beam Synchrotron Radiation

Fluorinated graphitic layers with good mechanical and chemical stability, polar C–F bonds, and tunable bandgap are attractive for a variety of applications. In this work, we investigated the photolysis of fluorinated graphites with interlayer embedded acetonitrile, which is the simplest representative of the acetonitrile-containing photosensitizing family. The samples were continuously illuminated in situ with high-brightness non-monochromatized synchrotron radiation. Changes in the compositions of the samples were monitored using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy. The NEXAFS N K-edge spectra showed that acetonitrile dissociates to form HCN and N2 molecules after exposure to the white beam for 2 s, and the latter molecules completely disappear after exposure for 200 s. The original composition of fluorinated matrices CF0.3 and CF0.5 is changed to CF0.10 and GF0.17, respectively. The highly fluorinated layers lose fluorine atoms together with carbon neighbors, creating atomic vacancies. The edges of vacancies are terminated with the nitrogen atoms and form pyridinic and pyrrolic units. Our in situ studies show that the photolysis products of acetonitrile depend on the photon irradiation duration and composition of the initial CFx matrix. The obtained results evaluate the radiation damage of the acetonitrile-intercalated fluorinated graphites and the opportunities to synthesize nitrogen-doped graphene materials

Brominated Porous Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Materials for Sodium-Ion Storage

Chemical modification improves the performance of the carbon anode in sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). In this work, porous nitrogen-doped carbon (PNC) was obtained by removing template nanoparticles from the thermal decomposition products of calcium glutarate and acetonitrile vapor. The treatment of PNC with a KOH melt led to the etching of the carbon shells at the nitrogen sites, which caused the replacement of some nitrogen species by hydroxyl groups and the opening of pores. The attached hydroxyl groups interacted with Br2 molecules, resulting in a higher bromine content in the brominated pre-activated sample (5 at%) than in the brominated PNC (3 at%). Tests of the obtained materials in SIBs showed that KOH activation has little effect on the specific capacity of PNC, while bromination significantly improves the performance. The largest gain was achieved for brominated KOH-activated PNC, which was able to deliver 234 and 151 mAh g−1 at 0.05 and 1 A g−1, respectively, and demonstrated stable long-term operation at 0.25 and 0.5 A g−1. The improvement was related to the separation of graphitic layers due to Br2 intercalation and polarization of the carbon surface by covalently attached functional groups. Our results suggest a new two-stage modification strategy to improve the storage and high-rate capability of carbon materials in SIBs

Tuning Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Electrodes via Synthesis Temperature Adjustment to Improve Sodium- and Lithium-Ion Storage

Structural imperfections, heteroatom dopants, and the interconnected pore structure of carbon materials have a huge impact on their electrochemical performance in lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries due to the specific ion transport and the dominant storage mechanism at surface defect sites. In this work, mesopore-enriched nitrogen-doped carbon (NC) materials were produced with template-assisted chemical vapor deposition using calcium tartrate as the template precursor and acetonitrile as the carbon and nitrogen source. The chemical states of nitrogen, the volume of mesopores, and the specific surface areas of the materials were regulated by adjusting the synthesis temperature. The electrochemical testing of NC materials synthesized at 650, 750, and 850 °C revealed the best performance of the NC-650 sample, which was able to deliver 182 mA·h·g−1 in sodium-ion batteries and 1158 mA·h·g−1 in lithium-ion batteries at a current density of 0.05 A·g−1. Our study shows the role of defect sites, including carbon monovacancies and nitrogen-terminated vacancies, in the binding and accumulation of sodium. The results provide a strategy for managing the carbon structure and nitrogen states to achieve a high alkali-metal-ion storage capacity and long cycling stability, thereby facilitating the electrochemical application of NC materials

Electrochemical Performance of Potassium Hydroxide and Ammonia Activated Porous Nitrogen-Doped Carbon in Sodium-Ion Batteries and Supercapacitors

Carbon nanomaterials possessing a high specific surface area, electrical conductivity and chemical stability are promising electrode materials for alkali metal-ion batteries and supercapacitors. In this work, we study nitrogen-doped carbon (NC) obtained by chemical vapor deposition of acetonitrile over the pyrolysis product of calcium tartrate, and activated with a potassium hydroxide melt followed by hydrothermal treatment in an aqueous ammonia solution. Such a two-stage chemical modification leads to an increase in the specific surface area up to 1180 m2 g−1, due to the formation of nanopores 0.6–1.5 nm in size. According to a spectroscopic study, the pore edges are decorated with imine, amine, and amide groups. In sodium-ion batteries, the modified material mNC exhibits a stable reversible gravimetric capacity in the range of 252–160 mA h g−1 at current densities of 0.05–1.00 A g−1, which is higher than the corresponding capacity of 142–96 mA h g−1 for the initial NC sample. In supercapacitors, the mNC demonstrates the highest specific capacitance of 172 F g−1 and 151 F g−1 at 2 V s−1 in 1 M H2SO4 and 6 M KOH electrolytes, respectively. The improvement in the electrochemical performance of mNC is explained by the cumulative contribution of a developed pore structure, which ensures rapid diffusion of ions, and the presence of imine, amine, and amide groups, which enhance binding with sodium ions and react with protons or hydroxyl ions. These findings indicate that hydrogenated nitrogen functional groups grafted to the edges of graphitic domains are responsible for Na+ ion storage sites and surface redox reactions in acidic and alkaline electrolytes, making modified carbon a promising electrode material for electrochemical applications

Hydrothermal Activation of Porous Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Materials for Electrochemical Capacitors and Sodium-Ion Batteries

Highly porous nitrogen-doped carbon nanomaterials have distinct advantages in energy storage and conversion technologies. In the present work, hydrothermal treatments in water or ammonia solution were used for modification of mesoporous nitrogen-doped graphitic carbon, synthesized by deposition of acetonitrile vapors on the pyrolysis products of calcium tartrate. Morphology, composition, and textural characteristics of the original and activated materials were studied by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and nitrogen gas adsorption method. Both treatments resulted in a slight increase in specific surface area and volume of micropores and small mesopores due to the etching of carbon surface. Compared to the solely aqueous medium, activation with ammonia led to stronger destruction of the graphitic shells, the formation of larger micropores (1.4 nm vs. 0.6 nm), a higher concentration of carbonyl groups, and the addition of nitrogen-containing groups. The tests of nitrogen-doped carbon materials as electrodes in 1M H2SO4 electrolyte and sodium-ion batteries showed improvement of electrochemical performance after hydrothermal treatments especially when ammonia was used. The activation method developed in this work is hopeful to open up a new route of designing porous nitrogen-doped carbon materials for electrochemical applications

Combination of conservative and surgical methods in the treatment of giant lymphedema of the scrotum: A case report

ObjectiveGenital lymphedema is a severe, disabling condition associated with a malfunction of the lymphatic system. Primary lymphedema of the scrotum is a variant of congenital dysplasia of lymphatic vessels. Secondary genital lymphedema is much more common and can be caused by parasitic invasion (filariasis) or damage to the lymphatic system during the treatment of cancer (radiation therapy, lymphadenectomy). Healthcare providers are frequently unable to detect and treat this illness successfully in ordinary clinical practice. This paper uses the case of a patient with stage 3 secondary lymphedema (unknown genesis) of both lower extremities and lymphedema of the scrotum, complicated by recurrent erysipelas, a history of lymphorrhoea, impaired skin trophic and multiple papillomatosis, to demonstrate the efficacy of a combination of conservative and surgical methods in the treatment of giant lymphedema of the scrotum.MethodsIn the treatment, the combination of decongestant physical therapy (CDPT, CDT) according to M. Földi was used at pre-surgery and post-surgery stages, combined with a reconstructive operation, including the removal of the affected tissues of the urogenital region, phalloplasty, and scrotoplasty with rotational skin flaps.ResultsA decrease in the circumference of the lowest extremities in the lower leg area by 68 cm on the right and by 69 cm on the left was achieved by conservative treatment. Due to the combination of conservative and surgical treatment, the patient's body weight decreased by 69.4 kg, and the scrotum decreased by 63 cm. Subsequently, the patient fully recovered his sexual function.ConclusionA combination of complex decongestive physical therapy and surgery is necessary for patients with advanced genital edema. The isolated use of surgical or conservative treatment does not provide a sufficient improvement in the patient's quality of life. Modern plastic surgery technologies enable patients to achieve complete functional and cosmetic recovery, while proper selection and usage of compression hosiery help preserve and improve the outcomes acquired following treatment

Two-dimensional wave patterns of spreading depolarization: retracting, re-entrant, and stationary waves

We present spatio-temporal characteristics of spreading depolarizations (SD) in two experimental systems: retracting SD wave segments observed with intrinsic optical signals in chicken retina, and spontaneously occurring re-entrant SD waves that repeatedly spread across gyrencephalic feline cortex observed by laser speckle flowmetry. A mathematical framework of reaction-diffusion systems with augmented transmission capabilities is developed to explain the emergence and transitions between these patterns. Our prediction is that the observed patterns are reaction-diffusion patterns controlled and modulated by weak nonlocal coupling. The described spatio-temporal characteristics of SD are of important clinical relevance under conditions of migraine and stroke. In stroke, the emergence of re-entrant SD waves is believed to worsen outcome. In migraine, retracting SD wave segments cause neurological symptoms and transitions to stationary SD wave patterns may cause persistent symptoms without evidence from noninvasive imaging of infarction

Влияние вариантов генов AGT, TGFB1, ESR1 и VDR на развитие и течение идиопатических интерстициальных пневмоний и саркоидоза органов дыхания

The aim of the study was to estimate the contribution of angiotensinogen (AGT), transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFB1), estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1), and vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene variants to IIP and PS development and course in residents of Russian Federation. Methods. This case-control study involved 104 IIP patients, 111 PS patients, and 113 controls. Seven single nucleotide polymorphisms were investigated using polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction analysis, namely rs5051 in AGT gene; rs1800469, rs1800470, and rs1800471 in TGFB1 gene; rs2234693 and rs9340799 in ESR1 gene; rs731236 in VDR gene. Results. We revealed associations of TGFB1 (rs1800469) and ESR1 (rs9340799) gene variants with IIP clinical outcomes, as well as AGT (rs5051) and VDR (rs731236) gene variants with PS stage. Unfavorable IIP outcomes, i.e. IIP progression or death, were associated with variants rs1800469 СС in TGFB1 gene (р = 0.021; odds ratio (OR) = 2.83; 95%CI: 1.16–6.94) and rs9340799 X (G) in ESR1 gene (р = 0.012; OR = 3.18; 95%CI: 1.27–8.00), as well as with their combination (р = 0.003; OR = 3.88; 95%CI: 1.55–9.71). PS stages II–IV were associated with variants rs5051 А in AGT gene (р = 0.010; OR = 3.22; 95%CI: 1.30–7.98) and rs731236 t (C) in VDR gene (р = 0.046; OR = 2.45; 95%CI: 1.00–6.02), as well as with their combination (р = 0.041; OR = 3.31; 95%CI: 1.14–9.60). Conclusion. Results of the study contribute to understanding genetic factors that influence IIP and PS courses.Идиопатическая интерстициальная пневмония (ИИП) и саркоидоз органов дыхания (СОД) являются наиболее распространенными интерстициальными заболеваниями легких. Этиология их неизвестна. Актуальность изучения генетических аспектов патогенеза и течения этих заболеваний обусловлена отсутствием эффективных методов лечения и неблагоприятным прогнозом, в особенности у больных ИИП. Цель. Определение вклада вариантов генов ангиотензиногена (AGT), трансформирующего фактора роста-β1 (TGFB1), эстрогенового рецептора-α (ESR1) и рецептора витамина D (VDR) в развитие и течение ИИП и СОД у жителей Российской Федерации. Материалы и методы. В исследовании (дизайн «случай–контроль») принимали участие больные ИИП (n = 104), СОД (n = 111), а также лица (n = 113) контрольной группы. С помощью полимеразной цепной реакции и последующего рестрикционного анализа изучены 7 однонуклеотидных замен: rs5051 в гене AGT; rs1800469, rs1800470 и rs1800471 в гене TGFB1; rs2234693 и rs9340799 в гене ESR1; rs731236 в гене VDR. Результаты. Выявлены ассоциации вариантов генов TGFB1 (rs1800469) и ESR1 (rs9340799) с клиническими исходами ИИП, а также генов AGT (rs5051) и VDR (rs731236) – со стадиями СОД. C неблагоприятным исходом ИИП (прогрессирование ИИП или смерть) ассоциировались варианты rs1800469 СС гена TGFB1 (р = 0,021; отношение шансов (ОШ) – 2,83 (1,16–6,94)) и rs9340799 X (G) гена ESR1 (р = 0,012; ОШ – 3,18 (1,27–8,00)), а также их сочетание (р = 0,003; ОШ – 3,88 (1,55–9,71)). У больных СОД стадии II–IV ассоциировались варианты rs5051 А гена AGT (р = 0,010; ОШ – 3,22 (1,30–7,98)) и rs731236 t (C) гена VDR (р = 0,046; ОШ – 2,45 (1,00–6,02)), а также их сочетание (р = 0,041; ОШ – 3,31 (1,14–9,60)). Заключение. Результаты работы позволяют более адекватно оценить влияние генетических факторов на течение ИИП и СОД