Journal Description
Encyclopedia
Encyclopedia
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal recording qualified entries of which contents should be reliable, objective and established knowledge, and reviews that offer a comprehensive analysis of the extant literature, identifying current gaps or problems. The section Encyclopedia Studies also accepts original research articles. The Encyclopedia Journal is published quarterly online by MDPI, and it is affiliated with the Encyclopedia platform.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 24.6 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.8 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: APC discount vouchers, optional signed peer review and reviewer names are published annually in the journal.
Latest Articles
Co-Creation
Encyclopedia 2024, 4(1), 137-147; https://doi.org/10.3390/encyclopedia4010012 - 12 Jan 2024
Definition
Co-creation has gained traction in recent years and various fields, including marketing, product development, and innovation studies, as it leverages the collective expertise and insights of multiple parties to enhance outcomes. Broadly, co-creation refers to the collaborative process of involving stakeholders, such as
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Co-creation has gained traction in recent years and various fields, including marketing, product development, and innovation studies, as it leverages the collective expertise and insights of multiple parties to enhance outcomes. Broadly, co-creation refers to the collaborative process of involving stakeholders, such as customers, suppliers, employees, or the public, in creating or improving products, services, or experiences.
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(This article belongs to the Section Social Sciences)
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A Journey to Hear: The Evolution of Cochlear Implants
Encyclopedia 2024, 4(1), 125-136; https://doi.org/10.3390/encyclopedia4010011 - 12 Jan 2024
Definition
Cochlear implants (CIs), a revolutionary breakthrough in auditory technology, have profoundly impacted the lives of individuals with severe hearing impairment. Surgically implanted behind the ear and within the delicate cochlea, these devices represent a direct pathway to restoring the sense of hearing. Implanting
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Cochlear implants (CIs), a revolutionary breakthrough in auditory technology, have profoundly impacted the lives of individuals with severe hearing impairment. Surgically implanted behind the ear and within the delicate cochlea, these devices represent a direct pathway to restoring the sense of hearing. Implanting hope alongside innovation, their captivating history unfolds through pivotal dates and transformative milestones. From the first human implantation by Drs. William House and John Doyle in 1961 to FDA approval in 1984, each step in their evolution mirrors a triumph of human ingenuity. The 1990s witnessed significant miniaturization, enhancing accessibility, while the 21st century brought about improvements in speech processing and electrode technology. These strides have elevated CIs beyond functional devices to life-changing instruments, enriching both auditory experiences and communication skills. This entry delves into the captivating history of CIs, spotlighting key dates that paint a vivid picture of challenges overcome and remarkable progress achieved. It explores the people and moments that defined their development, ultimately shaping these implants into indispensable tools that continually redefine the landscape of hearing assistance.
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(This article belongs to the Section Medicine & Pharmacology)
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Director Interlocks: Information Transfer in Board Networks
Encyclopedia 2024, 4(1), 117-124; https://doi.org/10.3390/encyclopedia4010010 - 10 Jan 2024
Definition
Director interlocks occur when a board member or an executive of a firm sits on the board of directors of another firm. As an essential social network application in the business world, interlocking directorates are documented to be non-trivial from the 1930s and
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Director interlocks occur when a board member or an executive of a firm sits on the board of directors of another firm. As an essential social network application in the business world, interlocking directorates are documented to be non-trivial from the 1930s and continue to gain popularity thereafter. Corporate information and business practices can be transferred to another firm through an interlocking director sitting on both companies’ boards. Such information dissemination leads to changes in an interlocking firm’s decision-making processes. Existing business research attempts to decipher the underlying reasons why board interlocks become prevalent, how and what information is being transferred through this channel, and the intended or unintended consequences to firm strategic, governance, financing, and accounting practices. We first introduce theoretical research on board interlocks in management and then follow up with empirical evidence in finance and accounting. Since extant studies have not reached a consensus on various consequences of board interlocks, we contribute to the literature by summarizing the findings from multi-business disciplines, discussing their advantages and disadvantages, and calling for more research on the topic.
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(This article belongs to the Collection Encyclopedia of Social Sciences)
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Graphene Nanocomposite Materials for Supercapacitor Electrodes
Encyclopedia 2024, 4(1), 101-116; https://doi.org/10.3390/encyclopedia4010009 - 05 Jan 2024
Definition
Graphene and related materials (graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide) as a subclass of carbon materials and their composites have been examined in various functions as materials in supercapacitor electrodes. They have been suggested as active masses for electrodes in electrochemical double-layer capacitors, tested
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Graphene and related materials (graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide) as a subclass of carbon materials and their composites have been examined in various functions as materials in supercapacitor electrodes. They have been suggested as active masses for electrodes in electrochemical double-layer capacitors, tested as conducting additives for redox-active materials showing only poor electronic conductivity, and their use as a coating of active materials for corrosion and dissolution protection has been suggested. They have also been examined as a corrosion-protection coating of metallic current collectors; paper-like materials prepared from them have been proposed as mechanical support and as a current collector of supercapacitor electrodes. This entry provides an overview with representative examples. It outlines advantages, challenges, and future directions.
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(This article belongs to the Section Material Sciences)
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Saprophytic Filamentous Fungi against Helminths Affecting Captive Wild Animals
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Encyclopedia 2024, 4(1), 91-100; https://doi.org/10.3390/encyclopedia4010008 - 05 Jan 2024
Definition
In recent decades, important modifications have been introduced in zoos in order to guarantee the welfare of captive wild animals. Thus, many of these species are housed in enclosures with access to vegetation, where they can enjoy habitats close to those in their
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In recent decades, important modifications have been introduced in zoos in order to guarantee the welfare of captive wild animals. Thus, many of these species are housed in enclosures with access to vegetation, where they can enjoy habitats close to those in their natural surroundings, interact with the environment, etc. These habitats present beneficial conditions for some species of parasites to survive and spread. This is a very similar problem to that affecting livestock, and the same solution, based on deworming, is currently being applied. However, the free-living stages of certain parasites that develop in the soil are responsible for high rates of ground contamination throughout the year, so that animals become infected soon after successful deworming, resulting in chemical parasiticides being frequently administered. Preventive measures are seldom considered, which worsens the situation. This entry summarizes the usefulness of the dissemination of certain saprophytic filamentous fungi with proven antagonism against some of the parasites.
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(This article belongs to the Collection Encyclopedia of Fungi)
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Bacteriocins and Bacteriophages as Dual Biological Players for Food Safety Applications
Encyclopedia 2024, 4(1), 79-90; https://doi.org/10.3390/encyclopedia4010007 - 02 Jan 2024
Definition
The development of new techniques for the control of pathogenic microorganisms during food production and for the prevention of spoilage are needed to reduce or replace chemical preservatives. This is due to the trend that consumers are increasingly questioning the use of chemical
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The development of new techniques for the control of pathogenic microorganisms during food production and for the prevention of spoilage are needed to reduce or replace chemical preservatives. This is due to the trend that consumers are increasingly questioning the use of chemical preservatives because of the many health concerns. Because of this issue, bacteriocins and bacteriophages are increasingly viewed as safe natural preservatives with a long history of various applications during food production and preservation. This minireview considers applications of these two antimicrobials, highlights their mode of action, lists their advantages and, when necessary, their limitations. It also reports recent advances in the use of bacteriophages and bacteriocins either alone or in combination in different food matrices. The incentives and effectiveness offered by these antimicrobials in the field of biopreservation are considered for future applications during food production and preservation.
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(This article belongs to the Section Biology & Life Sciences)
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Public School Choice Options in the United States
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Encyclopedia 2024, 4(1), 60-78; https://doi.org/10.3390/encyclopedia4010006 - 31 Dec 2023
Definition
Under the structure of compulsory education, students in the United States are required to attend school until at least 16 years of age, which can be done at a variety of educational institutions, both public and private. Amongst public schools, students are each
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Under the structure of compulsory education, students in the United States are required to attend school until at least 16 years of age, which can be done at a variety of educational institutions, both public and private. Amongst public schools, students are each assigned a neighborhood school but also frequently have the option to attend a choice school. While the purpose of neighborhood schools is to provide a guaranteed educational option that accommodates most students, choice schools serve varied purposes that accommodate specific learning styles and societal goals. Four types of publicly funded choice schools are magnet, charter, alternative, and virtual schools. While each was established to serve a specific societal goal, their purposes have shifted over time and have produced varied student outcomes, both academic and non-academic.
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(This article belongs to the Collection Encyclopedia of Social Sciences)
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Understanding the Education Policymaking Process in the United States
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Encyclopedia 2024, 4(1), 46-59; https://doi.org/10.3390/encyclopedia4010005 - 30 Dec 2023
Definition
Considering the broad implications of education policy, it is important to understand the various facets of the education policymaking process. There are different stages of the process (i.e., issue definition, policy adoption, implementation, and evaluation) which, at times, can be difficult to comprehend
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Considering the broad implications of education policy, it is important to understand the various facets of the education policymaking process. There are different stages of the process (i.e., issue definition, policy adoption, implementation, and evaluation) which, at times, can be difficult to comprehend when considering the competing goals of education and multiple stakeholders. Understanding the process can also be difficult due to the historical and contemporary influences of power and racism at play within and outside of society’s educational landscape—especially within the United States context. The process is highlighted as an iterative one which provides room for adjustments and changes across different contexts. By navigating the complex landscape of education policymaking, one can be better equipped to understand the intricacies of policymaking and its transformative capacity.
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(This article belongs to the Collection Encyclopedia of Social Sciences)
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Ghosting: Abandonment in the Digital Era
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Encyclopedia 2024, 4(1), 36-45; https://doi.org/10.3390/encyclopedia4010004 - 27 Dec 2023
Definition
This entry synthesizes the multidisciplinary literature on ghosting published through late 2023 across psychological and social science journals. Search terms include “ghosting” and “online dating”. Both quantitative and qualitative studies are included. The rise in ghosting can be attributed to advancements in technology
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This entry synthesizes the multidisciplinary literature on ghosting published through late 2023 across psychological and social science journals. Search terms include “ghosting” and “online dating”. Both quantitative and qualitative studies are included. The rise in ghosting can be attributed to advancements in technology and the increased popularity of dating apps. It is defined as an abrupt one-sided ending, without explanation, of an established friendship/romantic or other communication connection. The prevalence of ghosting has increased, as reported by both ghosters (i.e., persons who stopped responding) and ghostees (i.e., persons who were “dumped”). Individuals characterized by dark triad traits (i.e., psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and narcissism) are more likely than others to be ghosters. These individuals have a history of using ghosting as their preferred method of ending relationships without concern for its negative impact on ghostees or, indeed, on themselves. The psychological effects of ghosting can influence mental health, although most individuals ultimately find ways of coping.
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(This article belongs to the Section Behavioral Sciences)
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Biophysics and Quantum Limitation of Photoreceptive Processes
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Encyclopedia 2024, 4(1), 26-35; https://doi.org/10.3390/encyclopedia4010003 - 25 Dec 2023
Definition
This entry paper is an attempt to explain how the discrete nature of light (energy discreteness in the form of photons) constrains the light detection process all along the evolutionary path, in the not-fully-understood photoreceptive systems of unicellular microorganisms (nonimaging systems) and in
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This entry paper is an attempt to explain how the discrete nature of light (energy discreteness in the form of photons) constrains the light detection process all along the evolutionary path, in the not-fully-understood photoreceptive systems of unicellular microorganisms (nonimaging systems) and in the complex and well-known visual system of higher organisms (imaging systems). All these systems are perfect examples of the interplay between physics and biology, i.e., they are the perfect topic of research for biophysicists. The paper describes how photoreceptive and visual systems achieve the goal of photon counting, which information is conveyed by a finite number of photons, and which noise factors limit light-detecting processes.
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(This article belongs to the Section Biology & Life Sciences)
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Maxwell’s Early Unitary View of Electricity and Fluid Mechanics
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Encyclopedia 2024, 4(1), 13-25; https://doi.org/10.3390/encyclopedia4010002 - 22 Dec 2023
Definition
In young Maxwell’s eyes, electricity, magnetism and fluid mechanics present analogies that let the first be mathematically grasped in a unitary way similarly to the latter. This entry sketches the first steps of James Clerk Maxwell’s unitary view of electromagnetism and fluid mechanics,
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In young Maxwell’s eyes, electricity, magnetism and fluid mechanics present analogies that let the first be mathematically grasped in a unitary way similarly to the latter. This entry sketches the first steps of James Clerk Maxwell’s unitary view of electromagnetism and fluid mechanics, with long-lasting effects on understanding the physical world. In his very first paper on the subject, Maxwell interpreted Faraday’s concept of lines of force of both electricity and magnetism as filaments of a flowing fluid. That is, Maxwell suggested to unify the previously distinct fields of electricity and magnetism, considering them as different aspects of the same entity, the ‘electromagnetic field’, which is mathematically described by four partial differential equations. In the literature there are several comprehensive works on Maxwell’s mature exposition of his theory; however, the aim of this entry contribution is rather more limited. Indeed, it is restricted to examining the contributions of Maxwell’s first paper towards developing the idea of electric current as the motion of an incompressible fluid. Thus, this entry highlights the strong connections of Maxwell’s epistemological view with the ‘mechanistic’ approach of the time to every aspect of physical phenomenology. For this purpose, this entry mentions some historical context surrounding the emergence of Maxwell’s innovative concepts.
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(This article belongs to the Section Physical Sciences)
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Plural Nature(s): An Overview of Their Sociocultural Construction
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Encyclopedia 2024, 4(1), 1-12; https://doi.org/10.3390/encyclopedia4010001 - 20 Dec 2023
Definition
The social construction of nature aims to emphasise that the concept of nature has multiple meanings that vary in different socio-cultural contexts. This underlines the multiple ways in which both structures and individuals understand, explain, and engage with nature and the environment. Consequently,
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The social construction of nature aims to emphasise that the concept of nature has multiple meanings that vary in different socio-cultural contexts. This underlines the multiple ways in which both structures and individuals understand, explain, and engage with nature and the environment. Consequently, nature and cultures/societies are not separate entities, but are intertwined in complex and interdependent relationships. Therefore, nature is the result of human perceptions and social practices. The way we interact with, perceive, interpret, and value nature is influenced by a given society’s history and sociocultural factors. This intimate relationship is closely linked to power–knowledge and influence relations. Those with more power can impose a particular vision of, and relationship with, nature, resulting in inequalities and potentially harmful relations that can explain the environmental degradation that the contemporary world faces globally, despite its expression in particular contexts, thus configuring plural natures.
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(This article belongs to the Section Social Sciences)
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Implementation and Improvement of the Total Productive Maintenance Concept in an Organization
Encyclopedia 2023, 3(4), 1537-1564; https://doi.org/10.3390/encyclopedia3040110 - 18 Dec 2023
Definition
Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) is an infrastructure-managing methodology that leads to improvements in production efficiency, quality, and safety. It includes a set of processes, techniques, and strategies based on forecasting, maintenance, the optimized cooperation of different company departments, and the minimization of costs
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Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) is an infrastructure-managing methodology that leads to improvements in production efficiency, quality, and safety. It includes a set of processes, techniques, and strategies based on forecasting, maintenance, the optimized cooperation of different company departments, and the minimization of costs related to downtime or accidents caused by equipment failure. This article discusses the history, assumptions of the TPM concept, and approach to implementing Total Productive Maintenance in organizations in detail. The right ingredients required for successful TPM implementation and barriers to implementation are also reviewed. The benefits of implementing TPM in organizations are presented and supported with examples of implementations in production and non-production organizations. The article is addressed to representatives of the manufacturing industry. TPM also indicates a high potential for implementation in non-production areas, which may be interesting, for example, for the service, medical, or laboratory industries.
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(This article belongs to the Section Engineering)
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Understanding the Mental Health of Doctoral Students
Encyclopedia 2023, 3(4), 1523-1536; https://doi.org/10.3390/encyclopedia3040109 - 15 Dec 2023
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Definition
Doctoral degrees include Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and other professional doctorates such as Engineering Doctorate (EngD), Doctor of Education (EdD) or Doctor of Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy). Unlike undergraduate or postgraduate taught students, doctoral students focus upon a single, autonomous piece of research. Research
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Doctoral degrees include Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and other professional doctorates such as Engineering Doctorate (EngD), Doctor of Education (EdD) or Doctor of Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy). Unlike undergraduate or postgraduate taught students, doctoral students focus upon a single, autonomous piece of research. Research indicates a high occurrence of mental health problems, mental distress, and symptoms of anxiety or depression in doctoral students. Additionally, there is concern that they may be less likely to disclose existing mental health problems or access support services than undergraduate or postgraduate taught students. This entry explores the known factors that contribute to the mental health of doctoral students studying in the United Kingdom.
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(This article belongs to the Collection Doctoral Supervision)
Open AccessSystematic Review
Analyzing Cultural Routes and Their Role in Advancing Cultural Heritage Management within Tourism: A Systematic Review with a Focus on the Integration of Digital Technologies
Encyclopedia 2023, 3(4), 1509-1522; https://doi.org/10.3390/encyclopedia3040108 - 15 Dec 2023
Abstract
This review constitutes a comprehensive systematic review analyzing cultural routes, with a particular focus on the concept of the cultural route as a tourist–cultural product. Within this framework, the paper offers an overview of contemporary technological challenges, concerns, and limitations. It thoroughly explores
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This review constitutes a comprehensive systematic review analyzing cultural routes, with a particular focus on the concept of the cultural route as a tourist–cultural product. Within this framework, the paper offers an overview of contemporary technological challenges, concerns, and limitations. It thoroughly explores cutting-edge technologies pertaining to the promotion of cultural heritage, both in general and in the specific context of realizing the concept of the cultural route, a tourist–cultural service enriched by the utilization of new media. Additionally, it extensively references the latest techniques and models for enhancing the user experience of digital cultural tourism products. Moreover, the paper showcases existing digital platforms and tools that encapsulate and emphasize the notion of cultural tourism. It assesses the respective methodologies, technologies, and techniques employed in each case, accompanied by illustrative instances of their applications. Finally, an empirical evaluation was conducted focusing on user needs and expectations during a cultural route.
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(This article belongs to the Collection Encyclopedia of Social Sciences)
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Interaction of Prokineticin Receptors with Accessory Proteins
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Encyclopedia 2023, 3(4), 1498-1508; https://doi.org/10.3390/encyclopedia3040107 - 30 Nov 2023
Definition
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are transmembrane proteins that mediate the intracellular pathway of signals not only through heterotrimeric GTP-binding proteins (G proteins) but also through their associations with a variety of additional partner proteins. Prokineticin receptors 1 (PKR1) and 2 (PKR2) are new
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G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are transmembrane proteins that mediate the intracellular pathway of signals not only through heterotrimeric GTP-binding proteins (G proteins) but also through their associations with a variety of additional partner proteins. Prokineticin receptors 1 (PKR1) and 2 (PKR2) are new members of the GPCRs whose ligands are the novel chemokines prokineticin 1 (PK1) and prokineticin 2 (PK2). The multiplicity of G proteins coupled to PKRs, the ability of PKR2 to heterodimerize, the interaction of PKR2 with accessory proteins, and the existence of alternative splice isoforms of PKR2/PK2 explain the complexity of the system in the signal transduction pathway and, consequently, in the modulation of various physiological and pathological functions. Knowledge of these mechanisms provides the basis for the development of targeted drugs with therapeutic efficacy in PK-dependent diseases.
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(This article belongs to the Section Medicine & Pharmacology)
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Pandemic Economic Crises
Encyclopedia 2023, 3(4), 1489-1497; https://doi.org/10.3390/encyclopedia3040106 - 29 Nov 2023
Definition
The market serves as the convergence point of supply and demand and represents the process through which market relations between economic units materialize. From a global perspective, the focus shifts to the world market, which is the fundamental structure on which the global
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The market serves as the convergence point of supply and demand and represents the process through which market relations between economic units materialize. From a global perspective, the focus shifts to the world market, which is the fundamental structure on which the global economy is based. The world economy operates as a very complex ecosystem. When it is exposed to the extremely damaging effects of a global pandemic, the term of a pandemic economic crisis becomes relevant.
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(This article belongs to the Collection Encyclopedia of Social Sciences)
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Managing the Expectations of Doctoral Students and Their Supervisors: A UK Perspective
Encyclopedia 2023, 3(4), 1474-1488; https://doi.org/10.3390/encyclopedia3040105 - 28 Nov 2023
Definition
The management of expectations in doctoral education relates to the negotiation and agreement of a learning contract denoting actions and initiatives between a student and a supervisor. A learning contract is a set of understandings of what things, actions and initiatives might reasonably
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The management of expectations in doctoral education relates to the negotiation and agreement of a learning contract denoting actions and initiatives between a student and a supervisor. A learning contract is a set of understandings of what things, actions and initiatives might reasonably be expected from whom, in the course of learning, where there is a natural power imbalance. This is important so that both scholarly and material progress can be made along all points of the doctoral learning experience, i.e., that learning is personalised, professional and productive towards an original contribution of knowledge. It is the evidencing of this continual learning process through research that is deemed to be doctoral at the final examination stage. A doctoral student is a learner on the highest degree pathway that is available at all UK universities. This typically results in a thesis, marking the end point of being supervised whereupon an assessment or examination takes place, which, in UK universities, is called a viva voce (Latin: the living voice). This is a verbal account or defence of the thesis document by the student, made to two or three examiners who comprise the examination team. In the UK, the viva examination is a private event, while elsewhere, for example, across Europe and North America, the examination can be a public event. A student on a doctoral programme usually has a period of registration that is 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time. Other terms that can be used interchangeably around doctoral supervision are candidate (for the student) and candidature, which is their period of registration. Supervisors also have roles denoted as the Director of Studies (DoS) or Principal Investigator (PI). The supervision team is led by a Director of Studies (or PI) who is often the most experienced scholar who teaches, guides and mentors their student’s learning through the research they conduct. There are usually at least two supervisors in a supervision team in the UK, but there can be more as required depending upon the specialisms and topics being researched. Expectations formed by either the student or the supervisor(s) can be about physical resources to embark upon a passage of learning through a doctoral programme, or more typically, the discussion of expectations relates to managing the behaviours of students and supervisors in their respective roles. Managed expectations help to achieve a balance between the intellectual sharing of expertise by the supervisor with the self-directed initiatives for learning, which are taken by the student. The aim of managing expectations is to help a student move from dependence in their learning at the start of their programme to becoming an independent doctoral-level scholar who, once graduated as doctor, can act autonomously to conduct their own research, or even embark upon supervising others’ research in the future.
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Perovskite-Type Oxides as Exsolution Catalysts in CO2 Utilization
Encyclopedia 2023, 3(4), 1461-1473; https://doi.org/10.3390/encyclopedia3040104 - 23 Nov 2023
Definition
Perovskite-type oxides (ABO3) are a highly versatile class of materials. They are compositionally flexible, as their constituents can be chosen from a wide range of elements across the periodic table with a vast number of possible combinations. This flexibility enables the
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Perovskite-type oxides (ABO3) are a highly versatile class of materials. They are compositionally flexible, as their constituents can be chosen from a wide range of elements across the periodic table with a vast number of possible combinations. This flexibility enables the tuning of the materials’ properties by doping the A- and/or B-sites of the base structure, facilitating the application-oriented design of materials. The ability to undergo exsolution under reductive conditions makes perovskite-type oxides particularly well-suited for catalytic applications. Exsolution is a process during which B-site elements migrate to the surface of the material where they form anchored and finely dispersed nanoparticles that are crucially important for obtaining a good catalytic performance, while the perovskite base provides a stable support. Recently, exsolution catalysts have been investigated as possible materials for CO2 utilization reactions like reverse water–gas shift reactions or methane dry reforming.
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(This article belongs to the Section Chemistry)
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Physical-Chemical Properties of Nano-Sized Phyllosilicates: Recent Environmental and Industrial Advancements
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Encyclopedia 2023, 3(4), 1439-1460; https://doi.org/10.3390/encyclopedia3040103 - 17 Nov 2023
Definition
Phyllosilicates are common minerals that include the most widely known micas and clay minerals. These minerals are found in several natural environments and have unique physical-chemical features, such as cation exchange capacity (CEC) and surface charge properties. When phyllosilicates are nano-sized, their physical-chemical
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Phyllosilicates are common minerals that include the most widely known micas and clay minerals. These minerals are found in several natural environments and have unique physical-chemical features, such as cation exchange capacity (CEC) and surface charge properties. When phyllosilicates are nano-sized, their physical-chemical properties are enhanced from those of the micro-sized counterpart. Because of their unique crystal chemical and physical-chemical features, kinetics, and particle size, nano-sized clay minerals (i.e., kaolinite, montmorillonite/illite) and micas (i.e., muscovite) are of great interest in several fields spanning from environmental applications to engineered materials. This paper aims to overview the recent developments of environmental protection and technological applications employing nano-sized natural micas and clay minerals. Emphasis is given to the role that the unique physical-chemical properties of montmorillonite, vermiculite, kaolinite, and muscovite play in nanoparticle formulations, manufacture, and technical performance.
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(This article belongs to the Section Chemistry)
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