How diverse and inclusive are policy process theories?

Numerous published efforts have compared and contrasted policy process theories. Few assessments, however, have examined the extent to which they are inclusive or diverse. Here we summarise lessons from previous assessments, paying attention to how Paul Sabatier’s science-based criteria have shaped the contours of the field. In looking at these contours, we explore evidence of diversity and inclusivity of policy process approaches in terms of methods, concepts, topics, geography and authors. We conclude with strategies to address challenges revealed by our examination: creating space for conversations among scholars of differing perspectives and approaches; building sustained and meaningful efforts to recruit and train researchers with diverse backgrounds; establishing research coordination networks that focus on policy problems; and creating better metrics to assess our diversity and inclusivity.

Tuning the switching pressure in square lattice coordination networks by metal cation substitution

Coordination networks that undergo guest-induced switching between “closed” nonporous and “open” porous phases are of increasing interest as the resulting stepped sorption isotherms can offer exceptional working capacities for gas...

Structural Diversities of a Series of Cd(II) Coordination Complexes Based on a Flexible Tripodal N-donor Ligand

Three Cd(II) coordination complexes with unique structures and topologies, namely, {[Cd(tttmb)(Hbtc)]·5H2O}n (1), {[Cd(tttmb)(m-phda)(H2O)]·2H2O}n (2), and {[Cd(tttmb)(o-cpla)]·(CH3CN)·(H2O)1.5}n (3), have been successfully synthesized under hydro(solvo)thermally condition based on a flexible tripodal N-contained ligand 1,3,5-tris(1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)-2,4,6-trimethylbenzene (tttmb) and aromatic polycarboxylate acids (H3btc = 1,2,4-benzenetricarboxylic acid, m-H2phda = 1,3-phenylenediacetic acid and o-H2cpla = Homophthalic acid). Complexes 1–3 were characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, X-ray single-crystal diffraction and thermogravimetric analyses. 1 crystallize in the orthorhombic chiral space group P212121 and feature 3D coordination networks. 2 reveals a 2D ladder-like structure with (4,4) topology containing alternating Cd(II)/m-phda2− left- and right-handed helical motifs. 3 exhibits a 3D net with (63)(66)(7·82) topology. The structural and dimensional diversity of these complexes not only indicates that the flexible ligand tttmb exhibits strong coordination ability and diverse coordination modes, but also shows that aromatic polycarboxylates play important roles in constructing the frameworks of complexes. Moreover, the different photoluminescence behaviors of 1–3 have been studied in the solid state.

Optimising peak energy reduction in networks of buildings

Buildings are amongst the world's largest energy consumers and simultaneous peaks in demand from networks of buildings can decrease electricity system stability. Current mitigation measures either entail wasteful supply-side over-specification or complex centralised demand-side control. Here, we investigate a new schema for decentralised, self-organising building-to-building load coordination that requires very little information and no direct intervention. We find that the theoretically optimal size for load-coordination networks can be surprisingly small, analogous to other complex systems such as coordination between flocks of birds. The schema outperforms existing techniques, giving substantial peak-reductions as well as being remarkably robust to changes in other system parameters such as the network topology. This not only demonstrates that significant reductions in network peaks are achievable using remarkably simple control systems but also reveals theoretical results and new insights which which will be of great interest to the complexity and network science communities.

Tuning the switching pressure in square lattice coordination networks by metal cation substitution

Coordination networks that undergo guest-induced switching between “closed” nonporous and “open” porous phases are of increasing interest as the resulting stepped sorption isotherms can offer exceptional working capacities for gas storage applications. For practical utility, the gate ad/desorption pressures (Pga/Pgd) must lie between the storage (Pst) and delivery (Pde) pressures and there must be fast switching kinetics. Herein we study the effect of metal cation substitution on the switching pressure of a family of square lattice coordination networks [M(4,4’-bipyridine)2(NCS)]n (sql-1-M-NCS, M = Fe, Co and Ni) with respect to CO2 sorption. The Clausius-Clapeyron equation was used to correlate Pga/Pgd and temperature. At 298 K, Pga/Pgd values were found to vary from 31.6/26.7 bar (M = Fe) to 26.7/20.9 bar (M = Co) and 18.5/14.6 bar (M = Ni). The switching event occurs within 10 minutes as verified by dynamic CO2 sorption tests. In addition, in situ synchrotron PXRD and molecular simulations provided structural insight into the observed switching event, which we attribute to layer expansion of sql-1-M-NCS via intercalation and inclusion of CO2 molecules. This study could pave the way for rational control over Pga/Pgd in switching adsorbent layered materials and enhance their potential utility in gas storage applications.