A pyridinium-pended conjugated polyelectrolyte for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution and organic solar cells

A pyridinium-pended conjugated polyelectrolyte with photo-induced amine doping behaviour was designed for multiple applications.

Doping Prevention in Sport: Overview of Anti-Doping Education Programmes

Background. As doping can damage the sports industry, it is fundamental for athletes to engage in the anti-doping education programs and understand the anti-doping rules. The purpose of this article was to provide an overview of research focusing on anti-doping education.Methods. Scientific research analysis was done by focusing on doping prevention and education programs.Results. Anti-doping education should focus on young athletes, involve family members, friends and coaches. In relation with anti-doping programs which concentrated on health education and informative knowledge, moral and ethical behaviour based anti-doping education was believed to be more effective in actual doping behaviour of athletes. Since coaches could be potentially influencing athletes’ doping behaviour, there should be a collaboration of sports organizations and policy makers in order to help coaches operate within anti-doping rules by creating certain doping prevention programs.Conclusions. Research studies which examine athletes’ belief system and provoke critical thinking in athletes about using banned substances in sport might be more effective in preventing doping than programs focusing only on health education. Keywords: anti-doping, doping, education, prohibited substances.

Defect Chemistry, Sodium Diffusion and Doping Behaviour in NaFeO2 Polymorphs as Cathode Materials for Na-Ion Batteries: A Computational Study

Minor metal-free sodium iron dioxide, NaFeO2, is a promising cathode material in sodium-ion batteries. Computational simulations based on the classical potentials were used to study the defects, sodium diffusion paths and cation doping behaviour in the α- and β-NaFeO2 polymorphs. The present simulations show good reproduction of both α- and β-NaFeO2. The most thermodynamically favourable defect is Na Frenkel, whereas the second most favourable defect is the cation antisite, in which Na and Fe exchange their positions. The migration energies suggest that there is a very small difference in intrinsic Na mobility between the two polymorphs but their migration paths are completely different. A variety of aliovalent and isovalent dopants were examined. Subvalent doping by Co and Zn on the Fe site is calculated to be energetically favourable in α- and β-NaFeO2, respectively, suggesting the interstitial Na concentration can be increased by using this defect engineering strategy. Conversely, doping by Ge on Fe in α-NaFeO2 and Si (or Ge) on Fe in β-NaFeO2 is energetically favourable to introduce a high concentration of Na vacancies that act as vehicles for the vacancy-assisted Na diffusion in NaFeO2. Electronic structure calculations by using density functional theory (DFT) reveal that favourable dopants lead to a reduction in the band gap.

Haftung im Spitzensport und AntiDopG

Doping is and remains a profound problem in top-class sport. The question of whether and how those involved in top-level sport can take civil action against a doped athlete is therefore more topical than ever. The dissertation deals with these civil liability consequences and considers, in particular, the effects resulting from the AntiDopG, which has been in force since the end of 2015. The author initially addresses the question of the applicability of German liability law to international cases. Building on this, the work presents contractual, pre-contractual, tortious, tort and enrichment claims against the doping athlete and examines the consequences of the AntiDopG for these claims. The work also deals with the question of how the civil liability extended by the AntiDopG has a preventive influence on doping behaviour in top-level sport and how this supports the anti-doping fight by means of civil law.

Precipitating or prohibiting factor: Coaches’ perceptions of their role and actions in anti-doping

Coaches are frequently cited as potentially precipitating or preventing athletes’ engagement in doping. However, little is known about coaches’ perspectives. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine coaches’ perceptions of their role and actions in athletes’ anti-doping behaviour. Twenty-three coaches (M = 17, F = 6) working with performance athletes in Scotland participated in semi-structured interviews where topics related to doping and anti-doping were discussed. Thematic analysis, guided by Schön’s role frame and reflective conversation concepts, was used to develop themes. Analysis led to the development of four internal role frame themes: clean sport value, approach to preparation and performance, responsibility to athletes and knowledge; and five boundary role frame themes: Scottish/British sporting culture, potential for benefit, prevalence of doping and testing, clarity of responsibilities and consequences, and beyond coaches’ control. The coaches’ role frame supported an anti-doping stance, but, it also presented a risk and was insufficient to ensure action. Analysis of coaches’ reflective conversations revealed the issues set by the coaches differed and influenced subsequent actions and evaluations.