bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emotional intelligence and its association with psychological well-being: an empirical study concerning B-school students in and around Hyderabad Metro
Authors: Nag Debanjan , Prasad KDV , De Tanmoy , Patnaik Satabdi
Published: June 2023

This paper presents the results of General Linear Model on the association between Emotional Intelligence and Psychological Well-being in B-school students in and around Hyderabad Metro, India. The study was carried out using two standardized questionnaires – a 30-item modified version of Emotional Intelligence scale developed by Kalpana Sri et al., and 18-item Psychological Well-being Scale developed by Carol Ryff. The General Linear Model multivariate analysis was used to study the effect of emotional intelligence variables – self-awareness, managing emotions, motivating oneself, empathy and social skill  on psychological well-being variables self-acceptance, environmental mastery, autonomy, personal growth, positive relations with others, and purpose life. Survey Instrument was developed and circulated online across various channels like emails, Whatsapp, LinkedIn to collected data. The questionnaire link was shared to more than 300 B-School students in and around Hyderabad Metro. One hundred and ninety eight valid responses were subjected to data analysis to measure the association between emotional intelligence and psychological well-being. The instrument's reliability was assessed by measuring Cronbach’s alpha values which ranged from 0.65-0.81. The General Linear Model results indicate statistically significant effect of emotional intelligence factors on total on psychological well-being; managing emotions (p<0.05), motivating oneself (p<0.05), Empathy (p<0.001), social skill (p<0.001. There were statistically significant age differences observed (p<0.05) with the whole model. Further, the General Linear Model analysis carried out a distinct analysis of variance for each of the dependable variables with each independent variable. The emotional intelligence factors self-awareness, empathy and social skills are statistically significant and influencing the psychological well-being of B-school students. There were no statistically significant gender differences observed, however, the age is statistically significant and influencing, psychological well-being factors, purpose of life, personal relations with others and autonomy (p<0.05). The multivariate statistic Partial Eta Squared with a multivariate variance of the dependent variables and associated group factors are reported. The findings of this study indicate a statistically significant positive association between and psychological well-being, suggesting that emotional intelligence is a predictor of psychological well-being among B-school students round Hyderabad Metro.
Optimization Chicken Meatball Using Red Lentil Flour (Lens culinaris L.) as Filler
Authors: Rohmah Nur Ifadah , Evanuarini Herly , Thohari Imam
Published: June 2023

Aims: The aim of the study was to determine the quality of chicken meatballs added with red lentil flour based on physicochemical quality, organoleptic quality, and microstructure. Sample: chicken meatballs using red lentil flour.

Methodology: Laboratory experiment using Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The data were tabulated using Microsoft Excel, and the standard deviation (SD) was taken, then an Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was performed. If different, proceed with the DMRT (Duncan's Multiple Range Test). Research at the Laboratory of Animal Product Technology Faculty of Animal Science, the Laboratory of Food Quality and Safety Testing Faculty of Agricultural Product Technology, the Universitas Brawijaya Malang, and the Integrated Research and Testing Laboratory Universitas  Gadjah Mada Yogyakarta. February 2023. Research with four treatments consisting of without the addition of red lentil flour and the addition of red lentil flour 3%, 6%, and 9%. 5 replications.

Results: Chicken meatballs added with red lentil flour fiber are the best chicken meatballs by producing chicken meatballs with fiber content and have a color that is not pale. The best treatment for chicken meatballs has a fat content of 9.18%, ash content of 2.68%, fiber content of 0.84%, pH 6.26, organoleptic (color 3.68) (taste 2.98) (texture 3.43), and microstructures of chicken meatballs have different shapes and dense.

Conclusion: The best chicken meatballs are found by adding 9% red lentil flour (Lens culinaris L.) to produce, healthy chicken meatballs that contain fiber and have attractive colors. The best product assessment is based on meatball standards in Indonesia and can be accepted by consumers.
Nuclear Technology in Horticulture: Boosting Productivity, Controlling Pests, Conserving Water
Authors: Chaurasia Jitendra , Tripathi V. K. , Tripathi Riddhima
Published: June 2023

Horticulture faces significant challenges due to the destruction of crops by pests and diseases, both before and after harvesting, resulting in a significant reduction in crop production. Nuclear technology has emerged as a valuable tool for enhancing agricultural productivity. Despite the common association of nuclear technology with energy and weaponry, its use in Horticulture is diverse and multifaceted. Physical mutagens such as nuclear radiation, including gamma rays, X-rays, and UV light, as well as particle radiation, can be employed to induce chromosomal breakages, cross-linking of DNA strands, nucleotide deletion, and substitution. UV rays can be used to irradiate cell suspensions and pollen grains in the early or late uninucleate phases. Through the application of nuclear technology, agricultural productivity can be improved by increasing crop yields, controlling pests and diseases, and enhancing water quality. Food preservation can also be achieved through food irradiation, where ionizing radiation is applied to target pathogens to break their DNA bonds. Nuclear technology can also be utilized to induce beneficial mutations in crops through genetic modification, sterilization-based pest control, and water usage management. In conclusion, nuclear technology presents an innovative and effective solution for addressing challenges in Horticulture, thus contributing significantly to global food security.
Influence of Job Opportunities on Students’ Choice of Business Education in Federal Capital Territory (FCT)-College of Education Zuba, Abuja
Authors: Uzuagu Anthonia, Uju , Anayo Madu, Maureen , Gad Shaban, Alima
Published: June 2023

The study examined the influence of job opportunities on students’ choice of Business Education in FCT-College of Education Zuba, Abuja. Nigeria. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of job opportunities on students’ choice of Business Education in Federal Capital Territory (FCT)-College of Education Zuba, Abuja. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The study was guided by three research questions. The population for the study was 187 Business Education students. Due to the manageable size of the population, no sampling techniques was adopted and therefore, all the 187 students were used for the study. The instrument for data collection was a structured 18-item questionnaire titled: Influence of Job Opportunities on Students’ Choice of Business Education Questionnaire (IJOSCBEQ), which was validated by three experts from Business Education Department, and Measurement and Evaluation Units of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The researcher was assisted by three research assistants in collecting the data for the study. The research questions were responded to using mean and standard deviation. The findings of the study indicates that, the opportunities of students’ gaining employment with private sector motivates them to choose Business Education. The study also revealed that, understanding ways of recording business transactions and effective sales habit encourage the choice of Business Education and that Students with Business Education knowledge, skill and value stand a better chance to secure employment with government organizations. Based on the findings, the study recommended that there should be regular workshops/seminars organized by government on career opportunities in business education. This is to educate the stakeholders on the need of business education students who are the potential marketer, mangers, and Business education teachers.
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Secondary to Herpetic Infection: A Case Report
Authors: Jaabouti Ghizlane , Bencchakroun Soumia , Mahraoui Chafiq , Hafidi Naima El
Published: June 2023

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a rare but serious drug reaction characterized by extensive necrosis of the skin and mucous membranes. It is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate medical intervention, with a high mortality rate, especially during the acute phase.

Symptoms of Stevens-Johnson syndrome include a rash, blisters, and lesions in the oral mucosa, throat, genitals, and eyes. Before the rash appears, symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle pain, and flu-like signs may occur.

While the causes of Stevens-Johnson syndrome are not fully understood, it is often associated with an allergic reaction to medication. In children, it can also have an infectious origin.

Survivors of Stevens-Johnson syndrome may experience long-term sequelae, including cutaneous, ophthalmological, genital, oral-dental, and psychological issues. Therefore, monitoring and early detection are crucial.

The severity of this pathology makes the reported case particularly compelling. It highlights the importance of medical personnel having knowledge and mastery of this condition in order to improve management and prognosis.

We report the case of an 8-year-old child who presented with a pseudogripal syndrome that rapidly progressed in 24 hours to an exanthem characterized by macules in pseudo-rings. The condition was complicated by a severe, diffuse enanthem and resulted in detachment with a positive Nikolsky sign. The clinical and biological evolution was favorable under symptomatic treatment, antiviral medication and intravenous immunoglobulin infusion.Top of Form
Inference of Rock Phosphate, Phosphorus Solubilizing Bacteria and Lime on Phosphorus Content and Economic Yield of Green Gram
Authors: Venu Nakeertha , Devi N. Surbala , Das Hiren , Devi Laishram Nikita , Anusha Mamidipalli
Published: June 2023

Aim: To study the effect of Rock Phosphate, Phosphorus Solubilizing Bacteria, and Lime on phosphorus content in the soil, Phosphorus Uptake, and Economic yield of green gram (var. DGGS-4).

Study Design: This experiment was conducted through a completely randomized design with 10 treatments and 3 replications.

Place and Duration of Study: The research was conducted at the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Central Agricultural University, Imphal between February 2019- November 2019.

Methodology: Available phosphorus content in soil was estimated spectrophotometrically by Bray and Kurtz No. 1 method, the Active Phosphorus was determined by the addition of Saloid-bound phosphate, Aluminum phosphate, iron phosphate, and calcium phosphate, and total Inorganic P is the summation of all the inorganic forms of P. Total Phosphorus (Total P) in Soil was estimated by using Murphy-Riley solution and 5M NaOH and the intensity of yellow color was read at 730 nm in a spectrophotometer, organic P was calculated from the difference between total phosphorus and total mineral P, and the uptake of phosphorus was computed from the data on P concentration and dry matter yield.

Results: The release and fixation pattern of different forms of phosphorus, its uptake, and the economic yield of green gram were significantly affected by the application of rock phosphate singly or combination with PSB and lime. Comparing among the different treatments, significantly higher accumulation of available Phosphorus, Phosphorus uptake, and economic yield were recorded in soil treated with Rock phosphate in combination with Phosphocare, Bacillus megatherium, and lime which is at par with treatment with Rock phosphate in combination with Bacillus megatherium and lime.

Conclusion: The investigation revealed that the release and fixation pattern of different forms of phosphorus, its uptake, and the yield of green gram are significantly affected by the application of RP singly or combination with PSB and lime.
Effect of Different Edible Film Coatings on Microbial Analyses and Organoleptic Attributes of Fresh Cut Kiwi (Actinidia Deliciosa) Green Kiwi Cv. Hayward
Authors: Nikhil  , Topno Samir E.
Published: June 2023

The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of different edible film coating of Carboxymethyl cellulose and Aloe vera gel on microbial and sensorial properties of fresh-cut kiwi fruit stored at 4oC for 20 days. The slices of kiwi fruit were covered with Carboxymethyl cellulose and Aloe vera gel while the uncoated samples served as control. The kiwi fruit slices were packaged and cold stored at refrigerator condition and it was conducted with the appropriate methodology at the post-harvest laboratory of the Department of Horticulture, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Allahabad, during 2022-23. The experiment was laid out in December month of 2022 in a completely randomized design with Nine treatments and three replications. The treatment details viz., Control, Carboxymethyl Cellulose 1.0%, Carboxymethyl Cellulose 1.5%, Aloe vera gel 30%, Aloe vera gel 40%, Carboxymethyl Cellulose 1.0% + Aloe vera gel 30%, Carboxymethyl Cellulose 1.5% + Aloe vera gel 30%, Carboxymethyl Cellulose 1.0% + Aloe vera gel 40% and Carboxymethyl Cellulose 1.5 % + Aloe vera gel 40%. It is concluded that the effect of Treatment T3 i.e., AVG 3 was found to be best in terms of microbial analyses i.e., Yeast and mould count (log CFU/g) (2.07), Total bacterial count (log CFU/g) (3.38) and Spoilage (%) (13.34%) and Sensory evaluation i.e., Colour score (6.17), Taste score (6.19), Odour score (6.13), Texture score (4.89) and Overall acceptability (5.85) i.e., T3. The results highlighted that Aloe vera gel 30% coating improved the quality of stored fresh-cut kiwi fruit slices.
The Medicare Physician Fee Schedule and Unethical Behavior
Authors: Berenson Robert A. , Emanuel Ezekiel J.
Published: June 2023

This Viewpoint discusses the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule and its flaws, including how they might be remedied by severing CMS dependence on Relative Value Update Committee estimates of time and intensity.
Medicare Physician Payment in Need of Major Repair
Authors: Resneck Jack S.
Published: June 2023

This Viewpoint examines Medicare physician payment flaws and needed reforms, including changes implemented by Congress, CMS, commercial payers, and physician employers.
Heart Failure, Neuropathy, and Spinal Stenosis
Authors: Welleman Omar A. , Schrama Yvonne C. , Boiten Henk-Jan
Published: June 2023

A 60-year-old patient with a history of lumbar spinal stenosis had 2 months of chest pain and shortness of breath with exertion and 3 months of toe numbness. Laboratory testing showed elevated levels of high-sensitivity troponin, brain-type natriuretic peptide, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase; bone scintigraphy showed increased cardiac uptake. What is the diagnosis and what would you do next?
Development of a Deep Learning Model for Retinal Hemorrhage Detection on Head Computed Tomography in Young Children
Authors: Gunturkun Fatma , Bakir-Batu Berna , Siddiqui Adeel , Lakin Karen , Hoehn Mary E. , Vestal Robert , Davis Robert L. , Shafi Nadeem I.
Published: June 2023

Importance

Abusive head trauma (AHT) in children is often missed in medical encounters, and retinal hemorrhage (RH) is considered strong evidence for AHT. Although head computed tomography (CT) is obtained routinely, all but exceptionally large RHs are undetectable on CT images in children.

Objective

To examine whether deep learning–based image analysis can detect RH on pediatric head CT.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This diagnostic study included 301 patients diagnosed with AHT who underwent head CT and dilated fundoscopic examinations at a quaternary care children’s hospital. The study assessed a deep learning model using axial slices from 218 segmented globes with RH and 384 globes without RH between May 1, 2007, and March 31, 2021. Two additional light gradient boosting machine (GBM) models were assessed: one that used demographic characteristics and common brain findings in AHT and another that combined the deep learning model’s risk prediction plus the same demographic characteristics and brain findings.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Sensitivity (recall), specificity, precision, accuracy, F1 score, and area under the curve (AUC) for each model predicting the presence or absence of RH in globes were assessed. Globe regions that influenced the deep learning model predictions were visualized in saliency maps. The contributions of demographic and standard CT features were assessed by Shapley additive explanation.

Results

The final study population included 301 patients (187 [62.1%] male; median [range] age, 4.6 [0.1-35.8] months). A total of 120 patients (39.9%) had RH on fundoscopic examinations. The deep learning model performed as follows: sensitivity, 79.6%; specificity, 79.2%; positive predictive value (precision), 68.6%; negative predictive value, 87.1%; accuracy, 79.3%; F1 score, 73.7%; and AUC, 0.83 (95% CI, 0.75-0.91). The AUCs were 0.80 (95% CI, 0.69-0.91) for the general light GBM model and 0.86 (95% CI, 0.79-0.93) for the combined light GBM model. Sensitivities of all models were similar, whereas the specificities of the deep learning and combined light GBM models were higher than those of the light GBM model.

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this diagnostic study indicate that a deep learning–based image analysis of globes on pediatric head CTs can predict the presence of RH. After prospective external validation, a deep learning model incorporated into CT image analysis software could calibrate clinical suspicion for AHT and provide decision support for which patients urgently need fundoscopic examinations.
Rates of and Factors Associated With Patient Withdrawal of Consent in Cancer Clinical Trials
Authors: Hillman Shauna L. , Jatoi Aminah , Strand Carrie A. , Perlmutter Jane , George Suzanne , Mandrekar Sumithra J.
Published: June 2023

Importance

Patient withdrawal of consent from a cancer clinical trial is defined as a patient’s volitional cessation of participation in all matters related to a trial. It can undermine the trial’s purpose, make the original sample size and power calculations irrelevant, introduce bias between trial arms, and prolong the time to trial completion.

Objective

To report rates of and baseline factors associated with withdrawal of consent among patients in cancer clinical trials.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This multisite observational cohort study was conducted through the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology. Patient withdrawal was defined as a patient’s voluntary termination of consent to participate anytime during trial conduct. Baseline patient- and trial-based factors were investigated for their associations with patient withdrawal within the first 2 years using logistic regression models. All patients who participated in cancer therapeutic clinical trials conducted within the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology from 2013 through 2019 were included. The data lock date was January 23, 2022.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The percentage of patients who withdrew consent in 2 years and factors associated with withdrawal of consent.

Results

A total of 11 993 patients (median age, 62 years; 67% female) from 58 trials were included. Within 2 years, 1060 patients (9%) withdrew from their respective trials. Two-year rates of withdrawal were 5.7%, 7.6%, 8.5%, 7.8%, 8.4%, 9.5%, and 9.8% for each of the respective years from 2013 through 2019. In multivariable analyses, Hispanic ethnicity (odds ratio [OR], 1.67; 95% CI, 1.30-2.15; P < .001), randomized design with placebo (OR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.38-1.94; P < .001), and patient age 75 years and older (OR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.12-1.72; P = .003) were associated with higher likelihood of withdrawal by 2 years. Use of radiation was associated with patient retention (OR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.54-0.86; P = .001).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study, rates of withdrawal of consent were less than 10% and appeared consistent over time. Factors that are associated with withdrawal of consent should be considered when designing trials and should be further studied to learn how they can be favorably modified.
Integrating On-Treatment Modified Glasgow Prognostic Score and Imaging to Predict Response and Outcomes in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Saal Jonas , Bald Tobias , Eckstein Markus , Ralser Damian J. , Ritter Manuel , Brossart Peter , Grünwald Viktor , Hölzel Michael , Ellinger Jörg , Klümper Niklas
Published: June 2023

Importance

In the era of immuno-oncology, imaging alone seems to be insufficient to capture treatment responses, as patients with stable disease treated with immunotherapy have a wide range of clinical outcomes. There is an unmet need for complementary (ideally cost-efficient) markers that enable assessment of therapy response and outcomes in conjunction with imaging.

Objectives

To examine whether longitudinal changes in the modified Glasgow prognostic score (mGPS), which is based on C-reactive protein and albumin, can predict responses and outcomes in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC).

Design, Setting, and Participants

This post hoc analysis, conducted from October 2022 to April 2023, evaluated the prognostic and predictive performance of on-treatment mGPS in patients with mRCC being treated with atezolizumab (plus bevacizumab) or sunitinib in 2 randomized clinical trials: the phase 3 IMmotion151 study (discovery cohort) and the phase 2 IMmotion150 study (validation cohort).

Main Outcomes and Measures

Outcomes were investigator-assessed progression-free survival (PFS) per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST), version 1.1 and overall survival (OS) for survival analyses. To compare the prognostic value of the on-treatment mGPS with radiologic staging, we used RECIST assessed by the Independent Review Committee (IRC-RECIST) to ensure high data quality.

Results

Of the 915 patients with mRCC in the IMmotion151 discovery cohort, baseline mGPS was available for 861 patients and on-treatment mGPS for 691. The IMmotion150 validation cohort included 305 patients with mRCC, and on-treatment mGPS could be evaluated for 199. In the IMmotion150 study, on-treatment mGPS predicted outcomes as early as 6 weeks following therapy initiation, thereby opening a window for early therapy adjustments. In both clinical trials, on-treatment mGPS provided valuable prognostic information regardless of imaging-assessed treatment response at first staging. Of note, in the disease control subgroup, on-treatment mGPS exhibited superior and independent prognostic information compared with IRC-RECIST (available for 611 patients; C-index, 0.651 [95% CI, 0.588-0.714] for the mGPS during treatment vs 0.574 [95% CI, 0.528-0.619] for IRC-RECIST).

Conclusions and Relevance

These data support the concept of integrating on-treatment mGPS for more holistic and patient-centered therapy monitoring in addition to radiologic staging to improve clinical care at a low cost for patients with mRCC.
Light‐Driven Self‐Oscillation of Thermoplasmonic Nanocolloids
Authors: Mezzasalma Stefano A. , Kruse Joscha , Merkens Stefan , Lopez Eneko , Seifert Andreas , Morandotti Roberto , Grzelczak Marek
Published: June 2023

Self‐oscillation—the periodic change of a system under a non‐periodic stimulus—is vital for creating low‐maintenance autonomous devices in soft robotics technologies. Soft composites of macroscopic dimensions are often doped with plasmonic nanoparticles to enhance energy dissipation and generate periodic response. However, while it is still unknown whether a dispersion of photonic nanocrystals may respond to light as a soft actuator, a dynamic analysis of nanocolloids self‐oscillating in a liquid is also lacking. This study presents a new self‐oscillator model for illuminated colloidal systems. It predicts that the surface temperature of thermoplasmonic nanoparticles and the number density of their clusters jointly oscillate at frequencies ranging from infrasonic to acoustic values. New experiments with spontaneously clustering gold nanorods, where the photothermal effect alters the interplay of light (stimulus) with the disperse system on a macroscopic scale, strongly support the theory. These findings enlarge the current view on self‐oscillation phenomena and anticipate the colloidal state of matter to be a suitable host for accommodating light‐propelled machineries. In broad terms, a complex system behavior is observed, which goes from periodic solutions (Hopf–Poincaré–Andronov bifurcation) to a new dynamic attractor driven by nanoparticle interactions, linking thermoplasmonics to nonlinearity and chaos.
Analogue Artificial Synaptic Performance of Self‐Rectifying Resistive Switching Device
Authors: Seo Hyun Kyu , Ryu Jin Joo , Lee Su Yeon , Jeon Kanghyoek , Sohn Hyunchul , Kim Gun Hwan , Yang Min Kyu
Published: June 2023

The immense increase of unstructured data require novel computing systems that can process the input data with low power and parallel processing. This functionality is similar to that of human brains that are composed of numerous neurons, synapses, and their complex connections. To mimic the functionality of the human brain with an electronic device, the resistive switching device and crossbar array has attracted considerable attention for artificial synaptic devices and integrated systems, respectively. For this purpose, the self‐rectifying resistive switching cell based on the Si:ZrOx thin film is developed and its reliability characteristics are tested. Four achievements are highlighted in this study. 1) The retention characteristic is improved by the adoption of TaOx thin film as an oxygen reservoir layer. 2) The asymmetric electrodes can make the self‐rectifying resistive cell (SRC) have sufficient rectifying characteristic. 3) The linearity of conductance update has a dominant effect on the inference performance compared to that of the conductance range variation. 4) The device of the interface‐type resistive switching shows a high enough device yield in the crossbar array device and exhibits reliable multiply‐and‐accumulate operations in the crossbar array to mimic the human brain‐inspired computing system.
Anode‐Free Aluminum Electrode with Ultralong Cycle Life and High Coulombic Efficiency Exceeding 99.92% Enabled by a Lattice‐Matching Layer
Authors: Meng Yahan , Wang Jiazhi , Wang Mingming , Peng Qia , Xie Zehui , Zhu Zhengxin , Liu Zaichun , Wang Weiping , Zhang Kai , Liu Hongxu , Ma Yirui , Li Zhenyu , Chen Wei
Published: June 2023

Metallic aluminum is an attractive anode owing to its high specific capacity, earth abundance, and low cost. However, the poor reversibility of Al deposition/dissolution and Al dendrites have impeded its deployment. Herein, a strategy for constructing a lattice‐matching layer (LML) to regulate the behavior of Al deposition/dissolution is demonstrated. Various experiments and theoretical calculations validate that gold LML as an example can significantly enhance the nucleation density and reduce average particle size, which achieve highly reversible, dendrite‐free, durable, and anode‐free Al anodes. The metallic Al shows stable Al deposition/dissolution on Au@Ti substrate for more than 4500 h with an average Coulombic efficiency of 99.92%, which is a record‐high reported value. Furthermore, the anode‐free full cell based on Au@Ti anode and expanded graphite cathode exhibits outstanding long‐term stability for 900 cycles with the capacity retention rate of 80%. This study provides an effective strategy to enhance the reversibility and utilization of the Al anode, which provides inspiration for advanced Al batteries.
Germanium‐Functionalized 3D Microporous, Nanostructured Nickel–Nickel Oxides for Application in Asymmetric Supercapacitors
Authors: Kr Singh Balwant , Das Debabrata , Gonzalez Cristina , Ramana C. V.
Published: June 2023

Supercapacitors and batteries are essential for sustainable energy development. However, the bottleneck is the associated high cost, which limits bulk use of batteries and supercapacitors. In this context, realizing that the cost of energy‐storage device mainly depends on materials, synthesis processes/procedures, and device fabrication, an effort is made to rationally design and develop novel low‐cost electrode materials with enhanced electrochemical performance in asymmetric supercapacitors. Herein, surface functionalization approach is adopted to design low‐cost 3D mesoporous and nanostructured nickel–nickel oxide electrode materials using facile synthesis for application in supercapacitors. It is demonstrated that the 3D mesoporous Ni provides the high surface area and enhanced ionic conductivity, while germanium functionalization improves the electrical conductivity and reduces the charge‐transfer resistance of NiO. Surface functionalization with Ge demonstrates the significant improvement in specific capacitance of NiO. The asymmetric supercapacitor using these Ge‐functionalized NiO–Ni electrodes provides a specific capacitance of 304 Fg−1 (94 mF cm−2), energy density of 23.8 Wh kg−1 (7.35 μWh cm−2), and power density of 6.8 kW kg−1 (2.1 mW cm−2) with excellent cyclic stability of 92% after 10 000 cycles. To validate their practical applications, powering the digital watch using the asymmetric supercapacitors in laboratory conditions is demonstrated.
Measuring Instruments for Characterization of Intermediate Products in Electrode Manufacturing of Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Haghi Sajedeh , Leeb Matthias , Molzberger Annika , Daub Rüdiger
Published: June 2023

Electrode manufacturing is considered the core of lithium‐ion battery cell production, with irreversible impacts on the electrochemical performance of the battery cell. The process chain is extensively complex, with a high number of interrelated parameters. The characterization of intermediate products in electrode manufacturing and the analysis of the correlations between process parameters and product properties can be considered a rigorous starting point to deepen process understanding and accelerate process optimization. Based on a holistic evaluation approach and a market analysis, this article provides a comprehensive overview of possible measuring instruments for intermediate products in electrode manufacturing, including the investment costs and inline/offline measurement strategy. The results can be used as a guideline for possible measuring instruments in electrode manufacturing, providing the foundation for in‐depth process analysis. The findings demonstrate the current possibilities and highlight the need for further technological advancement in the field of metrology and digitalization.
Observed Changes in Interannual Precipitation Variability in the United States
Authors: Harp Ryan D. , Horton Daniel E
Published: June 2023

Characterizing changes in precipitation patterns over time is critical
for hydrologically-dependent fields like water resource management and
agriculture. Here, we explore observed trends in interannual
precipitation variability using a suite of metrics that describe changes
in precipitation over time. We analyze daily in-situ Global
Historical Climatology Network precipitation data from 1970 to present
over seventeen internally consistent sub-national United States domains
using a regional Mann-Kendall trend test. We find robustly increasing
trends in annual mean precipitation and wet day frequency for most of
the central and eastern U.S., but decreasing trends in the western U.S.
Importantly, we identify widespread significant trends in interannual
precipitation variability, with increasing variability in the southeast,
decreasing variability in the far west, and mixed signals in the Rocky
Mountains and north-central U.S. Our results provide important context
for water resource managers and a new observational standard for climate
model performance assessments.
The economics of the wellbeing economy: Understanding heterodox economics for health‐in‐all‐policies and co‐benefits
Authors: Hensher Martin
Published: June 2023

Issue Addressed

The “wellbeing economy” represents a significant departure from the orthodox, neoclassical economic model of rational, utility‐maximising individuals embedded in a growth economy. Emerging approaches to the wellbeing economy draw heavily upon insights from a range of heterodox schools of economic thought; these schools differ in many respects, but all share the central common insight that the economy is best conceived as a social provisioning system for humanity's needs.

Methods

This narrative review introduces and summarises key dimensions of a number of these heterodox economic approaches, all of which have had or are likely to have significant implications for wellbeing economics. Their relationship with wellbeing and their resulting approaches to public policy and the Health‐in‐All Policies (HiAP) approach is described and explored.

Results

The schools of heterodox economic thought which have had the most impact on the development of approaches to the “wellbeing economy” include ecological economics (including both post‐growth and degrowth economics), feminist economics, and modern monetary theory. Recent developments in the economics of inequality and institutional economics have also been of significance. Yet HiAP approaches represent an attempt to incorporate consideration of health consequences within public policy processesinsidethe neoclassical economics paradigm, reflecting the reality that social and economic forces are typically the most important determinants of health. WHO's newHealth For Allapproach draws much more directly on the heterodox economics that underpins wellbeing economy thinking.

Conclusions

Wellbeing economics offers many attractive features for HiAP—but may not achieve its full potential within conventional economic policy paradigms. Calls to replace cost–benefit analysis with “co‐benefit” analysis are attractive, but face strong practical obstacles. Meanwhile, strong countervailing forces and interests might still thwart achieving the broader goals of wellbeing economics.

So What?

Operationalising “wellbeing economy” thinking requires a clear understanding of heterodox economics, and how they can be incorporated into more formal economic analysis. It remains to be seen if HiAP is the right tool by which to implement the newHealth For Allapproach.
Arab Spring, democratization of corruption, and income inequality
Authors: Jha Chandan Kumar , Kırşanlı Fatih
Published: June 2023

How do political crises affect the interaction between economic and political outcomes? In this paper, we study one of the consequences of political turmoil by empirically examining whether the Arab Spring influenced the relationship between corruption and income inequality. Using panel data from 1996 to 2019 for the Middle East and North African (MENA) countries, we find that while corruption is positively associated with income inequality, the interaction term between corruption and the Arab Spring is negatively associated with income inequality. This result is consistent with the view that corruption has become more democratized after the Arab Spring. We use instrumental variable (IV) analysis to address potential endogeneity issues. Our findings suggest that not only studying the direct effects of political crises on economic and institutional variables is important, but studying their effects on shaping the association between economic and institutional variables can be insightful.
The SL(2, ℤ) dualization algorithm at work
Authors: Comi Riccardo , Hwang Chiung , Marino Fabio , Pasquetti Sara , Sacchi Matteo
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Recently an algorithm to dualize a theory into its mirror dual has been proposed, both for 3d$$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 linear quivers and for their 4d$$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 uplift. This mimics the manipulations done at the level of the Type IIB brane setup that engineers the 3d theories, where mirror symmetry is realized as S-duality, but it is enirely field-theoretic and based on the application of genuine infra-red dualities that implement the local action of S-duality on the quiver. In this paper, we generalize the algorithm to the full duality group, which is SL(2, ℤ) in 3d and PSL(2, ℤ) in 4d. This also produces dualities for 3d$$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 3 theories with Chern-Simons couplings, some of which have enhanced $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 supersymmetry, and their new 4d$$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 counterpart. In addition, we propose three ways to study the RG flows triggered by possible VEVs appearing at the last step of the algorithm, one of which uses a new duality that implements the Hanany-Witten move in field theory.
Flow discharge measurement by a linear width contraction device
Authors: Nicosia Alessio , Di Stefano Costanza , Palmeri Vincenzo , Serio Maria Angela , Ferro Vito
Published: June 2023

In this paper, the outflow process of a linear width contraction device for a free-flow condition is modeled using the dimensional analysis and the incomplete self-similarity condition. The proposed theoretical stage-discharge relationship is tested using measurements available in the literature. The proposed power stage-discharge equation is characterized by a value of the exponent close to 2 and a coefficient depending on the angle of the device sides with the channel bank. The proposed flume is characterized by simple construction, easy installation, low cost, and a good accuracy of the measured discharge (errors in the estimate ranging from − 3.84 to 1.9%). The deduced stage-discharge equation is characterized by errors in the estimate of discharge lower than or equal to ± 3% for 93.7% of the investigated cases. The main result of this paper is a stage-discharge relationship giving an accurate estimate of discharge but, at the same time, having the advantage of working regardless of the discharge coefficient estimate.
Body ownership illusion through virtual reality as modulator variable for limbs rehabilitation after stroke: a systematic review
Authors: Ventura Sara , Marchetti Pierclaudio , Baños Rosa , Tessari Alessia
Published: June 2023

Stroke is the leading cause of motor impairments and generates distortion of body representation. Hence, stroke can modulate the sense of embodiment, namely the feeling of being inside the body (ownership), in the place where the body is located (location), and moving the body according to its own intentions (agency). A growing number of studies have adopted virtual reality (VR) to train motor abilities. However, the impact of the body illusion on the rehabilitation outcome is not fully understood. The present systematic review investigates the modulating role of the body illusion elicited by VR on motor rehabilitation in post-stroke patients after embodying a virtual avatar. The research was led in the main databases—PubMed, Scopus, PsychINFO, and Web of Science—and four studies matched the inclusion criteria (e.g., to have a sample of adult post-stroke patients, to use VR as an instrument for motor rehabilitation, to adopt the paradigm of the body illusion as a modulator for motor rehabilitation, to test the sense of body illusion outcome). Research outcomes demonstrated that two studies adopted the immersive and two the non-immersive embodied VR; three studies focused on the upper limb, and one on lower limb rehabilitation. Two studies compare VR training with traditional therapy, and two are pilot studies with only one experimental group. The studies demonstrated the feasibility of the body illusion as an accelerator for motor rehabilitation compared to the non-embodied condition, and as a positive correlator of the rehabilitation outcome. The finding should be taken with caution due to the limited studies included; however, they are encouraging to justify further research efforts in this area.
The potential of using virtual reality-based self-paced treadmill to assess road-crossing safety and self-evaluation with traumatic brain injuries: a series case study
Authors: McCluskey Andrew , Al-Amri Mohammad
Published: June 2023

Impaired self-awareness (ISA) is common following traumatic brain injury (TBI) and can significantly impact safe road-crossing. Road-crossing interventions are variable and involve high-risk real-world situations. Virtual reality (VR)-based road-crossing can elicit changes in real-world functioning but has not been trialled in the TBI population. The primary objective of this research was to explore whether VR-based self-paced treadmill technology offers a safe road-crossing assessment mechanism for people with TBI. Three participants with TBI completed two road-crossing pilot-trials using a VR-based self-paced treadmill. Avatar feedback and verbal feedback were provided between trials. Participants were provided with a safe road-crossing strategy for the second pilot-trial. The Researcher and Participant evaluated road-crossing following each trial using the Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory and the number of safe road-crossings to assess changes in self-evaluation and performance between trials. One of the participants perceived improvements in self-evaluation and performance in the second pilot-trial. All participants attempted to apply the safe road-crossing strategy advised. No safety issues were identified using the VR-based self-paced treadmill within this study’s protocol thereby supporting the primary objective of the work. Future research is warranted to strengthen the evidence-base for using VR to elicit improvements in ISA in road-crossing and in generalising findings to the wider TBI population.
Implementation of sustainable development goals in the cosmetics industry based on the example of cleansing cosmetics containing a surfactin-rich digestate extract
Authors: Seweryn Artur , Wasilewski Tomasz , Hordyjewicz-Baran Zofia , Bochynek Michał , Pannert Dominika , Łukaszewicz Marcin , Lewińska Agnieszka
Published: June 2023

The implementation of sustainable development goals in the cosmetics industry is focused primarily on the phase of product design and the formulation of fully functional cosmetics based on raw materials of natural origin. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility of using a surfactin-rich digestate extract—a raw material of biotechnological origin—as an ingredient in cleansing cosmetics. A composition was designed, and shower gels based on the digestate extract were formulated. In the next stage of the study, the prototypical products were subjected to a quality assessment with an emphasis on the properties determining their functionality and safety of use by consumers. The shower gels formulated with raw materials of natural origin with the addition of the surfactin-rich extract show acceptable functional properties including viscosity, foaming ability and fat emulsification properties. Importantly, the use of the digestate extract was found to significantly improve the safety in use of the evaluated cosmetic prototypes. This finding is corroborated by a significant decrease in the zein value, which is a measure of the irritant effect of cosmetic formulations. A slight decrease in the ability to emulsify fats found for the tested prototypes confirmed their appropriate functionality and mild effect on the skin. Through the use of the surfactin-rich digestate extract, the cosmetics acquired a natural color derived from the extract. Colorimetric analysis shows that the color changes in the samples should be noticeable even by inexperienced observers.

Graphical Abstract
Laboratory-reared larvae and juveniles of three species of the genus Bathygobius (Gobiidae)
Authors: Tanaka Shota , Sunobe Tomoki
Published: June 2023

Larvae and juveniles of three species in the family Gobiidae are described based on laboratory-reared material: Bathygobius fuscus to post-settlement, Bathygobius cyclopterus to 2 days old, and Bathygobius petrophilus to just after hatching. Newly hatched larvae of these species are distinguishable from each other by the melanophore arrangements on the dorsal region of the trunk, ventrally near the tip of the tail, and along the lateral midline. The early development of Bathygobius fuscus was similar to that described previously for Bathygobius soporator but differed in the appearance of melanophores and the shape of the second dorsal fin and anal fin.
Multiscale design and experimental verification of Voronoi graded stochastic lattice structures for the natural frequency maximization problem
Authors: Chen Lianxiong , Pan Yu , Chu Xihua , Liu Hui , Wang Xinzhong
Published: June 2023

Additive manufacturing (AM) has gained popularity for its capacity to produce geometrically complicated structures, such as lattice structures. Lattice structures have great advantages in the lightweight design of the aerospace and automotive field, in which frequent vibration is one of the most concerning problems during the structure design process. Consequently, it is necessary to research structural vibration frequency to avoid dynamic failure, especially the natural vibration frequency of the structure. In this work, a multiscale topology optimization method is proposed to design the Voronoi graded stochastic lattice structures for the first-order frequency maximization problem. Firstly, the generation and analysis of the Voronoi stochastic lattice microstructure are carried out on the microscale. Then, the macroscale structural optimization is conducted with a penalty-free density method. Finally, the full-scale Voronoi graded stochastic lattice structure is reconstructed based on the obtained relative density distribution and mapping relationship. Numerical examples are performed to demonstrate the correctness and validity of the proposed method for designing the Voronoi graded stochastic lattice structure. Several dynamic experiments also verify the effectiveness of the developed multiscale method and the advantage of the optimized graded lattice structure in structural dynamic response.
Gerontechnology for better elderly care and life quality: a systematic literature review
Authors: Huang Genghua , Oteng Samuel Ampadu
Published: June 2023

Gerontechnology as multidisciplinary research has expanded in recent years due to its significant role in ensuring better care and improved quality of life for older adults and their caregivers. With a substantial increase in studies on reasons behind less inclination of older individuals to accept gerontechnology, barriers to its non-acceptance appear to be persistent. In addition, there is a dearth of research on the adoption of gerontechnology from the perspectives of social caregivers, given that caregivers bear a substantial burden in the form of chronic stress, which adversely affects their health and that of older people. Therefore, the aim of this study is to present a holistic perspective of older adults and their caregivers by systematically reviewing literature on gerontechnology acceptance. Adopting the preferred reported items for systematic and meta-analysis (PRISMA) framework, publications specifically on gerontechnology from 2002 to 2022 in Scopus, Web of Science and PubMed, that focused on older people (50 years and above) and caregivers (informal and formal) were reviewed. We critically evaluated 25 publications and synthesised them thematically. The results highlight that gerontechnology acceptance by older adults and their social caregivers is highly contingent on certain personal, physical, socio-cultural and technological indicators. However, this paper concludes that a generalised policy approach for gerontechnology and a better quality of life may be ineffective, considering that older adults and social caregivers constitute two heterogeneous groups.