RESUMEN

Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous in the environment, continuously undergo aging processes and release toxic chemical substances. Understanding the environmental behaviors of MPs is critical to accurately evaluate their long-term ecological risk. Generalized two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2D-COS) is a powerful tool for MPs studies, which can dig more comprehensive information hiding in the conventional one-dimensional spectra, such as infrared (IR) and Raman spectra. The recent applications of 2D-COS in analyzing the behaviors and fates of MPs in the environment, including their aging processes, and interactions with natural organic matter (NOM) or other chemical substances, were summarized systematically. The main requirements and limitations of current approaches for exploring these processes are discussed, and the corresponding strategies to address these limitations and drawbacks are proposed as well. Finally, new trends of 2D-COS are prospected for analyzing the properties and behaviors of MPs in both natural and artificial environmental processes.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Antiviral innate immunity plays a critical role in the defense against viral infections, yet its complex interactions with viruses have been challenging to study using traditional models. Organoids, three-dimensional (3D) tissue-like structures derived from stem cells, have emerged as powerful tools for modeling human tissues and studying the complex interactions between viruses and the host innate immune system. This chapter summarizes relevant applications of organoids in antiviral innate immunity studies and provides detailed information and experimental procedures for using organoids to study antiviral innate immunity.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Preventing anxiety and depression among college students is a pressing public health need. Recent meta-analyses have examined mobile mindfulness interventions in adult populations; however, college students are in a unique developmental stage and institutional setting. METHODS: We conducted a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of published and unpublished studies in English language on the acceptability, usage, and efficacy of mindfulness training apps on mental health among non-clinical samples of college students. Out of 167 reviewed studies, 47 were included in the narrative review. Additionally, we summarized effects from 19 stress, 12 anxiety, 13 depression, and 8 emotional well-being trials (total N = 2974) using robust variance estimation meta-regression and evaluated certainty of evidence with the GRADE approach. RESULTS: Apps were acceptable, with usage levels varying. They reduced stress by 0.435 standard deviation units, 95 % CI (-0.615,-0.255), and increased emotional well-being by 0.431 (0.162,0.7) approaching medium effect sizes. The apps had small effects on depression (B = -0.219 (-0.374, -0.065)) and anxiety (B = -0.218 (-0.42, -0.016)). Certainty of evidence was moderate for stress, depression, and well-being; and low-to-moderate for anxiety. Distressed participants had larger improvements in all outcomes except depression. LIMITATIONS: Small sample sizes in the original studies and small numbers of studies limit the precision of our effect estimates. The small number of studies with objective usage data impedes our ability to characterize the optimal dose. CONCLUSIONS: With moderate certainty of evidence, mindfulness training apps may improve student mental health with similar or larger effect sizes than in the general adult population. However, sustained usage may be a challenge, and more research is needed on the optimal implementation strategy, dose, and equity.

RESUMEN

Dental caries, one of the most prevalent diseases globally, affects individuals throughout their lifetimes. Recently, researchers have increasingly focused on postbiotics for caries prevention. Postbiotics, comprising inanimate microorganisms and/or their components, confer health benefits to the host. Growing evidence suggests postbiotics' potential anticaries effects. Specifically, numerous postbiotics have demonstrated the ability to inhibit dental caries onset and progression by modulating oral flora microecology and reducing human caries susceptibility. This review elaborates on the current research regarding postbiotics' anticaries effects, highlights some studies' shortcomings, and innovatively proposes that postbiotics could potentially influence tooth development and salivary characteristics through epigenetic modifications. Furthermore, it anticipates postbiotics' future application in personalised caries treatment, given their multifaceted anticaries potential.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Prompt engineering, focusing on crafting effective prompts to large language models (LLMs), has garnered attention for its capabilities at harnessing the potential of LLMs. This is even more crucial in the medical domain due to its specialized terminology and language technicity. Clinical natural language processing applications must navigate complex language and ensure privacy compliance. Prompt engineering offers a novel approach by designing tailored prompts to guide models in exploiting clinically relevant information from complex medical texts. Despite its promise, the efficacy of prompt engineering in the medical domain remains to be fully explored. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to review research efforts and technical approaches in prompt engineering for medical applications as well as provide an overview of opportunities and challenges for clinical practice. METHODS: Databases indexing the fields of medicine, computer science, and medical informatics were queried in order to identify relevant published papers. Since prompt engineering is an emerging field, preprint databases were also considered. Multiple data were extracted, such as the prompt paradigm, the involved LLMs, the languages of the study, the domain of the topic, the baselines, and several learning, design, and architecture strategies specific to prompt engineering. We include studies that apply prompt engineering-based methods to the medical domain, published between 2022 and 2024, and covering multiple prompt paradigms such as prompt learning (PL), prompt tuning (PT), and prompt design (PD). RESULTS: We included 114 recent prompt engineering studies. Among the 3 prompt paradigms, we have observed that PD is the most prevalent (78 papers). In 12 papers, PD, PL, and PT terms were used interchangeably. While ChatGPT is the most commonly used LLM, we have identified 7 studies using this LLM on a sensitive clinical data set. Chain-of-thought, present in 17 studies, emerges as the most frequent PD technique. While PL and PT papers typically provide a baseline for evaluating prompt-based approaches, 61% (48/78) of the PD studies do not report any nonprompt-related baseline. Finally, we individually examine each of the key prompt engineering-specific information reported across papers and find that many studies neglect to explicitly mention them, posing a challenge for advancing prompt engineering research. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to reporting on trends and the scientific landscape of prompt engineering, we provide reporting guidelines for future studies to help advance research in the medical field. We also disclose tables and figures summarizing medical prompt engineering papers available and hope that future contributions will leverage these existing works to better advance the field.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Lifestyle modifications are a key part of type 2 diabetes mellitus treatment. Many patients find long-term self-management difficult, and mobile apps could be a solution. In 2010, in the United States, a mobile app was approved as an official medical device. Similar apps have entered the Japanese market but are yet to be classified as medical devices. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of Save Medical Corporation (SMC)-01, a mobile app for the support of lifestyle modifications among Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: This was a 24-week multi-institutional, prospective randomized controlled trial. The intervention group received SMC-01, an app with functions allowing patients to record data and receive personalized feedback to encourage a healthier lifestyle. The control group used paper journals for diabetes self-management. The primary outcome was the between-group difference in change in hemoglobin A1c from baseline to week 12. RESULTS: The change in hemoglobin A1c from baseline to week 12 was -0.05% (95% CI -0.14% to 0.04%) in the intervention group and 0.06% (95% CI -0.04% to 0.15%) in the control group. The between-group difference in change was -0.11% (95% CI -0.24% to 0.03%; P=.11). CONCLUSIONS: There was no statistically significant change in glycemic control. The lack of change could be due to SMC-01 insufficiently inducing behavior change, absence of screening for patients who have high intention to change their lifestyle, low effective usage of SMC-01 due to design issues, or problems with the SMC-01 intervention. Future efforts should focus on these issues in the early phase of developing interventions. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Japan Registry of Clinical Trials jRCT2032200033; https://jrct.niph.go.jp/latest-detail/jRCT2032200033.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Nursing students' learning during clinical practice is largely influenced by the quality of the guidance they receive from their nurse preceptors. Students that have attended placement in nursing home settings have called for more time with nurse preceptors and an opportunity for more help from the nurses for reflection and developing critical thinking skills. To strengthen students' guidance and assessment and enhance students' learning in the practice setting, it has also been recommended to improve the collaboration between faculties and nurse preceptors. OBJECTIVE: This study explores first-year nursing students' experiences of using the Technology-Optimized Practice Process in Nursing (TOPP-N) application in 4 nursing homes in Norway. TOPP-N was developed to support guidance and assessment in clinical practice in nursing education. METHODS: Four focus groups were conducted with 19 nursing students from 2 university campuses in Norway. The data collection and directed content analysis were based on DeLone and McLean's information system success model. RESULTS: Some participants had difficulties learning to use the TOPP-N tool, particularly those who had not attended the 1-hour digital course. Furthermore, participants remarked that the content of the TOPP-N guidance module could be better adjusted to the current clinical placement, level of education, and individual achievements to be more usable. Despite this, most participants liked the TOPP-N application's concept. Using the TOPP-N mobile app for guidance and assessment was found to be very flexible. The frequency and ways of using the application varied among the participants. Most participants perceived that the use of TOPP-N facilitated awareness of learning objectives and enabled continuous reflection and feedback from nurse preceptors. However, the findings indicate that the TOPP-N application's perceived usefulness was highly dependent on the preparedness and use of the app among nurse preceptors (or absence thereof). CONCLUSIONS: This study offers information about critical success factors perceived by nursing students related to the use of the TOPP-N application. To develop similar learning management systems that are usable and efficient, developers should focus on personalizing the content, clarifying procedures for use, and enhancing the training and motivation of users, that is, students, nurse preceptors, and educators.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

INTRODUCTION: As numeric data are becoming increasingly scarce in general surgery residency applications, the personal statement (PS) may be key to identifying candidates to interview. This study sought to determine if PSs of candidates invited for interview at our residency program had different qualities when compared to those not invited. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This single-institution study retrospectively reviewed the PSs of applications for a categorical general surgery position (2022). The scores assigned to PSs were compared. The content of PSs was qualitatively analyzed based on an a priori coding scheme. The codes of interest related to program alignment were the following: diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, social determinants of health, and service to underserved communities. RESULTS: Of 308 applications, 112 (36%) applicants were invited to the interview. For applicants who were invited to the interview, the PSs were scored higher compared to those who were not invited (median 4.25 versus 3.5, P < 0.001). Highly scored PSs were more likely to include a personal story (74% versus 59%, P = 0.01) and mention diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, social determinants of health, or service to under-served communities (62% versus 37%, P < 0.001). Also, a greater proportion of applicants who were invited to the interview wrote about these topics (71% versus 33%, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: At our institution, PS quality and content is associated with interview selection. A high-quality PS tended to include personal story about the applicants and signal value alignment with our institution. PSs should be placed at greater importance in the review process and emphasized as a marker for candidate and institutional alignment.

RESUMEN

The present study assessed the effect of active application of self-etch adhesives with diode laser irradiation on the shear dentin bond strength. Sixty bovine incisors, each embedded individually in hard plaster blocks, were divided into two groups based on the adhesive system used: Group 1 Adper Easy One and Group 2 Clearfil SE Protect. Based on the application technique of self-etch adhesives, each main group was further divided into three subgroups: passive application, active application with a micro-brush, and active application with a 976-nm diode laser tip (phototherapy active application). Shear bond strength tests were conducted using a universal testing machine and the data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA. Post hoc multiple comparisons were performed with the Tukey HSD test. Additionally, the statistical analysis of failure mode distribution was carried out using the chi-squared test (p < 0.05). While the adhesive system exhibited significant differences in shear dentin bond strengths, there were no significant differences in application techniques. Regardless of the application technique, Clearfil SE Protect demonstrated significantly higher dentin bond strength than Adper Easy One. In the present study, the utilization of phototherapy through a 976-nm diode laser for the active application of the tested self-etch adhesives demonstrated similar initial dentin bond strengths to conventional application methods.

RESUMEN

Background: Older adults discharged from the emergency department (ED) face elevated risk of falls and functional decline. Smartphones might enable remote monitoring of mobility after ED discharge, yet their application in this context remains underexplored. Objective: This study aimed to assess the feasibility of having older adults provide weekly accelerometer data from an instrumented Timed Up-and-Go (TUG) test over an 11-week period after ED discharge. Methods: This single-center, prospective, observational, cohort study recruited patients aged 60 years and older from an academic ED. Participants downloaded the GaitMate app to their iPhones that recorded accelerometer data during 11 weekly at-home TUG tests. We measured adherence to TUG test completion, quality of transmitted accelerometer data, and participants' perceptions of the app's usability and safety. Results: Of the 617 approached patients, 149 (24.1%) consented to participate, and of these 149 participants, 9 (6%) dropped out. Overall, participants completed 55.6% (912/1639) of TUG tests. Data quality was optimal in 31.1% (508/1639) of TUG tests. At 3-month follow-up, 83.2% (99/119) of respondents found the app easy to use, and 95% (114/120) felt safe performing the tasks at home. Barriers to adherence included the need for assistance, technical issues with the app, and forgetfulness. Conclusions: The study demonstrates moderate adherence yet high usability and safety for the use of smartphone TUG tests to monitor mobility among older adults after ED discharge. Incomplete TUG test data were common, reflecting challenges in the collection of high-quality longitudinal mobility data in older adults. Identified barriers highlight the need for improvements in user engagement and technology design.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Linkage to HIV care remains suboptimal among men. We investigated the effectiveness of a male-targeted HIV-specific decision support app, Empowering People through Informed Choices for HIV (EPIC-HIV), on increasing linkage to HIV care among men in rural South Africa. Home-Based Intervention to Test and Start (HITS) was a multi-component cluster-randomized controlled trial conducted among 45 communities in uMkhanyakude, KwaZulu-Natal. The development of EPIC-HIV was guided by self-determination theory and human-computer interaction design to increase intrinsic motivation to seek HIV testing and care among men. EPIC-HIV was offered in two stages: EPIC-HIV 1 at the time of home-based HIV counseling and testing (HBHCT), and EPIC-HIV 2 at 1 month after a positive HIV diagnosis if not linked to care. Sixteen communities were randomly assigned to the arms to receive EPIC-HIV, and 29 communities to the arms without EPIC-HIV. Among all eligible men, we compared linkage to care (initiation or resumption of antiretroviral therapy after > 3 months of care interruption) at local clinics within 1 year of a home visit, ascertained from individual clinical records. Intention-to-treat analysis was performed using modified Poisson regression with adjustment for receiving another intervention (i.e., financial incentives) and clustering at the community level. We also conducted a satisfaction survey for EPIC-HIV 2. A total of 13,894 men were eligible (i.e., aged ≥ 15 years and resident in the 45 communities). The mean age was 34.6 (±16.8) years, and 65% were married or in an informal union. Overall, 20.7% received HBHCT, resulting in 122 HIV-positive and 6 discordant tests. Among these, 54 men linked to care within 1 year after HBHCT. Additionally, of the 13,765 eligible participants who did not receive HBHCT or received HIV-negative results, 301 men linked to care within 1 year. Overall, only 13 men received EPIC-HIV 2. The proportion of linkage to care did not differ between the arms randomized to EPIC-HIV and those without EPIC-HIV (adjusted risk ratio = 1.05; 95% CI:0.86-1.29). All 13 men who used EPIC-HIV 2 reported the app was acceptable, user-friendly, and useful for getting information on HIV testing and treatment. The reach was low, although the acceptability and usability of the app were very high among those who engaged with it. Enhanced digital support applications could form part of interventions to increase knowledge of HIV treatment among men. Clinical Trial Number: ClinicalTrials.gov # NCT03757104.

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease is a progressive disorder often leading to End-stage renal disease, necessitating hemodialysis treatment. Mild depression is prevalent among hemodialysis patients, adversely affecting their quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a smartphone-based recreational therapy intervention on mild depression in hemodialysis patients. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial was conducted at Montaserieh Hospital, Mashhad, Iran, involving 72 patients undergoing hemodialysis. Participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention group, receiving a custom-designed recreational therapy mobile app (including music, comedy, exercise, and educational content), or the control group, receiving standard care. The trial was registered with the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20220803055608N1). Outcome assessors and statisticians were blinded to minimize bias. Sample size was calculated for an expected effect size of 0.90 with 80% power, resulting in 36 participants per group, adjusted for a 6% attrition rate. Depression levels were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) at baseline and after a 30-day intervention. RESULTS: A total of 72 patients (36 per group) completed the analysis. The intervention group showed a significant decrease in depression scores compared to the control group (mean BDI-II score reduction: intervention group = 10.3 ± 4.1, control group = 4.6 ± 3.8; p < 0.001). Post-intervention, 86.1% of patients in the intervention group exhibited minimal depression (BDI-II score ≤ 13), compared to 61.1% in the control group (p = 0.005). CONCLUSION: The smartphone-based recreational therapy intervention significantly reduced mild depression in hemodialysis patients. This approach can serve as a valuable complementary strategy to manage mild depression in this population. Further research is warranted to explore the long-term sustainability of these benefits and the intervention's impact on other patient-reported outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (no. IRCT20220803055608N1) on 28/08/2022.

RESUMEN

It is commonly known that a number of variables, including price, supply levels, time, and green level, affect how quickly certain things are in demand. Furthermore, the inventory carrying cost is considered to be a nonlinear representation of time and is subject to variation throughout time. More precisely, it rises with time since longer storage times necessitate more costly warehouse space. This study presents a fully backlogged situation inventory system for a single commodity where the product's selling price, green level, and time are used to simultaneously compute the demand rate in accordance with a power pattern. Purchase price is determined by the product's nonlinear green level. Complete backorders are available for shortages. The impact of the product's selling price, green level and time power function are combined to determine the product's demand. Moreover, the holding cost also rises as the product is stored for a longer period of time. The primary goal is to determine the best inventory policy to maximise total profit per unit of time. Though the problem is highly nonlinear in nature. Hence, we cannot solve it analytically. To overcome these difficulties, we have applied several well-known popular metaheuristic algorithms (Water Cycle Algorithm (WCA), Artificial Electric Field Algorithm (AEFA), Teaching Learning Based Optimization Algorithm (TLBOA), Grey Wolf Optimizer Algorithm (GWOA), Sparrow Search Algorithm (SSA), Whale Optimizer Algorithm (WOA), Prairie Dog Optimization Algorithm (PDOA), Gazelle Optimization Algorithm (GOA), A Sinh Cosh Optimizer Algorithm (SCHOA) and White Sherk Optimizer Algorithm (WSOA), Archimedes Optimization Paradigm Algorithm (AOPA), Marine Predator Optimization Algorithm (MPOA), Geyser Inspired Algorithm (GIA), Runge Kutta Optimization Algorithm (RKOA), Lungs Performance-based Optimization Algorithm (LPOA) and Dwarf Mongoose Optimization Algorithm (DMOA)). It is observed that WCA perform better than other algorithms with respect to the convergence rate. A numerical example is taken in order to validate the proposed model. Finally, a post optimality analysis is performed in order to make a fruitful conclusion.

RESUMEN

Recently, great efforts have been made to advance the pilot-scale and engineering-scale applications of Fenton-like processes using various nano-metal catalysts (including nanosized metal-based catalysts, smaller nanocluster catalysts, and single-atom catalysts, etc.). This step is essential to facilitate the practical applications of advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) for these highly active nano-metal catalysts. Before large-scale implementation, these nano-metal catalysts must be converted into the effective catalyst modules (such as catalytic membranes, fluidized beds, or polypropylene sphere suspension systems), as it is not feasible to use suspended powder catalysts for large-scale treatment. Therefore, the pilot-scale and engineering applications of nano-metal catalysts in Fenton-like systems in recent years is exciting. In addition, the combination of life cycle assessment (LCA) and techno-economic analysis (TEA) can provide a useful support tool for engineering scale Fenton-like applications. This paper summarizes the designs and fabrications of various advanced modules based on nano-metal catalysts, analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of these catalytic modules, and further discusses their Fenton-like pilot scale or engineering applications. Concepts of future Fenton-like engineering applications of nano-metal catalysts were also discussed. In addition, current challenges and future expectations in pilot-scale or engineering applications are assessed in conjunction with LCA and TEA. These challenges require further technological advances to enable larger scale engineering applications in the future. The aim of these efforts is to increase the potential of nanoscale AOPs for practical wastewater treatment.

RESUMEN

The great majority of published microfluidic wearable platforms for sweat sensing focus on the development of the technology to fabricate the device, the integration of sensing materials and actuators and the fluidics of sweat within the device. However, very few papers have discussed the physiological relevance of the metabolites measured using these novel approaches. In fact, some of the analytes present in sweat, which serve as biomarkers in blood, do not show a correlation with blood levels. This discrepancy can be attributed to factors such as contamination during measurements, the metabolism of sweat glands, or challenges in obtaining significant samples. The objective of this review is to present a critical and meaningful insight into the real applicability and potential use of wearable technology for improving health and sport performance. It also discusses the current limitations and future challenges of microfluidics, aiming to provide accurate information about the actual needs in this field. This work is expected to contribute to the future development of more suitable wearable microfluidic technology for health and sports science monitoring, using sweat as the biofluid for analysis.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Hydrazine (N2H4) serves as a crucial industrial raw material and finds extensive applications in the fields of medicine, pesticides, ecological environment, and textile dyes. Excessive residue of hydrazine will cause significant toxicity risks to the ecosystem and human health. Traditional detection methods often require multi-step pretreatment of samples, and complex instrumentation, and are time-consuming, which is not conducive to rapid on-site detection. Therefore, it is imperative to develop a method suitable for rapid detection of N2H4 in multiple fields. RESULTS: In this study, we constructed a red emission fluorescent probe (BCM). BCM can recognize N2H4 by colorimetric and fluorescence dual-channel response with a good anti-interference ability and a low detection limitation. The fluorescence emission of BCM is attributed to the ICT effect by DFT calculations, and a new product 3H-benzo[f]chromene-2-carbaldehyde hydrazine is formed after BCM recognition of N2H4. A linear relationship was established between the ratio of red-blue (R/B) coming from the fluorescence color of BCM and the N2H4 level. Hence, a BCM-based smartphone sensing platform for detecting N2H4 was developed, and the N2H4 content can be rapidly detected with satisfactory accuracy in the lake water samples. In addition, the residues of N2H4 in soils, plants and food samples can be visualized, and BCM can image for N2H4 in living cells, as well as N2H4 vapor can be detected by using the electrospinning film loaded with BCM. SIGNIFICANCE: In particular, the fluorescent probe BCM can be combined with a smartphone for the detection and visual imaging of hydrazine in environmental samples. We believe the BCM and smartphone-based sensing platforms constructed in this paper will be a powerful tool for visual quantitative detection of N2H4 in the fields of food safety assessment, bioimaging, and environmental protection.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Nanomaterials are increasingly recognized for their potential in soil remediation. However, their impact on soil microbial communities in contaminated soil remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the dynamic effects of sulfonated graphene (SG) following one-time or repeated applications on heavy metal availability and soil microbial communities in long-term heavy metal-contaminated soil over 180 days. Our findings revealed that one-time SG application at 30 mg kg-1 significantly increased the bioavailable cadmium (Cd) and copper (Cu) contents by approximately 30 %-40 % after 2 and 180 days. Repeated SG applications, however, displayed no significant influence on heavy metal availability. One-time SG application, coupled with the increased available Cd, induced significant enrichment of some specific functional bacterial genera involved in glycan biosynthesis metabolism and biosynthesis of other secondary metabolites, thereby decreasing the available contents of heavy metals after 90 days. However, the shifts in bacterial community structure and function were subsequently partially recovered after 180 days. Conversely, repeated SG treatments led to minimal alterations after 90 days while leading to similar shifts in the bacterial community at 60 mg kg-1 after 180 days. The fungal community structure remained largely unaltered across all SG treatments. Intriguingly, SG treatments substantially stimulated fungal biomass, with the stimulation degree dependent on SG dosage. These results provide valuable insights for developing phytoremediation strategies, suggesting tailored SG applications during specific growth phases to optimize remediation efficiency.

RESUMEN

Passive daytime radiative cooling (PDRC) textiles hold substantial potential for localized outdoor cooling of the human body without additional energy consumption, but their limited multifunctional integration severely hinders their practical application. Herein, aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) nanoparticles were purposefully introduced into poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) nanofibers via a facile electrospinning process, forming a large-scale and flexible PDRC textile with the desired antibacterial, UV-shielding, and self-cleaning capabilities. These prepared PDRC textiles present a weighted sunlight reflection rate of 92.3% and a weighted emissivity of 89.5% in the mid-infrared region. Furthermore, outdoor tests with an average solar intensity of ∼715 W/m2 demonstrated that a skin simulator temperature could be cooled by ∼16.1 °C below the ambient temperature, outperforming cotton fabric by ∼6.3 °C. Owing to the outstanding photocatalytic properties of the AZO nanoparticles, these prepared PVDF textiles exhibit antibacterial properties (Escherichia coli: 99.99%), UV-shielding performance (UPF > 50+), and superior self-cleaning capabilities, providing a cost-effective and eco-friendly avenue for daytime personal thermal management.

RESUMEN

Hydrogen has been recognized as a green energy carrier, which can relieve energy shortage and environmental pollution. Currently, alkaline water electrolysis (AWE) driven by renewable energy to produce large-scale green hydrogen is a mainstream technology. However, tardy cathodic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and stability issue of catalysts make it challenging to meet the industrial requirements. Ni-based materials have attracted wide attention, thanks to their low cost and rich tuning possibilities, and many efforts have focused on their activity and stability. However, due to the significant discrepancy between laboratory and industrial conditions, these catalysts have not been widely deployed in industrial AWE. In this review, we first introduce the differences between laboratory and industrial stage, especially concerning equipment, protocols and evaluation metrics. To shorten these gaps, some strategies are proposed to improve the activity and stability of the Ni-based catalysts. Besides, some key issues related to the catalysts in industrial AWE device are also emphasized, including reverse-current and foreign ions in the electrolyte. Finally, the challenges and outlooks on the industrial alkaline AWE are discussed.

RESUMEN

Objectives: To identify the effectiveness of an android-based paediatric assessment triangle application in emergency diagnostics. METHODS: The action research study was conducted in the emergency department of a hospital under the Ministry of Defence, Indonesia, located within the Ministry of Defence Rehabilitation Centre Complex, from April to December 2020 after approval from the ethics review committee of the Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Indonesia, Indonesia, employing quantitative and qualitative methods consisting of planning, acting, observing and reflecting stages. Emergency department nurses with at least D3 nursing graduation who were able to identify emergency status in children were included. The subjects were given training on paediatric assessment triangle application before using it in their professional life. The difference was noted through pre- and post-intervention tests. Qualitative data was collected using focus group discussion and system usability scale. RESULTS: Of the 9 nurses, 5(55.6%) were males, 4(44.4%) were females, 8(88.9%) were aged 26-35 years, and 2(22.2%) had professional experience 1-2 years. The mean baseline score was 36.1±11.4, while the mean post-intervention score was 70.9±14.4. The fastest application completion time was 13 seconds, while the slowest was 52 seconds. Qualitative data led to the emergence of 4 themes: time required to complete the application; preference for connectivity with the hospital's electronic record system; assessment of children's clinical status; and, unfamiliarity with the computerised system. The mean system usability scale score was 72.22±11.35 (range: 52.5-92.5). CONCLUSIONS: Paediatric assessment triangle application could be a valid tool for identifying emergency severity in patients during the triage process.

Asunto(s)