Assessment Of Capacity Research Articles

Assessment of oxidative status, detoxification capacity and immune responsiveness in honey bees with ageing

The honey bee (Apis mellifera L.), as an eusocial insect species, is an important model organism in research focusing on ageing and longevity, due to prominent seasonal lifespan plasticity within the worker caste (summer and winter worker bees). In this study, we employed a screening approach to evaluate several molecular parameters, providing comprehensive insights into the antioxidative (superoxide dismutase and catalase activity, reduced glutathione and sulfhydryl group content, total antioxidative capacity), detoxifying (glutathione S-transferase and acetylcholinesterase activity), and immune (phenol oxidase and glucose oxidase activity) status, as well as vitellogenin content, in the summer and winter generation of honey bees, across ageing stages and in two body compartments: the whole abdomen and the head. Summer worker bees were collected weekly for six weeks, while winter bees were collected monthly for five months. The results of our study clearly indicate a reduced overall antioxidative capacity of older groups of worker bees from both generations, while the parameters of immune responsiveness mostly contributed to the separation between the two generations based on season rather than age categories. Detoxification ability appeared to be more susceptible to environmental factors. An age-dependent increase in vitellogenin content was recorded in the abdomen, but without seasonal differences. These findings provide an excellent starting point for further investigations into age-related changes, particularly within the context of honey bee sociality.

Towards Establishing Quality Standards on Human Rights for Services in Dementia Care.

People with dementia often experience violations of fundamental human rights and impeded access to healthcare. This study aims to investigate the views of experts regarding the use of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (CRPD) principles as quality standards for human rights-based care. A single-round Delphi e-consultation with 15 dementia experts was designed to evaluate each CRPD principle and collect feedback on their views about the application of the CRPD principles in dementia care. The CRPD principles were fully endorsed as quality standards; however, several experts commented on the complexities of the use of CRPD principles in relation to information disclosure, capacity assessment, stakeholders' involvement in decision-making, respecting needs and preferences, holistic approaches in care practice, and protection against abuse, neglect and discrimination. These findings indicate the CRPD quality standards were fully applicable for people with dementia although some clarification around interpretation could assist in their use. Future research should elaborate on further points of support and guidance for dementia care providing examples of good practice from across the globe, and develop a concordant, human rights-based scheme for the implementation and evaluation of dementia services. This study suggests that the CRPD can serve as a benchmark for human rights-based practices in dementia services globally that could enhance nursing care practice. Nursing staff are encouraged to consider human rights in relation to the complexities associated with people with dementia, their caregivers, and other services involved in their care.

Climate change vulnerability assessment in the new urban planning process in Tanzania

Climate change vulnerability assessment is an essential tool for identifying regions that are most susceptible to the impacts of climate change and designing effective adaptation actions that can reduce vulnerability and enhance long-term resilience of these regions. This study explored a framework for climate change vulnerability assessment in the new urban planning process in Jangwani Ward, Tanzania. Specifically, taking flood as an example, this study highlighted the steps and methods for climate change vulnerability assessment in the new urban planning process. In the study area, 95 households were selected and interviewed through purposeful sampling. Additionally, 10 respondents (4 females and 6 males) were interviewed for Focus Group Discussion (FGD), and 3 respondents (1 female and 2 males) were selected for Key Informant Interviews (KII) at the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development. This study indicated that climate change vulnerability assessment framework involves the assessment of climatic hazards, risk elements, and adaptive capacity, and the determination of vulnerability levels. The average hazard risk rating of flood was 2.3. Socioeconomic and livelihood activities and physical infrastructures both had the average risk element rating of 3.0, and ecosystems had the average risk element rating of 2.9. Adaptive capacity ratings of knowledge, technology, economy or finance, and institution were 1.6, 1.9, 1.4, and 2.2, respectively. The vulnerability levels of socioeconomic and livelihood activities and physical infrastructure were very high (4.0). Ecosystems had a high vulnerability level (3.8) to flood. The very high vulnerability level of socioeconomic and livelihood activities was driven by high exposure and sensitivity to risk elements and low adaptive capacity. The study recommends adoption of the new urban planning process including preparation, planning, implementation, and monitoring-evaluation-review phases that integrates climate change vulnerability assessment in all phases.

Assessment of radiological capacity and disparities in TB diagnosis: a comparative study of Mozambique, South Africa and Spain

BackgroundTuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health challenge, particularly in children, where diagnosis is challenging. Radiological resources such as chest X-rays and CT scans play a crucial role in early...

Rapid assessment of solar PV micro-system energy generation in Poland based on freely pvlib-python library

Abstract Poland has experienced a remarkable growth in renewable energy adoption, notably in photovoltaic (PV) solar systems. The majority of installations are prosumer PV micro-installations, exceeding predicted capacity targets outlined in the Energy Policy of Poland until 2040. Despite the significant growth in installed PV capacity, there is still a lack of comprehensive research focusing on fast assessment of energy generation capacity for solar PV micro-systems. This study aims to address this gap by providing a comprehensive analysis of energy production potential across different configurations and locations in Poland. Using geocoding techniques, solar irradiation data from PVGIS database and pvlib-python library, a methodology was developed to rapidly estimate energy generation from 1 kWp solar PV systems . Results reveal spatial disparities in energy yield from solar PV micro installations in Poland, influenced by factors such as geographical location and panel orientation and inclination. Recognizing that the presented energy indicators provide valuable initial parameters for determining solar PV system power output, this data can serve as a critical reference point for stakeholders, assisting them in estimating potential energy generation capacities in different regions of Poland.

The efficacy and safety of herbal formulas for adults with pulmonary hypertension combined with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis involving 1,865 participants.

There is currently no effective treatment for the majority of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease combined with pulmonary hypertension (COPD-PH). Numerous clinical trials have demonstrated the use of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herbal formulas in combination with routine western pharmacotherapy (WP) for the treatment of COPD-PH, with positive results. This meta-analysis was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TCM herbal formulas in the treatment of COPD-PH. A systematic literature search was conducted using Web of Science, PubMed, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WanFang, and Chinese Science and Technology Journal (VIP) from database inception until October 2023. The primary outcome was pulmonary artery pressure parameters, including pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) and mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP). Secondary outcomes included pulmonary ventilation function parameters, such as forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and the ratio of FEV1 to forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC%), as well as functional capacity assessments measured by the six-minute walk distance (6MWD). Reviewer Manager software was used for both random-effects and fixed-effects meta-analyses. We registered the protocol for this study with the International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols (INPLASY, registry number: INPLASY2022100041). Twenty randomized control trials with a total of 1,865 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The results of our meta-analysis revealed that TCM herbal formulas in combination with basic WP significantly reduced pulmonary artery pressure in patients with COPD-PH, including PASP [mean difference (MD) =-4.50 mmHg, 95% confidence interval (CI): -6.04, -2.95] and mPAP (MD =-4.47 mmHg, 95% CI: -5.07, -3.88). Additionally, pulmonary ventilation function and 6MWD (MD =48.13 m, 95% CI: 39.92, 56.34) were also improved in COPD-PH patients. Pulmonary ventilation function was reflected by FEV1 (MD =0.83 L, 95% CI: 0.35, 1.30) and FEV1/FVC% (MD =4.76, 95% CI: 3.75, 5.77). A total of six studies reported adverse events in detail, and all claimed that no adverse events were observed in COPD-PH patients using TCM herbal formulas. The combination of TCM herbal formulas and basic WP might be more effective in improving the quality of life and exercise capacity of patients with COPD-PH than basic WP alone. However, the firm conclusions of our study were hampered by the low quality of the evidence.

THE REPEATABILITY OF A CYCLING EXERCISE-HEAT STRESS TEST IN A MALE POPULATION

IntroductionThere is considerable inter-individual variability in the physiological responses to environmental stressors and so to accurately assess and monitor changes in an individual’s ability to cope with exercise-heat stress, a reliable protocol is required. The aim of this study was to examine the repeatability of a 90-minute steady-state heat exercise bout with physiological and subjective variables, and performance during an incremental test to exhaustion post 90-min steady-state exercise. MethodSixteen mixed ability males (Age: 39±15yrs; Height: 176.5±4.8cm; BM: 79.7±10.3kg; O2peak: 46.2±8.6ml/kg/min; PPO: 309±39W) who trained at least three times a week undertook two 90-min steady-state – followed by an incremental protocol to exhaustion – cycling heat stress tests (HSTs) in a hot-humid environment (35°C, 60%RH). Heart rate (HR), rectal (re) and skin temperature (sk), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), thermal sensation (TS), and thermal comfort (TC) were measured throughout. Data was analysed using Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC), technical error of measurement (TEM), Bland-Altman plots, t-tests, and Cohen’s d to indicate magnitude of change. ResultsPhysiological variables indicated good repeatability evident through moderate to strong ICC ratings, low magnitudes of change (d), lower mean biases compared to their respective calculated TEMs, and statistical non-significance, except HR90, ₸sk90, and ₸sk. Hydration status showed good repeatability except for urine osmolality (osmu90) and resting urine colour (colu). Perceptual variables showed encouraging repeatability apart from resting TS and mean TS. Performance data showed good repeatability overall, however 11 participants progressed to the incremental test to exhaustion in the second visit compared to 7 in the first. ConclusionCurrent data demonstrated favourable physiological, perceptual, and performance repeatability during repeated cycling HSTs in hot-humid conditions. However, given more participants progressed to the incremental trial to exhaustion protocol in the second visit, at least one familiarisation trial may improve the reliability of exercise capacity assessment.

Bovine liver hydrolysates based on six proteases: Physicochemical properties, emulsification characteristics, antioxidant capacity assessment, and peptide identification

This study aimed to study the physicochemical, antioxidant, and emulsifying properties of bovine liver hydrolysates based on pepsin, alkaline protease, neutral protease, trypsin, papain, and flavor proteinase, and to identify proteins and peptides in bovine liver hydrolysates. The physicochemical properties of bovine liver hydrolysate were evaluated using gel permeation chromatography, surface hydrophobicity, fourier transforms infrared and fluorescence spectroscopy, and the antioxidant and emulsifying capacity of six bovine liver hydrolysates were characterized. The results showed that enzymatic hydrolysis by the six proteases decreased the molecular weight of the hydrolysate while increasing the content of hydrophobic amino acids and negatively charged amino acids. Among all proteases tested, alkaline protease exhibited the highest DH (13.3%) and protein recovery (37.3%). The concentration levels (1–5 mg/mL) positively correlated with antioxidant properties in alkaline protease hydrolysate, the hydrolysis ability of pepsin is relatively weak, and there is a significant difference between pepsin and other proteases, which was also reflected in its antioxidant capacity. Thus, alkaline protease hydrolysates were chosen for identification, and information on 3894 peptides was obtained, these findings provide a basis for expanding the application potential of bovine liver hydrolysate as a bioactive component in the food or pharmaceutical industry.

Analysis of Metabolic Profiles and Antioxidant Activity of Chinese Cordyceps, Ophiocordyceps sinensis, and Paecilomyces hepiali Based on Untargeted Metabolomics.

Chinese cordyceps (GL) is a traditional medicinal fungus, with Ophiocordyceps sinensis (O. sinensis, BL) and Paecilomyces hepiali (P. hepiali, JSB) being fungi isolated from wild Chinese cordyceps. These three species share similar chemical composition and pharmacological effects. Existing studies have primarily compared the metabolites of Chinese cordyceps and O. sinensis, overlooking the assessment of antioxidant capacity in Chinese cordyceps, P. hepiali, and O. sinensis. In this study, LC-MS/MS was employed to analyze metabolites in GL, JSB, and BL. Utilizing principal component analysis (PCA), supervised orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), it was observed that the majority of differential metabolites (DMs) primarily accumulated in organic acids and derivatives, lipids and lipid-like molecules, and organoheterocyclic compounds. Antioxidant activity analysis indicated that GL exhibited the higher 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging ability (DPPH•, scavenging rate is 81.87 ± 0.97%), hydroxyl free radical scavenging capacity (•OH, scavenging rate is 98.10 ± 0.60%), and superoxide anion radical scavenging capacity (O2•-, scavenging rate is 69.74 ± 4.36%), while JSB demonstrated the higher FRAP total antioxidant capacity of 8.26 μmol Trolox/g (p < 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between DMs (fatty acyls and amino acids) and DPPH•, FRAP, •OH, and O2•- (p < 0.05). Additionally, glycerophospholipid DMs were found to be positively correlated with FRAP (p < 0.05). Through KEGG pathway analysis, it was determined that the accumulation of DMs in pathways such as cutin, suberine and wax biosynthesis has a higher impact on influencing the antioxidant activity of the samples. These results shed light on the antioxidant capacity and metabolic characteristics of Chinese cordyceps and its substitutes and offer valuable insights into how different DMs impact the strength of antioxidant activity, aiding in the advancement and application of Chinese cordyceps and its substitutes.

Evaluation of upper extremity functional capacity and activities of daily living in patients with heart failure: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundConsidering the limitations in activities of daily living (ADL) and the impact of improvements in patients with heart failure (HF), appropriate assessment of upper extremity functional capacity and ADL is important. ObjectivesTo evaluate upper extremity functional capacity and ADL in patients with HF and compare them with healthy controls. MethodsThis study included 30 HF patients and healthy controls. Upper extremity functional capacity was assessed with the 6-Minute Pegboard Ring Test (6PBRT), ADL by the Londrina protocol, exercise capacity by 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), peripheral muscle strength by hand dynamometer, and dyspnea by Modified Medical Research Council Scale (MMRC). For performance tests, pre-test (resting) and post-test (after performance) values ​​were also measured. ResultsPatients with HF with ejection fraction ≤50 % and controls were similar in terms of age (52.63±6.2 and 50.03±6.5 years, respectively) and gender (25 females for each group) (p > 0.05). Patients showed a statistically significant increase in total test time in the Londrina protocol and fewer rings moved in 6PBRT (p < 0.0001). The post-test dyspnea (p = 0.03) and pre-test arm fatigue (p < 0.0001) were observed to be higher in patients in the Londrina protocol. There was a statistically significant group by time interaction in the patients’ pre- and post-test lower heart rate (F= 4.80, p = 0.03), post-test dyspnea (p < 0.0001), and post-test arm fatigue (p = 0.005) were observed to be higher in patients in 6PBRT. ConclusionsThe evidence showed a decrease in upper extremity functional capacity in patients with HF. Patients required more time to perform their ADLs compared with healthy controls.

Assessment of anesthesia capacity for children in Somaliland.

The burden of pediatric surgical conditions in Somaliland is high and the pediatric anesthesia capacity across the country remains poorly understood. The international standards developed by the World Health Organization and World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists (WHO-WFSA) serve as a guideline to assess the provision of anesthetic care. This study aims to describe anesthesia capacity for children in Somaliland and assess progress towards reaching the WHO-WFSA international standards. In this cross-sectional study, anesthesia infrastructure and workforce data, as well as pediatric clinical and demographic data were collected from fifteen private, charity, and government hospitals in the six regions of Somaliland. We described anesthesia capacity in Somaliland and compared baseline data to the WHO-WFSA international standards. Overall, Somaliland did not reach most of the target goals for anesthesia capacity as defined by the WHO-WFSA. Most markers for anesthesia capacity were far behind the established targets, with deficits of 99% for anesthesiologists density, 83% for operating room density, and 83% for ventilator density. Hospitals in urban Maroodi-Jeex, and private hospitals had more supplies, infrastructure, and surgical personnel than hospitals in rural areas. There are large gaps in current anesthetic resources for children according to WHO-WFSA global standards, as well as wide disparities between regions and types of hospitals in Somaliland. Increased investment in anesthesia infrastructure and workforce is required to meet the needs of pediatric surgical patients across the country.

Glucagon Stimulation Test and Insulin Secretory Capacity in Clinical Assessment of Incretin-Based Therapy for Diabetes.

Evaluation of insulin secretory capacity is essential to understand the pathophysiological condition of individuals with diabetes and to assess the efficacy of drugs used in treatment of the disease. The 1 mg intravenous glucagon stimulation test (GST) is widely used to evaluate residual β cell function; we previously reported that GST assessment of insulin secretory capacity is useful in assessing the efficacy of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs). However, recent reports indicate that pharmacological concentrations of glucagon stimulate insulin secretion through GLP-1 receptors, confounding the issue. The present studies were undertaken to reassess the reliability of the GST for evaluation of insulin secretory capacity under GLP-1RAs and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4is). Our first study comprised individuals initiated with the treatment of GLP-1RAs evaluated by GSTs before and after treatment. Although the fasting C-peptide levels (CPR) were elevated after treatment, the induction of insulin secretion by glucagon was significantly reduced. Our second study compared glucagon-induced insulin secretion between DPP-4i users and non-users, assessed by GST after propensity score matching. While the fasting CPR were similar in the two investigations, glucagon-induced insulin secretion was significantly lower with DPP-4i use. These results suggest that GST might underestimate insulin secretory capacity under incretin-based therapy.

Assessment of Drainage Capacity of a Surface Drain in Rajshahi, Bangladesh

One of the most important components of a community's sustainable environment system is its drainage capacity. The drainage capacity of a community is essential to maintaining environmental resilience, effective water management, and encouraging a healthy urban lifestyle. The surface drains in Rajshahi City receive a mix of waste, including sanitary wastewater, stormwater runoff, and solid waste from roadsides and households. To improve the drainage facilities of Rajshahi, some new drains have been constructed. This study considered a recently constructed drain in the Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC), running from Talaimari to Chowddopai. The primary objective of this study is to assess the drainage capacity of this drain during both dry and monsoon seasons, ensuring its capability to contain the generated waste. Additionally, the investigation encompasses observing the sludge depth, and clear space of the drain. A field survey was conducted, employing a measuring rod and scale to precisely measure the depth, width, and sludge accumulation. A map was created in ArcGIS providing all the data collected from field surveys. By examining these parameters, this study seeks to contribute valuable information for enhancing the resilience and functionality of the drainage system, thereby promoting a sustainable urban environment.

Sex differences in mobility recovery after hip fracture: a time series analysis.

Sex differences are commonly reported for hip fracture incidence rates and recovery. Current knowledge about mobility recovery after hip fracture involves clinical assessments of physical capacity or patient-reported outcomes. Information on mobility performance during daily life is missing but relevant to evaluate patients' recovery. Hence, it remains unclear whether sex differences exist in the longitudinal progression of mobility performance in hip fracture patients. To investigate this, we pooled data from four studies in Germany and Norway. In all studies, real-world mobility was assessed continuously over 1 to 7 days using a sensor fixed to the unaffected frontal thigh. All studies assessed mobility at different time points that were allocated to three distinct phases: Acute and post-acute phase (week 1-6), extended recovery (7-26), and long-term recovery (27-52). Sex-specific continuous trajectories of the median (50th percentile) as well as the 1st (25th percentile) and 3rd quartile (75th percentile) were estimated using quantile regression models with splines for daily walking and standing duration; number of sit-to-stand-to-walk transfers and walking bouts; mean walking bout duration; maximum number of steps per walking bout. There were 5,900 valid observation days from n = 717 participants (mean age = 83.4 years, SD 6.1). The majority was female (75.3%), with similar sex distribution across all studies. Demographics of both sexes were comparable, but a higher percentage of women was living alone (69.0% compared to 40.9% in men) and had experienced an indoor fall leading to the fracture (74.3% compared to 67.4% in men). There were clear sex differences in mobility recovery. Women improved their mobility faster than men, but men showed larger increases later in the year after surgery. At the end of the first year, both sexes reached comparable levels in almost all mobility parameters. We identified varying aspects of mobility recovery between men and women, i.e., timely development of mobility recovery shows different patterns. Our findings support the consideration of sex differences in planning and implementing rehabilitation measures for hip fracture patients and highlight the need to provide adapted support at different time points. The underlying mechanisms of these sex differences need further investigation.

Evaluation of the psychometric properties of the UBACC questionnaire in a multi-country psychiatric study in Africa

BackgroundThe University of California, San Diego Brief Assessment of Capacity to Consent (UBACC) is a tool to assess the capacity of participants to consent in psychiatric research. However, little is known about the psychometric properties in low and middle-income countries. This study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the UBACC. MethodsWe examined the reliability, latent factor structure, and item response of the first attempt of the UBACC items in a sample of 32,208 adults (16,467 individuals with psychosis and 15,741 controls) in Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda; exploring these properties in the full sample and stratified by country, diagnostic status, sex, and ethnolinguistic language groups. ResultsExploratory factor analysis (EFA) suggested a two-factor model for the overall sample. However, a three-factor model was more appropriate when examining the latent structure across country, language, and sex. Confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) revealed an adequately fitting three-factor model for the full sample and across country, sex, and language. A two-factor model, however, was more appropriate for English and Amharic languages. Across all groups, the internal consistency of the UBACC was low, indicating below-threshold reliability (Cronbach's α (95 % CI = 0.58 (0.57–0.59). Using a multidimensional item-response theory framework for the full sample revealed that UBACC item 8, measuring understanding of the benefits of study participation, was the most discriminating item. Many of the other items had below-threshold discriminating characteristics. ConclusionEFA and CFA converged towards a two and three-dimensional structure for the UBACC, in line with the developers of the original scale. The differences in properties between populations and language groups, low internal consistency, and below-threshold item functioning suggest that investigations into the cultural and linguistic nuances are still warranted. Understanding the utility of consent tools, such as the UBACC, in underrepresented populations will be a part of the larger process which ensures that research participants are adequately protected.

Advantages of using DIC for capturing mechanical shear sliding behaviour of the FRCM strengthened masonry

This paper aims to analyse the advantages of using Digital Image Correlation (DIC) method to capture the effects of the FRCM on masonry wall shear failure. In the scientific literature, most of the experimental programs is focused on strengthening against flexural failure by means of bending tests and against shear, diagonal cracking, by means of diagonal compression tests. The shear failures are one of the main failure modes for the in-plane behaviour of masonry walls in case of horizontal loads. This study primarily focuses on experimentally determining the capacity of clay brick masonry under sliding shear loads for different normal stress levels with a standard test method. The assessment of shear capacity is based on a Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion depending on the external axial load, the internal friction angle and the cohesion values for unreinforced masonry. The experimental tests have been carried out on both unreinforced and strengthened specimens. The results of the tests demonstrate that FRCM, despite the reduced anchorage length in the tests, can significantly enhance the structural performance of masonry structures for sliding shear failure mode. In addition, DIC method is used to analyse, in greater detail, the cracks and the strain evolution in order to analyse the failure of specimens.

An assessment methodology for the flexibility capacity of new power system based on two-stage robust optimization

The inherent variability in wind and solar power output presents a significant challenge to the flexibility balance of power systems. This paper introduces an innovative method for evaluating the flexibility capacity of a new power system, employing a two-stage robust optimization approach. Firstly, a power system flexibility supply and demand balance mechanism model is constructed and quantitatively characterized for the power system flexibility shortfalls set. Subsequently, taking into account timescale characteristics and directionality, the time series production simulation technique is applied to establish the effective ramping and flexibility supply distribution model of thermal power and energy storage units, enabling an analysis of the power system's supply regulation capabilities. On this basis, a power system flexibility capacity assessment method is proposed, which divides the system regulation resources into demand set and supply set, and constructs a power system flexibility capacity assessment model to ensure that the maximum system flexibility margin and the lowest operating cost are taken as the optimization objectives under the system security operation constraints. The column and constraint generation (C&CG) robust optimization algorithm is used to decompose the master problem and the max-min dual-layer subproblems for iterative solving, and the optimal capacity of each unit of the system in terms of output and flexibility is derived. Finally, the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method is verified through case analysis, which shows that the method can improve the flexibility capacity by 14.9% and reduce the operating cost by 15.83% compared with the traditional proportional allocation method.

Developing an Index of National Research Capacity

Abstract We test the feasibility of incorporating broad social, political, and governance indicators with standard metrics as a way to enrich assessment of national research capacity. We factor analyze two sets of variables for 174 countries from 2012 to 2021, one being traditional measures associated with national science and technology capacity such spending, and a second being broader social, political and governance measures, such as academic freedom. As expected, two factors emerge, one for raw or “core” research capacity and the other indicating the wider governance context. Further analysis shows convergent validity within the two factors and divergent validity between them. The analysis also quantifies the contribution of each indicator to each factor. Nations rank differently for each factor and also when combined . Ranks vary as a function of the chosen aggregation method. As a test of the predictive validity of the capacity index, we find both factors to be associated with country level field weighted citation index. Policymakers and analysts may find useful feedback from this approach to quantifying national research strength. Peer Review https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway/wos/peer-review/10.1162/qss_a_00325

Synthesis of Mo-Pt/CeO2 Dual Single-Atom Nanozyme for Multifunctional Biochemical Detection Applications.

Elaborated structural modulation of Pt-based artificial nanozymes can efficiently improve their catalytic activity and expand their applications in clinical diagnosis and biochemical sensing. Herein, a highly efficient dual-site peroxidase mimic composed of highly dispersed Pt and Mo atoms is reported. The obtained Mo-Pt/CeO2 exhibits exceptional peroxidase-like catalytic activity, with a Vmax as high as 34.16 × 10-8 m s-1, which is 37.5 times higher than that of the single-site counterpart. Mechanism studies suggest that the Mo atoms can not only serve as adsorption and activation sites for the H2O2 substrate but also regulate the charge density of Pt centers to promote the generation ability of •OH. As a result, the synergistic effect between the dual active sites significantly improves the catalytic efficiency. Significantly, the application of the Mo-Pt/CeO2 catalyst's excellent peroxidase-like activity is extended to various biochemical detection applications, including the trace detection of glucose and cysteine, as well as the assessment of antioxidants' antioxidant capacity. This work reveals the great potential of rational design dual-site active centers for constructing high-performance artificial nanozymes.

Reliability assessment of generation capacity in modern power systems via analytical methodologies

With the recent transition to a low-carbon electrical power system (EPS), the large-scale utilization of renewable energy resources in electrical power generation introduces a substantial amount of uncertainty on the generation side of the EPS. This uncertainty, along with the inherent uncertainty of electricity demand, makes assessing generation reliability a very computationally intensive process. To enhance the computation efficiency of EPS generation reliability assessment, it is crucial to have an efficient probabilistic model of available generation capacities that strikes a balance between improved computational performance and model accuracy. In this paper, various probabilistic models are proposed to characterize the variability and uncertainty of conventional and renewable power generations (photovoltaic and wind). On the basis of these models, an analytical formulation of probabilistic reliability indices (RIs) is implemented. The computation time and accurate RIs values found using the Monte Carlo simulation method serve as the basis for reporting solving time improvements with corresponding losses in the accuracy of the RIs for different analytical methodologies. The results of multiple case studies of an EPS are presented, considering various combinations of conventional and renewable generation capacity, levels of renewable power penetration, and system reliability levels. The results indicate the practical implementation of analytical assessment methodologies compared to the simulation method in terms of accuracy and computational effort. This study is of immediate relevance and potential importance to operational reliability and generation expansion planning studies in EPSs.