Cycle Strategies Research Articles

Spectroscopic Study on Identifying Synergistic Extraction Complexes of Nd(III) with Bis(2,4,4-Trimethylpentyl)Dithiophosphinic Acids and TBP

ABSTRACT Selective separation of trivalent actinide ions, An(III), from trivalent actinide ions, Ln(III), has been of great importance and considerable challenge in terms of the overall nuclear fuel cycle strategy. The construction of the hard-soft synergistic extraction system, commonly S containing-O containing ligands, aims to achieve the effective separation of the two metal ions. Nevertheless, the precise mechanism by which this system extracts metal ions remains the subject of controversy. Herein, the complexation of Nd(III) with bis(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)dithiophosphinic acid (HL) and tributyl phosphate (TBP) has been investigated with spectroscopy and extraction experiments under different conditions to clarify the mechanisms in synergistic extraction. Five complex species, NdL3(HL)(TBP), NdL2(NO3)(TBP)3, NdL3(H2O)2(TBP), NdL3(H2O)(TBP)2, and NdL3(TBP)3, are identified in the synergistic extraction system, their molar absorption spectra are deconvoluted, and the corresponding extraction equilibrium constants are determined. In addition, a complex species of Nd(III) fully coordinated by TBP, NdL3(TBP)n (n ≥ 6), is found in titrations of organic solution containing NdL3(TBP)3 with more TBP, but it is not found in synergistic extraction. Furthermore, Density Functional Theory (DFT) is employed to confirm the stability of the complexes. Investigation of the mechanism of this system will facilitate the acquisition of further insights into the selection of O-containing ligands and the development of synergistic extraction process for the separation of An(III) and Ln(III).

Wet pulverization combined with temperature cycling strategy for extraction of Stropharia rugosoannulata protein with attenuating hepatic steatosis on obese mice

Wet pulverization combined with temperature cycling strategy for extraction of Stropharia rugosoannulata protein with attenuating hepatic steatosis on obese mice

Effect of 7Es Instructional Cycle on Senior Secondary Mathematics Students Learning Outcomes in Gusau, Zamfara State, Nigeria

The study investigated the effects of 7Es instructional cycle on senior secondary mathematics school students learning outcomes in Gusau, Zamfara State, Nigeria. A pre-test post-test quasi experimental research design was adopted where two research questions and two null research hypotheses guided the study. The target population was 6,466 (3,154 male and female 3,312). The sample consists of 216 (103 male and 113 female) senior secondary school two mathematics students using an intact class. A total of 40 multiple choice objective questions were used for data collection at pre-intervention test and post-intervention test. Geometry Achievement Test (GAT) was instrument developed for the study. The instrument was validated by experts and pilot tested. A reliability coefficient of 0.75 was obtained for Geometry Achievement test using Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) and the instruments were reliable for the study. Mean and Standard Deviations was used to answer the research questions and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used for testing the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that there was significant difference in the mean achievement scores of senior secondary school male and female students taught mathematics using 7Es instructional cycle strategies and those taught with lecture method. that there was significant difference in the mean retention scores of senior secondary school male and female students taught mathematics using 7Ess instructional cycle strategies and those taught with lecture method. It was recommended among others that Geometry teacher’s awareness of 7Es instructional cycle of teaching should be created through workshops, seminars and conferences on teaching strategies.

Organohalide respiration: retrospective and perspective through bibliometrics.

Organohalide-respiring bacteria (OHRB) play a pivotal role in the transformation of organohalogens in diverse environments. This bibliometric analysis provides a timely overview of OHRB research trends and identifies knowledge gaps. Publication numbers have steadily increased since the process was discovered in 1982, with fluctuations in total citations and average citations per publication. The past decade witnessed a peak in publications, underscoring heightened research activity and extensive collaboration. Thematic analysis identified two primary research foci: mechanistic exploration of OHRB and their interplay with environmental factors. Future research should prioritize elucidating the roles OHRB's play in biogeochemical cycling, utilizing synthetic biology tools for enhanced biotransformation, deciphering OHRB's ecological interactions, unraveling their evolutionary pathways, and investigating dehalogenation capabilities in other microorganisms, including archaea. These research directions promise to advance our understanding of microbially-driven organohalide transformations, microbial ecology, and genetic engineering potential, ultimately informing natural organohalide cycling and environmental management strategies.

Food packaging solutions in the post-per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and microplastics era: A review of functions, materials, and bio-based alternatives.

Food packaging (FP) is essential for preserving food quality, safety, and extending shelf-life. However, growing concerns about the environmental and health impacts of conventional packaging materials, particularly per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and microplastics, are driving a major transformation in FP design. PFAS, synthetic compounds with dual hydro- and lipophobicity, have been widely employed in food packaging materials (FPMs) to impart desirable water and grease repellency. However, PFAS bioaccumulate in the human body and have been linked to multiple health effects, including immune system dysfunction, cancer, and developmental problems. The detection of microplastics in various FPMs has raised significant concerns regarding their potential migration into food and subsequent ingestion. This comprehensive review examines the current landscape of FPMs, their functions, and physicochemical properties to put into perspective why there is widespread use of PFAS and microplastics in FPMs. The review then addresses the challenges posed by PFAS and microplastics, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable and bio-based alternatives. We highlight promising advancements in sustainable and renewable materials, including plant-derived polysaccharides, proteins, and waxes, as well as recycled and upcycled materials. The integration of these sustainable materials into active packaging systems is also examined, indicating innovations in oxygen scavengers, moisture absorbers, and antimicrobial packaging. The review concludes by identifying key research gaps and future directions, including the need for comprehensive life cycle assessments and strategies to improve scalability and cost-effectiveness. As the FP industry evolves, a holistic approach considering environmental impact, functionality, and consumer acceptance will be crucial in developing truly sustainable packaging solutions.

Coupling Relationship and Interactive Response between Pollution Control and Carbon Emission Reduction and High-quality Economic Development in China's Urban Agglomerations

The coordinated development of the carbon neutral peak target and dual cycle strategy is an important link to realize the transformation of ecological green and low carbon and also an important carrier of high-quality economic development. Based on the inherent requirements of the synergistic effect of pollution control and carbon emission reduction and high-quality economic development, the coupling mechanism of pollution control and carbon emission reduction and high-quality economic development was discussed. Taking the three major urban agglomerations in China as examples, the comprehensive index system of the synergistic effect of pollution control and carbon emission reduction and high-quality economic development were constructed, respectively. The comprehensive evaluation model, coupling coordination degree model, and panel vector autoregression （PAVR） model were used to empirically analyze the coupling and interaction between the synergistic effect of pollution control and carbon emission reduction and high-quality economic development in the three major urban agglomerations in China from 2010 to 2020. The research showed that： ① The comprehensive development index of pollution control and carbon emission reduction and high-quality economic development showed an overall growth trend. The comprehensive level of pollution control and carbon emission reduction synergy in the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration was better than that in the Pearl River Delta urban agglomeration and Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei urban agglomeration. There were significant differences in the level of high-quality economic development among cities, and the overall level was high. ② From the perspective of the coupling relationship, during the study period, the level of reluctant coordination entered the primary coordination level and finally evolved into the intermediate coordination level. The spatial characteristics showed the characteristics of contiguous development centered on cities with higher administrative levels, such as municipalities and provincial capitals. ③ From the perspective of the dynamic relationship, there was a positive interaction between pollution control and carbon emission reduction and high-quality economic development, that is, the development of the two could promote each other. The response of pollution control and carbon emission reduction in the Yangtze River Delta and Pearl River Delta urban agglomerations to the positive impact of high-quality development was higher than that in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei urban agglomeration.

Closing the nuclear fuel cycle: Strategic approaches for NuScale-like reactor

The present study proposes the potential implementation of eight different closed fuel cycle strategies for a NuScale-like reactor core using its own spent fuel as a reusable source of fissile material for energy production. For that, the spent fuel composition after three burnup cycles of approximately 12 MWd/kgU of NuScale-like initial core and five years of cooling in a spent fuel pool was theoretically reprocessed by GANEX or UREX+ methods. After reprocessing, these two new fuel compositions were spiked in a mixture of thorium (Th) or depleted uranium (DpU), and afterwards inserted into specific batch positions of the core. Therefore, the proposed NuScale-like core configurations contain fuel assemblies loaded with conventional uranium-based fuel and others loaded with reprocessed fuel, resulting in the following combinations: UO2 and GANEX spiked with Th, UO2 and GANEX spiked with DpU, UO2 and UREX+ spiked with Th, UO2 and UREX+ spiked with DpU. The main idea is to comprehend the advantages of adopting the closed nuclear fuel cycle for a NuScale-like reactor by comparing the reference case and the cases containing reprocessed fuel. The results exhibited that all instances in which the core was simulated with reprocessed fuel improved the feedback coefficient, maximum excess of reactivity varying the boron concentration in the coolant, and power peak factor (PPF). Furthermore, the closed nuclear fuel strategies also demonstrated savings of about 17.50% in terms of separating work units (SWU) due to plutonium and uranium recycling, and a potential burnup extension of approximately 43%. The Serpent code version 2.1.32 developed by VTT and ENDF/B-VII.0 nuclear data library has been used to perform the simulations.

Evolutionary genomics of the emergence of brown algae as key components of coastal ecosystems

Brown seaweeds are keystone species of coastal ecosystems, often forming extensive underwater forests, and are under considerable threat from climate change. In this study, analysis of multiple genomes has provided insights across the entire evolutionary history of this lineage, from initial emergence, through later diversification of the brown algal orders, down to microevolutionary events at the genus level. Emergence of the brown algal lineage was associated with a marked gain of new orthologous gene families, enhanced protein domain rearrangement, increased horizontal gene transfer events, and the acquisition of novel signaling molecules and key metabolic pathways, the latter notably related to biosynthesis of the alginate-based extracellular matrix, and halogen and phlorotannin biosynthesis. We show that brown algal genome diversification is tightly linked to phenotypic divergence, including changes in life cycle strategy and zoid flagellar structure. The study also showed that integration of large viral genomes has had a significant impact on brown algal genome content throughout the emergence of the lineage.

Canopy structure and herbage intake rate of three tropical forage grasses cultivated as pure or mixed stands

Context Using forage grass species with complementary growth and resource-use strategies to enhance forage plant diversity in pastures may be an alternative to traditional monocultures in tropical regions. Aims This study aimed to determine whether a mixture of three perennial tropical forage grasses (Andropogon gayanus cv. Planaltina, Panicum maximum cv. Massai, and Brachiaria brizantha cv. BRS Piatã) could be an alternative to enhance herbage intake rates relative to their respective monocultures. Methods The treatments corresponded to three perennial tropical forage grasses cultivated as monocultures and as a mixture composed of all three species. Defoliation management corresponded to a pre-cutting height of 35 cm and post-cutting height of 17.5 cm. Key results The botanical composition of the mixture was dynamic throughout the experimental period, with variations in the proportion of species across seasons. The upper half of the canopy predominantly comprised leaves for all treatments. The canopy structure of the mixture allowed for greater herbage intake rates than monocultures during winter/early spring. Andropogon gambagrass showed lower herbage intake rates than the other treatments. Conclusions The findings of this study indicate that it is possible to combine tropical forage grass species without compromising canopy structure and grazing animal responses, compared with single-species grass pastures. Implications The selection of forage species for mixed pastures should consider their phenological cycle, growth, and resource-use strategies to achieve temporal complementarity and provide an optimal grazing environment for animals throughout the year.

Cycling versus swapping strategies with TNF-α inhibitors and IL-17 inhibitors in psoriatic arthritis in clinical practice

The availability of a number of bDMARDs with different mechanism of action increases potential treatment pathways in psoriatic arthritis (PsA). In clinical practice, following the failure of one bDMARD, it is normal to consider which options are the best for switching strategy. In most cases this choice involves IL17i and TNFi. The main aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of cycling (from TNFi to another TNFi) and swapping (from TNFi to IL17i or vice versa) strategies. In this monocentric retrospective observational study, all PsA patients treated with TNFi or IL17i between January 2016 and January 2022 were enrolled. The prescriptions were clustered in one cycling group (CG), and two swap groups: from TNFi to IL17i (SG1) and from IL17i to TNFi (SG2). The Kaplan–Meier method and Cox regression models were applied to compare the drug retention rates and to identify factors affecting treatment persistence. A total of 122 patients were enrolled. The CG, SG1 and SG2 2-years retention rates were 51%, 58% and 34% (p = 0.1), respectively. SG1 strategy (HR 0.53; CI 0.31–0.89; p = 0.02), age (HR 0.98; CI 0.96–0.99; p = 0.003), Disease Activity PsA (HR 1.11; CI 1.08–1.13; p < 0.0001), year of switch (HR 1.78; CI 1.39–2.22; p < 0.0001) influenced the retention rate. The findings of this real-world study, even if burdened by bias related to its observational nature, support the hypothesis that in PsA patients swapping from TNFi to IL17i might be more effective than cycling TNFis.

Unravelling the Current Status of Rice Stripe Mosaic Virus: Its Geographical Spread, Biology, Epidemiology, and Management

Rice stripe mosaic virus (RSMV) belongs to the Cytorhabdovirus species in the Rhabdoviridae family. Recently, RSMV was widely spread in East Asia and caused severe yield losses. RSMV is transmitted by the planthopper vectors, Recilia dorsalis, Nephotettix virescens, and Nilaparvata lugens, that mostly affect rice. The adult vectors can hibernate, transmit the virus, lay eggs on rice plants, and, finally, multiply in subsequent generations, resulting in new infection outbreaks. RSMV-infected rice varieties display striped mosaicism, mild dwarfism, stiff and twisted leaves, delayed heading, short panicles with large unfilled grains, and yield reduction. In nature, the infection of multiple pathogens in the same host is widespread, which is defined as co-infection. It can be antagonistic or synergistic. Pathological synergistic effects between RSMV and other viruses can generate strains with new genetic characteristics, leading to unpredictable epidemiological consequences. After the first identification of RSMV in 2015, significant advancements in understanding the disease’s characteristics, symptoms, cycles, geographic distribution, potential vectors, and synergistic interaction, as well as its management strategies, were developed. To reduce the damage due to RSMV infection, many scientists have recommended pest control techniques to target adult vectors. It is also essential to confirm the actual time of monitoring, development of resistant varieties, and changes in cultivation systems. Due to the limitations of the conventional plant disease control technologies, improvements in efficiency and safety are in high demand. Therefore, to find efficient and environmentally safe controls to mitigate these challenges, reviews of research are the foremost step. In this review, we summarize the basic epidemiological information about the origin of RSMV and its infection symptoms in the field, synergistic interaction with viruses during co-transmission, yield losses, formulation of the disease cycle, and control strategies from several case studies. Finally, we recommend the formulation of the disease cycle and management strategies of RSMV infection.

Regulation of Crystal Habit via Coupling “Growth Dead Zone” and Temperature Cycling Strategy: Modeling and Validation

Regulation of Crystal Habit via Coupling “Growth Dead Zone” and Temperature Cycling Strategy: Modeling and Validation

A low-impact nature-based solution for reducing aquatic microplastics from freshwater ecosystems

Effective nature-based solutions (NBS) and strategies for freshwater microplastic (MP) pollution are beneficial for reducing ecological and human health risks. This study proposed an innovative NBS for the in-situ retention of aquatic MPs. By evaluating the tolerance and MP retention efficiency of different submerged macrophytes, Myriophyllum aquaticum was identified as a well-suited system for optimization as NBS for operational MP retainment practice. The response surface method and artificial neural network modeling were applied to determine the optimal operational strategy of this solution, which was determined to be at a flow rate of 60 L/h, aeration intensity of 5 m3/(m2·h), and plant density of 190 plants/m2. Under this strategy, an average MP retention of 93.38% was achieved for the actual tested lake. The retention of MPs was particularly effective for particle sizes larger than 100 μm (especially films and fragments) and for the 4 polymer types. At the same time, also total nitrogen and phosphorus levels in the treated waters were reduced by 80.0% and 78.4% respectively, reflecting the added environmental value for water purification. This NBS provides a feasible strategy for mitigating MP pollution, but further research is needed on its long-term applicability and potential ecological effects in a wider range of specific environments, and effective development of plant harvesting cycle strategies is also essential to achieve long-lasting MP pollution removal.

Improving Patient Wait Times on the First Day of Radiotherapy Treatment

Long wait times on starting day of radiotherapy (day 1) can cause dissatisfaction among both patients and healthcare providers. Reducing these wait times will decrease stress and decongest hospital facilities especially in current coronavirus disease 2019 times. A multidisciplinary core team was formed during the Stanford-India Collaborative Quality Improvement training to reduce the median wait times on day 1 of treatment from 6 to 4.5 hours (a 25% reduction). Several factors were identified on the fishbone diagram, and key causes were identified using a Pareto chart and action prioritization matrix. The Plan-Do-Study-Act Cycle strategy was undertaken for the identified interventions. The outcome measure was time from arrival at the hospital to entry into a treatment room. Data were obtained from time charts at various stations and electronic records. The secondary measures were visual analog scale (VAS) scores, 80th percentile wait times, and the day-2 delay percentage. The balancing measure was “new errors” due to interventions. The interventions included the completion of all administrative tasks not needing patients' presence on the day before day 1. Baseline data from 198 patients and postintervention data from 160 patients were compared and analyzed. The median wait time at baseline, which was 6 hours, was reduced to 4.2 hours. The VAS score showed 70.4, 67.7, and 71.9% satisfaction for the resident physician, therapists, and patients, respectively. The 80th percentile wait times reduced from 8 to 5.7 hours; and the day 2 starting rate decreased from 22.5 to 2.04%, with no new errors reported. Radiotherapy day 1 wait times can be safely decreased, leading to improved satisfaction among patients and healthcare providers, by utilizing classic quality improvement methods and tools.

Colletotrichum Species Associated with Apple Bitter Rot and Glomerella Leaf Spot: A Comprehensive Overview.

Species of the genus Colletotrichum are among the most important plant pathogens globally, as they are capable of infecting many hosts-apple (Malus spp.) and other fruit and woody plant species-but also vegetable crops, cereals, legumes, and other annual and perennial herbaceous plants. The apple (Malus spp.) is attacked by various species from the genus Colletotrichum, whereby 27 different species from this genus have been described as the causative agents of apple bitter rot (ABR) and 15 as the cause of Glomerella leaf spot (GLS). These species generally belong to one of three species complexes: Colletotrichum acutatum, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, and Colletotrichum boninense. The largest number of apple pathogens of the genus Colletotrichum belong to the species complex C. acutatum and C. gloeosporioides. However, further data on these species and the interactions between the species complexes of the genus Colletotrichum that cause these two apple diseases is needed for the development of effective control measures, thus ensuring successful and profitable apple cultivation. To contribute to this endeavor, a comprehensive review of the causative agents of ABR and GLS from the genus Colletotrichum is provided. In addition to presenting the species' current names, distribution, economic significance, and the symptoms they cause in apple, their development cycle, epidemiology, and molecular detection strategies are described, with a particular emphasis on control measures.

Eriophyid mites in fruit crops: Biology, ecology, molecular aspects, and innovative control strategies

Eriophyid mites, minute arachnids within the family Eriophyidae, pose significant threats to fruit crops globally, leading to substantial economic losses in agriculture. This comprehensive review aims to elucidate the intricate biology, ecology, molecular aspects, and innovative control strategies of these pervasive pests. Eriophyid mites exhibit a complex life cycle and reproductive strategy, with their habitat preferences and distribution heavily influenced by environmental factors and host-plant interactions. Advances in molecular biology have provided more profound insights into their genetics and interactions at the molecular level, revealing crucial information for developing targeted pest management strategies. Control strategies for eriophyid mites encompass chemical methods, such as applying acaricides and understanding resistance mechanisms, as well as biological control using natural predators and parasitoids. Cultural and physical control methods, including crop rotation and mechanical removal, play vital roles in integrated pest management (IPM). Emerging approaches like RNA interference (RNAi) and semiochemical-based controls offer promising alternatives for sustainable pest management. This review underscores the importance of a multifaceted approach to effectively manage eriophyid mite infestations, integrating traditional and novel strategies. Future research should focus on overcoming current challenges, enhancing the efficacy of control methods, and further exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying mite-plant interactions

To Study the Requirement of Implementation of Zero Waste Management Plan for Steel Production Plant (A Review)

Unsustained mining practices have resulted in the overuse of shared resources this year, degrading the environment extensively. Additionally, there is an increase in nursery gas emissions from the generation of vital metals due to a continually growing demand for metals, a decline in metal grades, and complex underused stockpiles. As a result, the mineral preparation and metal production industry frequently finds itself under increasing pressure to advance the overall sustainability of its operations, notably through reducing energy consumption, outflows, and waste transfer. Large volumes of wastewater are released by the steel and press industries. Typically, a quantitative approach is used to assess the wastewater's natural effects. In any event, a more notable factor in the harm to the natural environment is the water quality of released effluent. Furthermore, there is still a gap in the thorough assessment of several contaminants in wastewater in terms of both quantity and quality. This work considers the volume of wastewater and the quality of primary forms in order to characterize an add-up to natural affect score that surveys the natural impact of wastewater release. A field check and estimation of wastewater release volume and quality is carried out to secure pH, suspend solids chemical oxygen request add up to nitrogen add up to press, and hexavalent chromium in order to actualize the totally subjective and quantitative appraisal. Coordination steel plants use five basic materials (discus, water, fuel, and control) in the process of producing steel. It is important to note that steel can be generated at a coordinate office using press mineral as well as at an auxiliary office, which mostly uses recycled steel waste to make steel. The development industry and other building applications use a variety of rolled products (sheets, tin- and zinc-plated sheets, cold rolled groups, steel channels, sheet-metal segments, etc.) and made or drawn products (bars, wires) in conjunction with crude steel. Over time, the idea of a life cycle strategy for the supportability of products and services has received more and more attention.

Modelling the complete life cycle of an arctic copepod reveals complex trade-offs between concurrent life cycle strategies

Calanus hyperboreus is a large-bodied, biomass dominant species that performs a crucial ecosystem energy transfer by converting the spring phytoplankton bloom into lipid reserves that fuel the higher trophic levels of the Gulf of St. Lawrence (GSL) pelagic ecosystem, including the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale (Eubalena glacialis). Given that the GSL, the southernmost core habitat of C. hyperboreus, is undergoing rapid warming, developing a population model allows us to synthesize existing knowledge of the species, and to examine the species response to environmental conditions. To simulate the multi-year life cycle in the northwest GSL, model equations are implemented for ingestion, assimilation, respiration, egg production, stage development, mortality, and vertical migration behaviors including dormancy entry and exit. The 1-D particle-based model predicts the evolution of individual stage, structural mass, lipid, age, sex, abundance, and egg production, as well as the seasonal evolution of the population structure in the northwest GSL. Individual lipid-based thresholds inform the timing of ontogenetic vertical migration. Life cycle targets defined from a literature review are used to guide model parameterization and assess its performance. The simulated population structure, phenology, and size at stage are generally consistent with observations. Under 10 years of repeat year forcing, the model simulates a quasi-stable overwintering population composed of late stages CIV, CV and CVI. Observations suggest that stage CIV is the first overwintering stage in the GSL, and point to the occurrence of iteroparous females. Using the model, the relative success of diverse dormancy and reproductive phenotypes are explored. Second reproduction females reproduce earlier in winter than first reproduction females, with implications for the ability of the new generation to match the spring bloom and accumulate sufficient lipid to overwinter as stage CIV. Without iteroparity, the time window of reproduction contracts and the population is reduced, underscoring the role of a flexible multi-year life cycle in population success.

Coupling optimization of protruding fin and PCM in hybrid cooling system and cycle strategy matching for lithium-ion battery thermal management

Based on liquid cooling and phase change material (PCM), a fin-enhanced composite thermal management system suitable for high power and extended cycle operations of lithium-ion battery module at high ambient temperature is proposed in this work. The coupling effect between the protruding fin structure and PCM thickness, as well as the addition of expanded graphite to the PCM, are investigated to optimize hybrid cooling arrangement. The results show that synergistic optimization of the protruding fin structure and PCM arrangement can enhance heat diffusion from the batteries to the cooling water, improve PCM utilization, and ensure sufficient latent heat. And then, the expanded graphite-modified PCM can make heat absorption and phase transition more uniform, and battery temperatures can be further decreased by up to 7.45 °C with 16 wt% expanded graphite. Clearly, the coupling optimization improves the cooling performance and applicability of conventional thermal management systems, while the temperature difference and maximum temperature in the optimized system have been regulated to within 4.30 °C and 46.78 °C under 40 °C environment and 5C discharge, respectively. Moreover, the cyclic charging and discharging strategies are designed and matched, and using the matching strategy with a fixed charge or discharge rate of 1C provides lower temperatures and better temperature uniformity, which can always control the temperatures below 47.22 °C and temperature difference below 4.69 °C. The optimized system with cycle strategy matching ensures the repeatability of battery operation and provides cooling solutions for different application scenarios.

Maternal perspectives on the intergenerational transmission of eating disorders

BackgroundStudies indicate that the children of mothers who have eating disorders are at an increased risk of developing eating disorders themselves. The aim of this qualitative study was to broaden and extend current understandings of the experiences of mothers with eating disorders. The present report focuses on maternal perspectives, experiences, and support needs in relation to the intergenerational transmission of eating disorders.MethodSemi-structured online interviews were conducted with parents living in the UK, USA, and Australia. Participants were eighteen mothers with a self-reported lifetime diagnosis of one or more eating disorders, who had experienced symptoms since becoming a parent, and who had at least one child aged 2 years or older. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.ResultsFour major themes relating to the impacts of having an eating disorder on children and intergenerational transmission were identified. These were: impacts (maternal perspectives on the ways having an eating disorder impacted their children, and their reflections around having been impacted by their own parents); breaking the cycle (strategies employed by mothers in efforts to prevent their children developing eating disorders of their own); communicating about the eating disorder (maternal experiences around disclosing or not disclosing having an eating disorder to their children); and support needs (maternal and perceived familial support needs in relation to breaking cycles of intergenerational transmission).ConclusionsFor mothers with eating disorders, concerns about the potential impacts on their children and fears about intergenerational transmission are salient, and these may vary for children at different ages. The mothers who participated in our study described engaging in a number of conscious strategies in efforts to manage the risks of eating disorder development in their children, but implementing these strategies was not without challenges. Implications for preventative programs to reduce the intergenerational transmission of eating disorders are discussed.