Entire Process Research Articles

Rapid and Precise Differentiation and Authentication of Agricultural Products via Deep Learning-Assisted Multiplex SERS Fingerprinting.

Accurate and rapid differentiation and authentication of agricultural products based on their origin and quality are crucial to ensuring food safety and quality control. However, similar chemical compositions and complex matrices often hinder precise identification, particularly for adulterated samples. Herein, we propose a novel method combining multiplex surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) fingerprinting with a one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1D-CNN), which enables the effective differentiation of the category, origin, and grade of agricultural products. This strategy leverages three different SERS-active nanoparticles as multiplex sensors, each tailored to selectively amplify the signals of preferentially adsorbed chemicals within the sample. By strategically combining SERS spectra from different NPs, a 'SERS super-fingerprint' is constructed, offering a more comprehensive representation of the characteristic information on agricultural products. Subsequently, utilizing a custom-designed 1D-CNN model for feature extraction from the 'super-fingerprint' significantly enhances the predictive accuracy for agricultural products. This strategy successfully identified various agricultural products and simulated adulterated samples with exceptional accuracy, reaching 97.7% and 94.8%, respectively. Notably, the entire identification process, encompassing sample preparation, SERS measurement, and deep learning analysis, takes only 35 min. This development of deep learning-assisted multiplex SERS fingerprinting establishes a rapid and reliable method for the identification and authentication of agricultural products.

Engineered composite dressing with exudate management capabilities for the process of entire wound healing

A timely antibacterial dressing that can adapt to dynamic wound environments poses a significant challenge in burn research and management. Herein, a four-layered composite dressing is reported. At its core, it features a modified micropore arrayed Janus membrane with a super-hydrophobic polyurethane layer on one side and a super-hydrophilic hydrogel on the other. This unique design enables the dressing to maintain stable and durable self-pumping capabilities, effectively transferring wound exudate to the upper foam layer. The self-pumping rate exceeds that of traditional foam dressings, being approximately 1.39 times more efficient in absorbing excess wound exudate. The composite dressing demonstrates an impressive water donation capacity when tested on 45% gelatin-simulated skin, achieving a water donation rate of (59.20 ± 2.66)%. Furthermore, the water vapor permeability of the composite dressing outperforms hydrocolloids by approximately 3.66 times. Additionally, the composite dressing, when loaded with super-hydrophilic nanometer zinc oxide, exhibits a potent antibacterial effect. The dressing's surface reduces cellular, platelet, fibrinogen, and bovine serum albumin adhesion, reducing the risk of tissue adhesion. During a 20-day trial covering deep II-degree burn wounds, the dressing demonstrated excellent biocompatibility. It effectively compresses the inflammatory phase, promotes vascularization, and significantly accelerates the regeneration of skin accessory organs. This innovative dressing exhibits great potential for use throughout the entire wound-healing process in future burn treatments.

Pain Correlates in Endodontic Procedures: A Narrative Review Examining the Causative Factors and Clinical Approaches for Management.

Endodontic treatment, encompassing the diagnosis and management of dental pulp and periapical conditions, is pivotal in preserving dental health. Root canal treatment, a common endodontic procedure, involves the removal, cleaning, and sealing of the tooth's root system to address issues like pain and infections. Patients undergoing endodontic procedures often encounter pain due to the sensitivity of dental pulp nerves to caries, inflammation, infections, or treatment manipulations. The severity of pain is variable and influenced by individual factors such as pain threshold, anxiety levels, gender, and the extent of dental infection. In conclusion, despite advancements in endodontics, pain management remains a significant concern. The narrative review emphasizes the importance of adopting comprehensive clinical management strategies encompassing the entire treatment process. A thorough assessment of the patient's medical history and dental condition is crucial to identify risk factors for increased pain. Effective communication with patients regarding the procedure and potential discomfort aids in managing expectations and reducing anxiety. Continuous professional development is highlighted as essential for dental professionals to stay abreast of the latest advancements, enabling the implementation of optimal pain management strategies and the delivery of enhanced patient care.

Activation of periodate by biocarbon-supported multiple modified nanoscale iron for the degradation of bisphenol A in high-temperature aqueous solution.

As reported, the persistent toxic and harmful pollutant bisphenol A (BPA) from industrial emissions has been consistently found in aquatic environments inhabited by humans. Periodate (PI)-based advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) have been employed to degrade BPA, although activating PI proves more challenging compared to other oxidants. A novel nano iron metal catalyst, sulfided nanoscale iron-nickel bimetallic nanoparticle supported on biocarbon (S-(nFe0-Ni)/BC) was synthesized and utilized to activate PI for the removal of BPA. The morphology, structure, and composition of S-(nFe0-Ni)/BC were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM-EDS), and fourier-transform infrared spectrum (FTIR). The catalyst demonstrates an excellent ability to activate PI, achieving a BPA removal efficacy of 86.4%, accompanied by a 33% reduction in total organic carbon (TOC) in the {S-(nFe0-Ni)/BC}/PI system. BPA degradation exhibited a significant change at the 5-min mark. In the first stage (0-5min), nonlinear dynamic fitting research, combined with scavenging experiments, unveiled the competitive degradation of pollutants primarily driven by iodate radical ( ), singlet oxygen , and hydroxyl radical ( ). The competitive dynamics aligned with the ExpAssoc model. The contribution rates of different active species during the second stage (5-120min) were calculated. The contributions of main species to BPA removal follow the order of > > throughout the entire process. The influence of various parameters, such as the dosage of S-(nFe0-Ni)/BC, initial PI concentration, BPA concentration, pH, temperature, and the presence of coexisting anions, was also examined. Finally, a plausible reaction mechanism in the system is proposed, suggesting that the {S-(nFe0-Ni)/BC}/PI system involves a heterogeneous synergistic reaction occurring primarily on the surface of S-(nFe0-Ni)/BC. Therefore, this study proposes a promising approach for PI-based AOPs to degrade organic pollutants, aiming to mitigate the irreversible harm caused by such pollutants to organisms and the environment.

MAX controls meiotic entry in sexually undifferentiated germ cells

Meiosis is a specialized type of cell division that occurs physiologically only in germ cells. We previously demonstrated that MYC-associated factor X (MAX) blocks the ectopic onset of meiosis in embryonic and germline stem cells in culture systems. Here, we investigated the Max gene’s role in mouse primordial germ cells. Although Max is generally ubiquitously expressed, we revealed that sexually undifferentiated male and female germ cells had abundant MAX protein because of their higher Max gene expression than somatic cells. Moreover, our data revealed that this high MAX protein level in female germ cells declined significantly around physiological meiotic onset. Max disruption in sexually undifferentiated germ cells led to ectopic and precocious expression of meiosis-related genes, including Meiosin, the gatekeeper of meiotic onset, in both male and female germ cells. However, Max-null male and female germ cells did not complete the entire meiotic process, but stalled during its early stages and were eventually eliminated by apoptosis. Additionally, our meta-analyses identified a regulatory region that supports the high Max expression in sexually undifferentiated male and female germ cells. These results indicate the strong connection between the Max gene and physiological onset of meiosis in vivo through dynamic alteration of its expression.

Optimizing dispensing performance of needle-type piezoelectric jet dispensers: a novel drive waveform approach

The dispensing performance of needle-type piezoelectric jet dispenser constitutes a crucial factor that ensures the quality of additive manufacturing processes. In this paper, a novel approach is proposed to enhance the dispensing performance of needle-type piezoelectric jetting dispensers by introducing a more adaptable driving waveform based on Bézier curves. Initially, the approach considers the electromechanical coupling effect of the needle-type piezoelectric dispenser and constructs a high-precision fluid–solid coupling model of the dispensing process. Subsequently, a multi-physics field joint simulation platform combining Matlab and Fluent is established to systematically analyze control strategies in real service conditions. Next, a new driving waveform based on Bézier curves is introduced, and the control parameters are optimized using a genetic algorithm to address issues such as air bubbles in the droplets and instability of the dispensing process. The optimized waveform based on the Bézier curve reduces the volume of air suction during the dispensing process by over 20% compared to the traditional waveform and eliminates the uncontrolled vibration state of the needle in the fluid, ensuring the stability of the entire fluid refill process. Finally, the optimized control strategy is verified through experiments and compared with traditional methods. The experiment demonstrates its advantages in addressing issues with no air bubbles in the droplets and consistency of the droplets. This study provides valuable insights into optimizing the dispensing performance of needle-type piezoelectric jetting dispensers regarding control strategy.

'ALL ABOUT MY IDEAL MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE': Users, family members and experts by experience discussing a co-designed service.

Many studies have investigated patients' understandings of how to optimise mental health services. However, only a few studies in the Italian context have involved experts by experience (EbEs), who can be ex-users, family members of ex-usersor current service collaborators. Their role is crucial in implementing collaborative service quality assessment projects. The study investigated the experience of 35 EbEs, users, and family members who carried out a 9-month fortnightly project aimed at imagining an 'ideal service'. The facilitators of the discussion groups (two EbEs) were interviewed; written reports of each meeting were produced with relevant comments, notesand specific suggestions; and content analysis was applied. The most important result concerns the effectiveness of the project management method and group leadership carried out by the two EbEs. This approach allowed for complete autonomy of the work, without professional gaze or power imbalance. Also, the ideas and specific contents focused on by the two groups offer strategies to facilitate users' entry and reception in health care centres, to reduce the stigma of mental illness, to improve the centres' physical environment, to improve organisational aspects, to keep family members actively involvedand to network mental health services with other territorial services. EbEs have proven to be key figures in ensuring equity of role in the service co-design process. This also concerns a context, the Italian one, where their role has not yet been recognised and legalised. Their contribution and ideas to improve services could be fundamental not only in mental health centres, but also in other health facilities, and could concern the entire service delivery process rather than being limited to quality assurance, according to a virtuous circle based on active participation and transformation of the role of users. This work resulted from close collaboration between the two EbEs who conducted the groups, users and family members, the university, and the psychiatrist in charge of the service. All of them contributed to the research. The EbEs, researchersand psychiatrist participated in the interpretation of the data and are the co-authors of this paper.

Effect of Sample Preprocessing and Size-Based Extraction Methods on the Physical and Molecular Profiles of Extracellular Vesicles.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanometric lipid vesicles that shuttle cargo between cells. Their analysis could shed light on health and disease conditions, but EVs must first be preserved, extracted, and often preconcentrated. Here we first compare plasma preservation agents, and second, using both plasma and cell supernatant, four EV extraction methods, including (i) ultracentrifugation (UC), (ii) size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), (iii) centrifugal filtration (LoDF), and (iv) accousto-sorting (AcS). We benchmarked them by characterizing the integrity, size distribution, concentration, purity, and expression profiles for nine proteins of EVs, as well as the overall throughput, time-to-result, and cost. We found that the difference between ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and citrate anticoagulants varies with the extraction method. In our hands, ultracentrifugation produced a high yield of EVs with low contamination; SEC is low-cost, fast, and easy to implement, but the purity of EVs is lower; LoDF and AcS are both compatible with process automation, small volume requirement, and rapid processing times. When using plasma, LoDF was susceptible to clogging and sample contamination, while AcS featured high purity but a lower yield of extraction. Analysis of protein profiles suggests that the extraction methods extract different subpopulations of EVs. Our study highlights the strengths and weaknesses of sample preprocessing methods, and the variability in concentration, purity, and EV expression profiles of the extracted EVs. Preanalytical parameters such as collection or preprocessing protocols must be considered as part of the entire process in order to address EV diversity and their use as clinically actionable indicators.

Characterization of accelerated hydrolysis degradation of poly (lactic acid) in phosphate buffered saline solution

For the reliable use of polylactic acid (PLA) materials in the human body for supportive implants, an appropriate accelerated testing method to assess the lifetime of the PLA with an acceptable model that can describe the entire degradation process is required. In this study, accelerated degradation were conducted on the polylactic acid (PLA) exposed to the phosphate buffered saline (PBS) solution at elevated temperatures, 50 ℃, 60 ℃, and 70 ℃. The high level of accelerated degradation was achieved with elevating temperatures. The evolution of surface degradation degree with exposure time was quantified by measuring the molecular end group and modeled by a proper equation. In addition, it was demonstrated that hydrolysis-induced chain-scission is the governing mechanism in the accelerated degradation. The chemi-crystallization behavior with the hydrolysis degradation was also characterized. The morphological observation revealed that the microcracks and pits are pronouncing mechanisms of surface damage. The tensile properties were severely degraded after a certain period of induction time, depending on the temperature. The sorption kinetics were also assessed and explained during the entire lifetime until the severe mass loss, based on the diffusion with degradation behavior, as well as the evolution of the morphological damages. The formation of the surface degradation layer and subsequent damages are suspected to result in early saturation and secondary sorption behavior at the elevated temperature. Finally, the integrated correlations between the sorption behavior, amount of hydrolysis degradation, and mechanical property decrease were physically described, and accurate correspondences were obtained.

Fatigue performance analysis of precast segmental assembled concrete beams

In recent years, assembled bridges have become widely utilized in bridge construction, raising concerns about durability-related bridge diseases over time. These issues significantly impact the fatigue life of assembled bridges, necessitating an in-depth exploration of their fatigue performance. While existing research primarily concentrates on the transverse connection of multiple longitudinal beams, there is a notable dearth of studies on longitudinal precast segmental assembled bridges. This paper addresses this gap by establishing a fatigue benchmark finite element model for segmental assembled concrete beams, building upon existing experiments. The study employs numerical simulation to analyze the entire fatigue process, examining stress distribution, damage development, and considering the influence of reinforcement corrosion. Furthermore, a fatigue life prediction method, based on fatigue residual strength (R), is proposed for predicting the fatigue life (N) of concrete in precast segmental assembled beams. Results reveal that prestressed and ordinary reinforcements experience increasing stress with loading cycles, peaking around 100,000 cycles. Throughout fatigue loading, compressive stress in concrete remains low, preventing fatigue compression failure. However, tensile stress near joints gradually rises, initiating cracks at the mid-span beam’s bottom. With continued cyclic loading, these cracks propagate towards the loading point. The upper and lower limits of fatigue life predicted by the fatigue life prediction method closely align with the compressive fatigue test values of concrete, proposed fatigue life prediction method is efficient and accurate.

Tannin-based modified graphene oxide anti-corrosion composite coating with favourable corrosion inhibition, self-healing and photothermal conversion properties

Inspired by the polyphenol hydroxyl structure of tannic, this work reports a graphene-based anti-corrosive composite coating that integrates inhibition, self-healing and photothermal conversion properties. Electrochemical tests in solution and scratch phases illustrate that the inhibition effect of modified particles provide passive healing. For intact coating, after 50 days of immersion, the G2T2F8/AR coating maintains the highest impedance modulus throughout the entire process (1.04×1010 Ω cm2). More importantly, the scratch coating can achieve active healing of photothermal conversion through NIR stimulation. The combination of exogenous and intrinsic healing mechanisms enables the coating to own excellent self-healing and anti-corrosion effects.

On the origin of selectivity in extracting and separating lanthanide ions by alkyl-nitrilotriacetamide

Extraction and separation technology forms an essential component of contemporary spent nuclear fuel reprocessing. Comprehending the underlying factors that drive extractant selectivity holds immense importance in crafting and advancing new extractants with optimal and desired performance. However, the majority of previous studies predominantly concentrated on organometallic complexes generated, while overlooked the entirety of the extraction process. In this study, we employ molecular dynamics (MD), extended tight-binding (xTB), and density functional theory (DFT) methods to comprehensively investigate the entire reaction process, with particular attention to overlooked aspects. Our findings reveal that the selectivity preference in the extraction reaction originates from the competition involved in the formation of metal complexes in both the aqueous and organic phases. Addressing the previously neglected aspects is crucial for providing clear guidance to enhance extraction selectivity. In the process, we have developed two driving force models and explained the origin of extraction selectivity. Model I is propelled by distinctions among organometallic complexes, whereas Model II is influenced by their similarities. Little is known about Model II since reported extractants fulfill Model I. Notably, we have discovered that the extraction and separation of La3+/Lu3+ using hexaocactyl-nitrilotriacetamide conforms to Model II, marking the first example and potentially introducing a novel approach to design selective extractants.

Effects of microplastics on sedimentary geochemical properties and microbial ecosystems combined with hydraulic disturbance

Microplastics (MPs) pollution is widely investigated owing to its potential threats to river ecosystems. However, it remains unclear whether hydraulic disturbance deepens or mitigates the effects of MPs-contaminated sediments on the river environment. Herein, we studied the impact of sediment aggregates, organic matter, and enzyme activity, with emphasis on microbial community structure and function in sediments exposed to MPs (1 %, 5 %, and 10 % w/w) in conjunction with hydraulic disturbance. The experimental results showed that the influence of MPs on the sediment under hydraulic disturbance is more significant than that of static culture, especially for various environmental factors (MWD, MBC, and sucrase activity etc.). The proportions of the >0.05 mm-fraction aggregates increased from 74–76 % to 82–88 % in the sediment throughout the entire disturbance process. It has been found that the disturbance generally promotes the interaction between MPs and sediments. FAPROTAX analysis demonstrated that the disturbance reduced the difference in effects on microbial functional genes between the control group and the MPs-added groups by up to 10 times, suggesting that the effects of disturbance on MPs-contaminated sediments are relatively complex. This work provides new insights into the effects of hydraulic disturbance on physicochemical properties and microbial communities of MPs-contaminated sediment.

An integrated sample-to-answer graphene microchip for ultrafast detection of multiple microorganisms

The integrated detection of nucleic acids is a molecular biological technology integrating the entire process of nucleic acid detection into a “sample-to-answer” system, which is widely used in microbial identification and disease diagnosis. Although the integrated detection of nucleic acids has the advantages of fully-enclosed system and simple operation, it still faces challenges like dependence on bulky equipment, complex design, and long detection time. To address these challenges, we have proposed and fabricated an integrated graphene microchip for ultra-fast detection of multiple microorganisms. This microchip is composed of two main regions: the electrolysis-extraction region and the isothermal amplification-detection region. In the electrolysis-extraction region, the microchip was equipped with the micron-structured graphene interdigital electrode and a regular battery for power supply, and the nucleic acids of H. pylori were extracted only in 1.0 s by electrolysis. Then in the isothermal amplification-detection region, the nucleic acids of H. pylori were detected in less than 9 min at a concentration of 10 CFU/µL. As a result, the detection time of the whole process were controlled in merely 9 min. In addition, this integrated graphene microchip has three parallel channels for simultaneous detection of oral microorganisms, e.g., C. albicans, S. aureus and H. pylori. These characteristics make our integrated graphene microchip promising to contribute to the development in integrated technology of nucleic acid detection and be widely used at various medical structures or on-site environments such as home testing.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Shi-Bi-Man ameliorates psoriasis via inhibiting IL-23/Th17 axis and CXCL16-mediated endothelial activation

BackgroundPsoriasis is a chronic inflammatory genetic disease, mainly manifesting in the skin. Conventional therapies, such as glucocorticosteroids and corticosteroids, have adverse effects that limit drug use. Hence, it is imperative to identify a new therapeutic strategy that exhibits a favorable safety profile. Shi-Bi-Man (SBM) is a safe herbal supplement sourced from various natural plants, including ginseng, angelica sinensis, polygonum multiflorum, and aloe vera.PurposeWe aimed to find a potential treatment for psoriasis and investigate the underlying mechanism through which SBM alleviates psoriatic-like skin inflammation in mice.MethodsWe investigated the effects of supplementing with SBM through intragastric administration or smear administration in a murine model of imiquimod-induced psoriasis. The changes in body weight and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score were recorded throughout the entire process. Additionally, we used hematoxylin–eosin staining to observe the skin structure and performed single-cell RNA sequencing to explore the underlying mechanism of SBM in influencing the psoriasis-like phenotype. Immunofluorescence was conducted to verify our findings. Furthermore, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was employed to investigate the impact of Tetrahydroxy stilbene glycoside (TSG) on the expression levels of IL23 in HaCaT cells.ResultsSBM remarkably alleviated the psoriasis-like phenotype by inhibiting IL-23/Th17 cell axis. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis revealed a decrease in the expression of Il17 and Il23 in keratinocytes and T cells, concomitant with a reduction in the proportion of Th17 cells. Meanwhile, the activation of endothelial cells was inhibited, accompanied by a decrease in the expression of Cxcl16. In vitro, the addition of TSG to HaCaT cells resulted in significant suppression of IL23 expression stimulated by tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α).

Applied Magnetic Field Increases Magnetic Anisotropy in HDDR-Processed Nd-Fe-B Alloy

We investigate the effect of an applied magnetic field on the entire HDDR process using a customized reactor vessel and a warm-bore superconducting magnet. We analyzed the resulting properties produced at both a 0 applied field and a 2 Tesla applied field. We show that the application of a magnetic field throughout the HDDR process results in powders that exhibit a greater level of anisotropy compared to their ambient field counterparts.

IDENTIFICATION OF THE LEVEL OF UPBRINGING BY APPLYING THE DIAGNOSTIC METHODOLOGY OF N. P. KAPUSTIN

In Armenian society, the socioeconomic and political developments result in an active reformation of all facets of daily life. The contemporary school is in modernization process. Any competitive educational institution needs ongoing organizational modifications to be competitive and flexible in the face of changing circumstances. There is a conflict between ideas, moral principles, stances, and points of view when society is updated and reformatted. In this respect, among the methodological and theoretical issues with education, in particular, the issues with personality development, upbringing, and preparation to live in the changing circumstances of a worldwide society, as well as the need to express one's uniqueness, are prioritized. In the schools, a variety of pedagogical processes are continually used. Knowledge acquiring, the development of skills and aptitudes, the formation of a scientific worldview, ideological-political and moral-labor education, the process of students' aesthetic and physical development, and other elements of the entire educational process are all geared toward the formation of a harmonious, fully developed personality. Education as a deliberate process for personality development will involve the growth of a knowledgeable personality, life and active pursuits, and readiness for the standards recognized in society. A welleducated person's requests, substance, and tactics differ depending on the social circumstances. What should a modern individual be like to satisfy the demands of a changing society? This is one of the most crucial concerns in the educational process. How can this be achieved in the school environment during the educational process? Today, more than ever before, it is essential to develop a certain set of skills and expertise in a person as well as work toward making this process the major internal need of a person as well as the objective of society and the state. This can be accomplished through forming new worldviews, idealistic and value systems, safe social norms, and cultural traditions through education. 40 Betty Kilerjian The approach of resolving this issue involves pedagogical diagnostics. This is a collection of measurable diagnostic instruments. methods, exams, and questionnaires developed by the author, whose usage will make it evident how well education and personality development have gone, and which will serve as the foundation for future educational work planning.

Blockchain and machine learning in education: a literature review

<span lang="EN-US">There is a growing influence around the use of technology in education, with many solutions already being implemented and many others being explored. Using various forms of technology to assist the educational process has increased dramatically in the previous decade in education systems in many respects. Both machine learning and the blockchain have had a significant impact on education. The purpose of this study is to conduct a literature review on the application of machine learning and blockchain technology in educational institutions. Additionally, this study examines the potential applications, benefits, and challenges those educational institutions may face as a result of using machine learning and blockchain technologies. Using machine learning and blockchain in educational systems will have a positive impact on the entire educational process and student achievement. Researchers, academics, and practitioners will benefit from this study to focus on a wider range of educational applications and solve the related issues of machine learning and blockchain technology in the education sector.</span>

Comparison between proactive and retroactive models of medication reconciliation in patients hospitalized for acute decompensated heart failure.

Most research on the impact of medication reconciliation on patient safety focused on the retroactive model, with limited attention given to the proactive model. This study was conducted to compare the proactive and retroactive models in patients hospitalized for acute decompensated heart failure. This prospective, quasi-experimental study was conducted over six months, from June to November 2022, at the cardiology unit of an academic hospital in Iran. Eligible patients were those hospitalized for acute decompensated heart failure using a minimum of five regular medications before admission. Medication reconciliation was performed in 81 cases using the proactive model and in 81 using the retroactive model. 556 medications were reconciled using the retroactive model, and 581 were reconciled using the proactive model. In the retroactive cases, 341 discrepancies (both intentional and unintentional) were identified, compared to 231 in the proactive cases. The proportion of patients with at least one unintentional discrepancy was significantly lower in the proactive cases than in the retroactive cases (23.80% versus 74.03%). Moreover, the number of unintentional discrepancies was significantly lower in the proactive cases compared to the retroactive cases (22 out of 231 discrepancies versus 150 out of 341 discrepancies). In the retroactive cases, medication omission was the most frequent type of unintentional discrepancy (44.00). About, 42.70% of reconciliation errors detected in the retroactive cases were judged to have the potential to cause moderate to severe harm. While the average time spent obtaining medication history was similar in both models (00:27 [h: min] versus 00:30), the average time needed to complete the entire process was significantly shorter in the proactive model compared to the retroactive model (00:41 min versus 00:51). This study highlighted that the proactive model is a timely and effective method of medication reconciliation, particularly in improving medication safety for high-risk patients.

Sludge dewaterability improvement with microbial fuel cell powered electro-Fenton system (MFCⓅEFs): Performance and mechanisms

Throughout the entire process of sludge treatment and disposal, it is crucial to explore stable and efficient techniques to improve sludge dewaterability, which can facilitate subsequent resource utilization and space and cost savings. Traditional Fenton oxidation has been widely researched to enhance the performance of sludge dewaterability, which was limited by the additional energy input and the instabilities of Fe2+ and H2O2. To reduce the consumption of energy and chemicals and further break the rate-limiting step of the iron cycle, a novel and feasible method that constructed microbial fuel cell powered electro-Fenton systems (MFCⓅEFs) with ferrite and biochar electrode (MgFe2O4@BC/CF) was successfully demonstrated. The MFCⓅEFs with MgFe2O4@BC/CF electrode achieved specific resistance filtration and sludge cake water content of 2.52 × 1012 m/kg and 66.54 %. Cellular structure and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) were disrupted, releasing partially bound water and destroying hydrophilic structures to facilitate sludge flocs aggregation, which was attributed to the oxidation of hydroxyl radicals. The consistent electron supply supplied by MFCⓅEFs and catalytically active sites on the surface of the multifunctional functional group electrode was responsible for producing more hydroxyl radicals and possessing a better oxidizing ability. The study provided an innovative process for sludge dewaterability improvement with high efficiency and low energy consumption, which presented new insights into the green treatment of sludge.