Functional Level Research Articles

Plant seedlings of peas, tomatoes, and cucumbers exude compounds that are needed for growth and chemoattraction of Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae 3841 and Azospirillum brasilense Sp7.

This study characterizes seedling exudates of peas, tomatoes, and cucumbers at the level of chemical composition and functionality. A plant experiment confirmed that Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae 3841 enhanced growth of pea shoots, while Azospirillum brasilense Sp7 supported growth of pea, tomato, and cucumber roots. Chemical analysis of exudates after 1 day of seedling incubation in water yielded differences between the exudates of the three plants. Most remarkably, cucumber seedling exudate did not contain detectable sugars. All exudates contained amino acids, nucleobases/nucleosides, and organic acids, among other compounds. Cucumber seedling exudate contained reduced glutathione. Migration on semi solid agar plates containing individual exudate compounds as putative chemoattractants revealed that R. leguminosarum bv. viciae was more selective than A. brasilense, which migrated towards any of the compounds tested. Migration on semi solid agar plates containing 1:1 dilutions of seedling exudate was observed for each of the combinations of bacteria and exudates tested. Likewise, R. leguminosarum bv. viciae and A. brasilense grew on each of the three seedling exudates, though at varying growth rates. We conclude that the seedling exudates of peas, tomatoes, and cucumbers contain everything that is needed for their symbiotic bacteria to migrate and grow on.

Effects of shift work on sleep quality and cardiovascular function in Taiwanese police officers

ABSTRACT This study aimed to investigate the effects of shift work on sleep quality, cardiovascular function, and physical activity (PA) levels in Taiwanese police officers. Twenty-one male police officers aged 26.9 ± 4.1 years old located in Taipei voluntarily participated in this study. The participants completed the resting heart rate (HR) and hemodynamic variables (e.g. blood pressure, BP) before and after day-time (DTW) and night-time (NTW) shift work phases (5 working days and 2 resting days for each phase). Additionally, an actigraphy was administered to measure PA and sleep patterns in the last 3 working days. The average total sleep time and sleep efficiency were 278.5 ± 79. 6 min and 72.9 ± 10%, respectively, in the NTW phases, which were significantly lower than that in the DTW phases. A comparison of the PA characteristics between the two phases revealed that a lower proportion of moderate-vigorous PA (1.2 ± 0.8%) and a greater proportion of sedentary behaviour PA (74.8 ± 6.4%) was found in the NTW phases. The results of hemodynamic measures demonstrated that the police officers have significantly elevated systolic BP by 3.3% and diastolic BP by 3.9% after the NTW phases. Furthermore, the NTW phases exhibited a significantly higher percentage change ratio of systolic BP and diastolic BP compared to the DTW phases. Compared with the DTW phases, the NTW phase was significantly more likely to report higher decreasing parasympathetic-related HR variability with a range of −5.9% to −7.8%. In conclusion, night-time shift work resulted in negative physiological changes leading to adverse effects on the health and well-being of Taiwanese police officers.

Resting state functional connectome in breast cancer patients with fear of cancer recurrence.

This study aimed to investigate network-level brain functional changes in breast cancer patients and their relationship with fear of cancer recurrence (FCR). Resting-state functional MRI was collected from 43 patients with breast cancer and 40 healthy controls (HCs). Graph theory analyses, whole-brain voxel-wise functional connectivity strength (FCS) analyses and seed-based functional connectivity (FC) analyses were performed to identify connection alterations in breast cancer patients. Correlations between brain functional connections (i.e. FCS and FC) and FCR level were assessed to further reveal the neural mechanisms of FCR in breast cancer patients. Graph theory analyses indicated a decreased clustering coefficient in breast cancer patients compared to HCs (P = 0.04). Patients with breast cancer exhibited significantly higher FCS in both higher-order function networks (frontoparietal, default mode, and dorsal attention systems) and primary somatomotor networks. Among the hyperconnected regions in breast cancer, the left inferior frontal operculum demonstrated a significant positive correlation with FCR. Our findings suggest that breast cancer patients exhibit less segregation of brain function, and the left inferior frontal operculum is a key region associated with FCR. This study offers insights into the neural mechanisms of FCR in breast cancer patients at the level of brain connectome.

A novel referral strategy to enhance the enrollment of patients with heart failure in cardiac rehabilitation: A feasibility study.

Rehabilitation targeting patients with cardiac conditions are evident and acknowledged in clinical guidelines. However, participation rates remain suboptimal, with only 50% of all patients with cardiac conditions participating in these programs across Europe. Considering the well-documented effects of rehabilitation, increasing the referral rate to cardiac rehabilitation would be desirable. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a novel referral strategy that could potentially enhance enrollment in cardiac rehabilitation for patients with heart failure. This prospective feasibility study incorporating both quantitative and qualitative methods was conducted in an outpatient heart failure clinic and a municipal health care center. 106 patients with heart failure were referred to the heart failure clinic from September 2021 through July 2022. A 15-20 min face-to-face physiotherapy consultation was incorporated into usual care, evaluating patients' habitual and actual level of functioning, disability, and physical activity and assessing their potential need and motivation for cardiac rehabilitation. Three predefined quantitative feasibility outcomes: reach, referral rate, and data completeness were assessed. Additionally, semi-structured interviews explored acceptability among patients and health care professionals at the municipal health care center and the hospital. Finally, the potential effect was assessed based on the enrollment rate. Physiotherapy consultations were offered to 86% of eligible patients; of these, 52% were referred to cardiac rehabilitation. Ninety-one percent data completeness was achieved. The intervention was well-accepted by patients and health care professionals. The enrollment rate reached 79%. The novel referral strategy proved feasible concerning reach and data completeness, although the referral rate suggested that further refinements are required before a full-scale trial. The novel referral strategy was well-accepted, and enrollment rate approached an acceptable level.

‘I Didn’t Know What Was Going to Happen’: Children’s and Young People’s Experiences and Their Involvement Before and After Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy

Aims To explore experiences, expectations, and involvement of children and young people (CYP) in decision-making for selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) surgery, post-operative physiotherapy treatment and outcomes. Methods A qualitative study design using one to one interviews. Five CYP (2 girls and 3 boys) participated, and interviews lasted between 45 min and 2 h. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results Children and young people are reliant on their parents to make decisions and inform them of the SDR process. Experiences of living with cerebral palsy and its management are centered on their routine social, psychological, and physiological challenges. Individual characteristics and attributes of CYP have an impact on how they cope with the rehabilitation burden and adjust to their changing levels of function and participation. Conclusions Although CYP reported that SDR offers them a greater ‘freedom to choose’ in how they participate in daily life, further consideration is required to meet their psychosocial needs, particularly in preparing for SDR and adjusting afterwards.

More Haptic Aircraft

This paper presents a comprehensive review of haptic feedback in light aircraft control. It provides an overview of the results and experiences gained from a previous research project focused on the design and testing of pilot haptic feedback hardware. The objective of this paper is to outline a roadmap for the future development of “More Haptic Aircraft,” incorporating principles of human-centred design into light aircraft cockpits equipped with the presented haptic feedback device. The roadmap provides general requirements for pilot-aircraft interaction and highlights three specific levels of functions. These functions aim to reduce the pilot’s workload and enhance situational awareness.

Evaluation of Variables Affecting Depression Symptoms in Seasonal Agricultural Workers

Aim: In this study, it was aimed to examine the depression and related factors of seasonal agricultural work (SAW) patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) in the light of sociodemographic data. Material and Method: The patients’ functionality levels were measured with the Global Assessment Scale (GAS) and their depression levels with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Results: Data of 47 patients, including 28 females and 19 males, were analysed. While the genders were similar in terms of mean age (p=0.809), the duration of education was higher in males (p=0.027). The presence of additional psychiatric disorders other than MDD was higher in females (p=0.027). History of alcohol and substance abuse was more common in males (p0.05). Correlation analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between GAS and BDI (r=-0.864; p

Outcomes of Patients with Lower Limb Loss after Using a Training Prosthesis: A Retrospective Case Series Study.

The aim of this retrospective case series study was to investigate outcomes in patients with lower limb loss based on whether or not they used a training prosthesis (TP) during rehabilitation. The medical records of 171 consecutive patients admitted to rehabilitation hospitalization between January 2014 and December 2018 following a major amputation of the lower limb were reviewed. Patients were categorized into two groups: patients who underwent rehabilitation with a TP and patients who did not use a TP. Outcomes (i.e., discharge destination, length of stay, number of sockets required, and number of the size adaptation of each socket, as well as functional level) were compared between groups. Of the 171 patients, 126 underwent rehabilitation with a TP, and 45 patients underwent rehabilitation without any TP. In conclusion, we found that patients who used a TP had a significantly shorter hospital length of stay when compared to those who did not. This length of stay for patients with TP was not influenced by age but was lowered by a higher body mass index (BMI), tibial instead of femoral amputation, and the male gender. No association was found between the use of TP and discharge destination, functional level, number of socket modifications, and number of sockets required.

Peritoneal Protein Loss With Time in Peritoneal Dialysis.

Longitudinal evolution of peritoneal protein loss (PPL), a reflection of hydrostatic pressure-driven leak of plasma proteins through the large-pore pathway, is not clear. Time on PD causes loss of mesothelial cells, vasculopathy, and increased thickness of the submesothelial fibrous layer. Are these structural changes associated with progressive increase of PPL, in a parallel with the rise in the D/P creatinine? The aim of the present study was to identify longitudinal changes of PPL over time. This single-center, longitudinal study included 52 peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients with a median follow-up of 26.5 months, evaluated at two different time points with a minimum interval of 6 months. Repeated measures analysis was performed using paired sample t-test or the nonparametric Wilcoxon signed-rank test, depending on the distribution. After a median interval of 15.5 months, lower levels of residual renal function and urine volume, lower Kt/V, and creatinine clearance were found. D/P creatinine and PPL were stable, but a decrease in ultrafiltration was present. Systemic inflammation, nutrition, and volume overload showed no significant change with time on PD. Analysis of a subpopulation with over 48 months between initial and subsequential assessment (n = 11) showed again no difference in inflammation, nutritional and hydration parameters from baseline, but importantly PPL decreased after more than 4 years on PD (mean difference 1.2 g/24, p = 0.033). D/P creatinine and dip of sodium remained unchanged. The absence of deleterious effects of time on PD is reassuring, pointing to the benefit of updated PD prescription, including the standard use of more biocompatible solutions towards membrane preservation and adjusted prescription avoiding overhydration and inflammation while maintaining nutritional status. After controlling for confounders, PPL may act as a biomarker of acquired venous vasculopathy, even if small pore fluid transport rates and free water transport are preserved.

Burden of disease in Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome: taking the patient's perspective.

Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) is an autoimmune-mediated neuromuscular disorder leading to muscle weakness, autonomic dysregulation and hyporeflexia. Psychosocial well-being is affected. Previously, we assessed burden of disease for Myasthenia gravis (MG). Here, we aim to elucidate burden of disease by comparing health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with LEMS to the general population (genP) as well as MG patients. A questionnaire-based survey included sociodemographic and clinical data along with standardized questionnaires, e.g. the Short Form Health (SF-36). HRQoL was evaluated through matched-pairs analyses. Participants from a general health survey served as control group. 46 LEMS patients matched by age and gender were compared to 92 controls from the genP and a matched cohort of 92 MG patients. LEMS participants showed lower levels of physical functioning (SF-36 mean 34.2 SD 28.6) compared to genP (mean 78.6 SD 21.1) and MG patients (mean 61.3 SD 31.8). LEMS patients showed lower mental health sub-scores compared to genP (SF-36 mean 62.7 SD 20.2, vs. 75.7 SD 15.1) and MG patients (SF-36 mean 62.7 SD 20.2, vs. 66.0 SD 18.). Depression, anxiety and fatigue were prevalent. Female gender, low income, lower activities of daily living, symptoms of depression, anxiety and fatigue were associated with a lower HRQoL in LEMS. HRQoL is lower in patients with LEMS compared to genP and MG in a matched pair-analysis. The burden of LEMS includes economic and social aspects as well as emotional well-being. TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION: drks.de: DRKS00024527, submitted: February 02, 2021, https://drks.de/search/en/trial/DRKS00024527 .

Effect of Application Rates of N and P Fertilizers on Soil Nematode Community Structure in Mollisols

Long-term application of chemical fertilizer poses an environmental threat to belowground ecosystems. However, the impact of nitrogen (N) or phosphorus (P) fertilizers on soil biodiversity and the conditions of soil food web remains largely unknown. Soil nematodes are the most abundant multicellular soil animals and serve as excellent bioindicators of soil. Here, we investigated soil nematode communities and food web structure in a long-term experiment with different application rates of N and P fertilizers in northeast China. The application of N and P fertilizers increased the abundance of bacterivores but suppressed the abundance of omnivores and predators. The abundance of bacterivores exhibited an increasing trend, while that of omnivores and predators showed a decreasing trend with increasing rates of N and P fertilizers. Plant parasites displayed a decreasing trend in response to N fertilizer, but not to P fertilizer. N and P fertilizers also altered nematode functional guild composition, with N fertilizer increasing the abundance of Ba1, and P fertilizer increasing the abundance of Fu2 and Ba3. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) analysis revealed apparent successions of nematode communities from no fertilizer soils to high rates of N or P fertilizer soils at both the genus and functional guild levels. Furthermore, N and P fertilizers resulted in different nematode communities. In terms of nematode food web indices, N fertilizer increased the enrichment index (EI) but reduced the channel index (CI) and structure index (SI), whereas P fertilizer only reduced the SI value. High rates of N and P fertilizers increased the respired carbon of bacterivores but reduced the respired carbon of predators. Mantel tests revealed significant correlations between soil properties and the community composition of both fungivores and omnivores. Among all soil properties, available phosphorus (AP) had the greatest influence on the community structure of soil nematodes. Our findings indicate that N fertilizer has a powerful effect on nematode food web structure, while P fertilizer exerts a stronger effect on soil nematode community composition.

Reliability Prediction of Radiation Induced Failures in Semiconductor Packages

The growth and usage of semiconductor components has risen greatly due to evolution of applications in industries such as aerospace, defense, and automotive, in both the commercial and government sectors. Among the different types of components that make their way into such applications, digital logic and memory-based devices are of prime importance due to the ever-demanding need to store and compute vast amounts of data. This brings to the forefront the reliability of such components, especially in demanding applications in aerospace and defense where components are exposed to extremely harsh environments where high performance is critical. This is where we find that reliability is largely dependent on the susceptibility of semiconductor components to radiation induced effects - total ionizing dose (TID) and single event effects (SEE). Optimization in design, process, and packaging could make microelectronics more reliable to the radiation effects. Packaging material and thickness affect the incident flux of radiation on microelectronics and can help mitigate both dose and SEE effects in electronics. Additionally, packaging materials should not generate a high flux of secondary particles when exposed to environmental radiation (an example is alpha emissions from impurities in package mold compound or underfill). In this paper, the behavior of semiconductors at the component level due to radiation effects is evaluated. A reduced order model approach is presented where the analysis is performed at the functional block level then aggregated into component. The behavioral model can be used to predict the behavior across different operating, design, and process conditions.

Quality of Life in Caregivers of Children with Cerebral Palsy in Rivers State, Nigeria

Introduction: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a common neurologic disorder which leads to physical disability in children. Children with CP require more care and attention from their care givers. Hence the quality of life (QoL) of the care givers can be adversely affected.
 Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the QoL and its determinants among caregivers of children with CP in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
 Materials and Methods: Using a convenience sampling method, a hospital based cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out, participants were 96 caregivers of children on follow up for CP. The English Version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Bref (WHOQOL-Bref) was used to evaluate the QoL of the participants. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain socio-demographic characteristic of the participants and children with CP, while the patients hospital record was used to obtain the medical history of the patients. The functional disability level of the child was measured by the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS levels I-V) scale. Multiple regression analysis was carried out to determine the predictors of the care givers QoL on all four domains of the WHOQOL-Bref.
 Results: The age of the participant ranged from 23 -58 years with a mean age of 37.67± 8.27 years. Seventy-eight (81.3%) were females, 77(80.0%) had secondary education and above while 56 (58.3%) of the patients had co-morbidity. The care givers had lower level of QoL < 60 points in all domains except for Physical Health Domain which had mean point of 61.3.
 The GMFCS level of the patients with CP and the marital status of the caregivers significantly determined the different domains of the caregivers QoL (p ≤ 0.05). Age of care giver (p 0.00), presence of comorbidity (0.03) significantly predicted the psychological domain of the QoL of the care givers. In addition, the socioeconomic class significantly predicted the environment and psychological domains of the caregivers QoL. (p < 0.05)
 Conclusion: The quality of life in caregivers of children with cerebral palsy is low. The predictors include GMFCS level of the patient, age of the care giver, marital status, presence of comorbidity and socioeconomic status. The treatment of CP should include strategies to enhance the health and quality of life of caregivers of children with the condition.

POST-OPERATIVE REHABILITATION OF A RIGHT SIDED TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY PATIENT- A CASE REPORT

Background and purpose:Osteoarthritis(OA) is a progressive degenerative condition resulting from the cartilage wear and tear that leads to knee joint deformities and functional limitations. Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has become the gold standard treatment for surgically managing knee osteoarthritis, but physical rehabilitation after surgery is critical for returning function to pre-surgery levels. The purpose of this case report is to describe the effectiveness of physical therapy intervention and report outcomes following a right TKA. Case Description:The present case report describes the 12-week outpatient physical therapy rehabilitation of an 86-year-old woman who underwent right-sided TKA. She suffered from knee pain and limited ambulating speed since three years. During outpatient rehabilitation patient received treatment for improving functional mobility, ROM, strength, and gait training. Outcomes:During course of 12 weeks of physical therapy rehabilitation improvement was seen in pain from 2/10 to 0/10 on NPRS, flexion ROM from 110degrees to 130 and strength from 3-/5 to 4/5 on MMT. Additional outcome measures that showed improvement includes Time Up and Go Test (TUG) for mobility from 16.5 to 14.97 seconds and gait speed 0.6 m/s to 0.78 m/s. She was able to accomplish both short-term and long-term goals. Discussion:This study supports that early mobilization and therapeutic exercises in post knee arthroplasty can improve functional outcomes and help patient to return to the prior level of function. Although, it is recommended that further research is needed to be done on a larger population to establish its effectiveness.

Cognitive Function and Variability in Antipsychotic Drug–Naive Patients With First-Episode Psychosis

Cognitive impairment contributes significantly to clinical outcome and level of function in individuals with psychotic disorders. These impairments are present already at psychosis onset at a group level; however, the question of heterogeneity in cognitive function among patients has not been systematically investigated. To provide an updated quantification of cognitive impairment at psychosis onset before patients receive potentially confounding antipsychotic treatment, and to investigate variability in cognitive function compared with healthy controls. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, PubMed articles were searched up to September 15, 2022. Original studies reporting data on cognitive function in antipsychotic drug-naive patients with first-episode psychosis (FEP) were included. Data were independently extracted by 2 researchers. Cognitive tasks were clustered according to 6 domains of the Measurement and Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia (MATRICS) Consensus Cognitive Battery and the domain of executive function. Random-effects model meta-analyses of mean differences and coefficient of variation ratios (CVRs) were performed, as well as meta-regressions, assessment of study quality, and publication bias. The main outcome measure was Hedges g for mean differences in cognition and CVR for within-group variability. Fifty studies were included in the analysis with a total of 2625 individuals with FEP (mean [SD] age, 25.2 [3.6] years, 60% male; 40% female) and 2917 healthy controls (mean [SD] age, 26.0 [4.6]; 55% male; 45% female). In all cognitive domains, the FEP group displayed significant impairment compared with controls (speed of processing: Hedges g = -1.16; 95% CI, -1.35 to -0.98; verbal learning: Hedges g = -1.08; 95% CI, -1.28 to -0.88; visual learning: Hedges g = -1.05; 95% CI, -1.27 to -0.82; working memory: Hedges g = -1.04; 95% CI, -1.35 to -0.73; attention: Hedges g = -1.03; 95% CI, -1.24 to -0.82; reasoning/problem solving: Hedges g = -0.90; 95% CI, -1.12 to -0.68; executive function: Hedges g = -0.88; 95% CI, -1.07 to -0.69). Individuals with FEP also exhibited a larger variability across all domains (CVR range, 1.34-1.92). Results of this systematic review and meta-analysis identified cognitive impairment in FEP before the initiation of antipsychotic treatment, with large effect sizes. The high variability within the FEP group suggests the need to identify those individuals with more severe cognitive problems who risk worse outcomes and could benefit the most from cognitive remediation.

Facile Fabrication of Hollow Nanoporous Carbon Architectures by Controlling MOF Crystalline Inhomogeneity for Ultra‐Stable Na‐Ion Storage

AbstractHollow nanoporous carbon architectures (HNCs) present significant utilitarian value for a wide variety of applications. Facile and efficient preparation of HNCs has long been pursued but still remains challenging. Herein, we for the first time demonstrate that single‐component metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) crystals, rather than the widely reported hybrid ones which necessitate tedious operations for preparation, could enable the facile and versatile syntheses of functional HNCs. By controlling the growth kinetics, the MOFs crystals (STU‐1) are readily engineered into different shapes with designated styles of crystalline inhomogeneity. A subsequent one‐step pyrolysis of these MOFs with intraparticle difference can induce a simultaneous self‐hollowing and carbonization process, thereby producing various functional HNCs including yolk‐shell polyhedrons, hollow microspheres, mesoporous architectures, and superstructures. Superior to the existing methods, this synthetic strategy relies only on the complex nature of single‐component MOFs crystals without involving tedious operations like coating, etching, or ligand exchange, making it convenient, efficient, and easy to scale up. An ultra‐stable Na‐ion battery anode is demonstrated by the HNCs with extraordinary cyclability (93 % capacity retention over 8000 cycles), highlighting a high level of functionality of the HNCs.

A Comparison of Outcomes in Acute Perilunate Injuries: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Treatment Approaches.

Perilunate dislocations (PLD) and fracture-dislocations (PLFD) comprise a spectrum of high-energy wrist injuries. The purpose of this review was to review operative strategies for perilunate injuries based on approach and compare outcomes. A systematic review of literature on PLD and fracture-dislocations was carried out according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). PubMed and EMBASE databases were queried for literature. Inclusion criteria included English studies reporting clinical or functional outcomes of acute PLD and PLFD. Twenty-nine full-text articles (604 PLD and PLFD injuries) were included. The most common method of PLD and PLFD fixation is through an open approach with combined volar and dorsal exposure. There were no differences between approaches with regard to total arc range of motion, grip strength, Mayo Wrist Score, or mean scapholunate angle. Similarly, there was no difference between approaches and postoperative radiographic arthritis or complications. Most patients were able to return to their prior level of function and work. The incidence of postoperative complications ranged from 0% to 22.5%. Current evidence shows no difference in postoperative total wrist arc range of motion, grip strength (as compared to contralateral), or Mayo Wrist Score with regard to surgical approach. The most common method of PLD and PLFD fixation in the literature is through an open approach with combined volar and dorsal exposure. There is a large difference in reported rates of radiographic arthritis, although this finding does not appear to correlate with postoperative pain or disability. I, Systematic Review.

Facile Fabrication of Hollow Nanoporous Carbon Architectures by Controlling MOF Crystalline Inhomogeneity for Ultra-Stable Na-Ion Storage.

Hollow nanoporous carbon architectures (HNCs) present significant utilitarian value for a wide variety of applications. Facile and efficient preparation of HNCs has long been pursued but still remains challenging. Herein, we for the first time demonstrate that single-component metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) crystals, rather than the widely reported hybrid ones which necessitate tedious operations for preparation, could enable the facile and versatile syntheses of functional HNCs. By controlling the growth kinetics, the MOFs crystals (STU-1) are readily engineered into different shapes with designated styles of crystalline inhomogeneity. A subsequent one-step pyrolysis of these MOFs with intraparticle difference can induce a simultaneous self-hollowing and carbonization process, thereby producing various functional HNCs including yolk-shell polyhedrons, hollow microspheres, mesoporous architectures, and superstructures. Superior to the existing methods, this synthetic strategy relies only on the complex nature of single-component MOFs crystals without involving tedious operations like coating, etching, or ligand exchange, making it convenient, efficient, and easy to scale up. An ultra-stable Na-ion battery anode is demonstrated by the HNCs with extraordinary cyclability (93 % capacity retention over 8000 cycles), highlighting a high level of functionality of the HNCs.

Transcranial direct current stimulation for chronic headaches, a randomized, controlled trial.

Chronic headaches are a frequent cause of pain and disability. The purpose of this randomized trial was to examine whether transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) applied to the primary motor cortex, reduces pain and increases daily function in individuals suffering from primary chronic headache. A prospective, randomized, controlled trial, where participants and assessors were blinded, investigated the effect of active tDCS vs. sham tDCS in chronic headache sufferers. Forty subjects between 18 and 70 years of age, with a diagnosis of primary chronic headache were randomized to either active tDCS or sham tDCS treatment groups. All patients received eight treatments over four consecutive weeks. Anodal stimulation (2 mA) directed at the primary motor cortex (M1), was applied for 30 min in the active tDCS group. Participants in the sham tDCS group received 30 s of M1 stimulation at the start and end of the 30-minute procedure; for the remaining 29 min, they did not receive any stimulation. Outcome measures based on data collected at baseline, after eight treatments and three months later included changes in daily function, pain levels, and medication. Significant improvements in both daily function and pain levels were observed in participants treated with active tDCS, compared to sham tDCS. Effects lasted up to 12 weeks post-treatment. Medication use remained unchanged in both groups throughout the trial with no serious adverse effects reported. These results suggest that tDCS has the potential to improve daily function and reduce pain in patients suffering from chronic headaches. Larger randomized, controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings. The study was approved by the local ethics committee (2018/2514) and by the Norwegian Centre for Research Data (54483).

Measuring the impact of information and communication technology investment on the profitability of Indian manufacturing MSME

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the impact of information and communication technology (ICT) investment on the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) profitability in the Indian context.Design/methodology/approachThis study used a framework based on the ICT investment and firm size, measuring the impact on profit before depreciation, interest, tax and amortisation of MSME by taking a random sampling of 300 Indian MSME manufacturing firm’s secondary data from the Prowess database. This framework was analysed using the design of experiment (DoE) technique.FindingsThe study showed that ICT investment has a significant positive relationship with profitability. This study examines the different ICT investment levels to predict investment strategies and fine-tune profit targets. The critical finding is that ICT investment maximises profit at one million rupees. This discovery aids MSME leaders’ sustainable business decision-making.Research limitations/implicationsThis study has an explicit limit to the Indian context, where the firm requirements of countries are different, and these findings need to be validated with many operating variables and applied to more firms with more data. Even so, as a theoretical implication, this study took a novel approach to ICT adoption (through ICT investment) in the Indian MSME sector with guiding levels of ICT investment for each type of firm (i.e. micro, small and medium). This study opens new avenues for investigating researchers and stakeholders by exploring other factors responsible for ICT adoption.Practical implicationsThis study uniquely provides practitioners with the functional level of ICT investment for MSMEs in the Indian context. These finding guides top management to make strategic ICT adoption decisions with information symmetry. At the same time, these findings suggest financial institutions astern their credit programme to provide credit for ICT investment in MSMEs.Social implicationsThis study highlights the value of ICT as a practical resource for business owners that significantly makes MSMEs more informed and profitable, thus creating more jobs and incrementing the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).Originality/valueThis study offers unique empirical findings on how decision makers in MSMEs maximise profits through optimal ICT investment levels depending upon the firm size in an emerging economy like India. There is evidence in the study to conclude that ICT is a need of MSME and has implications for firm performance.