Goal Of Program Research Articles

An Evaluation of the Transfer of Skills and Knowledge from Two World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists Fellowship Programs.

Subspecialist training is an important part of developing human resources for health and for some learners, may require taking place in another, higher-resourced country. Despite effective learning of skills and knowledge in a different, more highly resourced context, transfer of these skills and knowledge back to a more poorly resourced context can be a challenge. We aimed to evaluate the transfer of skills and knowledge in 2 World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists (WFSA) fellowship programs. This qualitative program evaluation study, guided by Guskey's evaluation framework, used in-depth interviews of both faculty and graduates of the 2 fellowship programs. Interviews were conducted remotely, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using qualitative content and pattern analysis. We interviewed 2 administrators, 10 faculty members, 17 graduated fellows, and 3 graduated fellows now in the role of faculty member in that fellowship. Key themes were barriers and enablers to the transfer of skills, including workplace and staffing, resources, mentorship, the interprofessional team, and leadership. Graduated fellows were able to have an impact on returning home in the areas of practice and service development, research, and teaching. Our study found that the 2 fellowship programs had variable success in the transfer of learned skills and knowledge back to the fellows' "home" institutions. Contextual differences between the fellowship institution and the home institution were the main source of barriers to transfer, and fellows from different countries had diverse needs. Supporting the transfer of knowledge and skills should be an explicit goal of these fellowship programs, and as such, should be considered in the recruitment of fellows, curriculum development, and in how the success of a fellowship is evaluated. Curricula should not just focus on medical knowledge and skills, but also skills in leading change and in education.

Development and Validation of the "Program to Promote Positive Nursing Practice Environments": Modified Delphi Study.

Positive nursing practice environments benefit clients, professionals, and institutions, specifically for professionals, by improving professional visibility, recognition, retention intentions, well-being, commitment, job satisfaction, and reducing stress and burnout. Clients experience better quality care, safety, satisfaction, engagement, and fewer care omissions. Institutions favored reduced absenteeism and turnover, improved efficiency, lower costs, and better health outcomes. This study aimed to document the development of the "Program to Promote Positive Nursing Practice Environments" and analyze expert perceptions to reach a consensus. Using a two-round modified online Delphi technique with 22 experts, we examined perspectives on the program's goals, duration, organization, and content. Initial feedback showed agreement on the program's duration but mixed opinions on the number and length of sessions due to concerns about participant workload and fatigue. Adjustments led to a strong consensus and positive feedback on the program's coverage of essential nursing practice environment constructs. The program includes sessions on client, professional, and institutional dynamics, focusing on key attributes and outcomes for fostering positive nursing environments. By equipping nurses with knowledge and skills, the program aims to enhance work environments effectively. These findings provide a substantial advancement in the field, offering a robust framework for future initiatives.

Early Adopters: Navigating AI Integration in Special Education Teacher Preparation

Exploring the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in education is important as it challenges traditional teaching practices and shapes how educators may approach them in the future. In this article, we document the transformative integration of AI in special education teacher preparation, highlighting how we, as early adopter professors, attempted to navigate this journey, offering practical applications for AI use. Practical applications of generative AI tools include aligning course objectives, developing modules, and creating assignments and assessment measures. Additionally, we describe innovative uses for AI, such as incorporating chatbots in teacher preparation courses, navigating curriculum development, generating case studies, and aligning individualized education program (IEP) goals with curricular standards. We also explore how AI can be employed as a reflective coaching tool for teaching practice. Ethical considerations are emphasized, focusing on transparent communication about AI use and documenting the learning process to humanize assessment experiences and mitigate potential risks.

Abstract P316: Beyond the Cuff: Revolutionizing Hypertension Care through Human-Centered Design and Tech-Driven Solutions in an Urban Community Health Center

Community Health Centers serve populations burdened with cardiovascular disease due to social determinants of health, necessitating innovative solutions in resource-limited environments. Wi-Fi/Bluetooth-enabled home blood pressure monitors have emerged as clinical tools for diagnosing, monitoring, and managing hypertension. The real time data enables timely interventions by care teams of patients being monitored. A multifaceted approach beyond clinic settings, supported by digital tools, can help reduce healthcare costs by preventing avoidable emergency room visits. We posited that implementing a self-monitored blood pressure (SMBP) program, supplemented by holistic, human-centered patient coaching and feedback, in a community health center setting would enhance patient engagement, medication adherence, and hypertension control. We designed and piloted a small SMBP program using Bluetooth-enabled blood pressure devices, targeting adult patients with documented uncontrolled blood pressure seen in our health centers in a 6- month window. This was further augmented by a holistic, human-centered individual and group-level coaching session. Patients enrolled in the SMBP program received comprehensive education on hypertension, including medication management and lifestyle changes, as well as data-driven feedback on their blood pressure profiles during virtual group and individual outreach sessions. The program's goals were to increase patient engagement in their care, adherence to interventions, leading to better blood pressure control. Results were significant: 22 of 32 participants graduated, achieving improved blood pressure control with medication and lifestyle changes. Average reductions of 17 mmHg in systolic and 6 mmHg in diastolic blood pressure were noted after being in the program for an average of three months. Among the graduates, 50% required medication intensification, and 60% adopted lifestyle changes, indicating the program's effectiveness. Our pilot affirmed the efficacy of utilizing digital solutions and integrated strategies to improve hypertension control and empower patients to make timely changes with data feedback. The key findings from our pilot led to the expansion of the SMBP program to serve a larger cohort of patients in our clinic. This underscores the critical role of patient engagement, technology integration, and an integrated approach to care in improving hypertension management, particularly in underserved communities.

Education Research: The Current Landscape of Clinician Educator Tracks in Adult Neurology Residency Programs: A National Survey of Program Directors.

As the concept of a clinician-educator (CE) evolves and the multiple competencies of the role become better defined, there seems to be a growing need for targeted training for clinicians pursuing a career in medical education. This study aims to describe the current state of CE tracks in adult neurology residency programs and to identify the barriers to implementation, potential solutions, and program goals and outcomes. We characterized CE tracks using 2 methods. First, we reviewed the websites of all US adult neurology residency programs to determine the availability of a CE track and its characteristics. Second, we administered a 20-item survey to program directors (PDs) of all US neurology residency programs, with questions focused on track availability, characteristics, perceived benefits of CE tracks on resident career development, barriers to implementation, and ideas for national initiatives that may facilitate track development or improvement. Fifty-eight of 177 (33%) PDs responded to the survey. Combining the results of the website reviews and surveys, we found that 34 of 179 (19%) programs have CE tracks. Seventy percent of PDs felt that CE tracks are very impactful or impactful for participating residents' careers, a perception more common among PDs of programs with tracks. The greatest perceived benefit was in preparing residents for educational leadership roles. The greatest barriers to implementation were a lack of teaching faculty, a lack of resources, and limited resident time. The highest ranked idea for a national initiative that can facilitate track development was live and recorded lectures on medical education topics. Although most PDs surveyed agreed that CE tracks are impactful for preparing residents as teachers and education leaders, such tracks are available in only 19% of adult neurology residency programs. PDs report that the benefits of CE tracks extend beyond the participants, with implications for the health of the residency program and the neurology department. While some programs have significant barriers to implementation, national initiatives may help reduce the resource burden on individual programs. Future areas of study include assessing the development and outcomes of national initiatives and analyzing the outcomes associated with CE tracks.

Impact of Educational Placement on the Goal Attainment Outcomes of K-6 Students With Complex Needs Across Academic and Social-Behavioral-Communication Domains.

Students with complex support needs have intense and frequent support needs for learning and participating across multiple domains. Addressing those needs in a comprehensive manner is the purpose of special education, which is accomplished through instructional and Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals. Yet simply setting goals is insufficient; to facilitate positive student outcomes, there is an inherent expectation that students will meet those goals to achieve their potential. Understanding factors that impact variability in goal attainment is essential to this purpose. This includes the extent to which variability in goal attainment is explained by factors varying within students (e.g., goal domains being targeted) or by factors varying between students (e.g., education placement, overall intensity of student support needs). Using Bayesian multi-level modeling analysis to examine the instructional goals of 53 elementary students with complex support needs, we found that 75% of variability in goal attainment exists within student's goals. However, 25% of variability is explained by factors that vary across students-in this case, educational placement and overall intensity of support needs. We conclude with recommendations for research and practice aimed at enhancing goal attainment for students with complex support needs.

Summer bridge program characteristics and outcomes at institutions within the southeastern region of the United States

BackgroundIn response to the effort to increase minority enrollment in college science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) majors, STEM summer bridge programs were created to help minorities with the transition from high school to college with the long-term goal of increasing the diversity of professionals in STEM. The goal of this research is to collect and examine STEM summer bridge program information for institutions in the southeastern region of the United States. The institutions chosen for review have obtained accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The states include Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.ResultsThis study conducted a manual search via institution websites that resulted 107 non-STEM and 77 STEM summer bridge programs that have published reports as well as those who have not published reports to the extent that the information is documented and available. A survey was sent to collect information such as individual program characteristics and program goals. There were 25 non-STEM and 28 STEM summer bridge program respondents. The responses of program goals to the specific programs were compared to manual search results.ConclusionsThe results show a need for more published reports for summer bridge programs, especially ones that target incoming freshmen in the STEM majors. Comparing the program goals from the survey and the manual search resulted in inconsistencies. This can be implied that the summer bridge program websites need to be more explicit program goals and be kept up to date. By doing this, applicants can interpret the benefits of participating in the summer bridge program.

The Use of Digitalization Technology In The Cirebon City Resort Police To Fulfill Services To The Community

This journal is entitled The Use of Digitalization Technology in the Cirebon City Resort Police to Fulfill Services to the Community. Technological developments have brought changes in the public service process, including in the preparation of Police Record Certificates (SKCK). The introduction of the PRESISI POLRI application as an online platform for the creation of SKCK has increased the efficiency and accessibility of services. This research aims to be a means and forum for information in online SKCK making services to increase public trust in police institutions and optimize performance in law enforcement as a form of improving the quality of public services and realizing integrated Porli public services. This study uses a qualitative method through a descriptive approach by taking the research location at the Cirebon City Resort Police. The data collection technique involves triangulation, which is the combination of several methods such as observation, interviews and documentation. The results of this study have four dimensions to measure effectiveness, namely the accuracy of program goals, program socialization, program objectives and program monitoring. The results of this study show that the effectiveness of the SKCK making program through the PRESISI Application has not been fully effective. Socialization of the application is still not optimal, causing some people to not understand or use the application. The evaluation of the effectiveness of the program showed that while the application has been successful in achieving the accuracy of the goals and monitoring of the program, there are still shortcomings in the socialization and achievement of the program objectives. This research highlights the need for further efforts in wider and sustainable socialization, as well as increased efficiency in the process of making online SKCK

Effectiveness of the Application of the Integrated Population Information System (Sintren) in the Issuance of Death Certificates at the Population and Civil Registration Office of Cirebon Regency

The Integrated Population Information System (SINTREN) is a collection of actions to organize and distribute death certificate documents and population data electronically or via the internet using existing technology, communication, and information facilities. The SINTREN system is used with the aim of providing convenience in population administration services related to death certificates in Cirebon Regency. This research aims to review whether the management of the application or website is able to cut the distance and time of users to be more efficient. The research employs a qualitative approach through observation, documentation, and observations, with a particular focus on informants who were directly involved in the application of the SINTEREN application for issuing death certificates. Data analysis was conducted using Budiani's theory of effectiveness, which includes evaluating the accuracy of program goals, the effectiveness of program socialization, the achievement of program objectives, and the monitoring mechanisms in place. The study contributes by analyzing and interpreting data collected from various sources, providing insights into its implementation, functionality, and impact on improving population and civil registration services. This study could help identify areas for improvement, enhance system efficiency, and inform future policy decisions regarding population information management in the region.

PRESCHOOL PEDAGOGY AND TEACHING PRACTICES IN THE INCLUSIVE CLASSROOMS: A RESEARCH STUDY ACCORDING TO THE CURRICULUM PROGRAM IN GREECE

<p>The Curriculum forms the common framework for organizing learning in kindergarten based on certain principles. Preschool education, in the light of the development of basic abilities, is aligned with the principles of holistic development and learning adopted by the Curriculum. It is important that preschool teachers understand the core knowledge areas, concepts, and skills that are sought to be developed so that they can approach them holistically and dynamically. The purpose of this study is to investigate the views and educational practices of kindergarten teachers regarding the teaching plans and learning situations they organize in their inclusive classrooms in order to respond to the needs and capabilities of kindergarten children. It is a qualitative research, with the methodological tool of semi-structured interviews, in a sample of forty (40) kindergarten teachers from the regional unit of Epirus. Kindergarten teachers answered questions regarding: investigations, errors as a pedagogical tool, the learning situations they organize taking into account characteristics of the game, inclusive education in kindergarten, differentiated teaching and learning and the opportunities they create for intercultural communication. From the analysis and interpretation of the interviews, it is clear that the kindergarten teachers wish to harmoniously combine theory with practice and that inclusive education in kindergarten is a practical approach to diversity as an element that unifies and enriches the learning experience. However, the findings of the research also highlighted the need for teachers for training and further information on teaching methodology and practical application as well as the need to reframe and redefine the goals of the Analytical Study Programs in the direction of forming a high-quality modern school.</p><p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0770/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Rationalizing the Mathematics Requirements for a Master of Biostatistics Program: A Case Study and Commentary

Within a 2-year Master of Biostatistics program, we reconsidered the mathematics requirements for admission, and also the premise that the most distinguishing feature of a top candidate is deep exposure to mathematics. Our assessment took place within a broad curriculum review intended to enhance alignment: aligning programmatic goals with job skills, aligning the use of mathematics within our curriculum with programmatic goals, aligning our admission criteria with our curriculum, and aligning our application materials with these admission criteria. We developed a specific list of mathematical skills required by the curriculum, and are revising the application materials to include self-report on applicant's exposure to and functional mastery of those skills. We illustrate how functional mastery is operationally defined. Our criteria for identifying top candidates was broadened to include those with especial skills in analytics, biology and/or communication (i.e., the three conceptual pillars of our program). Deep mathematical training is one of many ways to become a top candidate. Within STEM fields such as biostatistics, and despite the commonly held assumption that admission criteria should emphasize depth of mathematical training, a systematic analysis suggests that this assumption imposes a gratuitous requirement on applicants. Reconsidering this assumption can help remove unnecessary barriers, reduce challenges, and support success for aspiring or emerging biostatisticians from diverse or multifaceted backgrounds. It is one way to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable learning environment in our STEM discipline. We believe similar programs might benefit from performing this type of analysis and reflection.

Transferring knowledge and skills from an international collaborative nursing educational program to clinical practice: A qualitative study

BackgroundThe effective transfer of knowledge and skills is the primary goal of nursing education. Despite this, little is known about how knowledge and skills gained through international collaborative nursing educational programs is applied by nurses. ObjectivesTo describe the experiences of knowledge and skills transfer among nursing graduates from an international collaborative educational program to their clinical practice and ongoing study. MethodsA qualitative design was employed for this study. In 2023, fifteen interviews were conducted with nursing graduates from a Chinese-Swedish collaborative nursing educational program at Lishui University in eastern China. Directed content analysis was utilized to analyze the interview data. ResultsNursing graduates gained both knowledge and skills that surpassed the educational goals of the international collaborative program. Throughout the application and transfer of knowledge and skills, participants reported both positive and negative experiences. Notably, a gap persisted between basic nursing theoretical knowledge and clinical practice. Additionally, deficiencies were identified in the transfer of nursing research knowledge, indicating areas for improvement in future nursing education. ConclusionThe findings suggest that knowledge and skills from an international collaborative nursing educational program can be successfully transferred to clinical nursing practice and postgraduate study. However, addressing the gap between theoretical knowledge and practice, particularly in updated basic nursing knowledge and practice, is essential. Furthermore, there is a need to enhance awareness and attitudes towards nursing research among nurses, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning.

Psychologists aspiring to leadership positions in public sector health care.

Psychologists are well-positioned to take on leadership roles in health care systems as a result of the broad-based skills included in doctoral level, professional training programs. These include knowledge of evidence-based practice, extensive training in applied research and clinical practice, emphasis on critical thinking in scientific methods and hypothesis testing, teaching, supervision, team consultation, and continuous learning (APA Presidential Task Force on Evidence-Based Practice, 2006; Korman, 1974; McFall, 2007). Formal opportunities to learn how to apply these skills in leadership and organizational management roles are, however, limited during graduate training. There have been recent efforts within the American Psychological Association to foster interest and readiness for leadership roles among psychologists. These efforts have included a leadership development fellowship, on-demand webinars, and online learning for continuing education (American Psychological Association, 2023). The content of these training opportunities is typically general in nature so that it can be applied to all types of organizational settings. Psychologists interested in leadership positions within public sector health care organizations are likely to benefit from information that aligns more specifically with the mission and organizational structures of such systems. This article presents a conceptual framework to prepare psychologists aspiring to leadership positions in public sector health care. Leadership theories and models from organizational management science are outlined which capture the context and organizational goals of such programs. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Development of a Multifaceted Program for Pharmacogenetics Adoption at an Academic Medical Center: Practical Considerations and Lessons Learned.

In 2019, Indiana University launched the Precision Health Initiative to enhance the institutional adoption of precision medicine, including pharmacogenetics (PGx) implementation, at university-affiliated practice sites across Indiana. The overarching goal of this PGx implementation program was to facilitate the sustainable adoption of genotype-guided prescribing into routine clinical care. To accomplish this goal, we pursued the following specific objectives: (i) to integrate PGx testing into existing healthcare system processes; (ii) to implement drug-gene pairs with high-level evidence and educate providers and pharmacists on established clinical management recommendations; (iii) to engage key stakeholders, including patients to optimize the return of results for PGx testing; (iv) to reduce health disparities through the targeted inclusion of underrepresented populations; (v) and to track third-party reimbursement. This tutorial details our multifaceted PGx implementation program, including descriptions of our interventions, the critical challenges faced, and the major program successes. By describing our experience, we aim to assist other clinical teams in achieving sustainable PGx implementation in their health systems.

Maryland's Global Budget Revenue Program and Equitable Access to Esophagectomy for Esophageal Cancer

IntroductionWe evaluated equity in access to esophagectomy after Maryland's 2014 “Global Budget Revenue” (GBR) implementation, which equalizes reimbursement rates irrespective of patient insurance and employs an annual hospital revenue ceiling to incentivize reductions in unnecessary resource utilization. We hypothesized that more traditionally underserved patients would undergo surgical treatment for esophageal cancers after GBR. MethodsUsing Maryland's Health Services Cost Review Commission database, we retrospectively analyzed patient demographics, insurance statuses, inflation-adjusted hospital charges, postoperative outcomes, and discharge dispositions for esophagectomies for neoplasms between 2012 and 2018. ResultsFour hundred eighty six patients were included: 22.0% (107) pre-GBR and 78.0% (379) post-GBR. The proportion of African-American patients increased post-GBR (5.6% versus 12.9%, P = 0.035) and subsequently exhibited year-over-year increases. While not statistically significant, the proportion of Medicaid patients increased from 4.7% to 10.0% (P = 0.085). The post-GBR era also saw patients from 10 new counties, six of which were in Maryland's bottom half of counties ranked by median household income, receive operative esophageal cancer treatment without losing representation from pre-GBR counties. Patient age and sex were comparable between the two groups, and there were no significant differences in mortality or 30-day readmissions. Inflation-adjusted hospital charges and length of hospital stay did not appreciably change post-GBR, including after adjusting for age, comorbidities, and surgical approach. ConclusionsGBR increased access to esophagectomy for African-Americans, those insured by Medicaid, and those from lower socioeconomic status counties. Contrary to prior studies of outpatient and emergency room settings, we found the GBR program's goal of reduction of resource utilization and cost were not apparent in this complex surgical population.

Investigating the implementation challenges of the research doctoral program and providing related solutions: a qualitative study

BackgroundDoctoral programs have consistently garnered the attention of policymakers in medical education systems due to their significant impact on the socio-economic advancement of countries. Therefore, various doctoral programs have been implemented with diverse goals. In Iran, a research doctorate program, known as PhD by Research, was introduced primarily to engage in applied research related to healthcare needs. Nevertheless, the achievement of the program’s goals has been questioned. This study aimed to identify the implementation challenges of the Research Doctorate Program and its solutions in Iran.MethodThis descriptive qualitative study followed the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research: A Synthesis of Recommendations and was conducted in two steps. Firstly, the challenges of the Iranian Ph.D. by research program were identified through the perspectives of the program’s students and graduates. In the second step, relevant solutions to these challenges were determined by focus groups of key informant experts. The transcripts were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.ResultsFive students and six graduates were interviewed in the first step and seven experts participated in the second one. The challenges and related solutions are explored in four main themes, including: (1) admission criteria, (2) program goals and expected outcomes, (3) curricula, and (4) financial and human resources. The study showed that various dimensions of the doctoral program are not aligned with each other and how to adapt the program in these dimensions.ConclusionThe study revealed the importance of a systematic approach in defining various dimensions of doctoral programs according to program goals and provided specific solutions for defining a research doctorate program in the context of a low- and middle-income country.

Soil solarisation delivers near zero levels of Fusarium pseudograminearum in cereal crown rot reference sites

The development of commercial varieties that are resistant or tolerant to crown rot caused by Fusarium species is an important goal for cereal breeding programs internationally. Ideally, this research requires experimental sites that are initially free from Fusarium in order to establish treatment plots that compare growth in the presence and absence of these soil- and stubble-borne pathogens. Specifically, the assessment of tolerance requires control plots free of disease to determine the reduction in crop yield in plots where the disease is present. The ability of soil solarisation to reduce the background Fusarium pseudograminearum level occurring at experimental sites in comparison to current stubble management techniques was investigated across three field trials at Wellcamp in Queensland. Stubble from a susceptible durum (Triticum turgidum ssp. durum) cultivar inoculated with F. pseudograminearum was incorporated by cultivation into the trial sites to establish a significant background level of inoculum prior to the application of all subsequent treatment plots. In these trials, solarisation over a period of twelve weeks reduced the presence of F. pseudograminearum to low detection levels when compared to the traditional crown rot management techniques of cultivation or growth of the non-host cover crops mungbean (Vigna radiata) and soybean (Glycine max). No negative effects of solarisation were observed on a subsequent crop of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum), with significantly higher yields observed in the solarised treatments. Solarisation has the potential to deliver near zero level crown rot reference sites for experimental purposes in one short application between cropping seasons.

(Invited) U.S. Department of Energy’s Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Perspectives

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is supporting a comprehensive research, development, demonstration, and deployment (RDD&D) effort to address the challenges to achieving large-scale commercial viability of hydrogen and related technologies across sectors and applications. An overview will be provided on DOE’s Hydrogen Program, including the National Clean Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap, and key priorities within the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which includes $8 billion for the Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs and $1.5 billion for the Clean Hydrogen Electrolysis, Manufacturing and Recycling Programs. The presentation will discuss how hydrogen RDD&D activities are advancing the U.S. commitment to tackle the climate crisis through the DOE Hydrogen Program’s H2@Scale vision for clean hydrogen across the economy, and the Hydrogen Energy Earthshot; seeking to cut the cost of clean hydrogen to $1 per 1 kilogram in one decade. A focus of this presentation will be on low temperature electrolysis activities led by DOE’s Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office and will include a discussion on current status, key targets, and remaining challenges that need to be addressed to meet Clean Hydrogen Electrolysis Program and Hydrogen Shot goals.

(Invited) Strategic Cutoff Potential Selection Enables Safe and Long Cycle Life Li4Ti5O12/LiNi0.9Mn0.05Co0.05O2 Batteries for Behind-the-Meter Storage Applications

Behind-the-meter storage (BTMS) encompasses storage and distribution systems that bypass the electric grid. For example, energy stored in BTMS stationary batteries can be used for various purposes including electric vehicle charging or lowering the cooling load demands for large buildings. Many previous studies have focused on Li4Ti5O12/LiMn2O4 (LTO/LMO) batteries for BTMS applications1–3 rather than the more conventional electric vehicles comprised of graphite anodes paired with LiFePO4 or layered oxide materials. LTO/LMO batteries are appropriate for BTMS because they provide a favorable balance of cost, safety, and cycle life, which are the most important criteria for BTMS batteries. LTO’s minimal strain, high operating voltage, and relatively earth abundant materials promote cyclability, safety, and reasonable cost.4 LMO is very attractive to pair with LTO for BTMS applications due to abundancy of Mn, safety, and relatively high operating voltage to enable a higher voltage when paired with LTO.5 While LTO/LMO fulfills many requirements for BTMS applications, the high voltage of LTO and the low capacity of LMO limit energy density and specific energy. Improving energy density has the potential to decrease cost in addition to enabling a smaller battery footprint for space-constrained BTMS applications.With the goal of increasing the cathode capacity at high voltage to improve the BTMS battery energy density relative to LTO/LMO, we investigated LTO paired with LiNi0.90Mn0.05Co0.05O2 (NMC90-5-5). We selected NMC90-5-5 for its low Co content to minimize the impact of the cost volatility and supply chain challenges with Co in accordance with BTMS program goals. We investigated long term cycle life and rate capability of LTO/NMC90-5-5 coin cells with two different N/P ratios and two different charge termination potentials. Without the risk of Li plating at high LTO potentials, the cathode can be safely oversized in LTO systems (N/P < 1) such that the excess cathode capacity provides additional Li inventory to overcome losses during cycling and enables longer cycle life. We compared cells fabricated with N/P < 1 with N/P > 1 and we found that cells with N/P < 1 provided higher cell capacity during 1000 cycle tests. We also varied the full cell termination charge potential (2.6 V versus 2.7 V) for each N/P condition. While the 2.7 V termination potential enabled higher capacity, the 2.6 V termination enabled more stable cycling during 1000 cycle tests. Furthermore, because high Ni content layered oxide systems typically exhibit safety challenges,6,7 we also fabricated 18650 LTO/NMC90-5-5 full cells for accelerating rate calorimetry (ARC) testing. ARC testing revealed a significantly lower heating rate as well as a higher temperature where the max heating rate occurred for cells cycled to 2.6 V versus 2.7 V. These data suggest that the termination potential in NMC90-5-5 is critical for optimizing these cathodes for the long cycle life and safety required for BTMS applications.This work was authored in part by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, operated by Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC, for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) under Contract No. DE-AC36-08GO28308. This work was performed, in part, at Sandia National Laboratories, a multi-mission laboratory managed and operated by National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC (NTESS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Honeywell International Inc., for the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA) under contract DE-NA0003525. Funding was provided by the U.S. Department of Energy's Vehicle Technologies Office under the Behind-the-Meter Storage (BTMS) Consortium directed by Samuel Gillard and managed by Anthony Burrell. The electrodes used in this manuscript are from Argonne's Cell Analysis, Modeling and Prototyping (CAMP) Facility, which is fully supported by the DOE Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO). The views expressed in the article do not necessarily represent the views of the DOE or the U.S. Government. The U.S. Government retains and the publisher, by accepting the article for publication, acknowledges that the U.S. Government retains a nonexclusive, paid-up, irrevocable, worldwide license to publish or reproduce the published form of this work, or allow others to do so, for U.S. Government purposes.(1) Y. Ha et al., Journal of The Electrochemical Society 2023, 170 (5), 050520.(2) Y. Ha et al., Journal of The Electrochemical Society 2021, 168 (11), 110536.(3) Y. Ha et al., Energy Storage Materials 2021, 38, 581–589.(4) G. Xu et al., Coordination Chemistry Reviews 2017, 343, 139–184.(5) Z. Radzi et al. Journal of Electroanalytical Chemistry 2022, 116623.(6) L. Gan et al., Applied Physics Letters 2022, 121 (20).(7) J. Lamb et al., Journal of The Electrochemical Society 2021, 168 (6), 060516.

Six-Year Examination of the Scholarship and Awards Program of the International Association for Human Caring

The Scholarship and Awards Committee of the International Association for Human Caring continues to live the organization’s mission of disseminating caring research throughout the globe. The committee’s success is visible in the many scholarships and awards granted since its inauguration and by increasing the number of scholarships and awards. Committee members created a survey to evaluate recipients’ perspectives on programmatic goals and assess the committee’s efforts. Thirteen recipients responded. The respondents appreciated the support gained from the scholarships and awards.