Good Support Research Articles

Motivation and success factors in radiological research in Germany - results of a survey by the Methodology and Research Working Group of the German Radiological Society.

Investigation of motivation and identification of success factors in radiology research in Germany.Using a German online survey (54 questions, period: 3.5 months), demographic aspects, intrinsic and extrinsic success characteristics, as well as personal and organizational success factors were surveyed based on a career success model. The survey results were reported descriptively. The correlations between success factors and success characteristics were examined using linear, binary-logistic, and multinomial regression models.176 people (164 academically active, 10 not academically active) answered the survey. Most participants (80%, 139/174) worked at a university hospital. 32% had privatdozent or professor as their highest academic title (56/173). The researchers' main motivation was intrinsic interest in research (55%, 89/163), followed by a desire to increase their own career opportunities (25%, 41/163). The following were identified as factors for intrinsic success: i) support from department management (estimate=β=0.26, p<0.001), ii) good work-life balance (β=0.37, p<0.001), and iii) the willingness to pursue science even after reaching the career goal (β=0.16, p<0.016). Relevant factors for extrinsic scientific success were mentoring, protected research time, and activities in professional societies.Researchers in German radiology are mainly intrinsically motivated. Factors known from the literature that determine intrinsic and extrinsic scientific success were confirmed in this study. Knowledge of these factors allows targeted systematic support and could thus increase scientific success in German radiology. · Main motivation for German radiology research is intrinsic interest, followed by career opportunities.. · Factors for intrinsic scientific success are good work-life balance and support by department management.. · Factors for extrinsic scientific success are mentoring, activities in professional societies, and protected research time.. · Wegner F, Heinrichs H, Stahlmann K et al. Motivation and success factors in radiological research in Germany - results of a survey by the Methodology and Research Working Group of the German Radiological Society. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2024; DOI 10.1055/a-2350-0023.

Educational Environment Management in the Perspective of Climate Change in Indonesia

Education has been managed in such a way that the maximum educational goals can be achieved. In its implementation, education is certainly inseparable from management and its surrounding environment. In management, the presence of the right strategy and a solid team is needed so that the goals can be achieved. Meanwhile, the strategy in management itself only reacts to the human-shaped environment, which is society. Both management and the school environment have strong interactions and influences on the education management process. Educational institutions' management must ensure that their methods are in line with societal demands, as social and cultural institutions have a significant impact on how the institution operates. The educational environment should be managed in such a way that the educational goals can be achieved. With good interaction and support from the community and parties related to the educational environment, it is hoped that schools will advance. In other words, good cooperation from lecturers, parents, education boards, committees, and the community around the school environment is believed to be able to develop potential and improve the quality of education.

N, S co-doped porous carbon derived from waste medical masks to support LaFexCo1-xO3 as highly effective peroxymonosulfate catalysts for degradation of tetracycline

N and S co-doped porous carbon was prepared by decorating the waste disposable medical masks (WDMM) with thioacetamide (TAA) as the N/S source and then carbonizing at high temperature, which was subsequently incorporated Co-doped LaFeO3 to obtain NSC@LaFexCo1-xO3 catalysts. The resulting catalysts were used to construct an advanced oxidation process (AOP) based on activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) to degrade tetracycline (TC) in water. The physicochemical properties of the as-obtained catalysts were characterized and environmental factors affecting the catalytic performances of NSC@LaFexCo1-xO3/PMS were systematically investigated. The results showed that N and S co-doped porous carbon derived from thioacetamide (TAA)-functionalized WDMM at high temperature could be used as good support for LaFexCo1-xO3. The synergistic effects between N/S co-doped carbon and polyvalent metals (Co2+/Co3+ and Fe3+/Fe2+) endowed NSC@LaFexCo1-xO3 with enhanced catalytic performances, in which nearly 100% of TC could be removed by NSC@LaFe0.95Co0.05O3/PMS system within 10 min under the conditions of 0.2 g/L of catalyst dose, 2.5 mmol/L of PMS concentration and 10 mg/L of initial TC concentration. Furthermore, the constructed NSC@LaFe0.95Co0.05O3/PMS system exhibited a wider pH adaptability (3.0 ∼ 10.0), good salt resistance and reusability as well as high mineralization. The mechanisms and possible pathways of TC degradation by NSC@LaFe0.95Co0.05O3/PMS system were proposed and the ecotoxicity of TC and its intermediates was also evaluated. This study demonstrated the feasible transformation of waste masks into porous carbon with high added value for water pollution control and remediation, accomplishing the dual purposes of recycling and resource utilization of waste masks and protecting the environment.

Synthesis and Characterization of Titania-Coated Hollow Mesoporous Hydroxyapatite Composites for Photocatalytic Degradation of Methyl Red Dye in Water

Hollow mesoporous hydroxyapatite (HM-HAP) composites coated with titania are prepared to increase the stability and catalytic performance of titania for azo dyes present in the wastewater system. In this work, HM-HAP particles were first synthesized by a hydrothermal method utilizing the CaCO3 core as a template and then coated with titania to form TiO2/HM-HAP composites. Utilizing SEM, XRD, XPS, BET, FTIR, EDS, UV–vis DRS spectroscopy, and point of zero charge (PZC) analysis, the coating morphological and physicochemical parameters of the produced samples were analyzed. The photocatalytic efficiency of the synthesized coated composites was assessed by the degradation of methyl red (MR) dye in water. The results indicated that TiO2/HM-HAP particles could efficiently photodegrade MR dye in water under UV irradiation. The 20% TiO2/HM-HAP coating exhibited high catalytic performance, and the degradation process was followed by the pseudo-first-order (PFO) kinetic model with a rate constant of 0.033. The effect of pH on the degradation process was also evaluated, and the maximum degradation was observed at pH 6. The analysis of degraded MR dye products was investigated using LC-MS and FTIR analysis. Finally, a good support material, HM-HAP for TiO2 coatings, which provides a large number of active adsorption sites and has catalytic degradation performance for MR dye, was revealed.

Clinical applications of a novel poly-L-lactic acid microsphere and hyaluronic acid suspension for facial depression filling and rejuvenation.

Poly L-lactic acid (PLLA) can stimulate fibrous tissue regeneration to exert a filling effect. However, severe inflammatory reactions and unsatisfactory effects remain a concern. Herein, we describe the mechanism of action, efficacy, and safety of PLLA microspheres in suspension (PLLA-b-PEG/HA) for facial contouring and soft tissue augmentation. PLLA-b-PEG/HA, ssynthesized by copolymerization with ethylene glycol, were suspended in hyaluronic acid (HA). Physiological verification was performed using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray computed tomography. PLLA-b-PEG/HA were subcutaneously injected into the dorsal region of 4-month-old rabbits. Ultrasound assessed volumetric capacity at 3 days and 1, 2, 4, and 12 weeks. The inflammatory response, collagen production, and HA degradation were evaluated. A retrospective case series of 10 patients who received PLLA-b-PEG/HA injections was conducted to assess long-term efficacy and safety. PLLA-b-PEG exhibited a spherical structure with a smooth surface (20-45 μm diameter). In rabbits, implant site volume increased within 4 weeks, gradually decreasing thereafter. Fibrous capsules, microvessel density, and new collagen fiber formation progressively increased at 4, 12, and 26 weeks after injection. Clinical data demonstrated significant improvements in face contouring at months 3 and 12 after injection. All patients showed improved internal contours based on the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale. After 12 months, 90% of the patients retained good shaping and support effects with minimal adverse reactions. PLLA-b-PEG/HA demonstrated superior biocompatibility and facial regeneration potential, with outstanding dual collagen-stimulating properties. The clinical efficacy and safety of PLLA-b-PEG/HA have been validated and established as a promising therapeutic option.

HUBUNGAN DUKUNGAN KELUARGA DENGAN KEPATUHAN DIET PASIEN DIABETES MELITUS TIPE II DIWILAYAH KERJA PUSKESMAS KURAITAJI KOTA PARIAMAN

Diabetes triggers 6.7 million deaths or 1 case every 5 seconds in sufferers. Indonesia is in fifth position for diabetes sufferers, namely 19.47 million. The study aims to determine the relationship between family support and dietary compliance of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in the Kuraitaji Health Center Work Area, Pariaman City. This type of research is descriptive analytical with a cross-sectional approach design. The population in this study were 366 Type II DM sufferers. Sampling used a random sampling technique with a total of 65 people. Data collection was carried out by documentation study and computerized data processing, using univariate and bivariate analysis. The results of the univariate analysis showed that 47 respondents (60.3%) had insufficient family support, 8 respondents (10.3%) had sufficient family support, and 23 respondents (29.5%) had good family support. Type 2 DM sufferers who had non-compliance were 47 respondents (60.3%), and compliance was 31 respondents (39.7%). The results of the bivariate analysis showed a significant relationship between family support and dietary compliance in type II diabetes mellitus patients (p-value = 0.000 ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, family support is related to the level of compliance of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus at the Kurai Taji Health Center, Pariaman City in 2022.

K-Nearest Neighbors Estimator for Functional Asymmetry Shortfall Regression

This paper deals with the problem of financial risk management using a new expected shortfall regression. The latter is based on the expectile model for financial risk-threshold. Unlike the VaR model, the expectile threshold is constructed by an asymmetric least square loss function. We construct an estimator of this new model using the k-nearest neighbors (kNN) smoothing approach. The mathematical properties of the constructed estimator are stated through the establishment of the pointwise complete convergence. Additionally, we prove that the constructed estimator is uniformly consistent over the nearest neighbors (UCNN). Such asymptotic results constitute a good mathematical support of the proposed financial risk process. Thus, we examine the easy implantation of this process through an artificial and real data. Our empirical analysis confirms the superiority of the kNN-approach over the kernel method as well as the superiority of the expectile over the quantile in financial risk analysis.

TB-BGAT With TinyBERT and BiGRU in Personalized Course Recommendations

Aiming at the problems of inadequate user feature extraction, cold start and sparse data, a personalized course recommendation algorithm that utilizes TB-BGAT is suggested. First, the Tiny Bidirectional Encoder Representation from Transformers (TinyBERT) model is utilized to output character-level word vectors; then, Bidirectional Recurrent Neural Network (BiGRU) model is utilized to obtain the embedded contextual semantic features. Finally, the attention mechanism is utilized to allocate weights to various course features by assigning their importance and to obtain the output results. The results of experiment on the publicly available dataset MOOCs-Course prove that the proposed method improves at least 3.62%, 3.04%, and 3.33% in precision, recall, and F1-score, correspondingly, in contrast to several other state-of-the-art course resource recommendation algorithms. The proposed method can enhance the effectiveness of the course recommendation model, enhance the quality of learners' online learning, and provide good technical support for online education learning platforms.

Membangun Kepuasan Kerja Optimal dan Tinjauan Terhadap Faktor yang Mempengaruhi Evaluasi Individu Mengenai Prilaku Organisasi di “Swells Barbershop Padang”

Barbershops have a long history dating back to Ancient Egypt and medieval Europe, where barbers also served as surgeons. Today, modern barbershops are not just places for haircuts but are integral to lifestyle and cultural identity, offering various additional services. Factors contributing to job satisfaction include good employee performance, management support, and stable emotional conditions. Effective emotion management and a positive mood significantly influence productivity and employee performance. Prioritized individual values include good attitudes, quality service, and consistency in service delivery. The implementation of these values is reflected in the daily actions of employees and management. Adapting to different coworker personalities and addressing operational issues like tardiness are also crucial aspects of creating a harmonious and productive work environment. The PBL activity is located in front of the Grand Zuri Hotel or next to Bakso Malang Mas Pepen, Jl. Thamrin No.8B, Alang Laweh, Kec. Padang Sel., Kota Padang, West Sumatra. With a deep understanding of these factors, barbershops can create better working environments and improve the quality of services provided to customers

Factors Associated with the Recovery of Tuberculosis Patients at the Padang City Health Center

Tuberculosis is a disease whose control is one of the global commitments in the Sustainable Development Goals. The tuberculosis cure rate in Padang City is 50.5%, which is far from the national target (85%). This low cure rate is caused by several factors. This study aims to determine the factors associated with the recovery of TB patients at the Padang City Health Center. This study is a quantitative study, with a cross sectional study design. The sample in this study were pulmonary TB patients at the Padang City Health Center, as many as 67 people selected by systematic random sampling. The results showed 53.7% of respondents had high education, 77.6% had high knowledge, 64.2% had low social status, 71.6% had affordable access, and 73.1% had good family support. There was a relationship between family support (p=0.002) and pulmonary TB cure. There was no relationship between education level (p=0.956), knowledge (p=0.774), social status (p=0.098), access to services (0.328) with pulmonary TB cure. Family support variable was the most influential variable on patient recovery (p=0.004). The results showed that patients who received family support had a chance to recover by 6 times compared to patients who did not receive family support after controlling for socioeconomic variables, attitudes, and treatment compliance. TB program holders need to improve socialization and education of patients and their families who play a role in supervising and providing support to patients. Keywords: Recovery; Patient; Tuberculosis

Dissemination of organic farming knowledge through model farmers: exploring the BioRegio Betriebsnetz in Bavaria, Germany

ABSTRACT Purpose This study explores the BioRegio Betriebsnetz (BRB) in Bavaria, a unique policy-initiated, farmer-based knowledge provider network that disseminates knowledge on organic farming and complements agricultural advisory services (AAS). This study aims to identify the characteristics and attributes critical to the successful implementation of knowledge provider networks and make recommendations based on the findings. Design/Methodology The data are based on background information from the state and an online questionnaire completed by 22 BRB farmers. Based on the questionnaire results, further in-depth interviews have been conducted among eight of the model farmers. Findings Farmers are generally satisfied with the BRB, noting the low amount of extra effort required to participate, which aligns with the network’s purpose. The excellent organization of the supervising authority and possibility of exchanging knowledge with other farmers in the BRB are deemed positive. The results have shown little demand for farmer-to-farmer talks. Practical implications Networks such as the BRB require thoughtful selection of model farmers, low levels of bureaucracy while providing good support, and consideration of the local agricultural context. Theoretical implications The paper presents an expanded view of knowledge transfer through model farmers in the context of farmer-to-farmer talks. It also identifies the necessary factors for the successful introduction of a knowledge provider network. Novelty/Significance of the study The BRB is unique in its design and structure, providing new insights into building knowledge provider networks.

Ventral Onlay Buccal Mucosa Graft Urethroplasty for Female Urethral Stricture: Medium-term Results in a Single Surgeon Experience

ObjectiveTo describe our own approach using buccal mucosal grafting and to assess the outcome of this approach. Materials and MethodsA total of 42 patients underwent ventral onlay BMG by a single surgeon between 2017 and 2022. A longitudinal incision along the length of the urethra was made through the anterior vaginal wall and the peri-urethral fascia was incised to create two flaps. This ventral urethrotomy ran from the meatus into the proximal health urethra above the level of the stricture.A buccal mucosal graft was harvested and sutured to the margins of the urethral mucosa itself and the flaps of peri-urethral fascia. The vaginal wall was then closed. ResultsThe mean age of the patients was 53.6 ± 12.8 years. There were no perioperative or postoperative complications. At a mean follow-up of 38.1 months, 41 patients (98%) were stricture-free. Peak flow rate improved from a mean of 7.7 ± 3.2 ml/s preoperatively to 25.9 ± 5.9 ml/s postoperatively. No patient developed incontinence. One patient developed a recurrent urethral stricture which was treated by redo urethroplasty. ConclusionsThe surgical technique applied has proved efficiency. The ventral BMG preserves the urethral sphincter and so avoids postoperative incontinence. The use of peri-urethral fascia represents a good vascular and mechanical support for the graft.

To Assess the Impact of the Quality and Level of Family Support to Pregnant Women on Maternal and Fetal Outcomes

Abstract Background: Throughout pregnancy, women need support from the family to gain better maternal and fetal outcomes. Emotional distress in women during pregnancy is known to increase the risk of adverse outcomes in women and newborns. Increasing family support can improve birth outcomes and maternal wellbeing and can reduce complications in mother and increased neonatal birth weight. Aim and Objective: This study aims to evaluate the influence of the level and quality of family support during pregnancy on maternal and fetal outcomes and to identify any association between sociodemographic variables and the impact of the level and quality of family support during the third trimester. Materials and Methods: This study used a quantitative approach combined with a survey research design. Data were collected from four primary health centers (Rethare, Vadgaon, Kale, and Supane) at Karad, Maharashtra, India. A consecutive sampling technique was used to select the 344 subjects from the Rethare, Vadgaon, Kale, and Supane areas of Karad Taluka. Data were collected before the completion of the first trimester, then during the second trimester, and post-delivery. Upon evaluation, the tool was validated by experts representing the fields of community health nursing, mental health nursing, obstetric gynecology, and pediatric care. A pilot study was conducted on 30 samples. The data collected were analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics. Result: Findings regarding level of family support show that 133 women (38.7%) received good total support, 164 (47.7%) received moderate support, and 47 (13.7%) received poor family support during the third trimester. Results regarding maternal outcomes show that there was a significant association found between type of delivery and family support received after delivery with maternal outcomes and total support during the third trimester (P &lt; 0.05). It means that physical, emotional, and psychosocial support (total support) received by women would prevent complications during delivery, i.e., prevent Cesarean sections, results in the mother giving normal birth to baby. Hence, the mother needs total support during the third trimester. Conclusion: Total family support is needed by pregnant women during the third trimester to achieve maternal and fetal outcomes.

MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH: STUDY OF COPING STRATEGIES MOTHERS WITH EXPERIENCING POSTPARTUM BLUES

Postpartum blues is an uncomfortable feeling experienced by mothers after giving birth. The incidence of postpartum blues in Indonesia is quite high, between 50-70%. This research aims to explore coping strategies for postpartum blues sufferers using qualitative research methods with case studies. Two participants who experienced postpartum blues were selected by purposive sampling technique. Method Data collection was carried out through in-depth interviews. Researchers used open questions with a grid of questions about coping strategies for dealing with postpartum blues and The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Data verification process was carried out by triangulating data and sources (husbands and people closest). Research results known that the strategy used by respondents to overcome postpartum blues is Emotional Focused Coping. Other things can do to overcome postpartum blues include doing fun activities (me time), a spiritual approach, telling stories and being sincere. Based on evidence, it is known that distress due to breastfeeding problems (nipple pain) can cause postpartum blues syndrome. The new thing found in this research is that having sexual relations with husband can be a way to overcome postpartum blues. A good social support system needs to be built by all parties to support maternal mental health

Strong Consistency of Incomplete Functional Percentile Regression

This paper analyzes the co-fluctuation between a scalar response random variable and a curve regressor using quantile regression. We focus on the situation wherein the output variable is observed with random missing. For this incomplete functional data situation, we estimate the quantile regression by combining two principal nonparametric methods: the local linearity approach (LLA) and the kernel nearest neighbor (KNN) algorithm. We study the asymptotic properties of the constructed estimator by establishing, under general assumptions, uniform consistency over the number of neighborhoods. This asymptotic result provides good mathematical support for the selection of the optimal neighborhood. We examine the feasibility of the constructed estimator using artificially generated data. Moreover, we apply the quantile regression technique in food quality by predicting the riboflavin quantity in yogurt using spectrometry data.

Description Of Social Support And Academic Adaptation In First Year Students At Study Program Ners Stikes Santa Elisabeth Field

Background: Adaptation is part of surviving with a pattern of adjustment to the environment, both for oneself and the environment and for changing environmental conditions according to one's own circumstances. Social support is as verbal and non-verbal information, advice, real help or behavior provided by people who are familiar with the subject in their social environment, or in the form of presence and things that can provide social benefits or influence behavior or recipient behavior. This study aims to determine the description of social support and academic adaptation in first-level students at the Nursing Study Program STIKes Santa Elisabeth Medan 2023. Methods: This study uses descriptive research. The sampling technique in this study uses total sampling with a total sample of 100 respondents. The instrument used is a questionnaire on the variables of social support and academic adaptation. Results: The study found that most of the 72 respondents (72%) received good social support, the academic adaptation of the majority of 61 respondents (61%) obtained sufficient. Grade I students get a source of social support from their family and peers, and academic adaptation for grade I students on campus and their social environment is still in the adequate category. Conclusions: The author suggests that STIKes Santa Elisabeth Medan, especially for students of the Nursing Study Program level I, to increase social support for students and support the adaptation process on campus so that students' academic adaptation becomes better.

Analysis Of Factors Affecting Stroke Patients' Adherence To Treatment Programmes

Stroke occupies the first place as the deadliest disease in Indonesia. Data on the number of ischaemia stroke patients is 1117 patients. There are approximately 104 patients who do not make a return visit after being discharged from the hospital. The purpose of this study was to determine the factors that influence patient compliance with the treatment programme in outpatients with stroke. This study is a quantitative study with a crosectional research design. The sample determination in this study used total sampling of the average number of patient visits for 3 months. The number of samples taken was 63 patients. Statistical tests used in this study were chi square test and logistic regression test. Based on the results of the multivariate test, the variables that influence compliance with the treatment program for patients with ischaemia stroke are trust in health workers with a p-value of 0.000, family support with a p-value of 0.000, and self-efficacy with a p-value of 0.001. The conclusion of this study is that trust in health workers, family support and self-efficacy greatly affect the treatment program of patients with ischaemia stroke. The author hopes that families and health workers can provide good support and understanding to patients in following the existing treatment programme

Biomechanical design optimization and experimental verification of Bezier curve based two-sectional cervical pillow with variable-density cellular structure

The fundamental function of an optimal cervical pillow is to provide sufficient support to maintain normal spinal alignment and minimize biological stress on the contact surface throughout sleep. The recent advancements in cervical pillows have mainly focused on the subjective and objective evaluations of support comfort, as well as the relationship between pillow height and cervical vertebrae posture. However, only a few studies have addressed shape design guidelines and mechanical performances of the pillows themselves. In this study, a two-sectional contour cervical pillow comprising an arc and a Bezier curve is designed to support the head and neck. The design of the arc-shaped neck section incorporates the Cobb’s angle and Borden value from healthy individuals to reflect the consistency of normal cervical anatomical features. The Bezier curve-based head section takes the head length and neck depth into account as significant individual differences. Static analysis and lattice optimization are performed in ANSYS Workbench to develop a variable-density cellular structure, aimed at improving air permeability and reducing the risk of pressure ulcers associated with the cervical pillow. The rapid prototyping technique fused deposition modeling (FDM) and thermoplastic material polylactic acid (PLA) are employed for fabricating different cellular structures. The results demonstrate that the neck section experiences less stress and greater deformation in comparison to the head section, indicating good comfort and support provided by the designed cervical pillow. Additionally, the compressive, bending, and cushion properties of the 3D-printed cervical pillow with variable-density cellular structure are experimentally validated, further confirming its effectiveness.

Revisiting the strategy for marine litter monitoring within the european marine strategy framework directive (MSFD)

Marine litter and non-degradable plastic pollution is of global concern. Regular monitoring programs are being established to assess and understand the scale of this pollution. In Europe, the goal of the European Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) is to assess trends in Good Environmental Status and support large-scale actions at the regional level. Marine litter monitoring requires tailored sampling strategies, protocols and indicators, that align with specific objectives and are tailored for local or regional needs. In addition, the uneven spatial and temporal distributions of marine litter present a challenge when designing a statistically powerful monitoring program. In this paper, we critically review the existing marine litter monitoring programs in Europe. We discuss the main constraints, including environmental, logistical, scientific, and ethical factors. Additionally, we outline the critical gaps and shortcomings in monitoring MSFD beaches/shorelines, floating litter, seafloor litter, microplastics, and harm. Several priorities must be established to shape the future of monitoring within the MSFD. Recent developments in analytical approaches, including optimizing protocols and sampling strategies, gaining a better understanding of the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of litter and its implications for survey design and replication, and the inclusion of newly validated methodologies that have achieved sufficient technical readiness, must be considered. Although there are well-established methods for assessing beaches, floating and seafloor litter, it will be necessary to implement monitoring schemes for microplastics in sediments and invertebrates as robust analytical methods become available for targeting smaller particle size classes. Furthermore, the inclusion of indicators for entanglement and injury to marine organisms will have to be considered in the near future. Moreover, the following actions will enhance the effectiveness of monitoring efforts: (1) creating an inventory of accumulation areas and sources of specific types of litter (e.g., fishing gear), (2) monitoring riverine inputs of litter, (3) monitoring atmospheric inputs including microplastics, (4) accidental inputs during extreme weather events, and (5) studying how species at risk may be transported by litter. We provide recommendations to support long-term, effective, and well-coordinated marine litter monitoring within the MSFD to achieve a comprehensive and accurate understanding of marine litter in EU waters. This will allow the development of measures to mitigate the impacts of marine pollution and eventually to evaluate the success of the respective measures.

Optimal Battery Energy Storage Dispatch for the Day-Ahead Electricity Market

This work presents an innovative application of optimal control theory to the strategic scheduling of battery storage in the day-ahead electricity market, focusing on enhancing profitability while factoring in battery degradation. This study incorporates the effects of battery degradation on the dynamics in the optimisation framework. Considering this cost in economic analysis and operational strategies is essential to optimise long-term performance and economic viability. Neglecting degradation costs can lead to suboptimal operation and dispatch strategies. We employ a continuous-time representation of the dynamics, in contrast with many other studies that use a discrete-time approximation with rather coarse intervals. We adopt an equivalent circuit model coupled with empirical degradation parameters to simulate a battery cell’s behaviour and degradation mechanisms with good support from experimental data. Utilising direct collocation methods with mesh refinement allows for precise numerical solutions to the complex, nonlinear dynamics involved. Through a detailed case study of Belgium’s day-ahead electricity market, we determine the optimal charging and discharging schedules under varying objectives: maximising net revenues, maximising profits considering capacity degradation, and maximising profits considering both capacity degradation and internal resistance increase due to degradation. The results demonstrate the viability of our approach and underscore the significance of integrating degradation costs into the market strategy for battery operators, alongside its effects on the battery’s dynamic behaviour. Our methodology extends previous work by offering a more comprehensive model that empirically captures the intricacies of battery degradation, including a fine and adaptive time domain representation, focusing on the day-ahead market, and utilising accurate direct methods for optimal control. This paper concludes with insights into the potential of optimal control applications in energy markets and suggestions for future research avenues.