High Volume Research Articles

Operation Management of Grocery Retailer in the UK: A Case of Tesco

Tesco is the biggest grocery retailer in the UK focused on food products selling and some non-food services such as clothing, home appliances, financial, etc. Over the last five years, Tesco has had a healthy growth in revenues and net profits, which reflects the success of Tesco's operations management. The purpose of the study is to explore the successful operation management of Tesco company, which can bring some inspiration for other companies to grow. This paper mainly includes operation design (products, service, process, and layout design), resource planning and control, and capacity management. In terms of operation design, Tesco launched a new baby food range with absolutely no salt or sugar, no artificial colors or spices to protect children’s health; Clubcard, Scan as you go, staff visibility, and Online shopping & Delivery adopted for giving customers’ more benefits and convenience; Tesco belongs to mass service process, adopts tracking technology named thermal imaging cameras to monitor queue lengths, reduce customer waiting time, increasing service speed and flexibility. Tesco mainly uses a functional layout, keeps the layout of its stores the same to allow customers to quickly find the goods, saving shopping time, and designed the display locations of its products to increase its revenue. For Planning and control, Tesco belongs to ‘Produce to stock’, which shows the characteristics of a high volume of products, which can save customers’ time, because the products have been produced in advance for customers to buy. Regarding Capacity management, Tesco adopted a mixed strategy which is chase demand and demand management to manage mismatches. Effective operation management strategies have made outstanding contributions to the realization of Tesco's business objectives, profit increase, and long-term development.

One Stone Several Birds: Self-Localizing Submicrocages With Dual Loading Points for Multifunctional Drug Delivery.

As the core index, how to improve bioavailability of loaded cargoes is a hot topic of drug carriers. In this study, aminated β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) as a cross-linking points is first integrated into 3D poly(acrylamide-co-acrylonitrile) (P(AAm-co-AN))network to build up a unique submicrocage (466.2 ± 47.6nm), featuring upper critical solution temperature (UCST; ≈40 °C), high volume expansion coefficient, and excellent biocompatibility. Hereinto, hydrophobic β-elemene (ELE)is locally loaded in β-CD with high loading efficiency (8.72%) and encapsulation efficiency (78.60%) through hydrophobic desolvation and host-guest interaction. Above UCST, the release of the loaded ELEis accelerated to 72.87% in 24 h, together with the enhanced sensitization effect of synergized radiotherapy. Given spontaneous long-lasting delivery, targeted embolization, and post-treatment removal of such UCST-type submicrocage, it is anticipated to provide a novel, facile, efficient, and versatile strategy of comprehensive anticancer treatments for high drug bioavailability.

Assessment of the Application Possibilities of Dried Walnut Leaves (Juglans regia L.) in the Production of Wheat Bread

The main aim of this work was to assess the possibility of using dried walnut leaves (Juglans regia L.) in the production of wheat bread. In the developed recipe, wheat flour was partially replaced with dried and powdered walnut leaves (WLs) in amounts of 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0% and 2.5%. Serving as a control sample was wheat bread without WLs. The bread was made using a single-phase method using yeast. As part of the research methodology, laboratory baking parameters (dough yield, total oven loss, bread yield), loaf volume and loaf specific volume were determined. Additionally, the colors of the dough, crust and bread crumb were determined in the CIE L*a*b* space. The crumb texture profile was assessed using the TPA test. Additionally, the antioxidant power and the total phenolic content of the dough and bread were tested. The consumer acceptability of the sensory features of the bread was also assessed. The test results were statistically analyzed using a one-way ANOVA. It was found that enriching the bread recipe with WLs had a significant impact on its quality. The control bread had the highest volume, and replacing wheat flour with dried leaves resulted in a significant reduction in volume, which was greater at higher WLs contents. Similarly, as the proportion of WLs in the recipe increased, a significant decrease in the brightness of both the dough and the crumb of the obtained bread was observed. A texture analysis showed that bread with a WLs content of 2.5% was the most different from the control bread and other tested breads. However, it was found that enriching bread with the unconventional addition of walnut leaves had a very good effect on its health benefits. The antioxidant activity and the content of total phenolics in the bread grew with the increase in the share of WLs in the recipe.

Modern Floating Greenhouses: Planting Gray Oyster Mushrooms with Advanced Management Technology Including Mobile Phone Algorithms and Arduino Remote Control

A floating greenhouse for growing oyster mushrooms can be operated remotely via a mobile phone. This innovative system can enhance mushroom production and quality while saving time. By using the Android OS operating system on a mobile phone (Internet Mobile Device with Android OS, MGT Model: T10), users can adjust the humidity and temperature within the greenhouse. This approach is particularly beneficial for older adults. Create a smart floating greenhouse that can be controlled remotely to cultivate oyster mushrooms. It would help to enhance the quality of the mushrooms, reduce the time required for cultivation, and increase the yield per planting area. We carefully examined the specifications and proceeded to create a greenhouse that could float. In addition, we have developed a unit that could control temperature and humidity, a solar cell unit, and a rack for growing mushrooms. Our greenhouses were operated remotely. To determine the best conditions for growing plants in a floating greenhouse, we conducted a test to measure temperature and humidity. We then compared our findings to those of a traditional greenhouse test and determined the optimal parameters for floating greenhouse growth. These parameters include growth time, temperature, humidity, and weight. A mushroom nursery that can be controlled remotely and floats on water consists of four main components: a structure to regulate temperature and humidity, solar cells, and mushroom racks. Research shows that mushrooms grown under this automated control system grow better than those grown through traditional methods. The harvest period is shorter, and the yield is higher than the typical yield of 1.81–1.22. When considering the construction and use of remote-controlled floating mushroom nurseries, the daily weight of mushrooms accounted for 20.22%. The company’s investment return rates were found to be 3.47 years, or 580.21 h per year, which is higher than the yield of traditional methods. This mobile phone remote control system, created by Arduino, is tailor-made for cutting-edge floating greenhouses that grow grey oyster mushrooms. It can be operated with ease via mobile devices and is especially user-friendly for elderly individuals. This system enables farmers to produce a high volume of quality breeds. Furthermore, those with fish ponds can utilize the system to increase their profits.

The learning curve for robotic-assisted total hip arthroplasty in low, medium, and high-volume surgeons

BackgroundRobotic systems have been designed to increase the accuracy of implant alignment in total knee and hip arthroplasty. This technology is associated with a learning curve for the operative time to reach peak efficiency in its use. Prior studies done on high-volume orthopedic surgeons have suggested a learning curve of 14–35 cases for robotic-assisted total hip arthroplasty (THA). It is unclear if this learning curve is different for surgeons with lower volumes. MethodsData was collected retrospectively from 299 THA procedures done by three different surgeons, with low (1–15 cases/year), medium (16–50), and high (51+) volume caseload. The learning curve was assessed primarily by average operative time from cases 1–20, 21–50, and 51+. ResultsThe high-volume surgeon had a learning curve of 20 cases, while the low and medium volume surgeons had no significant decrease in their operative time through the cases included in the study (20 and 63, respectively). ConclusionsHigh volume surgeons have a learning curve of about 20 cases, while low and medium volume surgeons have a longer curve, which was not able to be measured in this study.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy does not improve survival for patients with high volume colorectal peritoneal metastases undergoing cytoreductive surgery.

Colorectal peritoneal metastases (CRPM) affects 15% of patients at initial colorectal cancer diagnosis. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) prior to cytoreductive surgery (CRS) has been demonstrated to be a safe and feasible option, however there is limited data describing its efficacy in advanced peritoneal disease. This study evaluated the effect of NAC on survival in patients with high volume CRPM undergoing CRS with or without HIPEC. A retrospective review of all patients who underwent CRS with or without HIPEC for CRPM from 2004 to 2019 at our institution was performed. The cohort was divided based on peritoneal carcinomatosis index (PCI) at surgery: Low Volume (PCI ≤ 16) and High Volume (PCI > 16). A total of 326 patients underwent CRS with HIPEC for CRPM. There were 39 patients (12%) with High Volume disease, and 15 of these (38%) received NAC. Patients with High Volume disease had significantly longer operating time, lower likelihood of complete macroscopic cytoreduction (CC-0 score), longer intensive care unit length of stay and longer hospital stay compared to Low Volume disease. In High Volume disease, the NAC group had a significantly shorter median survival of 14.4 months compared to 23.8 months in the non-NAC group (p = 0.046). Patients with High Volume CRPM achieved good median survival following CRS with HIPEC, which challenges the current PCI threshold for offering CRS. The use of NAC in this cohort did not increase perioperative morbidity but was associated with significantly shorter median survival compared to upfront surgery.

Silicon-tin thin-film anodes for low and high power-density lithium-ion batteries

Silicon (Si) is a promising replacement material for graphite, the commonly utilized anode material in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Si has a theoretical specific capacity up to 11 times higher than that of graphite. However, pure Si has two main issues: high electronic resistivity and significant volume change during charge/discharge cycling. To overcome these issues, Si was alloyed with high-conductivity materials. In this contribution, physical vapor deposition was utilized to produce binderless silicon-tin anodes for LIBs. Tin is a lithium-active alloying material that has high electrical conductivity and high specific capacity (i.e., up to three times that of graphite). Electronic resistivity, residual film stress, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry measurements were performed to thoroughly analyze the deposited Si-Sn films and help understand their charge/discharge cycling performance at low and high C-rates. At a low C-rate of 0.5 C, the alloyed films did not show any improvement compared to pure Si. However, the alloyed films showed better performance compared to pure Si when tested at a high C-rate of 10 C. Si-Sn films with (40 – 50 wt.% Sn) were able to retain a specific capacity of around 680 mAh g−1 after 1000 cycles.

Kinetic cooperativity resolves bidirectional clogging within the nuclear pore complex

As the main gatekeeper of the nucleocytoplasmic transport in eukaryotic cells, the nuclear pore complex (NPC) faces the daunting task of facilitating the bidirectional transport of a high volume of macromolecular cargoes while ensuring the selectivity, speed, and efficiency of this process. The competition between opposing nuclear import and export fluxes passing through the same channel is expected to pose a major challenge to transport efficiency. It has been suggested that phase separation-like radial segregation of import and export fluxes within the assembly of intrinsically disordered proteins that line the NPC pore could be a mechanism for ensuring efficient bidirectional transport. We examine the impact of radial segregation on the efficiency of bidirectional transport through the NPC using a coarse-grained computational model of the NPC. We find little evidence that radial segregation improves transport efficiency. By contrast, surprisingly, we find that NTR crowding may enhance rather than impair the efficiency of bidirectional transport although it decreases the available space in the pore. We identify mechanisms of this novel crowding-induced transport cooperativity through the self-regulation of cargo density and flux in the pore. These findings explain how the functional architecture of the NPC resolves the problem of efficient bidirectional transport, and provide inspiration for the alleviation of clogging in artificial selective nanopores.

523 Weight Loss in Patients with Large Burns

Abstract Introduction The deleterious effect of weight loss in those with burns is well known. However, guidelines for monitoring loss are limited. This descriptive study evaluated weight loss incidence in patients with large burns admitted to a regional burn center. Methods Medical records for adult patients admitted to a regional burn center (2019-2021) with burns ≥20% total body surface area burned (TBSA) were reviewed. Patients with amputations were excluded. Data collection included burn size/depth, resuscitation fluids (pre- and post-admission), initial and final weight (last week of admission) and nutritional interventions. Patients were divided into three groups based on %TBSA: 20-29%, 30-39% and ≥40%. Results From 2019-2021, 722 patients with new burn injuries were admitted of whom 542 were over 18 years of age. Fifty-two (94% male) met inclusion criteria. Those with smaller burns had fewer surgeries and shorter stays. (Table 1). Most patients (85%) received resuscitation fluids prior to admission (PTA) with an average of 2782 mL PTA and a total of 21,079 mL after admission. Larger burns received high resuscitation volumes both pre- and post- admission. Over half of patients lost weight though 23 had a net weight gain. Most patients (56%) lost some weight but nearly half (48%) discharged within 5% of admission weight. The average loss across all groups was only 2.6% of admission weight (Table 2). Patients with larger burns were more likely to lose weight and also had more weight loss. Almost all (94%) patients required enteral nutrition and all transitioned to full oral intake prior to discharge; no one required parenteral nutrition. Again, patients with larger burns required more enteral intake. Conclusions Most patients lost weight though some had net weight gain. Those with larger burns lost more weight than those with smaller burns. Weight loss is a risk factor for malnutrition even with nutritional support. Weight loss in burn patients should be monitored—particularly in those with burns >30% TBSA--and be considered as an outcome measure in burn care. Applicability of Research to Practice Weight loss in burn patients should be monitored and considered as an outcome measure in burn care.

How good are we really? Incidence of postoperative bleeding requiring intervention and intraoperative electrocoagulation during Thulium laser enucleation of the prostate

The need for intervention due to postoperative bleeding represents a significant complication in Thulium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (ThuLEP). This study aimed to retrospectively analyse this complication in the treatment of benign prostatic enlargement. This study focuses on investigating potential causative factors for postoperative bleeding requiring intervention as well as the use of intraoperative electrocoagulation. A total of 503 ThuLEP procedures performed between 08/2021 and 07/2022 were examined. Postoperatively, 4.2% (n=21) of patients experienced bleeding requiring intervention. Study data revealed a significant association between these instances of bleeding and a high prostate volume (p=0.004), high enucleation weight (p=0.004), and intraoperative electrocoagulation (p=0.048). In total, intraoperative electrocoagulation was applied in 41.2% (n=207) of cases. In these cases, statistically significant factors leading to the application of electrocoagulation included intraoperative capsule perforation (p=0.005) and high enucleation weight (p=0.002).

Do TLIF and PLIF Techniques Differ in Perioperative Complications? - Comparison of Complications Rates of Two High Volume Centers.

Retrospective bicentric Cohort Study. Posterior (PLIF) and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) have been clinically proven for the surgical treatment of degenerative spinal disorders. Despite many retrospective studies, the superiority of either technique has not been proven to date. In the literature, the complication rate of the conventional PLIF technique is reported to be significantly higher, but with inconsistent complication recording. In this retrospective bicentric study, a less invasive PLIF technique was compared with the conventional TLIF technique and complications were recorded using the validated SAVES V2 classification system. 1142 patients underwent PLIF (702) or TLIF (n = 440) up to 3 levels in two specialized centers. Epidemiological data, intra- and postoperative complications during hospitalization and after discharge were analyzed according to SAVES V2. The overall complication rate was 13.74%. TLIF-patients had slightly significant more complications than PLIF-patients (TLIF = 16.6%/PLIF = 11.9%, P = .0338). Accordingly, complications during revision surgeries were more frequent in the first cohort (TLIF = 20.9%/PLIF = 12.6%; P = .03252). In primary interventions, the surgical technique did not correlate with the complication rate (TLIF = 12.4%/PLIF = 11.7%). There were no significant differences regarding severity of complications. An important component of this work is the complication recording according to a uniform classification system (SAVES V2). In contrast to previous literature, we could demonstrate that there is not a significant difference between the two surgical techniques.

Intrinsically microporous polyimide membranes with synergistic aromatic and alicyclic linking groups for efficient molecular separation

Polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs) are widely recognized for having great potential in reforming membrane technology for molecular separation within organic solvents, due to their rich and appropriate pore structures with a size < 2 nm. However, the swelling in organic solvents has a significant effect on their pore structures due to the amorphous and linear nature, resulting in the permeability and selectivity performances of developed PIM membranes being far from ideal. In this work, we synthesized an advanced polyimide of intrinsic microporosity by integrating a Tröger’s base (TB) structure with an synergistic structure of aromatic (naphthalenediimide, NDI) and alicyclic (bicyclooctenediimide, BCODI) linking groups. The TB with a rigid and twisted structure was used to furnish a basis for inhibiting chain packing for high overall free volume. The ultra-rigid NDI units maintained such a tailored high free volume and provided superior solvent resistance. The relatively flexible and polar BCODI units promoted local chain mobility to tailor uniform pore size distribution and increased affinity for polar solvents. The innovative design fostered the formation of stable, uniform, and highly solvent-accessible intrinsic micropores. The prepared TFC membrane exhibited good organic solvent separation capabilities, achieving an ethanol permeance of 7.6 L m-2 h−1 bar−1 and a low molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) of approximately 470 Da. This work contributes significantly to the strategic design of PIMs for preparing high-performance membranes for realistic chemical-related separation application scenarios.

Association between Endoscopist Volume and Interval Cancers after Colonoscopy: Results from the National Colorectal Cancer Screening Program in Korea.

The rate of interval colorectal cancer (iCRC) is now accepted as a key performance indicator of organized colorectal cancer (CRC) screening programs. We aimed to examine the association between endoscopist volumes and the rate of iCRC among individuals with a positive fecal immunochemical test (FIT) within a nationwide population-based CRC screening program. Individuals aged ≥50 years who underwent colonoscopy after a positive FIT from January 1, 2019 until December 31, 2020 in the Korean National Cancer Screening Program (KNCSP) were enrolled. We converted the data into per-endoscopist screening results, calculated the iCRC rates per endoscopist, and compared them to the previous year's annual volume that was divided into five groups (V1, 1-9; V2, 10-29; V3, 30-59; V4, 60-119; V5, ≥120). A total of 10,412 endoscopists performed 216,907 colonoscopies. Overall, the average rate of iCRC per endoscopist was 8.46 per 1,000 examinations. Compared with the group with the highest volume (V5 group), the rate of iCRC was 2.21 times higher in the V1 group. Similar trends were observed in the other groups (V2: Relative risks [RR], 2.15; 95% Confidence Interval [CI], 1.57-2.94; V3: RR, 1.56, 95% CI, 1.15-2.13; V4: RR, 1.18; 95% CI, 0.83-1.67). The findings emphasize that endoscopists with lower procedure volumes have higher risks of interval cancer being missed or undetected. To maximize the preventative impact of colonoscopy for colorectal cancer, this issue should be addressed by monitoring endoscopist volumes and variations in performances.

Development of Gluten-Free Bread Based on Maize and Buckwheat and Enriched with Aromatic Herbs and Spices

This work aimed to develop high-quality gluten-free bread based on maize and buckwheat with good palatability and texture properties. Different aromatic herbs and spices were incorporated as ingredients to evaluate whether their addition could influence the acceptability of consumers by improving the sensory properties of the final product. The bread formulation was first optimized through a response surface methodology. Accordingly, high specific volume, high springiness, and low hardness provided the best theoretical bread quality. However, when developing the product, some sensory defects were detected. Therefore, the addition of other ingredients (e.g., oil, sugar, and yeast) was tested. Finally, five different gluten-free bread with different combinations of aromatic herbs and spices were obtained. They were nutritionally characterized and subjected to sensory analysis by a panel of 140 consumers. The chemical composition of all bread was very similar, with only slight differences among them. Likewise, all of them received acceptable sensory scores (&gt;5) from consumers, and some combinations of herbs and spices obtained scores higher than in the control bread (without herbs and spices). Overall, the gluten-free bread formulated with the combination of basil and oregano was the one that consumers significantly liked the most.

High Cell Volume Zn-Metal–organic Framework: Unveiling the Pseudo-capacitor Properties and Selective Colorimetric Recognition of Oxyanions

High Cell Volume Zn-Metal–organic Framework: Unveiling the Pseudo-capacitor Properties and Selective Colorimetric Recognition of Oxyanions

Optimizing electrocoagulation for poultry slaughterhouse wastewater treatment: a fuzzy axiomatic design approach

White meat consumption is increasing day by day, and accordingly, there is an increase in the amount of wastewater resulting from the processes. Today, the reuse of wastewater has become a goal within the scope of the Green Deal. For this reason, wastewater treatment with high pollution and volume has gained importance. In this study, the fuzzy axiomatic design (FAD) method, one of the multi-criteria decision-making methods, has been used. With this method, coagulation, electrocoagulation (EC), dissolved air flotation (DAF), and anaerobic treatment alternatives preferred in poultry slaughterhouse wastewater (PSW) treatment were compared with each other and their information contents were calculated. The information content from the smallest to the largest is EC, DAF, coagulation, and anaerobic treatment, respectively. This treatment method was chosen because the smallest information content is in electrocoagulation. EC was applied to bloody PSW containing 1% blood by volume. The effectiveness of Fe and Al electrodes for PSW treatment in the batch EC reactor has been compared. The effective surface areas of 2 anodes and 2 cathodes connected bipolarly in the processes are 288 cm2. The electrolyte, pH, time, and current density effects on energy consumption were also investigated. The optimum conditions for Al and Fe electrodes were found to be 0.5 g·L−1 NaCl concentration, pH 5, 0.639 mA·cm−2 current density, and 5 min time. Under optimum conditions for the Fe electrode, COD, TOC, TN, and oil-grease removal efficiencies were determined as 76.3%, 71.8%, 70%, and 74%, respectively. Moreover, the highest COD, TOC, TN, and oil-grease removal efficiencies were achieved with an Al electrode (82.2%, 82.3%, 82.7%, and 78.9%, respectively). The experimental data were fit to a variety of isotherms and kinetic models to determine the characteristics of the EC. The results indicated that the pseudo-second-order equation provided the best fit for COD removal. Under optimum conditions, the operating cost was calculated as $3.39 and $3.09 for Al and Fe electrodes, respectively. In this study, the fuzzy axiomatic design method was used for the first time to select the most appropriate treatment method for PSW. In addition, blood, a major problem for the poultry slaughterhouse industry, was mixed with PSW at a ratio of 1% (v/v) and treated with EC for the first time with high removal efficiency. By treating PSW, which has a high pollution load, with electrocoagulation, the pollution load of the water to be given to secondary treatment has been greatly reduced.

Scalable confined-space microwave heating strategy enables the rapid preparation of N/O co-doped activated carbons with high gas capture capacity

Heteroatom doping is essential for enhancing the performance of activated carbons (ACs) in various environmental-related applications. Herein, a scalable confined-space microwave heating (CSMH) strategy is proposed and demonstrated to achieve minute-level fast preparation of N/O co-doping ACs with well-developed porosity. The introduction of confined space prevents the escape of nitrogenous and oxygenous volatiles, enabling the sufficient reaction for heteroatom doping. Therefore, the nitrogen content of MWC-0.5 (6.0 at.%) is higher than that of MW-0.5 (3.5 at.%) and CH-0.5 (4.3 at.%). This causes a nearly 50 % reduction in the consumption of nitrogenous reagents. Moreover, through CSMH strategy, N/O co-doped ACs (6.0 at% and 8.1 at% for N and O, respectively) with high pore volume (0.53 cm3 g−1) can be acquired to achieve an excellent adsorption performance for toluene (0.31 g g−1) and CO2 (3.97 mmol g−1 at 25 °C and 1 bar) and outstanding CO2/N2 selectivity (189 at 0.02 bar). This work for the first time develops a scalable confined-space N/O co-doped strategy for enhancing the chemical activity of ACs with low-spend nitrogenous reagents.

Reconstructive Head and Neck Microsurgery in a High-Volume Cancer Center—Long-Term Impact of an Early Experience

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate a 16-year-long outcome of an evolving practical approach to reconstructive microsurgery in a high volume, resource-constrained, head and neck cancer care setting. Patients and Methods Seventy-three consecutive cases of free flap reconstruction done by the Head and Neck Surgical Oncology team of Regional Cancer Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, from October 2004 to May 2020 were prospectively studied for flap viability, cosmesis, morbidity, and oncologic safety. The cases were selected based on their “emphatic” superiority to the conventional alternative as determined by two or more surgeons of the head and neck team or the recommendations of the head and neck tumor board. Results With the long-term results, this article discusses and validates our strategy for controlled patient recruitment for reconstructive microsurgery to ensure the best resource utilization in a tertiary cancer care center. Conclusions Adequate training and optimal application are the key factors determining success in microvascular reconstructive surgery in resource-constrained, high-volume cancer care facilities.

The Importance of Recovery in Resistance Training Microcycle Construction.

Systemic resistance training aims to enhance performance by balancing stress, fatigue and recovery. While fatigue is expected, insufficient recovery may temporarily impair performance. The aim of this review was to examine evidence regarding manipulation of resistance training variables on subsequent effects on recovery and performance. PubMed, Medline, SPORTDiscus, Scopus and CINAHL were searched. Only studies that investigated recovery between resistance training sessions were selected, with a total of 24 articles included for review. Training to failure may lengthen recovery times, potentially impairing performance; however, it may be suitable if implemented strategically ensuring adequate recovery between sessions of similar exercises or muscle groups. Higher volumes may increase recovery demands, especially when paired with training to failure, however, with wide variation in individual responses, it is suggested to start with lower volume, monitor recovery, and gradually increase training volume if appropriate. Exercises emphasising the lower body, multi-joint movements, greater muscle recruitment, eccentric contractions, and/or the lengthened position may require longer recovery times. Adjusting volume and frequency of these exercises can affect recovery demands depending on the goals and training logistics. Daily undulating programming may maximise performance on priority sessions while maintaining purposeful and productive easy days. For example, active recovery in the form of training opposing muscle groups, light aerobic cardio, or low-volume power-type training may improve recovery and potentially elicit a post activation potentiation priming effect compared to passive recovery. However, it is possible that training cessation may be adequate for allowing sufficient recovery prior to sessions of importance.

Cellulose nanocrystal-derived carbon electrodes for sustainable potassium-ion charge storage systems

We have here produced carbon electrode materials derived from Crystalline NanoCellulose (CNC) for low-cost potassium-ion based energy storage systems through conventional annealing as well as through a fast and energy efficient microwave assisted carbonization process. A two-step 4-minute synthesis with ZnCl2 activation in a domestic microwave leads to a micro/mesoporous carbon with high surface area (SBET∼1800 m2 g−1). These CNC-derived carbons, if assessed in symmetric supercapacitor C/C cells cycled with 0.5 M K2SO4 aqueous electrolyte, show reversible capacitance values up to 66 F g−1 at current densities of 5 A g−1, retaining 83% of its initial capacitance after 10.000 cycles without any conducting additive. Due to its large electrochemical window of 1.7 V, a competitive energy density for an aqueous system of 20.9 W h kg−1 is achieved. A hybrid aqueous capacitor built with this carbon as negative electrode and coupled with a Prussian White as positive results in cell capacitance values up to 135 F g−1 under a voltage operation window of 1.8 V in 0.5 M K2SO4. On the other hand, non-activated carbons produced through a 2.25 hour thermal annealing at 900 °C, present much lower surface area (SBET∼450 m2 g−1), most of it due to its high micropore volume. This low external and mesoporous surface area carbon is a competitive anode material for potassium-ion batteries with a reversible capacity of ∼200 mA h g−1 cycled at 28 mA g−1 using 3.9 M KFSI in DME electrolyte (favourably most of it below 1 V vs K+/K) in a potassium half-cell with >80% retention in 100 cycles. The present research shows that sustainable CNC derived carbons produced through energy efficient methods are competitive electrode materials in low-cost K based energy storge systems.