Journal Of Engineering Research Articles

Ultra-Long and Rapid Operating Sodium Metal Batteries Enabled By Multifunctional Polarizable Interface Stabilizer

Sodium metal batteries (SMBs) have been considered as one of the most favorable and economic candidates for next generation batteries to overcome low enenrgy density limitation of sodium ion batteries (SIBs) due to high theoretical specific capacity (1166 mAh g-1), low electrochemical redox potential (-2.71 V vs. SHE). However, ‘moss-like’ dendrite growth that occurs during continuous charging and discharging processes not only threatens the safety of batteries, but also poses several problems to be solved, such as electrolyte consumption, hugh volume expansion, dead Na formation, and low coulombic efficiency. The dendrite problem in the SMBs is similr to that of lithium-metal batteries (LMBs), yet the degree of the issue is further severe than LMBs. Surface stabilization of sodium metal anode should be achieved to realize SMB technologies.The introduction of functional electrolyte additives is an effective and economical way to overcome these problems and improve the cyclability of SMBs. Based on the similarity between electroplating and sodium deposition reaction, utilization of surface leveler additive in the electrolyte could allow a substantial impact to stabilize sodium metal surface during repeated deposition and stripping process.In this presentation, we confirmed the surface flattening effect of molecular dipole electrolyte additives at the anode through the Na-Na symmetric cell test. Sodium metal deposition and stripping behavior has been successfully controlled by introducing surface leveler additives for realization of SMBs. Even under rapid charging and discharging situations, additive containing Na-Na symmetric cells showed stable performance for over 2000 hours, which is 5 times longer than the pristine cell without the additive. We confirmed that controlling intrinsic properties of surface leveler additive can effectively further improve cycle performance of SMBs.[1] S.-Y. Jun, K. Shin, C. Y. Son, J. Park, H.-S. Kim, J.-Y. Hwang, W.-H. Ryu, Advanced Energy Materials, 2024, 2304504[2] S.-Y. Jun, K. Shin, Y. Lim, S. Kim, H. Kim, C. Y. Son, W.-H. Ryu, Small Structures, 2024, 5, 2300578[3] S.-Y. Jun, K. Shin, J.-S. Lee, S. Kim, J. Chun, W.-H. Ryu, Advanced Science, 2023, 10, 2301426[4] J.-S. Lee, K. Shin, S.-Y. Jun, S. Kim, W.-H. Ryu, Chemical Engineering Journal, 2023, 458, 141383 Figure 1

Advancements in Redox-Mediated Electrodialysis for Valorization of Biomolecules

In the chemical and biochemical manufacturing industry, separation processes are amongst the most energy-demanding processes, accounting for 50% of total operating costs.1, 2 Redox-mediated electrodialysis (redox-ED) has attracted attention as a process-intensified method for resource recovery, particularly selective recovery of organic molecules such as proteins and organic acids.2, 3 By replacing water-splitting reactions with reversible redox reactions, pH-sensitive biomolecules can be electrochemically recovered with reduced overall energy consumption. We demonstrated the valorization of proteins from whey waste via the redox-ED platform.2 Our system treated 99% of salt from the whey solution within a single step and recovered over 98% of various whey proteins (e.g., beta-lactoglobulin and alpha-lactalbumin). The preliminary techno-economic analysis confirmed the economic viability of redox-ED with 51−73% lower energy consumption compared to conventional ED.Moreover, we mitigated the inherent limitation selectivity of ion-exchange membranes in discriminating among the same charged species (e.g., cations and anions), by employing a layer-by-layer (LBL) membrane functionalization approach.3 This LBL membrane modification enabled the recovery of organic acids from a multicomponent mixture, where there is a mixture of neutral and charged species. By tailoring the physicochemical properties of IEMs through the LBL polyelectrolyte layers, we achieved complete retention of succinic acid produced in the fermentation process, while enhancing the overall flux for inorganic ions.3 Redox-ED with LBL-functionalized membrane demonstrated the continuous up-concentration of succinate alongside the isolation of unreacted sugar and inorganic ions, opening avenues for modular multicomponent separations in biomanufacturing processes. References (1) Kim, N.; Jeon, J.; Chen, R.; Su, X. Electrochemical separation of organic acids and proteins for food and biomanufacturing. Chemical Engineering Research and Design 2022, 178, 267-288.(2) Kim, N.; Jeon, J.; Elbert, J.; Kim, C.; Su, X. Redox-mediated electrochemical desalination for waste valorization in dairy production. Chemical Engineering Journal 2022, 428, 131082.(3) Kim, N.; Lee, J.; Su, X. Precision Tuning of Highly Selective Polyelectrolyte Membranes for Redox‐Mediated Electrochemical Separation of Organic Acids. Advanced Functional Materials 2023, 33 (12), 2211645.

Electrospun Pt Nanowires as a Highly Conductive Support for Ir for the Electrochemical Oxygen Evolution Reaction

The electrochemical Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER) is a critically important reaction towards realizing a sustainable energy economy through the utilization of hydrogen as an environmentally friendly fuel. However, the relatively low conductivity of conventional IrOx catalysts hinders their performance and necessitates use of high Ir loadings.[1, 2] To counteract this insufficiency, utilizing highly conductive catalyst layer supports has become an effective strategy for maintaining optimal conductivity.[3-7] While they have allowed for improved stability, TiO2-based fibers typically possess poor conductivity. Thus, the inclusion of an additional components (Pt, Nb, Au, etc.) has been shown to improve the catalyst layer conductivity, thereby enhancing the OER activity for this class of catalyst.[8, 9] Herein, we utilize electrospinning as a method for producing conductive Pt-based nanowires with customizable porosity and diameter on the scale of tens of nanometers to be utilized as a support for active Ir-based catalysts. By controlling the electrospinning solution and operating parameters, the characteristics of as-spun Pt-CNFs may be controlled before high-temperature treatment to obtain Pt-NWs with regulated diameter.[10] Following the fabrication of Pt-NWs, we analyze the electrochemical performance and properties of the resulting Ir@Pt-NWs electrocatalyst.AcknowledgmentFinancial support from the Laboratory Directed Research and Development Program at Los Alamos National Laboratory through project 20240061DR is gratefully acknowledged.References Fu, C., et al., Metallic-Ir-based anode catalysts in PEM water electrolyzers: Achievements, challenges, and perspectives. Current Opinion in Electrochemistry, 2023. 38: p. 101227.Moriau, L., et al., Supported Iridium-based Oxygen Evolution Reaction Electrocatalysts - Recent Developments. ChemCatChem, 2022. 14(20): p. e202200586.Bele, M., et al., Towards Stable and Conductive Titanium Oxynitride High-Surface-Area Support for Iridium Nanoparticles as Oxygen Evolution Reaction Electrocatalyst. ChemCatChem, 2019. 11(20): p. 5038-5044.Bernsmeier, D., et al., Oxygen Evolution Catalysts Based on Ir–Ti Mixed Oxides with Templated Mesopore Structure: Impact of Ir on Activity and Conductivity. ChemSusChem, 2018. 11(14): p. 2367-2374.Chueh, L.-Y., et al., WOx nanowire supported ultra-fine Ir-IrOx nanocatalyst with compelling OER activity and durability. Chemical Engineering Journal, 2023. 464: p. 142613.Bernicke, M., et al., Tailored mesoporous Ir/TiOx: Identification of structure-activity relationships for an efficient oxygen evolution reaction. Journal of Catalysis, 2019. 376: p. 209-218.Karade, S.S., et al., IrO2/Ir Composite Nanoparticles (IrO2@Ir) Supported on TiNxOy Coated TiN: Efficient and Robust Oxygen Evolution Reaction Catalyst for Water Electrolysis. ChemCatChem, 2023. 15(4): p. e202201470.Regmi, Y.N., et al., Supported Oxygen Evolution Catalysts by Design: Toward Lower Precious Metal Loading and Improved Conductivity in Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyzers. ACS Catalysis, 2020. 10(21): p. 13125-13135.Hu, W., S. Chen, and Q. Xia, IrO2/Nb–TiO2 electrocatalyst for oxygen evolution reaction in acidic medium. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 2014. 39(13): p. 6967-6976.Shui, J. and J.C.M. Li, Platinum Nanowires Produced by Electrospinning. Nano Letters, 2009. 9(4): p. 1307-1314. Figure 1

Outcomes of interprofessional education for pharmacy students: a systematic review

BackgroundInterprofessional education (IPE) refers to a teaching and learning method in which students from two or more professions learn about, from, and with each other to enable effective collaboration and improve health outcomes. A systematic review was performed to investigate the current practice and the effectiveness of IPE in pharmacy education.MethodsDatabases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Medline, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP China Science and Technology Journal, and WanFang were searched from inception to September 20, 2024, using search terms such as interprofessional, interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary, IPE, pharmacy, and pharmaceutical education. Studies were screened and included if they were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or cohort studies reporting the outcome differences between pharmacy students participating in IPE activities and those receiving lecture-based learning. Reporting quality was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool 2 and the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. Detailed information including the studies’ general information, research methods, and results were collected. Primary outcomes including pharmacy students’ interprofessional competence, readiness for and attitudes towards IPE, class satisfaction, and professional knowledge were analyzed with meta-analysis or reported descriptively.ResultsSeven RCTs and seven cohort studies were included in the systematic review. Eight studies reported that IPE demonstrated a positive impact on pharmacy students’ interprofessional competence (p < 0.05). Three studies showed that IPE enhanced students’ readiness for participating in interprofessional learning (p < 0.05). Four studies revealed that IPE significantly improved the attitude of pharmacy students towards IPE (p < 0.0001). The meta-analysis of the two cohort studies showed that IPE significantly improved the Attitudes Towards Health Care Teams (ATHCT) scale scores (SMD = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.22–0.60). Students who participated in IPE activities were generally satisfied with the course (average score > 4.0 out of 5.0). Apart from embedded in courses, some novel IPE programs were conducted, such as outpatient clinics operated by interprofessional students.ConclusionsThe study revealed that IPE was widely used in pharmacy education. IPE enhanced pharmacy students’ interprofessional competence, class satisfaction, and their readiness for and attitudes towards interprofessional learning. The effect of IPE on professional knowledge remained controversial across studies.

Effects of polyphenol-rich seed foods on lipid and inflammatory markers in patients with coronary heart disease: a systematic review.

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a prevalent cardiovascular condition, with its incidence and mortality rates steadily rising over time, posing a significant threat to human health. Studies have indicated that polyphenols exhibit a certain degree of protective effect against coronary heart disease. However, the findings regarding the impact of polyphenol-rich seed foods on patients with CHD have yielded inconsistent results. This study investigated the effects of polyphenol-rich seed foods on blood lipids and inflammatory markers in patients with coronary heart disease. The China National Knowledge Network, China Science and Technology Journal Database, China Biomedical Literature Database, Wanfang Database, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science were searched for articles from the self-built database until March 16, 2024. The quality of the included studies was assessed using Edition 2 of the Cochrane Randomized Trials Risk Bias Tool, and data analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.4. The study encompassed seven articles, with a total participation of 324 patients diagnosed with coronary heart disease. The study incorporated three seed foods abundant in polyphenols: Brazil nut, almond, and flaxseed. The meta-analysis findings revealed a significant reduction in triglyceride levels [MD = -20.03, 95% CI (-32.25, -17.44), p < 0.00001] among patients diagnosed with coronary heart disease who incorporated seed-based foods abundant in polyphenols into their diet regimen. Furthermore, a notable enhancement was observed in HDL cholesterol levels [MD = 3.14, 95% CI (1.55, 4.72), p = 0.0001]. Moreover, the type of intervention substance influenced the observed effects. The consumption of almonds has been demonstrated to significantly reduce total cholesterol [MD = -15.53, 95% CI (-21.97, -9.1), p < 0.00001] and LDL cholesterol [MD = -14.62, 95% CI (-20.92, -8.33), p < 0.00001] in patients diagnosed with coronary heart disease. Additionally, the incorporation of flaxseed into the diet has shown an enhanced effect on reducing C-reactive protein levels. The consumption of polyphenol-rich seed foods can moderately improve TG and HDL-C levels in patients with coronary heart disease, while incorporating flaxseed into their diet can effectively improve inflammatory markers.

Thyroid hormone levels in patients with bipolar disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PurposeTo investigate the difference in blood (serum/plasma) thyroid hormone (TH) levels, including thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), free thyroxine (FT4), and free triiodothyronine (FT3), in bipolar disorder (BD) during different mood episodes (depression and mania) compared with healthy control (HC) and between manic episodes (BD-M) and depressive episodes (BD-D).MethodsAs of September 1, 2024, the electronic databases PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, China Science and Technology Journal Database, Wanfang Database, and Clinical Trials. Gov were systematically searched with no language limitations. Standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were summarized using a random effects model. The chi-squared-based Q test and the I2 test assessed the size of heterogeneity.ResultsThe 21 studies included a total of 3696 participants, Of the 2942 BD patients, 1583 were in depressive episodes 1359 were in manic episodes. The status of measuring blood TH levels included 2 studies in plasma and 19 in serum. Combined with the results of the sensitivity analyses, we obtained the following relatively reliable results: serum T3 (SMD: -0.63, 95%CI: -1.09 to -0.17) and FT3 (SMD: -0.42, 95%CI: -0.83 to -0.00) levels decreased significantly in BD-D compared to HC; serum T3 (SMD: -0.91, 95%CI: -1.49 to -0.32) levels decreased significantly and serum FT4 (SMD: 0.37, 95%CI: 0.14 to 0.60) levels increased significantly in BD-M than in HC; serum T3 (SMD: 0.87, 95%CI: 0.24 to 1.49) and FT3 (SMD: 0.27, 95%CI: 0.13 to 0.42) levels demonstrated a significant elevation in BD-M compared to BD-D. In the group of euthyroidism, apart from serum FT4 (SMD: 0.21, 95%CI: -0.15 to 0.58) levels showed no significant difference between BD-M and HC, other results above remained consistent.ConclusionSerum T3 and FT3 levels decreased significantly in BD-D compared to HC. Serum T3 levels decreased significantly and serum FT4 levels increased significantly in BD-M compared to HC. Serum T3 and FT3 levels increased significantly in BD-M than in BD-D. The temporality of changes in TH levels and BD progression demands further longitudinal studies to illustrate.Trial registrationNumber and date of registration for prospectively registered trials No. CRD42022378530.

Editorial for Vol.32, No.3

The September 2024 (Vol. 32, No. 3) issue of CIT. Journal of Computing and Information Technology brings four papers from the areas of power load forecasting, fault diagnosis, recommender systems, and biomedical data mining.

Arthroscopic assisted versus open core decompression for osteonecrosis of the femoral head: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Minimally invasive treatment options for osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) have been a prominent area of research in recent years. Arthroscopic-assisted treatments have been applied in the clinical management of ONFH; however, high-quality evidence verifying their effectiveness and safety is still lacking. To systematically assess the clinical efficacy and safety of arthroscopic-assisted core decompression (AACD) in treating ONFH. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Science and Technology Journal Database, WanFang, and the Chinese BioMedical Literature Database, from inception to June 25, 2024. We identified randomized controlled trials and non-randomized controlled studies on AACD for the treatment of ONFH based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. A meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4.1 and Stata 17.0 software. The analyzed outcomes included operative time, intraoperative blood loss, length of hospital stay, postoperative femoral head collapse rate, Harris hip score, and postoperative complication rate. The Grades of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) system was used to assess the quality of evidence for the outcome indicators. A total of fourteen studies were included in this meta-analysis, comprising 1,063 patients-541 in the core decompression (CD) group and 522 in the AACD group. The meta-analysis revealed no significant differences between the two groups in terms of intraoperative blood loss, length of hospital stay, 12-month postoperative Harris hip score, or overall postoperative complication rate (P > 0.05). However, the AACD group had a longer operative time (MD = 31.19, 95% Cl: 5.32 to 57.07, P = 0.02) and a lower overall postoperative femoral head collapse rate (RR = 0.49, 95% Cl: 0.27 to 0.89, P = 0.02) compared with the CD group. Additionally, the AACD group showed significant improvements in Harris hip scores at 3 months (MD = 6.39, 95% Cl: 5.44 to 7.33, P < 0.00001), 6 months (MD = 7.56, 95% Cl: 6.63 to 8.49, P < 0.00001), ≥ 24 months (MD = 7.00, 95% Cl: 4.80 to 9.21, P < 0.00001), and at the last follow-up (MD = 6.89, 95% Cl: 5.30 to 8.48, P < 0.00001) compared to the CD group. The GRADE evidence assessment indicated that the overall postoperative complication rate was supported by moderate-quality evidence, while the evidence for operative time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative femoral head collapse rate, and Harris hip score was of low quality. The evidence for length of hospital stay was deemed very low quality. This meta-analysis suggests that AACD is an effective and safe treatment for patients with ONFH. However, due to the limited quantity and quality of the included studies, these results should be interpreted with caution. Further high-quality studies are recommended to confirm these findings.

Instruments for Measuring the Burden of Family Caregivers of Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review of Measurement Properties.

This study identifies instruments for assessing the burden on family caregivers of cancer patients and evaluates their psychometric properties using COSMIN criteria. A systematic review based on COSMIN methodology. The review adhered to PRISMA guidelines. Relevant studies were identified through searches in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, and China Science and Technology Journal Database, covering literature from inception to September 2024. Included studies focused on developing or validating measurement tools and assessing psychometric properties such as reliability, internal consistency and construct validity. Two independent researchers screened the literature, extracted data and evaluated psychometric properties using COSMIN criteria while assessing evidence quality via the GRADE method. A total of 32 studies were included, encompassing 17 tools for assessing caregiver burden. None reported measurement error, cross-cultural validity or responsiveness. The Caregiver's Burden Scale in End-of-Life Care (CBS-EOLC) demonstrated strong reliability, validity and internal consistency, receiving a strong recommendation for clinical practice. In contrast, the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), Family Caregiver Burden Interview Scale (FBIS) and Bakas Caregiving Outcomes Scale (BCOS) are not recommended due to insufficient supporting evidence. Other tools showed weak evidence, leading to weak recommendations. The CBS-EOLC exhibits comprehensive psychometric properties suitable for clinical applications. The ZBI, FBIS and BCOS lack adequate supporting evidence and are not recommended. Future research should focus on measurement error, cross-cultural validity and responsiveness to enhance these tools' applicability and reliability. This review provides evidence for healthcare providers to select instruments for assessing caregiver burden in cancer patients. This systematic review highlights the need for comprehensive assessments of caregiver burden based on COSMIN guidelines. This study is a systematic review with no patient or public participation.

Exponential stabilisation of piezoelectric materials via an electromagnetic field

The present paper is an extension of the work of Bidouan et al. [(2023). Setting of some criteria for piezoelectric materials stabilizability. Journal of Current Engineering and Technology, 5(1). ISSN: 2582–1210] in which the authors have identified 11 types of piezoelectric materials that can be stabilised by utilising an electromagnetic field. But, Bidouan et al. [(2023). Setting of some criteria for piezoelectric materials stabilizability. Journal of Current Engineering and Technology, 5(1). ISSN: 2582–1210] did not achieve exponential stability. Here, we go further than Bidouan et al. [(2023). Setting of some criteria for piezoelectric materials stabilizability. Journal of Current Engineering and Technology, 5(1). ISSN: 2582–1210] by building on the 11 types of piezoelectric materials nonlinear feedback controls which allow an either exponential decrease of the energy or exact controllability. Such feedback controls are built with the current density and the electric charge density in order to meet the Lyapunov's stability criteria. To this end, we use the a priori estimation technique. In addition, numerical implementation of the control reveals the complexity of the control parameters effect on the decrease profile of the energy, and opens perspectives for optimisation.

ANÁLISE DE PROTÓTIPO VOLTADO A EFICIÊNCIA ENERGÉTICA APLICADA A TORRE DE RESFRIAMENTO INDUSTRIAL

Introduction: The integration of an energy control system into an industrial cooling tower, by combining this technological advance that current technology provides us, guaranteeing maximum efficiency and environmental protection. Objective: To analyze a prototype focused on energy efficiency applied to industrial cooling towers, with Arduino controlling an automation system aimed at this. Methodology: This study is a qualitative research with a case study type involving the development of a prototype of an energy control system applied to an industrial cooling tower and supporting literature with databases from engineering journals. Results: The results indicate that the system is viable for any industrial use, thus ensuring greater control and efficiency to the industry, being able to adapt to any environment and also adding to it any type of electrical machines for control. Conclusion: integration can contribute significantly to the development of innovative solutions in the field of automation and safety, ensuring greater control and efficiency in the supervision of industrial environments.

Celebrating young scholars

The Nordic Journal of Science and Technology (NJSTS) celebrated its 10-year anniversary in 2023, have used the occasion to direct attention toward young scholars in STS and bring in reflections about how STS is changing as a field.

Amyloid Imaging Update: How the Amyloid Landscape Is Changing in Light of the Recent Food and Drug Administration Approval of Antiamyloid Therapeutics.

It has been some time since the Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Technology has published an article on best practices in amyloid imaging. In light of the recent Food and Drug Administration approval of new antiamyloid therapies (AATs) to decrease amyloid plaques in the brain and slow progression of mild cognitive impairment, and the potential increase in the number of amyloid PET scans being acquired to document amyloid plaques, the Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Technology felt it was a perfect time to publish a refresher on best practices. AATs are administered to help slow progression of mild cognitive impairment, allowing patients to live independently a little longer before having to give up their independence and move in with family or into an assisted living facility. Neurologists prescribing AATs must first document that the patient has amyloid plaques. To do this, amyloid PET can be performed, or a lumbar puncture can be used to look for amyloid plaques in the cerebrospinal fluid. Although the latter is more cost-effective and has no associated radiation exposure, it is highly invasive compared with amyloid PET. High-quality amyloid PET scans interpretated by a trained nuclear medicine physician are the first step and key to providing the dementia expert and patient with accurate information on amyloid status, allowing for the best decisions on patient management.

Effectiveness of Acupuncture for Diabetic Nephropathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to explore the effectiveness of acupuncture for patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN). Nine online databases were searched: China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Science and Technology Journal Database, Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, Chinese BioMedical Literature Database, China Clinical Trial Centre, Embase, PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. The search period was from the establishment of the database to 1 September 2023. The quality of the literature was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool, and the data were analyzed using STATA/MP17 and Review Manager 5.3 software. A total of 221 articles were identified, and 13 studies were included. The total sample size was 899, including 452 and 447 cases in the experimental and control groups, respectively. The meta-analysis showed that acupuncture combined with modern medical treatment was effective in improving urinary albumin excretion rate, 24 h urinary microalbumin, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, fasting plasma glucose, 2 h post-prandial plasma glucose, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, hypersensitive C-reactive protein, and interleukin-6 in patients with DN. Adverse events were reported in only one trial; therefore, this review cannot yet conclude on the safety of acupuncture intervention in DN. The clinical efficacy of acupuncture combined with modern medicine in DN is superior to that of modern medicine alone. To better evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture intervention for DN, more rigorously designed large-sample, multicentre, randomized controlled trials are needed to provide evidence support in the future.

Examination of Research Conducted on the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Science Education

The advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has been significantly driven by developments in machine learning and neural networks. As AI becomes increasingly pervasive, its applications are diversifying, with notable penetration in sectors such as health, education, social media, robotics, and entertainment. One area in which AI is being deployed is science education. The objective of this study is to examine the research that incorporates AI within the field of science education. By analysing trends in the reviewed studies, this research identifies the countries, institutions, journals and scholars that are the most prominent contributors to this field of enquiry. The findings suggest that the incorporation of artificial intelligence into science education is still in its infancy, with a paucity of widespread implementation. However, there is a discernible increase in the quantity of published works, with an emerging emphasis on the assessment of learning outcomes and the enhancement of academic performance. The findings indicate that the United States is the leading country in terms of publications related to AI in science education, accounting for 38% of the total contributions. Additionally, Türkiye has emerged as a notable contributor in this field, demonstrating a growing presence. The Journal of Science Education and Technology was identified as the preeminent journal publishing research on AI. Furthermore, the findings revealed that GPT was the most frequently utilised tool in this context. In light of these findings, it is recommended that future investigations into the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in science education employ a range of AI tools and explore the development of higher-order thinking skills.

Risk-Prediction Model of Restenosis after Endovascular Treatment for Peripheral Arterial Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) patients after endovascular treatment (EVT) have a relatively high restenosis rate. However, this risk can be mitigated through precise risk assessment and individualized self-management intervention plans. Moreover, the number of predictive models for restenosis risk in PAD patients after EVT is gradually increasing, yet these results of study exhibit certain discrepancies, raising uncertainties regarding the quality and applicability in clinical practice and future research. The objective of this study was to systematically evaluate risk-predictive models for restenosis in patients with PAD after EVT. A systematic review and meta-analysis of predictive model construction and validation using observational studies was undertaken. The China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Science and Technology Journal Database, Wanfang Database, SinoMed, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception to January 1, 2024. Two researchers independently conducted literature screening and data extraction, encompassing study design, data sources, outcome definition, sample size, predictive factors, model development, and performance. The Prediction Model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool (PROBAST) was used for risk of bias and applicability assessment of the models. A total of 4275 studies were retrieved, ultimately resulting in the inclusion of 7 articles comprising 7 predictive models for restenosis in PAD patients after EVT, with a restenosis incidence ranging from 21.8% to 39.7%. The total sample size of the included models ranged from 137 to 1578 cases, with logistic regression analysis being the most commonly used modeling method. All models were built using R software. Only 2 models underwent external validation, and the reported area under the curve ranged from 0.728 to 0.864. The summary area-under-the-curve statistic was 0.80 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.74-0.86), with an approximate prediction interval of 0.80 (95% CI, 0.62-0.91) . The number of included predictive factors ranged from 3 to 10, with the most common factors being age, Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus Ⅱ classification, hypertension, diabetes, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and surgical approach. All studies exhibited high risk of bias, primarily attributed to inappropriate sources of data and poor reporting of the analysis domain. Predictive models for restenosis after EVT in PAD patients demonstrate overall good predictive performance but are still in the developmental stage with higher risk of bias. Future studies should follow the TRIPOD statement, focusing on the development of new models with larger samples, rigorous study designs, and multicenter external validation. This systematic review adheres to the PRISMA 2020 statement, offering the most recent systematic assessment of risk prediction models for restenosis following endovascular treatment in peripheral arterial disease.The newly developed PROBAST tool was employed to assess the risk of bias and the applicability of the existing evidence.This review emphasizes the practical utility, limitations of the current evidence, and recommendations for future research, with the goal of providing valuable information for clinicians and patients in their decision-making process, while also supporting the advancement of future research endeavors.

Global incidence and risk factors for glaucoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies.

This study aims to estimate global incidence and assess risk factors for glaucoma subtypes. The literature search was performed in three English (PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE) and three Chinese (China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, China Science and Technology Journal Database) databases to identify prospective studies on glaucoma incidence between 1 January 1990 and 29 November 2022. We used a multilevel mixed-effects meta-regression to estimate the age- and sex-specific incidence rate of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). The global and regional incidence rate of POAG in 2022 were respectively estimated. The annual cumulative incidence (ACI) of POAG and primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG), and risk factors for POAG were pooled using a random-effects meta-analysis, respectively. The heterogeneity of the included articles was tested using the Q statistic and measured by I2 index. Publication bias was detected by funnel plots, Egger's regression test, and Begg's rank correlation test. A total of 9050 articles were identified in literature search, and 50 articles provided incidence data of glaucoma subtypes. In 2022, the global incidence rate of POAG was 23.46 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 15.68-32.91) per 10 000 person-years among 40-79 years. An increase from 5.51 (95% CI = 1.63-11.12) per 10 000 person-years in 40-44 years to 64.36 (95% CI = 49.82-80.70) per 10 000 person-years in 75-79 years was noted between the year 1990 and 2019. Across sociodemographic index (SDI) and World Health Organization (WHO) regions, the incidence rate was the highest in low SDI region and Africa, respectively. The pooled ACI of POAG was 0.21% (95% CI = 0.13%-0.30%). Six risk factors for POAG were identified, including intraocular pressure (IOP) treatment (meta-odds ratio (OR) = 3.69; 95% CI = 2.64-5.15), a family history of glaucoma (meta-OR = 2.49; 95% CI = 1.92-3.24), myopia (meta-OR = 2.08; 95% CI = 1.59-2.70), elevated IOP (meta-OR = 1.13; 95% CI = 1.11-1.15), advanced age (meta-OR = 1.07; 95% CI = 1.05-1.08), male (female: meta-OR = 0.76; 95% CI = 0.66-0.88). The pooled ACI of PACG was 0.05% (95% CI = 0.00%-0.16%). Significant disparities existed in incidence rates for glaucoma across geographic regions and age groups. Further research is needed to understand which risk factors drive glaucoma incidence in different socioeconomic strata for tailored health policy on preventing glaucoma. This study is registered with PROSPERO (number CRD42023434203).

FOREWORD AND FAREWELL

As I write my final foreword as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Naval Sciences and Engineering (JNSE), it is with deep gratitude and pride that I look back on the transformative progress we have achieved together. I first took on this role with the responsibility of publishing the second issue of 2022, just as the journal transitioned from the Naval Sciences and Engineering Institute to the Turkish Naval Academy (TNA). Now, following my promotion to Rear Admiral (Lower Half) and my appointment as the Deputy General Manager of Naval Shipyards, I prepare to step down, filled with confidence in the journal's future impact. During my tenure, JNSE has not only expanded its reach but also evolved in structure. As the first Editor-in-Chief after this significant transition, I established a structured workflow to ensure the smooth handling of the journal’s workload. This progress would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our esteemed contributors, editors, reviewers, and readers, who have collectively strengthened the journal’s place as a respected publication in naval sciences and engineering. Naval sciences and engineering have always been at the forefront of the Turkish Navy’s priorities, with an increasing emphasis on innovation and self-reliance in defense capabilities. As researchers and engineers, our collective work—through publications like this journal—contributes, even if indirectly, to these larger goals. It is essential to recognize that advancements in naval platforms, weaponry, and defense systems depend heavily on foundational research in science and technology. Every study, every paper, and every breakthrough—however modest it may seem—plays a role in building the knowledge base that supports these ambitious naval goals. In this foreword, I highlight recent and ongoing projects of the Turkish Navy, from initial concepts to construction, to offer future contributors an idea of impactful areas of study. Research in fields like autonomous systems, AI-driven operations, and advanced propulsion technologies can shape the Navy’s future capabilities. As the quote often attributed to Faraday or Franklin reminds us, "What is the use of a newborn baby?" Theoretical research, like this newborn, may not reveal its full utility immediately, yet it holds the potential to make profound impacts over time. (Full foreword available in the PDF version.) As I transition from this role, I am proud of the journal’s achievements. One of the most notable milestones has been the introduction of Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs) for all published papers since the second issue of 2022. This change has allowed for greater visibility, wider dissemination, and immediate online publication, which are crucial in the fast-paced world of research. Additionally, reorganizing the editorial team, including the appointment of key roles such as the Technical Editor, Layout Editor, and Secretariat from the capable staff of the TNA has ensured a streamlined workflow and elevated the journal's standards. The December 2024 issue is a testament to the journal’s interdisciplinary reach. This issue includes four valuable studies: one presenting a robust planning model for irrigation, a topic of relevance as climate change increasingly impacts maritime and agricultural resources; a second, developing a cybersecurity perception scale for maritime industry employees, reflecting the growing importance of cybersecurity in naval operations; a third, a performance analysis of adaptive MIMO techniques for visible light communication, which holds promise for improving naval communication systems; and finally, a paper on thyroid nodule segmentation using ultrasound, which highlights how advances in medical imaging can also improve healthcare aboard naval vessels. These papers, though diverse, reflect the journal's goal of fostering interdisciplinary innovation. As I conclude my tenure as Editor-in-Chief, I want to express my gratitude one last time to the readers, the dedicated editors who served alongside me, and the referees who ensured the quality of the research we published. It has been a privilege to oversee the journal through significant milestones, and I deeply appreciate the effort and commitment of everyone involved. Reflecting on my tenure, I am particularly proud of the journal's growth, both in scope and influence. Over these years, we have not only expanded our reach but have also contributed to shaping the dialogue around the future of naval technology. Though this marks the end of my tenure, I depart with the satisfaction of knowing that we have upheld the highest standards in naval science and engineering research. As I bid farewell, I leave with the hope that the journal continues to inspire and contribute to the advancement of naval sciences. May your journey be swift and your destination secure. Fatih ERDEN, Ph.D. Editor-in-Chief

Effect of low-intensity muscle strength training on postoperative rehabilitation and adverse events in patients with knee osteoarthritis over 55 years of age: a meta-analysis

BackgroundThis study aimed to study the effect of low-intensity muscle strength training on postoperative rehabilitation of patients with knee osteoarthritis over 55 years of age and the incidence of adverse events by a meta-analysis.MethodsWe searched China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WanFang, China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), PubMed, Web of science, and Embase databases for articles on the effect of low-intensity muscle strength training on the recovery of patients with knee arthritis. And meta-analysis combined effect was performed in R 4.2.2 software. Quantitative analysis and risk of bias were assessed by Begg’s and Eegger’s test.ResultsMeta-analysis showed that the effect of low-intensity muscle strength training on postoperative knee range of motion in patients with knee arthritis was mean difference (MD) = 5.20, 95% CI=[4.00, 6.40], τ2 = 0.43, P = 0.34; the effect on postoperative muscle strength was standard mean difference (SMD) = 1.24, 95% CI=[0.86, 1.61], τ2 = 0.07, P < 0.01; the effect on postoperative knee joint score was MD = 5.88, 95%CI=[2.09, 9.67], τ2 = 16.60, P < 0.01; the effect on postoperative knee visual analogue scale (VAS) score was MD=-1.12, 95%CI =[-1.43, -0.81], τ2 = 0.09, P < 0.001; the effect on the incidence of adverse events was RR = 0.85, 95%CI= [0.52 1.39], τ2 = 0.79, P = 0.04.ConclusionLow-intensity muscle strength training can improve the muscle strength of the affected limb and knee joint score, reduce the VAS score and the incidence of adverse events in patients with knee osteoarthritis over 55 years of age after surgery, but it has no effect on the postoperative knee range of motion, so it can be considered as appropriate in clinical selection.

Risk Factors for Cytomegalovirus Infection after Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Meta-Analysis.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is the most common viral infection after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). However, studies on related risk factors give different views without any clear conclusion. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the risk variables of CMV infection after HSCT in order to provide recommendations for therapeutic treatment. The National Knowledge Infrastructure [CNKI], Chinese Biomedical Literature database [SinoMed], Wanfang Digital Periodicals [WANFANG] and China Science and Technology Journal [VIP] databases, as well as PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, Web of Science databases were searched. The search keyword was Cumulative Index of Nursing and Related Health Literature (CINAHL). The search time spanned from the time when the database was created to February 2023. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, two researchers independently chose the literature, retrieved data, and assessed the bias risk. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed by the Newcastle Ottawa scale (NOS). A total of 1,038 literatures were retrieved, of which, 18 studies were finally included. The final results of meta-analysis showed that there were seven risk factors as follows: Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) grades II-IV (II-IV) [odds ratio = 3.39, 95% CI (2.13, 5.41), p <0.05]; ant-thymocyte globulin (ATG) administration in treatment [odds ratio = 2.53, 95% CI (1.41, 4.53), p <0.05]; cyclosporine level after transplantation (>300 ng/ml) [OR = 3.79, 95% CI (1.24, 11.65), p <0.05]; age [odds ratio = 1.83, 95% CI (1.06, 3.15), p <0.05]; neutrophil deficiency time [odds ratio = 6.58, 95% CI (2.24, 19.30), p <0.05]; CMV infection in recipients before transplantation [odds ratio = 6.32,95% CI (4.03, 9.90), p <0.05]; fungal infection [odds ratio = 2.63, 95% CI (1.09, 6.34), p <0.05]. This study preliminarily revealed that CMV infection after HSCT is related to aGVHD (II-IV), ATG administration in pretreatment, cyclosporine level (>300 ng/ml) after transplantation, age, neutrophil deficiency time, CMV infection in recipients before transplantation and fungal infection. However, the mechanisms behind the risk variables are unclear. Further research is necessary to understand the risk factors and to enhance the care of patients with these risk factors to prevent or control infection. Key Words: Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, Cytomegalovirus infection, Risk factors, Meta-analysis.