Research Perspectives Research Articles

Ru-Incorporation-Induced Phase Transition in Co Nanoparticles for Low-Concentration Nitric Oxide Electroreduction to Ammonia at Low Potential.

Electrocatalytic reduction of nitric oxide (NO) to ammonia (NH3) represents a potential solution for improving the disrupted nitrogen cycle balance. Unfortunately, designing efficient electrocatalysts for NO reduction reaction (NORR) remains a notable challenge, especially at low concentrations. Herein, a displacement-alloying strategy is reported to successfully induce the phase transition of Co nanoparticles supported on carbon nanosheets from face-centered cubic (fcc) to hexagonal close-packed (hcp) structure through Ru incorporation. The obtained RuCo alloy with hcp phase structure (hcp-RuCo) exhibits apparent NORR activity with a record-high Faraday efficiency of 99.2% and an NH3 yield of 77.76µg h-1 mgcat -1 at -0.1V versus reversible hydrogen electrode at a NO concentration of 1vol %, surpassing Co nanoparticles with fcc phase structure and most reported catalysts. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the excellent NORR activity of hcp-RuCo can be attributed to the optimized electronic structure of Co site and lowered energy barrier of the potential rate-determining step through phase transition. Furthermore, the assembled Zn-NO battery using hcp-RuCo as the cathode achieves a power density of 2.33mW cm-2 and an NH3 yield of 45.94µg h-1 mgcat -1. This work provides a promising research perspective for low-concentration NO conversion.

Research on the Influence of User Relationship Strength on Value Co-Creation Behavior of Online Fitness Community

ABSTRACT Purpose The factors that drive user value co-creation behavior are unique to China due to the country’s unique economic, political and cultural influences. However, few scholars have paid attention to the driving factors of user value co-creation behavior in the Chinese context. In this study, the authors deepen their understanding of the drivers of user value co-creation behavior by exploring the impact of relationship strength, a variable with Chinese characteristics, on value creation behavior. Design/methodology/approach The article takes the relationship strength of online fitness users as the research object from the user’s perspective, uses literature and questionnaires to establish a model of the influence mechanism of online fitness users’ relationship strength on value co-creation behavior, use AMOS to test the model empirically based on the data of 471 senior Chinese online fitness users. Findings The findings confirm that all dimensions of relationship strength, except duration, have a significant positive impact on value experience. Each dimension of relationship strength has a significant positive impact on demand satisfaction. Value experience and demand satisfaction have a significant direct positive impact on value co-creation behavior. Research Implications This study introduced the variable relationship between strength, explore the user relationship strength with Chinese characteristics variables influence on value creating behavior, follow the “stimulus → psychological perception → value co-creation behavior” logic, build the user relationship strength of value creating action mechanism model, and carries on the empirical test, it broadens the research perspective of driving users to produce value co-creation behavior. Practical Implications The results of this study show that managers need to enhance the relationship strength of users in online fitness communities, especially to improve users’ perception of reciprocity, and to focus on users’ needs and experiences to achieve value co-creation. Originality This study makes two main contributions. It examines the impact of online fitness user relationship strength on value co-creation behavior in the Chinese context, enriching the research on the drivers of value co-creation behavior. Additionally, this study reveals the influence mechanisms of online fitness user relationship strength on value co-creation behavior and provides theoretical guidance for online fitness company to drive users to generate value co-creation behavior.

Perspectives on Evaluation of Food Banks

Food banks have played an important role in reducing food loss and waste and improving the food insecurity of vulnerable people. This study aimed to carry out a systematic review of food bank evaluation studies and bring new perspectives for future research and decision-making. Ninety-three articles were selected and analyzed from a search on the Web of Science and ScienceDirect platforms. Bibliometric analyses and analyses of the evaluation methodologies were performed. The bibliometric results present the evolution of the studies over the period considered (1994–2024) and indicate how peaks of growth in the number of studies may be related to external events. Both the authors and studied organizations are located mainly in high-income countries. The main aspects considered in the evaluation methodologies are related to the dimensions of short-term impacts and results, indicating less interest in the dimension related to internal processes and activities. This study provides important support for researchers and decision-makers: in addition to presenting, in each dimension of the evaluation, the main indicators used, it raises the questions of the extent to which evaluation studies reflect the reality and context of a given country or region and the extent to which they reflect the management processes of food banks.

The Role of Yoga in Enhancing Decision Making: A Research Perspective

This research explores the impact of yoga on enhancing decision-making abilities from a comprehensive research perspective. “Yoga, an ancient practice encompassing physical postures, breathes control, and meditation”, has gained attention in contemporary psychology and neuroscience for its potential cognitive benefits. This research aspires to analyze relationship among “Yoga practice & decision-making processes”, examining how regular “yoga practice” may influence cognitive functions relevant to decision making. The implications of these findings for personal well-being, professional performance, and organizational effectiveness are discussed, emphasizing the importance of integrating yoga-based interventions into educational, clinical, and corporate settings. Finally, avenues for future research are proposed, including longitudinal studies to examine “long-term provoke of yoga practice” on decision making and randomized controlled trials to establish causal relationships. Overall, this research underscores the multifaceted benefits of yoga in enhancing cognitive functions and informs strategies for optimizing decision-making processes in diverse contexts.

Beyond Peto's Paradox: Expanding the Study of Cancer Resistance Across Species.

Peto's paradox, which highlights the lower-than-expected cancer rates in larger and/or longer-lived species, is a cornerstone of discussions at the intersection of ecology, evolution, and cancer research. It prompts investigations into how species with traits that theoretically increase cancer risk manage to exhibit cancer resistance, with the ultimate goal of uncovering novel therapies for humans. Building on these foundational insights, we propose expanding the research focus to species that, despite possessing traits beyond size and longevity that theoretically increase their cancer risk, exhibit unexpected cancer resistance. Testing Peto's paradox without interference from transient dynamics also requires considering species that are at an equilibrium between cancer risks and defenses, which is increasingly challenging due to anthropogenic activities. Additionally, we argue that transmissible cancers could significantly help in understanding how the metastatic process might be naturally suppressed. This research perspective is timely and aims to support the continued and in-depth identification of anti-cancer adaptations retained throughout evolution in the animal kingdom.

Effects of Arnica Phytotherapeutic and Homeopathic Formulations on Traumatic Injuries and Inflammatory Conditions: A Systematic Review.

Arnica L. genus (Asteraceae) comprises perennial herbs native to the temperate and boreal parts of the northern hemisphere. Arnica montana is the main species. It shows different biological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, and antitumor effects. The Arnica formulations are mainly used for pain management. This systematic review is aimed at summarizing the studies focusing on the use of Arnica products on pain and inflammatory signs due to traumatic injuries related to sport and surgical interventions as well as to arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Both phytotherapeutic and homeopathic formulations are taken into account. This paper only includes manuscripts published in mainstream journals. A literature search from Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed databases has been carried out using a combination of the keywords "Arnica", "trauma", "sport", "injury", "injuries", and "pain". According to the search strategy and inclusion criteria for this study, 42 eligible papers, focusing on both Arnica alone and formulations containing a mixture of plant extracts, have been finally selected. This review critically discusses the in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies dealing with Arnica products, reporting both positive and negative outcomes, thus providing perspectives for future research on the plant pharmacological potential.

Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairments (CRCIs) in Non-Central Nervous System Adult Patients: Outcome Measures and Methodology of Assessment: A Literature Review

Background: Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) represents one of the most common and debilitating effects in patients surviving after cancer treatments. Neurocognitive deficits are important causes of disability and burden in cancer survivors. The true magnitude of CRCI is difficult to define due to significant heterogeneity of literature data. At present, there is no agreement on the gold standard for detection and grading of CRCI in clinical trials, and there is a lack of clear knowledge of its pathophysiology. Objectives: In this review, we aim to discuss some perspectives for future research to pursue in order to cover the gaps in knowledge in the CRCI field. Methods: We focused our literature research on the following relevant issues: neuroradiological correlates of CRCI; objective neuropsychological evaluation and subjective complaint assessment and their correlation with objective measures; timing of assessment; and possible treatments. Results: The correct methodology for evaluating cognitive deficits induced by anti-tumor treatments still requires a definition based on quality scientific evidence, and literature data are currently scarce. Conclusions: This review highlights the need for further research to understand the causes and consequences of cancer-related cognitive impairment using standardized and sensitive measures of cognitive functions and the long-term effects of chemotherapy on cognitive functions and to develop effective interventions.

Ventricular-arterial coupling: Advances and current perspectives in cardiovascular research

The concept of ventricular-arterial coupling (VAC) was first introduced in the early 1980s to quantify the relationship between left ventricular contractility and arterial load. The mathematical formulation of VAC, expressed as the ratio of arterial elastance to ventricular elastance, has since then been refined with adjustments to allow for non-invasive assessment. By the early 2000s, advancements in echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance and arterial tonometry provided non-invasive alternatives to the traditional invasive method of cardiac catheterization, broadening the clinical application of VAC. Emerging technologies, such as machine learning and computational models, have further enhanced the precision and personalization of VAC, with potential applications in heart failure, hypertension and other clinical scenarios.<br /> This review describes the physiological basis and the historical development of VAC, highlights the non-invasive assessment techniques, and discusses the potential for personalized treatment based on VAC insights. Machine learning models trained on large datasets from non-invasive imaging modalities may open new avenues in predicting individual patient responses to therapies. However, lack of standardized protocols across imaging modalities represents a challenge, making the call for standardization critical for consistent clinical application. This review underscores the need for harmonized methodologies to better utilize VAC in personalized medicine, aiming to improve cardiovascular outcomes through tailored therapies.

A Study of Thing-Narrative in The Masque of the Red Death

The Masque of the Red Death is one of Edgar Allan Poe‘s most important works, which has been studied by numerous scholars from the perspectives of style, narrative aesthetics, and semiotics. However, the relevant interpretation to date has almost completely ignored the description of things in the novel. At present, there is an obvious “material turn” or “non-human turn” in the field of humanities research, that is, the research perspective turns to the “object” components that have been largely ignored in the past, including animals, plants, minerals, ecosystems, landscapes, places, etc. Therefore, from the perspective of the thing-narrative, combined with the social and historical background of the works, this paper analyzes Poe‘s use of thing-narrative techniques through close reading of the text. Through the in-depth analysis of the interaction between things and characters in the story, the author explains how castles, rooms, and ebony clocks, as cultural symbols, agents with subjectivity, exist as noumenon, influence or predict the fate of characters, and promote the development of the plot. And to further clarify Poe‘s theme in this novel - the inevitability of death.

Beyond a constant proton relative biological effectiveness: A survey of clinical and research perspectives among proton institutions in Europe and the United States.

Although proton relative biological effectiveness (RBE) depends on factors like linear energy transfer (LET), tissue properties, dose, and biological endpoint, a constant RBE of 1.1 is recommended in clinical practice. This study surveys proton institutions to explore activities using functionalities beyond a constant proton RBE. Research versions of RayStation integrate functionalities considering variable proton RBE, LET, proton track-ends, and dirty dose. A survey of 19 institutions in Europe and the United States, with these functionalities available, investigated clinical adoption and research prospects using a 25-question online questionnaire. Of the 16 institutions that responded (84% response rate), 13 were clinically active. These clinical institutions prescribe RBE=1.1 but also employ planning strategies centered around special beam arrangements to address potentially enhanced RBE effects in serially structured organs at risk (OARs). Clinical plan evaluation encompassed beam angles/spot position (69%), dose-averaged LET (LETd) (46%), and variable RBE distributions (38%). High ratings (discrete scale: 1-5) were reported for the research functionalities using linear LETd-RBE models, LETd, track-end frequency and dirty dose (averages: 4.0-4.8), while LQ-based phenomenological RBE models dependent on LETd scored lower for optimization (average: 2.2) but congruent for evaluation (average: 4.1). The institutions preferred LET reported as LETd (94%), computed in unit-density water (56%), for all protons (63%), and lean toward LETd-based phenomenological RBE models for clinical use (>50%). Proton institutions recognize RBE variability but adhere to a constant RBE while actively mitigating potential enhancements, particularly in serially structured OARs. Research efforts focus on planning techniques that utilize functionalities beyond a constant RBE, emphasizing standardized LET and RBE calculations to facilitate their adoption in clinical practice and improve clinical data collection. LETd calculated in unit-density water for all protons as input to adaptable phenomenological RBE models was the most suggested approach, aligning with predominant clinical LET and variable RBE reporting.

СТРАТЕГІЧНІ АЛЬТЕРНАТИВИ ВІДНОВЛЕННЯ КОНКУРЕНТОСПРОМОЖНОСТІ СФЕРИ ГОСТИННОСТІ УКРАЇНИ

Introduction. The field of hospitality is the basis for the development of the economies of many countries of the world. Ukraine is no exception. Although the full-scale invasion of the territory of Ukraine left its mark on this sector of the economy, causing great damage to it, the global situation has not changed and its development remains one of the priorities, especially in the context of Ukraine's vector for European integration. However, in today's conditions, appropriate strategies and tools for their implementation are necessary to preserve and restore the competitiveness of the hospitality industry. The purpose of the article: to justify strategic alternatives for restoring the competitiveness of the hospitality sector of Ukraine Results. The article substantiates that since the field of hospitality is a complex socio-ecological-economic system, which is characterized by significant regional differences, it is advisable to apply combined strategic sets formed on the basis of a hierarchical approach. The application of three levels of strategic alternatives is substantiated: Level I as a market positioning strategy (globalization, deep market penetration, adaptation, anticipatory development); Level II as strategic directions for ensuring competitive advantages (creating new competitive advantages, increasing competitive advantages, maintaining a competitive position, restoring lost competitive advantages); Level III as typical competitive strategies (diversification, differentiation, focus, specialization, cost leadership). The results of the study were used to justify the correlation of the specified strategies with the identified trends in the development of the hospitality industry in the world and in Ukraine. The sets of alternative strategies will be identified in the coordinates "Level of competitive advantages" / "Level of competitiveness", according to which the regions of Ukraine will be grouped and the specifics of the implementation of each of the sets will be determined. In the conditions of the current situation, the proposals are characterized by a high level of speculation, but they can serve as a reference point for the development of the hospitality industry in the regions of Ukraine, the basis of regional programs and strategies, which is a perspective for further research. Conclusions. A strategic approach to restoring the competitiveness of the hospitality sector of Ukraine ensures the prediction and achievement of expected results, obtaining competitive advantages for the long-term perspective, is the basis for the development of regional strategies and programs, which is of practical importance.

Humidity Sensing Using Polymers: A Critical Review of Current Technologies and Emerging Trends

In the post-pandemic era, human demand for a healthy lifestyle and a smart society has surged, leading to vibrant growth in the field of flexible electronic sensor technology for health monitoring. Flexible polymer humidity sensors are not only capable of the real-time monitoring of human respiration and skin moisture information but also serve as a non-contact human–machine interaction method. In addition, the development of moist-electric generation technology is expected to break free from the traditional reliance of flexible electronic devices on power equipment, which is of significant importance for the miniaturization, reliability, and environmentally friendly development of flexible devices. Currently, flexible polymer humidity sensors are playing a significant role in the field of wearable electronic devices and thus have attracted considerable attention. This review begins by introducing the structural types and working principles of various humidity sensors, including the types of capacitive, impedance/resistive, frequency-based, fiber optic, and voltage-based sensors. It mainly focuses on the latest research advancements in flexible polymer humidity sensors, particularly in the modification of humidity-sensitive materials, sensor fabrication, and hygrosensitivity mechanisms. Studies on material composites including different types of polymers, polymers combined with porous nanostructured materials, polymers combined with metal oxides, and two-dimensional materials are reviewed, along with a comparative summary of the fabrication and performance mechanisms of related devices. This paper concludes with a discussion on the current challenges and opportunities faced by flexible polymer humidity sensors, providing new research perspectives for their future development.

Barriers to Recruitment and Retention Among Underrepresented Populations in Cancer Clinical Trials: A Qualitative Study of the Perspectives of Clinical Trial Research Coordinating Staff at a Cancer Center.

Although US research agencies have instituted peer review processes to require participant diversity in clinical trials before funding decisions are made, the underrepresentation of certain populations (eg, racial and ethnic minorities) in clinical trials remains a persistent challenge in biomedical research. This issue has the potential to affect the generalizability of findings and impede efforts to ensure the provision of high-quality healthcare across all populations. In this study, we examined barriers to the recruitment and retention of underrepresented populations in cancer clinical trials from the perspective of research coordinating staff. Semi-structured interviews were conducted at a US-based academic cancer center and included 6 patient-facing staff (clinical research coordinators) and 6 non-patient-facing staff (regulatory and financial specialists). Interview data were subjected to thematic analysis. To provide additional organizational context, descriptive data were obtained on the characteristics of clinical trials undertaken at the cancer center. The following themes emerged from the staff interviews: 1) absence of a consistent structure for decision-making and problem-solving related to recruitment and retention, 2) staff shortages, 3) administrative burden, and 4) lack of resources. In addition, descriptive data revealed that nearly half the trials, 64/134 (48%), offered informed consent only in English, and only 3/134 (2%) offered participant incentives or reimbursement (eg, for transportation). These interrelated organizational issues were indicative of inadequate systems for ensuring diverse and equitable representation in cancer clinical trials. Results indicate that overcoming barriers to underrepresentation may require dedicated support from sponsoring agencies in the form of evidence-based guidelines, learning collaboratives to facilitate implementation, technical support, resources, and oversight. For progress to be made therefore, both sponsors and cancer centers may need to assume joint responsibility for the implementation of effective systems for ensuring diverse and equitable representation in cancer clinical trials.

Hitchhikers on traveling microplastics: Three necessary steps for bacteria becoming dangerous invaders

Microplastics (MPs) have received great concern in recent years, and whether the bacteria carried by traveling MPs would cause ecological risks is a hot topic for debate. The colonized bacteria (i.e., hitchhikers) on traveling MPs which become invasive species in the new environment, need to be completed in three steps: arriving, falling, and growing. However, most previous studies only focused on the first step, which we think is insufficient to discuss species invasion. Thus, in this frontier review, we reviewed the progress of the current research on the uniqueness of bacterial communities on MPs, and we summarized that the uniqueness of the plastisphere was not as high as previously thought. Moreover, we explained why the three steps were necessary to complete the bacterial species invasion. Furthermore, we analyzed the technical difficulties hindering discussing MPs as invasive species carriers, as well as the perspectives in future research. Therefore, this frontier review presents new insights into the role of MPs as bacterial carriers, and suggests study directions for future research.

The development and perspectives of fundamental research on chemistry of energetic materials

The development and perspectives of fundamental research on chemistry of energetic materials

Beyond "post," "traumatic," "growth," and prediction in research on posttraumatic growth.

Thirty years after the introduction of posttraumatic growth (PTG), research on the concept has expanded dramatically. Novel theoretical perspectives included in this special issue, however, demonstrate that nearly every element of PTG requires revision. "Post" implies a definitive before and after adversity that simply does not exist, either empirically or in the everyday navigation of adversity, especially for marginalized people. "Trauma" is appropriately scaled to the gravity of some forms of adversity, yet the term is often overly pathologizing or flattening of individual experience. And "growth" is often misleading, difficult to operationalize, and always value-laden. Studying PTG requires grappling with these claims in a way that can inspire pessimism. What is left in PTG after we question the P, T, and G? In asking this question, we ultimately encounter the limits of empiricism. Drawing insights from contemporary research in lifespan development, we suggest that it may be impossible to prospectively predict, using individual-level variables, how people grapple with adversity and develop after it. There are limits to our understanding of PTG that may simply be insurmountable. But complementary perspectives in narrative research, especially those espoused in this issue, as well as in the humanities and the arts, offer a way forward. Retrospectively understanding adverse events and taking an idiographic and qualitative perspective on the ways in which people navigate them can both humanize and bolster inclusivity in PTG research. We conclude by suggesting a period of enhanced divergent exploration, one that embraces disciplinary humility and epistemological and methodological pluralism to further understand PTG. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Effect of B4C nanoparticles addition on the refinement of Fe-rich phase in ZL108 alloy

Refining effect of B4C nanoparticles in ZL108 alloy on Fe-rich phase was studied in this work. It was observed that B4C nanoparticles apparently refines the size of the Fe-rich phases and partially transforms Fe-rich phases morphology from hollow polyhedron to petal-like shape. The DSC results show that B4C nanoparticles does not affect the initial nucleation temperature of the Fe-rich phase. However, the addition of B4C nanoparticles to ZL108 alloy inhibits the growth of Fe-rich phase. The TEM results confirm that the addition of B4C nanoparticles alters the lattice parameter of Fe-rich phase due to incorporation of C atoms, thereby suppressing the growth of the Fe-rich phase and ultimately leading to its refinement. From the perspective of fracture behavior, the addition of B4C nanoparticles remarkably reduces the stress concentration of Fe-rich phase, and the elongation of the alloy increases by 25.3%. These findings provide a new perspective for further research and development to refine Fe-rich phase.

Synergistic solar electricity-water generation through an integration of semitransparent solar cells and multistage interfacial desalination

Energy shortage and freshwater scarcity are critical challenges for the sustainable development of the society. The photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) hybrid system offers a promising strategy by harnessing solar energy for electricity and water cogeneration. However, existing systems suffer from relatively low efficiency due to incomplete solar spectrum utilization. To address this, we propose a novel PVT integrated system that combines semi-transparent solar cells and multistage interfacial stills to maximize solar spectrum utilization, allowing for efficient electricity and freshwater co-production. Experimental results demonstrate a record-high solar-to-vapor efficiency of 210% with a production rate of 3.17 L m-2 h-1 under one-sun, while maintaining an uncompromised electrical efficiency of 19.57%. Furthermore, we employ a verified theoretical framework to provide optimized strategies for concurrent enhancement of electricity-water production, by improving internal heat and mass transfer and effectively reducing the thickness of the interstage air gap. Moreover, we introduce a non-contact model for system structure optimization proposed to match the high transmittance of solar cells. This work realizes full solar spectrum utilization to cogenerate electricity and freshwater, offering optimized strategies from the thermal perspective for future research.

Agricultural land-use system management: research progress and perspectives

Agricultural land-use system management: research progress and perspectives

Recent developments in the biomedical and anticancer applications of chitosan derivatives.

Chitosan is a natural polymer derived from chitin. It has significant applications in various fields due to its unique physicochemical properties, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. These important properties of chitosan make it an attractive candidate for various anti-cancer activities and biomedical applications, including tissue engineering. This review emphasizes the latest literature on anticancer applications of chitosan derivatives and in-depth study of biomedical applications. This review highlights the importance of biomedical applications and anti-cancer activities like breast, liver, colon, gastric, melanoma, colorectal, cervical, oral, and lymphoma cancer. Currently, there is a notable absence of recent reviews that comprehensively address these aspects such as Alejandro Elizalde-Cárdenas, et al. 2024, focuses only on Biomedical applications of Cs and its derivatives (Elizalde-Cárdenas et al., 2024). Jingxian Ding, et al. 2022 discussed the applications of Cs in some Cancer treatments (Mabrouk et al., 2024). However, our article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in Cs derivatives in both fields. This manuscript is designed with proper diagrams, flow sheets and summarized tables to enhance the understanding of the reader. It also highlights recent advancements in the development of various chitosan derivatives, offering a comprehensive perspective for researchers and practitioners to further progress in biomedical and anticancer technologies.