Significant Potential For Future Development Research Articles

Research on the Level of Synergistic Development of Supply and Demand in China’s Health Industry

This study combines the latest vague set similarity measurement method with the entropy weight TOPSIS method; furthermore, it applies the grey relational analysis method to establish a model for the synergistic development of supply and demand in the health industry, and it empirically analyzes the development status, synergy level, and synergistic development level of China’s health industry supply and demand from 2013 to 2021. The findings reveal that: (1) China’s health industry supply maintains steady growth, while demand grows rapidly. However, the overall level of supply and demand development is generally low, indicating significant potential for future development. Moreover, the development of the supply lags behind that of the demand, leading to an increasing gap year by year. (2) The level of synergy between supply and demand in China’s health industry is relatively high but is decreasing year by year. Although the degree of synergistic development between supply and demand continues to increase, it remains at a low level, indicating that high coordination between supply and demand comes at the cost of a low development level. (3) There exists a significant regional imbalance in the development of China’s health industry, with the overall difference showing a widening trend year by year. Regional disparities are the main source of the overall difference.

Exploring the Intersection of Brain–Computer Interfaces and Quantum Sensing: A Review of Research Progress and Future Trends

AbstractBrain–computer interfaces (BCIs) can revolutionize how humans interact with technology, but several scientific and technological challenges must be addressed to realize their full potential. Recent developments in quantum‐based sensing methods offer promising solutions to some of these challenges. This review provides an overview of the progress, challenges, and prospects of BCIs research and discuss the feasibility of integrating quantum sensor technology in BCI systems. The applications of quantum sensing in BCIs research are reviewed and the solution based on quantum sensor technology to overcome some of the challenges associated with BCI systems is proposed. The potential of quantum sensor technology for the future development of BCIs is emphasized. Overall, this review highlights quantum sensor technology's significant potential for future development of BCI.

Recent Advances in Precision Diamond Wire Sawing Monocrystalline Silicon.

Due to the brittleness of silicon, the use of a diamond wire to cut silicon wafers is a critical stage in solar cell manufacturing. In order to improve the production yield of the cutting process, it is necessary to have a thorough understanding of the phenomena relating to the cutting parameters. This research reviews and summarizes the technology for the precision machining of monocrystalline silicon using diamond wire sawing (DWS). Firstly, mathematical models, molecular dynamics (MD), the finite element method (FEM), and other methods used for studying the principle of DWS are compared. Secondly, the equipment used for DWS is reviewed, the influences of the direction and magnitude of the cutting force on the material removal rate (MRR) are analyzed, and the improvement of silicon wafer surface quality through optimizing process parameters is summarized. Thirdly, the principles and processing performances of three assisted machining methods, namely ultrasonic vibration-assisted DWS (UV-DWS), electrical discharge vibration-assisted DWS (ED-DWS), and electrochemical-assisted DWS (EC-DWS), are reviewed separately. Finally, the prospects for the precision machining of monocrystalline silicon using DWS are provided, highlighting its significant potential for future development and improvement.

Imitating Spiders to catch flying insects: Realizing high-strength bonding of bamboo scraps/magnesium oxychloride lightweight composite interface

Compatible interface is the key to designing low-carbon building materials containing plant fiber. Moisture migration causes steric hindrance at interfaces, resulting in materials with poor two-phase interface compatibility and low mechanical strength. Drop load presents a serious threat to the structural safety of future houses. Firmer cementation in composite becomes an urgent problem. We report on a strategy using polysaccharide chains between two different phases, and design high-strength adhesion interface. This new design is inspired by the behavior of spiders to catch flying insects. The presence of hydroxyl and amino groups on the spider silk surface allows binding of flying insects with high strength and using only small contact area. To mimic that strategy, MgO was used for orderly crystallization on the polymer chain and active hydroxyl groups with high specific surface area achieves multidimensional and multi-site adhesion of bamboo scraps. Improved interfacial compatibility facilitates the formation of heterogeneous but continuous phase structure. The compressive stress reaches 4.66 MPa and softening factor is 0.74 for density of 0.37. The designed material is an advanced composite in construction and decoration. Its low-loading characteristic can reduce carbon footprint calculations, suggesting this strategy has significant potential for future development.

Carbon-Supported Trimetallic Catalysts (PdAuNi/C) for Borohydride Oxidation Reaction.

The synthesis of palladium-based trimetallic catalysts via a facile and scalable synthesis procedure was shown to yield highly promising materials for borohydride-based fuel cells, which are attractive for use in compact environments. This, thereby, provides a route to more environmentally friendly energy storage and generation systems. Carbon-supported trimetallic catalysts were herein prepared by three different routes: using a NaBH4-ethylene glycol complex (PdAuNi/CSBEG), a NaBH4-2-propanol complex (PdAuNi/CSBIPA), and a three-step route (PdAuNi/C3-step). Notably, PdAuNi/CSBIPA yielded highly dispersed trimetallic alloy particles, as determined by XRD, EDX, ICP-OES, XPS, and TEM. The activity of the catalysts for borohydride oxidation reaction was assessed by cyclic voltammetry and RDE-based procedures, with results referenced to a Pd/C catalyst. A number of exchanged electrons close to eight was obtained for PdAuNi/C3-step and PdAuNi/CSBIPA (7.4 and 7.1, respectively), while the others, PdAuNi/CSBEG and Pd/CSBIPA, presented lower values, 2.8 and 1.2, respectively. A direct borohydride-peroxide fuel cell employing PdAuNi/CSBIPA catalyst in the anode attained a power density of 47.5 mW cm−2 at room temperature, while the elevation of temperature to 75 °C led to an approximately four-fold increase in power density to 175 mW cm−2. Trimetallic catalysts prepared via this synthesis route have significant potential for future development.

Application of membrane-selective electrodes for the determination of Tiemonium methylsulphate

Three ion selective electrodes were developed for the quantification of Tiemonium methylsulphate (TIM). Two of these sensors involve the construction of water insoluble ion-association complexes; namely sensor1 TIM-phosphotungstate (TIM-PT) and sensor 2 TIM-Reinecke (TIM-R). Molecular recognition elements have extensive applications in electrochemical sensors with a significant potential for future development thus a third electrode utilizing molecularly imprinted polymer was constructed; sensor 3 TIM-MIP. The proposed sensors showed fast, stable Nernstian responses of 56.4, 56.1and 57.5mV/decade for sensors 1, 2 and 3, respectively, across a relatively wide TIM concentration range (1×10−4 to 1×10−2molL−1 for sensors 1 and 2 and 1×10–5 to 1×10–2molL−1 for sensor 3) in the pH range of 2–7. Sensor 1 and sensor 2 can be used for five weeks while sensor 3 for 65days without a significant change in sensitivity. The suggested method was used to determine TIM in dosage forms. No measurable difference was obtained when the result statistically compared with respect to accuracy and precision with reported HPLC method.

Distant peer-tutoring of clinical skills, using tablets with instructional videos and Skype: A pilot study in the UK and Malaysia

Objectives: To assess the feasibility and impact of using low-cost Android tablets to deliver video tutorials and remote online peer-tutoring for clinical skills between two countries.Methods: Nine junior medical students from Malaysia were paired with five senior medical students from the UK, who played the role of peer-tutors. Students from Malaysia were given a low-cost Android tablet from which they could access instructional video tutorials. At the end of each week, the peer-tutors would observe their peer-learners as they performed a clinical examination. Tutors would then provide individual feedback using a videoconferencing tool. Outcomes were assessed using Observed Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) scores, post-study questionnaires and semi-structured interviews with participants.Results: Peer-learners reported an increased confidence in clinical examination of 8.4 (±1.0) on a 10-point scale and all nine said they would recommend the scheme to their peers. Both peer-tutors and peer-learners were able to establish a strong rapport over video, rating it as 8.4 (±0.6) and 8.4 (±0.9), respectively. Peer-learners’ rated the sound and video quality of the tablet as 7.0 (±1.1) but were less satisfied with the screen resolution of the tablet, rating this as 4.0 (±1.5).Conclusion: This preliminary pilot study presents an innovative, low cost approach to international medical education with significant potential for future development.

The potential of quinoline derivatives for the treatment of Toxoplasma gondii infection

Here we reported our investigation, as part of our drug repositioning effort, on anti-Toxoplasma properties of newly synthesized quinoline compounds. A collection of 4-aminoquinoline and 4-piperazinylquinoline analogs have recently been synthesized for use in cancer chemotherapy. Some analogs were able to outperform chloroquine, a quinoline derivative drug which is commonly used in the treatment of malaria and other parasitic infections. Herein 58 compounds containing one or two quinoline rings were examined for their effectiveness as potential anti-Toxoplasma compounds. Of these 58 compounds, 32 were efficient at inhibiting Toxoplasma growth (IC50<100μM). Five compounds with single and simple quinoline rings exhibited similar cLogP values of ∼2 and IC50 values between 5 and 6μM, with one exception of 8-hydroxyquinoline whose IC50 value was 213nM. The addition of one hydroxyl group at position 8 caused a 40-fold increase in the inhibitory effect of quinoline. A significant improvement in anti-Toxoplasma effect among quinoline derivatives was detected in B11, B12, B23, and B24, whose structures carry two quinoline rings, and their resultant cLogP values are ⩾7. Among these compounds, B23 was the most effective compound with IC50 value of 425±35nM, and TI value of 4.9. It was also noted that compounds with at least one quinoline ring, displaying anti-Toxoplasma effects were capable of causing the disappearance of the apicoplast, a plastid-like organelle. When treated with quinoline, 8-hydroxyquinoline or B23, 40–45% of the parasites lost their apicoplasts. Our findings recapitulate the properties of quinoline derivatives in diminishing apicoplast. This could aid further investigations of anti-parasitic treatments specific to Apicomplexan. More importantly, B12 and B23 which harbor superior anti-cancer properties than chloroquine, have effective anti-Toxoplasma activity. These compounds therefore have significant potential for future development of chemotherapeutic agents for patients suffering from breast cancers and parasitic infection.

Platinum Nanoplates as Fuel Cell Electrocatalysts

Pt nanoplates were synthesized by galvanic displacement from Ag nanoplates and tested for performance as oxygen reduction catalysts for fuel cells. The Pt nanoplates exhibit improved specific activity by a factor of 3.7 compared to Pt nanoparticles (is0.9V = 1000 and 270 μA/cm2Pt for Pt nanoplates and nanoparticles, respectively) which indicates significant potential for future development of nanoplate electrocatalysts. The 2-d extended surface morphology of nanoplates was studied as a strategy to attain bulk material properties in a high surface area nanostructured material. The Pt nanoplates demonstrate more bulk-like properties approaching the specific activity of bulk polycrystalline Pt (is0.9V = 2300 μA/cm2Pt) and exceeding that for Pt black (is0.9V = 840 μA/cm2Pt). In addition, cyclic voltammetry reveals that the onset of oxide formation on the Pt nanoplates more closely resembles bulk polycrystalline Pt and Pt black as opposed to Pt nanoparticles. Pt nanoplate electrocatalysts synthesized by galvanic displacement highlight and expose a promising new strategy to achieve a class of nanostructured electrocatalysts with enhanced specific activity.

Using artificial neural networks for transport decisions: Managerial guidelines

One information technology that may be considered by transportation managers, and which is included in the portfolio of technologies that encompass TMS. is artificial neural networks (ANNs). These artificially intelligent computer decision support software provide solutions by finding and recognizing complex patterns in data. ANNs have been used successfully by transportation managers to forecast transportation demand, estimate future transport costs, schedule vehicles and shipments, route vehicles and classify earners for selection. Artificial neural networks excel in transportation decision environments that are dynamic, complex and unstructured. This article introduces ANNs to transport managers by describing ANN technological capabilities, reporting the current status of transportation neural network applications, presenting ANN applications that offer significant potential for future development and offering managerial guidelines for ANN development.

Pyrophosphate-bridged complexes with picomolar toxicity

Recently, we have observed the emergence of a new series of pyrophosphate-bridged coordination complexes. Such complexes have been prepared by overcoming the ready hydrolysis of the pyrophosphate moiety. To date, no exploration has been conducted on the cytotoxicity of such complexes. Three pyrophosphate-bridged complexes, namely {[Ni(phen)(2)](2)(mu-P(2)O(7))}.27H(2)O, {[Cu(phen)(H(2)O)](2)(mu-P(2)O(7))}.8H(2)O and {[Co(phen)(2)](2)(mu-P(2)O(7))}.6MeOH, (where phen is 1,10'-phenanthroline) were chosen for their comparative structural similarities and suitable aqueous solubility. Cytotoxicity studies in the adriamycin-resistant ovarian cancer cell line A2780/AD demonstrated highly significant efficacy, with values as low as 160pM for the cobalt complex at 72h. The underlying mechanism for such exceptional toxicity is investigated focusing on DNA interactions, topoisomerase I enzyme inhibition and oxidative stress (followed by intracellular glutathione levels). The role of hydrolysis in uptake and toxicity is also explored (followed by electronic absorption spectroscopy, (31)P NMR, and confocal microscopy) and the complexes are compared to cisplatin controls. Overall a clear picture of the extraordinary toxicity emerged. The results demonstrate a new class of prodrugs with significant potential for future development for the treatment of drug-resistant cancer cell lines.

A fast and accurate method for registration of MR images of the head

This paper proposes a new fully automated technique that can be used for the registration of medical images of the head. The method uses Chebyshev polynomials in order to approximate and then minimize a novel multiresolutional, signal intensity independent disparity function, which can generally be defined as the mean squared value of the mean weighted ratio of two images. This function is explicitly computed for n Chebyshev points in a geometric transformation parameter interval [− A, + A] transformation units and is approximated using the Chebyshev polynomials for all other points in the interval. For 3D T2–T1 weighted MR registration, 120 experiments with studies from ten patients were performed and showed that n=4 Chebyshev points for A=18 transformation units give mean rotational error 0.36° and a mean translational error 0.36 mm. The different noise conditions did not affect the performance of the method. We conclude that the method is suitable for routine clinical applications and that it has significant potential for future development and improvement.

Expert Systems in Purchasing: Applications and Development

Expert systems are artificially intelligent computer software that show significant promise for improving the effectiveness and efficiency of purchasing management decision making. This article provides a description of expert systems technology, reports the current status of purchasing expert system applications, presents a number of purchasing expert system applications that offer significant potential for future development, and offers guidelines for expert system development.

Synthesis and evaluation of new oxaspiro monomers for double ring-opening polymerization.

Polymerization with expansion in volume can be achieved with spiro orthocarbonate monomers through a double ring-opening process wherein two bonds are cleaved for each new bond formed. The resulting expansion can be applied to counter the polymerization shrinkage associated with the conventional methacrylate monomers used in dental composites and thereby provide formulations with drastically reduced degrees of shrinkage. New monomers have been prepared that exhibit enhanced reactivities and ring-opening efficiencies compared with earlier free-radical-polymerizable oxaspiro compounds. In dental composite formulations, the monofunctional oxaspiro monomers provided DTS values equivalent to those of the controls under certain curing conditions; however, only modest reductions in polymerization shrinkage were observed. 2,3-Bis(methylene) spiro orthocarbonate monomers with a conjugated diene structure were also synthesized and evaluated. These novel monomers appear to offer significant potential for future development of free-radical ring-opening polymerization. While visible-light-cured formulations of the bis(methylene) compounds with methacrylate comonomers did not yield acceptable composite materials in this initial attempt, the high reactivity and the ability to form rigid, cross-linked polymers make this type of monomer worthy of continued investigation. These properties may allow the bis(methylene) oxaspiro monomers to be used alone or in concert with other ring-opening monomers for special applications.