Repetitive Use Research Articles

Anti-cocaine Vaccine Development: Where Are We Now and Where Are We Going?

Cocaine is one of the oldest and most widely used illicit drugs in the world and is responsible for major worldwide medical and social problems. Drug addiction is a disease state where the body relies on a substance for normal functioning and develops a physical dependence leading to compulsive and repetitive use despite negative consequences to the user's health, mental state, or social life. The primary driver for the development of anti-cocaine vaccines has been the failure to develop effective pharmacological treatments to combat cocaine dependence. Despite several decades of research, no approved pharmacological treatments for cocaine dependence are available to assist addicts to overcome cocaine withdrawal or to prevent drug relapse. This Perspective highlights the challenges associated with anti-cocaine vaccines, including the current state of anti-cocaine vaccines and catalytic antibody research to aid in the fight against cocaine addiction.

Changes in Eye Tracking Features Across Periods of Overpressure Exposure.

Repetitive exposure to blast overpressure waves can be a part of routine military and law enforcement training. However, our understanding of the effects of that repetitive exposure on human neurophysiology remains limited. To link an individual's cumulative exposure with their neurophysiological effects, overpressure dosimetry needs to be concurrently collected with relevant physiological signals. Eye tracking has shown promise for providing insight into neurophysiological change because of neural injury, but video-based technology limits usage to a laboratory or clinic. In the present work, we show capability for using electrooculography-based eye tracking to enable physiological assessment in the field during activities involved repetitive blast exposures. Overpressure dosimetry was accomplished by using a body-worn measurement system that captures continuous sound pressure levels as well as pressure waveforms of blast event in the range of 135-185 dB peak (0.1-36 kPa). Electrooculography eye tracking was performed using a commercial Shimmer Sensing system, which captured horizontal eye movements of both the left and right eyes, as well as vertical eye movements of the right eye, from which blinks can also be extracted. Data were collected during breaching activities that included repetitive use of explosives. Participants in the study were U.S. Army Special Operators and Federal Bureau of Investigations special agents. Approval for research was received by the Massachucetts Institute of Technology Committee on the Use of Humans as Experimental Subjects, the Air Force Human Research Protections Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigations Institutional Review Board. The energy from overpressure events was accumulated and summarized into an 8-hour equivalent of sound pressure level (i.e., LZeq8hr). The total exposure in a single day, i.e., the LZeq8hr, ranged from 110 to 160 dB. Oculomotor features, such as blink and saccade rate, as well as variance in blink waveforms, show changes across the period of overpressure exposure. However, the features that showed significant change across the population were not necessarily the ones that showed significant correlation with the levels of overpressure exposure. A regression model built to predict overpressure levels from oculomotor features alone showed a significant association (R = 0.51, P < .01). Investigation of the model indicates that changes in the saccade rate and blink waveforms are driving the relationship. This study successfully demonstrated that eye tracking can be performed during training activities, such as explosive breaching, and that the modality may provide insight into neurophysiological change across periods of overpressure exposure. The results presented herein show that electrooculography-based eye tracking may be a useful method of assessing individualized physiological effects of overpressure exposure in the field. Future work is focused on time-dependent modeling to assess continuous changes in eye movements as this will enable building dose-response curves.

Repurposing the Ordering of Routine Laboratory Tests in Hospitalised Medical Patients (RePORT): results of a cluster randomised stepped-wedge quality improvement study

BackgroundLow-value use of laboratory tests is a global challenge. Our objective was to evaluate an intervention bundle to reduce repetitive use of routine laboratory testing in hospitalised patients.MethodsWe used a...

Natural hematite-based self-poled piezo-responsive membrane for harvesting energy from water flow and catalytic removal of organic dye

The energy crisis and environmental pollution have been increasing day by day due to the high consumption of nonrenewable energy which insists researchers discover alternative methods to harvest energy from waste materials and resources. This work reports the construction of the energy harvesting device using a purely natural α-hematite incorporated PVDF membrane. Doping of purely natural α-hematite led to the growth of polarisation forming the β-phase high which has been confirmed by FTIR and other theoretical methods (DFT). The structure morphology has been characterized by using basic characterization tools i.e XRD, SEM, EDAX, and TEM. The augmentation of the polarization has been established by the increased value of the dielectric constant. Herein, we have fabricated the device using PVF5 membrane that can develop voltage 42V, power 1328 μW/cm3 by finger tapping, and the device can also harvest energy even from the water flow from several sources and falling from different heights. Water pollution is another big concern in today's world along with the energy crisis. Piezocatalysis is one of the best-emerging technologies for the treatment of water pollution and this method has been employed in our study by using PVF5 membrane to degrade organic dye i.e RhB dye. 86% degradation of the dye in 40 minutes has been achieved due to the formation of several oxidative spices (ROS) like as •O−, •OH, e−, h+, etc. Using ultrasound-assisted piezocatalysis method, and even after repetitive use of it the efficiency does not reduce significantly. Henceforth this article reports the multifunctional purely natural α-hematite mediated membrane that can concomitantly harvest energy from mechanical as well as decontaminate water by degradation of organic pollutants from water.

2 Effects of extra-label bisphosphonate use on growth parameters and endocrine biomarkers of bone health in juvenile horses

Extra-label bisphosphonate use in juvenile horses is widespread despite limited scientific understanding of biological and welfare impacts on skeletally immature, exercising horses. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of bisphosphonate (clodronate disodium; CD) on endocrine regulation of bone growth, hypothesizing there would be no effect. To test this, 32 Quarter Horses were stratified by age (500 ± 13 d of age), BW (336 ± 26 kg), sex (n = 16 males, n = 16 females), and initial bone optical density by aluminum equivalence into 4 treatment groups for a 168-d trial. The experimental period was divided into 2 phases mimicking sales preparation (Phase I: d 0–83) and early performance training (Phase II: d 84–168). Horses were housed in individual stalls (3.6 m × 7.3 m) and fed diets formulated to meet nutrient requirements. Investigators were blinded, and all horses received iso-volumetric intramuscular injections of either 1.8 mg/kg BW CD (OSPHOS®) or saline (placebo) on d 0, 42, 84, and 126. Treatments consisted of control (CON; n = 8), single-dose CD (1X; n = 8; d 84), 2-dose CD (2X; n = 8; d 0, 84), and 4-dose CD groups (4X;n = 8; d 0, 42, 84, 126). Physical measurements including BW, wither height (WH), hip height (HH), body length (BL), and heart girth (HG) circumference were recorded every 42 d from d 0. Likewise, serum samples were collected every 42 d before treatment administration to quantify growth hormone (GH), calcitonin (CT), parathyroid hormone (PTH), and ionized calcium. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS. All physical growth measurements increased over time (P ≤ 0.01) but were not affected by treatment (P ≥ 0.62). Similarly, there was no effect of treatment (P = 0.44) for GH, but concentrations tended to decrease over time as growth rate slowed (P = 0.09). A treatment ´ time interaction was observed for PTH (P = 0.05) where concentrations increased following 2 clodronate doses. Specifically, concentrations increased on d 84 in 4X and on d 126 in 2X following the second administration of clodronate while 1X and CON remained unchanged. There was no effect of treatment (P = 0.98), time (P = 0.33), nor treatment × time interaction (P = 0.61) for CT despite the increase in PTH. Ionized calcium concentrations decreased over time (P < 0.01) with no effect of treatment (P = 0.26) or treatment × time interaction (P = 0.32). These results suggest that while administration of bisphosphonate has no effect on growth morphometrics, its repetitive use alters PTH concentrations after 2 doses.

Bacterial colonisation and the effect of a cleaning regime on iPad patient side electronic devices used in a veterinary healthcare setting.

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of clinically relevant bacteria on the surface of hospital-issued iPads and to assess the effectiveness and residual effect of a new cleaning regime using 70% alcohol and 2% chlorhexidine wipes. Hospital-issued iPads were swabbed to determine the presence of clinically relevant organisms. The iPads were wiped using 70% alcohol and 2% chlorhexidine. Further samples were taken 5 mins, 6 h and 12 h after implementation of the cleaning regime. Cultured bacteria were tested for antimicrobial resistance. A total of 25 hospital-issued iPads were analysed. Seventeen iPads (68%) sampled in this study were contaminated. Bacillus species (21%) were the most predominant, followed by Pasteurella species (14%), Acinetobacter species (11%), Eikenella species (11%), beta-haemolytic streptococci (11%), coagulase-positive staphylococci (7%), Escherichia coli (7%), coagulase-negative staphylococci (7%), alpha-haemolytic streptococci (3%), Enterococcus species (4%) and Pseudomonas species (4%). Of the isolated bacteria, 89% were resistant to at least one of the tested antibiotics. Of our isolates, 24 (75%) were resistant to clindamycin. After the cleaning regime, there was no bacterial growth from any of the devices at 5 mins, 6 h and 12 h despite repetitive use within the hospital. A variety of nosocomial pathogens, including antibiotic resistant pathogens, were isolated from the iPads. Cleaning with 70% alcohol and 2% chlorhexidine wipes is recommended every 12 h during use, between patient contacts and after witnessed contamination. A variety of nosocomial pathogens, including antibiotic-resistant pathogens with potential devastating effects on both human and animal health, were isolated from the iPads. Infection prevention strategies related to the devices should be employed in a hospital setting.

Cohesion In the Texts of Arabic Textbooks Written by Indonesian Authors

Arabiyyah Li al-Hayât (ALH) is a book about learning Arabic as a second language written by non-native speakers. The State Islamic University of Malang uses this book as an Arabic learning book. This paper analyses the cohesion in the reading texts (nushush Qira‘ah) used for learning Arabic reading skills in the book. This library research uses a descriptive-qualitative approach. This study found that reading texts have several kinds of cohesion markers, both grammatical and lexical cohesion. Grammatical cohesion marker includes the use of pronoun personas and the use of conjunction markers. Lexical cohesion marker includes the use of repetition, that is, the repetition of words. The researchers also found reading texts in ALH books that lacked a relationship of greatness in them.&#x0D; Keywords: cohesion, Arabic, reading skill, non-native speaker

Biosynthesis of Antifungal Solanimycin May Involve an Iterative Nonribosomal Peptide Synthetase Module.

Dickeya solani, a plant-pathogenic bacterium, produces solanimycin, a potent hybrid polyketide/nonribosomal peptide (PKS/NRPS) anti-fungal compound. The biosynthetic gene cluster responsible for synthesis of this compound has been identified. Because of instability, the complete structure of the compound has not yet been elucidated, but LC-MS2 identified that the cluster produces two main compounds, solanimycin A and B, differing by a single hydroxyl group. The fragmentation pattern revealed that the central part of solanimycin A is a hexapeptide, Gly-Dha-Dha-Dha-Dha-Dha (where Dha is dehydroalanine). This is supported by isotopic labeling studies using labeled serine and glycine. The N-terminal group is a polyketide-derived C16 acyl group containing a conjugated hexaene, a hydroxyl, and an amino group. The additional hydroxyl group in solanimycin B is on the α-carbon of the glycine residue. The incorporation of five sequential Dha residues is unprecedented because there is only one NRPS module in the cluster that is predicted to activate and attach serine (which is subsequently dehydrated to Dha), meaning that this NRPS module must act iteratively. While a few other iterative NRPS modules are known, they all involve iteration of two or three modules. We believe that the repetitive use of a single module makes the solanimycin biosynthetic pathway unique among NRPSs so far reported.

Influences of NPSB and Vermicompost Application Rates on Yields of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) at Jimma Ganati Research Site of Wallaga University, Western Ethiopia

The tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) is an important vegetable crop in Ethiopia and is produced and eaten in large quantities throughout the nation. However, the tomato production is quite low (10 tons·ha−1) compared to the global average yield of 34 tons·ha−1 due to the repetitive use of chemical fertilizers alone, growing intensive crops that are absorbing significant amounts of the soil nutrients, and the lack of application of organic fertilizers. Therefore, it is crucial to take accurate measurements when using fertilizers in order to solve issues and boost crop yield. The study’s objective was to find out how NPSB and vermicompost fertilizers together influenced tomato growth, yield characteristics, and yield at the Wallaga University Research Site for two consecutive years (2021 and 2022). The experiment used a factorial randomized block design with two components: four levels of NPSB and four levels of vermicompost. The tomato fruit production and all of its components were strongly impacted by the primary and interaction effects of NPSB and vermicompost treatment rates. The highest fruit length was 6.26 cm, the largest fruit diameter was 5.94 cm, the shoot fresh weight was 48.25 g·plant−1, the shoot dry weight was 4.50 g·plant−1, the marketable fresh fruit per plant was 5.54 kg, and the fruit yield was 24.36 ton·ha−1 after the application of 125 kg·ha−1 NPSB plus 8 ton·ha−1 vermicompost. Application of 125 kg·ha−1 of NPSB fertilizer along with 8 tons·ha−1 of vermicompost increases net benefits by 115922.5 ETB·ha−1 as compared to a control. Therefore, in order to enhance tomato yield, it may be suggested that farmers utilize the combination of 125 kg·ha−1 of NPSB and 8 tons·ha−1 of vermicompost rather than applying any inorganic fertilizers alone.

Negative modulation of AMPA receptors bound to transmembrane AMPA receptor regulatory protein γ-8 blunts the positive reinforcing properties of alcohol and sucrose in a brain region-dependent manner in male mice.

The development and progression of alcohol use disorder (AUD) are widely viewed as maladaptive neuroplasticity. The transmembrane alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid receptor (AMPAR) regulatory protein γ8 (TARP γ-8) is a molecular mechanism of neuroplasticity that has not been evaluated in AUD or other addictions. To address this gap in knowledge, we evaluated the mechanistic role of TARP γ-8 bound AMPAR activity in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) and ventral hippocampus (vHPC) in the positive reinforcing effects of alcohol, which drive repetitive alcohol use throughout the course of AUD, in male C57BL/6J mice. These brain regions were selected because they exhibit high levels of TARP γ-8 expression and send glutamate projections to the nucleus accumbens (NAc), which is a key nucleus in the brain reward pathway. Site-specific pharmacological inhibition of AMPARs bound to TARP γ-8 in the BLA via bilateral infusion of the selective negative modulator JNJ-55511118 (0-2µg/µl/side) significantly decreased operant alcohol self-administration with no effect on sucrose self-administration in behavior-matched controls. Temporal analysis showed that reductions in alcohol-reinforced response rate occurred > 25min after the onset of responding, consistent with a blunting of the positive reinforcing effects of alcohol in the absence of nonspecific behavioral effects. In contrast, inhibition of TARP γ-8 bound AMPARs in the vHPC selectively decreased sucrose self-administration with no effect on alcohol. This study reveals a novel brain region-specific role of TARP γ-8 bound AMPARs as a molecular mechanism of the positive reinforcing effects of alcohol and non-drug rewards.

Comparative study between corticosteroid injection and ultrasound therapy in treatment of lateral epicondylitis of humerus

Tennis elbow or lateral epicondylitis is a condition in which the outer part of the elbow becomes sore and tender. The forearm muscles and tendons become damaged from overuse - repeating the same strenuous motions again and again. This leads to inflammation, pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow.Any activity, including playing tennis, which involves the repetitive use of the extensor muscles of the forearm can cause acute or chronic tendinitis of the tendinous insertion of these muscles at the lateral epicondyle of the elbow. It is a common pathology of both athletes and non-athletes affecting 1 to 3% population at large. Tennis elbow is seldom observed in subjects under the age of 25 years and black people are apparently affected less frequently than the whites. Tennis elbow has been reported to be four times more common in the fourth decades of life. Currently available conservative treatment methods include acupuncture, ultrasound therapy, steroid injection, counter force bracing, cross friction massaging. Some of these treatment modalities have no scientific basis. The most successful non operative treatment consists of avoidance of overuse counterforce bracing to relieve the insertion of extensor tendons, steroid injection into the affected area and stretching exercises.

الصور البلاغية في قصيدة البردة للبوصيري [90-119]: دراسة بلاغية تحليلية

Sharaf Al-Dīn Muḥammad ibn Saʿīd Al-Ṣanhājī Al-Būṣīrī, a master of Arabic rhetoric, crafted a poetic masterpiece known as "Al-Burdah." This renowned poem, titled "Al-Kawākib Al-Durriyyah Fī Madḥ Khayr Al-Bariyyah," showcases Al-Būṣīrī's exceptional command over various rhetorical devices, including metaphor, simile, allusion, and rhyme. Simile, in particular, plays a prominent role in the poem, as Al-Būṣīrī skillfully compares the Prophet Muḥammad's physical and moral attributes to natural phenomena like the sun, moon, and stars. Through these vivid and evocative comparisons, the greatness of the Prophet is emphasized, leaving a lasting impression on the reader's imagination. Another noteworthy aspect of the poem is its effective use of repetition, especially in the refrain that concludes each stanza. Deliberateerate repetition reinforces the central themes of the poem and contributes to its rhythmic and melodic quality, enhancing its overall beauty. Additionally, Al-Burdah employs rhetorical questions, hyperbole, and irony to convey its message with impact and engage the reader's attention. These rhetorical techniques, combined with the poem's profound religious and cultural significance, have solidified its place as a beloved and enduring masterpiece of Arabic literature. This article aims to examine the artistic value and significance of the second set of 31 couplets in "Al-Qaṣīdah Al-Burdah," providing insights into the remarkable artistic status of this widely celebrated Qaṣīdah.

Symptoms, Mechanisms, and Treatments of Video Game Addiction.

Video game addiction is defined as the steady and repetitive use of the Internet to play games frequently with different gamers, potentially leading to negative consequences in many aspects of life. As recent technological development has given easy access to gaming on many devices, video game addiction has become a serious public health issue with increased prevalence. Many studies have shown that video game addiction leads to changes in the brain that are similar to those that occur in substance addiction and gambling. Evidence has also shown that there is an association between video game addiction and depression, as well as other psychological and social problems. In light of these issues, our review article aims to increase awareness of video game addiction in society. The main objectives of this review are as follows: to describe the mechanism of addiction, to consider whether video game addiction is a real addiction, and to highlight the signs and symptoms of addiction. In addition, we identify the consequences of video game addiction and possible treatments for addicts. The information was extracted from high-quality research papers and reliable websites like PubMed and ScienceDirect.

Repetitive use of levosimendan in severe functional tricuspid regurgitation.

Functional tricuspid regurgitation (FTR) has a very poor outcome and few patients are referred for surgery due to the important peri-operative mortality which averages 15%.1 Edge-to-edge percutaneous repair has been proposed as an alternative to cardiac surgery and preliminary results showed improvement in patient’s functional status and outcome. However, the feasibility is limited in patients with advanced FTR disease, i.e. in case of a large gap of leaflet coaptation.2 Levosimendan is a calcium sensitizer agent which enhances cardiac contractility and has a strong vasodilatation effect. Levosimendan seems particularly efficient in improving right ventricular (RV) function. The benefit of the repetitive use of levosimendan in chronic heart failure (HF) has been demonstrated,3 but no study has been conducted in patients with severe FTR. In this preliminary clinical study, we reported the clinical and echocardiography impacts of the repetitive use of levosimendan in HF patients with severe FTR. We prospectively included 33 consecutive patients (77 ± 7 years, 48.5% of women) admitted for HF with severe FTR [73% graded as massive or torrential, mean effective regurgitation orifice area (EROA) = 100 ± 56 m²]. All patients signed informed consent. Most of the patients were in NYHA Class III and IV (91%) with a median dose of furosemide at 250 mg daily (95; 500). The majority were in chronic atrial fibrillation (92%), 51.5% had a history of cardiac surgery, and 42.4% had a pacemaker or defibrillator lead. Surgery was denied by the Heart Team because of the operative risk (mean Triscore = 25 ± 17%) and the percutaneous approach was first excluded because of inappropriate anatomy or imaging. Levosimendan was delivered without bolus by intravenous perfusion (0.2 γ/kg/min over 24 h) and repeated at least one time after 2 or 3 weeks. The severity of TR was graded according to EROA using the PISA (proximal isovelocity surface area) method3 by transthoracic echocardiography. Tricuspid annulus diameter, tricuspid leaflet tenting and coaptation, and RV and right atrial (RA) dimensions were quantified from a four-chamber view and inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter was assessed in the subcostal view. Right ventricular function was assessed using tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE).

Isolation and Identification of Microorganisms from Makeup Brushes in Rivers State University Nigeria and Its Environs

Components of makeups and cosmetic supply may serve as source and medium for the growth of microorganisms. A vast majority of females nowadays apply makeups in order to enhance their facial looks. Repetitive use and sharing of the makeup brushes by different customers may become a potential pathway for microbial pathogens spread. The major goal of this study was to isolate and identify microbial contaminants of makeup brushes from students within Rivers State University and its environs. And also determine the antimicrobial sensitivity of the isolated microorganisms to different antimicrobial agents. Eighty (80) samples of makeup brushes were collected from different hostels, personal houses, and beauty salons and were cultured by inoculating them into different culture media as Nutrient, Blood and Sabouraud Dextrose agar to isolate bacteria and fungi respectively. The identification of isolated bacteria was confirmed by using pure culture of the isolates, Gram stain, and biochemical tests which were catalase, coagulase, and others including germ tube tests. The sensitivity test of the isolated bacteria to different antibiotics was carried out using the Optodisc diffusion method. The microorganisms isolated and identified were Staphylococcus epidermidis (55%), Staphylococcus aureus (22.5%), and Candida albicans (22.5%). The isolated bacteria were susceptible to Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin and Gentamycin. The findings of this study have shown that both Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus were isolated as bacteria, while Candida albicans as fungi from makeup brushes. Staphylococcus epidermidis are considered as normal skin flora whereas, Staphylococcus aureus could be pathogenic and present as source of infecting bacteria. It could be concluded that it is possible to isolate bacteria and fungi that may be pathogenic from makeup brushes, that may act as source of infecting pathogens therefore increases the risk of infection and public health concern.

A favorable alliance between repetitive use of levosimendan and advanced heart failure: Polish two-centered inpatient perspective in need of validation.

A favorable alliance between repetitive use of levosimendan and advanced heart failure: Polish two-centered inpatient perspective in need of validation.

Hand rehabilitation based on the RobHand exoskeleton in stroke patients: A case series study.

Introduction: The RobHand (Robot for Hand Rehabilitation) is a robotic neuromotor rehabilitation exoskeleton that assists in performing flexion and extension movements of the fingers. The present case study assesses changes in manual function and hand muscle strength of four selected stroke patients after completion of an established training program. In addition, safety and user satisfaction are also evaluated. Methods: The training program consisted of 16 sessions; two 60-minute training sessions per week for eight consecutive weeks. During each session, patients moved through six consecutive rehabilitation stages using the RobHand. Manual function assessments were applied before and after the training program and safety tests were carried out after each session. A user evaluation questionnaire was filled out after each patient completed the program. Results: The safety test showed the absence of significant adverse events, such as skin lesions or fatigue. An average score of 4 out of 5 was obtained on the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology 2.0 Scale. Users were very satisfied with the weight, comfort, and quality of professional services. A Kruskal-Wallis test revealed that there were not statistically significant changes in the manual function tests between the beginning and the end of the training program. Discussion: It can be concluded that the RobHand is a safe rehabilitation technology and users were satisfied with the system. No statistically significant differences in manual function were found. This could be due to the high influence of the stroke stage on motor recovery since the study was performed with chronic patients. Hence, future studies should evaluate the rehabilitation effectiveness of the repetitive use of the RobHand exoskeleton on subacute patients. Clinical Trial Registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05598892?id=NCT05598892&draw=2&rank=1, identifier NCT05598892.

Evaluation of Engineered Biochar-Based Catalysts for Syngas Production in a Biomass Pyrolysis and Catalytic Reforming Process

Biochar, originating from biomass pyrolysis, has been proven a promising catalyst for tar cracking/reforming with great coke resistance. This work aims to evaluate various engineered biochar-based catalysts on syngas production in a biomass pyrolysis and catalytic reforming process without feeding extra steam. The tested engineered biochar catalysts include physical- and chemical-activated, nitrogen-doped, and nickel-doped biochars. The results illustrated that the syngas yields were comparable when using biochar and activated biochar as catalysts. A relatively high specific surface area (SSA) and a hierarchical porous structure are beneficial for syngas and hydrogen production. A 2 h physical-activated biochar catalyst induced the syngas with the highest H2/CO ratio (1.5). The use of N-doped biochar decreased the syngas yield sharply due to the collapse of the pore structure but obtained syngas with the highest LHVgas (18.5MJ/Nm3). The use of Ni-doped biochar facilitated high syngas and hydrogen yields (78.2 wt % and 26 mmol H2/g-biomass) and improved gas energy conversion efficiency (73%). Its stability and durability test showed a slight decrease in performance after a three-time repetitive use. A future experiment with a longer time is suggested to determine when the catalyst will finally deactivate and how to reduce the catalyst deterioration.

Poly(2-aminoethyl methacrylate) based microgels catalyst system to be used in hydrolysis and methanolysis of NaBH4 for H2 generation

The poly(2-aminoethyl methacrylate) (p(AEM)) microgels were synthesized by microemulsion polymerization technique and used for in situ metal nanoparticle preparation to render as p(AEM)-M (M: Co or Ni) microgel composites and were used in p(AEM) based poly ionic liquid (PIL) microgels. Next, these p(AEM)) based microgel materials were used as catalysts for hydrogen (H2) production from both hydrolysis and methanolysis reactions of sodium borohydride (NaBH4). It was found that the catalytic hydrolysis of the NaBH4 reaction, catalyzed by p(AEM)-Co microgel composite was completed in 140 min, whereas the methanolysis of NaBH4 methanolysis catalyzed by the PIL of p(AEM)+Cl− microgels was completed in 5 min both with 250 ± 2 mL H2 production. Furthermore, p(AEM)-Co microgel composite catalysts maintained 80% catalytic activity after 5 consecutive uses in NaBH4 hydrolysis. On the other hand, p(AEM)+Cl− microgels were found to afford more than 50% catalytic activity even after 20 repetitive use in NaBH4 methanolysis due to superior regeneration ability. Moreover, activation energy values for p(AEM)-Co microgel composites catalyzed NaBH4 hydrolysis reaction were calculated as 38.9 kJ/mol in comparison to 37.3 kJ/mol activation energy of p(AEM)+Cl− microgel catalyzed methanolysis reaction.

Psychometric validation of the Korean Pressure Ulcer Knowledge Assessment Tool

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties, including content validity, validity of multiple choice items, and the reliability of the Korean version of the Pressure Ulcer Knowledge Assessment Tool (K-PUKAT 2.0), using classical test theory (CTT) and item response theory (IRT). Linguistic validation process and factor analysis were conducted among wound care nurses, staff nurses and nursing students. Items were analysed according to the CTT and IRT using a two-parameter logistic model. Intraclass correlation coefficients were used to examine reliability. A total of 378 wound care nurses, staff nurses and nursing students participated in this study. While most items showed moderate difficulty based on the CTT, difficulty index values based on the IRT were more broadly distributed (low: 5 items; moderate: 9 items; high: 1 item). The intraclass correlation coefficient for K-PUKAT 2.0 was 0.72. The K-PUKAT 2.0 demonstrated concise and good psychometric properties. Based on the results of this study, repetitive use of K-PUKAT 2.0 will not only help in distinguishing whether an individual has sufficient clinical knowledge, but will also play a key role in supporting learning.