Mitigating Gas Evolution in Electron Beam-Induced Gel Polymer Electrolytes Through Bi-Functional Cross-Linkable Additives.

The current high-capacity lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), reliant on flammable liquid electrolytes (LEs) and nickel-rich cathodes, are plagued by safety hazards, especially the risk of hazardous gas release stemming from internal side reactions. To address these safety concerns, an electron beam (E-beam)-induced gel polymer electrolyte (E-Gel) is introduced, employing dipentaerythritol hexaacrylate (DPH) as a bi-functional cross-linkable additive (CIA). The dual roles of DPH are exploited through a strategically designed E-beam irradiation process. Applying E-beam irradiation on the pre-cycled cells allows DPH to function as an additive during the initial cycle, establishing a protective layer on the surface of the anode and cathode and as a cross-linker during the E-beam irradiation step, forming a polymer framework. The prepared E-Gel with CIA has superior interfacial compatibility, facilitating lithium-ion diffusion at the electrode/E-Gel interface. The electrochemical assessment of 1.2 Ah pouch cells demonstrates that E-Gel substantially reduces gas release by 2.5 times compared to commercial LEs during the initial formation stage and ensures superior reversible capacity retention even after prolonged cycling at 55 °C. The research underscores the synergy of bifunctional CIA with E-beam technology, paving the way for large-scale production of safe, high-capacity, and commercially viable LIBs.

Discovering Provider Awareness of Mobility Assistive Technologies and Clinical Guidelines- A Comparative Analysis with Consumer Responses.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to enhance the accessibility and quality of mobility assistive technology (MAT) by investigating and bridging knowledge gaps between MAT providers and consumers with ambulatory limitations. DESIGN: A survey was conducted among MAT providers in the United States, consisting of sections on awareness, knowledge importance and desire, and knowledge sources. The responses were compared to data collected from consumers in a previous study. RESULTS: A total of 144 MAT providers participated, with 60% having received academic or professional training in relevant fields. Analysis revealed significant knowledge gaps between providers and consumers, particularly in AT assessment tools and knowledge sources. Moderate gaps were also observed in areas such as clinical practice guidelines, desired MAT information, and knowledge sources. However, the gaps in other areas were relatively small. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the knowledge gaps between MAT providers and consumers, hindering the optimal utilization and fulfillment of user needs. Providers possess valuable information that consumers may lack, positioning them as primary knowledge sources. Addressing these gaps through targeted interventions, improved communication channels, and enhanced education can enhance the utilization of MAT and improve outcomes for individuals with ambulatory limitations.

Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Chestnut Honey and Cabbage Mixtures Alleviates Gastric Mucosal Damage.

Gastritis, one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders, damages the stomach lining as it causes a disproportion between the protective and ruinous factors of the gastric system. Cabbage (CB) is widely used to treat gastric lesions but requires the addition of natural sweeteners to counteract its distinct bitter taste. Therefore, this study sought to determine whether the combination of chestnut honey (CH)-which is known for its dark brown color and high kynurenic acid (KA) content-or KA-increased CH (KACH) with CB (CH + CB or KACH + CB) exerts synergistic effects for improving both taste and efficacy. Before confirming the gastroprotective effects in indomethacin (INDO)-induced rats, the anti-inflammatory activities of CH + CB and KACH + CB were assessed in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. As a result, treatment with either CH + CB or KACH + CB downregulated pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages by regulating the translocation of nuclear factor kappa B. Furthermore, both CH + CB and KACH + CB not only enhanced the levels of antioxidant enzymes but also triggered the activation of nuclear factor erythroid-related factor 2. Based on these effects, CH + CB or KACH + CB effectively protected the gastric mucosa in INDO-induced rats. Therefore, this study suggests that CH + CB and KACH + CB exert stronger gastroprotective effects when used together.

Changes in Caregiver Burden in Older Adults' Caregivers During the COVID-19 Outbreak.

This study investigated the changes in caregiver burden during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The study sample included 827 caregivers for older adults (65+) from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) COVID-19 data set. We used paired t-tests to analyze data. The caregivers' assistance in basic and instrumental activities of daily living for care recipients, as well as the amount of time they provided, increased significantly (all ps < .001) during the pandemic compared with before. Approximately, 40% of caregivers reported changes in the amount of assistance they provided during the pandemic. Financial, emotional, and physical difficulties among caregivers have increased, with emotional difficulties being the most frequently reported. The majority of caregivers reported not utilizing any social services during the pandemic. The pandemic may have heightened the caregiver burden. It is important to ensure that caregivers have access to and utilize social services in a physically and psychologically safe manner.

Plain Language Summary Title: The changes in caregiver burden during the COVID-19 pandemic.Plain Language Summary: We investigated the changes in caregiver burden during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic with 827 caregivers for older adults (65+). The findings showed that the pandemic may have heightened the caregiver burden. It is important to ensure that caregivers have access to and utilize social services in a physically and psychologically safe manner.

Usability and Vibration Analysis of a Low-Profile Automatic Powered Wheelchair to Motor Vehicle Docking System.

The QLX is a low-profile automatic powered wheelchair docking system (WDS) prototype developed to improve the securement and discomfort of wheelchair users when riding in vehicles. The study evaluates the whole-body vibration effects between the proposed QLX and another WDS (4-point tiedown system) following ISO 2631-1 standards and a systematic usability evaluation. Whole-body vibration analysis was evaluated in wheelchairs using both WDS to dock in a vehicle while riding on real-world surfaces. Also, participants rated the usability of each WDS while driving a wheelchair and while riding in a vehicle in driving tasks. Both WDSs showed similar vibration results within the vibration health-risk margins; but shock values below health-risk margins. Fifteen powered wheelchair users reported low task load demand to operate both WDS; but better performance to dock in vehicles with the QLX (p = 0.03). Also, the QLX showed better usability (p < 0.01), less discomfort (p's < 0.05), and greater security compared to the 4-point tiedown while riding in a vehicle (p's < 0.05). Study findings indicate that both WDS maintain low shock exposure for wheelchair users while riding vehicles, but a better performance overall to operate the QLX compared to the 4-point tiedown system; hence enhancing user's autonomy to dock in vehicles independently.

Characteristics of Phenolic Compounds in Peucedanum japonicum According to Various Stem and Seed Colors.

Total polyphenol and total flavonoid assays were performed to characterize the relationships between the color of Peucedanum japonicum (PJ) seed coat and stem and the content of phytochemical compounds. The samples were divided into two groups based on their stem and seed coat color, with each group containing 23 samples. The stem color group was subdivided into green, light red, and red, whereas the seed coat color group was divided into light brown, brown, and dark brown. In the stem color group, the light red stems exhibited the highest content of phytochemical compounds, with levels over 10% higher than those of the stems of the other colors. Moreover, among the top ten samples with the highest total polyphenol content, eight samples were light red, and the light red group also exhibited the highest total flavonoid content among the examined color groups. In terms of the seed coat color, the plants grown from dark brown seeds exhibited the highest contents of both total polyphenols and total flavonoids. In conclusion, PJ plants with dark brown seeds and light red stems contained the highest levels of phytochemical compounds. Collectively, our findings provide a valuable basis for future seed selection of PJ for pharmaceutical purposes.

Accessible autonomous transportation and services: a focus group study.

PURPOSE: Existing automated vehicle transportation guidelines and regulations have minimal guidance to address the specific needs of people with disabilities. Accessibility should be at the forefront to increase autonomy and independence for people with disabilities. The purpose of this research is to better understand potential facilitators and barriers to using accessible autonomous transportation. METHODS: Focus groups were conducted with key stakeholders derived from people with disabilities (n = 5), travel companions/caregivers (n = 5), and transportation experts or designers (n = 11). RESULTS: The themes include describing stakeholder perceptions across all three groups by identified themes: autonomous vehicle assistive technology, autonomy vs automation, cost, infrastructure, safety & liability, design challenges, and potential impact. CONCLUSION: Specific gaps and needs were identified regarding barriers and facilitators for transportation accessibility and evidence-based guidance. These specific gaps can help to formulate design criteria for the communication between, the interior and exterior of accessible autonomous vehicles.

Accessible and affordable autonomous transportation may increase mobility and the autonomy of people with disabilities to travel spontaneously.Autonomous vehicles and services should be designed to accommodate various types of disabilities such as multimodal and multilingual device communication.Safety and liability regulatory protocols need to be developed for incidents and emergencies.Wheelchair user, especially people who use powered devices, would need systems for ingress/egress, docking, and occupant restraints.

Subjective Memory Complaints Predict Decline in Memory, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, and Social Participation in Older Adults: A Fixed-Effects Model.

IMPORTANCE: Although subjective memory complaints (SMCs) have been suggested to be associated with future memory impairment, limitations in instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), and social participation restriction, these associations are still inconclusive. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether changes in SMCs over time predict decline in memory, IADLs, and social participation in older adults. DESIGN: Longitudinal study. SETTING: Community. PARTICIPANTS: Sample 1 included 2,493 community-dwelling older adults drawn from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) data collected between 2004 and 2018. Sample 2 included 1,644 community-dwelling older adults drawn from the HRS data collected between 2008 and 2018. OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Self-reported SMCs, memory function, self-reported IADL performance, and self-reported social participation. RESULTS: The mean age of Sample 1 at baseline was 70.16 yr; 1,468 (58.88%) were female. In Sample 1, immediate and delayed memory (all ps < .001) and IADL performance (p < .01) declined over time. Increases in SMCs over time significantly predicted future immediate and delayed memory declines (p < .01 and p < .001, respectively) and future IADL performance decline (p < .001), after controlling for depressive symptoms. The mean age of Sample 2 at baseline was 71.52 yr; 928 (56.45%) were female. In Sample 2, social participation declined over time (all ps < .001). Increases in SMCs over time significantly predicted future social participation decline (p < .05), after controlling for depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Increases in SMCs predict future decline in memory, IADL performance, and social participation after accounting for depressive symptoms. What This Article Adds: SMCs can be used as an early indicator of future memory impairment, IADL limitations, and social participation restrictions in older adults. Furthermore, interventions that minimize SMCs may help older adults achieve successful aging.

Relationship Between Resilience, Community Participation, and Successful Aging Among Older Adults in South Korea: Mediating Role of Community Participation.

A high level of resilience is positively related to successful aging. However, interventions to increase resilience in older adults are not yet available. This study aimed to examine the mediating role of community participation in the relationship between resilience and successful aging. Data from 284 individuals aged 60 years and above were analyzed in this cross-sectional study. The pathways among resilience, community participation, and successful aging were statistically significant after controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, depression, disability, and chronic disease. The analysis revealed a partial mediating effect of community participation (unstandardized estimate = .01, p < .01), explaining 16.4% of the total effect of resilience on successful aging. Promoting community participation may be beneficial for enhancing successful aging in community-dwelling older adults. Further studies to examine the causal relationship between community participation and successful aging and to develop community services are recommended to use community resources as means to support successful aging.

Subjective memory complaints and social participation among older adults: results from the health and retirement study.

Objectives:This study aims to examine whether subjective memory complaints (SMC) contribute to social participation among older adults.Method:The study sample was 4,713 community-dwelling older adults aged 65 years and older from four waves (2010, 2012, 2014, 2016) of the Health and Retirement Study. Hierarchical linear modeling analysis was used to examine the association of SMC with social participation after controlling for factors influencing social participation. Demographic factors (i.e. age, gender, and perceived socioeconomic status) were entered in block 1, health-related factors (i.e. health conditions, perceived health, instrumental activities of daily living, memory-immediate and delayed, and depressive symptoms) were entered in block 2, environmental factors (i.e. perceived social support and strain from spouse, child, family, and friend) were entered in block 3, and SMC was entered in block 4.Results:The result showed that factors significantly contributing to social participation are age (standardized ß = -0.08, p < 0.01), perceived socioeconomic status (ß = 0.16, p < 0.001), perceived health (ß = 0.15, p < 0.001), instrumental activities of daily living (ß = 0.12, p < 0.001), memory-immediate and delayed (ß = 0.09, p < 0.001; ß = 0.08, p < 0.001, respectively), social support from spouse and friend (ß = 0.04, p < 0.05; ß = 0.13, p < 0.001, respectively), social strain from friend (ß = 0.07, p < 0.001), and SMC (ß = -0.05, p < 0.001). The demographic factors explained 9.5%, health-related factors explained 8.5%, environmental factors explained 2.4%, and SMC explained 0.1% of the variance in social participation.Conclusion: This finding suggests that SMC may contribute to social participation in older adults.Supplemental data for this article can be accessed online at https://doi.org/10.1080/13607863.2021.1961123 .

Characteristics and fall experiences of older adults with and without fear of falling outdoors.

OBJECTIVE: Using a theoretical model that combines an ecological perspective and Bandura's theory of self-efficacy as a guide, we sought to compare experiences and characteristics of community dwelling older adults with and without concern about falling outdoors. METHOD: A survey of randomly selected community dwelling older adults across NYC (N = 120) was conducted using the outdoor falls questionnaire. Descriptive quantitative analyses of participant characteristics were conducted for all participants and for those with and without concern about falling outside. Conventional content analysis using two coders was employed to examine outdoor fall experiences for each group. A mixed methods matrix was used to integrate qualitative and quantitative findings. RESULTS: Some participant characteristics were more common among those with a concern about falling outside such as decreased functional status, female gender, and number of prior outdoor falls. As per descriptions of outdoor fall experiences, participants with concern were more likely to report a fall while climbing stairs or stepping up a curb, describe an intrinsic factor as a cause of their fall, use an injury prevention strategy during the fall, sustain a moderate to severe injury, seek medical attention, have had an ambulance called, require help to get up, and describe implementation of a behavioral change after the fall. CONCLUSIONS: Differences exist in participant characteristics and outdoor fall experiences of those with and without concern about falling outside. The proposed model can be used to understand fear of falling outdoors and can help to inform the target population and content of intervention programs.