Environmentally Friendly Water-Based Reduced Graphene Oxide/Cellulose Nanofiber Ink for Supercapacitor Electrode Applications.

The agglomeration of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) in water makes the development of rGO inks for supercapacitor printing challenging. Cellulose nanofiber (CNF), a biodegradable and renewable nanomaterial, can act as a nanospacer, preventing the agglomeration and restacking of rGO flakes. In this work, rGO/CNF films were fabricated using an environmentally friendly water-based rGO/CNF ink. In the absence of an additional binder/surfactant, the rGO/CNF films demonstrated remarkably enhanced hydrophilicity while retaining good electrical conductivity. The concentration of CNF was varied to observe the variation in the electrochemical performance. At a current density of 1 mA/cm2, the rGO/CNF-15 film exhibited a maximum areal capacitance of 98.61 mF/cm2, closely matching that of pure rGO films. Because of its excellent electrical performance, ease of manufacturing, and environmental friendliness, this water-based rGO/CNF ink may have promising applications in the printing of supercapacitor electrodes.

Unpacking the perceptions and experiences of student facilitators in interprofessional education: a qualitative study.

Enhancing health professional students' effective learning and collaborative practice requires a deep understanding of strategies for facilitating interprofessional learning. While faculty members and clinical preceptors are recognized as facilitators in interprofessional education (IPE), there is limited knowledge about the impact of student facilitators' engagement in IPE. Accordingly, this study aims to explore the perceptions and experiences of student facilitators in IPE. Thirteen student facilitators were recruited to lead an interprofessional learning program, and they were subsequently invited to participate in one-on-one interviews. An interview guide was developed to explore their motivations, expectations, engagement, effectiveness, and achievements in IPE facilitation. Thematic analysis was conducted using MAXQDA software to analyze the student facilitators' experiences and perceptions. Eight interviewees from various disciplines, including Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Speech and Hearing Sciences, and Social Work, took part in the study. The findings revealed that student facilitators highly valued their IPE facilitation experience, which aligned with their expectations and led to the creation of social networks, increased confidence, improved understanding of other professions, and the development of lifelong skills. Furthermore, the student facilitators demonstrated cognitive and social congruence by establishing a relaxed learning environment, displaying empathetic and supportive behaviors, and using inclusive language to engage IPE learners in group discussions. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the role of student facilitators in IPE, contributing to the evolving literature on IPE. A conceptual framework was developed to explore the entire facilitation experience, encompassing the motivations and expectations of student facilitators, their engagement and effectiveness, and the observed achievements. These findings can inform the development of peer teaching training in IPE and stimulate further research in identifying relevant facilitator competencies for optimal delivery of IPE.

Statistical methods for design and testing of 3D-printed polymers.

Different statistical methods are used in various fields to qualify processes and products, especially in emerging technologies like Additive Manufacturing (AM) or 3D printing. Since several statistical methods are being employed to ensure quality production of the 3D-printed parts, an overview of these methods used in 3D printing for different purposes is presented in this paper. The advantages and challenges, to understanding the importance it brings for design and testing optimization of 3D-printed parts are also discussed. The application of different metrology methods is also summarized to guide future researchers in producing dimensionally-accurate and good-quality 3D-printed parts. This review paper shows that the Taguchi Methodology is the commonly-used statistical tool in optimizing mechanical properties of the 3D-printed parts, followed by Weibull Analysis and Factorial Design. In addition, key areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Finite Element Analysis (FEA), and Simulation require more research for improved 3D-printed part qualities for specific purposes. Future perspectives are also discussed, including other methods that can help further improve the overall quality of the 3D printing process from designing to manufacturing.

Quality prediction and classification of resistance spot weld using artificial neural network with open-sourced, self-executable and GUI-based application tool Q-Check.

Optimizing Resistance spot welding, often used as a time and cost-effective process in many industrial sectors, is very time-consuming due to the obscurity inherent within process with numerous interconnected welding parameters. Small changes in values will give effect to the quality of welds which actually can be easily analysed using application tool. Unfortunately, existing software to optimize the parameters are expensive, licensed and inflexible which makes small industries and research centres refused to acquire. In this study, application tool using open-sourced and customized algorithm based on artificial neural networks (ANN) was developed to enable better, fast, cheap and practical predictions of major parameters such as welding time, current and electrode force on tensile shear load bearing capacity (TSLBC) and weld quality classifications (WQC). A supervised learning algorithm implemented in standard backpropagation neural network gradient descent (GD), stochastic gradient descent (SGD) and Levenberg-Marquardt (LM) was constructed using TensorFlow with Spyder IDE in python language. All the display and calculation processes are developed and compiled in the form of application tool of graphical user interface (GUI). Results showed that this low-cost application tool Q-Check based on ANN models can predict with 80% training and 20% test set on TSLBC with an accuracy of 87.220%, 92.865% and 93.670% for GD, SGD and LM algorithms respectively while on WQC 62.5% for GD and 75% for both SGD and LM. It is also expected that tool with flexible GUI can be widely used and enhanced by practitioner with minimum knowledge in the domain.

Low Perceived Social Rank Increases the Impact of Mental Health Symptoms on Suicidal Ideation: Evidence among Young Adults from the Philippines.

Studies on social factors that could influence the mental health-suicidal ideation link remain scarce, especially in non-Western contexts. This study examined the relationship between mental health symptoms (i.e., depression, anxiety, and stress) and suicidal ideation and whether one's perceived social rank moderates such a relationship. Data from 631 students from two universities in the Philippines collected between October to December 2018 was analyzed. Bivariate correlations show that greater symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress are associated with increased suicidal ideation. Hierarchical linear regression models supported the direct relationship between mental health symptoms and suicidal ideation and demonstrated that perceived social rank significantly moderated such a relationship. Johnson-Neyman plots and simple slopes analyses further illustrate how mental health symptoms and perceived social rank interact to impact suicidal ideation. The results show that as one's perceived social rank lowers, the strength of the positive association between depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms to suicidal ideation strengthens. The results held while controlling for age, gender, college year level, and family income. The findings are discussed using the social rank theory and the Integrated Motivational-Volitional (IMV) model of suicide to view suicidal ideation from both an individual and a social perspective. We expound on the role of low perceived social rank on suicidal ideation among young adults.HIGHLIGHTSHigher depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms are associated with higher suicidal ideation.Perceived social rank moderates the link between mental health symptoms and suicidal ideation.One's perception of being inferior to others can exacerbate suicidal ideation.

Validating the Suicide Behavior Questionnaire-Revised among Filipino adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The study aimed to examine the validity of the Suicide Behavior Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R) among adult Filipinos experiencing severe depression symptoms during the COVID-19-related lockdowns in 2020. Results support SBQ-R's internal reliability. Confirmatory factor analyses supported SBQ-R's one-factor structure and its measurement invariance across gender and age. The SBQ-R's positive relationship with negative affect and its negative relationships with positive affect and family support demonstrate the questionnaire's criterion-related validity. The SBQ-R's cutoff of ≥8 shows that 78% of the sample were at-risk for suicide. The SBQ-R is valid in assessing suicide risk among severely depressed adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The factor structure and measurement invariance of the PHQ-4 and the prevalence of depression and anxiety in a Southeast Asian context amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

This study examined the psychometric properties of the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) as an ultra-brief screener of depression and anxiety in the Philippines during the COVID-19 outbreak. Data from 4,524 non-clinical community respondents aged 18-73 years old was collected online between March and July 2020. We evaluated the screener's factor structure, measurement invariance, and criterion-related validity using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), multigroup CFA, and structural equation modeling (SEM), respectively. We also evaluated the accuracy of the PHQ-4 cut-off scores by comparing the them with the screeners' full scales (i.e., PHQ-9 and GAD-7). Using the cutoff scores of the screeners, we also estimated the prevalence rates of depression and anxiety. The PHQ-4 has good internal reliability (Cronbach's α = 0.82). The CFA results show that the two-factor model has an excellent model fit that is superior to the one-factor model. The two-factor model held through increasingly constrained multigroup CFA models across gender, age, and geographical location groups, demonstrating measurement invariance. The SEM model supported the PHQ-4's theoretical association to stress, negative affect, and positive affect, supporting the screener's criterion-related validity. In estimating prevalence rates, among those screened by the PHQ-4 cut-off scores for depression (n = 1,905, 42.11%) and anxiety (n = 1,853, 40.96%), 81.78% and 94.06% were consequently screened by the PHQ-9 and GAD-7, respectively. This study supports the reliability, validity, and measurement invariance of the PHQ-4 as an ultra-brief screener of depression and anxiety in a large community sample in Southeast Asia. The inclusion of ultra-brief screeners in COVID-19-related studies and other human disasters, especially among non-clinical samples in low- and middle-income countries, is relevant for the sustainable evaluation and monitoring of the severity mental health symptoms leading to timely and effective mental health service provision.

Coronavirus Pandemic Anxiety Scale (CPAS-11): development and initial validation.

The mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic will increase as the outbreak continues and persist even after the pandemic passes. We developed an 11-item Coronavirus Pandemic Anxiety Scale (CPAS-11) to measure symptoms of anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic to help identify individuals who might need mental health services. In developing the scale items, we considered previous research and theory on anxiety symptoms and symptoms reported by clinically referred cases in the Philippines. The scale was validated in a Filipino sample (N = 925). Exploratory factor analysis indicated two factors corresponding to somatic and non-somatic symptoms; confirmatory factor analysis showed good fit for the two-factor model. CPAS-11 showed good internal consistency, convergent and divergent validity, and screening accuracy. A cutoff score of 15 showed adequate sensitivity and specificity to distinguish GAD-7 screened participants. The results support the viability of CPAS-11 as a screening tool to identify individuals experiencing COVID-19-related anxiety.

Additively manufactured high-performance polymeric materials and their potential use in the oil and gas industry.

The oil and gas industry has been tagged as among the largest revenue-generating sectors in the world. High-performance polymers (HPPs), on the other hand, are among the most useful industrial materials, while the utility of 3D printing technologies has evolved and transitioned from rapid prototyping of composite materials to manufacturing of functional parts. In this prospective, we highlight the potential uses and industrial applications of 3D-printed HPP materials in the oil and gas sector, including the challenges and opportunities present.

Development and evaluation of an undergraduate curriculum on non-communicable disease research in Guam: The Pacific Islands Cohort of College Students (PICCS).

BACKGROUND: The non-communicable disease (NCD) epidemic among Pacific Islanders prompted the declaration of a regional state of NCD emergency throughout the United States-Affiliated Pacific Islands (USAPIs) in 2010. Subsequently, the University of Guam Health Science Program launched a pilot study on NCD research in its undergraduate curriculum modeled after the Pacific Data for Decision Making (DDM) framework - a field epidemiology training program employed in the USAPIs. The primary objective of the research is to conduct annual assessments of student health indicators with plans for longitudinal follow-up. Here, development and evaluation of the undergraduate research curriculum are described. METHODS: The Pacific DDM framework covering knowledge and skills in resourcing, types of data and indicators, data sources, data management, information products, and data dissemination and use were incorporated in undergraduate core courses of the Health Science Program. During the data collection pilot years, 2013 and 2014, a survey containing questions predominantly on NCD risk factors was launched at the university. The survey was administered by upperclassmen in the Health Science Program and evolved into the Pacific Islands Cohort of College Students (PICCS) research study. The initial years were spent developing the infrastructure. Program outputs were tracked annually to measure program success. RESULTS: Students in the Health Science Program obtained research knowledge and skills through various courses while enrolled in the program. The PICCS data collection continued annually as a cross-sectional survey from 2015 to current. Numerous successes have resulted including student abstracts and publications, acceptances to summer programs and fellowships, a sustained annual health fair for college students, a grant award, and other program-related impacts. CONCLUSION: The PICCS framework provided the organizational structure and documented tools, protocols, roles, and responsibilities to enhance consistency and reproducibility. Undergraduate students applied their knowledge and skills to an ongoing study focused on NCD risk factor surveillance of college students. Additionally, multiple research successes have been achieved through the PICCS curriculum. Plans are underway to begin the longitudinal design of the PICCS research study and sustain it through the curriculum, with room for adaptation as courses are updated over time.

On the progress of 3D-printed hydrogels for tissue engineering.

ABSTRACT: Additive manufacturing or more commonly known as 3D printing, is currently driving innovations and applications in diverse fields such as prototyping, manufacturing, aerospace, education, and medicine. Recent technological and materials research breakthroughs have enabled 3D bioprinting, where biomaterials and cells are used to create scaffolds and functional living tissues (e.g. skin, cartilage, etc.). This prospective focuses on the classification and applications of hydrogels, and design considerations in their production (i.e. physical and biological parameters). The materials for 3D printing of hydrogels, such as biopolymers, synthetic polymers, and nanocomposites, are mainly discussed. More importantly, future perspectives on 3D printing hydrogels including new materials, 4D printing, emerging printing technologies, etc. and their importance in biomedical and bioengineering applications are discussed.

Additive manufacturing for COVID-19: Devices, materials, prospects, and challenges.

The current COVID-19 pandemic has caused the shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) where improvised manufacturing in particular 3D printing has addressed many needs. This prospective discusses the current global crisis, then follows the wide interest in addressing the shortage of medical devices and PPEs used for treatment and protection against pathogens. An overview of the 3D printing process with polymer materials is given followed by the different 3D printing projects of PPEs and medical devices that emerged for the pandemic (including validation/testing). The potential for rapid prototyping with different polymer materials and eventual high-throughput production is emphasized.

Parental caregiver burden of Filipino children with developmental disabilities seen at the Neurodevelopmental Clinic of the University of Santo Tomas Hospital

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to assess the level of caregiver burden of Filipino parents taking care of their children with developmental disabilities and to identify other factors contributing to their burden.METHODOLOGY: The study participants were parents of children with developmental disabilities diagnosed in the Neuro-developmental Clinic of the University of Santo Tomas Hospital. They were asked to complete a survey, which included the following: 1) General demographics questionnaire that included the ff information: number of children, family income, marital status, educational level and occupation of the parents; 2) Adaptive behavior questionnaire designed to gather specific data about the abilities of the child with the disability; 3)Family Support Scale that measures the helpfulness of sources of support for families with developmentally disabled children, which is divided into informal support that included the patients, grandparents, siblings, relatives, church and government programs and the formal support, which included the physician, teachers and therapists; 4) Caregiver Burden Scale adapted from Zarit. The data was analyzed using frequency counts and percentages. Bivariate and multivariate analysis was used to determine the association of the data. A 95% confidence level was considered significant.RESULTS: The majority (80%) of the caregivers were mothers, with a mean age of 38 years old, high school graduates and with an annual income of more than PhP 100,000. The families had an average of 1-2 children. The mean age of the children with disabilities was 6 years, and were categorized as having Global Developmental Delay [GDD] (50%), Mental Retardation [MR] (27%), Attention- Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder [ADHD] (13%) and Autism (10%). The level of burden seen among the caregivers was moderate, which was significantly associated with the annual income, severity of the disability, and the total family support score. Multivariate analysis showed that the severity of the developmental disability was an independent factor for caregiver burden.CONCLUSION: This study provided evidence that both fathers and mothers of children with developmental disabilities seen in the Neurodevelopmental Clinic of the University of Santo Tomas Hospital experienced similar levels of stress as parents in the Western countries as well as feelings about lack of informal social support. High level of burden was significantly associated with an increased level of disability.