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Improving the efficiency of gasochromic response by using a dual sample system with WO<sub>3 </sub>thin films with Pd and Pt catalysts
Get PDFHydrogen, when produced using renewable energy sources, is a zero-emission fuel that does not emit harmful pollutants. Therefore, it is increasingly being researched as an alternative to traditional fossil fuels, although it poses certain risks due to its explosive nature. Gasochromic materials such as tungsten oxide (WO3) thin films show promise for passive and remote hydrogen sensing. In this work the gasochromic reaction of WO3 thin films with palladium and platinum catalysts, deposited by electron beam evaporation, was investigated using various sample configurations during measurements. Gasochromic measurements revealed that Pd-coated WO3 thin films exhibited superior sensor response and faster response and recovery times compared to Pt-coated films, which demonstrated better long-term stability. The aim of this study was to investigate gasochromic properties of a novel configuration consisting of two samples simultaneously mounted on a holder, which enabled a multiplied gasochromic response compared to that of a single sample. Furthermore, this is the first time such an approach has been reported for WO3-based systems exhibiting gasochromic properties. Additional experiments confirmed the high selectivity of the sensor toward hydrogen and its excellent long-term stability even after one year. Moreover, in-situ X-ray Diffraction measurements were performed to gain insight into the structural changes occurring during the gasochromic reaction. A universal configuration offering a simple and effective way to significantly enhance gasochromic response was also proposed
Toward holistic COPD management:the case for mental health integration
Get PDFBackground and Aims Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a growing global public health concern, not only due to its physical effects but also because of the significant psychological distress it causes, including anxiety and depression. This perspective stresses the importance of addressing mental health issues in the management of COPD, discussing current treatment options, which include non-pharmacological interventions.Methods This perspective synthesizes current literature on psychological distress in COPD and reviews evidence for non-pharmacological approaches, including pulmonary rehabilitation, cognitive behavioral therapy, self-management programs, telerehabilitation, education, and peer support. It draws on recent literature and guidelines to identify gaps and opportunities for integrated care.Results Individuals with COPD experience substantially higher rates of anxiety and depression compared to the general population, and this can negatively impact quality of life, disease progression, and healthcare outcomes. Despite this, mental health symptoms often remain undiagnosed and untreated due to limited awareness, training, and resources. Psychological and non-pharmacological interventions reveal encouraging results in reducing distress and improving overall well-being. Pulmonary rehabilitation, combined with psychological support, demonstrates particular benefits but is underutilized due to patient and systemic barriers. Alternative approaches such as telerehabilitation and remote therapies offer potential for increased access. Moreover, education and peer support play a crucial role in empowering patients, improving coping skills, and fostering social connectedness, which contribute positively to psychological well-being. This perspective advocates for integrated COPD management, which prioritizes mental health literacy, collaborative care models, and patient engagement.Conclusion Addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of COPD is essential for holistic care and enhancing the quality of life of individuals with COPD. Further research and healthcare policy efforts are needed to close existing gaps and deliver comprehensive support for people living with COPD
Silence is not golden:how academic nursing and midwifery is failing our Afghan sisters
Get PDFNursing is fundamentally a profession of care and the alleviation of suffering. Yet, in its embrace of social activism, the profession risks losing sight of these core values and responsibilities. Advocacy for Afghan women, who are being systematically excluded from education and healthcare, is not a peripheral issue. It goes to the heart of what nursing stands for, enduring access to health, healthcare and dignity for all.In this editorial we present the case for academic solidarity with our sisters in Afghanistan. We draw on Neiman’s (2023) position that those seeking a better and more just world, should embrace universalism, pursue justice over concerns about moral relativism, and take courage and inspiration from previous gains
Unveiling the dynamics of team cognition in emergency response teams
Get PDFBackground: Effective emergency response in various industries depends on the synergy between team coordination and cognitive abilities. Industries should prioritize investing in the development of team cognition to improve readiness and ensure swift, effective responses to emergencies and crises. This study aimed to identify and model factors influencing team cognition within Emergency Response Teams (ERTs).Methods: This cross-sectional study undertook two principal phases: qualitative research using meta-synthesis and quantitative research using Best Worst Method (BWM), Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM), and Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping (FCM). These methods were employed to assign weights to factors, establish their hierarchy, and determine cause-and-effect relationships among team cognition shaping factors (TCSFs).Results: Through a comprehensive evaluation of the articles, 13 dimensions were identified as the primary TCSFs influencing team cognition. The reliability of the extracted factors was validated using the Kappa indicator, with a value of 0.63 signifying an acceptable level of agreement. Using BWM analysis, “Team maturity (The team members’ harmonization)” and “Inefficient 4Cs (communication, coordination, cooperation, and collaboration)” were identified as the most influential factors shaping team cognition, with weights of 0.132 and 0.112, respectively. ISM analysis revealed “Improper team training programs” as a critical independent factor influencing other dimensions. FCM modeling further emphasized the significance of “Failure in decision-making” and “Leadership behavior and performance” as pivotal contributors to team cognition, with “Team maturity” and “Inefficient 4Cs” achieving the highest centrality scores of 13.44 and 13.28, respectively.Conclusion: Stakeholders can enhance team performance and effectiveness in emergency situations by understanding the relative importance of various factors, their hierarchical relationships, and the causal links between them. This allows for informed decision-making and targeted interventions, such as training programs to improve team maturity and team communication
Unlocking sustainable growth:leveraging circular economy, servitisation and Industry 4.0 as a catalyst for innovation and entrepreneurship
Get PDFIn the rapidly evolving landscape of sustainable business practices, the circular economy (CE) has emerged as a pivotal framework for fostering long-term environmental and economic resilience. This chapter delves into the intricate relationship between CE, servitisation, and Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies, particularly from an entrepreneurial perspective. Through a comprehensive literature review, the chapter explores how these elements synergistically act as catalysts for innovation and sustainable growth. Entrepreneurs are at the forefront of this transition, leveraging CE principles to unlock new market opportunities and drive competitive advantage. The chapter highlights how adopting servitisation and I4.0 technologies not only fosters sustainability, but it also paves the way for sustainable innovation and entrepreneurship in the contemporary business environment
Unlocking sustainable growth:leveraging circular economy, servitisation and Industry 4.0 as a catalyst for innovation and entrepreneurship
Get PDFIn the rapidly evolving landscape of sustainable business practices, the circular economy (CE) has emerged as a pivotal framework for fostering long-term environmental and economic resilience. This chapter delves into the intricate relationship between CE, servitisation, and Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies, particularly from an entrepreneurial perspective. Through a comprehensive literature review, the chapter explores how these elements synergistically act as catalysts for innovation and sustainable growth. Entrepreneurs are at the forefront of this transition, leveraging CE principles to unlock new market opportunities and drive competitive advantage. The chapter highlights how adopting servitisation and I4.0 technologies not only fosters sustainability, but it also paves the way for sustainable innovation and entrepreneurship in the contemporary business environment
Blockchain for digital twins to empower smart city
Get PDFRapid global urbanisation is driving the need for a smart city capable of providing more efficient and responsive municipal administration. To realise the full potential of a smart city, it is essential to adopt emerging technologies that are people-centred and foster high-tech innovations. This chapter explores the integration of two transformative technologies: Digital twins (DT) and blockchain, both of which hold the potential to revolutionise smart city development. DT technologies enable real-time virtual simulations, which aid in result prediction, situational control and link to metaverse applications. These simulations create a dynamic, data-driven urban infrastructure that enhances decision-making and operational efficiency. Blockchain technology, on the other hand, contributes to the development of smart cities by improving traceability, transparency and connectivity while establishing a secure, decentralised framework for efficient service management. By ensuring data integrity, blockchain empowers secure and transparent interactions across urban services, helping smart cities offer convenient and secure services to citizens. This chapter investigates how these two technologies can be integrated into a comprehensive smart city model. It begins by explaining the concepts of DT and blockchain, followed by a detailed analysis of their roles in enhancing urban management, resource optimisation and citizen engagement. Through real-world case studies - including applications in transportation, energy management and environmental monitoring - the chapter demonstrates how blockchain-enabled DT systems have been successfully deployed to optimise city operations. Additionally, the chapter delves into the challenges associated with this integration such as scalability, data interoperability and privacy concerns. By addressing these challenges, this research offers insights into building sustainable, resilient and citizen-centric cities of the future. In conclusion, the chapter emphasises the transformative potential of integrating blockchain and DT in smart city development, providing a roadmap towards secure, efficient and sustainable urban ecosystems
Using generative AI to support inclusion:insights from a psychological perspective
Get PDFThis article considers the insights of viewing (Artificial Intelligence) AI personalization from a psychological perspective by offering detailed consideration of the psychological constraints, both cognitive and socio-emotional, to the current and future application of personalized AI solutions in higher educational settings. It maps the relationship between AI personalized solutions and psychological substrates to illustrate how and why AI is an effective way to promote inclusion. Consideration of psychological infrastructure and the skills that support effective learning highlights the importance of individual differences and reminds us that diversity is present in all students, not only those with disabilities. Learner profiles are variable, and the application of a psychological lens provides a way to conceptualise and operationalise this variability by utilising the concept of psychological barriers and enablers. Psychological attributes such as working memory, executive function, metacognition, self-esteem and motivation can influence learning in a positive or negative manner depending on the degree to which they are present; for example, low working memory capacity is a barrier, but high capacity is an enabler. This variability allows them to be targeted and developed. Human intelligence, unlike artificial intelligence, is psychologically constrained, so AI personalisation must be psychologically informed to maximise its educational and inclusive potential
Talking to the Triffids:decolonizing how we teach about plants (and why it matters)
Get PDFIn this paper I argue that the ways that we teach about plants are limited by long standing conceptions of them as insensitive and noncommunicative. Science can provide insights from research into plants, however, the extent of the change to our thinking that would be needed to address this limitation can best be brough about through more creative means. I suggest that the deep-seated and long-established misconceptions of plants can be effectively addressed through Storytelling. I explore the idea that humans’ relationship with plants can be understood as colonization, and look to Science Fiction, finding an example of this in The Day of the Triffids (1951) by John Wyndham. Storytelling and specifically the speculative narratives of Science Fiction are argued to offer us a means of changing our minds about plants, whilst also offering approaches to how to teach and learn about them differently. Stories are proposed as a tool for reconsidering entrenched values and beliefs, offering a means of challenging established ways of thinking about plants, and releasing us to consider why how we teach about plants matters – not just for education, but for our future
