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The increasing complexity of optical networks to support a multitude of services leads to massive amounts of data. Moreover, any interruption, even momentary, can cause huge data losses, leading to a poor customer experience. The use of machine learning in various domains has been proposed and tested over the past decades. In this study we will propose a tool for estimating the transmission quality of optical connections before their establishment in the network, based on machine learning algorithms. A high level of service is guaranteed at any geographical location on both fixed and mobile equipment. The Internet of Things will connect billions of devices and sensors. The latency of data in 5G networks will be only one millisecond, compared to 50 ms for current systems. This is important because minimised latency will make near real-time communications possible, such as between two unmanned vehicles travelling in tandem at relatively high speeds or for applied virtual reality The main role of our paper is to study the analysis of the papers that have been published before on next generation antennas, in this area and see how to study and model the different algorithms of IOT and also of 6th generation antennas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the technical specifications of the 5th Generation (5G) wireless communication standard are being wrapped up, there are growing efforts amongst researchers, industrialists, and standardisation bodies on the enabling technologies of a 6G standard or the so-called Beyond 5G (B5G) one. Although the 5G standard has presented several benefits, there are still some limitations within it. Such limitations have motivated the setting up of study groups to determine suitable technologies that should operate in the year 2030 and beyond, i.e., after 5G. Consequently, this Special Issue of Future Internet concerning what possibilities lie ahead for a 6G wireless network includes four high-quality research papers (three of which are review papers with over 412 referred sources and one regular research). This editorial piece summarises the major contributions of the articles and the Special Issue, outlining future directions for new research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoparticles, considered building blocks of nanotechnology, are a topic of widespread research due to their extraordinary properties that are useful in diverse sectors. Among all nanoparticle types, TiO2 (anatase) has drawn the most attention, primarily because of its superhydrophilic properties and effective antibacterial actions. Its applications include self-cleaning of solid surfaces, treatment of water and air, production of clean energy, treatment of microbial infections, pesticide management, etc. making TiO2 a focal point of research in materials science. However, the lack of photosensitivity to visible light (>390 nm) reduces the scope for utilising TiO2 in photocatalytic processes. Therefore, most studies on TiO2 nanoparticles have focused on broadening their spectral sensitivity through band gap manipulation for effective photocatalysis under visible light. Researchers have doped/co-doped metals and non-metals, such as N, C, F, S, B, Cu, Fe, V, Pt, etc. to nano-TiO2 to shorten its band gap with varying degrees of success. This review paper mainly focuses on the mechanism and effectivity of N and Fe co-doped TiO2 nanoparticles. The progress of scientific research on TiO2 photocatalysis has introduced an array of new applications using TiO2 nanoparticles, and these applications have also been discussed in this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Over recent years, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) has been widely used as a substrate material for flexible strain sensors due to its remarkable mechanical flexibility and the ease of combining various conductive materials by electrospinning. Many research advances have been made in the preparation of flexible strain sensors with better ductility, higher sensitivity, and wider sensing range by using TPU in combination with various conductive materials through electrospinning. However, there is a lack of reviews that provide a systematic and comprehensive summary and outlook of recent research advances in this area. In this review paper, the working principles of strain sensors and electrospinning technology are initially described. Subsequently, recent advances in strain sensors based on electrospun TPU are tracked and discussed, with a focus on the incorporation of various conductive fillers such as carbonaceous materials, MXene, metallic materials, and conductive polymers. Moreover, the wide range of applications of electrospun TPU flexible strain sensors is thoroughly discussed. Finally, the future prospects and challenges of electrospun TPU flexible strain sensors in various fields are pointed out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG)-based optical fiber is one of the research hotspots in the field of fiber lasers due to its combined advantages of a wide doping range of rare earth ions and the high mechanical strength of YAG material, as well as the flexibility and small size of the fiber structure. YAG-based optical fibers and related laser devices can be used in communication, sensing, medicine, etc. A comprehensive review of YAG-based optical fibers is provided in this paper. Firstly, the fabrication processes of YAG-based optical fibers are summarized and the structure and properties of fibers are classified and compared. Secondly, according to the optical wavelength regions, rare earth-doped YAG-based optical fibers for the applications of single-frequency and mode-locked fiber lasers are summarized. Lastly, the development challenges in both the fabrication and applications of YAG-based optical fibers are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liberty to design/manufacture, minimal wastage, complex geometries, and fast prototyping are a few major benefits of additive manufacturing (AM). In recent years, applications and advantages of additive manufacturing have been expanding and providing opportunities to researchers and scholars for more options in it. AM techniques and process have maximum potential to work and develop intricate designs with simplicity and negligible wastage of raw material. Time is required for deep understanding of process and application for which it is being used. In the current study, we will focus on the growth trends and manufacturing industries adapting this technique instead of conventional methods using a case study. In the present paper, limitation of designer/software for additive manufacturing has also been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gallium oxide (Ga2O3) is a promising material for the development of optoelectronic devices due to its array of suitable properties tailored for such applications. This review paper focuses on low-cost fabrication methods, which include spray-pyrolysis and sol–gel (dip-coating, spin-coating). Furthermore, the operation principle of these methods for synthesizing Ga2O3 thin films are summarized. The properties and applications of Ga2O3 produced by these methods are highlighted to emphasize the benefits of such economical techniques. While disadvantages of these methods are not disregarded. Overall, the aim of this review is to offer a starting point for researchers to develop gallium oxide thin films of acceptable properties for specific applications with a low budget. Highlights: The cost-effective methods for gallium oxide (Ga2O3) thin film synthesis are reviewed. Spray-pyrolysis and sol–gel (dip-coating, spin-coating) operation principle is detailed. The advantages and disadvantages of Ga2O3 synthesized using these methods are discussed. Applications of the produced Ga2O3 are emphasized. The benefits of such cost-effective techniques are discussed. This review can be a valuable resource for researchers to engage in using these low-cost techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The release of smartphones and tablets, which offer more advanced communication and computing capabilities, has led to the strong emergence of mHealth on the market. mHealth systems are being used to improve patients' lives and their health, in addition to facilitating communication between doctors and patients. Researchers are now proposing mHealth applications for many health conditions such as dementia, autism, dysarthria, Parkinson's disease, and so on. Usability becomes a key factor in the adoption of these applications, which are often used by people who have problems when using mobile devices and who have a limited experience of technology. The aim of this paper is to investigate the empirical usability evaluation processes described in a total of 22 selected studies related to mHealth applications by means of a Systematic Literature Review. Our results show that the empirical evaluation methods employed as regards usability could be improved by the adoption of automated mechanisms. The evaluation processes should also be revised to combine more than one method. This paper will help researchers and developers to create more usable applications. Our study demonstrates the importance of adapting health applications to users' need. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The area of remote sensing techniques in agriculture has reached a significant degree of development and maturity, with numerous journals, conferences, and organizations specialized in it. Moreover, many review papers are available in the literature. The present work describes a literature review that adopts the form of a systematic mapping study, following a formal methodology. Eight mapping questions were defined, analyzing the main types of research, techniques, platforms, topics, and spectral information. A predefined search string was applied in the Scopus database, obtaining 1590 candidate papers. Afterwards, the most relevant 106 papers were selected, considering those with more than six citations per year. These are analyzed in more detail, answering the mapping questions for each paper. In this way, the current trends and new opportunities are discovered. As a result, increasing interest in the area has been observed since 2000; the most frequently addressed problems are those related to parameter estimation, growth vigor, and water usage, using classification techniques, that are mostly applied on RGB and hyperspectral images, captured from drones and satellites. A general recommendation that emerges from this study is to build on existing resources, such as agricultural image datasets, public satellite imagery, and deep learning toolkits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lignin is the most abundant by-product from the pulp and paper industry as well as the second most abundant natural renewable biopolymer after cellulose on earth. In recent years, transforming unordered and complicated lignin into ordered and uniform nanoparticles has attracted wide attention due to their excellent properties such as controlled structures and sizes, better miscibility with polymers, and improved antioxidant activity. In this review, we first introduce five important technical lignin from different sources and then provide a comprehensive overview of the recent progress of preparation techniques which are involved in the fabrication of various lignin-based nanoparticles and their industrial applications in different fields such as drug delivery carriers, UV absorbents, hybrid nanocomposites, antioxidant agents, antibacterial agents, adsorbents for heavy metal ions and dyes, and anticorrosion nanofillers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present paper, a size-biased Poisson-Pranav distribution has been proposed. Moments and moments based statistical measures including coefficient of variation, skewness, kurtosis and index of dispersion have been obtained and their behaviors explained graphically. The estimation of its parameter has been discussed using method of moment and maximum likelihood estimation. The applications of the proposed distribution have been explained through real datasets relating to migration and thunderstorm events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

LoRaWAN is a communication protocol designed especially for Internet of Things (IoT) applications that offers benefits such as long-distance connection and low power consumption. Due to the characteristics of LoRaWAN, this technology has gained great popularity in various IoT applications, such as environmental monitoring, smart agriculture, and applications in the areas of health and mobility, among others. Given this situation, the objective of this work is to provide an in-depth overview of LoRaWAN technology in terms of its applications, as well as the devices that have been used for the development of such applications. Additionally, this work reviews what other areas of LoRaWAN have been covered in different scientific articles, i.e., performance improvement and security. Among the main results of this study though analyzing previous works, we can say that most of them have been developed in the area of environmental monitoring and have used low-cost devices such as Arduinos, Raspberry Pis, and relatively low-cost commercial products such as those of the Semtech and STMicroelectronics brands. The analysis of the present work shows objectively and formally that LoRaWAN technology can be applied in various applications and that there are many studies that try to optimize its performance and security. This paper seeks to identify and describe the most relevant applications of LoRaWAN in different sectors, such as agriculture, health, and environmental monitoring, among others, and the challenges and solutions found in each area. This literature review will provide a valuable reference to understand the potential and opportunities offered by LoRaWAN technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the significance of generating expressions, operational principles, and defining characteristics in the study and development of special polynomials. The focus is on a novel generalized family of degenerate 2D Appell polynomials, which were defined using a fractional operator. Motivated by inquiries into degenerate 2D bivariate Appell polynomials, this research reveals that well-known 2D Appell polynomials and simple Appell polynomials can be regarded as specific instances within this new family for certain values. This paper presents the operational rule, generating relation, determinant form, and recurrence relations for this generalized family. Furthermore, it explores the practical applications of these degenerate 2D Appell polynomials and establishes their connections with equivalent results for the generalized family of degenerate 2D Bernoulli, Euler, and Genocchi polynomials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper delves into the multifaceted realm of mangrove forests, focusing on their applications, future prospects, challenges and strategies for ensuring environmental sustainability. The introduction section provides an overview of mangrove forests and their significance in coastal ecosystems. The applications section highlights the diverse roles of mangroves, ranging from coastal protection to carbon sequestration and their contributions to local economies. Exploring the future prospects of mangrove forests, the paper examines their potential in mitigating climate change, supporting biodiversity, and sustaining ecosystem services. However, the challenges section underscores the numerous threats faced by mangroves, including habitat loss, pollution, and climate change impacts. To address these challenges and ensure environmental sustainability, the strategies section proposes integrated approaches such as conservation efforts, sustainable management, and community engagement. This paper contributes to the understanding of mangrove ecosystems and their pivotal role in promoting a resilient and sustainable environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sisal fiber cement is comprehensively deployed in the construction works owing to their flexibility as cladding panels and ridged equipment, and water containers that are accessible in a massive number of cultivation and construction applications. The most important reason for integrating the sisal fibers into the cement matrix is to increase the toughness; tensile strength and the bend features of the resulting composite. In recent times, the sisal fibers have been employed as reinforcement in concretes. These cementitious composites are presently deliberated to be one of the most accomplished structural equipment in the modern industrial technology. Accordingly, in the presented survey, several papers are taken for analyzing the performance of sisal fibers. In addition, the papers taken for review are studied depending on the composition of concrete and sisal constituents in the work of art of building. Moreover, the sisal fiber with a composition other than concrete is also illustrated. The contributions regarding the tensile strength and compression strength in the adopted papers are analyzed together with their percentage of composition. The evolutions of the adopted papers along with their various applications are moreover analyzed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OLEDWorks has started production operations for manufacturing OLED lighting panels. Compared to OLED displays, affordability is much more important for market adoption of OLED lighting. To this end, we have developed a unique approach in both product design and manufacturing processes. These elements are embodied in our first product, amber lighting for the health care market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Fog computing concept has been introduced to aid in the data processing of Internet of things applications using Cloud computing. Due to the profitable benefits of this combination, several papers have lately been published proposing the deployment of Blockchain alongside Fog computing in a variety of fields. A comprehensive evaluation and synthesis of the literature on Blockchain-Fog computing integration applications that have emerged in recent years is required. Although there have been several articles on the integration of Blockchain with Fog computing, the applications connected with this combination are still fragmented and require further exploration. Hence, in this paper, the applications of Blockchain-Fog computing integration are identified using a systematic literature review technique and tailored search criteria generated from the study objectives. This article found and evaluated 144 relevant papers. The findings of this article can be used as a resource for future Fog computing research and designs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic markers represent different forms of the same gene that control mutant phenotypic expression and allow individual quantification of genes. One of the basic criteria in the molecular markers usage is the molecular polymorphic capacity of plant genetic material. This paper aimed to distinguish and generalize some of the relevant results regarding the applications of different molecular markers in plants bioengineering. Thus, the paper describes the main categories of markers used in plant bioengineering, with topical examples of their utility in modern plant breeding programs. The used methods included searching of the various databases (Web of Science, Google Scholar, The Food and Agriculture Organization, The International Service for the Acquisition of Agribiotech Applications) and identification some relevant results. From this point of view, the results indicate the immense opportunity of molecular markers in the individual study of plants, without conditioning the stage of their development. Some of the practical applications of molecular markers in plant genetic programming relate to the investigation of the diversity of genetic material; precise location of genes; germplasm certification, etc. Molecular markers applications generate an explosive growth of vital information for genetic research, the natural consequence being the rapid advancement of basic and applied knowledge. However, correct and objective information to the general public is an important step in making it easier to accept innovations in plant bioengineering and enables progress in agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development of energy technology, hydrogen is gradually becoming widely used. China is also rapidly developing its own hydrogen energy industry in an effort to accomplish the "dual carbon target'. Hydrogen from methane is one of the mainstream sources, of which hydrogen from methane cracking is the decomposition of methane into hydrogen and solid carbon, with the solid carbon also having a high economic value. In particular, this technology does not emit carbon dioxide, which is very friendly to the environment, but it cannot avoid larger energy consumption. In contrast, hydrogen production from methane cracking driven by solar energy not only combines the characteristics of no CO 2 emission, but also greatly reduces the consumption of primary energy, which is the future development trend of hydrogen production from methane. This paper provides a brief overview of the various technological pathways for methane to hydrogen production in the context of China's actual development, focusing on the current status of the development and application of solar methane cracking to hydrogen production technologies at home and abroad. Among them, this paper mainly discusses the characteristics of solar reactors of different sizes and structures, and summarizes the results of related optimization studies. Meanwhile, the application of catalysts in solar reactors and the problem of carbon deposition are analyzed, and the practical application of solar methane cracking hydrogen production system is outlined. Finally, the future development of solar methane cracking hydrogen production technology is prospected from the national situation of China. [Display omitted] • Solar methane cracking for hydrogen can reduce emissions and energy consumption. • The current state of research on solar reactors is summarized. • Solar methane cracking requires higher performing catalysts. • Providing insights into the future development of solar methane cracking in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a significant source of environmental pollution, posing threats to human safety. With growing concerns about environmental degradation, catalytic oxidation technology emerges as a paramount and widely adopted approach for VOC elimination, renowned for its operational simplicity, energy efficiency, and environmental friendliness. As a representative transition metal catalyst, cobalt‐based catalysts have garnered widespread use in VOC catalytic oxidation due to their cost‐effectiveness, versatility, and distinctive physicochemical properties. This paper provides a detailed exposition of the construction strategies and structure‐activity relationship of Co3O4‐based catalysts in VOCs oxidation reaction, encompassing both monometallic Co3O4 and multimetallic cobalt‐based catalysts. Furthermore, it offers a comprehensive summary and discussion of the latest research progress concerning Co3O4‐based catalysts in practical applications. Concluding with a meticulous analysis, the paper addresses the technical challenges inherent in developing Co3O4‐based catalysts for VOCs degradation. Additionally, it proposes research directions aimed at overcoming these challenges, contributing to the ongoing discourse on environmental sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dietary fiber is a linear polysaccharide composed of ten or more pyran glucosyl groups connected by β-1,4 glycosidic bonds, mainly derived from fruits and vegetables, cereals, soybean products, and agricultural by-products. Dietary fiber can be used as a fermentation substrate for intestinal probiotics to help the balanced growth of the microbiota and exert health effects. However, the ordered conformational structure makes dietary fiber have common problems such as low solubility, poor interface stability, and rough taste, which are not conducive to the creation of its derivative foods. Therefore, molecular modification technology has become an important method to regulate the structure and physicochemical properties of dietary fiber. Compared with a single technology, the synergistic treatment of multiple technologies has more advantages in improving the modification efficiency and functional applicability of dietary fiber. Based on this, this paper focuses on the synergistic modification methods and functional applications of dietary fiber, aiming to provide the theoretical basis and technical support for the high-value processing of dietary fiber-rich plants and their by-products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ligustrum lucidum W.T. Aiton is an outstanding herb with the homology of medicine and food. Its ripe fruits are traditionally used as an important tonic for kidneys and liver in China. Ligustrum lucidum W.T. Aiton is rich in nutritional components and a variety of bioactive ingredients. A total of 206 compounds have been isolated and identified, they mainly include flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, iridoid glycosides, and triterpenoids. These compounds exert anti-osteoporosis, anti-tumor, liver protective, antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. Ligustrum lucidum W.T. Aiton has been traditionally used to treat many complex diseases, including osteoporotic bone pain, rheumatic bone, cancer, related aging symptoms, and so on. In the 2020 Edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia, there are more than 100 prescriptions containing L. lucidum W.T. Aiton. Among them, some classical preparations including Er Zhi Wan and Zhenqi fuzheng formula, are used in the treatment of various cancers with good therapeutic effects. Additionally, L. lucidum W.T. Aiton has also many excellent applications for functional food, ornamental plants, bioindicator of air pollution, algicidal agents, and feed additives. Ligustrum lucidum W.T. Aiton has rich plant resources. However, the application potential of it has not been fully exploited. We hope that this paper provides a theoretical basis for the high-value and high-connotation development of L. lucidum W.T. Aiton in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A great deal of study has been done recently on support vector machines (SVMs) and how they are used in various scientific domains. The statistical learning theory's mathematical foundation allows SVM to offer logical solutions to issues. A portion of the training input serves as the SVM's solution. SVM is frequently employed in applications involving feature reduction. regression. and novelty detection. Additionally, studies conducted in certain fields where SVM performs badly have prompted the creation of alternative SVM applications. including big data sets, multiclassification SVM. and imbalanced data sets SVM. Furthermore, SVM is used with other more sophisticated techniques. such as evolve algorithms. to enhance classification performance and optimize parameters. SVM algorithms are now widely used in research and applications across a number of scientific and engineering domains. The SVM might be one of the primary options for big data compatibility and big data classification because of its advantages. Data preparation methods must be created in order to mask data into the appropriate format for learning in order to do this. This paper provides a quick overview of SVM. list several applications, draw attention to current issues and patterns, and point out sonic of SVM's drawbacks in this essay. This document can be used to categorize vast volumes of data and recommend research areas for further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resveratrol (RSV), a naturally occurring phytoalexin, is the most important stilbenoid synthesized by plants as a defense mechanism in response to microbial aggression, toxins, or ultraviolet radiation. RSV came to the attention of researchers both as a potential chemopreventive agent and a possible explanation for the low incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in French people with a high-fat diet. RSV is mainly administered as a food supplement, and its properties are evaluated in vitro or in vivo on various experimental models. RSV modulates signaling pathways that limit the spread of tumor cells, protects nerve cells from damage, is useful in the prevention of diabetes, and generally acts as an anti-aging natural compound. It was highlighted that RSV could ameliorate the consequences of an unhealthy lifestyle caused by an exaggerated caloric intake. This paper reviews the evidence supporting the beneficial effect of RSV for various pathological conditions, e.g., neoplastic diseases, neurodegeneration, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, obesity, CVDs, immune diseases, bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. The study also focused on the chromatographic analysis of trans-RSV (tRSV) in Romanian wine samples, providing a comprehensive overview of tRSV content across different types of wine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the reduction in fossil fuels and growing concerns about global warming, energy has become one of the most important issues facing humanity. It is crucial to improve energy utilization efficiency and promote a low-carbon transition. In comparison with traditional heat exchangers, heat pipe heat exchangers indicate high compactness, a flexible arrangement, complete separation of hot and cold fluids, good isothermal operations, etc. As a result, heat pipe heat exchangers have attracted wide attention and application in various fields in recent years. This paper provides an overview of the application of heat pipe heat exchangers, with a focus on the application in waste heat recovery, and analyzes the opportunities and challenges of heat pipe heat exchanger applications based on existing publications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Personalisation, which tailors to individual preferences, is considered a possible route for improving engagement with digital mental health (DMH) products. Despite claims about the presence and importance of personalised features, evidence about their extent and impact is limited. The study objective was to review evidence from published research to investigate and characterise the contribution of personalisation to engagement and effectiveness.Research papers were retrieved using keywords, with 139 papers being fully examined and 61 meeting our eligibility criteria. Most of the eligible articles reviewing DMH systems have weak to intermediate forms of personalisation (45). Only nine were coded as having strong, adaptive personalisation. Of the 40 articles which evaluated the personalisation effectiveness, 28 were qualitative indicating user preference for personalised features. The 16 controlled, quantitative designs lacked a non-personalised intervention, making it difficult to determine the added value. Effect sizes calculated from available data showed minimal differences in effectiveness compared to non-personalised apps.Our review indicates mixed evidence of personalisation’s performance in DMH interventions. Generally, there is a lack of good quality evidence to isolate specific contributions of personalisation. Opportunities were identified for improved evaluation, however caution is required when implementing more sophisticated methods of DMH personalisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel class of nanomaterials known as carbon quantum dots (CQDs) has drawn significant attention because of numerous benefits, particularly its small size (between 1 and 10 nm) and great water solubility, fluorescence, ease of synthesis, and low toxicity among others. There are still many crucial questions that need to be answered, such as how to prepare high-quality CQDs with an appropriate yield using a simpler and easier approach. Most of the articles reviewed have discussed the production of CQDs intended for applications in imaging and sensing. Nevertheless, there is a scarcity of research focusing on producing undecorated and doped CQDs. In this review paper, the various methods for synthesizing CQDs by using various carbon sources have been summarized. Additionally, In this paper, we discuss the primary characterization techniques and the applications of CQDs in various fields. The fundamental objective of this paper is to analyze various synthesis methods used over different periods to address the challenges that one might encounter during the synthesis of CQDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A significant proportion of the world's population has no access to grid-based electricity and so relies on off-grid lighting solutions. Rechargeable lamp technology is gaining popularity as an alternative off-grid lighting model in developing countries. In this paper, we explore consumer behavior and the operational inefficiencies that result under this model. Specifically, we are interested in (i) measuring the impact of inconvenience (of traveling to recharge the lamp) along with the impact of liquidity constraints (because of poverty) on lamp usage and (ii) evaluating the efficacy of strategies that address these factors. We build a structural model of consumers' recharge decisions that incorporates several operational features of the low-income regions. We conducted large-scale field experiments in Rwanda in partnership with a local rechargeable lamp operator and use the resultant data to estimate and test our model. We find that the complete removal of inconvenience and liquidity constraints from the current business model results in 73% and 126% increases in both recharges and revenue, thereby suggesting that these constraints are major sources of inefficiency. By implementing simple operations-based strategies—such as starting more recharge centers, visiting consumers periodically to collect their lamps for recharge, and allowing consumers to partially recharge their lamps and pay flexibly for the recharge—more than half the benefit of completely eliminating the inefficiencies can be attained. By contrast, the price- and capacity-based strategies that vary the economic variables (i.e., the amount paid per recharge and the amount of light obtained in return) but not the operational model perform far worse than the aforementioned strategies. Overall, our analysis emphasizes the importance of managing operations effectively even in markets with cash-constrained consumers, in which firms may have a natural tendency to focus more on reducing prices. This paper was accepted by Vishal Gaur, operations management. Funding: This work was supported by the International Growth Centre; Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania; and Institut Européen d'Administration des Affaires; The Environment and Energy Partnership; Grand Challenges Canada (Stars in Global Health); INSEAD's Emerging Markets Institute; INSEAD's Randomized Controlled Trials Laboratory; the INSEAD–Wharton Alliance, and International Growth Centre. Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.4844. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, an increasing number of viruses have triggered outbreaks that pose a severe threat to both human and animal life, as well as caused substantial economic losses. It is crucial to understand the genomic structure and epidemiology of these viruses to guide effective clinical prevention and treatment strategies. Nanopore sequencing, a third-generation sequencing technology, has been widely used in genomic research since 2014. This technology offers several advantages over traditional methods and next-generation sequencing (NGS), such as the ability to generate ultra-long reads, high efficiency, real-time monitoring and analysis, portability, and the ability to directly sequence RNA or DNA molecules. As a result, it exhibits excellent applicability and flexibility in virus research, including viral detection and surveillance, genome assembly, the discovery of new variants and novel viruses, and the identification of chemical modifications. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive review of the development, principles, advantages, and applications of nanopore sequencing technology in animal and human virus research, aiming to offer fresh perspectives for future studies in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene hybrid-filler polymer composites have emerged as prominent materials that revolutionize heavy industries. This review paper encapsulates an in-depth analysis of different influential factors, such as filler/graphene type, aspect ratios, dispersion methods, filler-matrix compatibility, fiber orientation, synergistic effects, different processing techniques, and post-curing conditions, which affect the processing and properties of graphene hybrid polymer composites, as well as their resultant applications. Additionally, it discusses the substantial role of graphene reinforcement with other fillers, such as carbon nanotubes, silica, nano-clays, and metal oxides, to produce functionalized hybrid polymer composites with synergistically enhanced tailored properties, offering solutions for heavy industries, including aerospace, automotive, electronics, and energy harvesting. This review concludes with some suggestions and an outlook on the future of these composite materials by emphasizing the need for continued research to fully optimize their potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) equipment has advanced dramatically over the years thanks to considerable advancements in signal motors, coils, placement devices, and modeling, optimization, and treatment scheduling programs. In this review, a primary assessment of the impact of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) on seizure course in people with and without epilepsy has been done through search in the Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Other proposed roles of TMS in various studies has been reported. The features of TMS protocols for several potential disorders was assessed and the key TMS findings has been documented starting from 1985 until 2023. Results: More than 500 papers were found that describe various research populations, TMS techniques, and TMS functions in 16 various medical conditions. Conclusion: After reviewing recent updates in TMS, further researches are needed to improve the technical part of the used TMS protocols and to have definitive results not experimental one with regard to TMS usage in various psychiatric and neurological disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a polygenic disease caused by the interaction of genes and environment, with persistent airflow limitation as the main clinical feature. There is a lack of reliable methods for early diagnosis of COPD, which prevents timely and effective intervention in patients with early COPD and fails to stop the progression of the disease, resulting in its high morbidity, prevalence and mortality and causing a serious disease burden. With the launch of the Human Cell Atlas Project and the development of sequencing technology, the application prospect of single cell sequencing (SCS) is widely looked forward to, which is a new technology for sequencing and analyzing genome, transcriptome and proteome at the level of single cell, enough to reveal the gene structure and expression of single cell, discover the heterogeneity between cells and rare cells, etc. It provides a new research technique for the in-depth study of the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the discovery of early diagnosis methods and new treatment methods. In this paper, we review the progress of single-cell sequencing technology and its application in the study of COPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]