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Copyright of Oilfield Chemistry is the property of Sichuan University, Oilfield Chemistry Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The value of experts by experience within the field of intellectual disabilities is receiving greater recognition. This study explored the experiences of peer trainers regarding the impact of being a (1) trainee in a train the trainer course (n = 9), and (2) peer trainer in a Dutch training course (n = 6) aimed towards the self‐growth of people with intellectual disabilities. In addition to examining the experiences of peer trainers themselves, we investigated the perspective of coaches (n = 4) regarding the experiences of peer trainers. Peer trainers and coaches were questioned using individual and group interviews. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Three themes were identified: (1) Growing and flourishing, (2) Performing a meaningful role for your peer and (3) Experiencing reciprocity and a sense of belonging. Working as a peer trainer was valuable and produced several benefits, ranging from increased self‐confidence to feelings of belonging and reciprocity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

College teacher educators play a crucial role in improving teaching quality and have a significant impact on educational development. They must engage in a process of self-growth to achieve personal development, considering the interaction between individuals and their environment. This process involves deep exploration of their knowledge, skills, and attitudes, as well as an understanding of the broader institutional and cultural contexts. Through self-reflection and continuous learning, college teacher educators can foster personal growth by acquiring new teaching strategies, developing effective communication and interpersonal skills, and cultivating a reflective and adaptive teaching practice. Collaboration with colleagues, engagement with professional communities, and involvement in educational research and innovation are also essential aspects of personal growth. Creating supportive environments that facilitate the continuous development of college teacher educators is crucial for enhanced teaching quality and educational advancement. In this study, an artificial neural network (ANN) was employed to estimate the impact of changes in knowledge and skill development and reflection and continuous learning on the acquisition of new educational strategies, development of communication and interpersonal skills, and reflective and adaptive practice. The ANN's predictions indicate that increasing reflection and continuous learning has a more positive impact on acquiring new educational strategies compared to increasing knowledge and skill development alone. Additionally, when both knowledge and skill development and reflection and continuous learning are combined, it results in substantial growth in the development of communication and interpersonal skills and reflective and adaptive practice. The accuracy of the neural network's predictions was evaluated using linear regression, showing an acceptable level of error when compared to the experimental results.

Research on the impact of ex‐romantic partners on current romantic relationships is mainly focused on negative aspects. Here instead we focus on the potential positive influence of reflecting on nostalgic memories of one's ex‐partner. In three studies, we found that reflecting on nostalgic memories of one's ex‐partner increased the perception of current relationship quality (Studies 1– 3) and approach motivation towards the current relationship (Study 3), compared to a control condition. We also tested a potential underlying mechanism—perception of self‐growth. We found that perception of self‐growth mediated the positive effects of reflecting on nostalgic memories about an ex‐partner on perceived current relationship quality (Studies 2 and 3) and approach motivation in the current relationship (Study 3). Implications for research and therapy are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The in situ self‐catalyzed growth of manganese‐embedded 3D flakes‐coated carbon rods (GFC) as an efficient oxygen‐reduction reaction (ORR) catalyst of Zinc‐air batteries is described for the first time. By optimizing the amount of Mn in the precursor, a series of 3D graphene‐like flakes‐coated carbon rods were synthesized. GFC with a doping amount of Mn of 10 % (GFC‐10) exhibits excellent ORR performance with an onset potential of 0.94 V (vs. reversible hydrogen electrode). The Zinc‐air battery is constructed with GFC‐10 as the cathode catalyst, and it exhibits a peak power density of 128.9 mW cm−2 and a cycling stability of 75 h at a current density of 10 mA cm−2, which are superior to the commercial 20 wt% Pt/C‐based Zinc‐air battery. Interestingly, the introduction of Mn facilitates the self‐catalyzed growth of carbon rods, and the change of Mn amount can effectively regulate the morphology of materials. The improved ORR performance of the catalyst is ascribed to the synergistic effect of unique hierarchical porous structure, high‐charge transport capacity, abundant carbon defects/edges and Mn‐Nx sites. This research provides a new avenue to fabricating highly active Mn‐based electrocatalysts for renewable energy systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

College teacher educators play a crucial role in improving teaching quality and have a significant impact on educational development. They must engage in a process of self-growth to achieve personal development, considering the interaction between individuals and their environment. This process involves deep exploration of their knowledge, skills, and attitudes, as well as an understanding of the broader institutional and cultural contexts. Through self-reflection and continuous learning, college teacher educators can foster personal growth by acquiring new teaching strategies, developing effective communication and interpersonal skills, and cultivating a reflective and adaptive teaching practice. Collaboration with colleagues, engagement with professional communities, and involvement in educational research and innovation are also essential aspects of personal growth. Creating supportive environments that facilitate the continuous development of college teacher educators is crucial for enhanced teaching quality and educational advancement. In this study, an artificial neural network (ANN) was employed to estimate the impact of changes in knowledge and skill development and reflection and continuous learning on the acquisition of new educational strategies, development of communication and interpersonal skills, and reflective and adaptive practice. The ANN's predictions indicate that increasing reflection and continuous learning has a more positive impact on acquiring new educational strategies compared to increasing knowledge and skill development alone. Additionally, when both knowledge and skill development and reflection and continuous learning are combined, it results in substantial growth in the development of communication and interpersonal skills and reflective and adaptive practice. The accuracy of the neural network's predictions was evaluated using linear regression, showing an acceptable level of error when compared to the experimental results., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Volunteering - the giving of time and support, without expectation of payment, for the good of others, a community or organization – may bring about benefits to health and wellbeing. Formal volunteering may be considered as part of a social prescription to which link workers may refer patients. This paper explores the role that volunteering may play as part of social prescribing by considering the impact it can have on health and wellbeing and highlighting factors that link workers may need to consider when connecting patients to volunteering opportunities. We conducted interviews with 22 museum volunteers to explore how volunteering affected their physical and emotional wellbeing, and consider the potential consequences of these experiences for social prescribing. We analysed the interviews using thematic analysis to develop a descriptive model of how volunteering may influence health and wellbeing through encouraging self-growth. Our analysis highlights that volunteering can provide “enabling environments” and opportunities for “stretch” and can contribute to people's health and wellbeing by improving their “sense of self”, “connection to others”, and “sense of community”. Our findings have implications for the use of volunteering as part of social prescribing and for volunteering organizations accepting social prescribing referrals to volunteering. These include the need to recognise the diverse needs of people receiving social prescribing and the need to tailor volunteering offers to these needs, as well as the need for link workers to be aware of the environments and support available to individuals at the volunteering organizations they are being referred to.

Background and Objective: The outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has raised increased challenges for older adults' personal growth in diverse cultural settings. The aim of this study was to analyze negative emotions and their role on older adults' self-growth in Mexico, Italy, Portugal, and Spain, during the COVID-19 pandemic. For this purpose, a cross-national qualitative research was carried out. Methods: Data were collected from 338 community-dwelling participants aged 65 years and older, using a semi-structured interview protocol. Older adults were asked about negative emotions that significantly contribute to their self-growth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Content analysis was used to identify key themes. Results: Seven main negative emotions (fear, sadness, anger, grief, boredom, loneliness, and shame) significantly contributed to seven themes of self-growth, across the samples: sharing difficult experiences with others, supportive partner, spiritual practices, engagement with life, generativity, volunteering activities, and intimacy and sexual satisfaction. Sharing difficult experiences with others was most pertinent to Mexican (13.9%) and to Italian (3.0%) participants, and a supportive partner to Portuguese (12.1%), and to Spanish participants (6.5%). Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that negative emotions during the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to their older adults' self-growth. This study highlighted the cultural diversity of experiences during the pandemics and underlined the upside of negative emotions and its relation to older adults' self-growth during this period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several psychological approaches concern explaining the dynamic psychological processes and mechanisms that render personality a coherent whole, a "well-sounding concert." Building upon personality systems interactions (PSI) theory, which explains personality functioning on the basis of interactions among cognitive and affective-motivational personality systems, we demonstrate how diverse perspectives on personality coherence may functionally be integrated. To do so, we describe interactions among four cognitive personality systems considered to underlie and optimize two meta principles of personality functioning—self-growth (in terms of the integration of adverse experiences) and action control (in terms of goal pursuit). These meta principles establish different subtypes of personality coherence differentially focused by psychological perspectives. We highlight the interdisciplinary relevance and practical application of the present approach and conclude with implications for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Materiae Compositae Sinica is the property of Acta Materiea Compositae Sinica Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction The Covid-19 pandemic appeared globally (1), thus affecting the self-growth of the older population (2). Objectives The aim of this study is to identify and analyze the negative emotions felt during the pandemic, as well as their impact on self-growth of 226 older individuals of four nationalities: Mexican, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish. Methods Thus, a transnational qualitative survey was carried out. A content analysis was performed. Results Seven negative emotions were reported, namely: fear, sadness, anger, grief, annoyance, loneliness and shame. These emotions were considerably associated with the following themes: (1) Sharing experiences; (2) Availability of the partner; (3) Spirituality and religion; (4) Be active; (5) Interest in new projects; (6) Civic participation; (7) Sexual activity. Older participants with Mexican and Italian nationality reported that sharing experiences as the most relevant topic, while for the Portuguese and Spanish participants, having a partner available was more important. Conclusions This study demonstrated that negative emotions cooperated with the self-growth of older individuals during the Covid-19 pandemic. The heterogeneity of experiences lived by each culture was highlighted, underlining the positive side of negative emotions and their strong connection with the self-growth of the older people. 1.von Humboldt S et al. Smart technology and the meaning in life of older adults during the Covid-19 public health emergency period: A cross-cultural qualitative study. Int Rev Psychiatry, 2020; 1-10. 2. von Humboldt S et al. Does spirituality really matter? - A study on the potential of spirituality to older adult’s adjustment to aging. Jpn Psychol Res, 56;114-125. Disclosure No significant relationships.

Background and ObjectiveThe outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has raised increased challenges for older adults’ personal growth in diverse cultural settings. The aim of this study was to analyze negative emotions and their role on older adults’ self-growth in Mexico, Italy, Portugal, and Spain, during the COVID-19 pandemic. For this purpose, a cross-national qualitative research was carried out.MethodsData were collected from 338 community-dwelling participants aged 65 years and older, using a semi-structured interview protocol. Older adults were asked about negative emotions that significantly contribute to their self-growth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Content analysis was used to identify key themes.ResultsSeven main negative emotions (fear, sadness, anger, grief, boredom, loneliness, and shame) significantly contributed to seven themes of self-growth, across the samples: sharing difficult experiences with others, supportive partner, spiritual practices, engagement with life, generativity, volunteering activities, and intimacy and sexual satisfaction. Sharing difficult experiences with others was most pertinent to Mexican (13.9%) and to Italian (3.0%) participants, and a supportive partner to Portuguese (12.1%), and to Spanish participants (6.5%).ConclusionThe findings of this study indicate that negative emotions during the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to their older adults’ self-growth. This study highlighted the cultural diversity of experiences during the pandemics and underlined the upside of negative emotions and its relation to older adults’ self-growth during this period.

Objectives: Nostalgic memories are more social than other forms of autobiographical recall, often refer to atypical events, express more positive affect and reflect life as meaningful. Recalling a nostalgic (compared to ordinary) memory increases self-esteem, self-growth, meaning in life and social connectedness for people living with dementia. We set two objectives: to work with people living with dementia to develop an intervention based on nostalgia, and to assess whether couples could engage in nostalgic conversations. Method: Our research fell into three phases. Initially, we consulted with people living with dementia and with carers to identify the parameters for a nostalgic intervention. From this, we drafted a workbook that contained triggers for nostalgic conversations, which we then took back to the public contributors for refinement. Finally, we trialled the workbook over 5 weeks with six couples, each of which included a person living with dementia. We assessed pre- and post-intervention self-esteem, self-growth, meaning in life and social connectedness for participants with dementia and social connectedness for carers. We then calculated Reliable Change Index scores and established levels of clinically significant change. We also interviewed couples at the end of the intervention to explore its implementation and acceptability. Results: All six couples could identify nostalgic memories, with five couples successfully integrating the nostalgic conversations into their day-to-day lives. A sixth couple found it difficult to engage fully with the intervention, but still considered it useful. All six couples manifested a reliable change in at least one outcome, with one couple showing reliable change across three outcomes. Conclusion: The psychological benefits of nostalgia have been robustly demonstrated in laboratory-based studies. This co-production of an intervention that sets nostalgic recall into the context of a conversation has clinical potential but requires further investigation through a larger study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tissue-inspired layered structural hydrogel has attracted increasing attention in artificial muscle, wound healing, wearable electronics, and soft robots. Despite numerous efforts being devoted to developing various layered hydrogels, the rapid and efficient preparation of layered hydrogels remains challenging. Herein, inspired by the self-growth concept of living organisms, an interfacial catalytic self-growth strategy based on catechol chemistry-mediated self-catalytic system of preparing layered hydrogels is demonstrated. Typically, the tannic acid-metal ion (e.g., TA-Fe 3+ ) complex embedded in the hydrogel substrate would catalytically trigger rapid solid-liquid interfacial polymerization to grow the hydrogel layer without bulk solution polymerization. The self-growth process can be finely controlled by changing the growth time, the molar ratio of Fe 3+ /TA, and so on. The strategy is applicable to prepare various layered hydrogels as well as complex layered hydrogel patterns, allowing the customization of the physicochemical properties of the hydrogel. In addition, the self-adhesive layered hydrogel was prepared and can be utilized as a wearable strain sensor to monitor physiological activities and human motions. The demonstrated interfacial catalytic self-growth strategy will provide a route to design and fabricate layered hydrogel materials.

This paper draws on the conceptual framework of "time poverty" to explore how employed students, a group much affected by "time poverty", experienced changes in time allocation during the COVID-19 lockdown in Romania. Findings of a mixed-method study indicate that working and non-working students perceived and engaged differently with this sudden increase in discretionary time. Compared to non-working students, working students, welcomed this newly acquired time and saw it as an opportunity to engage in both education and self-growth activities. They also show higher levels of engagement with educational activities and an increased sense of satisfaction resulting from this engagement, as well as higher levels of wellbeing. This quick reorientation clearly reveals that time poverty is a barrier to education and personal well-being for working students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the prevailing era, to succeed in the professional area, an educator, in addition to a piece of particular knowledge should excel at the capacity to organize, examine and curb their actions separately, establish themselves extra educational assignments and resolve them, be keen on self-growth and able to boost it. The presented article is aimed at the improvement of self-knowledge amongst the students of pedagogical specialties. Considering the studies of the researchers of Russian, the writers of the survey illuminated the kinds of self-knowledge, and relevant kinds of educational assignments that are utilized in the expert preparation of prospective teachers. The complex comprises the subsequent parts: creating a positive, passionate atmosphere throughout training sessions with students; the application of reflexive pedagogical technologies in the process of education at the university, contributing to the improvement of self-knowledge between prospective educators and enhancing the status of their education.

Selective electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction to nitrogen gas (NO 3 -N 2 RR) has emerged as a promising strategy. Herein, a self-growing Co 4 Cu 1 N-CN/CF composite electrode was successfully fabricated as cathode for electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction to ammonia (NO 3 -NH 3 RR) with the high NH 4 +-N selectivity (S NH4 + -N over 97.8%), which coupled with IrO 2 -RuO 2 /Ti anode via hyperchlorination for NO 3 -N 2 RR (R TN over 96.1%). Electrochemical and quenching experiments indicated that direct electron transfer (DET) took precedence over indirect reduction (the surface-adsorbed H*) in NO 3 -NH 3 RR: Cu sites favored the nitrate to nitrite, and Co sites made for the subsequent reduction to ammonia. Furthermore, the high electron transfer number (n) demonstrated that the excellent performance of Co 4 Cu 1 N-CN/CF cathode was attributed to the predominance of DET form NO 3 －to NH 4 + by skipping over some intermediate pathway. This study deepened the understanding of one-step electron reduction in the bimetal synergic NO 3 -NH 3 RR reduction and this electrochemical system has practically potential to treat nitrate wastewater efficiently. [Display omitted] • The binderless Co 4 Cu 1 N-CN/CF was fabricated by self-growth of Co/Cu on carbon felt. • The NO 3 －-N removal of Co 4 Cu 1 N-CN/CF attained 97.2 % with 97.8 % selectivity to NH 4 +-N. • Cu and Co sites favored the reduction of nitrate to nitrite and nitrite to ammonia, respectively. • Excellent electrocatalytic activity was related with skipping many intermediate reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current treatments for chronic pain have limited benefit. We describe a resilience intervention for individuals with chronic pain which is based on a model of viewing chronic pain as dysregulated homeostasis and which seeks to restore homeostatic self-regulation using strategies exemplified by survivors of extreme environments. The intervention is expected to have broad effects on well-being and positive emotional health, to improve cognitive functions, and to reduce pain symptoms thus helping to transform the suffering of pain into self-growth. A total of 88 Veterans completed the pre-assessment and were randomly assigned to either the treatment intervention (n = 38) or control (n = 37). Fifty-eight Veterans completed pre- and post-testing (intervention n = 31, control = 27). The intervention covered resilience strengths organized into four modules: (1) engagement, (2) social relatedness, (3) transformation of pain and (4) building a good life. A broad set of standardized, well validated measures were used to assess three domains of functioning: health and well-being, symptoms, and cognitive functions. Two-way Analysis of Variance was used to detect group and time differences. Broadly, results indicated significant intervention and time effects across multiple domains: (1) Pain decreased in present severity [F(1, 56) = 5.02, p < 0.05, η2p = 0.08], total pain over six domains [F(1, 56) = 14.52, p < 0.01, η2p = 0.21], and pain interference [F(1, 56) = 6.82, p < 0.05, η2p = 0.11]; (2) Affect improved in pain-related negative affect [F(1, 56) = 7.44, p < 0.01, η2p = 0.12], fear [F(1, 56) = 7.70, p < 0.01, η2p = 0.12], and distress [F(1, 56) = 10.87, p < 0.01, η2p = 0.16]; (3) Well-being increased in pain mobility [F(1, 56) = 5.45, p < 0.05, η2p = 0.09], vitality [F(1, 56) = 4.54, p < 0.05, η2p = 0.07], and emotional well-being [F(1, 56) = 5.53, p < 0.05, η2p = 0.09] Mental health symptoms and the cognitive functioning domain did not reveal significant effects. This resilience intervention based on homeostatic self-regulation and survival strategies of survivors of extreme external environments may provide additional sociopsychobiological tools for treating individuals with chronic pain that may extend beyond treating pain symptoms to improving emotional well-being and self-growth.Clinical Trial Registration: Registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04693728).

Current treatments for chronic pain have limited benefit. We describe a resilience intervention for individuals with chronic pain which is based on a model of viewing chronic pain as dysregulated homeostasis and which seeks to restore homeostatic self-regulation using strategies exemplified by survivors of extreme environments. The intervention is expected to have broad effects on well-being and positive emotional health, to improve cognitive functions, and to reduce pain symptoms thus helping to transform the suffering of pain into self-growth. A total of 88 Veterans completed the pre-assessment and were randomly assigned to either the treatment intervention (n = 38) or control (n = 37). Fifty-eight Veterans completed pre- and post-testing (intervention n = 31, control = 27). The intervention covered resilience strengths organized into four modules: (1) engagement, (2) social relatedness, (3) transformation of pain and (4) building a good life. A broad set of standardized, well validated measures were used to assess three domains of functioning: health and well-being, symptoms, and cognitive functions. Two-way Analysis of Variance was used to detect group and time differences. Broadly, results indicated significant intervention and time effects across multiple domains: (1) Pain decreased in present severity [ F (1, 56) = 5.02, p < 0.05, η2p = 0.08], total pain over six domains [ F (1, 56) = 14.52, p < 0.01, η2p = 0.21], and pain interference [ F (1, 56) = 6.82, p < 0.05, η2p = 0.11]; (2) Affect improved in pain-related negative affect [ F (1, 56) = 7.44, p < 0.01, η2p = 0.12], fear [ F (1, 56) = 7.70, p < 0.01, η2p = 0.12], and distress [ F (1, 56) = 10.87, p < 0.01, η2p = 0.16]; (3) Well-being increased in pain mobility [ F (1, 56) = 5.45, p < 0.05, η2p = 0.09], vitality [ F (1, 56) = 4.54, p < 0.05, η2p = 0.07], and emotional well-being [ F (1, 56) = 5.53, p < 0.05, η2p = 0.09] Mental health symptoms and the cognitive functioning domain did not reveal significant effects. This resilience intervention based on homeostatic self-regulation and survival strategies of survivors of extreme external environments may provide additional sociopsychobiological tools for treating individuals with chronic pain that may extend beyond treating pain symptoms to improving emotional well-being and self-growth. Clinical Trial Registration: Registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04693728). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Experimental Technology & Management is the property of Experimental Technology & Management Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

We introduce the Vocational ID that integrates linguistic and visual representations of a career counselling client's self. Based upon findings from the Life Design paradigm [Savickas, M. L., Nota, L., Rossier, J., Dauwalder, J.-P., Duarte, M. E., Guichard, J., ... van Vianen, A. E. M. (2009). Life designing: A paradigm for career construction in the twenty-first century. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 75(3), 239–250. doi:] and the Personality Systems Interaction theory [Kuhl, J. (2000b). The volitional basis of personality systems interaction theory: Applications in learning and treatment contexts. International Journal of Educational Research, 33(7–8), 665–703. doi:], the Vocational ID facilitates working on clients' vocational identity. In this article, we present the theoretical framework, its practical applications, and a case study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Here, we generated a popcorn-like gold nanostructure exploiting extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs can first serve as the vehicle for chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (DOX). Taking advantages of EVs, gold nanoparticles can be then self-grown surrounding the EVs, assembling into popcorn-like nanostructure. The formulated nanopopcorn, consisting of self-grown gold nanoparticles and EVs encapsulated with DOX, retained the photothermal transduction from gold nanoparticle assemblies and cytotoxicity of DOX. Under external near infrared irradiation, gold nanopopcorn can produce hyperthermia to induce tumor ablation and trigger drug release, achieving combinatorial chemo-photothermal therapy. The nanoplatform demonstrated improved cellular internalization, controlled drug release, enhanced antitumor efficacy with tumor inhibitory rate up to 98.6% and reduced side effects. Our design of popcorn-like nanostructure will contribute a novel modality for facile and green synthesis of complex metal nanostructures exploiting natural properties of EVs for combinational therapy. Graphical abstract A facile and green method was developed to generate gold nanopopcorns exploiting extracellular vesicles as the vehicle for encapsulation of chemotherapeutics and template for self-growth of gold nanoparticles for combinatorial chemo-photothermal therapy. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Psychology / Revista de Psihologie is the property of Romanian Academy Publishing House / Editura Academiei Romane and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The titled mushroom-like micropillar can spontaneously and rapidly grow out from the original surface by intentionally controlling localized laser heating and ablation, which can realize oblique quasi-pancake bouncing of compound droplet. [Display omitted] • The femtosecond laser-induced asymmetric self-growth strategy. • The strategy features rapidness, single step, and no more subsequent process. • Quasi-pancake bouncing of the low surface tension droplet. • The TSMMs demonstrates excellent anti-bacterial and anti-icing properties. Directional liquid bouncing is of great significance for a variety of biological and industrial applications. Although surface engineering through 3D printing or self-assembly enables water droplets to rebound directionally, directional bouncing of compound droplets still poses a challenge due to their low surface tension. Moreover, preparation of superamphiphobic surfaces in an efficient and simple manner to accomplish this mission remains to be studied. Here, a tilted stepped mushroom-like micropillar surface (TSMMs), whose structural morphology can be created and tailored by a facile and direct femtosecond laser-induced asymmetric self-growing strategy, is designed to enable the oblique quasi-pancake bouncing of a low surface tension droplet (γ = 32 mN/m). Oblique quasi-pancake bouncing can not only reduce the droplet contact time (7 ms) but also effectively control the direction of droplet bouncing (the horizontal distance of 2.4 mm). Accompanying mechanistic analysis provides an in-depth understanding of the structure-droplet motion relationship. Finally, we demonstrate the applications of TSMMs in antibacterial and anti-icing scenarios. This work advances the investigation of directed droplet transportation, and paves new avenues in the fields of advanced biomedical and other industrial materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Although mentoring involves the achievement of a mutual relationship between mentors and mentees, most studies have focused on the effects of mentoring on the mentees rather than that on the mentors, which necessitates the need to identify mentors' experiences to provide original resources for mentoring. Objectives The purpose of this study was to explore the mentoring experience of nursing students who participated as mentors in a mentoring learning program, to offer evidence-based resources for nursing educators to develop mentoring programs and to use mentorship as an educational method. Design A qualitative content analysis of transcribed focus groups was conducted to describe and explore the undergraduate nursing students' mentoring experiences. Setting This study was conducted in two nursing schools in South Korea. Participants Fifteen student mentors from the peer mentoring program participated in the present study. They were aged between 21 and 24 years, and 87% of the participants were female. Methods The experiences of the mentors were explored through focus groups, and the collected data were analyzed by content analysis. Results The mentors' experiences could be summarized by the core theme, “ Self-growth as a leader ,” consisting of the following themes: taking pride, guiding mentees, coping with conflicts, and building leadership . Conclusion The themes and codes derived from mentors' experiences would provide evidence-based guidelines and resources for nursing educators and professionals in related disciplines regarding successful peer mentoring, which could facilitate self-growth and foster the development of leadership skills in undergraduate students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this essay, I mainly discuss the self-organizing property of the Internet communication system. As an important part of the human information communication system, Internet communication has progressively become a system with large scale, complex constructions, and perfect functions through the complicated interactions among many sub-systems and their elements. In this process, which is mainly promoted by Internet users, the self-growth of the Internet communica- tion system not only increases the amount of its sub-systems and its elements, it also strengthens its constructions and functions. At the same time, the self-growth of the Internet communication system indicates that the system is an evolving system with self-organizing property.

The paper is concerned with analysis state of surfaces of waste dumps coal deposits according to Earth remote sensing. It is noted, that formed because of open-pit operations at Bikinsky and Raichikhinsky coal mining enterprise areas denudation accumulative violations were determinate by using programs for satellite images interpretation, as well as certain large forms of man-made relief (such as quarries, dumps, sedimentation tanks) were identified, followed by the calculation of their areas and the assessment of the value of environmental and economic damage to the environment, i.e. it was possible to give not only a qualitative description of the pollution process, but also its quantitative assessment. The approach to biomass determination based on vegetation NDVI index is presented. The conclusion is based on possibility of selfrestoration of the plant ecosystem on the surface of mining landscapes without special work on the reclamation of disturbed lands.

The goal of this work was to test a theoretical model of relational catalyst (RC) support provision that promotes thriving in non-adverse times. We tested a pathway proposed by Feeney and Collins that explains how RC support in the context of close relationships might lead to thriving. We proposed that once RC support has been received, it functions through the mechanisms of being perceived to be responsive to one’s needs and promoting perceived capability. Perceived capability should promote indices of thriving including self-esteem, goal accomplishment, growth, and specific and general availability of support. This model was supported in two studies of married couples using observational and longitudinal methods surrounding the support of goal strivings. Results indicate that (a) partner support of goal strivings predicted important indicators of thriving over time, and (b) both received and perceived RC support work together and play important roles in predicting these outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Rather than seeing outgroup members as targets of fear, conflict, or even tolerance, the self-expansion model proposes that outgroup members might be seen as attractive opportunities for self-growth. The current study utilizes an experimental manipulation to raise (or lower) self-expansion motivation prior to a positive interaction with a stranger from a different ethnic group. The results show that priming high self-expansion motivation leads to higher quality interactions, greater interpersonal closeness, greater feelings of self-growth, and higher feelings of self-efficacy. In addition, these outcomes show patterns of mediation consistent with the predictions of self-expansion theory. These findings point to a potentially valuable tool for improving the quality of cross-group contact experiences. More broadly, they focus attention on the genuinely positive functions that relationships with outgroup members can have for the self. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The development process of self-growth among Chinese hospice volunteers is poorly understood. This study aimed to explore and delineate their dynamic progression toward self-growth. Methods: This qualitative study used grounded theory to analyze semi-structured interview data using individual in-depth face-to-face interviews with 15 volunteers at a hospice care center in Ningbo, China, between January 2021 and January 2022. Data analysis was based on the open, axial, and selective coding stages of grounded theory and used the constant comparative method. Results: From the interview data, we extracted 1 core category (Death awakening life), 4 categories, and 19 subcategories that pertained to the process of self-growth. The 4 categories delineated the process of self-growth; respondents progressed through self-salvation, self-reflection, self-healing, and self-transcendence stages. The 19 subcategories are introduced and illustrated with interview extracts. Conclusions: The study findings can inform the development of training projects aimed at improving hospice care volunteer services.

Novel H 3 ONb 3 O 8 –CuNb 3 O 8 (HN–CN) semiconductors with a configuration of rod-like heterojunction were formed through analogous self-growth process, including ion-exchange and crystal structure transition processes. A p-type CuNb 3 O 8 nano-semiconductor was grown on a layer structured rod-like KNb 3 O 8 crystal and the as-prepared HN–CN sample showed a broad absorption range (~800 nm). Especially, the HN–CN sample exhibited an improved photocatalytic activity for hydrogen production, and a model was proposed to explain the improvement in photocatalytic activity. Current study may provide a new way for the preparation of the p–n heterojunction with high performance under visible light. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Formation of Mg(OH)2nanowires and their assemblies with sphere-shaped, echinus-shaped and nest-like micro-structures on a Mg-Li alloy surface was successfully demonstrated. Mg(OH)2nanowires were formed on the alloy surface via a self-growth process, after the alloy was electrooxidised in NaCl solution and the oxidation products were removed. The nanowires were characterised by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Infrared spectroscopy. The nanowires have hexagonal rod-like or brush-like morphology and are poorly crystallised. Pre-anodisation and the presence of Li in the alloy are key factors for the nanowire growth, which likely proceeds via a dissolution–precipitation mechanism. The roles of Li can be attributed to the prohibition of the formation of passivation film on the alloy surface and the acceleration of the formation of OH−anions through hydrogen-evolution reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the worry and stress associated with high school entrance examinations, mothers' and children's later recall about the entrance exams, and the influence of mothers' social support on their children. Mothers (N=3,085) and their children completed an Internet-based questionnaire. The results indicated that children experienced various worries and stresses connected with the entrance examinations, and that many children also had feelings of selfgrowth as a result of the examinations. Children gained a sense of fulfillment by studying and felt that the entrance examinations were overall a positive experience. Social support from the mothers had both positive and negative effects on children. This support promoted a sense of self-fulfillment through self-development as a result of studying, but also contributed to children's worry and stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flower-like Ni(OH) 2 nanostructures were electrochemically grown on nickel foam (NF) in an alkaline GO solution without adding nickel salts. The electrochemical deposition process was carried out using two modes of potentiostatic and galvanostatic to investigate the influences of the applied potential regime on the physicochemical and electrochemical properties of the resulting Ni(OH) 2 nanostructures. Furthermore, to validate the promoting effect of GO on the electrochemical growth of Ni(OH) 2 , the same synthesis processes were performed in the absence of GO, using both the electrochemical modes. The chemical composition and morphological features of the electrodes, and the role of GO in the electrolyte greatly changed by altering the applied electrochemical mode. When a constant negative potential was applied, GO nanosheets were not reduced or deposited on the NF, and only flower-like Ni(OH) 2 nanostructures were formed on the NF. Due to its hierarchical porous structure, this sample exhibited a significantly higher electrochemical performance compared to the samples prepared in the absence of GO and the sample prepared in the presence of GO by applying a constant cathodic current. Co-electrodeposition of reduced GO (rGO) nanosheets along with the Ni(OH) 2 nanostructures occurred as a constant cathodic current was applied, leading to the formation of highly-packed rGO/Ni(OH) 2 composite layer providing a considerably lower electrochemical performance. The electrode prepared by applying a constant potential to the NF in the alkaline solution containing GO exhibited specific capacitances of 2667.2 and 1586.8 mF cm-2 at the current densities of 4 and 40 mA cm-2, respectively. This electrode also showed a good rate capability with capacitance retention of 78% after 1000 charge/discharge cycles at the high current density of 40 mA cm-2. The assembled asymmetric supercapacitor device of Ni(OH) 2 /NF//AC/NF showed a high specific capacitance of 543.6 mF cm-2 at 2 mA cm-2, and the capacitance retention of 73.1% after 2000 cycles of charge/discharge at 16 mA cm-2. It also provided the highest energy density of 143 μWh cm-2 at power density of 1400 μW cm-2. [Display omitted] • Electrochemical self-growth of Ni(OH) 2 nanostructures on NF without using nickel salts. • Catalytic activity of graphene oxide (GO) in the growth of Ni(OH) 2 in the alkaline solution. • Potential regime influences on the growth of Ni(OH) 2 in the presence and absence of GO. • GO-assisted formation of flower-like Ni(OH) 2 on NF with a hierarchical porous structure • Achieving a high areal specific capacitance of 2667.2 mFcm-2 at current density of 4 mA cm-2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]