Science Talks最新文献

Diamond is an exceptional material with stable colour centres, a wide band gap, high thermal conductivity, and a unique surface. Engineering the termination, orientation, and defects of the surface is important for quantum computing and sensing, and electronic applications. Techniques for manipulating the surface include processes based on plasma, chemical, electron and ion beams, and laser treatments. We report the sub-monolayer manipulation of diamond surfaces using deep-UV laser processing. Laser pulses at 266 nm of fluence below the ablation threshold were used to oxidize the surface and remove carbon, through 2-photon-induced photo-chemical ejection, and the effects on the electrical and chemical surface properties were measured. It is found that the resistance of a hydrogen surface increases with the UV dose from 2 to 3 kΩ up to the measurement limit of 100 GΩ for doses corresponding to 0.5 monolayers, behaviour which agrees well with geometric and tunneling percolation arguments for the surface conduction. We also show that dosing before hydrogenation produced up to five times reduction in surface resistance and an increase in carrier concentration, and that these effects enable enhancement of the current density of diamond surface field effect transistors. We use XPS measurements of the surface chemistry as a function of dose to help elucidate the UV-induced mechanism responsible for enhancement.

This comprehensive study delved into the nuanced exploration of the impact that TED Talks exert on the refinement of speaking skills among a cohort of 72 B.Tech engineering students, all navigating the intricacies of English as their second language. Employing a methodical descriptive qualitative approach, we meticulously conducted an analysis that juxtaposed the participants' speaking abilities before and after exposure to TED Talks for Control and Experimental groups. Behavioral theory is used in this study. The overarching objective of this research was twofold: firstly, to elucidate the discernible effects of TED lessons on the communication skills and confidence levels of students; and secondly, to pinpoint and evaluate the tangible enhancements in the participants' speaking proficiency. What emerged from the study was a consensus among the students regarding the transformative influence of TED-based activities on their listening skills, overarching communication competence, and levels of self-assurance. One salient revelation pertained to the positive correlation between engagement in TED Talks and an amplification of not just linguistic abilities but also the overall self-assurance and poise of the students. The integration of TED videos and multimedia emerged as a focal point, with participants highlighting these modalities as indispensable tools for infusing interest and enjoyment into the learning process.

This inductive research sheds light on the nature of the political ecology of offshore extractives, as well as the symptomatic expenses borne by small-scale ocean users and the integrity of marine ecosystems alike. A literature review was conducted to identify relevant studies and theories on the social construction of the ocean, world systems theory, social performance requirements in offshore extractives, and broad economic drivers of inequality. Thematic analysis was then employed to examine the qualitative data collected from the literature review. Phenomena identified from primary, secondary, and grey sources are integrated into a supportive theoretical work regarding oceanic spatial allocation from the world's core states. It was found that the asymmetrical nature of marine tenure in offshore extractives in part contributes to leaving the world's 60 million artisanal ocean users and the most biologically productive portions of periphery and semi-periphery state waters subject to appropriation often in favor of core states.

This study aimed at comparing effects of three nudging strategies on choice and intake of vegetables in children. A total of 82 children, 10–13 years old, participated during their habitual snack break at school. The study was a within-subject intervention using a snack buffet setting with ten different foods focusing on three vegetables. The experimental conditions were visual priming (green tablecloth), default option (pre-portioned vegetable containers), funny labelling (attractive vegetable names), and a control (neutral setting). Each child's choice, intake and waste of each food were determined by taking pictures before and after sessions. Choice of vegetables was significantly higher in the default option compared to the other nudging conditions (p < 0.001). The default option resulted in a higher vegetable intake than the control (p = 0.012) and visual priming (p = 0.001). The default option had the highest variety of vegetables taken and eaten, but also resulted in the most food waste. No significant differences were found for vegetable choice and intake between the control, visual priming, and labelling. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that using default options in the form of pre-portioned vegetable containers successfully increased vegetable choice, and intake, whereas priming and labelling had no effects.

The solid-state battery (SSB) is a novel technology that has a higher specific energy density than conventional batteries. This is possible by replacing the conventional liquid electrolyte inside batteries with a solid electrolyte to bring more benefits and safety. This study aims to estimate the future of SSBs; three cases are developed to project the prices of SSBs from 2023 until 2030. Historical data on lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery (LiB) demand, production, and prices is used along with experts' market analysis to project the market growth of SSBs and the optimistic, moderate, and pessimistic views of the battery price. The results demonstrate that in the best-case scenario, SSBs will be mass-produced and will hit 140 USD per kWh by 2028, whilst the worst-case scenario presumes that the mass production of this type of batteries will face obstacles and will cost 175 USD per kWh between 2032 and 2033. For this, it is suggested that commercial production of SSBs will be challenging and will take at least 5 years from now.

Decentralized cold storage systems in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) often lack data-driven insights for monitoring key performance indicators such as food loss, revenue, and environmental impact. Our project, Your Virtual Cold Chain Assistant, aims to fill this gap through an innovative impact dashboard integrated within our open-access mobile app called Coldtivate. This tool leverages data from smallholder farmers and real-time crate movements within our cold storage facilities to provide actionable insights. It enables a comprehensive assessment and visualization of food loss evolution, revenue generation for cooling service providers, and CO₂ emissions reduction compared to ambient storage benchmarks. By utilizing advanced technology and data analytics, our initiative enhances resource allocation, profitability, and customer experience while promoting sustainable practices in the fresh produce value chain. Furthermore, with the integration of the CO₂ impact metrics pipeline, our dashboard combines user data with benchmarks from the Ecoinvent database to calculate CO₂ emissions from cold storage versus ambient storage. This approach represents a shift in fresh produce supply chain management, enhancing decision-making for farmers, cooling service providers, and policymakers. By leveraging advanced technology and data analytics, our initiative contributes to favorable social, economic, and environmental outcomes for current and future generations, marking a significant step in advancing sustainable food systems.

Aromatherapy is a natural treatment method that utilizes essential oils extracted from aromatic plants. The lavender plant (Lavandula angustifolia) contains substances that can inhibit bacterial growth, such as linalool and linalyl acetate. The search results show that linalool and linalyl acetate, components of lavender essential oil, can provide anti-anxiety effects and play a role in relaxation. This research has significance in the context of developing natural medicine through aromatherapy. A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies on the effects of lavender essential oil on anxiety found that oral administration of the oil was effective in treating anxiety, while inhalation showed its potential to reduce anxiety. Additionally, linalyl acetate has been shown to have anti-anxiety and anti-stress effects, as evidenced by a decrease in anxiety visual analog scale (VAS) and stress levels in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. This article provides a systematic overview of the productivity and visibility of aromatherapy research over the past two decades, focusing on the number of articles published and the number of citations. The majority of articles were written in English, and China was the leading country in the number of articles published. The article that received the highest number of citations was published at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. The findings of this study can be used to organize and prioritize future research efforts in aromatherapy research.

Faba beans are promising alternatives to animal proteins due to environmental, food functional and nutritional benefits. However, they are characterised by off-flavours, notably off-notes and bitterness. Research on pulses and pulse-based products has largely focused on the involvement of volatile compounds in off-notes whereas the molecules responsible for pulse bitterness have not been studied as much. To better understand the role of non-volatile compounds in faba bean bitterness, different cultivars and air-classified fractions (flour, starch and protein) were investigated for their taste properties. Firstly, 21 trained panellists evaluated the bitter intensity of gels containing faba bean fractions. Bitter differences were highlighted according to the type of fractions and cultivars. Secondly, an untargeted metabolomics approach based on UHPLC-DAD-HRMS (ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector-high-resolution mass spectrometry) analysis was carried out for profiling the non-volatile content of the fractions. Thirdly, the sensory data was correlated with the metabolomic data resulting in the tentative identification of 42 phytochemical compounds (mainly alkaloids). Fourthly, the bitterness of highlighted compounds was studied using an in vitro cellular-based assay. Linking sensory attributes with the chemical content of pulse-based products allows to target compounds responsible for bitterness to propose strategies improving their flavour and the consumer acceptability.

One of the main differences among food science and gastronomy research is that gastronomy generally considers food within a whole consumption experience, in which context is a fundamental variable. While sensory science has traditionally relied on taste rooms (central-located-test) to isolate the senses and analyze food in a controlled environment, the reality is that food is usually consumed in different contexts: a dining room, a kitchen, a canteen, a restaurant, a hospital room, etc., which can greatly impact its perception and, therefore, acceptance and diet adherence. Different studies that include a real-context approach can be found in literature, suggesting that contextual cues such as music, visual stimuli, company, etc. have great influence on some sensory attributes perception, liking, food choice motivations, and even elicited emotions [1–5]. Despite challenges like the lack of standardized methodologies and the multitude of contextual variables, this research holds immense promise. By delving deeper into the power of context, sensory science could unlock new strategies to promote healthier and more sustainable food choices.

Globally, the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected the health and well-being of the population at large, especially immigrant women with young children. It is essential to explore the breastfeeding experiences of immigrant women who are vulnerable and often lack adequate breastfeeding support in a new country. This study aimed to explore the effects of COVID-19 on the breastfeeding practices of immigrant mothers in Saskatchewan, Canada.

This critical ethnographic study was undertaken during the second and third waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada. After seeking approval from the ethics review board, in-depth interviews were undertaken with 30 immigrant mothers with a young child aged 1 day to 24 months. Participants were recruited from different cities in Saskatchewan, Canada. Data from in-depth interviews were triangulated with information gathered through field observations and a review of media reports. Data were analyzed manually by the researcher and patient partners on this project. Multiple steps were followed to analyze data inductively and iteratively. Data analysis involved isolation of codes, comparison and validation of codes, identification of categories specifying both positive and negative effects of COVID-19, and derivation of the broad themes reflecting the effects of COVID-19 on breastfeeding practices of immigrant mothers. Interpretations drawn from the data were verified with the study participants.

The findings suggested that the COVID-19 pandemic has both positive and negative effects on the breastfeeding practices of immigrant women who are mothering. Key themes derived from the findings include quality time with an infant, lack of support and isolation, limited healthcare access and lactation counselling, mother-baby separation, healthcare restrictions and financial instability.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential to promote, protect and support breastfeeding of immigrant women facing add-on challenges due to limited social support, isolation, and financial instability in a new country. This study provides unique insight that can make a difference moving forward by highlighting the adjustments that need to be made in healthcare practices for immigrant women to have a more positive breastfeeding experience in a future pandemic.