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To examine aspects of the home and neighborhood food environment as predictors of adolescent diet. Cross-sectional study. Research laboratory in Nebraska. Data drawn from the adolescent phase of a larger longitudinal study. Participants included 204 adolescents (mean age of 15.3 years) and caregivers. Independent variables included the home food environment assessed via a validated questionnaire and the neighborhood food environment assessed via geographic information system methods and in-person audits. Dietary outcome variables were assessed using the Family Life, Activity, Sun, Health, and Eating questionnaire and a 24-hour recall measure. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis. P < 0.05 indicated a significant predictor. Home fruit and vegetable availability predicted greater Automated Self-Administered 24-hour Healthy Eating Index score (P = 0.03), greater Family Life, Activity, Sun, Health, and Eating-measured fruit and vegetable intake (P = 0.003), greater nutrient-dense food consumption (P = 0.01), and less fast-food intake (P = 0.02). Home fat and sweet availability positively predicted energy-dense, nutrient-poor food (P = 0.01), less healthful food (P < 0.001), and sugary food intake (P < 0.001). Convenience store counts positively predicted nutrient-dense food consumption (P = 0.04). Fast-food counts positively predicted sugary beverage consumption (P = 0.01). Findings suggest that, compared with the neighborhood food environment, the home food environment displays a greater number of associations with adolescent diet. Future research is needed to determine if the home food environment may act as a modifiable intervention target to address the elevated rates of adolescent obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is an actively pursuing material of the 2D family due to its semiconducting characteristics, making it a potential candidate for nano and optoelectronics application. MoS2 growth from molybdenum and sulphur precursors by chemical vapor depositions (CVD) is used widely, but molybdates' conversion into MoS2 via CVD is overlooked previously. Direct growth of MoS2 on the desired pattern not only reduces the interfacial defects but also reduces the complexities in device fabrication. In this work, we combine the wet synthesis and chemical vapor deposition method where sodium molybdate and L-cysteine are used to make a solution. With the dip coating, the mixture is coated on the substrates, and then, chemical vapor deposition is used to convert the chemicals into MoS2. Raman spectroscopy revealed the presence of oxysulphides (peaks number value) other than A 1 g and E 2 g 1 , where heat treatment was performed in the presence of Ar gas flow only. On the other hand, the films reducing in the presence of sulphur and argon gas promote only A 1 g and E 2 g 1 peaks of MoS2, which confirms complete transformation. XRD diffraction showed a very small change in the diffraction peaks and value of strain, whereas SEM imaging showed the flakes formation for MoS2 samples which were heated in the presence of sulphur. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is also performed for the chemical composition and to understand the valence state of Mo, S, and O and other species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) are prevalent in battery research because they are flexible, lightweight, and promote reasonable contact between components. Sodium-ion batteries (NIBs) are gaining recognition as promising options for future energy storage due to their cost-effectiveness and environmental friendliness. To enhance safety, replacing traditional organic electrolytes with polymer electrolytes can prevent issues like thermal instability and electrolyte leakage. Polymer electrolytes (PEs) face high interfacial impedance and low ionic conductivity. GPEs offer a solution by balancing high ionic conductivity, thermal stability, low interfacial impedance, and flexibility. This review article discusses various methods for synthesizing GPEs and compares electrolytes for NIBs. It also highlights recent cathode and anode-material advancements, supported by schematic illustrations for clarity. Additionally, the article examines GPE composites for their electrochemical properties through a detailed analysis. This review could provide a thorough comprehension of sodium-ion GPEs and help shape how molecules interact to improve the performance of gel polymers NIBs. [Display omitted] • Innovative synthesis strategies for Na-ion battery gel polymer electrolyte composites. • Electrochemical evaluation reveals enhanced performance and stability. • Tailored design addressing specific challenges of Na-ion battery technology. • Potential implications for sustainable energy storage applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene and its variants have garnered significant attention in the scientific community due to their distinctive characteristics at the nanoscale. The unique properties of graphene such as exceptional electrical, mechanical, optical, and thermal features, make it particularly significant. These nanomaterials, given their unique properties and adaptability to biocompatibility, are gaining popularity in a diverse range of biomedical applications. These nanomaterials have the potential to advance the field of biomedicine, with the emergence of novel nanomaterials acting as a crucial catalyst. Recent developments have highlighted the broad applications of these nanomaterials in biological research. This article provides a concise analysis of the techniques employed in the production of graphene and its various forms. Subsequently, the characterization techniques, toxicity, safety concerns, and factors determining their potential applicability in the realm of biomedicine are discussed. This review focuses on the recent utilization of graphene-based nanomaterials in tissue engineering, drug delivery, biosensing, bioimaging, and other related studies. [Display omitted] • Safety considerations in biomedical applications. • Specific modifications and functionalization of graphene. • Graphene-based biomedical devices. • Exploration of the biodegradability and safety aspects of graphene-based materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although predictive associations between childhood executive control (EC) and adolescent substance use have been established in prior research, the developmental pathways involved in these long-term links have not been well understood. The goal of the current study was to investigate the degree to which aggressive behaviors, including both physical and relational aggression, and prosocial behaviors in elementary school operate as developmental pathways between preschool EC and adolescent substance use, while accounting for participants' age, sex, family history of substance use, and family socioeconomic status. Participants were 329 youth (49% male; 63.6% European American) who were recruited to participate in a study between 2006 and 2012 while youth were in preschool and elementary school and followed into adolescence. The sample was recruited from a small Midwestern city in the United States. EC was assessed with performance-based tasks when children were 5 years 3 months. Youth behaviors with peers were reported by teachers when participants were in elementary school. Self-reports of the substance use initiation (e-cigarettes, cigarettes, alcohol, and marijuana) were obtained in adolescence via phone surveys. Mediation analyses revealed a statistically significant indirect effect from preschool EC to adolescent substance use through youth's engagement in relational aggression in elementary school ( b  = > -0.22 [-0.51; -0.08]; β  = > -0.18). Our results suggest that developmental pathways to adolescent substance use may begin in preschool, setting the stage for susceptibility to engagement in relational aggression, which increases, in turn, youth's likelihood for substance use initiation in adolescence.