This study presents a combined experimental and theoretical investigation of the optoelectronic, thermodynamic, and vibrational properties of silver vanadate (β-AgVO3) microrods synthesized via a coprecipitation route under ambient conditions. The structural, morphological, vibrational, and optoelectronic characteristics were systematically analyzed and supported by ab initio calculations. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) confirmed the formation of the monoclinic β-AgVO3 phase (space group Cm), while electron microscopy revealed micrometer-sized rod-like morphologies. GGA-PBEsol calculations predicted an electronic band gap of 1.54 eV, in reasonable agreement with the experimental value of 1.92 eV obtained from Tauc analysis of the UV-Vis spectra. The calculated Raman-active modes are consistent with the experimental spectra, and the optical calculations reproduce the UV-Vis absorption features while revealing anisotropic behavior. The combined experimental and theoretical results provide deeper insight into the structure-property relationships of β-AgVO3 and highlight its potential for optoelectronic and visible-light-driven applications.
Moisture content is a critical parameter for industrial wood processing, directly affecting drying efficiency, energy consumption, and final product quality. This study investigates the applicability of portable near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy for rapid moisture assessment of Eucalyptus sp. logs under drying-yard conditions, aiming to support operational decision-making in industrial environments. Moisture content was determined gravimetrically from wedges and sawdust collected at different radial positions and throughout the drying process, from green condition to hygroscopic equilibrium. NIR spectra acquired directly from sawdust using two portable spectrometers (MicroNIR and TrinamiX) were analyzed by Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Partial Least Squares Regression (PLS-R) to develop predictive models. Strong association was observed between moisture contents obtained from wedges and sawdust, demonstrating that sawdust provides a practical sampling medium for estimating internal log moisture under the conditions evaluated. Global PLS-R models showed robust predictive performance, with the MicroNIR achieving R²cv = 0.937 and RMSEcv = 4.3%, and the TrinamiX achieving R²cv = 0.873 and RMSEcv = 6.1%. The proposed approach enables rapid, minimally invasive, and on-site moisture monitoring, allowing continuous assessment of wood drying and supporting optimized material routing before industrial processing. These results highlight the potential of portable NIR systems as operational tools for moisture control in drying yards, contributing to improved process efficiency, reduced variability, and enhanced quality of wood-based products. The method offers a promising solution for industrial moisture control in biomass-based production systems.
Background and aims Stage-related models of problematic gaming suggest that the relative prominence of reward-oriented and compulsivity-related processes may vary across levels of gaming involvement. However, few studies have jointly examined hedonic and compulsive game use across different levels of gaming involvement while accounting for relevant trait-level vulnerabilities. This study investigated their distinct associations with gaming involvement. Methods A total of 2259 gamers were included in the cross-sectional analyses, of whom 725 completed a one-year follow-up. Hedonic and compulsive game use, gaming time, and IGD severity were assessed using self-report measures. Cross-sectional multiple regression analyses examined their unique associations after controlling for trait-level vulnerabilities, including reward sensitivity, obsessive-compulsive traits, and trait impulsivity. Two-wave cross-lagged panel models examined prospective longitudinal associations. Results Both hedonic and compulsive game use showed unique associations with gaming involvement. Hedonic game use was associated with gaming involvement among non-IGD participants, with a significant group difference observed for IGD severity. Compulsive game use was associated with both gaming time and IGD severity across gaming-status groups. Longitudinally, compulsive game use was associated with subsequent gaming time and IGD severity, whereas hedonic game use was not significantly associated with either outcome. In the opposite direction, greater baseline IGD severity was prospectively associated with greater subsequent compulsive game use. Discussion and conclusions Hedonic and compulsive game use showed distinct patterns of association with gaming involvement. The stronger relevance of hedonic game use among non-IGD gamers and the broader cross-sectional and prospective associations of compulsive game use are broadly compatible with stage-related theoretical accounts. These findings may help refine the behavioral characterization of problematic gaming and highlight the value of longitudinal research examining how different gaming-specific tendencies relate to the development and persistence of problematic gaming.
Background Alexithymia has been linked to depressive symptoms, yet the mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear. We examined whether emotional loneliness (perceived lack of close, intimate bonds) and social loneliness (perceived deficits in broader social integration) represent distinct pathways linking alexithymia to depressive symptoms. Methods In a longitudinal study of 2628 adults aged 18–40 years, we examined whether emotional and social loneliness mediate the association between alexithymia and depressive symptoms. Participants were assessed over 10 months (T0–T2). A parallel mediation model controlling for baseline loneliness and depressive symptoms was followed by a covariate-adjusted model additionally accounting for age, gender, education, place of residence, income, and anxiety. Results In the model without additional covariate adjustment, baseline alexithymia was associated with emotional (β = 0.110, p < 0.001) and social loneliness (β = 0.096, p < 0.001) at T1. Emotional loneliness at T1 was associated with higher depressive symptoms at T2 (β = 0.157, p < 0.001), whereas social loneliness was not (β = 0.015, p = 0.701). The indirect effect through emotional loneliness was significant (β = 0.017, p = 0.003), whereas that through social loneliness was not (β = 0.001, p = 0.709). The indirect effect through emotional loneliness was significantly stronger (difference: β = 0.016, p = 0.045). Findings remained robust after covariate adjustment. Conclusions The indirect prospective association between alexithymia and depressive symptoms was small but stronger through emotional than social loneliness. These findings highlight the potential relevance of qualitative aspects of loneliness to depressive symptoms.
