Black Light Research Articles

Quantum-gravitational effects on Joule-Thomson expansion and black hole shadows in F(R) gravity with barrow entropy corrections

We present a novel investigation into the thermodynamic properties and shadow images of a topological phantom AdS black hole within the framework of F(R) gravity, utilizing the Barrow entropy formulation. We introduce a detailed study of the Joule-Thomson expansion, calculating the Joule-Thomson coefficient and mapping isenthalpic and inversion curves to characterize heating/cooling phases. Our findings reveal that the Barrow parameter plays a crucial role in altering the shape and position of these thermodynamic curves, thereby significantly impacting the black hole's thermal behavior. Moreover, we demonstrate that variations in F(R) gravity parameters such as the scalar curvature R0, the type of field interaction η, and fR0—lead to substantial modifications in the shadow of the black hole. These changes in shadow size and shape underscore the direct influence of the underlying gravitational theory on the interaction between black holes and light, offering new perspectives on how black holes are perceived by distant observers. Additionally, we calculate the total observed intensities from the emission function of the accretion disk, with graphical analysis showing that the F(R) gravity parameters markedly affect the intensity distribution around the black hole. This has significant implications for the accretion disk's emission properties and the resulting shadow image, highlighting the critical impact of modified gravity theories on observable black hole phenomena. This work offers fresh insights and underscores the importance of considering modified gravity frameworks when studying black hole thermodynamics and optical properties.

Explanation for the Absence of Secondary Peaks in Black Hole Light Curve Autocorrelations.

The observed radiation from hot gas accreting onto a black hole depends on both the details of the flow and the spacetime geometry. The lensing behavior of a black hole produces a distinctive pattern of autocorrelations within its photon ring that encodes its mass, spin, and inclination. In particular, the time autocorrelation of the light curve is expected to display a series of peaks produced by light echoes of the source, with each peak delayed by the characteristic time lapse τ between light echoes. However, such peaks are absent from the light curves of observed black holes. Here, we develop an analytical model for such light curves that demonstrates how, even though light echoes always exist in the signal, they do not produce autocorrelation peaks if the characteristic correlation timescale λ_{0} of the source is greater than τ. We validate our model against simulated light curves of a stochastic accretion model ray traced with a general-relativistic code, and then fit the model to an observed light curve for Sgr A^{*}. We infer that λ_{0}>τ, providing an explanation for the absence of light echoes in the time autocorrelations of Sgr A^{*} light curves. Our results highlight the importance for black hole parameter inference of spatially resolving the photon ring via future space-based interferometry.

Effects of UV illumination on organic dye decomposition activity and antibacterial and antiviral activities of rare earth iodates

For this study, we investigated the effects of UV illumination on dye decomposition and antibacterial and antiviral activities of three rare earth iodates (Ce(IO3)4, Ce(IO3)3, and δ-La(IO3)3) that reportedly have antibacterial and antiviral activities in the dark. The objective of this study was to clarify whether bulk materials and eluted ions are involved in these activities under UV illumination. Findings indicate that Ce(IO3)3 and δ-La(IO3)3 exhibit dye degradation activity under UV illumination by a Hg-Xe lamp (7 mW/cm2), suggesting that the dye decomposition activity was caused mainly by photochemical reactions under UV with wavelengths less than 300 nm by Ce3+ and by IO3− ions eluted from the samples. The dye decomposition activity under UV illumination is expressed not only from the eluted ions but also from the bulk materials. UV illumination using a weak (0.1 mW/cm2) UV light from a black light bulb with wavelengths longer than 320 nm increased the antibacterial and antiviral activities of these materials. These results suggest that the increase in antibacterial and antiviral activities is attributable to the photocatalytic reaction of bulk materials. This study revealed that both the bulk and eluted ions are involved in these activities under UV illumination. The extent to which photochemical reactions caused by eluted ions and bulk material contribute to the decomposition activity of organic dyes and antibacterial and antiviral activities depends on the UV illumination wavelength and intensity. This study provides new insights into the use of rare earth iodates as inorganic antibacterial and antiviral materials.Graphical abstract

First Report of Basal Stem Rot of Achnatherum inebrians Caused by Fusarium pseudograminearum in China.

Drunken horse grass (Achnatherum inebrians) is a perennial bunchgrass that is widely distributed in arid and semi-arid grasslands in northwest China (Zhang et al., 2021). In July 2023, Basal stem rot was found in artificially grown drunken horse grass plots in Yuzhong County (35.85° N, 104.12° E), Gansu Province, China, with an average incidence of 5.2%. Diseased plants showed crown and basal stem rot with chocolate brown discoloration at the base of the stem and slight constriction of some basal stems. Five field's foci were surveyed and at least 6 basal stems per focus were collected. Infected basal stems were surface-sterilized (75% ethanol for 30 s and 1% NaClO for 90 s), rinsed three times with sterilized water, placed on potato dextrose agar (PDA), and incubated at 22°C in the dark for 3 days. Isolates were purified by single spore cultures (Leslie and Summerell, 2006). The average mycelial growth rate was 4.8 to 7.5 mm/day at 25°C on PDA, and the colonies produced aerial mycelium varying from rose to yellow white, and rose to burgundy pigment diffused into the agar. Macroconidia of the isolates were produced on carnation leaf agar (CLA) incubated under black light and observed to be abundant, but no microconidia were found. Macroconidia were relatively slender, curved to almost straight, commonly 3-6 septate, averaging 30.1 × 3.8 μm (n=50). The morphological characteristics of this fungus fully fit the description of F. pseudograminearum (Aoki and O'Donnell, 1999). To obtain the phylogenetic support, DNA of three representative isolates YZ-Y-1, YZ-Y-2 and YZ-Y-3 was extracted by using an HP Fungal DNA Kit (D3195), and a portion of the RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (RPB2) gene and elongation factor 1 alpha (EF1-α) gene were amplified using primers RPB2-5f2 and RPB2-7cr (O'Donnell et al. 2010) and EF1 and EF2 (O'Donnell et al. 1998), respectively. Results of sequences were deposited in GenBank (accession nos. PP179044 to PP179049). A nucleotide BLAST search revealed RPB2 and EF1-α sequences to be 99.8 and 100% similar to the corresponding sequences of the ex-type strain NRRL 28062 F. pseudograminearum accessions numbers MW233433 and MW233090, respectively. For pathogenicity tests, 15 μl of conidia suspension (1×106 conidia/ml) was inoculated into the stem bases of 10 healthy drunken horse grass seedlings (around 3 weeks old) using a sterile syringe, then wrapped with moistened sterile gauze, while the other 10 drunken horse grass seedlings were injected with sterile water as a control. All seedlings were placed in a greenhouse with a plastic cover at 15-22°C and 90-100% relative humidity. All inoculated drunken horse grass seedlings showed symptoms similar to those of natural infection with stem basal rot, whereas uninoculated drunken horse grass seedlings remained healthy after 15 days. Fungi re-isolated from the basal stems of inoculated plants were confirmed phenotypically and molecularly as F. pseudograminearum. To our knowledge, this is the first report of F. pseudograminearum causing crown rot of drunken horse grass in China. The disease has become a potential threat to the growth of drunken horse grass in China.

Violet Light Effects on the Circadian Rest-Activity Rhythm and the Visual System.

Rooms illuminated by "black light" (<400 nm wavelength) has become popular, but there is not enough scientific evidence to support its implementation. This study aims to assess the effects of violet light (392 nm) on the circadian rest-activity rhythm and the visual system through animal experimentation. Five groups of four mice were exposed to different white light, violet light, and dark periods, and their circadian rhythm was analyzed by measuring the circadian period using rest-activity cycles. Electroretinographic recordings and structural analysis of the retina were also performed on experimental animals. Our study demonstrates that mice present normal circadian activity during exposure to violet light, taking rest not only under white light but under violet lighting periods. However, mice suffered a decrease in electrical retinal response after exposure to violet light as measured by electroretinography. Nevertheless, no structural changes were observed in the retinas of the animals under different lighting conditions. Violet light elicits circadian rest-activity rhythm in mice but alters their visual function, although no structural changes are observed after short periods of violet light exposure.

Enhanced Aging of Black Carbon under Recent Clean Air Actions and Future Carbon Neutrality Scenario in China.

China has implemented strict emission control measures, but it is unclear how they affect black carbon (BC) aging and light absorption. Here, we use the Community Atmosphere Model version 6 (CAM6) with the four-mode version of the Modal Aerosol Module coupled with machine learning (MAM4-ML) to simulate BC aging during 2011-2018 and 2050/2100 following a carbon neutrality scenario (SSP1-2.6), respectively. During 2011-2018, the mass ratio of coatings to BC (RBC) widely increased (5.4% yr-1) over the east of China. The increased secondary organic aerosol (SOA) coatings dominate (88%) the increased RBC, while the sulfate coatings decrease. The drivers of BC coating changes come from the different magnitudes of emission reductions in secondary aerosol precursors (i.e., volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and SO2) and BC. During 2011-2018, the increased RBC enhances the BC mass absorption cross section (MAC, 0.7% yr-1). In 2050/2100 for SSP1-2.6, emission control leads to further increased RBC (95/145%) and BC MAC (12/17%). For both 2011-2018 and 2050/2100, the enhanced BC MAC partly offsets the declining direct radiative effect (DRE) of BC due to direct emission reduction. As a result, the full impact of direct emission reductions of BC on BC DRE is only 75% for 2011-2018 and 90/94% for 2050/2100.

The Comparative Field Evaluation of Four Different Traps for Mosquito Surveillance in the Republic of Korea.

Monitoring mosquito populations is essential for controlling mosquito-borne diseases, and the selection of mosquito traps should be tailored to specific surveillance objectives. Here, we tested four mosquito traps for their efficiency and applicability: the Nozawa-style black light trap (BLT), BG-sentinel trap II (BGT), UV-LED Blackhole Plus Mosquito Buster trap (LED), and digital mosquito monitoring system (DMS). The traps were rotated weekly for a 24 h cycle at the same location for 13 weeks. Overall, 1649 female mosquitoes belonging to seven genera and sixteen species were collected by the traps. The traps exhibited differences in both the number of collected individuals and species composition. The BLT showed superior collection efficiency in terms of the number of collected individuals and species evenness, whereas the BGT showed the highest species diversity among all the traps. Thus, the BLT and BGT are the best choices for effective mosquito surveillance based on trap performance. Additionally, despite the relatively low efficiency of the LED and DMS observed in this study, the LED is known to be efficient when used for indoor conditions such as cowsheds, while the DMS has an advanced function that can automatically count the number of mosquitoes. Thus, our findings provide significant guidelines for planning new mosquito surveillance projects in the ROK.

Exploring treatment and antifungal resistance in an outbreak of tinea caused by Microsporum audouinii

AbstractBackgroundMicrosporum audouinii has resurged recently. Infections with the dermatophyte are difficult to treat, which raises the question if we treat M. audouinii infections with the most effective antifungal (AF) agent.ObjectivesThe aims of this study was to investigate an outbreak of tinea capitis (TC) in Denmark, address the challenges in outbreak management and to conduct two reviews regarding previous outbreaks and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC).MethodsWe used Wood's light, culture, direct microscopy, and PCR for screening and antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST) for treatment optimization. We performed two reviews to explore M. audouinii outbreaks and MIC values using broth microdilution method.ResultsOf 73 screened individuals, 10 had confirmed M. audouinii infections. Clinical resistance to griseofulvin was observed in 4 (66%) cases. While previous outbreaks showed high griseofulvin efficacy, our study favoured terbinafine, fluconazole and itraconazole in our hard‐to‐treat cases. AFST guided the choice of AF. Through the literature search, we identified five M. audouinii outbreaks, where differences in management included the use of Wood's light and prophylactic topical AF therapy. Terbinafine MIC values from the literature ranged from 0.002 to 0.125 mg/L.ConclusionUse of Wood's light and preventive measurements were important for limiting infection. The literature lacked MIC data for griseofulvin against M. audouinii, but indicated sensitivity for terbinafine. The clinical efficacy for M. audouinii treatment was contradictory favouring both terbinafine and griseofulvin. AFST could have a key role in the treatment of difficult cases, but lack of standardisation of AFST and MIC breakpoints limits its usefulness.

Super-hydrophilic carbonized wood-based solar steam evaporator: A novel approach to enhance freshwater generation

Solar steam evaporation has been shown to represent an advanced approach to freshwater generation. The primary obstacles in developing solar steam generation devices utilizing biomass materials include intricate manufacturing procedures and a comparatively lower energy conversion efficiency. Here, we detailed a straightforward approach involving the deposition of polydopamine (PDA) onto carbonized wood, creating an innovative solar interface evaporation device. Treated wood obtained by removing a part of lignin and hemicellulose was transformed into carbonized wood through a straightforward wood carbonization process. Subsequently, the carbonized wood's water and light absorption were further enhanced by applying a hydrophilic coating using dopamine (DA) and diethylenetriamine (DETA). The result was the development of a wood-based solar interface evaporator capable of performing three essential functions: light absorption, photothermal conversion, and water transfer. The Super-hydrophilic carbonized wood (SCW) solar steam evaporator possessed an evaporation efficiency of approximately 91.81 %, net evaporation of 1.7853 kg m−2 h−1 in seawater, an evaporation efficiency of approximately 78.44 %, and net evaporation of 1.52538 kg m−2 h−1 in groundwater at one sun, respectively. Therefore, SCW holds substantial promise for applications in seawater desalination and groundwater extraction, offering a valuable solution to address the issue of inadequate freshwater availability.

Photostability evaluation of manidipine tablets and structural determination of its photoproducts.

Manidipine (MP) is a dihydropyridine drug, which is treated for the reduction of high blood pressure. The aim of this study is to clarify the photochemical behavior of MP in the case of ultraviolet light (UV) irradiation for MP tablets (Calslot® tablets). The tablets and its altered forms (powders and suspensions) were UV-irradiated using a black light, and residual amounts of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) were monitored by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Due to the photoproducts of MP were detected in HPLC chromatograms, the elucidation of their chemical structures was carried out utilizing electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS). As a result, APIs in Calslot® tablets were almost completely photodegraded in the case that Calslot® tablets were suspended in an aqueous media along with the generation of some MP photoproducts. LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis clarified the chemical structures of three MP photoproducts, indicating that they were a pyridine analogue, benzophenone and a hydrolysate. Benzophenone was a main MP photoproduct. It was possible that MP might be firstly oxidized to form its pyridine analogue, followed by the oxidation of a dimethyl methylene moiety. This moiety seemed to be eliminated as a benzophenone, and the cleavage of an ester bond of the residual moiety resulted in the generation of a hydrolysate. Finally, toxicological potencies of MP and its photoproducts were predicted in silico toxicity evaluation, suggesting some of biological effects of the photoproducts might be altered compared with MP.

Identifying the Central Business Districts of global megacities using nighttime light remote sensing data

ABSTRACT The Central Business Districts (CBDs) are important hubs for urban economic activities. In the context of globalization, a unified CBD boundary would greatly facilitate the study of global CBD comparative analysis, urban socio-economic development, urban transport and commuting mode. However, previous studies have encountered challenges in developing a practical method for global CBD identification due to limitations in data sources and methodologies. In this study, we selected 32 global megacities as research objects and used the open-access Black Marble nighttime light (NTL) products to construct indicators with the intensity and angular effects of NTL. Clustering and decision tree were then employed to derive rules for CBD identification. Results show that combining Z-score indicators and the strategy of clustering 32 cities before decision tree classification could improve the accuracy of CBD identification, which achieved a producer accuracy of 85%. The 32 cities were clustered into three types, i.e. U.S.A.-like, the mixed type, and China-like. The rules for CBD identification became more complex in the above order, but the accuracy decreased in turn. This study provides a new CBD identification method for cities lacking reference data, allowing for the delineation of unified and comparable CBD boundaries on a large scale.

New insights into black carbon light absorption enhancement: A comprehensive analysis of two differential behaviors

High uncertainty in optical properties of black carbon (BC) involving heterogeneous chemistry has recently attracted increasing attention in the field of atmospheric climatology. To fill the gap in BC optical knowledge so as to estimate more accurate climate effects and serve the response to global warming, it is beneficial to conduct site-level studies on BC light absorption enhancement (Eabs) characteristics. Real-time surface gas and particulate pollutant observations during the summer and winter over Wuhan were utilized for the analysis of Eabs simulated by minimum R squared (MRS), considering two distinct atmospheric conditions (2015 and 2017). In general, differences in aerosol emissions led to Eabs differential behaviors. The summer average of Eabs (1.92 ± 0.55) in 2015 was higher than the winter average (1.27 ± 0.42), while the average (1.11 ± 0.20) in 2017 summer was lower than that (1.67 ± 0.69) in winter. Eabs and RBC (representing the mass ratio of non-refractory constituents to elemental carbon) constraints suggest that Eabs increased with the increase in RBC under the ambient condition enriched by secondary inorganic aerosol (SIA), with a maximum growth rate of 70.6% in 2015 summer. However, Eabs demonstrated a negative trend against RBC in 2017 winter due to the more complicated mixing state. The result arose from the opposite impact of hygroscopic SIA and absorbing OC/irregular distributed coatings on amplifying the light absorbency of BC. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis revealed a robust positive correlation (R > 0.9) between aerosol chemical compositions (including sulfate, nitrate, ammonium and secondary organic carbon), which could be significantly perturbed by only a small fraction of absorbing materials or restructuring BC through gaps filling. The above findings not only deepen the understanding of BC, but also provide useful information for the scientific decision-making in government to mitigate particulate pollution and obtain more precise BC radiative forcing.

Field comparison of dual- and single-spot Aethalometers: equivalent black carbon, light absorption, Ångström exponent and secondary brown carbon estimations

Abstract. The Aethalometer is a widely used instrument for black carbon (BC) mass concentration and light absorption coefficient (babs) measurements around the world. However, field intercomparison of the two popular models, dual-spot (AE33) and single-spot (AE31) Aethalometers, remains limited; in addition, the difference in secondary brown carbon (BrCsec) light absorption estimation between the two models is largely unknown. We performed full-year collocated AE33 and AE31 measurements in a megacity in southern China – Guangzhou. The babs values agree well between the two Aethalometers (R2 &gt; 0.95), with AE33 / AE31 slopes ranging from 0.87 to 1.04 for seven wavelengths. AE33 consistently exhibits lower limits of detection (LODs) than AE31 for time resolutions of 2 to 60 min. The AE33 / AE31 slope for equivalent BC (eBC) was 1.2, implying the need for site-specific post-correction. The absorption Ångström exponent (AAE) obtained from different approaches does not agree very well between the two models, with the biggest discrepancy found in AAE880/950. The estimated BrCsec light absorption at 370 nm (babs370_BrCsec) was calculated using the minimum-R-squared (MRS) method for both Aethalometers. The babs370_BrCsec comparison yields a slope of 0.78 and an R2 of 0.72 between the two models, implying a non-negligible inter-instrument difference. This study highlights the high consistency in babs but less so in AAE between AE31 and AE33 and reveals site-specific correction for eBC estimation and non-negligible difference in BrCsec estimation. The results are valuable for data continuity in long-term Aethalometer measurements when transitioning from the older (AE31) to the newer (AE33) model, as anticipated in permanent global-climate and air-quality stations.

Magnetic soft centirobot to mitigate biological threats

AbstractSoft robots have drawn a lot of interest in the field of human–robot interfaces because they can mimic the propulsion of soft bodies and archive complex tasks that cannot be made by rigid robots such as performing the complex motion, avoiding collisions by absorbing impacts, and shape adaptation by elastic deformation. Herein, drawing inspiration from creatures in the Cambrian period, such as Hallucigenia, we develop a centimeter‐sized soft robot with multiple magnetic legs (referred to as a soft centirobot). This robot is equipped with graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) nanosheets to kill biological threats by photogenerated reactive oxygen species under black light illumination. The motion of g‐C3N4 soft centirobot is controlled by magnetic actuation even in complex wastewater samples (with a relative speed of 0.12 body lengths per second). The magnetic multilegs work as a propeller to walk across and cover large regions, and water disinfection is more efficient than what could be achieved by nano/micrometer scale sheets of g‐C3N4. Finally, factors affecting the accelerated propulsion of g‐C3N4 soft centirobot such as design principle, structure geometry, body mass, driving mechanism, and magnetic sensitivity, have been investigated. We envision that such a photoactive 2D material‐based integrated centimeter‐sized robot shall find application in many areas where pathogen removal is required.

Wood's light as a noval diagnostic tool in aquagenic keratoderma

AbstractAquagenic keratoderma, also known as aquagenic wrinkling of the palms, transient reactive papulotranslucent acrokeratoderma, or transient aquagenic hyper‐wrinkling, is an uncommon disorder that affects the palms and occasionally the soles. It presents with translucent whitish to yellowish papules and increased wrinkling upon water exposure. The frequency of this condition is yet to be determined among the general population. However, it is frequently observed in patients among patients with cystic fibrosis or carriers of the cystic fibrosis gene, with frequency estimated to be up to 41%. In this paper, we report the utility and novelty of Wood's light as a bedside adjunct tool to aid in diagnosing aquagenic keratoderma. To our knowledge, this is the first case reporting the use of Wood's light in diagnosing aquagenic keratoderma.

Blue Light Attracts More Spodoptera frugiperda Moths and Promotes Their Flight Speed.

Light traps are a useful method for monitoring and controlling the important migratory pest, the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda. Studies have shown that S. frugiperda is sensitive to blue, green, or ultraviolet (UV) light, but the conclusions are inconsistent. Furthermore, conventional black light traps are less effective for trapping S. frugiperda. To improve the trapping efficiency of this pest, it is crucial to determine the specific wavelength to which S. frugiperda is sensitive and measure its flight capability under that wavelength. This study investigated the effects of light wavelength on the phototaxis and flight performance of S. frugiperda. The results showed that blue light was the most sensitive wavelength among the three different LED lights and was unaffected by gender. The flight capability of S. frugiperda varied significantly in different light conditions, especially for flight speed. The fastest flight speed was observed in blue light, whereas the slowest was observed in UV light compared to dark conditions. During a 12 h flight period, speed declined more rapidly in blue light and more slowly in UV, whereas speed remained stable in dark conditions. Meanwhile, the proportion of fast-flying individuals was highest under blue light, which was significantly higher than under UV light. Therefore, the use of light traps equipped with blue LED lights can improve the trapping efficiency of S. frugiperda. These results also provide insights for further research on the effects of light pollution on migratory insects.

Seasonal abundance and trap comparisons of the invasive brown marmorated stink bug Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) adults from its native region

A challenging, yet fundamental part of initiating effective control measures against an invasive pest species is developing reliable means of monitoring the pest’s seasonal abundance. Halyomorpha halys, a polyphagous insect pest native to East Asia, has become a major economic threat to agricultural systems following unintentional introductions to North America, South America, and Europe. Research involving the seasonal phenology and monitoring attractant preferences of H. halys from its native range remain scarce. An 11-year collection of H. halys monitoring trap data from black light, incandescent light, and methyl (E, E, Z)-2, 4, 6-decatrienoate (MDT) lured traps from three locations in Kyoto, Japan was analyzed to fill gaps in knowledge relating to the native seasonal abundance and effectiveness of diferent trapping techniques for the pest. Due to a high amount of zero trap counts, a zero-inflated approach was taken to analyze the dataset. Overall, H. halys followed a bell-shaped population trend in Kyoto, with abundance peaking in the mid-summer. The attractant preference of H. halys varied slightly with the season, with black light traps producing to highest mean trap counts. The MDT lure traps generated the lowest mean trap counts, but displayed potential use in the reliable detection of early season H. halys. This work is expected to provide greater insight on H. halys in its native range and ultimately help refine existing management programs in invaded regions.

Abstract 32: Escape Room Activity Improves Nurses’ Knowledge of Stroke Clinical Practice Guidelines

Background: Patients receiving care from stroke specialized nurses have better outcomes. In 2021, the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA) published updates to the Comprehensive Nursing Care Scientific Statements providing new evidence and best nursing practices in stroke care. Nursing leadership at a Comprehensive Stroke Center identified this as an opportunity to utilize the Nursing Care Scientific Statements and other AHA/ASA stroke clinical practice guidelines (CPG) to optimize stroke program education and improve quality of nursing care. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether an escape room activity significantly increases knowledge of stroke CPGs and best nursing care practices and to assess nurses’ confidence in their application when compared to viewing online modules alone. Methods: Based on a literature review and learning needs assessment, nine escape room puzzles were developed spanning the continuum of stroke care. Each puzzle required the application of a CPG or scientific statement to a patient scenario. A variety of materials were used to develop the puzzles, including black lights, locks, jigsaw puzzles, and a custom learning environment in EPIC. Participants submitted a pre- and post-survey to capture qualitative and quantitative data regarding the nurse’s knowledge of and confidence in applying stroke CPGs and best practices. A paired two-sided T-test was conducted using a confidence interval of 95% and sample size of 75 to determine whether the post-survey increase in nurse knowledge and confidence was significant. Results: For all five Likert items, the p-value was less than 0.05, indicating a statistically significant improvement in nurses’ knowledge of and confidence in applying stroke CPGs and best practices. The qualitative data demonstrated a learner preference for the interactive nature of the escape room and the teamwork and critical thinking that it fostered. Conclusion: In conclusion, there was a statistically significant increase in nurse confidence and knowledge of comprehensive nursing stroke care and stroke CPGs after the escape room intervention. This suggests that escape room activities can be an effective way to develop clinical knowledge in stroke nursing.

Seven-year prospective study on yearly incidence of Orbivirus infection of captive white-tailed deer and potential Culicoides vectors.

Bluetongue virus (BTV) and epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) are arthropod-borne viruses that are transmitted by biting midges in the genus Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) and can cause hemorrhagic disease in certain ruminants. The objectives of this study were to measure the incidence of BTV and EHDV infections in captive white-tailed deer herd as well as tissues and corresponding presence of Culicoides midges at a location near Clinton, LA. During a 7-yr study with yearly outbreaks of hemorrhagic disease in the deer herd, 15 species of Culicoides were captured using Centers for Disease Control (CDC) black light traps. Reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to screen for BTV and EHDV in pools of midges and tissues of deer. From 2012 to 2018, 1,711 pools of midges representing 24,859 specimens were tested, and specimens from 5 of the 15 collected species (Culicoides debilipalpis, Culicoides stellifer, Culicoides venustus, Culicoides haematopotus, and Culicoides crepuscularis) were found to be PCR positive for BTV and EHDV. Most of the BTV-positive pools of biting midges were from specimens of C. debilipalpis and C. stellifer, and most of the EHDV-positive pools were from specimens of C. venustus and C. stellifer. During the 7-yr period, 112 white-tailed deer that died at the study location were PCR positive for BTV or EHDV: detected BTV serotypes were 10 and 12 and EHDV serotypes were 1, 2, and 6. There was a significant increase in BTV/EHDV antibody prevalence in white-tailed deer during the study; antibody-positive rates increased from 15% to 78% in the deer herd of approximately 100 animals.

Overestimation of black carbon light absorption due to mixing state heterogeneity

Black carbon (BC) aerosols, which arise from incomplete combustion processes, possess the capacity to absorb solar radiation, thereby contributing significantly to the issue of climate warming. However, accurately estimating their radiative effect is challenging, influenced by emissions, sizing, morphology, and mixing state. BC particles undergo aging processes that can alter their physical characteristics and mixing state, consequently affecting their optical properties. In this study, we assessed the mixing state of BC across diverse atmospheric environments. Results demonstrate that mixing state heterogeneity is a ubiquitous phenomenon. In background atmospheres, BC exhibited less homogeneous states compared to those in urban and suburban areas, where heterogeneity was driven by primary emissions. Our study provides direct observational evidence that the heterogeneity of particle-particle mixing can reduce the light absorption enhancement of BC in all atmospheres, with a deviation of up to approximately 24% under background conditions.