External Sources Research Articles

Chemiexcitation-Triggered Photosensitizer Activation for Photooxidation of Aβ1-42 Aggregates.

Oxidative degradation of the pathogenic amyloid-β-peptide (Aβ) aggregation is an effective and promising method to treat Alzheimer's disease under light irradiation. However, the limited penetration of external light sources into deep tissues has hindered the development of this treatment. Therefore, we have designed an unprecedented chemiluminescence-initiated photodynamic therapy system to replace external laser irradiation, primarily composed of d-glucose-based polyoxalate (G-poly(oxalate)), the novel photosensitizer (BD-Se-QM), and bis [2,4,5-trichloro-6-(pentoxy-carbonyl) phenyl] ester. BD-Se-QM possesses excellent singlet oxygen (1O2) generation efficiency and the ability to photooxidize Aβ1-42 aggregates under white light. G-poly(oxalate) not only helps the nanosystem to cross the blood-brain barrier but also has sufficient oxalate ester groups to significantly enhance the efficiency of chemiluminescence resonance energy transfer. The oxalate ester groups in BD-Se-QM/NPs can chemically react with H2O2 to produce high-energy intermediates that activate BD-Se-QM, which can generate 1O2 to inhibit Aβ1-42 aggregates and also promote microglial uptake of Aβ1-42, reducing the Aβ1-42-induced neurotoxicity. The chemically stimulated nanoplatform not only solves the drug delivery problem but also eliminates the need for external light sources. We anticipate that this chemically excited nanosystem could also be used for targeted delivery of other small molecule drugs.

The Temporal Dynamics of External Knowledge Sourcing: The Influence on Innovation Performance

The Temporal Dynamics of External Knowledge Sourcing: The Influence on Innovation Performance

Synergistic Strategies of Biomolecular Transport Technologies in Transdermal Healthcare Systems.

Transdermal healthcare systems have gained significant attention for their painless and convenient drug administration, as well as their ability to detect biomarkers promptly. However, the skin barrier limits the candidates of biomolecules that can be transported, and reliance on simple diffusion poses a bottleneck for personalized diagnosis and treatment. Consequently, recent advancements in transdermal transport technologies have evolved toward active methods based on external energy sources. Multiple combinations of these technologies have also shown promise for increasing therapeutic effectiveness and diagnostic accuracy as delivery efficiency is maximized. Furthermore, wearable healthcare platforms are being developed in diverse aspects for patient convenience, safety, and on-demand treatment. Herein, a comprehensive overview of active transdermal delivery technologies is provided, highlighting the combination-based diagnostics, therapeutics, and theragnostics, along with the latest trends in platform advancements. This offers insights into the potential applications of next-generation wearable transdermal medical devices for personalized autonomous healthcare.

Evolution of the regional innovation system in terms of the Covid-19 pandemic, financial and economic crisis: The long term perspective from Central European region

Research background: The evolution of the innovation system is not easy to explore due to the small number or selective nature of the international research about it. The natural trajectory is well known in a long time period but differs between regions and countries — more or less developed. If the impact of the external shocks on regional innovation system (RIS) is added here, the situation is even more complicated. The answer for the crises depends on the development level of a country and region, the maturity of the relationships between actors of the Triple Helix (entrepreneurship, science, government) — their strength and stability over time, some endogenous conditions specific to it. The knowledge about the evolution of the innovation system is crucial to understand how the system works, where it was, is and will be at the evolution trajectory. Purpose of the article: Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to identify the evolution of the RIS in the one of Central Europe’s regions (Lower Silesian in Poland) including the impact of the global financial crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic on the innovation technology there. Methods: Using microdata collected by the authors and the stepwise logit modelling, industrial enterprises were analysed in three time periods: 2004–2006, 2010–2012 and 2019–2021. Total 1649 questionnaires forms were collected. The research was made in the one of Poland's well advanced regional innovation systems — the Lower Silesian. The matrix of success and fail was used as long as the AUC curve and some statistical indicators to prove the usefulness of models. The dependent variables were the new technology pushed by R&D and the investment in new machinery and equipment. Findings & value added: The nature of RIS evolution in the one of the regions in Central Europe in a catching-up country in the context of financial crises and Covid-19 was examined. The analyses identified two alternative groups of conditions — high or low resilience to various market shocks. To the first group belongs: R&D and equipment interactions (the growing competence effect) and a cooperation along the supply chain in the industry. The low resilience is observed in the other categories, as follows: the cooperation with science institutes and business support organizations (the isolation effect), the lack of external sources of funding (the sinking effect), the short time reaction of entrepreneurs (the adaptation effect). As was pointed above in the catching-up country, some elements of the Triple Helix are more sensitive to external shocks, while others are not. The crisis situation can radically slow down an evolutionary development or change its direction. Knowing them will allow the local authority to react on time or with a low delay to reduce negative consequences of it to the regional economy. Authors have shown a new approach to the evolution process of regional innovation system. It could be useful to learn how, where and when the system is going to.

Effect of methane addition on supercritical water oxidation of poultry manure in the flow mode

The paper presents the research results of the supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) of poultry manure continuously fed into a tubular reactor both in the absence and presence of methane as an auxiliary fuel. The tests were conducted at a temperature gradient along the vertical axis of the reactor (top to bottom: 390–600 °C), a pressure of 25 MPa, and varying reagent flow rates. It is shown that due to heat generation during methane oxidation the energy consumption from external sources is reduced by 1.3–1.5 times depending on the ratio of reagent flow rates. The gas products contain CO2, N2, and trace amounts of N2O. The ash residues are predominantly composed of calcite and hydroxyapatite. The addition of methane results in a reduction in the content of phenols and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons present in the aqueous effluent, while content of N-bearing aromatics increases. The formation of nitrophenols was observed at elevated oxygen concentrations in the reaction mixture. It was revealed that excess oxygen plays a pivotal role in the efficacy of organic nitrogen removal. The formation of mineral acids and a high level of ammonia in the reaction mixture during the SCWO of poultry manure result in corrosion of stainless steel and copper seals, which in turn leads to an increased concentration of chromium and copper in the aqueous effluent. The results obtained indicate the potential for utilizing natural gas in an environmentally friendly and resource-saving manner for poultry manure processing by SCWO in autothermal mode.

Effect of learning culture and management control system on innovation performance: Evidence from startup companies in Indonesia

The startup must be able to innovate in response to the uncertainty of the business environment, which is changing rapidly along with advances in technology. This study aims to analyze the relationship between learning culture, belief, boundary control, dynamic capabilities, and innovation performance. Quantitative methods with AMOS and structural equation modeling were used to test 260 samples. Questionnaires were distributed among startup companies in Banten Province, Indonesia. The research results show that dynamic capabilities and the development of management control systems are influenced by learning culture. The findings inform that a strong learning culture attitude produces company confidence and a management boundary control system that can adapt to uncertain environmental changes. Startup companies should motivate their personnel to improve competence through a learning culture. The role of innovation performance is also indirectly influenced by beliefs and boundary control systems. Recognition of personnel abilities and contributions in collaboration with external sources opens up opportunities to compete in business. This finding is a key factor explaining that startup companies must face a rapidly changing environment by optimizing management’s ability to innovate, implementing management control systems routinely, and building a trust system to inspire and motivate employees.

Design of high-efficiency InP/InGaAsP diluted waveguide for edge couplers

To transition integrated optical communication devices from laboratory settings to practical applications, efficient coupling between optical fibers and chip waveguides remains pivotal. This paper presents a systematic design of a diluted waveguide, a key component in the edge couplers of photonic integrated circuits. The primary purpose of the diluted waveguide lies in facilitating superior edge coupling with fiber waveguides, thereby seamlessly integrating external light sources into the waveguide structure. To commence, we employ the transfer matrix and effective refractive index techniques to simplify the 3-dimensional diluted waveguide into 2-dimensional multi-layer slab waveguides. By computing the field distribution of the fundamental mode within the diluted waveguide, the fiber-to-waveguide coupling efficiency can be derived using a simplified overlap equation and optimized diluted waveguide structure through particle swarm optimization algorithms. Consequently, we achieve a remarkable fiber-to-waveguide coupling efficiency exceeding 95% for TE-mode and 92% for TM-mode, with a polarization dependent loss (PDL) of merely 0.13 dB. Interestingly, the optimized diluted waveguide exhibits quasi-single mode behavior, as the fundamental mode containing 98% of the total energy propagates within it. Additionally, the diluted waveguide edge coupler demonstrates favorable alignment tolerance, with 1-dB excess losses of ±2.3 μm and (−2.5, +3) μm along the horizontal and vertical directions, respectively. Notably, our approach offers a versatile methodology for designing multi-layer waveguides across various materials. This method has the potential to be universally applied.

The impact of tinnitus on speech perception in noise: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Tinnitus is a condition that causes people to hear sounds without an external source. One significant issue arising from this condition is the difficulty in communicating, especially in the presence of noisy backgrounds. The process of understanding speech in challenging situations requires both cognitive and auditory abilities. Since tinnitus presents unique challenges, it is important to investigate how it affects speech perception in noise. In this review, 32 articles were investigated to determine the effect of tinnitus on the effect of speech in noise perception performance. Based on the meta-analysis performed using a random-effects model, meta-regression was used to explore the moderating effects of age and hearing acuity. A total of 32 studies were reviewed, and the results of the meta-analysis revealed that tinnitus significantly impacts speech in terms of noise perception performance. Additionally, the regression analysis revealed that age and hearing acuity are not significant predictors of speech in noise perception. Our findings suggest that tinnitus affects speech perception in noisy environments due to cognitive impairments and central auditory processing deficits. Hearing loss and aging also contribute to reduced speech in noise performance. Interventions and further research are necessary to address individual challenges associated with continuous subjective tinnitus.

Experimental study on bond performance of UHPC-to-NC interfaces: Constitutive model and size effect

This study investigates the constitutive model of the adhesive bond between normal concrete (NC) and ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC), focusing on the impact of varying bond dimensions. Two distinct series of UHPC-NC bonding specimens were prepared and tested, comprising eight direct-shear and fifty-six pull-off specimens. The experimental results were presented and thoroughly discussed, including failure modes, bond stress, load-displacement curves, and strain histories of the UHPC-NC interfaces. The findings indicate that an average surface roughness of 4 mm on NC substrates guarantees adequate shearing and tensile bonding strength with UHPC, adhering to the standards outlined in ACI 546.3R-14. An increment in the bond length, ranging from 100 mm to 440 mm, reduced interfacial shear stiffness by 50.8 % while enhancing the shear strength by 14.4 %. Conversely, an enlargement in the core diameter, from 50 mm to 100 mm, decreased the tensile bond strength at the interface by 18.1 %. Furthermore, theoretical models were formulated to predict the bonding properties across the UHPC-NC interface, utilizing the size effect law and Weibull theory principles. The accuracy of these models was confirmed through a validation process using both current experimental data and external sources. The comprehensive findings of this study provide a valuable reference for optimizing the application of UHPC in concrete bridge restoration projects.

Busting the dust: Evaluating local vs distal sources in Quaternary sediments at Thirlmere Lakes

The Quaternary sediments preserved within the Thirlmere Lakes system, Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, Australia, are an important regional environmental record representing at least the last two interglacials. Understanding the source and evolution of these sediments, both temporally and spatially, is an essential component of the site's reconstruction. In this study, we evaluate this question using physical, mineralogical, elemental, and isotopic analytical techniques. Four distinct lake sediment facies all show bi-modal distributions of coarse sand and clay to fine silts, representing various mixtures of catchment Hawkesbury Sandstone and Ashfield Shale. Clays are predominantly kaolinite-dickite, however, the 7 Å dehydrated form of halloysite is prominent in an orange-yellow oxidised lake facies unit. The relative distribution and concentration of rare earth elements, including yttrium (REY), is heterogeneous across all the lake facies, varying between both lakes and with depth. This variability suggests a geochemical signature reflecting a combination of mixed sources and secondary mineral precipitation, driven by catchment geomorphology and specific site conditions. Slightly positive Ce anomalies in the oxidised lake facies, combined with the greater halloysite representation, represents a period of dry conditions and sub-aerial exposure. Evaluation of catchment, regional and continental REY ratios, Eu anomalies and εNd data implies a predominant internal catchment source signature, with any external contributions restricted to the local Bringelly Shale and the immediate south-eastern Australia, including the Murray River Basin. Geochemical and isotopic values for these proposed internal and external sediment sources predicts that an aeolian source from outside the immediate catchment represents a maximum of 30% of the fine-grained sediment fraction.

Surface integrity improvement of the ground surface of Inconel 718 fabricated by forging and additive manufacturing using a robotic rotational burnishing method

Given that the surface acts as the primary interface with the surrounding environment, the surface integrity of a component significantly influences its operational effectiveness. In the aerospace industry, materials like Inconel 718 are often utilized for their high-temperature strength despite their poor thermal conductivity and machinability, resulting in inferior surface integrity during grinding procedures. This research proposes an innovative robotic rotational burnishing method that leverages self-generated heat to aid in the post-grinding burnishing process, eliminating the need for an external heat source. The surface integrity achieved through this method undergoes a comprehensive evaluation, encompassing surface topological features, microstructure, and mechanical properties, and is compared with surfaces treated by grinding and slide burnishing. The findings demonstrate that during the rotational burnishing process, the friction between the high-speed rotating burnishing tip and the workpiece surface induces circumferential flow of the surface material, thereby enhancing surface anisotropy. Additionally, this process generates significant heat, further encouraging plastic deformation of the material surface under high burnishing forces. As a result, the surface acquires a compressive residual stress exceeding 1000 MPa and develops a microhardness-strengthened layer with a thickness exceeding 500 μm. Both forging and additive manufacturing techniques for preparing Inconel 718 raw materials yield consistent outcomes. This study not only achieves a fusion of additive, subtractive, and equivalent manufacturing but also validates the applicability of the proposed robotic rotational burnishing method in enhancing surface integrity across materials manufactured by various techniques.

Challenges, experiences, and potential supports for East and Southeast Asian mothers in the workforce: a systematic review

ObjectiveTo examine the challenges faced by Asian working mothers with a focus on re-entry to the workplace. In addition, we highlight potential supports that retain women in the workforce.DesignA systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) recommendations and registered with PROSPERO database (CRD42022341130).MethodsThree independent reviewers were involved in the study selection to screen the search results sequentially by title, abstract, and full text using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The methodological quality of each article was assessed via the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tool.ResultsWe analysed a total of 36 studies conducted across different regions: 30 from the East and 6 from Southeast Asia. Among these studies, 20 were quantitative in nature, 15 were qualitative, and one intervention. The 36 studies cover five themes: 1) policies, 2) external support sources, 3) external pressure, 4) breastfeeding and 5) health status. Within each theme the same factor can have a positive or negative impact on the mother depending on her having a pro-career or pro-family mindset.Companies can take various initiatives to support working mothers, such as providing facilities for expressing breast milk at the workplace, educating staff to promote breastfeeding and accommodate childcare needs, and extending maternity leaves. However, there is a lack of literature that directly addresses the barriers and concrete support available to working mothers in Asia, beyond the scope of breastfeeding.ConclusionsOur findings underscore several obstacles that can impede a woman's seamless return to work. Pro-family and pro-career mothers have differing needs that cannot be addressed at the same time. There is a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding effective strategies or interventions that can support a positive reintegration into the workforce.

Development of an electro-thermo-mechanical 4D printed multi-shape smart actuator: Experiments and simulation

This investigation presents an experimental and numerical approach to developing 4D printed multi-shape actuators with an integrated electrical self-triggering system. It employs a multifunctional shape memory carbon black Polylactic Acid (PLA) layer embedded within rubbery thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Notably, these thermo-responsive actuators are programmed and triggered using Joule’s effect, eliminating the need for an external heat source and enabling precise control of temperature gradients. Two distinct motion mechanisms are employed: the differences in thermal expansion coefficient between the PLA/TPU polymers below the glass transition temperature, and the shape memory effect of the PLA layer above the glass transition temperature. As a result, a diverse range of motion responses can be achieved by adjusting the potential differences. A coupled electro-thermo-mechanical finite element model is used to gain further insight into the motion mechanisms, offering predictive capabilities beyond the ones reported by previous models. The developed technology provides enhanced actuation capabilities to conventional bi-shape SMP actuators, offering a versatile range of bending cycles. Furthermore, Joule’s effect enables the implementation of closed-loop control systems, which is essential for developing autonomous robotic systems.

Engineering 3D Scaffold-Free Nanoparticle-Laden Stem Cell Constructs for Piezoelectric Enhancement of Human Neural Tissue Formation and Function.

Electrical stimulation (ES) of cellular systems can be utilized for biotechnological applications and electroceuticals (bioelectric medicine). Neural cell stimulation especially has a long history in neuroscience research and is increasingly applied for clinical therapies. Application of ES via conventional electrodes requires external connectors and power sources, hindering scientific and therapeutic applications. Here engineering novel 3D scaffold-free human neural stem cell constructs with integrated piezoelectric nanoparticles for enhanced neural tissue induction and function is described. Tetragonal barium titanate (BaTi03) nanoparticles are employed as piezoelectric stimulators prepared as cytocompatible dispersions, incorporated into 3D self-organizing neural spheroids, and activated wirelessly by ultrasound. Ultrasound delivery (low frequency; 40kHz) is optimized for cell survival, and nanoparticle activation enabled ES throughout the spheroids during differentiation, tissue formation, and maturation. The resultant human neural tissues represent the first example of direct tissue loading with piezoelectric particles for ensuing 3D ultrasound-mediated piezoelectric enhancement of human neuronal induction from stem cells, including augmented neuritogenesis and synaptogenesis. It is anticipated that the platform described will facilitate advanced tissue engineering and in vitro modeling of human neural (and potentially non-neural) tissues, with modeling including tissue development and pathology, and applicable to preclinical testing and prototyping of both electroceuticals and pharmaceuticals.

Embracing the illusion of explanatory depth: A strategic framework for using iterative prompting for integrating large language models in healthcare education

Healthcare educators are exploring ways to integrate Large Language Models (LLMs) into the curriculum. At the same time, they are concerned about the negative impact on students’ cognitive development. There is concern that the students will not learn to think and problem-solve by themselves and instead become dependent on LLMs to find answers. In addition, the students could start accepting the LLM generated responses at face value. The Illusion of Explanatory Depth (IoED) is a cognitive bias where humans believe they understand complex phenomena in more depth than they do. This illusion is caused when people rely on external sources of information rather than deeper levels of internalized knowledge. This illusion can be exposed by asking follow-up in depth questions. Using the same approach, specifically iterative prompting, can help students interact with LLM’s while learning actively, gaining deeper levels of knowledge, and exposing the LLM shortcomings. The article proposes that educators encourage use of LLMs to complete assignments using a template, that promotes students’ reflections on their interactions with LLMs, using iterative prompting. This process based on IoED, and iterative prompting will help educators integrate LLMs in the curriculum while mitigating the risk of students becoming dependent on these tools. Students will practice active learning and experience firsthand the inaccuracies and inconsistencies in LLM responses.

Self-Powered Electrochemiluminescence for Imaging the Corrosion of Protective Coating of Metal and Quantitative Analysis.

In almost all electrochemical systems for electrochemiluminescence (ECL) analysis, electrodes are connected with an external power source, either directly or via wireless energy transfer circuit. That is inconvenient and makes some applications impossible. Herein, we both use galvanized iron with two different metals as both power source and electrodes to achieve a self-powered ECL and exploit ECL for the imaging of the corrosion of protective coating of widely used metal (e.g. galvanized iron) for the first time. The self-powered ECL enables the visualization of the deterioration of galvanic coating on iron using a smartphone and the detection of ascorbic acid with a linear range of 0.5-100 μM and a limit of detection of 0.31 μM. The devices based on self-powered approach do not require external power supply, thus effectively reducing their volume and cost. The self-powered ECL holds great promise for metal corrosion imaging and analytical applications.

Decision-making regarding accessing paediatric unscheduled healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic: a mixed methods rapid review and thematic synthesis

ObjectiveReductions in paediatric unscheduled healthcare utilisation were seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, with concerns around their impact on children’s health. The reasons for these changes are not well described. This...

Revolutionizing waste management: Harnessing citizen-driven innovators through open innovation to enhance the 5Rs of circular economy

This study investigates how citizens with characteristics aligned with the circular economy utilize internal and external knowledge networks to enhance their practices in the 5Rs—Repair, Reduce, Recycle, Reuse, and Rot—within emerging markets, specifically in Thailand. These 5R principles are essential for reducing waste and extending resource lifecycles, which are critical elements of sustainable environmental management. By integrating individual knowledge sources with external networks, this article identifies effective strategies for advancing awareness and engagement in waste management. The survey-based analysis reveals that Thai citizens predominantly rely on prior experience and peer advice to navigate waste management challenges. Importantly, researchers quantify the impact of such practices, showing that substantial experience with the 5Rs significantly correlates with improved waste management capabilities (β = 0.519, R² = 0.498, MSE = 0.446). This demonstrates that experience accounts for nearly half of the variance in waste management capability. However, the diversity of external knowledge sources alone, without deep technical competence and practical application, does not markedly enhance waste management outcomes. These findings emphasize the need for strategies that prioritize practical experience and skill development in waste management, suggesting that enhancing individual and collective experience with the 5Rs can significantly contribute to achieving sustainability goals. The results advocate for the scalability of the 5Rs across different community settings, offering a framework for other emerging markets striving to integrate circular economy principles into everyday practices.

Experimental Study on Heat Transfer Characteristics of Hollowing Defect Areas on Building Facade

Infrared detection is more and more widely used in the field of non-destructive testing of buildings to detect whether there is a defect on the surface of the building facade. In many cases, it is necessary to obtain more information about the defect, such as the depth of the defect, so as to evaluate the severity of the defect and repair. The theoretical formula of hollowing defect depths was derived in this paper based on the heat transfer characteristics of the intact and defective areas on the building facade, and the influence of defects with different shapes, sizes and cavity thicknesses on the temperature distribution of the building facade was summarized quantitatively. Firstly, the theoretical formula of the hollowing defect depth and the factors affecting the distribution of the temperature gradient on the building facade excited by external thermal source was derived and restricted by the boundary condition. Secondly, three sets of physical building facade models that contained hollowing defects with different shapes, sizes and cavity thicknesses were fabricated and designed, and the experimental platform was built. The infrared thermograms and the temperature characteristic curves of the hollowing defect in a natural light environment were obtained and fitted according to the temperature differences of the defective area, while analyzing the influence of the size, shape and cavity thicknesses on surface temperature distribution. Finally, the theoretical formula of the defect depth that is applicable to the building façade was validated through the experimental simulation of 14 forms of hollowing. The experimental results demonstrated that the revised formula of defect depth is consistent with the actual defect depth, and the three-dimensional positioning of the hollow drum defect of the building facade can be effectively carried out and combined with the defect size taken from the obtained infrared thermal image.

Tinjauan Yuridis dalam Pasar Modal: Analisis Tahapan Initial Public Offering (Ipo)

In today's competitive business era, entrepreneurs are faced with the challenge of growing their businesses in an increasingly competitive environment. One of the main strategies for growth is business expansion, which often requires additional funding. Internal funding is often insufficient, so many companies turn to external sources of funds, such as through an Initial Public Offering (IPO). IPOs are defined in Law No. 8/1995 on Capital Markets and offer various benefits, including increased share ownership by individual investors, expansion of product distribution, and long-term investor support. However, some listed companies choose not to list their shares on the Indonesia Stock Exchange, a decision that complies with the Capital Market Law. A company can be classified as a public company if it meets certain criteria, including the number of shareholders and minimum paid-up capital. While not listing on the stock exchange may have its own benefits and drawbacks, this decision has significant implications for the company's operations. This study explains the dynamics and implications of various funding strategies in the current business context, providing insights into the IPO decision and the choice not to list on the stock exchange.