Area Growth Research Articles

Selective Area Growth of GaN μ-Platelets on Graphene

Selective Area Growth of GaN μ-Platelets on Graphene

7452 A Diagnostically Challenging Case of Hyperandrogenism in Postmenopausal Woman

Abstract Disclosure: M.S. Hossain: None. S. Hossain: None. B. Gautam: None. H. liao: None. S.C. Kumar: None. D.S. Rosenthal: None. Background: The diagnosis of new-onset severe hyperandrogenism in postmenopausal women is rarely encountered, posing a unique challenge for clinicians. Ovarian hyperthecosis and androgen-secreting tumors are the usual suspects in post menopause. In our case ovarian hyperthecosis is the primary consideration but elevated 17-OH Progesterone (17-OHP) introduces the potential co-existence of Non classical congenial adrenal hyperplasia (NCCAH) or rare instances of Sertoli-Leydig Cell Tumor (SLCT). Case Presentation: A 70 years old female, with no past medical history, referred to the Endocrinology clinic for significantly elevated testosterone level. She reported excessive hair growth in various areas of her body since 2022, which required shaving almost every day. She also reported male pattern hair loss and weight loss of 15 lbs over the last three months. She denied headache, vision changes, deepening of voice, history of fertility problems and use of exogenous testosterone. Her vital sign were normal. On examination, she had clitoromegaly, terminal hair growth on her upper lip and chin, breast atrophy, male pattern baldness, but no cushingoid or acromegaly features. Blood tests showed significantly elevated total testosterone: 1422 ng/dl (2-45); free testosterone: 147.9 pg/ml (0.2-3.7) and Estradiol: 64 pg/ml (Postmenopausal <31) with low LH: 7.6 mIU/ml (Postmenopausal 10.0-54.7) and FSH: 22.2 mIU/mL (Postmenopausal 23-116). Her serum ACTH, DHEA Sulfate, 11-deoxycortisol, 17 OH pregnenolone, TSH, Free T4, prolactin, IGF-1 were normal while her 17-OHP: 396 ng/dl (<45 ng/dl) was significantly elevated. An ACTH stimulation test showed 17-OHP level of 734 ng/dl at 30 minutes and 901 ng/dl at 1 hour. Pelvic ultrasonography: right ovary of 2.3 x 1.6 x 1.9 cm and the left ovary of 3.1 x 1.8 x 3.0 cm. MRI showed normal adrenal glands but a prominent left ovary. Patient was referred to the Obstetrics department to undergo bilateral oophorectomy for the definitive diagnosis and treatment. Discussion: The current ACTH stimulation test for non-classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia is validated for premenopausal women but lacks standardization in post-menopausal state. In our case, distinguishing the source of elevated 17-OHP between adrenal (NCCAH) and ovarian (SLCT) was difficult. Unexpected asymmetry in ovarian size observed in our case further complicates the scenario, contrasting with the typical symmetrical enlargement seen in ovarian hyperthecosis. Pending surgical pathology will further guide the management. This case highlights the complexity of diagnosing hyperandrogenism in postmenopausal women, emphasizing the significance of thoroughly exploring differential diagnoses and meticulously analyzing laboratory results. Presentation: 6/2/2024

Hop as a phytogenic alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in poultry production.

With the rapid growth of the world's population, the demand for food is also increasing. Poultry accounts for 40% of the global meat sector and therefore represents a significant area for further growth. One starting point for increasing production is to refine the composition of feed to improve the efficiency of growth and nutrient utilization, prevent disease and at the same time reduce environmental impact. Similar considerations have led to the long-standing sub-therapeutic use of antibiotics as growth promoters in animal husbandry, which is associated with the threat of rising antimicrobial resistances and the resulting consequences for human and animal health. In order to circumvent these drawbacks, an increasing number of alternative feed additives are becoming more prevalent. The use of phytogenic feed additives, which includes hops (Humulus lupulus), is regarded as a viable alternative. In addition to its natural availability, hops have been demonstrated to exhibit antimicrobial effects and there is increasing evidence of growth-promoting effects in vivo. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Diversity Audit at Starbucks: Assessment of Workforce Demography, Inclusion Initiatives, and Corporate Culture

The main goal of this diversity audit is to evaluate Starbucks’ present diversity and inclusion programs for efficacy. This audit evaluates organizational policies, worker satisfaction, workforce inclusionary practices, and the results of diversity programs at two Starbucks locations. The audit uses a mixed-methods approach, combining the analysis of publicly available data and direct observational studies, in South Florida locations, to provide a comprehensive knowledge of Starbucks’ diversity policy. The findings demonstrate a noteworthy level of gender diversity and highlight areas in which minority representation in senior management roles needs to be strengthened. Creating employee resource groups, stepping up diversity training, using targeted recruitment techniques, and conducting frequent diversity audits to guarantee ongoing improvement are just a few of the recommendations. The paper provides actionable insights to help firms like Starbucks maintain a competitive edge in a diversified global market and enhance their inclusivity. The advancement of an inclusive culture that recognizes and benefits from diversity at all organizational levels depends on many measures that are tracked and improved consistently. By implementing practical suggestions, modern organizations can ensure that their diversity initiatives stay relevant and successful, upholding their standing as pioneers in corporate diversity programs. In addition to assisting Starbucks in navigating a challenging international market, a proactive commitment to diversity and inclusion will help create a more just society. In a culturally diverse work environment, a diversity audit is a crucial tool for corporations to assess and improve their workforce equity, accessibility to everyone, and inclusivity. By conducting a thorough review of existing policies, practices, and employee experiences, diversity audits help identify biases, barriers, and areas for growth before any costly lawsuits surface. This process enables companies to pinpoint disparities in hiring, promotion, and retention rates, as well as uncover hidden biases in decision-making processes. With audit findings, corporations can develop targeted strategies to foster a more inclusive culture, enhance employee engagement, and boost innovation. Ultimately, a diversity audit helps organizations ensure fairness, equity, and equal opportunities for all prospects and employees, thereby leading to increased productivity, better brand reputation, and a competitive advantage in both attracting and retaining diverse top talent for the firm.

Efficacy of various herbicides for weed management in irrigated chickpea (Cicer arietinum)

Chickpea is a short-stature crop with slow initial growth and limited leaf area development due to which it is heavily infested with a wide spectrum of weeds. The menace of weeds has increased to such an extent that an ef- fective weed management schedule has become a necessity. A research study was conducted during the rabi season of 2021–22 at the Agronomy Research Farm, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana. Thirteen weed control treatments viz., pre-plant incorporation (PPI) and pre-emergence (PRE) pendimethalin at 1,000 g/ha, PPI imazethapyr at 75 g/ha and 100 g/ha, PRE imazethapyr at 75 g/ha and 100 g/ha, post-emergence (PoE) imazethapyr at 75 g/ha and 100 g/ha, PPI and PRE pendimethalin + imazethapyr Ready mix (RM) at 1,000 g/h and two hand hoeings at 30 and 50 DAS were compared with weedy check and weed free in a randomized block design and replicated thrice. Among the herbicides, lowest weed dry weight was observed un- der PPI and PRE pendimethalin + imazethapyr (RM) at 1,000 g/ha respectively. PoE application of imazethapyr displayed phytotoxicity symptoms like stunting, leaf crinkling, and chlorosis as indicated by phytotoxicity scale ranging from 1-5. Significantly higher seed yield was obtained by pendimethalin + imazethapyr (1,827 kg/ha) over other combinations. Therefore, the PRE-application of pendimethalin + imazethapyr (RM) at 1,000 g/ha was the most suitable herbicide for efficient weed management in chickpea as it not only controlled the diverse weed flora but also improved seed yield.

Impact of red mud on soil properties and revegetation species growth in bauxite mining land reclamation

Bauxite mining, a key aluminum production process, can cause environmental degradation, soil erosion, and biodiversity loss. Reclamation measures like reforestation and water management can restore balance. Red mud, a by-product of alumina production, can enhance soil fertility and plant growth in post-bauxite mining reclamation areas. Its alkalinity and mineral composition reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers, promoting sustainable soil management and addressing environmental challenges. This study aimed to examine the impact of red mud on soil characteristics and the growth of plants in areas during bauxite mining land reclamation. This study was conducted in the post-reclamation area of bauxite mining in West Kalimantan. The experiment involved two treatments: red mud application and a species of revegetation plant. Plant species consist of the plants Embeng, Forest Guana, Johar, and Rambutan. The study used a randomized block design with 24 experimental units. The parameters measured in the study included pH, organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, exchangeable cations, cation exchange capacity, and base saturation, while growth parameters included a high percentage of plant growth and percentages of increased stem diameter. The findings showed that adding red mud to the planting hole increased soil pH and base saturation, improved nutrient availability, and enhanced plant growth in the areas post-mining bauxite at PT Antam, UBPB West Kalimantan. The Embeng Plant is highly regarded as a suitable plant species for re-vegetating areas after bauxite mining.

Multisource remote sensing monitoring and analyzing for land subsidence and crop growth in a coal mining area under different rainfall conditions

Coal has been crucial in driving economic development and production construction. However, the mining-induced subsidence may cause irreversible damage to the surrounding environment of vegetation growth. Meanwhile, with the worsening of global warming, the frequency and intensity of extreme water-related weather events, such as droughts and excessive rainfall, are on the rise, which leads to heightened impacts on ecosystems and agricultural production. Consequently, extreme water-related weather, the distribution of land subsidence, and its effect on vegetation have attracted significant attention. Based on the Sentinel-1 radar data and Sentinel-2 multispectral data from 2017 to 2022, the SBAS-InSAR technology, the object-oriented classification, and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) were employed respectively in the study to obtain the spatial-temporal evolution of land subsidence, subsidence-induced water, and crop growth in Tiefa mining area, a representative coal mining area in Northeast China. Moreover, the relationship between land subsidence, subsidence-induced water, and vegetation change was analyzed combined with summer precipitation data. The results showed that: (1) The average cumulative subsidence of the mining area was 256.8 mm, and the subsidence area was 42.525 km2 for the six years. Among them, the heaviest subsidence reached a maximum of 380.5 mm in 2022, and the largest subsidence area was 20.109 km2 in 2017. (2) When the rainfall was excessive, the area of subsidence-induced water would increase sharply, with a proportion jumping to 9.71% from 5.37%, which indicated the subsidence would further amplify the destructive effect of excessive rainfall and waterlogging on land resources. (3) In addition to the existing water pits, ground cracks and shallow subsidence pits appeared under the influence of underground coal mining. The direct impact of ground cracks on crops was not apparent, while the effect of subsidence pits on crops under different rainfall conditions was dual character. In dry years, crops in the subsidence pits could grow better due to higher soil moisture. In wet years, crops in the subsidence pits would suffer the more severe waterlogging. The research results are of great significance for further understanding the influence of coal mining on surface vegetation in mining areas in Northeast China.

Recent trends of stem cell therapies in The management of orthopedic surgical challenges.

Emerged health-related problems especially with increasing population and with the wider occurrence of these issues have always put the utmost concern and led medicine to outgrow its usual mode of treatment, to achieve better outcomes. Orthopedic interventions are one of the most concerning hitches, requiring advancement in several issues, that show complications with conventional approaches. Advanced studies have been undertaken to address the issue, among which stem cell therapy emerged as a better area of growth. The capacity of the stem cells to renovate themselves and adapt into different cell types made it possible to implement its use as a regenerative slant. Harvesting the stem cells, particularly mesenchymal stem cells is easier and can be further grown in vitro. In this review, we have discussed orthopedic-related issues including bone defects and fractures, non-unions, ligament and tendon injuries, degenerative changes, and associated conditions, which require further approaches to execute better outcomes, and the advanced strategies that can be tagged along with various ways of application of mesenchymal stem cells. It aims to objectify the idea of stem cells, with a major focus on the application of Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from different sources in various orthopedic interventions. It also discusses the limitations, and future scopes for further approaches in the field of regenerative medicine. The involvement of mesenchymal stem cells may transition the procedures in orthopedic interventions from predominantly surgical substitution and reconstruction to bio-regeneration and prevention. Nevertheless, additional improvements and evaluations are required to explore the effectiveness and safety of mesenchymal stem cell treatment in orthopedic regenerative medicine.

Investigating plasma activated water as a sustainable treatment for improving growth and nutrient uptake in maize and pea plant

In this study, an atmospheric pressure air plasma jet (APAPJ) was employed to generate plasma-activated water (PAW), which was applied to treat maize (monocot) and pea (dicot) seeds for evaluating its influence. This research explored APAPJ diagnostics by varying the air feed rate as 1, 2, and 3 liter per minute (Lpm) through current-voltage characterization, optical emission spectroscopy, electron temperature and density, nitrogen metastable state density, and rotational and vibrational temperature of the plasma. Additionally, various reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) formed and physicochemical properties of PAW were analyzed by varying plasma treatment time from 0 to 8 min. Furthermore, the water uptake of maize (Zea mays) and pea (Pisum sativum) seeds were examined by the measurement of the contact angle. Results indicated that APAPJ has the capacity of fostering germination, growth, chlorophyll, phosphorus, nitrite, nitrate, ammonium ion and leaf area in plants significantly with an optimized 6 min treated PAW for maize and 2 min treated PAW for peas. Among various categories, seeds soaked in PAW and irrigated with PAW exhibited the most outstanding result in germination and plant growth. Non-thermal plasma showed promising green methods for enhancing plant growth and boosting nutrient content.

Silicon nitride shadowed selective area growth of low defect density vertical GaN mesas via plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy

Ion bombardment during inductively coupled plasma reactive-ion etching and ion-implantation introduces irreparable crystalline damage to gallium nitride (GaN) power devices, leading to early breakdown and high leakage current. To circumvent this, a bi-layer selective area growth mask was engineered to grow up to 3.0 µm thick epitaxy of GaN using plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy as an ion-damage-free alternative to standard epitaxial processing routes. The masks and regrown architectures are characterized via SEM, conductive-atomic force microscopy (AFM), x-ray photo electron spectroscopy, Raman, and cathodoluminescence. Mask deposition conditions were varied to modulate and minimize the stress induced during thermal cycling. The resulting mesas exhibit low leakage, attributed to naturally terminated sidewalls as measured by an innovative perpendicular AFM measurement of the regrown sidewall. The regrown sidewall exhibited RMS (root mean square) roughness of 1.50 (±0.34) nm and defect density of 1.36 × 106 (±1.11 × 106) cm−2. This work provides a method to eliminate defect-inducing steps from GaN vertical epitaxial processing and stands to enhance GaN as a material platform for high-efficiency power devices.

A quantitative study of the solute diffusion zone during solidification of Al-Cu alloys via in-situ synchrotron X-radiography and numerical simulation

The solute diffusion zone plays a critical role in determining nucleation efficiency during heterogeneous nucleation. In this study, in-situ synchrotron X-radiography and numerical modeling were employed to investigate the Solute Suppressed Nucleation Zone (SSNZ) surrounding growing equiaxed grains in Al-13Cu alloys. Quantitative analysis of SSNZ and constitutional undercooling was conducted using image processing techniques. Solute concentration and SSNZ length in the <110> direction exceed those in the <100> direction, suggesting higher solute enrichment in dendrite centers. This causes greater undercooling in the dendrite growth direction (<100>) with faster dendrite growth rates. As equiaxed dendrites grow, SSNZ length in the <100> direction decreases while increasing significantly in the <110> direction. Utilizing data obtained from numerical simulations, we refined the analytical equation governing solute distribution preceding the solid–liquid interface under three-dimensional conditions, and the computational equation determining the SSNZ length. The SSNZ lengths derived from the optimized equation along the <100> and <110> directions demonstrate more agreement with both experimental observations and numerical simulation outcomes. Higher growth rates rapidly increase undercooling, limiting the development of nucleation-free zone. Additionally, SSNZ area growth slows at higher cooling rate, correlating with increased solute concentration and reduced area in SSNZ.

Detection of an unintentional Si doping gradient in site-controlled GaN nanowires grown using a Si3N4 mask by spatially resolved cathodoluminescence and Raman spectroscopy

Highly uniform arrays of site-controlled GaN nanowires are synthesized by selective area growth using a Si3N4 mask and molecular beam epitaxy. Systematic modulation of the emission along the nanowire axis is observed in spectrally resolved cathodoluminescence linescans. We show that this intensity change is an indicator of unintentional Si incorporation during growth resulting from the interaction between the impinging Ga atoms and the mask material. The gradual reduction of the cathodoluminescence intensity along the nanowire highlights the important role of the growth geometry within the synthesis reactor, with shadowing from the elongating nanowires inhibiting the reaction with the mask. This gradient in Si doping is confirmed by the quenching of the longitudinal optical phonon line measured in Raman spectra along the nanowire axis. The corresponding carrier density is derived from the frequency of the coupled phonon–plasmon mode. The spectroscopic identification of inversion domain boundaries in the majority of the nanowires is also attributed to the Si incorporation. From temperature dependent cathodoluminescence experiments, we derive the activation energy for excitons bound to these defects.

Direct growth of Bio-Graphene using Modified-Chemical Vapor deposition for Straight-Forward characterization

Oil Palm Shell (OPS) is subjected to heating, resulting in gaseous compound release. These compounds are deposited on the substrate to produce Bio-Graphene. Through Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), the process is optimized by growing environment parameters during the production process. This process involves the controlled deposition of gaseous compounds onto a substrate under two different positions of the alumina boat (ABC-1 and ABC-2). Direct deposition on silicon wafers eliminated etching and transfer sequences, simplifying Bio-Graphene characterization. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope, Atomic Force Microscope, Raman Spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and I-V measurement were employed to characterize the Bio-Graphene. The findings revealed that the better-closed settings (ABC-2) facilitated the growth of high-quality Bio-Graphene with better crystallinity, detectable growth spurt, estimated few-layer thickness, larger growth area, and lower surface roughness. Optimizing the deposition environment at ABC-2 significantly enhances the quality and crystallinity of Bio-Graphene from OPS, paving the way for future applications.

Optimizing Administrative Professionalism: A Strategic Approach to Elevate Clientele Satisfaction in Service-Oriented Environments

Professionalism is crucial in shaping client experience in organizations, yet many organizations lack strategies to enhance staff conduct, leading to inconsistent service, communication gaps, and inadequate training. Essential qualities such as competence, courtesy, honesty, integrity, and specialized knowledge significantly impact client interactions, complaint resolution, and organizational image. This study, conducted at the City College of Calamba, Philippines, surveyed 1,126 students to assess their perceptions of professionalism among administrative personnel providing student services and evaluate customer satisfaction. Using a descriptive correlational approach with stratified random sampling and simple statistical treatment such as mean and Goodman and Kruskal's Gamma Correlation, the study established a correlation between staff professionalism and satisfaction, proposing a development program based on its findings. The survey found high levels of professionalism and customer satisfaction, recognized staff strengths in professional communication and accountability, and indicated areas for growth in problem-solving. The significant relationships between job performance, service delivery, ethics, and satisfaction highlight professionalism’s impact on consumer perspectives. The novelty of this study lies in its focus on the correlation between professionalism and satisfaction within an educational setting, offering insights for targeted development programs. Limitations include a small sample size, which may affect generalizability, reliance on self-reported data, cross-sectional design, and a focus on one institution, which may overlook broader contextual nuances.

Key Dimensions in Smart Cities' Rankings - Towards Enhancing the Quality of Life for Smart Cities’ Inhabitants

Abstract Motivation: Urbanization, demographic trends, globalization, and sustainable development contribute to the emergence of smart cities, which entail the intelligent integration of economy, governance, mobility, environment, daily life, and people. Smart city concept means a solution to support the growth of urban areas. One significant aspect discussed in the context of smart cities is the quality of life for their inhabitants. Smart cities are prevalent worldwide, but there is no universally accepted index for accurate and reliable global rankings. Essential criteria for evaluation include livability, health, technology, mobility and transport, economy, environment, governance, and sustainability. The primary objective of this paper is to address the following questions: How do smart cities enhance the quality of life for their inhabitants? What are the key dimensions and indicators used in smart cities rankings in the context of quality of life? Which cities are considered the smartest globally according to the most prominent rankings, and are there any European cities among them? Aim: The aim of the article is to explore the main dimensions and indicators in smart cities indexes and to present the first three smartest countries based on 2022 rankings. The article answers the question which of the key dimensions of smart cities' rankings are most consistent with the areas of improvement in the quality of life of the inhabitants of these cities. This manuscript may prove valuable for researchers planning to assess the benefits and challenges associated with smart cities.

Security issues analysis based on big data in cloud computing

This study will investigate the security problems that are linked with the Hadoop ecosystem, Big Data, Map Reduce, and cloud computing. The objective of this research is to analyze these concerns. Specifically, the primary emphasis is placed on the security concerns that are linked with big data in cloud computing. Big data applications have a lot to offer organizations, companies, and a broad range of industries, no matter how big or little. There have been issues with Hadoop and cloud computing security, therefore we also look at several possible solutions to these difficulties. The field of cloud computing security is experiencing fast growth in several areas, including computer security, network security, information security, and data privacy. Data, apps, and the infrastructure related to them are greatly helped by cloud computing's use of rules, technologies, controls, and big data tools to keep everything safe. Researchers also anticipate that cloud computing, big data, and their associated benefits will represent the most exciting new areas of study.

Cytological analysis of flower development, insights into suitable growth area and genomic background: implications for Glehnia littoralis conservation and sustainable utilization

BackgroundGlehnia littoralis F. Schmidt ex Miq., an endangered plant species with significant medicinal, edible, and ecological value, is now a central concern for conservation and sustainable utilization. Investigating the physiological and ecological mechanisms leading to its endangerment and elucidating its genetic background constitutes the foundation for conducting in-depth research on G. littoralis.ResultsOur observations have revealed a significant degree of floral sterility in wild populations of G. littoralis. The inflorescences of G. littoralis are classified into three types: completely fertile, completely sterile, and partially fertile compound umbels. Moreover, the flowers of G. littoralis can be categorized into fertile and sterile types. Sterile flowers exhibited abnormalities in the stigma, ovary, and ovules. This study is the first to discover that the presence or absence of a giant cell at the funiculus during the initiation of ovule primordium determines whether the flower can develop normally, providing cytological evidence for female sterility in G. littoralis. Conversely, both fertile and sterile flowers produced normally developed pollen. Field observations have suggested that robust plants bear more fertile umbels, while weaker ones have fewer or even no fertile umbels, indicating a close relationship between flower fertility and plant nutritional status. Our model correctly predicted that the eastern coastal regions of China, as well as prospective areas in Neimenggu and Sichuan, are suitable environments for its cultivation. Additionally, Using flow cytometry and genome survey, we estimated the genome size of G. littoralis to be 3.06 Gb and the heterozygosity to be 4.58%.ConclusionThe observations and findings presented in this study were expected to provide valuable insights for further conserving its genetic resources and sustainable utilization of G. littoralis.

Mapping Species Distributions of Latoia consocia Walker under Climate Change Using Current Geographical Presence Data and MAXENT (CMIP 6).

Latoia consocia Walker is an important phytophagous pest that has rapidly spread across North China in recent years, posing a severe threat to related plants. To study the impact of climatic conditions on its distribution and to predict its distribution under current and future climate conditions, the MaxEnt niche model and ArcGIS 10.8 software were used. The results showed that the MaxEnt model performs well in predicting the distribution of L. consocia, with an AUC value of 0.913. The annual precipitation (Bio12), the precipitation of the driest month (Bio14), the temperature annual range (Bio7), and the minimum temperature of the coldest month (Bio6) are key environmental factors affecting the potential distribution of L. consocia. Under current climate conditions, L. consocia has a highly suitable growth area of 2243 km2 in China, among which Taiwan has the largest high-suitable area with a total area of 1450 km2. With climate warming, the potential habitat area for L. consocia shows an overall decreasing trend in future. This work provides a scientific basis for research on pest control and ecological protection. A "graded response" detection and early warning system, as well as prevention and control strategies, can be developed for potentially suitable areas to effectively address this pest challenge.

Comparison of aerosol number size distribution and new particle formation in summer at alpine and urban regions in the Guanzhong Plain, Northwest China

Ultrafine particles play a crucial role in understanding climate change, mitigating adverse health effects, and developing strategies for air pollution control. However, the factors influencing the occurrence and development of new particle formation (NPF) events, as well as the underlying chemical mechanisms, remain inadequately explained. This study compared number concentrations and size distributions of atmospheric ultrafine particles at Xi'an (urban area) and the summit of Mt. Hua (alpine region) in summer to investigate the NPF mechanism and particle growth in both clean and polluted areas of the Guanzhong Plain. The average particle number concentration in Xi'an was significantly higher than that at Mt. Hua. The diurnal variation of total particle number concentration differed between Xi'an and Mt. Hua indicating a divergence in influencing factors. The size distributions in Xi'an varied across different timescales and weather conditions, whereas Mt. Hua exhibited little variation. This stability at Mt. Hua is attributed to its cleaner background atmosphere and the steady influx of aging particles with larger diameters transported from the free atmosphere. In both areas, geometric mean diameters (GMDs) were inversely proportional to particle number concentrations suggesting that increase in particle numbers were primarily due to the generation of smaller particles. The potential governing factors for NPF events differed somewhat between the urban and mountainous stations. In the urban area, intense local stationary and mobile emission sources promoted the growth of newly formed nanoparticles, with ozone-oxidized condensable vapors serving as key precursors. In contrast, at the mountainous station, NPF process were significantly influenced by anthropogenic precursors from long-range transport and locally emitted biogenic organics. The rapid increase in ultrafine particle concentrations primarily poses serious health risks and degrades air quality in urban areas, while also contributing to climate-related effects in alpine regions.

Building Collective Power to Advance Maternal and Child Health Equity: Lessons from the New Orleans Maternal and Child Health Coalition.

The New Orleans Maternal Child Health Coalition convenes to support and amplify the work of New Orleans-based individuals and organizations working to reduce disparities and protect the health of birthing families in the New Orleans area. The objectives of this qualitative study were to identify successes, challenges, and areas of growth for the Coalition and develop broadly generalizable recommendations for similar groups seeking to mobilize and advance health equity in their own communities. Using purposive sampling, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 12 key informants from within and outside of the Coalition. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, and data was analyzed using inductive and deductive coding approaches. We identified themes relating to the barriers and facilitators to the maintenance of the Coalition, as well as opportunities to advance the mission of the Coalition. Some themes included structural- and systemic-level barriers to achieving the mission, varying perspectives on the effectiveness of the Coalition, opportunities to enhance the operations of the Coalition's work, and opportunities to involve other individuals, particularly those with lived experience, and non-MCH related sectors in Coalition's work. As the maternal health crisis continues, coalitions like the New Orleans MCH Coalition provide a vehicle to amplify the mission-driven work of people and organizations. Recommendations put forth by the Coalition can also be utilized by coalitions in other jurisdictions.