Increase In Intensity Research Articles

Deeply trapped electrons induced long-time sustainable mechanoluminescence of X-ray irradiated La2Ti2O7:Pr3+ for detection of stress burst

X-ray irradiated La2Ti2O7:Pr3+ was found to show long-time sustainable mechanoluminescence (ML), which can realize the high sensitivity and real time detection of stress burst for more than 72 h. Under the excitation of X-ray, La2Ti2O7:Pr3+ shows red ML emissions located at 610, 624 and 638 nm, which are similar to the afterglow emission spectrum and can be ascribed to1D2-3H4, 3P0-3H4 and 3P0-3H2 of Pr3+. And the linear increases of compressive load can induce the linear increases of ML intensity of the sample, indicating that the X-ray induced ML emission can be utilized to accurately detect the stress applied on the object. Furthermore, X-ray irradiated La2Ti2O7:Pr3+ possesses excellent stability and the repeatability of ML emission and the ML signals can keep stable even 50 load cycles after 1 h decay. The thermoluminescence results suggest that abundant electrons are trapped in shallow and deep answered for stable ML emission. More importantly, the deeply trapped electrons induced ML emissions from X-ray irradiated La2Ti2O7:Pr3+ can be utilized to detect the stress bursts for a long time. When the sample is recharged by 5 min X-ray irradiation once, within 24 h decay, the 1500 N burst among many 1000 N cycles can be clearly detected, and the signal to noise ratio (S/N) reaches 1.32 and 1.26 after 12 and 24 h decay, respectively. And even after 72 h decay, the S/N of 2500 N still arrives at 1.23 and that of 4000 N reaches 1.97, indicative of long-time high sensitivity detection of abnormal stress. All these results suggest that the X-ray-irradiated La1.97Ti2O7:0.03Pr3+/resin sample can realize the high sensitivity and real time detection of stress burst for more than 72 h, which thus possesses great potential application in early warning of the emergency disasters such as bridge fracture, tunnel collapse and so on.

Bridging climate refuges for climate change adaptation: A spatio-temporal connectivity network approach

Enhancing the spatio-temporal connectivity of dynamic landscapes is crucial for species to adapt to climate change. However, a spatio-temporal connectivity network approach considering climate change and species movement is often overlooked. Taking Tibetan wild ass on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau as an example, we simulated species distribution under current (2019) and future scenarios (2100), constructed spatio-temporal connectivity networks, and assessed the spatio-temporal connectivity. The results show that under the current, SSP2-4.5 and SSP3-7.0 scenarios, the suitable habitats for Tibetan wild ass account for 21.11%, 21.34%, and 20.95% of the total area, respectively, which show more fragmentation in 2100. 78.35% of habitats which are predicted to be suitable under current conditions will remain suitable in the future, which can be regarded as stable climate refuges. With the increase in future emission intensity, the number percentage of auxiliary connectivity corridors increases from 27.65% to 33.57%. This indicates that more patches will function as temporary refuges and the auxiliary connectivity corridors will gradually weaken the dominance of direct connectivity corridors. Under different SSP-RCP scenarios, the internal spatio-temporal connectivity is the highest, accounting for 42%–43%. Compared with the spatio-temporal perspective, the purely spatial perspective overestimates network connectivity by about 28% considering all current and future patches, and underestimates network connectivity by 16%–21% when only considering all current or future patches. In this study, a new approach of spatio-temporal connectivity network is proposed to bridge climate refuges, which contributes to the long-term effectiveness of conservation networks for species’ adaptation to climate change.

ESIPT+TICT-Based Near-IR Detection of Al3+ and F- in Live Cells: Molecular Docking with Acetylcholinesterase.

The interplay of ESIPT+TICT mechanisms in 1,8-naphthalimide-hydroxyquinoline (NQ-OH) molecular rotor were reported for the near-IR 'turn-on' emission (λmax 600 nm) and ratiometric (A405nm/A345nm) absorbance-based detection of Al3+ ions in aqueous medium and live cells which were supported by NMR, IR and CV techniques. The limit of detection (LOD) for Al3+ ions is 100 nM and 14.57 nM. The self-assembled spherical aggregates of NQ-OH transformed into cuboidal aggregates upon coordination with Al3+ ions supported by microscopic and dynamic light scattering (DLS) techniques. The complex NQ-OH+Al3+ was further used for the secondary detection of F- ions in aqueous medium via displacement approach with LOD as low as 2.67 nM. A deeper study revealed that the NQ-OH is a solvatochromic dye. Probably, the NQ-OH either in the aggregated state or in the coordination state with Al3+ ions, showed an increase in the emission intensity at 600 nm due to inhibition of the ESIPT process and trigger of the TICT process. We have demonstrated the utility of NQ-OH for the detection of Al3+ ions and NQ-OH+Al3+ complex for the detection of F- ions in MCF7 live cells. We have also discussed the molecular docking studies of NQ-OH with acetylcholinesterase enzyme.

A planar plume array emanating from an atmospheric pressure argon plasma jet employing floating electrodes

Large-scale plasma plumes downstream of plasma jets are in urgent need from a practical viewpoint. In this Letter, an argon plasma jet with floating electrodes is proposed to produce a large-scale planar plume array. Results indicate that with increasing peak voltage (Vp), the planar plume array elongates gradually and scales up in the lateral direction to an optimal value of 90.0 mm. There is only one discharge pulse per voltage half cycle, whose intensity and duration increase with increasing Vp. Moreover, there is a time lag between the initiations of individual plumes. Fast photography reveals that the planar plume array originates from the repeated process of some micro-discharge filaments stretching along the argon stream. By optical emission spectroscopy, the spatial distribution of plasma parameters is obtained, such as electron density, electron temperature, and gas temperature. At last, the planar plume array is employed to test the surface modification of polyethylene terephthalate, for which a uniform modification has been realized with a scan velocity of 1.0 cm/min. These results are of great significance for the development of large-scale atmospheric pressure plasma sources.

The “SEP Clock”: A Discussion of First Proton Arrival Times in Wide-Spread Solar Energetic Particle Events

This work analyzes the appearance of wide-spread deka-MeV solar energetic proton (SEP) events, in particular the arrival of the first protons within ≈ 4.5 – 45 MeV measured at Earth–Sun L1, and their relationship with their relative solar source longitude. The definition of “wide-spread SEP event” for this study refers to events that are observed as a 25 MeV proton intensity increase at near 1 AU locations that are separated by at least 130∘ in solar longitude. Many of these events are seen at all three of the spacecraft, STEREO (Solar-Terrestrial Relations Observatory) A, STEREO B, and SOHO (Solar and Heliospheric Observatory), and may therefore extend far beyond 130∘ in longitude around the Sun. A large subset of these events have already been part of a study by Richardson et al. (Solar Phys., 289, 3059, 2014). The event source region identifications draw from this study; more recent events have also been added. Our focus is on answering two specific questions: (1) What is the maximum longitude over which SEP protons show energy dispersion, i.e., a clear sign of arrival of higher-energy protons before those of lower energy? (2) What implications can be drawn from the ensemble of events observed regarding either direct magnetic connectivity to shocks and/or cross-field transport from the site of the eruption in the onset phase of the event?

Investigation of the growth rate on optical and crystal quality of InGaAs/AlGaAs multi-quantum wells and InGaAs single layer grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE)

The impact of growth rate on the optical and crystal quality of InGaAs/AlGaAs multi-quantum wells (MQWs) and InGaAs single layer grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) is studied. Photoluminescence (PL) and high-resolution X-ray diffraction (HRXRD) are applied for evaluation of the optical, crystal quality and interfaces smoothness. The room-temperature PL integral intensity increases by 220 % when the growth rate decreases from 2 to 1 Å/s. HRXRD analysis reveals the growth rate of 1 Å/s improves crystal and interface quality of MQWs, as well as significantly enhances PL intensity. But further reduce growth rate to 0.5 Å/s, the PL integral intensity decreases, instead. At lower growth rate, more impurities can incorporate into InGaN layer and act as nonradiative recombination centers. Growth rate can effectively control crystal quality, interfaces smoothness and impurity content and thus determine the optical quality of InGaAs/AlGaAs MQWs.

Reinsurance contracts under Stackelberg game and market equilibrium

In this paper, we investigate the robust reinsurance contracts under Stackelberg game and market equilibrium. Each reinsurance contract contains two decision makers, one insurer and one reinsurer. The insurer is ambiguity-neutral and adopts a loss-dependent premium principle to collect premium. The reinsurer is ambiguity-averse and is a Bayesian learner. By using the stochastic dynamic programming method and the inverse method, the analytical expressions of the optimal risk allocation proportion and reinsurance price are derived for the two types of reinsurance contracts. We shows that the loss-dependent premium principle has the penalty-reward nature. Both the reinsurance price and demand decrease as the extrapolative intensity increases. Learning has important significance and always puts down the reinsurance price and puts up the reinsurance demand. On the contrary, the reinsurer’s ambiguity aversion raises the reinsurance price and decreases the reinsurance demand. Finally, numerical analysis reveals that the reinsurance price is greater under the Stackelberg game than that under the market equilibrium.

Significance of T-receptor and kappa-deletion recombina- tion excision rings as molecular markers in the assessment of newborns of different gestational ages

Currently, there is a large number of studies indicating that preterm infants have reduced levels of T-receptor and kappa-deletion recombination excision rings (TREC and KREC) as indicators of impaired T- and/or B-cell immunity. Studies aimed at in-depth study of the causative factors that led to the decrease in the estimated indicators remain relevant. Purpose. Determination of the influence of somatometric parameters and prenatal factors on the level of TREC and KREC in newborns, as well as evaluation of the dynamics of these indicators from gestational age. Material and methods. The study included 203 neonates with gestational ages ranging from 22 to 41 weeks. TREC and KREC were isolated by PCR from dried blood spots on Guthrie cards. Blood sampling was performed as part of neonatal screening. The estimated parameters were analyzed according to gestational age, somatometric data and prenatal factors (mode of delivery, number of fetuses in pregnancy). Statistical analysis was performed using the StatTech v. 4.1.4 software. Results. It was found that the increase in gestational age by 1 week increases the KREC level by 44.610·105 (rxy = 0.271, p < 0.001), TREC level by 27.274·105 (rxy = 0.264, p = 0.002). Linear regression analysis showed weak direct relationships between TREC and KREC levels and anthropometric data. Children from multiple pregnancies had significantly higher TREC values than infants from singleton pregnancies (p < 0.001). Conclusion. The immune system of premature newborns is capable of producing adequate amounts of TREC and KREC. Between 22 and 28 weeks of age, the most intense increase in the assessed indicators occurs, after which their levels relatively stabilize. Since TREC and KREC levels tend to decrease in preterm newborns, a comprehensive evaluation of the dynamics of these indicators depending on significant prenatal and somatometric data is extremely important.

Signal-amplified detection of amyloid-β aggregates based on plasmon-enhanced fluorescence

Protein aggregation and misfolding are the main causes of neurodegenerative diseases. The development of a sensitive detection method and early diagnosis is significant for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of these diseases. Herein, boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY)-modified probe based on plasmon-enhanced fluorescence (PEF) was developed for the detection of amyloid-β protein (Aβ) aggregates. Gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) and BODIPY were as the plasma, fluorescent substance, respectively. Meanwhile, the distance between the Au NPs and the BODIPY was controlled by silica spacer. Compared with the original BODIPY, the fluorescence signal of BODIPY-decorated Au NPs (Au NPs@SiO2-BODIPY) exhibited 13-fold fluorescence enhancement. Three dimensions finite difference time domain (3D-FDTD) result demonstrated the signal-amplified was ascribed to the increase of electric field intensity (3.78 V/m). The linear range and detection limit for Aβ42 detection were lowered to 5–60 μM and 0.85 μM. The developed PEF probe was applied to selective and sensitive recognize Aβ aggregates in mouse colorectal carcinoma cells (CT26) and mouse pancreatic cancer cells (PAN02), which also showed a higher fluorescent signal than the original BODIPY. This method has a broad application prospect in the prediction and detection of neurodegenerative diseases.

How do occupants experience the onset and triggering of building-related symptoms in damp Australian housing? An inductive-deductive content analysis

In recent years, occupants’ time spent in dwellings has increased concurrently with an increase in the duration and intensity of extreme weather events and the worsening of housing conditions. Indoor dampness and or mould (D/M) are risk factors for building-related symptoms (BRS), yet little is known about how symptoms start, thus hindering where to focus indoor air quality measurements and improvements in occupant safety. This study describes perceived symptom initiators, triggers and coinciding factors that explain what and how symptoms occurred from the perspectives of occupants living with indoor D/M. This study uses an inductive/deductive qualitative analysis, with purposive sampling (n = 154) from data collected via an online survey. Deductive content analysis utilises a framework driven by the Determinants of Health (DoH). Themes that emerged from the inductive analysis include: 1) when occupants or others interact with D/M; 2) when indoor D/M conditions change; and 3) a home full of D/M problems. From the deductive analysis, perceived exposure relating to D/M conditions differed between the initial onset of symptoms and the later triggering of symptoms. Additional coinciding factors relating to climate, socioeconomic, policy and individual factors along with a lack of knowledge, attitudes and beliefs, emerged. This study highlights the need to raise occupant awareness, enhance housing and occupancy regulations, and introduce safe work practices to address the lack of health awareness and health significance regarding indoor D/M housing conditions. It also outlines the need for targeted research measuring bioaerosol exposure related to actions, proximity-based exposure, and wet and repeatedly wet conditions.

Structure and optical properties of ZnxCd1-xS and Cu:ZnxCd1-xS templated on DNA molecules

One-dimensional ZnxCd1−xS and Cu: Zn x Cd1−x S nanostructures were prepared using DNA as a template to promote growth along the molecular axis. The formation of homogeneously alloyed nanocrystals with cubic zinc blende-type structures was verified using x-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. X-ray photoemission spectra revealed the presence of Cu(I) in the doped Cu: Zn x Cd1−x S nanocrystals. The effectiveness of the DNA template to direct the semiconductor growth in one dimension was demonstrated by AFM and TEM. The nanostructures displayed a granular morphology comprising nanoparticles with an average diameter of 14 nm composed of assemblies of smaller crystallites of 2.0 nm in size. Rope-like assemblies with an average diameter of 48 nm and extending in length to several hundred micrometres were obtained by evaporation-induced self-assembly. UV-Vis absorption and emission spectra indicated that the optical bandgaps (2.89–4.00eV) and photoluminescence peaks (608–819 nm) of the DNA-templated nanocrystals could be precisely controlled by modifying the molar ratios of their Zn/Cd precursors. Doping with Cu(I) gave an increase in photoluminescence intensity and a composition-independent red-shift of 0.23 eV. The preparation of DNA-templated Zn x Cd1−x S and Cu: Zn x Cd1−x S provides a simple, low-temperature route to aqueous dispersions of inorganic materials with controlled optical gap.

Rail transit disruptions, traffic generations, and adaptations: Quasi-experimental evidence from Hong Kong

Despite a recent surge in urban rail service disruptions, rigorous impact studies are rare and the empirical literature presents mixed or highly underestimated results. In response, we examine the impacts of disrupted urban rail service on vehicle use in Hong Kong, using air quality as a proxy for the latter. We find that, on average, nitrogen oxides concentrations near an inactive metro station increased by 7.8% after the protests. This result translates into an 8.4% increase in on-road traffic intensity, given the pollution-traffic elasticity of 0.93. During rush hours, metro-station shutdowns further increased traffic intensity by ≤31.9%, suggesting an imminent need for a rail-to-road mode shift among commuters. The magnitude of the effects, however, tends to decline over time, with a 1% decline for each hour past the occurrence of a given shutdown event. This declining trend seems to reflect increased adaptation over time at both network and individual levels.

Circadian control of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon-induced dysregulation of endothelial tight junctions and mitochondrial bioenergetics

The study evaluates the impact of environmental toxicants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), on circadian regulations and functions of brain endothelial cells, which form the main structural element of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). PAH are lipophilic and highly toxic environmental pollutants that accumulate in human and animal tissues. Environmental factors related to climate change, such as an increase in frequency and intensity of wildfires or enhanced strength of hurricanes or tropical cyclones, may lead to redistribution of these toxicants and enhanced human exposure. These natural disasters are also associated with disruption of circadian rhythms in affected populations, linking increased exposure to environmental toxicants to alterations of circadian rhythm pathways. Several vital physiological processes are coordinated by circadian rhythms, and disruption of the circadian clock can contribute to the development of several diseases. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is crucial for protecting the brain from blood-borne harmful substances, and its integrity is influenced by circadian rhythms. Exposure of brain endothelial cells to a human and environmentally-relevant PAH mixture resulted in dose-dependent alterations of expression of critical circadian modulators, such as Clock, Bmal1, Cry1/2, and Per1/2. Moreover, silencing of the circadian Clock gene potentiated the impact of PAHs on the expression of the main tight junction genes and proteins (namely, claudin-5, occludin, JAM-2, and ZO-2), as well as mitochondrial bioenergetics. Findings from this study contribute to a better understanding of pathological influence of PAH-induced health effects, especially those related to circadian rhythm disruption.

Experimental Analysis of IPMC Optical-Controlled Flexible Driving Performance under PLZT Ceramic Configuration.

Ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC) is regarded as the mainstream application material for achieving flexible driving technology in various engineering fields. In this article, aiming at the non-independence of the current IPMC electric driving method, an IPMC optical-controlled flexible driving method based on the photoinduced effects of lanthanum-modified lead zirconate titanate (PLZT) ceramic is proposed. To this end, a mathematical model for IPMC optical controlled flexible driving is built on the basis of the photovoltaic characteristic of PLZT ceramic, and the driving performance is experimentally analyzed through different lengths of IPMC under the excitation of different direct currents and light intensities. From the analysis and experimental results, when PLZT ceramic is irradiated by different light intensities, the output deformation of IPMC increases with increases in light intensity, and finally reaches a stable state. Moreover, the actuation curves obtained by light excitation and direct current excitation are consistent, and the motion coefficient reflects the driving performance more accurately. In addition, using light energy as an excitation source to drive IPMC not only provides new ideas for its development in the flexible driving field, but also provides a theoretical basis for its practical application.

Changes of vertical distribution of Microcystis colonies driven by short-term rainfall: Disappearance and reformation of surface bloom

Global climate warming and human activities have increased the magnitude and frequency of Microcystis surface blooms, posing significant threats to freshwater ecosystems and human health over recent decades. Heavy rainfall events have been reported to cause the disappearance of these blooms. Although some studies have employed turbulence models to analyze the movement characteristics of Microcystis colonies, the impact of rainfall is complex, comprehensive investigations on their vertical migration induced by short-term rainfall are still necessary. Utilizing monitoring data from eutrophic ponds and controlled simulation experiments, this study examines the short-term impacts of rainfall on the vertical distribution of Microcystis in the water column. Our findings indicate that rainfall contributes to the disappearance of Microcystis blooms by reducing the quantity of small to medium-sized colonies (0–100 μm) at the surface, subsequently decreasing the overall Microcystis biomass. As rainfall intensity increases, larger colonies migrate deeper into the water column. At a rainfall threshold of 666 mm, the difference in the median volume diameter (DV50) of Microcystis colonies between the surface and bottom reaches a minimal value of 3.09%. Post-rainfall, these colonies rapidly ascend, aggregate into larger formations, and re-establish surface blooms. The greater the rainfall, the smaller the resultant Microcystis biomass, albeit with larger aggregated colony sizes. When rainfall exceeds 222 mm, the recovery rate of surface Microcystis biomass remains below 100%, decreasing to 19.48% at 666 mm of rainfall, while the median volume diameter (DV50) of the colonies increases to 139.07% of its pre-rainfall level. Furthermore, compared to pre-rainfall conditions, the photosynthetic activity of the surface Microcystis colonies was enhanced and the secretion of EPS was increased under heavy rainfall conditions. Our results identify a critical response time of 30 min for Microcystis colonies to rainfall, after which the response ceases to intensify. These insights are crucial for predicting post-rain Microcystis bloom dynamics and aiding management authorities in timely interventions.

Determination of third order nonlinearity (n2 & β) of glycine zinc sulphate pentahydrate semi-organic single crystal using two laser radiations at different intensities

AbstarctThe third order nonlinear optical properties i.e. nonlinear refraction (n2), absorption coefficient (β) and third order susceptibility χ(3) of glycine zinc sulphate pentahydrate (GZS) semi-organic single crystal was investigated under the excitation of Q-switched Nd-YAG laser pulsed radiations (λ = 532 nm & 1064 nm) by familiar Z-scan method. The values of nonlinear refraction (n2), at 532 nm were 1.19 × 10−5 (cm2/GW), 2.09 × 10−5 (cm2/GW), 2.27 × 10−5 (cm2/GW), 2.48 × 10−5 (cm2/GW), and 2.55 × 10−5 (cm2/GW) at incident optical beam intensities of 0.76 (GW/cm2), 1.13 (GW/cm2), 1.17 (GW/cm2), 1.63 (GW/cm2) and 1.88 (GW/cm2) respectively while that of values at 1064 nm were 4.31 × 10−5 (cm2/GW), 4.69 × 10−5 (cm2/GW), 5.41 × 10−5 (cm2/GW) and 6.39 × 10−5 (cm2/GW) at incident optical beam intensities of 1.20 (GW/cm2), 1.25 (GW/cm2), 1.32 (GW/cm2) and 1.38 (GW/cm2) respectively. The values of nonlinear absorption coefficient (β) at 532 nm were −1.45 (cm/GW), −0.79 (cm/GW), −0.5 (cm/GW), 0.12 (cm/GW) and 0.64 (cm/GW) at incident optical beam intensities of 0.76 (GW/cm2), 1.13 (GW/cm2), 1.17 (GW/cm2), 1.63 (GW/cm2) and 1.88 (GW/cm2) respectively while that of values at 1064 nm were 0.62 (cm/GW), 0.74 (cm/GW), 0.77 (cm/GW) and 0.81 (cm/GW) at incident optical beam intensities of 1.20 (GW/cm2), 1.25 (GW/cm2), 1.32 (GW/cm2) and 1.38 (GW/cm2) respectively. The values of third order susceptibilities χ(3) at 532 nm were 0.83 × 10−12 (esu), 1.32 × 10−12 (esu), 1.42 × 10−12 (esu), 1.55 × 10−12 (esu) and 1.56 × 10−12 (esu) at intensities of 0.76 (GW/cm2), 1.13 (GW/cm2), 1.17 (GW/cm2), 1.63 (GW/cm2) and 1.88 (GW/cm2) respectively while that of values at 1064 nm were 2.71 × 10−12 (esu), 2.96 × 10−12 (esu), 3.4 × 10−12 (esu) and 4.02 × 10−12 (esu) at incident optical beam intensities of 1.20 (GW/cm2), 1.25 (GW/cm2), 1.32 (GW/cm2) and 1.38 (GW/cm2) respectively. It was seen that the sample showing saturable absorber to reverse saturable absorber at 532 nm wavelength at incident optical beam peak intensity (I0) of 1.53 GW/cm2. Thus the crystal could be a potential candidate of optical switching application. It was also seen that the material possess positive nonlinearity. It was also found that the values of nonlinear absorption coefficient (β) and nonlinear refraction (n2) increase with increase of excitation intensity irrespective of excitation wavelengths.

The changing rainfall patterns drive the growing flood occurrence in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Study regionUrban flooding is an intensifying issue in the rapidly developing lowland cities of Southeast Asia. Cambodia’s Phnom Penh City, located at the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers in the lower Mekong Basin, recently saw increasingly prevalent flash floods, resulting in casualties and damages. Study focusWhile flood planning and impact assessments have been done in the Mekong basin, flood causes in the face of climate change remain insufficiently understood. In this paper, the drivers of the increasingly prevalent floods in Phnom Penh are investigated through analysis of remote sensing and instrumental data. New hydrological insights for the regionWith precipitation records from the Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation and gauge station dataset, a general precipitation increase of 7 mm/year and a notable shift to a wetter regime were observed. Strong periodicities of 1/3-year, 1/2-year, 1-year and ∼5-year cycles were also identified, which generally showed a considerable increase in intensity from 1981 to 2021. Over the past 40 years, precipitation patterns have intensified. Yet, the average water levels of the rivers surrounding Phnom Penh have declined by 1–2 m from 1981 to 2021, indicating the pressure from climate change is a major hydrological driver contributing to Phnom Penh's flash floods. Meanwhile, Phnom Penh's vulnerability to flash flooding is also likely aggravated by drastic land use changes, which have increased the city's impervious surfaces and reduced its wetlands by 30 % since the 1980s.

Comparative study on the effects of anionic, cationic, and nonionic polyacrylamide surface modified magnetic micro-particles (MMP) for anaerobic digestion treatment of vegetable waste water (VWW)

Anaerobic digestion provides a solution for the treatment of vegetable waste water (VWW), but there are currently limited targeted treatment methods available. Building upon previous studies, this research investigated the effects of polyacrylamide-modified magnetic micro-particles (MMP) on anaerobic digestion (AD) of VWW. Three variations of these particles were created by grafting anionic, cationic, and non-ionic polyacrylamide (PAM) onto the MMPs’ surfaces, resulting in aPAM-MMP, cPAM-MMP, and nPAM-MMP, respectively. In AD experiments, the addition of aPAM-MMP notably enhanced the degradation of chemical oxygen demand (COD) in VWW. COD decreased to 1290 mg/L in the reactor with aPAM-MMP by day 12 and remained low, while the other reactors had COD concentrations of 4137.5, 5510, and 3010 mg/L on the same day, decreasing thereafter. This modification also improved the production and utilization of hydrogen gas and volatile fatty acids (VFAs), along with the conversion of methane. When tested for bioaffinity using fluorescent GFP-E.coli bacteria, the aPAM-MMP, cPAM-MMP, and nPAM-MMP demonstrated increases in fluorescence intensity by 51.66%, 36.13%, and 37.02%, respectively, compared to unmodified MMP when attached with GFP-E.coli. Further analyses of microbial community revealed that the reactor with aPAM-MMP had the highest microbial richness and enriched bacteria capable of organic matter degradation, such as Bacteroidota, Synergistota, Chloroflexi, Halobacterota phyla, and Parabacteroides, Muribaculaceae, and Azotobacter genera. In conclusion, our experiment verifies that APAM-MMP promotes anaerobic treatment of VWW and provides a novel reference point for enhancing VWW degradation.

Einarbeitung in der Intensivmedizin

As staff shortage in intensive care medicine increases, sustainable recruitment and retention of qualified professionals becomes increasingly crucial. Current surveys indicate that sufficient onboarding is a key element to success in this context. The recommendations outlined in the position paper "Onboarding in intensive care medicine" aim to address this issue by guiding towards comprehensive, structured onboarding of professionals. The primary goal of providing such structured onboarding is to increase employee satisfaction, ensure the well-being and safety of both care providers and patients, and guarantee long-term supply of intensive care medicine for the population. This paper was developed under the leadership of the Junge DIVI, a multidisciplinary and multiprofessional initiative of young professionals, within the German Interdisciplinary Association of Critical Care and Emergency Medicine (DIVI). It was based on a systematic literature research and consensus-building among various professional groups and disciplines, offering - for the first time - uniform, standardized, practical guidance for implementing structured onboarding for different professionals in intensive care units in Germany.

Robotic task specific training for upper limb neurorehabilitation: a mixed methods feasibility trial reporting achievable dose.

Robotic devices for upper-limb neurorehabilitation allow an increase in intensity of practice, often relying on video game-based training strategies with limited capacity to individualise training and integrate functional training. This study shows the development of a robotic Task Specific Training (TST) protocol and evaluate the achieved dose. Mixed-method study. A 3D robotic device for the upper limb, was made available to therapists for use during neurorehabilitation sessions. A first phase allowed clinicians to define a dedicated session protocol for TST. In a second phase the protocol was applied and the achieved dose was measured. First phase (N = 5): a specific protocol, using deweighting for assessment, followed by customised passive movements and then active movement practice was developed. Second phase: the protocol was successfully applied with all participants (N = 10). Intervention duration: 4.5 ± 0.8 weeks, session frequency: 1.4 ± 0.2sessions/week, session length: 42 ± 9mins, session density: 39 ± 13%, intensity: 214 ± 84 movements/session, difficulty: dn = 0.77 ± 0.1 (normalised reaching distance) and Ɵ = 6.3 ± 23° (transverse reaching angle). Sessions' density and intensity were consistent across participants but clear differences of difficulty were observed. No changes in metrics were observed over the intervention. Robotic systems can support TST with high therapy intensity by modulating the practice difficulty to participants' needs and capabilities.