Intrinsic Drivers Research Articles

Late summer spatial behaviour of Alpine marmots Marmota marmota in the Eastern Italian Alps: effects of intrinsic and extrinsic drivers

Late summer spatial behaviour of Alpine marmots Marmota marmota in the Eastern Italian Alps: effects of intrinsic and extrinsic drivers

Reflecting on the Journeys of Women in Higher Education Leadership: A Case Study in South Africa

Indra Nooyi (2021, p. 273/4), former Chairperson and CEO, PepsiCo, wrote in her biography on why she accepted as many invitations as possible to conferences in support of and to advance women: “These events are important for keeping society’s inequities in the spotlight and for supporting women as they manoeuvre in tough careers. But they do more than that. They build our sisterhood. Women share. We gain resolve when we hear others’ stories and meet people who sympathize with our struggles”. This paper shares the stories of four women who have achieved the highest levels of leadership in South Africa’s public universities. The sharing the journeys and experiences of two deputy vice-chancellors and two vice-chancellors, pick up on themes that echo through time, in supporting and advancing equity in and towards leadership. In a society where patriarchy still dominates and holds a violent, oppressive grip over women and girl-children, women’s stories of struggle and achievement need to be told. In their navigation and victories over their own challenges, these women become the role models for young women and girl-children. Their achievements affirm women, their resilience and strength. Their determination and courage in taking up apex positions in universities, affirm women as equal members of society, debunking patriarchal notions of gendered roles and spaces. The paper highlights their lessons learnt, and contributes to the body of knowledge on the intrinsic and extrinsic attributes and drivers that women develop and adopt on these journeys.

From jobs to careers: drivers and barriers to career development in emerging labor markets

IntroductionThis study aims to reveal the intrinsic and extrinsic drivers of career development in emerging labor markets and to explore the impact of these drivers and barriers on career development. With the rapid transformation of global industrial structure, career development in emerging industries such as artificial intelligence, big data, new energy and e-commerce is gradually attracting attention.MethodsThis study utilizes a mixed research method of questionnaires and in-depth interviews. The research team distributed a total of 700 questionnaires to practitioners in China, the United States, Japan, Germany and India, and collected interview data from 20 industry practitioners. These data were analyzed from both quantitative and qualitative perspectives to analyze the drivers and barriers to career development, and structural equation modeling was used to analyze the relationship between career motivation, barriers, social networks, and career satisfaction.ResultsThe results indicate that career development motivation significantly and positively influences career satisfaction, while individuals with high career satisfaction perceive fewer career barriers. In addition, career barriers significantly influenced individuals’ perceptions of career discrimination. The study also found that social networks play an important supportive role in career development, and that extensive social networks increase career satisfaction. Individuals with high motivation were more resilient in the face of external barriers and were willing to retrain to improve their occupational skills.DiscussionTo promote career development in emerging industries, labor market policies should optimize and create fair and inclusive work environments for emerging industries. By eliminating gender, age, and racial discrimination and providing employee support programs, career development satisfaction and opportunities can be effectively enhanced.ConclusionRapid technological updates, high work pressure, and cross-cultural barriers in emerging industries are the main challenges to career development today. This study suggests that governments and enterprises should jointly provide flexible vocational training and support policies to help practitioners adapt to the rapidly changing occupational environment.

The ecomorphological radiation of phyllostomid bats

Abstract Neotropical leaf-nosed bats (Family Phyllostomidae) underwent an impressive adaptive radiation primarily characterized by the diversification of dietary strategies in tandem with functional morphological diversification of their craniodental and sensory systems. In this perspective, we integrate information from extensive research across multiple fields to outline the interplay between extrinsic and intrinsic drivers of the phyllostomid adaptive radiation and the resulting ecomorphological diversity of the clade. We begin by exploring the relationship between phyllostomids and their environments, focusing on the ecogeographical drivers of their radiation. Then, we detail current knowledge about the role of genes and development in enabling morphological diversification of the group. Finally, we describe the breathtaking ecomorphological diversification of phyllostomids, trying to unveil functional connections underlying their diverse dietary niches.

TetraDENSITY 2.0—A Database of Population Density Estimates in Tetrapods

ABSTRACTMotivationPopulation density is a fundamental parameter in ecology and conservation, and taxonomic and geographic patterns of population density have been an important focus of macroecological research. However, population density data are time‐consuming and costly to collect, so their availability is limited. Leveraging decades of research, TetraDENSITY 1.0 was developed as a global repository containing over 18,000 population density estimates for > 2100 terrestrial vertebrate species, aiding researchers in investigating patterns of population density, its intrinsic and extrinsic drivers, and for developing predictive models. Here we present a substantially expanded version of the database, which now includes marine tetrapods and encompasses over 54,300 estimates for 3717 species associated with error estimates and geographical coordinates when available, hence enabling meta‐analytical approaches and better spatial matching of estimates with environmental conditions.Main Types of Variables ContainedPopulation density estimates and associated errors, time and location of data collection, taxonomic information, estimation method.Spatial LocationGlobal.Time Period and Grain1925–2024.Major Taxa and Level of MeasurementAmphibia, Reptilia, Aves and Mammalia. Estimates reported at the population level.Software Format.csv.

Extrinsic and intrinsic drivers of prevalence and abundance of hard-bodied ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) in one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius)

BackgroundTicks are ectoparasites and can be vectors of a wide range of pathogens, posing significant health risks to livestock. In the Sahara Desert of Algeria, particularly among one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius), there is a need to better understand the factors influencing tick infestation patterns to improve livestock management and health outcomes. ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the prevalence, intensity, and abundance of hard-bodied ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) among dromedaries, examining both intrinsic factors (sex, age, coat color) and extrinsic variables (farming systems, vegetation types, climate zones, and elevation) that might influence tick infestation in this region. MethodsTicks were collected from 286 dromedaries across nine sites in the pre-Saharan regions of Algeria, with elevations ranging from 736 m to 980 m. The sampled camels, which ranged in age from 6 days to 21 years, were examined for tick infestations. The ticks were identified through macroscopic and microscopic methods, and their abundance was analyzed in relation to the camels' characteristics and environmental factors. Three breeding systems were recognized: extensive, intensive, and mixed. ResultsA total of 980 ticks were collected, with Hyalomma dromedarii Koch, 1844 being the most abundant species (553 specimens), followed by Hyalomma impeltatum Schulze & Schlottke, 1930 (393 specimens), and Hyalomma excavatum Koch, 1844 (34 specimens). H. dromedarii showed a preference for parasitizing brown-coated dromedaries and exhibited significantly higher infestation levels during spring (p < 0.001). No significant association was observed between tick infestation and the camels' age or sex (p > 0.05). However, the farming system had a significant impact on tick abundance, with extensive and mixed systems showing higher tick burdens compared to intensive systems (p < 0.01). Additionally, the vegetation type, climate zone, and foraging habitat elevation were found to significantly influence tick densities and prevalence. ConclusionThis study provides essential insights into the tick infestation dynamics in dromedaries in drylands of Algeria. It highlights the influence of coat color, seasonality, and farming practices on tick burden, with brown-coated camels being more susceptible during the spring. The findings underline the importance of considering both intrinsic and extrinsic factors when developing effective tick control strategies, especially for camels raised in extensive or mixed farming systems in diverse arid rangelands. Future research should expand the scope to cover other arid regions in North Africa for a comprehensive understanding of tick-host dynamics.

Psycho-social drivers influencing the adoption of asynchronous EdTech tools: a gendered perspective

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore a gendered perspective on how learners' intrinsic psychological motivators: valence, technology-innovativeness, self-development and self-efficacy as well as extrinsic social and institutional motivators, such as social norms and management commitment, collectively influence learners' behavioral intention to adopt asynchronous EdTech tools such as MOOCs.Design/methodology/approachA theoretical model was developed by integrating insights from social cognitive theory (SCT) and the technology acceptance model (TAM). Data were collected from 622 Indian college students across different academic levels who had enrolled in at least one MOOC. Data analysis was performed using covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM). The bootstrapping method using IBM AMOS 23.0 software was adopted further for moderation analysis.FindingsThe study found that while intrinsic drivers were positively associated with behavioral intention, extrinsic drivers had a limited influence. The results of the moderation analysis showed that gender significantly influenced the relationship between self-development and perceived usefulness as well as the relationship between valence and perceived usefulness. Our study’s findings represent a significant contribution to theoretical advancements, indicating a notable shift in students' learning emphasis from social interactions to self-directed approaches. These results align closely with the principles of connectivism within the heutagogy theory framework, underscoring learners' responsibility in shaping their learning journey.Practical implicationsOur study findings hold significant practical implications for future applications. Based on our study’s findings on the positive impact of self-development and self-efficacy, it is crucial to offer structured and interactive learning options for guided experiences. Integrating digital skills training into MOOC curricula can enhance engagement across diverse learner levels, given the significant predictive power of technology innovativeness. Furthermore, emphasizing the benefits of MOOC certifications, such as career advancement or academic recognition, can increase their appeal and perceived value, considering the significance of “valence” as an influential factor.Originality/valueAsynchronous EdTech tools, notably MOOCs, have emerged as potent catalysts for social change, providing unparalleled accessibility, flexibility and avenues for lifelong learning. Our study pioneers an investigation into the impact of valence and technology innovativeness on learners' perceptions, significantly influencing their willingness to adopt MOOCs positively. By exploring nuanced sociological dynamics across diverse societies, our research underscores the necessity of customizing EdTech solutions to encompass diverse gender perspectives.

Why Law? Examining the Factors that Influence the Decision to Undertake a Law Degree

Existing research is largely silent on determining what factors influence individuals to undertake a law degree. Are they deeply intrinsic drivers like ‘self-efficacy’ or ‘self-confidence’, and how might extrinsic influences, such as family, teachers, or friends’ impact on those drivers? To address these questions, data were attained from 378 commencing students enrolled across three Australian law schools. Results indicate students with higher levels of self-efficacy and self-confidence are more likely to be satisfied with their decision to study law and pursue a law career. The influence of ‘teachers’ on a student’s ‘satisfaction with their choice’ was only significant for students who were also influenced by their ‘family’ – the more support from teachers and family members increased a student’s level of satisfaction. Friends only influenced a students’ intention to pursue a career in law, but not their satisfaction with their choice to pursue a law degree. This is the first study to determine the intrinsic motivations that impact a student’s choice to undertake a law degree and what extrinsic factors influence that choice.

Changing plant phosphorus acquisition strategies in relation to altered soil phosphorus fractions after wetland drainage

Abstract Plant phosphorus (P) acquisition strategy is considered to be an intrinsic driver behind plant succession. However, variations in plant P acquisition strategies in connection to soil P fraction changes after wetland drainage remain unclear. To address this issue, here we conducted a study in six distinct wetlands that experienced long‐term (&gt;20 years) artificial drainage, with the adjacent waterlogged wetlands as a control. We analysed plant community composition, biomass and soil P fractions, and identified three plant P acquisition strategies based on soil acid phosphatase activity, plant P resorption efficiency, and soil arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) content. We found that soil calcium‐bound P (PCa) and enzyme‐extractable P (Penzyme) were key factors influencing plant P acquisition. Soil PCa correlated negatively with acid phosphatase activity but positively with AMF content. Soil Penzyme negatively impacted P resorption efficiency. The wetlands were categorised into three types based on the change in plant richness and composition, with each exhibiting distinct plant P acquisition strategies. These changes in strategies after drainage corresponded with shifts in soil P fractions. Overall, our study highlights the role of soil P fractions in explaining plant P acquisition strategies after wetland drainage, suggesting P regulations on plant succession and ecosystem services. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Internal response of vegetation growth to degrees of permafrost degradation in Northeast China from 2001 to 2020

ABSTRACT Ecosystems at the southern edge of the permafrost distribution are highly sensitive to global warming. Changes in soil freeze-thaw cycles can influence vegetation growth in permafrost regions. Extant studies mainly focused on analyzing the differences of vegetation dynamics in different permafrost regions. However, the intrinsic drivers of permafrost degradation on vegetation growth remain elusive yet. Based on the top temperature of permafrost (TTOP) model, we simulated the spatial distribution of permafrost in Northeast China (NEC) from 2001 to 2020. Using the data of the vegetation Net Primary Productivity (NPP), vegetation phenology, climate and permafrost phenology, and analytical methods including partial correlation, multiple linear regression, and path analysis, we explored the response of vegetation growth and phenology to soil freeze-thaw changes and climate change under different degrees of permafrost degradation. Overall, the start date of the growing season (SOS) was very sensitive to the start date of soil thaw (SOT) changes, and multiple regression analyses showed that SOT was the main factor influencing SOS in 41.8% of the NEC region. Climatic factors remain the main factors affecting vegetation NPP in NEC, and the results of partial correlation analysis showed that only 9.7% of the regional duration of soil thaw (DOT) had a strong correlation with vegetation NPP. Therefore, we determined the mechanism responsible for the soil freeze-thaw changes and vegetation growth relationship using the path analysis. The results indicated that there is a potential inhibitory effect of persistent permafrost degradation on vegetation growth. Our findings would contribute to the improvement of process-based models of forest dynamics in the boreal region, which would help to plan sustainable development and conservation strategies in permafrost areas.

Evaluating annual soil carbon emissions under biochar-added farmland subjecting from freeze-thaw cycle

Straw biochar is a commonly recognized agricultural amendment that can improve soil quality and reduce carbon emissions while sequestering soil carbon. However, the mechanisms underlying biochar's effects on annual soil carbon emissions in seasonally frozen soil areas and intrinsic drivers have not been clarified. Here, a 2-y field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of different biochar dosages (0, 15, and 30, t ha−1; B0 (CK), B15, and B30, respectively) on carbon emissions (CO2 and CH4) microbial colony count, and soil-environment factors. The study period was the full annual cycle, including the freeze-thaw period (FTP) and the crop growth period (CP). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was developed to reveal the key drivers and potential mechanisms of biochar on carbon emissions. Biochar application reduced soil carbon emissions, with the reduction rate positively related to the biochar application rate (B30 best). During FTP, the reduction rate was 11.5% for CO2 and 48.2% for CH4. During CP, the reduction rate was 17.9% for CO2 and 34.5% for CH4. Overall, compared with CK, B30 treatment had a significant effect on reducing total soil carbon emissions (P < 0.05), with an average decrease of 16.7% during the two-year test period. The study also showed that for soils with continuous annual cycles (FTP and CP), carbon emissions were best observed from 10:00–13:00. After two years of freeze-thaw cycling, biochar continued to improve soil physical and chemical properties, thereby increasing soil microbial colony count. Compared with B0, the B30 treatment significantly increased the total colony count by 74.3% and 263.8% during FTP and CP (P < 0.05). Structural equation modeling (SEM) indicated that, with or without biochar application, the soil physicochemical properties directly or indirectly affected soil CO2 and CH4 emission fluxes through microbial colony count. The total effects of biochar application on CO2 emission fluxes were 0.50 (P < 0.05) and 0.64 (P < 0.01), respectively, but there was no significant effect on CH4 emission fluxes (P > 0.05). Among them, soil water content (SWC), soil temperature (ST) and soil organic carbon (SOC) were the main environmental determinants of CO2 emission fluxes during the FTP and CP. The total effects were 0.57, 0.65, and 0.53, respectively. For CH4, SWC, soil salinity (SS) and actinomycete colony count were the main environmental factors affecting its emission. The total effects were 0.50, 0.45, 0.44, respectively. For freeze-thaw alternating soils, the application of biochar is a feasible option for addressing climate change through soil carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas emissions mitigation. Soil water-heat-salt-fertilization and microbial communities are important for soil carbon emissions as the reaction matrix and main participants of soil carbon and nitrogen biochemical transformation.

The Impact of External Environmental Factors, Entrepreneurial Motivation, Social Support, and Business Knowledge on the Success of Start-ups

&#x0D; This research explores the intricate dynamics influencing the success of start-up ventures, focusing on the interactions between external environmental factors, entrepreneurial motivation, social support, and business knowledge. Through a quantitative approach and employing Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS SEM), data from a diverse sample of 170 participants in Indonesia were analyzed. The results unveil significant positive relationships between sustainable marketing strategies, environmental awareness, and consumer preferences for eco-friendly products, highlighting the pivotal role of external factors and intrinsic drivers in shaping entrepreneurial endeavors. Additionally, the findings underscore the mediating role of environmental awareness in the relationship between sustainable marketing strategies and consumer preferences, emphasizing the importance of integrating sustainability principles into marketing strategies. These insights contribute to a deeper understanding of the multifaceted determinants of start-up success and offer actionable recommendations for fostering a conducive ecosystem for entrepreneurial growth and innovation in Indonesia.&#x0D;

Intrinsic and extrinsic drivers of organic matter processing along phosphorus and salinity gradients in coastal wetlands

Abstract Climate change is accelerating sea‐level rise and saltwater intrusion in coastal regions world‐wide and interacting with large‐scale changes in species composition in coastal wetlands. Quantifying macrophyte litter breakdown along freshwater‐to‐marine coastal gradients is needed to predict how carbon stores will respond to shifts in both macrophyte communities and water chemistry under changing environmental conditions. To test the interactive drivers of changing species identity and water chemistry, we performed a reciprocal transplant of four macrophyte litter species in seven sites along freshwater‐to‐marine gradients in the Florida Coastal Everglades. We measured surface water chemistry (dissolved organic carbon, total nitrogen and total phosphorus), litter chemistry (% nitrogen, % phosphorus, change in N:P molar ratio, % cellulose and % lignin as proxies for recalcitrance) and litter breakdown rates (k/degree‐day). Direct effects of salinity and surface water nutrients were the strongest drivers of k, but unexpectedly, litter chemistry did not correlate with litter k. However, salinity strongly correlated with changes in litter chemistry, whereby litter incubated in brackish and marine wetlands was more labile and gained more phosphorus compared with litter in freshwater marshes. Our results suggest that litter k in coastal wetlands is explained by species‐specific interactions among water and litter chemistries. Water nutrient availability was an important predictor of breakdown rates across species, but breakdown rates were only explained by the carbon recalcitrance of litter in the species with the slowest breakdown (Cladium jamaicense), indicating the importance of carbon structure, and species identity on breakdown rates. Synthesis. In oligotrophic ecosystems, nutrients are often the primary driver of organic matter breakdown. However, we found that variation in macrophyte breakdown rates in oligotrophic coastal wetlands was also explained by salinity and associated seawater chemistry, emphasising the need to understand how saltwater intrusion will alter organic matter processing in wetlands. Our results suggest that marine subsidies associated with sea‐level rise have the potential to accelerate leaf litter breakdown. The increase in breakdown rates could either be buffered or increase further as sea‐level rise also shifts macrophyte community composition to more or less recalcitrant species.

Abstract 2507: Drivers of immunotherapy response within the CPI3000+ cohort

Abstract Introduction: Multiple genomic and transcriptomic biomarkers have been associated with response to immune checkpoint (CPI) therapy. These markers include tumor mutational burden (TMB), immune infiltration and HLA loss of heterozygosity. Our previously published meta-analysis of biomarkers included over 1000 patients (CPI1000) across multiple cancer types and demonstrated that clonal TMB and CXCL9 expression were the strongest predictors of response pan-cancer. Biomarkers were combined into a multivariable predictor of response which out-performed TMB in three validation cohorts. However, even with an extensive systematic review, the literature and exploratory biomarkers only accounted for ~60% of the variance explained in CPI response. Approach and Results: Extending the cohort to over 3000 patients from 20 studies, across 11 tumor solid tumor types, we have utilized available genomic and transcriptomic data to further validate the multi-variable predictor of response as well as conduct additional exploratory analysis to uncover the remaining variance explained. The raw data is processed through a robust bioinformatics pipeline and is harmonized across studies. The pipeline developed to process the CPI3000+ cohort will be open-access and available to promote federated learning and collaborations. Firstly, we have expanded the systematic review to include recent biomarkers from literature. The literature review included over 1000 papers, and we identified greater than 200 unique biomarkers which can be quantified and assessed in the CPI3000+ cohort. Data presented on this extensive set of genomic and transcriptomic biomarkers across the cohorts will improve understanding of biomarkers of response to CPI therapy. Second, we will explore novel biomarkers of response including non-classical sources of antigen such as retained introns as well as pathways such as the unfolded protein response. We will also survey the effects of tumor-associated antigens such as those involved in CAR-T cell and vaccine trials in CPI response which was limited in the CPI1000 cohort. We will also be presenting data on emerging checkpoints in late-stage trials across cancer types. Finally, we will be combining the biomarkers into a novel multivariable predictor of response. Conclusions: Results from this work will highlight the varying determinants of immunotherapy response across solid tumor types, offering insight into tumor intrinsic and extrinsic drivers of immunogenicity. We have shown that sources of tumour antigen are a major group of biomarkers for CPI response, here we expand on this further in a larger cohort as well as identifying novel biomarkers to create an improved multivariable predictor of clinical value. Citation Format: Krupa Thakkar, Andrea Castro, Danwen Qian, Charles Swanton, Kevin Litchfield. Drivers of immunotherapy response within the CPI3000+ cohort [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 2507.

Extrinsic and intrinsic drivers of natural killer cell clonality.

Clonal expansion of antigen-specific lymphocytes is the fundamental mechanism enabling potent adaptive immune responses and the generation of immune memory. Accompanied by pronounced epigenetic remodeling, the massive proliferation of individual cells generates a critical mass of effectors for the control of acute infections, as well as a pool of memory cells protecting against future pathogen encounters. Classically associated with the adaptive immune system, recent work has demonstrated that innate immune memory to human cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is stably maintained as large clonal expansions of natural killer (NK) cells, raising questions on the mechanisms for clonal selection and expansion in the absence of re-arranged antigen receptors. Here, we discuss clonal NK cell memory in the context of the mechanisms underlying clonal competition of adaptive lymphocytes and propose alternative selection mechanisms that might decide on the clonal success of their innate counterparts. We propose that the integration of external cues with cell-intrinsic sources of heterogeneity, such as variegated receptor expression, transcriptional states, and somatic variants, compose a bottleneck for clonal selection, contributing to the large size of memory NK cell clones.

A Comparative Analysis between Intrinsic and Extrinsic Drivers of Inflation

In most economies, particularly in developing countries, addressing inflation remains a significant macroeconomic challenge. This study seeks to examine the factors, both internal and external, that contribute to inflationary trends in South Africa. To achieve this objective, the authors employ the Johansen cointegration test, vector error correction approach, impulse response function, and variance decomposition on quarterly time series data spanning from 1994 to 2022. The findings of the study provide compelling evidence suggesting that both internal and external factors play a statistically significant role in influencing inflation. However, external forces exert a greater impact on the inflationary pressures witnessed in South Africa when compared to internal factors. Notably, factors such as trade openness, exchange rates, and imported prices contribute significantly to the elevated inflation rate in South Africa. On the other hand, internal factors like sustainable government expenditure, interest rates, and net export prices prove effective in mitigating the inflation rate.

Intrinsic and Microenvironmental Drivers of Glioblastoma Invasion.

Gliomas are diffusely infiltrating brain tumors whose prognosis is strongly influenced by their extent of invasion into the surrounding brain tissue. While lower-grade gliomas present more circumscribed borders, high-grade gliomas are aggressive tumors with widespread brain infiltration and dissemination. Glioblastoma (GBM) is known for its high invasiveness and association with poor prognosis. Its low survival rate is due to the certainty of its recurrence, caused by microscopic brain infiltration which makes surgical eradication unattainable. New insights into GBM biology at the single-cell level have enabled the identification of mechanisms exploited by glioma cells for brain invasion. In this review, we explore the current understanding of several molecular pathways and mechanisms used by tumor cells to invade normal brain tissue. We address the intrinsic biological drivers of tumor cell invasion, by tackling how tumor cells interact with each other and with the tumor microenvironment (TME). We focus on the recently discovered neuronal niche in the TME, including local as well as distant neurons, contributing to glioma growth and invasion. We then address the mechanisms of invasion promoted by astrocytes and immune cells. Finally, we review the current literature on the therapeutic targeting of the molecular mechanisms of invasion.

Enhancement and Broadening of the Internal Electric Field of Hole-Transport-Layer-Free Perovskite Solar Cells by Quantum Dot Interface Modification.

Hole-transport-layer-free perovskite solar cells have attracted strong interest due to their simple structure and low cost, but charge recombination is serious. Built-in electric field engineering is an intrinsic driver to facilitate charge separation transport and improve the efficiency of photovoltaic devices. However, the enhancement of the built-in electric field strength is often accompanied by the narrowing of the space charge region, which becomes a key constraint to the performance improvement of the device. Here, we propose an effective regulation method, the component engineering of quantum dots, to enhance the strength of the built-in electric field and broaden the range of space charge. By using all inorganic CsPbBrxI3-x (x = 0, 1, 2, 3) quantum dot interface modification to passivate the defects of MAPbI3 perovskite films, the regulation law of quantum dot components on the work function of perovskite films was revealed, and the mechanism of their influence on the internal electric field intensity and space charge region distribution was further clarified, thereby fundamentally solving the serious problem of charge recombination. As directly observed by electron-beam-induced current (EBIC), the introduction of CsPbBr2I quantum dots can effectively enhance the interfacial electric field intensity, widening the space charge region from 160 to 430 nm. Moreover, the efficiency of the hole-free transport layer perovskite solar cells modified by CsPbBr2I quantum dots was also significantly enhanced by 1.5 times. This is an important guideline for electric field modulation and efficiency improvement within photovoltaic devices with other simplified structures.

The intrinsic and extrinsic drivers of extinction risk in lemurs (Lemuroidea)

Understanding why some species are more susceptible to extinction than others is critical for implementing effective conservation strategies. Phylogenetic comparative methods (PCMs) have been used to understand the drivers of extinction risk, and are most effective when applied to an entire lineage. Lemurs are a monophyletic group that evolved in Madagascar in relative isolation over millions of years, representing a unique and diverse lineage that provides an excellent case study for the drivers of extinction risk. We investigated the drivers of extinction risk in lemurs using intrinsic (species' traits) and extrinsic (environmental) variables related to ecology, life-history, and biogeography. We evaluated the tempo and mode of trait evolution and used PCMs to examine correlations between traits and extinction risk. We used models of trait evolution and historic and future climate data to predict how lemurs will fare under climate change. The predominant drivers of extinction risk in lemurs were diurnal activity and longevity, which were positively and negatively associated with extinction risk, respectively. Body size, as well as temperature mean and temperature variance across a species' range, were also predictors of risk. We found no evidence for evolution punctuated by short periods of rapid change in response to environmental shifts or other factors (punctuated equilibria), suggesting that traits will not evolve to track Madagascar's changing climate. These results may inform conservation strategies in Madagascar by differentiating the role of intrinsic vs. extrinsic traits in extinction risk. Moreover, findings may contribute to preventing declines in other endangered and endemic taxonomic groups.

How far has the globe gone in achieving One Health? Current evidence and policy implications based on global One Health index

BackgroundIn the 21st century, as globalization accelerates and global public health crises occur, the One Health approach, guided by the holistic thinking of human-animal-environment and emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration to address global health issues, has been strongly advocated by the international community. An immediate requirement exists for the creation of an assessment tool to foster One Health initiatives on both global and national scales. MethodsBuilt upon extensive expert consultations and dialogues, this follow-up study enhances the 2022 global One Health index (GOHI) indicator system. The GOHI framework is enriched by covering three indices, e.g. external drivers index (EDI), intrinsic drivers index (IDI), and core drivers index (CDI). The comprehensive indicator system incorporates 13 key indicators, 50 indicators, and 170 sub I-indicators, utilizing a fuzzy analytic hierarchy process to ascertain the weight for each indicator. Weighted and summed, the EDI, IDI, and CDI scores contribute to the computation of the overall GOHI 2022 score. By comparing the ranking and the overall scores among the seven regions and across 160 countries/territories, we have not only derived an overall profile of the GOHI 2022 scores, but also assessed the GOHI framework. We also compared rankings of indicators and sub I-indicators to provide greater clarity on the strengths and weaknesses of each region within the One Health domains. ResultsThe GOHI 2022 performance reveals significant disparities between countries/territories ranged from 39.03 to 70.61. The global average score of the GOHI 2022 is 54.82. The average score for EDI, IDI, and CDI are 46.57, 58.01, and 57.25, respectively. In terms of global rankings, countries from North America, Europe and Central Asia, East Asia and Pacific present higher scores. In terms of One Health domains of CDI, the lowest scores are observed in antimicrobial resistance (median: 43.09), followed by food security (median: 53.78), governance (median: 54.77), climate change (median: 64.12) and zoonotic diseases (median: 69.23). Globally, the scores of GOHI vary spatially, with the highest score in North America while lowest in sub-Saharan Africa. In addition, evidence shows associations between the socio–demographic profile of countries/territories and their GOHI performance in certain One Health scenarios. ConclusionThe objective of GOHI is to guide impactful strategies for enhancing capacity building in One Health. With advanced technology and an annually updated database, intensifying efforts to refine GOHI's data-mining methodologies become imperative. The goal is to offer profound insights into disparities and progressions in practical One Health implementation, particularly in anticipation of future pandemics.