Rapid Rise Research Articles

A wind-driven rotating micro-hybrid nanogenerator for powering environmental monitoring devices based on a brush-type triboelectric unit

Abstract The rapid rise of the IoT (Internet of Things) technology and microelectronics technology has promoted the development of sensors to ultra-low power consumption. However, for conventional wired power supply and chemical battery power supply, there are difficulties in wiring, inconvenient battery replacement and environmental pollution problems, so there is an urgent need for a green power supply. The low cost and simple structure of TENG (Triboelectric nanogenerator) have attracted much attention from researchers. However, for most of the existing TENG, there are some problems such as narrow operating frequency range, short life of TENG, insufficient traditional flexible friction contact, and serious wear of rigid friction contact. Herein, we propose a rotary brush-type triboelectric-electromagnetic hybrid nanogenerator. Through the experimental tests, the TENG part can output the maximum power of 0.88 mW under the external load of 8 MΩ at 400 rpm (wind speed of about 8.3 m/s). The EMG (Electromagnetic Generator) part can output the maximum power of 15.5 mW under external load of 360 Ω. The LED lighting test proves that the generator broadens the frequency of energy harvesting. In the capacitor charging test, the high voltage characteristics of tribological power generation play the advantages of continuous voltage boost, and the high current characteristics of electromagnetic power generation play the advantages of high power. The hybrid nanogenerator can realize the wind energy harvesting under the broadband wind speed of 3 m/s~14 m/s. At a wind speed of 5.6 m/s, the hybrid nanogenerator ran at about 225 rpm and successfully powered the anemometer after 21 s. After 80,000 cycles, the maximum open circuit voltage only drops by 5.6%, which proves that the rotary TENG unit has a long generation life, and can realize the harvesting of wind energy and the power supply of wind speed sensor.

Who intended to leave? Patterns and impacts of Hong Kong's recent wave of migration

AbstractDuring Hong Kong's 2019 political turmoil and the subsequent impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, a rapid rise in turnover rates in certain occupations, such as teachers, medical workers and civil servants, was observed. Some attributed this trend to the increasing rate of emigration. Previous studies have suggested that younger and better‐educated individuals are more likely to emigrate, and that the emigration of a specific group of the population has various impacts on the society of origin. Therefore, we explored the demographic characteristics of potential emigrants in Hong Kong and contrasted such findings with a previous wave of migration to examine the potential impact of the current wave. Based on a territory‐wide telephone survey, we found that (1) the associations of age and level of education with the intention to emigrate internationally (i.e., to destinations other than mainland China) corresponded to the typical young, well‐educated emigrant described in the literature; (2) a higher level of income was associated with a lower intention of international migration; (3) people in occupations such as professionals and managers, clerical and service workers and students reported a greater intention to emigrate than other groups; and (4) individuals born in Hong Kong were more likely to emigrate and less likely to move to mainland China than those born in mainland China. The implications of these intended migration patterns for ageing and fertility, short‐ and long‐term workforce shortages in tertiary sectors and the city's overall competitiveness are discussed.

CFD-DEM-based evaluation of main-channel sediment transport processes subject to supplement from a steep tributary

The accumulation of sediments within mountainous gullies serves as a significant source for the main channel. Understanding the transport characteristics is crucial for comprehending reach-scale sediment supply features and channel morphodynamics. This study addresses the previously unexplored challenges in accurately quantifying variations in sediment transport rates, particularly during critical transitions such as the mobilization of static sediment pulses into continuous motion. To accomplish this objective, a combined Computational Fluid Dynamics and Discrete Element Method (CFD-DEM) computational framework is employed to directly simulate the detailed trajectories of all particles. After validating the CFD-DEM model, we examine the effects of three major influential factors (particle size, channel slope and channel width) on sediment transport characteristics. The results indicate that the sediment transport rate exhibits rapid rise to peak followed by gradual attenuation process, described by a long-tail effect. The cross-sectional averaged sediment transport rate positively correlates with the width of sediment transport belt. The downstream propagation of sediment is enhanced by steeper channel slope and narrower channel width. In addition, we find that cross-sectional averaged sediment transport rate controlled by these factors exhibits inherent self-similarity. The temporal variation of dimensionless sediment transport rate for a certain section can be modeled by a modified two-branch Weibull function encompasses three model parameters dependent on influential factors and longitudinal location. The parameter variation of the functional model, combined with linear variation of the three main influencing factors, provides support for explaining sediment transport processes in channels of dimensions different from those studied. These findings enhance the understanding of the formation and evolution mechanism of sediment transport induced by upstream loose deposit destruction.

Microwave-assisted extraction of lithium from hectorite clay

ABSTRACT Transition to renewable energy sources, rapid rise in the use of Li-ion batteries for energy storage has warranted a search for efficient lithium extraction methods from low grade lithium ores such as clays and sediments since supply from conventional sources is insufficient to meet the increasing demand. In this effort, classical base – acid – carbonate method was found to be ineffective for the extraction of lithium from minerals with very low lithium content such as hectorite clay with of 0.137 ± 0.004 % (w/w) lithium. The key finding in this work is a new microwave heating assisted base – acid – carbonate method for the extraction of lithium from low lithium content clay minerals, where lithium could be extracted from hectorite clay mineral in 98% efficiency as lithium carbonate. Leaching of lithium from hectorite clay was evaluated by studying Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) analyses, ATR-IR and X-ray crystallography of hectorite and leach residues.

Photodetection Enhancement of PdSe2/ReSe2 Van der Waals Heterostructure Field‐Effect Transistors: A Density Functional Theory‐Guided Approach

AbstractThe fabrication of van der Waals heterostructures (vdWHs) has drawn considerable interest because of their wide range of functionalities. Herein, a novel PdSe2/ReSe2 vdWHs with gate‐tunable rectification behavior and excellent broadband photodetection characteristics is presented. The application of the gate bias substantially enhances the rectification behavior, with the highest rectification ratio (≈3.13 × 103) observed at gate voltage Vg = −60 V. The density functional theory calculations demonstrate the direct and indirect bandgap behavior of PdSe2 and ReSe2 in the monolayer structure, respectively. Additionally, the PdSe2/ReSe2 heterojunction displays a strong photo‐response in the near‐infrared region and achieves a high photoresponsivity, an excellent external quantum efficiency, and rapid rise and decay times of 1.7 × 103 A W−1, 4.05 × 103, and 5 and 20 ms, respectively. Furthermore, the device exhibits a remarkable detectivity of ≈3.5 × 1012 Jones. The findings hold great potential for advancing the fabrication of multifunctional vdW heterostructure devices.

Numerical study on the critical characteristics of internal short-circuit hot spot in lithium-ion batteries

High current density resulting from internal short circuit (ISC) in lithium-ion batteries leads to rapid local temperature rise, forming a hot spot. This study quantitatively characterized the critical properties of ISC hot spot in batteries. ISC hot spot in batteries exhibit two different evolution patterns. When the short circuit resistance approaches the internal resistance of the battery, the hot spot temperature reaches its peak at 1165 K. The thermal runaway characteristics of batteries vary depending on the short circuit resistance, with the hot spot growing and spreading rapidly when the resistance value is 30 mΩ. In addition, a modeling study was conducted to examine the critical characteristics of short circuit resistance. At a hot spot radius of 2 mm, the critical resistance was determined to be 281 mΩ, accompanied by a critical hot spot temperature of 562 K. Under subcritical conditions, the SEI film decomposes completely, while the electrolyte undergoes minimal decomposition. Interestingly, it was observed that the critical resistance and critical hot spot temperature decrease as the hot spot radius increases. Finally, the study quantified the effects of hot spot thermal conductivity, convective heat transfer coefficient, and hot spot position on the critical threshold of hot spots. These findings provide valuable references for the design of batteries with high critical thresholds.

Target Users and She-Economy Analysis Behind Brand Creative Communication

In the contemporary era, as the internet continues to evolve, numerous cutting-edge brands are emerging. Among these, Hope Water has stood out like a dark horse, gaining prominence in just a few years. This success can largely be attributed to the accurate positioning of its target audience and a deep understanding of the current She-economy trend. Not long ago, Hope Water's "Macho Marketing", which promoted the concept of "Drink See Hawthorn when eating spicy", took the internet by storm, leading other brands like Luckin Coffee and Shuyi Tealicious to follow suit. This paper will analyze the rapid rise and popularity of Hope Water by examining the consumption characteristics and consumption philosophy of its target audience, Generation Z, as well as the brand strategy under the She-economy.

Influence of warm surface water originating from the East China Sea on surface water temperature off the south coast of Korea in summer

Surface seawater temperature in the southwestern coast of Korea suddenly rose in the summer of 2017. This rapid temperature rise event occurred simultaneously with a change in wind direction in the Korea Strait from northwesterly to southeasterly due to the approach of typhoon Noru. To identify the causes of the abrupt rise in surface temperature, the variations of the surface currents and temperature were investigated using a three-dimensional ocean circulation model. Warm and less saline surface water, a mixed shelf water of the Changjiang Diluted Water and saline water from an onshore branch of the Kuroshio in the East China Sea (ECS), flowed northeastward to the west and south of Jeju Island, proceeding eastward through the Jeju and Korea Straits. While westerly winds prevailed, wind-driven ageostrophic currents flowed southeastward, moving away from the south coast of Korea, due to Ekman transport. The shallow coastal region was occupied by cool and saline surface water (T < 22 °C, S > 32.5 psu). However, after the wind shifted to an easterly direction, the surface ageostrophic currents realigned northwestward, and the warm and less saline water moved into the shallow coastal region. In a passive tracer dispersal experiment, dyes injected from the ECS flowed to the west of Jeju Island and through the Jeju Strait via geostrophic currents. These dyes did not affect the shallow southern coastal region of Korea while the westerly winds dominated. However, during the easterly wind event, the dyes were advected toward the coast by the coastward Ekman transport. An analysis of temperature data observed at Cheongsando over 16 years and the tracer experiment revealed that the abrupt temperature rise in the summer of 2017 was a marine heatwave event generated by the advection of warm and less saline surface water from the ECS to the southwestern coast of Korea through the Jeju Strait.

Constraints on Lorentz invariance violation from the LHAASO observation of GRB 221009A

In some quantum gravity (QG) theories, Lorentz symmetry may be broken above the Planck scale. The Lorentz invariance violation (LIV) may induce observable effects at low energies and be detected at high energy astrophysical measurements.The Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO) has detected the onset, rise, and decay phases of the afterglow of GRB 221009A, covering a wide energy range of photons approximately from 0.2 to 13 TeV. This observation provides an excellent opportunity to study the Lorentz invariance violation effect. In this study, we simultaneously utilize the data from the KM2A and WCDA detectors of LHAASO, and apply two event by event methods, namely the pair view method and maximum likelihood method, to investigate LIV. We obtain stringent constraints on the QG energy scale. For instance, through the maximum likelihood method, we determine the 95% confidence level lower limits to be E QG,1 > 14.7 (6.5) × 1019 GeV for the subluminal (superluminal) scenario of n = 1, and E QG,2 > 12.0 (7.2) × 1011 GeV for the subluminal (superluminal) scenario of n = 2. We find that the rapid rise and slow decay behaviors of the afterglow can impose strong constraints on the subluminal scenario, while the constraints are weaker for the superluminal scenario.

MOBILE LEARNING: FUTURE LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES FOR ISLAMIC FORMAL EDUCATION (A LITERATURE STUDY)

The utilization of mobile learning media is a manifestation of 21st century educational methodologies. This research is prompted by the rapid rise in the usage of smartphones, iPads, and other mobile devices. This study aims to conduct literature research on how effective the use of mobile learning is, the challenges in its implementation, and the extent of mobile learning development in the scope of Islamic religious education. To find out this, the researcher used the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method. Data and information were collected by reviewing every article that has a relationship with the effectiveness of mobile learning in the scope of Islamic Religious Education from 2018 to 2023. The results show that mobile learning is effectively used in the scope of Islamic Religious Education by integrating several media such as Android-applications, E-books and other media, but with a note that it is necessary to hold mobile media-based content creation training for teachers.

Dinamika Promosi dalam Era Global

The purpose of this study is to tell or educate readers about the global promotion dynamics. This study employs a quantitative literature review as its type of research. The research method involves combining data from multiple sources, such as books and the internet, into a single one. Finding the necessary information is the method that is used to collect the data. Human thinking and behavior can be altered by rapid technological advancement, particularly in marketing mix strategies like advertising, customer promotion, personal selling, and publicity. The promotion of goods and services has seen a rapid rise in the use of technology and informatics systems like the internet and cyberspace. Manufacturers can use this opportunity to inform, offer, persuade, motivate, and even "force" consumers to try, buy, and even become loyal customers by taking advantage of this technology at very low costs. They can also use it to penetrate borders between countries. This technological advancement benefits consumers as well as producers. Customers are able to quickly obtain product-specific information. As a result, production and consumption systems as well as all aspects of life can benefit from technological advancements

Dynamic propagation velocity of a positive streamer in a 3 m air gap under lightning impulse voltage

Streamers represent an important stage in the initiation of gap discharge. In this work, we used an eight-frame intensified charge-coupled device camera to capture the streamer development process when a lightning impulse voltage of 95%–100% U 50% was applied in a 3 m rod–plate gap and the streamer velocity was analyzed. Analysis of the observations shows that streamer velocity can be defined by three stages: rapid velocity decline (stage 1), rapid velocity rise (stage 2) and slow velocity decline (stage 3). The effects of electrode shape, applied voltage and gap breakdown or withstanding on streamer velocity were analyzed. The electrode with a larger radius of curvature will result in a higher initial velocity, and a higher voltage amplitude will cause the streamer to propagate faster at stage 3. Gap withstanding or breakdown has no obvious effect on streamer velocity. In addition, the experimental results are compared with previous results and the statistical characteristics of the primary streamer discharge are discussed.

Examining Performance Loss Mechanisms in Lithium-Ion Batteries with the High-Voltage Mn-Rich Spinel Positive Electrodes

The high-voltage spinel, with the nominal composition of LiNi0.5-xMn1.5+xO4 (LNMO), could be a sustainable alternative to the layered-oxide positive electrodes used in lithium-ion batteries. However, commercial acceptance has been limited as LNMO cells display rapid performance loss during cycling. To examine reasons for this loss we prepared cells with LNMO-based positive and either graphite or lithium titanate (LTO) based negative electrodes. Our initial cells displayed high impedance and rapid impedance rise during cycling. Adding single walled carbon nanotubes in the positive lowered initial cell impedance but impedance increased during cycling because of coating delamination from the Al foil. Using a primed Al current collector solved the delamination problem: cells with this current collector showed only a small impedance rise. Regarding capacity, cells with the LTO negative showed higher initial capacities and smaller fade. Our data indicate that cell capacity retention is determined by reduction reactions at the negative electrode that lower capacity and oxidation reactions at the positive electrode that increase capacity: both types of reactions deplete the cell electrolyte during extended cycling. All things considered, species generated at high voltages, either in the electrolyte or at the LNMO electrode, drive cell capacity fade.

New insights on the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of Chinese marine environmental quality and its driving factors from 2003 to 2021

As land and sea integration continues to accelerate, it will inevitably have an effect on the marine ecological environment. However, the study on spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of Chinese marine environmental quality and its driving factors was lacking. This paper employs Regression Analysis, Spearman Correlation Analysis, Canonical Correlation Analysis, Boston Consulting Group Matrix and Environmental Kuznets Curve to examine the spatial–temporal distribution characteristics and correlation factors of Chinese jurisdictional sea areas environmental quality. The environmental quality of the waters under China's jurisdiction improved on average from 2003 to 2021, the area of sea with excellent water quality increased by 7.21 × 104 km2. The spatial distribution showed “South superior, North inferior” trend. The accumulated red tide area is 2.01 × 105 km2, and the green tide has the average maximum area of distribution is 3.13 × 104 km2. The marine dumping area's volume of waste has a three stages of slow rise (2003–2007), steady (2008–2014) and rapid rise (2015–2021). The average percentage of seawater bathing areas with good water quality is 82.10 %. Urban Environmental Infrastructure Investment and Urban Drainage Construction Investments are positively correlated with excellent water quality and negatively correlated with light-sewage water quality. The typical correlation for the group “Environmental Quality/Environmental Governance” is 0.911, and the strongest correlation is between excellent water quality and urban drainage construction investment. The typical correlation coefficient for the “Environmental Quality/Socioeconomic” group is 0.960, and the strongest correlation is between excellent water quality and per capita GDP. The Gross Ocean Product, Per Capita GDP, Proportion of Non-agricultural Industries, Year-end Resident Population, and excellent water quality are positively correlated whereas light-sewage water quality is negatively correlated. Liaoning, Tianjin, Shandong and Guangdong shift from high-pollution-low-investment to low-pollution-low-investment model. Shanghai, Zhejiang, Fujian and Hainan maintain high-pollution-low-investment model, Hainan maintains high-pollution-high-investment model. Jiangsu maintains low-pollution-low-investment model. Hebei and Guangxi shift from low-pollution-low-investment to low-pollution-high-investment model. Liaoning, Hebei, Tianjin, Shandong, Guangxi and Shanghai show inverted “N” shape, Jiangsu shows positive “N” shape, Zhejiang and Fujian show monotonic decline shape, Guangdong and Hainan show positive “U” shape. The results could provide valuable suggestions for coastal provinces to accomplish economic development and environmental improvement, which to prevent the old way of “pollution first and treatment later”.

Investigations on OFDM UAV-based free-space optical transmission system with scintillation mitigation for optical wireless communication-to-ground links in atmospheric turbulence

The potential integration of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with free space optical (FSO) communication systems stands as a promising innovation in the realm of wireless network infrastructures. This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the application of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) in conjunction with UAV-based FSO technology, with a specific focus on establishing robust wireless communication links to ground sites within the evolving landscape of 5G networks. The research introduces a pioneering 4-level quadrature amplitude modulation (4-QAM)-OFDM-FSO framework tailored for UAV-to-ground communication, revolutionizing the prospects for seamless and high-throughput data transmission within dynamic network environments. Through comprehensive simulations and theoretical analyses, we unveil the system's efficacy in mitigating atmospheric turbulence, achieving heightened signal integrity, and ensuring performance adaptability over varying link distances, thus significantly addressing present limitations in traditional wireless communication models. Anchored within the context of modern wireless network infrastructures, this work serves as a crucial stepping stone for the practical application of OFDM-UAV-FSO communication systems, representing a paradigm shift in fostering resilient and agile wireless connectivity in the era of 5G networks. The inception of cutting-edge wireless networks expected to outperform the capabilities of 5G necessitates an infrastructure that can handle vast amounts of data. This infrastructure must be not only cost-effective and simple to deploy but also readily scalable to accommodate the diverse demands of front-haul and backhaul applications. Motivated by the growing interest in harnessing UAVs to extend the reach and enhance the operational efficacy of conventional cellular networks, this work introduces a novel application of UAV-ground station connections. The concept employs FSO to facilitate network traffic within both the segments. To optimize throughput, resilience, and spectral efficiency, the application of OFDM is proposed. The research considers the transmission of a 20 Gbps 4-QAM data signal across various channel conditions. It thoroughly assesses the performance implications of factors such as transmission distance and beam divergence. The study explores the correlation between pointing error, scintillation, beam divergence angle, and average spectral efficiency. A slight increase in pointing error results in a rapid rise in the scintillation index, while a larger beam divergence angle can help minimize the impact of scintillation. Adapting the beam's divergence angle based on the pointing error between the optical transceivers can reduce the effects of scintillation and improve the average spectral efficiency and channel capacity. Additionally, the relationship between pointing error, scintillation, and the determination of the optical beam divergence angle in terms of beam divergence and average spectral efficiency and channel capacity is examined, and theoretical evaluations further confirm the method's effectiveness in reducing scintillation in the presence of pointing errors. Furthermore, the simultaneous use of OFDM adaptive beam divergence control and modulation could significantly enhance the data rate. This approach aims to reduce the impact of scintillation in UAV FSO links, which often experience significant losses due to unpredictable fluctuations in the atmosphere's refractive index. The results of the simulations indicate that the integrated 4-QAM-OFDM-FSO framework can realize high data transmission rates, efficiently serving front-haul and backhaul needs, thereby signifying a significant evolutionary leap for the next generation of wireless technology. The numerical findings demonstrate the significant impact of the coherent FSO OFDM optical wireless communication (OWC) setup in UAV wireless communications to ground links, particularly in mitigating the effects of strong turbulence and pointing errors (PEs). Through the integration of spatial coherence diversity and adaptive modulation OFDM in the coherent OWC, there has been a noticeable enhancement in the average spectral efficiency (ASE). Notably, our results indicate an ASE of 53 bits/s/Hz and 37 bits/s/Hz achieved at an average transmitted optical power of 10 dBm for an aperture diameter of 10 cm, without and with PEs for the coherent OWC-FSO OFDM UAV technique, respectively. The proposed method was validated through simulations, demonstrating both improved average spectral efficiency and effective reduction of the scintillation effect. This approach holds promise for mitigating scintillation effects in UAV-FSO links.

Conventional and occasional euphemisms in German economic journalism

This article examines the use of euphemisms in German journalistic texts on economic topics. Euphemisms include lexemes and expressions that soften the names of discordant designations of concepts. The consequences of the 2019-2020 pandemic and the Ukrainian conflict had a definite impact on the German economy and the standard of living of the German population. The rapid rise in prices and the energy crisis that has arisen in the country have led to financial problems reflected in the stratification of society into rich and poor, an increase in the number of protests due to unfavorable working conditions and even to forced closure of enterprises. Such economic difficulties are actively discussed in the German press. In order to switch the reader’s attention and smooth out the designation of acute problems, journalists use euphemized words and expressions in their articles. In a particular historical period, depending on political, economic or social changes, certain spheres of public life were subjected to productive euphemization. In this regard, it seems important to trace this process in diachrony, focusing on the economic problems of Germany in 2021-2023. The aim of the study is to identify euphemistically colored lexemes and expressions in German journalistic texts, as well as to identify groups of euphemisms and the reasons for their use. The research material included articles from the economic section of German electronic publications such as “Der Spiegel”, “Die Zeit”, “Süddeutsche Zeitung”, “Die Tageszeitung”, “Berliner Zeitung”, etc. The study revealed that such economic problems as poverty and wealth, mass protests, rising food and electricity prices, methods of limiting them, and the consequences of the energy crisis are being euphemized. The analysis made it possible to identify both conventional and occasional euphemisms, although it was found that the lexemes and expressions of the second group are noticeably prevalent in German journalism.

Effects of channel structure at inlet region on temperature distribution of proton exchange membrane fuel cells

Enhancing the temperature distribution uniformity in membrane electrodes is crucial for improving the durability and performance stability of proton exchange membrane fuel cells. In this study, we discovered an entrance region in the cathode membrane electrode of proton exchange membrane fuel cells characterized by a rapid rise in temperature. This inlet region shows a notably higher temperature variation rate compared to other regions. This phenomenon is attributed to the temperature difference between the constant temperature fluid supplied by the channel inlet and the heat generation in the cathode catalyst layer. Thus, the impact of channel structure at the entrance region on the temperature distribution of the cathode catalyst layer is investigated, based on a three-dimensional, non-isothermal, two-phase model. Results show that boosting heat transfer in the inlet region is more effective for reducing the average temperature than in other regions. We proposed five kinds of step arrangement schemes and discovered that the step arrangement in the entrance region of the cathode flow channel can increase the temperature uniformity of the cathode catalyst layer by 9.71% without net power loss. Furthermore, this study examines the impact of length, height of entrance steps, and outlet channel height on heat transfer and identifies the optimum value. When severe water flooding occurs, the gas purge coupled with the step-fronted scheme is essential for improving temperature uniformity.

The importance of intravenous glucose tolerance test glucose stimulus for the evaluation of insulin secretion

For 100 years, the Intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) has been used extensively in researching the pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus and AIRg—the IVGTT-induced acute insulin response to the rapid rise in circulating glucose—is a key measure of insulin secretory capacity. For an effective evaluation of AIRg, IVGTT glucose loading should be adjusted for glucose distribution volume (gVOL) to provide an invariant, trend-free immediate rise in circulating glucose (ΔG0). Body weight-based glucose loads have been widely used but whether these achieve a trend-free ΔG0 does not appear to have been investigated. By analysing variation in AIRg, ΔG0 and gVOL with a range of IVGTT loads, both observed and simulated, we explored the hypothesis that there would be an optimum anthropometry-based IVGTT load calculation that, by achieving a trend-free ΔG0, would not compromise evaluation of AIRg as an index of beta cell function. Data derived from patient and research volunteer records for 3806 IVGTT glucose and insulin profiles. Among the non-obese, as gVOL rose, weight increased disproportionately rapidly. Consequently, the IVGTT glucose load needed for an invariant ΔG0 was progressively overestimated, accounting for 47% of variation in AIRg. Among the obese, ΔG0 was trend-free yet AIRg increased by 11.6% per unit body mass index, consistent with a more proportionate increase in weight with gVOL and a hyperinsulinaemic adaptation to adiposity-associated insulin resistance. Simulations further confirmed our hypothesis by demonstrating that a body surface area-based IVGTT load calculation could provide for a more generally invariant IVGTT ΔG0.

Island medicine longitudinal cohort study: Rapid rise in chronic kidney disease in rural and remote communities.

To determine the change in incidence and prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in rural and remote communities over the last decade. We examined the change in age-standardized incidence and prevalence in Tasmania between 2010 and 2020, using a linked dataset that included any adult with a creatinine test taken in a community laboratory during the study period (n = 581 513; 87.8% of the state's adult population). We defined CKD as two measures of eGFR <60 mL/min per 1.73 m2, at least 3 months apart. State-wide age-standardized prevalence of CKD increased by 28% in the decade to 2020, from 516 to 659 per 10 000 population. Prevalence in men increased 31.3% and women 24.8%. The greatest increase in age-standardized prevalence was seen in rural or remote communities with an increase of 36.6% overall, but with considerable variation by community (range + 0.4% to +88.3%). The increase in the actual number of people with CKD in the decade to 2020 was 67%, with the number of women increasing by 58% and men by 79%. The age-standardized prevalence of CKD in rural and remote regions has increased considerably over the past decade, likely compounded by limited access to primary and secondary healthcare. These findings highlight the need to ensure healthcare resources are directed to areas of greatest need.

A Study to Determine the Link between Media Use and Drug Use among Students: A Case Study of Pakistan

In Pakistan, drug addiction is becoming more common as the country has 6.7 million drug users. A serious social issue facing modern Pakistani society is a rapid rise in drug addiction among students. Drug traffickers have stepped up the use of media to trigger demand for drugs in many countries including Pakistan, India, and Thailand. The media had a significant impact on their decision to start abusing drugs. Previous studies show media encourages teen substance use. So, this study is designed to determine the link between the use of media and drug use among students in two universities in Khairpur City. An exploratory research method was employed because society is traditional and no substantive research has been carried out on the issue in the country. A random sampling technique was adopted to collect data. The target population for this study was students of two Universities in Khairpur. An online close-ended questionnaire was adopted and distributed among students of two universities online. Python was employed to analyze the data. Results establish links between the use of media and drug use among the students. Moreover, students spending two hours on social media are exposed to information related to drugs, which puts them at increased risk of drug use.