Thermal Window Research Articles

Realization of a tracker for a parabolic cylindrical optical concentrator (application on a photovoltaic_thermal window

To produce more electrical energy with the same PV module, the output power of the PV module can be increased by increasing the solar radiation incident on the PV module, because the amount of electricity obtained from PV systems is directly proportional to the intensity of solar radiation projected onto the surface of the solar module. Implementing a solar concentration system can be a good solution to increase the efficiency of the PV module. This study examines the effectiveness of using a movable parabolic reflector in a window containing a photovoltaic array with a heat exchanger containing water circulating in a pipeline, to obtain a photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) module. The results demonstrate that using a movable parabolic reflector with a cooling system to absorb excess heat in a building window could increase and improve the performance of the photovoltaic array and enable optimal use of solar panels with more energy produced.

Thermal response in Boer goats differing in coat colour

Context The coat is the first defense layer protecting animals from direct sunlight, influencing radiant-heat absorption and loss. Dark coat colour may increase animal heat impact because of higher absorption of solar radiation. Aims We investigated the impact of pigmentation intensity on the heads of animals and their thermal responses to solar radiation. Furthermore, we compared the thermal responses between dark and light brown-coloured animals, to determine whether the duration of sun and shade exposure (3 h each) is sufficient to differentiate the heat gain and losses between the two groups. Methods The effect of coat colour on rectal and surface temperatures in Boer goats, classified according to their head pigmentation pattern as dark (DB, N = 11) or light brown (LB, N = 11), exposed to sun and shade, was evaluated. The animals’ body and head surface temperatures were measured the same day before, during, and after sun exposure by using infrared thermography. Individual thermographic images were analysed by body regions (rump, leg, neck) and head areas (eye, ear, upper and lower part of the head, and the muzzle). Key results During solar radiation, all measured variables increased. In the shade, the rump, leg, and neck surfaces remained elevated, whereas the head area cooled down faster, with the highest temperature changes measured for the ear of about 10%. Most surface cooling occurred within 30 min after returning to the shade. Coat colour groups differed only in higher overall muzzle temperature of DB than that of LB goats (P = 0.048). Correlations between rectal and surface temperatures were low to medium, ranging from −0.02 (eye) to 0.31 (muzzle). Conclusions The head area is suggested as the important thermal window for heat dissipation and selective brain cooling. Light brown-headed animals were more efficient in eliminating the heat gained from solar radiation when returned to shade. Implications The colouration of the animal’s head may play an important role for its heat tolerance. As an easy-to-recognise characteristic, coat colour can serve as a selection trait for local goat populations. In view of global warming, selection for lighter coat colour in domestic ruminants may also become important even under temperate climates.

The Role of Mafic Intrusions in Producing Alkaline Vent Fluids at the Lost City Hydrothermal Field: Evidence from Stable Potassium Isotopes

The alkaline, H2-rich vent fluids of the Lost City Hydrothermal Field (LCHF) have generally been attributed to serpentinization of tectonically uplifted mantle peridotite. However, elevated concentrations of highly incompatible and fluid mobile trace alkali metals, Rb and Cs, indicate reaction with relatively unaltered mafic components (Seyfried et al., 2015). Here, we present high-precision stable-K isotope analyses of LCHF vent fluids, which provide new constraints on source-rock lithology and support more quantitative estimates of fluid:rock ratio, providing a new constraint on heat and mass transfer processes. We find that δ41K values of LCHF vent fluids (0.03–0.07 ‰) are distinct from local seawater (0.13 ± 0.02 ‰). In combination with near-seawater concentrations of K (10.4 ± 0.1 mmol/kg), these data are incompatible with hydrothermal alteration of peridotite alone, which is highly depleted in K. Instead, K-isotope and concentration data are consistent with hydrothermal alteration of mafic rocks (e.g., gabbro or diabase) at a fluid:rock ratio of 6–26, a range that agrees well with Rb, Cs, and 87Sr/86Sr-based estimates of fluid:rock ratio, updated here to reflect derivation from mafic source rocks.Geochemical modeling of hydrothermal fluid-rock reactions indicates that LCHF vent fluids can be effectively reproduced by a two-stage reaction in which seawater initially reacts at 200–300 °C with mafic rocks at in a fluid:rock ratio of ∼ 10 —as constrained by the above isotopic and trace-element systematics— and subsequently reacts with peridotite at a fluid:rock ratio of ∼ 30 at roughly the same temperature, pressure conditions. We also note that LCHF vent fluids are ∼ 2 % depleted in Cl compared to seawater, which may reflect admixture of a vapor component derived from ongoing phase separation at higher (> 450 °C) temperatures. We thus propose that the LCHF represents waning-stage hydrothermal activity initiated by a discrete off-axis mafic intrusion that has subsequently cooled to intermediate temperatures conducive to olivine hydrolysis and production of alkaline vent fluids. In this interpretation, alkaline H2-rich vent fields occupy a narrow thermal window in the expected evolution of hydrothermal activity associated with episodic off-axis mafic intrusions into tectonically exposed ultramafic host rocks and are thus likely to be rare on the modern seafloor.

The seasonal response of metabolic rate to projected climate change scenarios in aquatic amphipods

The responses of organisms to climate change are mediated primarily by its impact on their metabolic rates, which, in turn, drive various biological and ecological processes. Although there have been numerous seminal studies on the sensitivity of metabolic rate to temperature, little is empirically known about how this rate responds to seasonal temperature ranges and beyond under conservative IPCC climate change scenarios. Here, we measured the SMR of the aquatic amphipod, Gammarus insensibilis, which served as our subject species, with body masses ranging from 0.20 to 7.74 mg ash free weight. We assessed the response of the SMR across nine temperature levels ranging from 12 to 30.2 °C. These temperatures match seasonal temperature norms, with an incremental increase of 0.6–1.2 °C above each seasonal baseline, as projected for the years 2040 and 2100 under the modest climate change scenarios. Overall, our findings showed that the effect of temperature on SMR varies with body mass, as indicated by a negative size-temperature interaction, with larger conspecifics exhibiting less sensitivity to temperature changes than smaller ones. From the cold to warm season, the SMR increased by an average of 14% °C−1, with increases of 18.4% °C−1 in smaller individuals and 11.4% °C−1 in larger ones. The SMR of smaller individuals peaked at a 0.6 °C increase from the current summer baseline (15.08% °C−1, Q10 = 4.2), while in larger ones it peaked with a 1.2 °C increase beyond autumn temperatures (14.9% °C−1, Q10 = 3.9). However, at temperatures reflecting global warming that exceed summer temperatures, the SMR of larger individuals levelled off, while that of smaller ones continued to increase. Overall, our findings suggest that smaller-sized individuals have a broader thermal window for SMR performance, while the SMR of larger-sized ones will become increasingly constrained at summer temperatures as those summer temperatures become hotter.

Photothermal synergistic modulation of patterned VO2-Based composite films for smart windows

Vanadium dioxide (VO2) emerges as promising material for smart windows due to its ability to dynamically modulate the characteristics of near-infrared light during phase transition, accompanied by a relatively high luminous transmittance (Tlum). However, traditional VO2-based smart windows have predominantly emphasized achieving high solar modulation ability (ΔTsol), often overlooking the modulation of emissivity (ε) of long-wave infrared (LWIR). This oversight makes it challenging to achieve optimal energy-saving effects. To address this, patterned smart window composite films are designed and optimized by using Fabry-Pérot cavity to achieve dual-band coordinated regulation of sunlight and thermal radiation, which can greatly improve the energy-saving efficiency. The obtained composite film has a great low-temperature luminous transmittance (Tlum-L=50.4 %) and a high solar modulation ability (ΔTsol = 13.9 %). Meanwhile, the composite film can adaptively adjust its emissivity, with emissivity values of 0.67 and 0.18 at high and low temperatures, respectively, endowing it with excellent thermal radiation regulation capabilities. The development of patterned composite films is of great significance in the field of thermal control smart windows, which has great potential in improving the energy efficiency of buildings and enhancing resident comfort.

Impacts of ocean warming on fish size reductions on the world’s hottest coral reefs

The impact of ocean warming on fish and fisheries is vigorously debated. Leading theories project limited adaptive capacity of tropical fishes and 14-39% size reductions by 2050 due to mass-scaling limitations of oxygen supply in larger individuals. Using the world’s hottest coral reefs in the Persian/Arabian Gulf as a natural laboratory for ocean warming - where species have survived >35.0 °C summer temperatures for over 6000 years and are 14-40% smaller at maximum size compared to cooler locations - we identified two adaptive pathways that enhance survival at elevated temperatures across 10 metabolic and swimming performance metrics. Comparing Lutjanus ehrenbergii and Scolopsis ghanam from reefs both inside and outside the Persian/Arabian Gulf across temperatures of 27.0 °C, 31.5 °C and 35.5 °C, we reveal that these species show a lower-than-expected rise in basal metabolic demands and a right-shifted thermal window, which aids in maintaining oxygen supply and aerobic performance to 35.5 °C. Importantly, our findings challenge traditional oxygen-limitation theories, suggesting a mismatch in energy acquisition and demand as the primary driver of size reductions. Our data support a modified resource-acquisition theory to explain how ocean warming leads to species-specific size reductions and why smaller individuals are evolutionarily favored under elevated temperatures.

Artificial Greenhouse Gases as Exoplanet Technosignatures

Atmospheric pollutants such as chlorofluorocarbons and NO2 have been proposed as potential remotely detectable atmospheric technosignature gases. Here we investigate the potential for artificial greenhouse gases including CF4, C2F6, C3F8, SF6, and NF3 to generate detectable atmospheric signatures. In contrast to passive incidental by-products of industrial processes, artificial greenhouse gases would represent an intentional effort to change the climate of a planet with long-lived, low-toxicity gases and would possess low false positive potential. An extraterrestrial civilization may be motivated to undertake such an effort to arrest a predicted snowball state on their home world or to terraform an otherwise uninhabitable terrestrial planet within their system. Because artificial greenhouse gases strongly absorb in the thermal mid-infrared window of temperate atmospheres, a terraformed planet will logically possess strong absorption features from these gases at mid-infrared wavelengths (∼8–12 μm), possibly accompanied by diagnostic features in the near-infrared. As a proof of concept, we calculate the needed observation time to detect 1 [10](100) ppm of C2F6/C3F8/SF6 on TRAPPIST-1 f with JWST MIRI’s Low Resolution Spectrometer (LRS) and NIRSpec. We find that a combination of 1[10](100) ppm each of C2F6, C3F8, and SF6 can be detected with a signal-to-noise ratio ≧ 5 in as few as 25[10](5) transits with MIRI/LRS. We further explore mid-infrared direct-imaging scenarios with the Large Interferometer for Exoplanets mission concept and find these gases are more detectable than standard biosignatures at these concentrations. Consequently, artificial greenhouse gases can be readily detected (or excluded) during normal planetary characterization observations with no additional overhead.

Naturally and Anthropogenically Induced Lingulodinium polyedra Dinoflagellate Red Tides in the Galician Rias (NW Iberian Peninsula).

Despite the fact that the first red tide reported on the coasts of the Iberian Peninsula was due to Lingulodinium polyedra, knowledge about their frequency and, particularly, about the environmental conditions contributing to bloom initiation is still scarce. For this reason, L. polyedra bloom episodes were observed and studied in three Galician rias during the summer season based on the 1993-2008 record database period; additionally, samples were collected in summer 2008. Proliferations of L. polyedra occurred in the rias of Ares and Barqueiro in June and August, respectively, while in the Ria of Coruña, they persisted from the end of June to early September. Red tides developed when the surface temperature reached 17 °C, with "seasonal thermal window" conditions, and when salinities were ≥30, i.e., an "optimal salinity window"; when these parameters were lower than these thresholds, cyst germination decreased. A cyst transport mechanism from sediments to the surface must also exist; this mechanism was found to be natural (tidal currents) in the ria of Barqueiro or anthropogenic (dredging) in the rias of Ares and Coruña. Surface temperatures during summer were usually favorable for cyst germination (85 to 100%) during the 1993-2008 period; however, water temperatures below 10 m depth only rarely reached the 17 °C threshold (2 to 18%). During this 16-year period, dredging activities could explain 71% (Coruña) and 44% (Ares) of the recorded bloom events. When a bloom episode developed in early summer, favorable conditions did not lead to a new red tide, probably due to the lag period required by cysts for germination. Moreover, blooms did not develop when high densities of diatoms (>1,000,000 cells·L-1) remained in the water column as a result of summer upwelling pulses occurring in specific years. The temperature-sediment disturbance pattern found in this study provides a useful tool for the prevention of eventual risks resulting from red tides of this dinoflagellate.

Seasonal energy investment and metabolic patterns in a farmed fish

The present research focuses on the seasonal changes in the energy content and metabolic patterns of red porgy (Pagrus pagrus) sampled in a fish farm in North Evoikos Gulf (Greece). The study was designed in an effort to evaluate the influence of seasonality in several physiological feauteres of high commercial importance that may affect feed intake and growth. We determined glycogen, lipids and proteins levels, and cellular energy allocation (CEA) as a valuable marker of exposure to stress, which integrates available energy (Ea) and energy consumption (Ec). Metabolic patterns and aerobic oxidation potential were based on the determination of glucose transporter (GLU), carnitine transporter (CTP), L-lactate dehydrogenase (L-LDH), citrate synthase (CS), cytochrome C oxidase subunit IV isoform 1 (COX1) and 3-hydroxyacyl CoA dehydrogenase (HOAD) relative gene expression. To integrate metabolic patterns and gene expression, L-LDH, CS, COX and HOAD activities were also determined. For further estimation of biological stores oxidized during seasonal acclimatization, we determined the blood levels of glucose, lipids and lactate. The results indicated seasonal changes in energy content, different patterns in gene expression and reorganization of metabolic patterns during cool acclimatization with increased lipid oxidation. During warm acclimatization, however, energy consumption was mostly based on carbohydrates oxidation. The decrease of Ec and COX1 activity in the warm exposed heart seem to be consistent with the OCLTT hypothesis, suggesting that the heart may be one of the first organs to be limited during seasonal warming. Overall, this study has profiled changes in energetics and metabolic patterns occurring at annual temperatures at which P. pagrus is currently farmed, suggesting that this species is living at the upper edge of their thermal window, at least during summer.

Characterization of the Temperament and Reactivity of Nelore Cattle (Bos indicus) Associated with Behavior Scores during Corral Management in the Humid Tropics.

The evaluation of the reactivity and distress of cattle during corral management, by means of subjective scores, aims at the standardization of behavioral indicators, through non-invasive methods, in addition to enabling the development of more appropriate management practices, thus promoting the comfort and well-being of these animals. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to characterize the temperament and distress of cattle managed in a corral using behavioral indicators during the rainiest period. For this, the experiment was conducted on a property located in the municipality of Mojuí dos Campos, during the rainiest quarter (February-April). Thus, 30 male cattle, not castrated, approximately 29 months of age, clinically healthy, and weighing 310 + 20 kg, were divided into three rearing systems: silvopastoral (SP), traditional (SS), and integrated (SI) systems. There were 10 animals per system. Physiological parameters were collected to evaluate rectal temperature (RT) and respiratory rate (RR), as well as body surface temperature (BST), through thermal windows (head and flank infrared temperature and rump infrared temperature). To evaluate temperament and reactivity, scores indicative of corral behavior were used, namely escape speed (ES), tension score (SS_1), tension score (SS_2), reactivity scale (RS), movement score (MS), and temperament scale (TS). The results showed that there was a thermal amplitude of 5.9 °C on average and 8.6 °C at maximum when comparing the structure of the corral and the trees. In addition, the comparisons between the production systems for the behavioral variables did not differ at the 5% significance level, except for ES, where the traditional system differed from the integrated system and the silvopastoral system, showing intermediate average values for both. In addition, there was a positive correlation between the variables RT and RR (r = 0.72; p < 0.01), RR and SS_2 (r = 0.38; p = 0.04), flank infrared temperature and MS (r = 0.47; p = 0.01), rump infrared temperature and RS (r = 0.37; p = 0.04), SS_1 and RS (r = 0.41; p = 0.02), SS_1 and SS_2 (r = 0.39; p = 0.03), RS and SS_2 (r = 0.58; p = 0.00), RS and MS (r = 0.50; p = 0.01), RS and TS (r = 0.61; p = 0.00), SS_2 and MS (r = 0.51; p = 0.00), SS_2 and TS (r = 0.47; p = 0.01), and MS and TS (r = 0.44; p = 0.02), and a negative correlation between ES and TS (r = -0.42; p = 0.02). The rainy season had a major influence on the evaluation of temperature and distress levels during handling in the corral, as evidenced by the association between physiological and behavioral parameters.

Changes in body surface temperature reveal the thermal challenge associated with catastrophic moult in captive gentoo penguins.

Once a year, penguins undergo a catastrophic moult, replacing their entire plumage during a fasting period on land or on sea-ice during which time individuals can lose 45% of their body mass. In penguins, new feather synthesis precedes the loss of old feathers, leading to an accumulation of two feather layers (double coat) before the old plumage is shed. We hypothesized that the combination of the high metabolism required for new feather synthesis and the potentially high thermal insulation linked to the double coat could lead to a thermal challenge requiring additional peripheral circulation to thermal windows to dissipate the extra heat. To test this hypothesis, we measured the surface temperature of different body regions of captive gentoo penguins (Pygoscelis papua) throughout the moult under constant environmental conditions. The surface temperature of the main body trunk decreased during the initial stages of the moult, suggesting greater thermal insulation. In contrast, the periorbital region, a potential proxy of core temperature in birds, increased during these same early moulting stages. The surface temperature of the bill, flipper and foot (thermal windows) tended to initially increase during the moult, highlighting the likely need for extra heat dissipation in moulting penguins. These results raise questions regarding the thermoregulatory capacities of penguins in the wild during the challenging period of moulting on land in the current context of global warming.

Magnetic polyamide 11 powder for the powder bed fusion process by liquid-liquid phase separation and crystallization

Herein, we demonstrate the preparation of magnetic polyamide 11 feedstock powders for powder bed fusion (PBF) using liquid-liquid phase separation and crystallization. By adding magnetic nanomaterials during the precipitation process, the particulate additive is incorporated into the polymer matrix. This enables the production of filled systems at single particle level, which is advantageous in terms of the adjustable magnetic strength and homogeneity of the powder. Thermogravimetric analysis is used to determine the additive content and onset temperature of decomposition of composite powders, where additive-enhancement of PA11 powders with magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles showed a positive influence on the thermal stability of the feedstock. Successive analysis of particle size distribution, shape, colour, crystal structure, magnetic properties and thermal properties of the composite powders are carried out and their properties are discussed with respect to the PBF process. A decrease in particle size, width of the thermal process window and isothermal crystallization time can be attributed to the nucleating effect of the magnetic additive. The PBF processability of the composite feedstock is demonstrated by the production of magnetic tensile bar specimens from additive-enhanced PA11 powders with 1 wt.-% magnetic iron oxide.

Data encryption with chaotic light in the long wavelength infrared atmospheric window

In environments where traditional fiber optic cables are impractical, free-space optical communications offer a promising solution for transmitting large amounts of data, especially in the mid-infrared wavelength range. Despite the advantages of minimal atmospheric interference and stable signals, the vulnerability of wireless optical communications to eavesdropping poses a significant challenge. This study addresses this challenge by demonstrating a method for privately transmitting optical data using photonic chaos from distributed feedback quantum cascade lasers operating at 9.3 µm. Signal processing techniques are applied to enhance the quality of the transmission over distances exceeding 30 m, accompanied by a comprehensive analysis of the photonic chaos complexity to ensure data confidentiality. These findings mark a significant advancement in developing private communications systems within the thermal atmospheric window, with a substantially reduced risk of interception by adversaries. The research not only contributes to secure communications but also has potential implications for enhancing security of data transmission in challenging environments, impacting various industries and applications.

Melt-processable polyvinyl alcohol/lignin composites with improved strength via synergistic plasticization of lignin

The characteristics of multi-hydroxyl structure and strong hydrogen bonding in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) make its melting point close to its decomposition temperature, causing melt-processing difficulty. In this work, following the plasticization of small-molecule primary plasticizer acetamide, lignin was demonstrated as a green secondary plasticizer in realizing the melt processing and simultaneous reinforcement of PVA. During the plasticization process, lignin was able to combine with the hydroxyl groups of PVA, so as to destroy the hydrogen bonds and regularity of the PVA chains. The synergistic plasticization effect of lignin dramatically reduced the melting point of PVA from 185 °C to 151 °C. The thermal processing window of PVA composites was expanded from 50 °C to roughly 80 °C after introducing lignin. In contrast to acetamide, the addition of lignin significantly increased the tensile strength and Young's modulus of the composites to 71 MPa and 1.34 GPa, respectively. Meanwhile, lignin helped to hinder the migration of acetamide via hydrogen bonds. With the addition of lignin, the composites also displayed enhanced hydrophobicity and excellent UV shielding performance. The strategy of synergistic plasticization of lignin provides a feasible basis for the practical application of lignin in melt-processable PVA materials with good comprehensive properties.

Comprehensive performance investigation of a novel thermal catalytic semi-transparent PV double-skin ventilated window integrated with CdTe cells

Human health is adversely impacted by indoor formaldehyde. Given that buildings with conventional PV-DSVs fail to improve indoor air quality in the indoor or outdoor air circulation mode without any air handling devices. To remove indoor formaldehyde, a thermal-catalytic CdTe PV double-skin ventilated window is proposed. A corresponding mathematical model was established and validated against experiment data. Based on the validated model, the thermal, electrical, daylighting, and formaldehyde degradation performances were investigated and compared with a conventional PV-DSV (PV-CDSV). Additionally, parametric analysis was conducted to analyse impacts of four factors, including the area of catalytic coating, the window-to-wall ratio, outdoor solar radiation, and ambient temperature, on the energy performance of the proposed window. Main results are: (1) The proposed window had a higher power output but a bit lower thermal efficiency than PV-CDSV, and it had a higher ηtotal in winter, which reached 35.35 % and was 31.45 % higher than that of the PV-CDSV. (2) The net energy consumption of PV-TCDSV increased by 6.59 % and 6.26 % compared with PV-CDSV in winter and summer, respectively. (3) Among the four influencing factors, the solar radiation and ambient temperature had strong impacts on the effectiveness of formaldehyde degradation.

Assessing Target Specificity of the Small Molecule Inhibitor MARIMASTAT to Snake Venom Toxins: A Novel Application of Thermal Proteome Profiling

New treatments that circumvent the pitfalls of traditional antivenom therapies are critical to address the problem of snakebite globally. Numerous snake venom toxin inhibitors have shown promising cross-species neutralization of medically significant venom toxins in vivo and in vitro. The development of high-throughput approaches for the screening of such inhibitors could accelerate their identification, testing, and implementation and thus holds exciting potential for improving the treatments and outcomes of snakebite envenomation worldwide. Energetics-based proteomic approaches, including thermal proteome profiling and proteome integral solubility alteration (PISA) assays, represent “deep proteomics” methods for high throughput, proteome-wide identification of drug targets and ligands. In the following study, we apply thermal proteome profiling and PISA methods to characterize the interactions between venom toxin proteoforms in Crotalus atrox (Western Diamondback Rattlesnake) and the snake venom metalloprotease (SVMP) inhibitor marimastat. We investigate its venom proteome-wide effects and characterize its interactions with specific SVMP proteoforms, as well as its potential targeting of non-SVMP venom toxin families. We also compare the performance of PISA thermal window and soluble supernatant with insoluble precipitate using two inhibitor concentrations, providing the first demonstration of the utility of a sensitive high-throughput PISA-based approach to assess the direct targets of small molecule inhibitors for snake venom.

Influence of Complex Plasticizer on Plasticizing Effects and Rheological Properties of Plasticized Poly(Vinyl Alcohol)

AbstractPoly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) was modified using D‐mannitol (DM) and 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazole bromide (BMIMBr) as the complex plasticizer (DB), and PVA/DB composite was prepared. The plasticizing effect of DB on PVA was studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), differntial scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermos gravimetric analysis (TGA) and melt flow indexer (MI). FT‐IR analysis indicated that Br− of BMIMBr and OH of DM could form H‐bonds with OH of PVA. With the increase of DB, the melt temperature (Tm2) and crystallization temperature (Tc1) of PVA/DB composite decreased, the initial thermal decomposition temperatures (Td), thermal processing window (ΔT) and MI values increased respectively. Based on above studies, the influence of DB content on rheological properties of PVA/DB composite was investigated by the capillary rheometer. The result displayed that apparent viscosity of PVA/DB composite decreased with increasing DB content, shear rate and measured temperature. The non‐Newtonian index (n) increased and structural viscosity index (Δη) decreased with the increase of measured temperature and DB. The viscous flow activation energy (Eη) decreased as the shear rate and DB content increased. When the measured temperature, DB content and shear rate were in the range of Tm2+30 −Tm2+35 °C, 40–50 wt% and 764.8–1504.9 s−1, respectively, the spinnability of PVA/DB composite was optimal, which will lay a theoretical foundation for the exploration of melt spinning process in the future.

Intra and interspecific variation in thermal performance and critical limits in anurans from southern Chile

The relationship between temperature and performance can be illustrated through a thermal performance curve (TPC), which has proven useful in describing various aspects of ectotherms' thermal ecology and evolution. The parameters of the TPC can vary geographically due to large-scale variations in environmental conditions. However, only some studies have attempted to quantify how thermal performance varies over relatively small spatial scales, even in the same location or consistently among individuals within a species. Here, we quantified individual and species variation in thermal sensitivity of locomotor performance in five amphibia Eupsophus species found in the temperate rainforests of southern Chile and compared their estimates against co-occurring species that exhibit a substantially more extensive distributional range. We measured critical thermal limits and jumping performance under five different temperatures. Our results suggest that thermal responses are relatively conserved along the phylogeny, as the locomotor performance and thermal windows for activity remained narrow in Eupsophus species when compared against results observed for Batrachyla taeniata and Rhinella spinulosa. Additionally, we found significant individual differences in locomotor performance within most species, with individual consistency in performance observed across varied temperatures. Further analyses explored the influence of body size on locomotor performance and critical thermal limits within and between species. Our results suggest a trade-off scenario between thermal tolerance breadth and locomotor performance, where species exhibiting broader thermal ranges might have compromised performance. Interestingly, these traits seem partly mediated by body size variations, raising questions about potential ecological implications.

Lamination of >21% Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells with Independent Process Control of Transport Layers and Interfaces.

Transport layer and interface optimization is critical for improving the performance and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) but is restricted by the conventional fabrication approach of sequential layer deposition. While the bottom transport layer is processed with minimum constraints, the narrow thermal and chemical stability window of the halide perovskite (HP) layer severely restricts the choice of top transport layer and its processing conditions. To overcome these limitations, we demonstrate lamination of HPs─where two transport layer-perovskite half-stacks are independently processed and diffusion-bonded at the HP-HP interface─as an alternative fabrication strategy that enables self-encapsulated solar cells. Power conversion efficiencies (PCE) of >21% are realized using cells that incorporate a novel transport layer combination along with dual-interface passivation via self-assembled monolayers, both of which are uniquely enabled by the lamination approach. This is the highest reported PCE for any laminated PSC encapsulated between glass substrates. We further show that this approach expands the processing window beyond traditional fabrication processes and is adaptable for different transport layer compositions. The laminated PSCs retained >75% of their initial PCE after 1000 h of 1-sun illumination at 40 °C in air using an all-inorganic transport layer configuration without additional encapsulation. Furthermore, a laminated 1 cm2 device maintained a Voc of 1.16 V. The scalable lamination strategy in this study enables the implementation of new transport layers and interfacial engineering approaches for improving performance and stability.

Shifting thermal tolerance windows throughout incubation affects sea turtle hatching success: implications for hatchery management and conservation

Shifting thermal tolerance windows throughout incubation affects sea turtle hatching success: implications for hatchery management and conservation