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Efficient and reversible hydrogen storage by light metal-doped BCN monolayers at room temperature
No full textWe employ first-principles density functional theory (DFT) simulations to study the potential of BCN monolayer as a promising hydrogen (H2) storage material. Van der Waals corrected simulations reveal that selected light metals bind to defected BCN with strong binding energies of − 3.41, − 2.52, − 2.93, − 2.27, and − 4.24 eV for Li, Na, K, Mg, and Ca, respectively. Such strong bindings reduce the inclination of metal dopants to form clusters over the BCN surface. Charge analysis indicates that metal dopants attain cationic characters by donating their valence electrons to BCN, facilitating the adsorption incident H2 molecules through polarization and electrostatic interactions. A maximum of 16H2 molecules could be adsorbed to metal-doped BCN, resulting in significantly high gravimetric densities of 10.10, 9.18, 8.41, 9.11, and 8.36 wt% for 2Li-, 2Na-, 2 K-, 2 Mg-, and 2Ca-BCN, respectively, comfortably exceeding the 5.50 wt% target set by the US Department of Energy (DOE). Furthermore, statistical thermodynamic analysis based on the Langmuir model is applied to study the H2 storage capacity under ambient temperature and pressure conditions. Under practical conditions, adsorption at 30 atm/ 300 K and desorption at 3 atm/375 K, the maximal reversible H2 storage capacities of metal-doped BCN systems fall in the range of 6.30–8.70 wt%. We believe that our findings can pave the way for the development of highperformance BCN-based H2 storage materials
A Naturally Occurring Mouse Model of Achromatopsia: Characterization of the Mutation in Cone Transducin and Subsequent Retinal Phenotype
No full textPURPOSE. This work investigates a novel, naturally occurring mouse model of achromatopsia. The specific missense mutation within the Gnat2 gene was identified and the subsequent retinal phenotype characterized. METHODS. The Gnat2 sequence was amplified using PCR from BALB/c and Gnat2c.518A>GG retinae and the product sequenced. Retinal function was assessed at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months using the electroretinogram. Transducin and opsin expression were assessed at 3 and 12 months using immunohistochemistry and quantitative PCR. Retinal remodeling and Müller cell gliosis were investigated using immunocytochemistry. RESULTS. An A to G missense mutation at position 518 of the Gnat2 gene was identified that resulted in an aspartic acid to glycine substitution. Gnat2c.518A>GG animals showed no cone response, while the rod response was normal except for a decrease in the photoreceptor response at 12 months (a-wave, 14%). Gnat2c.518A>GG retinal sections showed no transducin immunolabeling; however, protein was detected via Western blot. Gnat2 gene expression was only decreased at 12 months of age (27%). There was reduced cone number at 12 months (27%) and M-opsin showed evidence of mislocalization. Displaced photoreceptor terminals and altered horizontal cell, cone/rod bipolar cell morphology were evident at 3 months, becoming more extensive at 12 months with the emergence of Muller cell gliosis. CONCLUSIONS. The Gnat2c.518A>GG mouse contains a missense mutation that results in no cone function due to a misfolding of transducin. Cone photoreceptors also show signs of opsin mislocalization, retinal remodeling and degeneration. This naturally occurring model shows all the hallmark signs of achromatopsia
Dietary Patterns among Smokers and Non-Smokers: Findings from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017–2018
No full textDiet behavior and nutrition are critical for maintaining health and improving quality of life. Cigarette smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Poor dietary choices, such as excessively frequenting restaurants, consuming ready-to-eat foods from grocery stores, and ingesting ultra-processed foods (like frozen meals and pizzas), can adversely impact health. Despite this, research comparing dietary behaviors between smokers and non-smokers is limited. Using data from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey 2017–2018, we analyzed diet behavior based on smoking status. Our findings reveal that smokers had a significant increase (90%) in the frequency of consuming frozen meals/pizzas in the past 30 days compared to non-smokers (coefficient: 1.9; 95% CI: 1.4, 2.6; p-valu
Glucagon Receptor Agonists and Antagonists Affect the Growth of the Chick Eye: A Role for Glucagonergic Regulation of Emmetropization?
No full textPURPOSE. In chicks, plus defocus retards eye growth, thickens the choroid, and activates glucagonergic amacrine cells, probably releasing glucagon. Glucagon receptor antagonists (expected to inhibit compensation to plus defocus) and agonists (expected to block myopia induction by form deprivation) were administered to eyes of chicks, to test the hypothesis that glucagon mediates the induction of changes in eye growth by plus defocus. METHODS. Seven-day-old (P7) chick eyes were injected intravitreally with peptides at concentrations of ∼10−9 to 10−5 M in 20 μL (injection volume). The glucagon-receptor antagonists [des-His1,des- Phe 6 ,Glu9]-glucagon-NH2 (des- Phe 6 -antagonist) and [des-His1,Glu9]-glucagon-NH2 (Phe 6 -antagonist) were administered daily for 4 to 5 days to plus-defocused eyes. Agonists (porcine glucagon-[1-29] and [Lys17,18,Glu21]-glucagon-NH2) were monocularly administered daily for 5 days to form-deprived eyes. The contralateral eye remained open and received saline. After treatment, eyes were refracted, measured, and examined for histologic changes. RESULTS. The Phe 6 -antagonist at 10−5 M (in the syringe) inhibited changes in both refractive error and axial length compensation induced by +7-D lens wear; however, des-Phe 6 -antagonist (10−5 M) had weak, inconsistent effects and did not antagonize the action of exogenous glucagon. Glucagon prevented ocular elongation and myopia and induced choroidal thickening in form-deprived eyes. [Lys17,18,Glu21]-glucagon-NH2 had little effect at 10−7 M, but at 10−6 to 10−5 M altered rod structure and inhibited eye growth. CONCLUSIONS. Exogenous glucagon inhibited the growth of form-deprived eyes, whereas Phe 6 -antagonist inhibited compensation to plus defocus, as might be expected if glucagon is an endogenous mediator of emmetropization. The reason for the failure of des-Phe 6 -antagonist to counteract the effects of exogenous glucagon requires further investigation
A Comparative Analysis of Critical Skill Shortages and Sustainable Development Nexus: Concluding Remarks
No full textThis chapter provides a comparative summary and analysis of the key findings in this book. It reveals both similarities and differences in how critical skills shortages (CSS) is recognised, the nature of the challenges of CSS in the diverse countries included from the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions, and the plethora of government and private sector strategies, policies, and plans adopted in response to these challenges. The issue of CSS presents a particular dilemma due to the divide in terms of the inflow and outflow of labour between developed and developing countries. The country case studies in this volume suggest that more resources and efforts will be needed to address the multifaceted challenges of CSS. A series of practical suggestions are included for all stakeholders involved in mitigating or minimising CSS to consider in their attempts to address SDGs
Isometric Exercise Training and Arterial Hypertension: An Updated Review
No full textHypertension is recognised as a leading attributable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and premature mortality. Global initiatives towards the prevention and treatment of arterial hypertension are centred around non-pharmacological lifestyle modification. Exercise recommendations differ between professional and scientific organisations, but are generally unanimous on the primary role of traditional aerobic and dynamic resistance exercise. In recent years, isometric exercise training (IET) has emerged as an effective novel exercise intervention with consistent evidence of reductions in blood pressure (BP) superior to that reported from traditional guideline-recommended exercise modes. Despite a wealth of emerging new data and endorsement by select governing bodies, IET remains underutilised and is not widely prescribed in clinical practice. This expert-informed review critically examines the role of IET as a potential adjuvant tool in the future clinical management of BP. We explore the efficacy, prescription protocols, evidence quality and certainty, acute cardiovascular stimulus, and physiological mechanisms underpinning its anti-hypertensive effects. We end the review with take-home suggestions regarding the direction of future IET research
Healthcare spending in high‑income and upper‑middle‑income countries: a cross‑country analysis
No full textThis research investigates the determinants of government healthcare expenditure in high-income and upper-middle-income countries by exploring economic, demographic, and political influences. By analyzing data from 1990 to 2019 from 28 highincome and 42 upper-middle-income nations, this study employs Bayesian model averaging, the generalized method of moments, and regression discontinuity design. The results reveal that government healthcare spending positively correlates with the previous year’s expenditure in both income groups. Additionally, the impact of education on spending differs, while it is positively significant in high-income countries, it is not significant in upper-middle-income countries. The proportion of elderly individuals positively influences healthcare spending in high-income countries but inconsistently influences healthcare spending in upper-middle-income countries. Urbanization significantly impacts spending in upper-middle-income nations. The positive association between industrial employment and spending suggests greater healthcare needs in such areas. Efforts to curb corruption positively affect spending differently for each income group. Out-of-pocket expenses negatively impact spending in both groups, though positively in high-income countries alone. The influence of the young population varies, being negative in high-income countries but positive in upper-middle-income countries. Logistic and probit regression models identify key determinants, including gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, elderly population proportion, out-of-pocket expenses, and corruption control measures in high-income countries. Policymakers can use these findings to tailor strategies, optimize healthcare spending, and ensure equitable access across income levels
Factors Impacting the Design of Innovative WIL Education
No full textThe issues and experiences of work-integrated learning (WIL), accounting, and financial planning academics across higher educational institutions in developing innovative WIL programs are the focuses of this study. The authors reflect on their responsibilities and goals, centering on how these aligned with student and institutional expectations for both work-based situations and classroom-based simulations. Cross-institutional collaboration on WIL approaches in undergraduate and postgraduate accounting courses reveal contrasting priorities and tensions, when addressing the needs of stakeholders. Particularly noticeable are the institutional requirements for a technology-driven WIL curriculum that meets with student, industry, and institutional expectations. This research provides insights about educator preparedness for delivering technology enhanced WIL programs, and an in-depth analysis of academic engagement with WIL designs. Drawing on activity theory, to analyze the constraints and confluences perceived in the design and teaching of WIL programs, this research contributes to the understanding of effective ways to manage this activity
Language and Decolonisation: An Interdisciplinary Approach
No full textLanguage and Decolonisation is the first collection to bring together views from across scholarly communities that are committed to the agenda of decolonising knowledge in language study. Edited by leading figures in the field, the chapters offer new insights on how ‘decolonising’ can be adopted as a methodology for charting the next steps in solving practical language-related problems in educational and related social policy areas. Divided into two sections, the book covers the coloniality of language, the materiality of culture and colonial scripts, the decolonisation imperative, multilingualism discourse and decolonisation, and decolonising languages in public discourse. With 20 chapters authored by experts from across the globe, this pioneering collection is an essential reference and resource for advanced students, scholars, and researchers of language and culture, sociolinguistics, decolonial studies, racial studies, and related areas