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Enhancing nanofiltration in thin film nanocomposite membranes using Bi-Metal modified biochar nanofillers
Get PDFThe advancement in the development of nanofillers for thin-film nanocomposite (TFN) membranes, particularly those derived from eco-friendly sources, has gained increasing recognition. This is largely due to their potential to markedly improve both permeation and selectivity. However, the investigation of biochar (BC), a by-product of biomass pyrolysis, as a distinctive nanofiller remains limited. This study investigates the incorporation of porous iron/zinc (Fe/Zn) modified biochar (MBC) into a polyamide active layer for the purpose of fabricating TFN membranes on a polyethersulfone (PES) substrate via interfacial polymerisation (IP). Imaging confirmed the formation of metal nanoparticles dispersed uniformly throughout the porous BC substrate. Further crystallinity and surface analysis suggest strong interactions between metal and BC substrate, with a surface area of 117.99 m2/g and high nanofiller pore volume of 7.72 cm3/g. The effects of incorporating MBC into both the membrane substrate and polyamide (PA) layers on the physicochemical properties, permeation, and rejection of salts and dye were examined. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) imaging has shown that the incorporation of MBC in both the substrate and PA layer results in the seamless formation of a finger-like structure spanning both layers. This incorporation also causes a minor increase in the surface roughness of the PA layer. Fourier transform Infra-Red (FT-IR) spectroscopy shows an enhancement in hydrophilic functional groups (–OH and –COOH) on the membrane surface, as evidenced by the reduced contact angle value of 55°. Permeation and rejection testing indicate that M5, where MBC was incorporated in both substrate and thin film structure, was the best performing membrane, with water permeance from the feeds of water, MO, MgSO4 and NaCl solutions of 46.55 ± 0.08, 44.49 ± 0.28, 37.43 ± 0.36, and 21.55 ± 0.03 Lm2h-1bar−1, respectively. Rejection of MO, MgSO4 and NaCl were recorded to be 99.53 ± 0.02, 99.25 ± 0.09 and 46.99 ± 0.69 %. This study provides a compelling perspective on the application of green-derived BC as a nanofiller in the fabrication of TFN membranes for desalination, resulting in enhanced water product quality
Metaverse in tourism: tourist involvement as a moderator
No full textThis paper aims to identify barriers and enablers of the growing use of Metaverse in tourism by examining users’ intention in selecting a tourist location and hotel for vacation. It employs a mixed methods approach conducted in two phases, namely exploratory and confirmatory. The grounded theory’s twin slate approach allows extracting the factors in the first exploratory phase. The second (confirmatory) phase employs structural equation modeling to analyze the data. The results show that the Perceived Usage Barrier, Perceived Risk Barriers, and Perceived Value Barriers pose as significant barriers to the adoption of the Metaverse
GIS-Based Geospatial Analysis for Identifying Optimal Locations of Residential On-Street Electric Vehicle Charging Points in Birmingham, UK
Get PDFGlobal urbanization and the growing need for sustainable transportation solutions are increasing the demand for electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. This research aims to identify optimal locations for Residential On-Street Electric Vehicle Charging Points (RO-EVCPs) that are essential for residents without access to off-street parking and to support the transition to a sustainable urban environment in Birmingham. A GIS-based model, incorporating key location criteria such as accessibility, environmental impact, and infrastructure compatibility, can effectively identify suitable locations for RO-EVCP deployment, improving access and inclusivity for electric mobility. The study develops a customized geographic information systems (GIS) model, utilizing the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) for weighting location criteria, with validation through geospatial tools like Google Earth® and Street View. The model generates a spatial suitability map, categorizing areas into optimal, moderate, and limited suitability for EV charging, with an emphasis on accessibility, environmental impact, and inclusiveness. High-priority streets and recommended charging point numbers are identified. The findings emphasize accessibility and inclusiveness, crucial for individuals without off-street parking, promoting an equitable transition to electric mobility. This research contributes to sustainable urban mobility planning by advocating data-driven decision-making in EV infrastructure development, aligning with climate change mitigation objectives
Perspectives of dry eye patients in the United Kingdom on risk factors and desired treatment outcomes
Get PDFPurpose: Successful management of dry eye disease depends upon an effective two-way communication between eyecare practitioners and affected patients. However, there has been limited investigation into the perspectives of patients with dry eye disease in the United Kingdom regarding their risk factors and desired treatment outcomes. Methods: An online, self-administered, anonymous survey was distributed to patients based in the United Kingdom who have had a diagnosis of dry eye disease between November 2023 to March 2024. The survey consisted of four main sections including demographics, the 5-item Dry Eye Questionnaire (DEQ-5), and Likert scales rating the likelihood of various risk factors contributing to their dry eyes and the desired treatment outcomes in various components of signs and symptoms. Results: The survey was completed by 152 respondents (mean age 51.7 ± 16.7 years, 103 females). Respondents rated environmental conditions the highest in terms of likelihood of contributing to their dry eye disease [median (interquartile range): 7.5 (5–10)], followed by digital device use [7 (4–9)] and poor sleep quality [4 (1–7)]. In terms of desired treatment outcomes, symptom frequency and severity as well as tear stability were ranked the highest in importance [10 (8–10)]. Conclusions: This survey demonstrated the perceptions of dry eye patients in the United Kingdom regarding lifestyle or modifiable risk factors contributing to their dry eye disease, as well as the most important treatment outcomes of these patients. These aspects should be considered by clinicians in the management of dry eye disease, as well as researchers particularly when designing studies which investigate treatment effects of current and novel dry eye interventions
The use of party websites for political information among Spanish party activists
Get PDFScholars have shown that activists use the Internet for political purposes more often than passive rank-and-file members. Previous research indicates activists engage in different types of activities and with various levels of intensity. However, it is unclear to what extent such modes of party activism are linked to different uses of digital resources. Our paper contributes to the existing research by explaining what drives party website usage as an informational tool among different groups of party activists. Building on survey data from delegates attending party conferences between 2008 and 2017 in Spain, we test three main organisational drivers of party website use: the modes of internal activism, holding party offices, and ideological congruence. Our results confirm that those activists engaging in a wider range of activities, holding a party office, and being more ideologically congruent with their parties are more likely to use the party website frequently than the rest
High-Efficiency On-Chip Optical Phase Conjugation Using a Single Ultralow-Loss Silicon Photonic Waveguide
Get PDFOptical phase conjugation (OPC) is a pivotal all-optical technique aimed at enhancing the received signal quality by compensating for nonlinear distortions. Integrating the OPC into a CMOS-compatible, highly nonlinear silicon photonic chip holds promise for developing fully integrated transceivers with a compact footprint, low loss, and minimal power consumption. Despite its potential, silicon-based OPC demonstrations have been limited, primarily due to challenges, such as inefficient conjugation and significant losses. In this work, we demonstrate an effective OPC technique utilizing a single passive silicon photonic waveguide spiral. This silicon photonic waveguide is meticulously designed with an optimal cross-section to achieve an ultralow loss and high conversion efficiency. The silicon photonic waveguide spiral was fabricated via standard multiproject-wafer processes, and the measured result shows an ultralow loss of 0.25 dB/cm and a high conversion efficiency of −5 dB, marking the highest conversion efficiency reported for passive silicon photonic waveguides to date. The experimentally demonstrated OPC significantly enhances idler generation, resulting in a 3-dB improvement in launched signal power within a 160 Gbit/s 16-QAM transmission system without the need for dispersion compensation for over an 80-km transmission distance
Using Experience Based Co‐Design to Develop a Novel Psychological Intervention With People With Intellectual Disabilities and Stakeholders
Get PDFBackground: Psychological interventions need to be adapted for use with people with intellectual disabilities to ensure they are engaging, accessible and effective. Co‐design allows the experiences of service users and stakeholders to actively shape and develop interventions, to ensure their accessibility. Method: An adapted model of Experience Based Co‐Design (EBCD) was used to co‐develop a novel, mental imagery‐based psychological intervention for people with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities and anxiety. Involvement in EBCD was evaluated for people with intellectual disabilities and stakeholders using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Results: Numerous concrete and specific intervention adaptations arose and were implemented. Our findings indicated that all participants were able to engage fully with EBCD, and that participants found the process a positive experience. Conclusions: EBCD has likely resulted in a more accessible and engaging intervention which can be now tested within a larger study
A prospective, longitudinal study to assess progression of ocular surface signs, tear cytokines and protein profiles in young adults
Get PDFPURPOSE: To compare ocular surface characteristics, tear protein profiles, and cytokines in young adults with and without evaporative dry eye disease (DED), exploring any associations with lifestyle factors, and determine any progression after one year. METHODS: Fifty participants, aged 18-25 years, were recruited. Detailed ocular surface parameters were assessed following administration of lifestyle and symptom questionnaires. Tear samples collected by microcapillary tubes were analysed using the Agilent Bioanalyzer (7 proteins between 14–230 kDa); tears collected with Schirmer strips were analysed for ten cytokines using Luminex Assay. RESULTS: 6% of participants fulfilled the TFOS DEWS II criteria for DED. 48% had at least 25% meibomian gland loss in either lid regardless of dry eye status, while over 90% had at least one diagnostic sign. Progression was observed, characterised by significant increases (p<0.05) in ocular redness, lid wiper epitheliopathy and blink rate. Albumin was upregulated (p=0.003) in DED, while zinc-α2-glycoprotein, which showed significant correlations with several meibomian gland parameters, was downregulated. Upregulation of both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines was observed, with several significant clinical correlations, including IL-1β with meibomian gland parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence of inflammation and overlap of ocular signs in these young adults reinforces the need for early detection and differentiation of those likely to progress to DED. While upregulation of both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines has provided evidence of a mechanism to maintain homeostasis, the subtle progression of ocular surface disease observed suggests that counselling is required around the modifiable risk factors of DED identified, regardless of whether symptoms are present or not
Patient-derived monoclonal LGI1 autoantibodies elicit seizures, behavioral changes and brain MRI abnormalities in rodent models
Get PDFObjective: Limbic encephalitis with leucine-rich glioma inactivated 1 (LGI1) protein autoantibodies is associated with cognitive impairment, psychiatric symptoms, and seizures, including faciobrachial dystonic seizures (FBDS). Patient-derived LGI1-autoantibodies cause isolated symptoms of memory deficits in mice and seizures in rats. Using a multimodal experimental approach, we set out to improve the validity of existing in vivo rodent models to further recapitulate the full clinical syndrome of anti-LGI1 antibody mediated disease. Methods: A monoclonal anti-LGI1 antibody (anti-LGI1 mAb) derived from a patient’s CSF antibody-secreting cell was infused intracerebroventricularly (ICV) into rats and mice for one or two weeks, respectively. Cellular excitability of CA3 pyramidal neurons was determined in hippocampal slices. Structural changes in mouse brains were explored using MRI. Antibody effects on behavior and brain activity of rats were studied using video-EEG. Results: Anti-LGI1 mAbs augmented the excitability of CA3 pyramidal neurons and elicited convulsive and non-convulsive spontaneous epileptic seizures in mice and rats. Mice displayed a hypoactive and anxious phenotype during behavioral testing. MRI revealed acutely increased hippocampal volume after ICV anti-LGI1 mAb infusion. Video-EEG recordings of juvenile rats uncovered two peaks of seizure frequency during the 7-day antibody infusion period resembling the natural progression of seizures in human anti-LGI1 encephalitis. Interpretation: Our data strongly corroborate and extend our understanding of the direct pathogenic and epileptogenic role of human LGI1 autoantibodies
Deciphering the molecular mechanism of post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 through comorbidity network analysis
Get PDFThe post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) poses a significant health challenge in the post-pandemic world. However, the underlying biological mechanisms of PASC remain intricate and elusive. Network-based methods can leverage electronic health record data and biological knowledge to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on PASC and uncover the underlying biological mechanisms. This study analyzed territory-wide longitudinal electronic health records (from January 1, 2020 to August 31, 2022) of 50 296 COVID-19 patients and a healthy non-exposed group of 100 592 individuals to determine the impact of COVID-19 on disease progression, provide molecular insights, and identify associated biomarkers. We constructed a comorbidity network and performed disease-protein mapping and protein–protein interaction network analysis to reveal the impact of COVID-19 on disease trajectories. Results showed disparities in prevalent disease comorbidity patterns, with certain patterns exhibiting a more pronounced influence by COVID-19. Overlapping proteins elucidate the biological mechanisms of COVID-19's impact on each comorbidity pattern, and essential proteins can be identified based on their weights. Our findings can help clarify the biological mechanisms of COVID-19, discover intervention methods, and decode the molecular basis of comorbidity associations, while also yielding potential biomarkers and corresponding treatments for specific disease progression patterns
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