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The manipulation and focusing of submicron/nanometre-scale objects are becoming increasingly important in the fields of biology, chemistry, and materials science. Acoustofluidics provides for the high throughput and precise manipulation of cells and particles with simple equipment. However, application to submicron/nanoparticles is challenging due to the particle volume dependence of the acoustic
Car sharing is promoted as one alternative to decrease emissions from personal transport in cities. Most emission assessments have focused on the production and use phase of car sharing, but few have focused on the impacts of changes in consumption. In this article I assess changes in the total output from various sectors and in the carbon footprint of car sharing users from a consumption perspect
Top predators can affect the behaviour of prey species via lethal (direct kill) or non-lethal effects (i.e., through predation risk). For example, prey species may move from areas perceived as risky to safer spaces where predation risk is lower, which can have important consequences for investment in foraging, movement, and mating, and for the behaviour and habitat use of other species, such as me
The current enthusiasm for the circular economy (CE) offers a unique opportunity to advance the impact of research on sustainability transitions. Diverse interpretations of CE by scholars, however, produce partly opposing assessments of its potential benefits, which can hinder progress. Here, we synthesize policy-relevant lessons and research directions for a sustainable CE and identify three narr
Herein, the grown-into-glass (GIG) CsPbBr3:Ln3+ (Ln = La, Lu) nanocrystals (NCs) are designed and fabricated using an in situ nanocrystallization method. It is shown that a substitution of Pb2+ sites with Ln3+ ions leads to a blueshift of emission position induced by an increase of the bandgap of CsPbBr3. Additionally, the GIG-samples are found to feature excellent photoluminescent (PL) properties
Excitability and contraction of cardiac muscle from brain-dead donors critically influence the success of heart transplantation. Membrane physiology, Ca2+-handling, and force production of cardiac muscle and the contractile properties of coronary arteries were studied in hearts of brain-dead pigs. Cardiac muscle and vascular function after 12 h brain death (decapitation between C2 and C3) were com
In this work, a waxy barley starch-PEG aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) phase diagram was constructed, and starch microsphere preparation was explored at different phase diagram positions. The aim was to investigate starch-PEG ATPS phase behaviour and relate this to starch crystallisation and microsphere formation. The hypothesis was that phase diagram position would influence the starch microspher
Background: Despite reported tuberculosis (TB) treatment success rate of 86%, TB remains a leading cause of death in Ethiopia. We investigated patient and provider-specific factors associated with unfavorable treatment outcomes in Ethiopian health facilities providing TB care. Methods: Data on characteristics and treatment outcomes of patients registered for TB treatment at 15 public health facili
Background: A more effective immune response against glioblastoma is needed in order to achieve better tumor control. Radiotherapy can induce anti-tumor mediated immune reactions, in addition to its dose response effects. The complement system can function as a bridge between innate and adaptive immune responses. Combining radiotherapy and complement activating therapy is theoretically interesting
Background: Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute self-limiting inflammatory vasculitis affecting predominantly medium-sized arteries, particularly the coronary arteries. A number of recent studies conducted in different European countries have demonstrated alarmingly high coronary complications despite treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). These high complication rates now emphasize the n
Vegetation optical depth (VOD) from satellite passive microwave sensors has enabled monitoring of aboveground biomass carbon dynamics by building a relationship with static carbon maps over space and then applying this relationship to VOD time series. However, uncertainty in this relationship arises from changes in water stress, as VOD is mainly determined by vegetation water content, which varies
Background: Previous studies have reported an inverse association between educational attainment and different osteoarthritis (OA) outcomes. However, none of the previous studies have accounted for potential confounding by early-life environment and genetics. Thus, we aimed to examine the association between educational attainment and knee and hip OA surgery using twin data. Methods: From the Swed
The fundamental energy cost of irreversible computing is given by the Landauer bound of kTln 2 /bit, where k is the Boltzmann constant and T is the temperature in Kelvin. However, this limit is only achievable for infinite-time processes. We here determine the fundamental energy cost of finite-time parallelizable computing within the framework of nonequilibrium thermodynamics. We apply these resul
Surface crack width is regulated in codes to limit corrosion of reinforcement bars in concrete. However, the influence of surface crack width on corrosion damages is not directly inferable from previous research.In this work, data on corroded cracked concrete specimens in chloride environments was compiled. Detailed information was included, such as crack and pit locations, local corrosion pattern
Background: Injury deaths constitute a major avoidable cause of death affecting life expectancy to a different degree in men and women. This study quantified the contributions of injury deaths to the gender gap in life expectancy (GGLE) and life disparity (GGLD) in nine Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) countries. Methods: We retrieved annual data on age-sex specific causes of death from the Worl
A supercritical fluid extraction methodology was used to extract flavoring and bioactive compounds from truffles. Some parameters such as CO2 flow rate (1–3 mg/mL), extraction time (15–90 min) and different trapping food matrices (grape seed oil, gelatin, agar agar and water) were optimized using response surface methodology to enhance extraction and trapping yields. The optimal conditions (2.27 m
Background: Adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) are a group with an increased risk of thromboembolic complications and arrhythmias. Vitamin K antagonists are the most commonly used thromboprophylaxis therapy in this population. Studies on the efficacy and safety of novel oral anticoagulants (NOAC) are scare in ACHD. A retrospective study on ACHD patients on NOAC treatment registered in the
The chapter investigates the democratic potential of politically and socially oriented civil society organizations (CSOs) to engage citizens and articulate citizens’ interests in the policymaking process in North Macedonia. To do so, the chapter reports on the responses of CSOs to a survey which sought information on the extent to which organizations involve members in organizational activities an
