Sweating regulates the body temperature in extreme environments or during exercise. Here, we investigate the evaporative heat transfer of a sweat droplet at the microscale to unveil how the ...evaporation complexity of a sweat droplet would affect the body’s ability to cool under specific environmental conditions. Our findings reveal that, depending on the relative humidity and temperature levels, sweat droplets experience imperfect evaporation dynamics, whereas water droplets evaporate perfectly at equivalent ambient conditions. At low humidity, the sweat droplet fully evaporates and leaves a solid deposit, while at high humidity, the droplet never reaches a solid deposit and maintains a liquid phase residue for both low and high temperatures. This unprecedented evaporation mechanism of a sweat droplet is attributed to the intricate physicochemical properties of sweat as a biofluid. We suppose that the sweat residue deposited on the surface by evaporation is continuously absorbing the surrounding moisture. This route leads to reduced evaporative heat transfer, increased heat index, and potential impairment of the body’s thermoregulation capacity. The insights into the evaporative heat transfer dynamics at the microscale would help us to improve the knowledge of the body’s natural cooling mechanism with practical applications in healthcare, materials science, and sports science.
A wave energy assessment is performed in the Canary Islands, based on a 33-year hindcast, between 1979 and 2011. The third-generation wave models WAVEWATCH III and SWAN are used to study the ...generation of the waves in the North Atlantic basin and the transformation of the waves in the Canary Islands, respectively. The hindcast system was validated in a prior study, showing a relevant wave energy resource distribution with an average annual energy availability of 25–30 kW/m. This study intends to offer a detail description of the wave climate, combining the previous results with the new studies. The results show that the seasonal mean distribution of wave energy varies between 15 and 20 kW/m, in the spring and 25–30 kW/m, in the winter, while in the less energetic areas the seasonal average varies between 10 and 15 kW/m, in the spring, and 15–20 kW/m, in the winter. Also, the temporal variability indexes suggest that the East coast of the islands presents less variability and that the North/Northwest coast of the islands exhibits greater energy availability.
•A wave energy assessment is performed in the Canary Islands, based on a 33-year hindcast.•The third-generation wave models WW III and SWAN are used to study the evolution of the waves.•The results show an average annual energy availability of 25–30 kW/m.•The results also suggest that the East coast of the islands presents less variability.•The results also suggest that the N/NW coast of the islands exhibits greater energy availability.
A 33-year hindcast is presented to quantify the wave energy resource available in the Atlantic coast of France, showing its availability and variability. The evaluation of the waves is performed ...using WAVEWATCH III model for the Atlantic Ocean and SWAN model for the western French coast. The hindcast was validated in a prior study, presenting good results. Given the growing need of a good description of the wave climate in any given location, this study intends to provide a more robust characterization of the wave climate, combining previous results with the new studies, leading to a 33-year hindcast for the western coast of France, focussing in the test site area of the SEM-REV location.
•A 33-year hindcast quantifies the wave energy resource available in the Atlantic coast of France.•The evaluation is performed using WAVEWATCH III model for the Ocean and SWAN for the coast.•The hindcast was validated in a prior study, presenting good results.•A more detailed characterization of the wave energy is also presented for the SEM-REV test site.
When a person talks, coughs, or sneezes, respiratory droplets are expelled and inevitably land on several surfaces, representing a route for respiratory disease transmission. Here, face masks act as ...a barrier by obstructing the passage of droplets during exhalation and inhalation. Being constantly exposed to respiratory events and carrying droplet residue, understanding the evaporation and absorption dynamics for tiny droplets on face masks and the fate of viral particle deposition is necessary to analyze the contamination risk. We explore the ideal design for masks from the interaction of mask surfaces with surrogate respiratory droplets by X-ray microscopy and microtomography. We show that the respiratory droplet survivability is significantly reduced in masks with a hydrophilic surface where absorption takes place, leading to a reduction of the postevaporation droplet residue at the mask surface compared with a hydrophobic surface. The results allow us to propose a better mask layer design dependent on wettability, reducing the risk of contamination from respiratory droplets.
Only in recent years have immigrant workers, assigned expatriates, and self-initiated expatriates been distinguished from each other. This study contributes by offering empirically based comparative ...results based on interviews with 50 Portuguese citizens who moved to the United Kingdom, as self-initiated expatriates, assigned expatriates, and immigrant workers. The findings indicate that Portuguese self-initiated expatriates and assigned expatriates explored their opportunities before leaving Portugal, while immigrant workers explored them after arriving in the United Kingdom. Self-initiated expatriates and immigrant workers were driven by poor labor market situation in Portugal (e.g., unemployment, unchallenging tasks), but pull factors (e.g., professional international experience) were also identified as dominant motivators for both types of expatriates. Participants generally felt that their adaptation was easy in terms of the general (e.g., climate, food) and working (e.g., knowing one’s role and job related activities) environments. Some self-initiated expatriates and immigrant workers noted that their adaptation to interactions with locals and to accommodation was difficult. Patterns emerged linking the three types of migrant workers with motivational drivers for moving abroad and perceptions of cross-cultural adaptation. We discuss these patterns in the light of previous findings and identify future research areas.
Summary
This European guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of insomnia was developed by a task force of the European Sleep Research Society, with the aim of providing clinical recommendations ...for the management of adult patients with insomnia. The guideline is based on a systematic review of relevant meta‐analyses published till June 2016. The target audience for this guideline includes all clinicians involved in the management of insomnia, and the target patient population includes adults with chronic insomnia disorder. The GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) system was used to grade the evidence and guide recommendations. The diagnostic procedure for insomnia, and its co‐morbidities, should include a clinical interview consisting of a sleep history (sleep habits, sleep environment, work schedules, circadian factors), the use of sleep questionnaires and sleep diaries, questions about somatic and mental health, a physical examination and additional measures if indicated (i.e. blood tests, electrocardiogram, electroencephalogram; strong recommendation, moderate‐ to high‐quality evidence). Polysomnography can be used to evaluate other sleep disorders if suspected (i.e. periodic limb movement disorder, sleep‐related breathing disorders), in treatment‐resistant insomnia, for professional at‐risk populations and when substantial sleep state misperception is suspected (strong recommendation, high‐quality evidence). Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia is recommended as the first‐line treatment for chronic insomnia in adults of any age (strong recommendation, high‐quality evidence). A pharmacological intervention can be offered if cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia is not sufficiently effective or not available. Benzodiazepines, benzodiazepine receptor agonists and some antidepressants are effective in the short‐term treatment of insomnia (≤4 weeks; weak recommendation, moderate‐quality evidence). Antihistamines, antipsychotics, melatonin and phytotherapeutics are not recommended for insomnia treatment (strong to weak recommendations, low‐ to very‐low‐quality evidence). Light therapy and exercise need to be further evaluated to judge their usefulness in the treatment of insomnia (weak recommendation, low‐quality evidence). Complementary and alternative treatments (e.g. homeopathy, acupuncture) are not recommended for insomnia treatment (weak recommendation, very‐low‐quality evidence).
This study aimed to provide a comprehensive analysis of the histological structure of intestinal tissues of platyfish (Xiphophorus maculatus) and swordtail fish (Xiphophorus helleri). Specifically, ...the objectives were: (1) to compare the structural adaptations of their intestines related to their distinct feeding habits, diet, and digestive strategies; and (2) to explore their potential as animal models for intestinal disease research. Through detailed examination of tissue morphology, cell types, and structural features, this study found that both species lack a stomach, with the intestine directly connected to the esophagus. Additionally, this study proposes a new division of the intestine into anterior and posterior segments based on distinct histological characteristics. The anterior segment may be adapted for temporary food storage and digestion and was characterized by elongated epithelial cells and thin intestinal folds. In contrast, the posterior segment displayed shorter villi and higher concentrations of goblet cells. This study is the first to describe in detail the intestinal morphology of platyfish and swordtail fish. These findings contribute significantly to the understanding of the comparative anatomy and physiology of these fish species, highlighting their potential as valuable models for intestinal biology research.
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•Platyfish and swordtail fish intestine reveals is like the zebrafish one.•Lack of stomach; direct connection of oesophagus to intestine in both species.•A morphologic division in anterior and posterior parts is proposed.•Posterior segment exhibits shorter villi and increased goblet cells.•Novel insights into intestinal biology of these fish; potential models for studies.
High density deposits of binary colloids Kim, Hyoeun; Gonçalves, Marta; Kang, Sung Hoon ...
Scientific reports,
12/2022, Letnik:
12, Številka:
1
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
Colloids are essential materials for modern inkjet printing and coating technology. For printing and coating, it is desirable to have a high density of colloids with uniformity. Binary colloids, ...which consist of different size colloidal particles, have the potential to achieve high coating density and uniformity from size effects. We report a strategy to attain high-density deposits of binary colloids with uniform, crack-free, and symmetric deposits through droplet evaporation on micropillar arrays. We modify surfaces of micropillar arrays with plasma treatment to control their surface energy and investigate how binary colloidal fluids turn into well-controlled deposits during evaporation with X-ray microscopic and tomographic characterizations. We attribute temporary surface energy modification of micropillar arrays to the well-controlled high-density final deposits. This simple, low-cost, and scalable strategy would provide a viable way to get high-quality, high-density deposits of colloids for various applications.
This review delves into the burgeoning field of seaweed proteins as promising alternative sources of protein. With global demand escalating and concerns over traditional protein sources' ...sustainability and ethics, seaweed emerges as a viable solution, offering a high protein content and minimal environmental impacts. Exploring the nutritional composition, extraction methods, functional properties, and potential health benefits of seaweed proteins, this review provides a comprehensive understanding. Seaweed contains essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Its protein content ranges from 11% to 32% of dry weight, making it valuable for diverse dietary preferences, including vegetarian and vegan diets. Furthermore, this review underscores the sustainability and environmental advantages of seaweed protein production compared to traditional sources. Seaweed cultivation requires minimal resources, mitigating environmental issues like ocean acidification. As the review delves into specific seaweed types, extraction methodologies, and functional properties, it highlights the versatility of seaweed proteins in various food products, including plant-based meats, dairy alternatives, and nutritional supplements. Additionally, it discusses the potential health benefits associated with seaweed proteins, such as their unique amino acid profile and bioactive compounds. Overall, this review aims to provide insights into seaweed proteins' potential applications and their role in addressing global protein needs sustainably.
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