Strength-enhanced Sn–In low-temperature alloy with surface-modified ZrO₂ nanoparticle addition

Low-temperature packaging is essential for the widespread use of flexible electronic devices, and Sn–In eutectic alloys have attracted considerable attention because of their low melting temperatures. However, these alloys have a lower strength compared with other types of solder alloys. This study aimed to investigate the effect of adding nanoparticles on the mechanical strength of Sn–In eutectic alloys while keeping their melting temperature unchanged. ZrO₂ nanoparticles coated with NiO (NiO/ZrO₂ nanoparticles) were utilized to strengthen Sn–In eutectic alloys with a high dispersity. Sn–In composite alloys reinforced with NiO/ZrO₂ nanoparticles were fabricated, and tensile strength evaluation and microstructure observations were conducted. The experimental results showed that the addition of nanoparticles to the Sn–In eutectic alloys did not change their melting behavior. The tensile strength of the Sn–In composite alloys reinforced with NiO/ZrO₂ nanoparticles increased by up to 35.6%, which was attributed to grain refinement and dispersion strengthening. Even after thermal aging at 60 ºC, the Sn–In composite alloys reinforced with NiO/ZrO₂ nanoparticles showed a 1.11 times higher ultimate tensile strength than that of the non-aged, non-reinforced eutectic alloy, despite grain coarsening. This was attributed to the contribution of dispersion strengthening. These results indicate that the addition of NiO/ZrO₂ nanoparticles is an effective method to improve the strength of low-melting-temperature alloys.The version of record of this article, first published in Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics, is available online at Publisher’s website: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10854-023-11344-

Current State of Regional Branding Using Mascot Characters:

This is a case study of content marketing management in Japan. The mascot “Gunma-chan” has been widely used for publicity and promotion of Gunma Prefecture as a means to boost the local economy. Gunma businesses have worked “Gunma-chan” into the design of Gunma products to be sold throughout Japan. Currently, Gunma Prefecture is conducting a “Gunma-chan” strategic branding project to maximize the promotion and brand recognition of Gunma Prefecture. This initiative is based on the recent reforms promoted by Gunma Prefecture to improve the branding of the area. In this paper, we will 1) review the management of Gunma Prefecture’s “Gunma-chan” throughout its 26-year history, 2) discuss the current media strategy of Gunma Prefecture, and 3) analyze the “Gunma-chan” branding project. Based on this approach, we present the main points that should be considered in moving forward with the marketing strategy for goods that use the “Gunma-chan” image

Incidence and factors associated with prescribing renin‐angiotensin‐system inhibitors in adult idiopathic nephrotic syndrome: A nationwide cohort study

Angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are prescribed as conservative or adjunctive therapies for adult idiopathic nephrotic syndrome. However, studies on real‐world practice patterns are scarce. This study aimed to examine the prevalence and incidence of ACEI/ARB prescription and their associated factors. This nationwide cohort study included adult Japanese patients with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome including minimal change disease (MCD), membranous nephropathy (MN), focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), and others. The outcomes were the prevalence of ACEI/ARB prescription at baseline (date of renal biopsy or date of immunosuppressant initiation) and at 2 months after baseline. Of the 326 eligible patients, 122 (37.4%) had already been prescribed ACEIs/ARBs. Of the remaining 204 patients, 67 (32.7%) were newly prescribed within the 2‐month period. MN/FSGS (vs. MCD, adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 4.96 [95% confidence interval {CI} 2.53–9.72] and 3.95 [95% CI 1.61–9.66], respectively), higher age (per 1‐yr increase, AOR: 1.02 [95% CI 1.00–1.04]), other hypertensive agents (AOR: 2.18 [95% CI 1.21–3.92]), antidiabetic drug (AOR: 6.57 [95% CI 1.77–24.4]) were associated with a higher prevalence of ACEI/ARB prescription. MN (vs. MCD, AOR: 6.00 [95% CI 2.57–14.0]) and higher baseline systolic blood pressure (SBP) (per 10‐mmHg increase, AOR: 1.36 [95% CI 1.09–1.70]) were associated with a higher incidence of ACEI/ARB prescription. On average, incidence of ACEI/ARB prescription increased from 19.2% to 40.8% as baseline SBP increased from 100 to 140 mmHg. Thus, Japanese nephrologists are likely to prescribe ACEIs/ARBs for nephrotic patients with MN or high baseline SBP, even below the hypertensive range