Life cycle assessment of an all-organic battery: Hotspots and opportunities for improvement

Organic batteries are emerging as a potential sustainable power source for future flexible devices. Using life cycle assessment, this study analyzed the environmental impacts from the synthesis process for an all-organic battery with conducting redox polymers as active materials for electrodes. Synthesis steps were modeled and analyzed in detail, based on actual laboratory processes data for electrodes, and industrial data for other battery components. Complete and transparent inventory data are presented and can be used in future environmental assessments. The organic battery studied is still at an early development stage, so environmental hotspots and potential improvements in the synthesis processes were examined. For selected environmental impact categories, the life cycle assessment results showed that synthesis of cathode backbone was the major contributor (47-63%) to the environmental impacts of the all-organic battery cell among different synthesis stages, because of a long synthesis route associated with high solvent usage. Solvents (e.g., dichloromethane), catalysts (e.g., copper oxide, Pd (PPh3)4), zinc, and waste treatment processes were important single contributors to the total impacts. The results reveal significant potential for improvement by optimizing the amount of solvents needed to synthesize battery electrodes. Changing treatment methods for laboratory waste solvents can also strongly influence the results

Are Children Like Werewolves? : Full Moon and Its Association with Sleep and Activity Behaviors in an International Sample of Children

In order to verify if the full moon is associated with sleep and activity behaviors, we used a 12-country study providing 33,710 24-h accelerometer recordings of sleep and activity. The present observational, cross-sectional study included 5812 children ages 9-11 years from study sites that represented all inhabited continents and wide ranges of human development (Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Finland, India, Kenya, Portugal, South Africa, United Kingdom, and United States). Three moon phases were used in this analysis: full moon (4 days; reference), half moon (5-9 days), and new moon (+10-14 days) from nearest full moon. Nocturnal sleep duration, moderate -to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), light-intensity physical activity (LPA), and total sedentary time (SED) were monitored over seven consecutive days using a waist -worn accelerometer worn 24 h a day. Only sleep duration was found to significantly differ between moon phases (-5 min/night shorter during full moon compared to new moon). Differences in MVPA, LPA, and SED between moon phases were negligible and non-significant (Peer reviewe

Variability in energy expenditure is much greater in males than females

In mammals, trait variation is often reported to be greater among males than females. However, to date, mainly only morphological traits have been studied. Energy expenditure represents the metabolic costs of multiple physical, physiological, and behavioral traits. Energy expenditure could exhibit particularly high greater male variation through a cumulative effect if those traits mostly exhibit greater male variation, or a lack of greater male variation if many of them do not. Sex differences in energy expenditure variation have been little explored. We analyzed a large database on energy expenditure in adult humans (1494 males and 3108 females) to investigate whether humans have evolved sex differences in the degree of interindividual variation in energy expenditure. We found that, even when statistically comparing males and females of the same age, height, and body composition, there is much more variation in total, activity, and basal energy expenditure among males. However, with aging, variation in total energy expenditure decreases, and because this happens more rapidly in males, the magnitude of greater male variation, though still large, is attenuated in older age groups. Considerably greater male variation in both total and activity energy expenditure could be explained by greater male variation in levels of daily activity. The considerably greater male variation in basal energy expenditure is remarkable and may be explained, at least in part, by greater male variation in the size of energy-demanding organs. If energy expenditure is a trait that is of indirect interest to females when choosing a sexual partner, this would suggest that energy expenditure is under sexual selection. However, we present a novel energetics model demonstrating that it is also possible that females have been under stabilizing selection pressure for an intermediate basal energy expenditure to maximize energy available for reproduction. (C) 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.Peer reviewe

The childhood-onset neuropsychiatric background to adulthood psychopathic traits and personality disorders

Childhood conduct disorder (CD) and adult psychopathic traits according to the Psychopathy Checklist Revised (PCL-R) were the closest psychiatric covariates to repeated violent crimes and aggression among offenders under forensic psychiatric investigation in Sweden. As psychopathy is not included in the present psychiatric diagnostic systems, we compared total and factor PCL-R scores to Axis I disorders, including childhood-onset neuropsychiatric disorders, and to Axis II personality disorders, to establish the convergence of psychopathic traits with other psychiatric diagnoses, and to identify possible unique features. Psychopathic traits were positively correlated with bipolar mood disorder and negatively with unipolar depression. The total PCL-R scores as well as the Factor 2 (unemotionality) and Factor 3 (behavioral dyscontrol) scores were significantly correlated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, Asperger's syndrome/high-functioning autistic traits, CD, substance abuse, and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition Cluster B personality disorders. The interpersonal Factor 1 showed none of these correlations and may capture features that are specific to psychopathy, distinguishing core psychopathy from other diagnostic definitions

Age at onset of substance abuse: a crucial covariate of psychopathic traits and aggression in adult offenders

To examine age at onset of substance abuse in relation to other factors of relevance to criminal behavior, we compared Life History of Aggression (LHA) scores, traits of psychopathy according to the Psychopathy Checklist--Revised (PCL-R), and violent recidivism in 100 violent offenders with early (before the age of 18) versus late onset of abuse or dependence. Of 56 subjects with a history of alcohol and/or drug abuse, an early onset was ascertained in 31. The duration of abuse did not correlate with the LHA and PCL-R scores or with violent recidivism, but the age at onset correlated strongly with all these factors and also remained their strongest correlate in multivariate models including childhood-onset attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, conduct disorder, and drug abuse as covariates. Strong mathematical associations with aggression, psychopathy, and recidivism pointed to age at onset of substance abuse as a marker of possible complications that require preventive social, educational and medical measures

Biomarkers of oxidative stress in overweight men are not influenced by a combination of antioxidants

The effect of antioxidant supplementation on biomarkers of oxidative stress was investigated in a 6-week intervention study in 60 overweight men. The supplement contained a combination of antioxidants aiming to correspond to the antioxidant content found in a diet rich in fruit and vegetables. Placebo, single or double dose of antioxidants was provided to the subjects. Metabolic variables, plasma antioxidants and biomarkers of oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation and DNA damage) were measured. No effect of supplementation on biomarkers of oxidative stress was observed. Both intervention groups showed substantial increases of plasma antioxidants. This study demonstrated that supplementation with a combination of antioxidants did not affect lipid peroxidation and DNA damage in overweight men, despite increased concentrations of plasma antioxidants. The absence of antioxidant supplement effect might possibly be explained by the chosen study group having a normal level of oxidative stress, duration of the intervention and/or doses of antioxidants

Changes in Circulating Metabolites During Weight Loss are Associated with Adiposity Improvement, and Body Weight and Adiposity Regain During Weight Loss Maintenance: The SATIN Study

ScopeTo examine the relationship between changes in circulating metabolites during diet-induced weight loss and changes of adiposity. This study also investigates changes in these metabolites in relation to body weight and adiposity regain during a weight loss maintenance period.Methods and resultsThis cohort study is nested within the Satiety Innovation (SATIN) study. Participants (n = 162) achieving ≥8% weight loss during an initial 8-week low-calorie formula diet (LCD) are included in a 12-week weight loss maintenance period. A targeted metabolite profiling (123 metabolites) approach is applied using three different platforms (proton nuclear magnetic resonance, liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, gas chromatography mass spectrometry). Changes in several lipid species and citric acid are significantly associated with greater reduction of body weight, total fat, and abdominal adiposity distribution during the LCD. Decreases in the concentrations of lysophosphatidylcholines (LPCs) 14:0, LPC 20:3, phosphatidylcholine (PC) 32:2, PC 38:3, sphingomyelin (SM) 32:2, and increases in citric acid concentrations during the LCD are associated with adiposity regain and loss, respectively, during the weight loss maintenance period.ConclusionsThe results show that weight loss is associated with changes in lipid species and citric acid. These changes are related to subsequent weight and adiposity regain identifying the adipose lipid metabolism as an important factor for the maintenance of lost weight and adiposity

Effect of Different Doses of Exercise on Sleep Duration, Sleep Efficiency and Sleep Quality in Sedentary, Overweight Men

Objective: To evaluate the dose-response effect of aerobic exercise on sleep duration, sleep efficiency and sleep quality in previously sedentary, moderately overweight men. Methods: In a randomized, controlled trial, 53 sedentary Caucasian men aged between 20 and 40 years (VO2- max<45 mL O2 kg-1 min-1, BMI: 25-30 kg/m2, body fat>25%) completed a 13-week aerobic exercise intervention consisting of either a physical activity energy deficit of 600 kcal day-1 (HIGH: n=18), 300 kcal day-1 (MOD: n=18), or being sedentary (CON: n=17). The endpoints were sleep duration (objectively measured by actigraphy over 3 days), sleep efficiency (3-day actigraphy), and subjectively rated sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index). Results: Because of missing sleep data, a total of 32 subjects were included in the present analysis (CON: n=12, MOD: n=12, HIGH: n=8). A significant increase in sleep duration was observed in HIGH (80 ± 30 min, p=0.03). However, the change was not significantly different from the change in CON. Sleep efficiency tended to decrease in HIGH (p=0.05), and there was a tendency towards an improved sleep quality within MOD and HIGH (p=0.08 in both). Conclusion: Our study suggests that a high daily dose of aerobic exercise for 13 weeks increases sleep duration, tends to decrease sleep efficiency, and tends to improve subjective sleep quality in sedentary, moderately overweight men. Because our sample included relatively young and sleep-efficient individuals, future studies should examine the dose-response effects of aerobic exercise on sleep parameters in older adults with sleeping problems

Noise and stress effects on preschool personnel

The aim of the study was to analyze the presence of stress-related health problems among preschool employees and the way in which these reactions are related to noise and other work parameters. The investigation included 101 employees at 17 preschools in Umeå County, located in northern Sweden. Individual noise recordings and recordings in dining rooms and play halls were made at two departments from each preschool. The adverse effects on the employees were analyzed by use of different validated questionnaires and by saliva cortisol samples. Stress and energy output were pronounced among the employees, and about 30% of the staff experienced strong burnout syndromes. Mental recovery after work was low, indicated by remaining high levels of stress after work. The burnout symptoms were associated with reduced sleep quality and morning sleepiness. Cortisol levels supported the conclusion about pronounced daily stress levels of the preschool employees

Two-year results from a Swedish study on conventional versus accelerated radiotherapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma The ARTSCAN study

Background and purpose: Studies on accelerated fractionation (AF) in head and neck cancer have shown increased local control and survival compared with conventional fractionation (CF), while others have been non-conclusive. In 1998 a national Swedish group decided to perform a randomised controlled clinical study of AF. Materials and methods: Patients with verified squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx (except glottic T1 -T2, N0) and hypopharynx were included. Patients with prior chemotherapy or surgery were excluded. Patients were randomised to either CF (2 Gy/day, 5 days/week for 7 weeks, total dose 68 Gy) or to AF (1.1 Gy + 2.0 Gy/day, 5 days/week for 4.5 weeks, total dose 68 Gy). An extensive quality assurance protocol was followed throughout the study. The primary end point was loco-regional tumour control (LRC) at two years after treatment. Results: The study was closed in 2006 when 750 patients had been randomised. Eighty-three percent of the patients had stages III-IV disease. Forty eight percent had oropharyngeal, 21% laryngeal, 17% hypopharyngeal and 14% oral cancers. There were no significant differences regarding overall survival (OS) or LRC between the two regimens. The OS at two years was 68% for AF and 67% for CF. The corresponding figures for LRC were 71% and 67%, respectively. There was a trend towards improved LRC for oral cancers treated (p = 0.07) and for large tumours (T3-T4) (p = 0.07) treated with AF. The AF group had significantly worse acute reactions, while there was no significant increase in late effects. Conclusion: Overall the AF regimen did not prove to be more efficacious than CF. However, the trend towards improved results in AF for oral cancers needs to be further investigated. (c) 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved. Radiotherapy and Oncology 100 (2011) 41-4