Solubility of Hybrid Halide Perovskites in DMF and DMSO

Solution methods remain the most popular means for the fabrication of hybrid halide perovskites. However, the solubility of hybrid perovskites has not yet been quantitively investigated. In this study, we present accurate solubility data for MAPbI3, FAPbI3, MAPbBr3 and FAPbBr3 in the two most widely used solvents, DMF and DMSO, and demonstrate huge differences in the solubility behavior depending on the solution compositions. By analyzing the donor numbers of the solvents and halide anions, we rationalize the differences in the solubility behavior of hybrid perovskites with various compositions, in order to take a step forward in the search for better processing conditions of hybrid perovskites for solar cells and optoelectronics.

Simple Reciprocal Fairness Message to Enhance Non-Donor’s Willingness to Donate Blood

Background Against a background of declining blood donor numbers, recruiting new donors is critical for the effective operations of healthcare providers. Thus, interventions are needed to recruit new blood donors. Purpose We provide initial evidence for Voluntary Reciprocal Altruism (VRA) to enhance nondonors’ willingness to become blood donors. VRA interventions involve asking two questions: one on accepting a blood transfusion if needed and one on willingness to donate. As early trials often use self-reports of willingness to perform blood donation behavior, we derive a correction factor to better estimate actual behavior. Finally, we explore the effect of VRA interventions on two prosocial emotions: gratitude and guilt. Methods Across three experiments (two in the UK and one in Australia: Total N = 1,208 nondonors) we manipulate VRA messages and explore how they affect both reported willingness to make a one-off or repeat blood donation and influence click through to blood donation, organ donation and volunteering registration sites (behavioral proxies). We report data from a longitudinal cohort (N = 809) that enables us to derive a correction for self-reported behavioral willingness. Results Across the three experiments, we show that exposure to a question that asks about accepting a transfusion if needed increased willingness to donate blood with some spillover to organ donor registration. We also show that gratitude has an independent effect on donation and report a behavioral correction factor of .10. Conclusions Asking nondonors about accepting a transfusion if needed is likely to be an effective strategy to increase new donor numbers.

Insights on hydrogen bond assisted solvent selection in certain acid–base heterogeneous catalysis through acceptor and donor numbers

Acceptor and donor numbers as efficient tools for the selection of solvents in certain acid–base heterogeneous catalysis; role of the hydrogen bond.

A DFT Investigation on the Origins of Solvent-Dependent Polysulfide Reduction Mechanism in Rechargeable Li-S Batteries

The lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery is one of the promising energy storage alternatives because of its high theoretical capacity and energy density. Factors governing the stability of polysulfide intermediates in Li-S batteries are complex and are strongly affected by the solvent used. Herein, the polysulfide reduction and the bond cleavage reactions are calculated in different solvent environments by the density functional theory (DFT) methods. We investigate the relationship between the donor numbers (DN) as well as the dielectric constants (ε) of the solvent system and the relative stability of different polysulfide intermediates. Our results show that the polysulfide reduction mechanism is dominated by its tendency to form the ion-pair with Li+ in different organic solvents.

Centralization of the Global REDD+ Financial Network and Implications under the New Climate Regime

With the institutionalization of reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, and the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests, and enhancement of forest carbon stocks in developing countries (REDD+), the global REDD+ financial network has been formed to support the implementation of REDD+ in developing countries. Although the rapid expansion of the network made it decentralized, it is still a highly centralized network in terms of the distribution of financial resources, revolving around only a few major actors. While the source of financing was diversified due to an increase in influential donors, the majority of financing still came from a few constant major donors, and a few constant major developing countries received most of the financial support. Although increases in donor numbers and the amount of finance received can provide more chances to support developing countries, it may cause inefficiency due to overlaps and duplications. Also, over-centralization of financial resources can be ineffective in terms of achieving maximum greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction, and can broaden gaps between developing countries’ ability to cope with climate change and deforestation. Lack of coordination among donors and the differing capacity of developing countries may have caused centralization of financial resources in the global REDD+ financial network. To minimize this problem, a comprehensive monitoring system and platforms for information sharing are needed.

Short-term impact of introducing a soft opt-out organ donation system in Wales: before and after study

ObjectivesTo determine the short-term impact of a soft opt-out organ donation system on consent rates and donor numbers.DesignBefore and after observational study using bespoke routinely collected data.SettingNational Health Service Blood and Transplant.Participants205 potential organ donor cases in Wales.InterventionsThe Act and implementation strategy.Primary and secondary outcomesConsent rates at 18 months post implementation compared with 3 previous years, and organ donor numbers 21 months before and after implementation. Changes in organ donor register activity post implementation for 18 months.ResultsThe consent rate for all modes of consent was 61.0% (125/205), showing a recovery from the dip to 45.8% in 2014/2015. 22.4% (46/205) were deemed consented donors: consent rate 60.8% (28/46). Compared with the 3 years before the switch there was a significant difference in Welsh consent rates (χ2 p value=0.009). Over the same time period, rest of the UK consent rates also significantly increased from 58.6% (5256/8969) to 63.1% (2913/4614) (χ2 p value<0.0001), therefore the Wales increase cannot be attributed to the Welsh legislation change. Deceased donors did not increase: 101 compared with 104. Organ donation registration increased from 34% to 38% with 6% registering to opt-out.ConclusionThis is the first rigorous initial evaluation with bespoke data collected on all cases. The longer-term impact on consent rates and donor numbers is unclear. Concerns about a potential backlash and mass opting out were not realised. The move to a soft opt-out system has not resulted in a step change in organ donation behaviour, but can be seen as the first step of a longer journey. Policymakers should not assume that soft opt-out systems by themselves simply need more time to have a meaningful effect. Ongoing interventions to further enhance implementation and the public’s understanding of organ donation are needed to reach the 2020 target of 80% consent rates. Further longitudinal monitoring is required.

How to rebuild the kidney: recent advances in kidney organoids

It is difficult to restore kidney function once it has become severely impaired. Although kidney transplantation is a curative therapy, donor numbers remain limited. Thus, the generation of kidney organoids (mainly comprising glomeruli and renal tubules) from multipotent stem cells represents an important advance in regenerative medicine of the kidney. Recently, a protocol that can generate the higher-order structure of the mouse embryonic kidney was reported. Kidney organoids are now being used for disease modelling, and may eventually be applicable for clinical transplantation. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in kidney organoid research, and discuss the issues to be resolved toward kidney reconstruction.