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Background: The COVID‐19 pandemic has caused many adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD) to lose their daily routines and social support, and as a result, many adults with IDD are increasingly reliant on their family caregivers. Siblings often play a crucial support role for their brothers and sisters with IDD. As such, this study aimed to describe the experiences of adult siblings of people with IDD during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Methods: The Sibling Collaborative worked with researchers to codesign an online survey, completed by 91 people, exploring sibling supports and concerns during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The survey also aimed to identify helpful resources for siblings during this time. Results: The results showed that the majority of siblings are supporting their brother or sister with IDD during the COVID‐19 pandemic and are concerned about the health and well‐being of their brother/sister. The most common concern related to disruption of their brother's or sister's routine and activities. Although responses of older and younger siblings did not differ from each other, siblings whose brother or sister with IDD lived with family had some unique concerns relative to those whose siblings no longer lived with family. Siblings described how their own self‐care and relationships with others, as well as support for their brother/sister, were particularly helpful during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Conclusions: Siblings are providing key support to their brother or sister with IDD during the COVID‐19 pandemic, and they too must be supported. Siblings should be included in efforts to disseminate resources targeting people with IDD and their feedback and input must be obtained. It is also important to include sibling mental wellness as caregiver supports are created and implemented. More research is needed to further understand how to support sibling caregivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We introduce the conceptual design of the optical core for a spectral‐splitting and light‐guiding four‐terminal (4T) photovoltaic (PV) module, with appealing features for bifacial operation. We analyze the applicability of the solution and its performance using a commercial ray‐tracing software for direct and diffused solar irradiance at standard AM1.5G spectrum. The core is a right‐angle transparent wedged (RAW) prism. Complementary, two dichroic mirrors are optically coupled to the rear and bottom faces of the wedge to perform the spectral‐splitting (SS) function. Low‐gain concentration in the visible (VIS) band is provided by combining dichroic reflections with achromatic total internal reflection (TIR) at the topmost air‐dielectric interface for light guiding. The module can support 4T heterojunction connection, implemented with wide‐bandgap (WG) solar cells for the VIS and silicon‐based solar cells for the near infrared (NIR). At a geometrical concentration gain CG‐VIS ≈ 4 and wide optical acceptance angle θA ≈ 48°, also VIS diffused light is effectively collected and a spectrally integrated optical efficiency ηo,diff = 62%, (ηo(diff,NIR) =45%, ηo(diff,VIS) = 17%) is estimated. Under direct illumination ηo,dir > 80% is obtained over the whole angular acceptance with a maximum optical efficiency ηo,dir‐MAX ≈ 88.7% at θi = 37°. Low‐concentrating RAW‐SS can work stationary and trackless. The tilt angle for the orientation β is set according to the latitude at the installation site, and in the northern hemisphere, it is more north‐oriented with respect to standard panels. The collection of albedo irradiance from the ground is favored, since the scaling coefficient for self‐shading of the module at sun elevation ϕ is lower than for standard flat panels of equivalent input area and normally oriented. The decrease in self‐shading is therefore an asset for bifacial operation and specifically effective at lower latitudes where solar irradiance is stronger. The possible applications range from sub‐watt indoor PV and Internet‐of‐Things power suppliers to utility‐scale plants and building‐integrated solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As the life expectancy of people with intellectual disability increases, they may now outlive their parents or their parents' ability to continue to care. Siblings of adults with intellectual disability often succeed their parents as primary carers. Little is known about the health and well‐being of this important cohort of carers who will be both caring for and ageing alongside their brother or sister with intellectual disability. The Carer's Study within The Intellectual Disability Supplement to the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (IDS‐TILDA) provides a unique insight into the health and well‐being of family carers of older adults with intellectual disability including sibling carers in Ireland. This article reports on the findings from waves 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the IDS‐TILDA Carer's Study. Methods: The IDS‐TILDA Carer's Study surveys family carers of older people (aged 40 years and older) with intellectual disability on a 3‐yearly cycle. The family carers complete a self‐administered, mixed‐methods questionnaire. The qualitative data are analysed thematically, and a descriptive analysis of the quantitative data is conducted using SPSS. Findings: In each wave, sibling carers comprised a significant proportion of the Carer's Study participants: W1 58%; W2: 61.4%; W3: 76.7%; and W4: 45.8%. The siblings were predominantly female, not in paid employment and were caring without the support of a spouse or partner. Across the four waves, siblings reported good general health. However, a high prevalence of particular conditions including back pain, aching joints and stress was also reported, and in each wave, siblings reported feeling completely overwhelmed by their care responsibilities. Although sibling carers reported that they have considered the future, only a minority have progressed to action in this regard. Conclusions: There is evidence of the strong relational and emotional commitment by the siblings to their brother or sister with intellectual disability. However, through the four waves of data, there was also evidence of physical, mental and financial toll. An urgent need exists to identify and engage with siblings to protect their well‐being as they provide care for an increasingly ageing sibling. Accessible Summaries: When the parents of people with intellectual die or can no longer provide care and support, brothers and/or sisters may take over the role.Little is known about the lives of these brothers and sisters and whether they need support.Our study asks brothers and sisters about their lives, their health and the good and more difficult things about being a carer.This paper reports on the results of four surveys over 9 years.Most brothers and sisters felt that their health was good but because many reported health problems, more support should be available to brothers and sisters who are carers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work (17‐ethynyl‐13‐methyl‐3‐oxo‐2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17‐tetradecahydro‐1H‐cyclopenta[a]phenanthren‐17‐yl‐ethyl‐7‐methyl‐4‐oxo‐1,4‐dihydro‐1,8‐naphthyridine‐3‐carboxylate)and (17‐ethynyl‐13‐methyl‐3‐oxo‐2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17‐tetradecahydro‐1H‐cyclopenta[a]phenanthren‐17‐yl 2‐(4‐chlorophenoxy) acetate), anovel prodrugs of norethindrone have been synthesized. The structure of the synthesized compounds were characterized with the help of 1H, 13C NMR, UV, and IR spectroscopy.Norethindrone is used for contraception or hormone‐related conditions such as endometriosis and menopausal symptoms and to treat bacterial infections in a variety of pharmaceutical formulations. Molecular docking studies of the synthesized compounds explained the most probable interaction pattern with cyclooxygenase‐2 (1CX2),human estrogen receptor (2OCF) and RSK‐4N‐terminal kinase(6G77). Compound 2 & 3 possessedanti‐inflammatoryand cytotoxic activity besides contraceptive. Both thesynthesized compounds were found to be more potent than norethindrone as revealed from the binding energy and in‐vitro cytotoxic activity against lung cancer cells. Anti‐inflammatory and cytotoxic activity for norethindrone is reported for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adult siblings are important in the lives of individuals with profound intellectual disabilities, especially as parents age. However, little is known about the roles they assume. Method: We examined these roles among 58 participants from the Netherlands, who completed an online questionnaire. Results: Most participants (89.7%) assumed multiple roles, and the majority were content with their roles. Between 7% and 58% indicated that they were the only individuals providing a certain role. Shared roles primarily involved healthcare professionals, other siblings, and parents. Almost half the participants (48.2%) assigned higher scores for the amount of support provided than for the experienced burden. Conclusions: Adult siblings often assume multiple roles. The shared roles emphasise the importance of collaboration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antarctic precipitation remains poorly characterized and understood, especially within the boundary layer. This is due in part to a still‐limited amount of surface‐based remote sensing observations. A suite of cloud and precipitation remote‐sensing instruments including a W‐band cloud radar and a K‐band Micro Rain Radar (MRR) were used to characterize snowfall over Davis (69°S, 78°E). Surface snowfall events occurred when boundary layer wind speeds were weaker, temperatures were warmer, and relative humidity over ice higher than when virga were present. The presence of virga is associated with Föhn winds due to the location of Davis in the lee of an ice ridgeline. Dual wavelength ratio values from the summer indicate particle aggregation at temperatures of −14° to −10°C, consistent with observations made elsewhere, including in the Arctic. Riming frequency increases for temperatures above −10°C and reaches 6.5% at −3°C. No temperature dependence of rime mass fraction was found. Sublimation of snowfall mass aloft was 50% between the snow peak at 1.2 km and 205 m altitude, which occurs within CloudSat's "blind zone." Given the common prevailing wind direction and numerous ice ridgelines along much of the East Antarctic coastline, these Davis results can be used as a basis to further understand snowfall across the Antarctic region. Plain Language Summary: We investigate the vertical structure of snowfall above a coastal Antarctic site during summer and winter using a variety of remote‐sensing instruments. The amount of snowfall that reaches near the ground is influenced by the meteorological conditions present around Davis. During strong north‐easterly winds, air passes over an upwind ice ridgeline, warming on its descent into Davis. This warm air sublimates 50% of the snowfall within the atmospheric boundary layer, meaning that only ice virga are detected by our radars. Within the snow‐bearing clouds, we found the same microphysical processes occur above coastal Antarctica as elsewhere on the Earth, in particular the temperatures at which snow particles begin to clump together. Detailed studies of the vertical structure of snowfall, such as this one, will help scientists understand the regional effects of topography and meteorology on surface snowfall, and relate what satellites observe with measurements made at or near the surface. Key Points: Particle aggregation over Davis during summer occurs at similar temperatures as in the ArcticRiming during summer occurs at temperatures above −10°C, but no temperature dependence on rime mass fraction is foundSnowfall sublimation of 50% occurs below the snow peak at 1.2 km, which is inside CloudSat's "blind zone" and is due to Föhn winds [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a new multilayer urban canopy parameterization for high‐resolution (∼1 km) atmospheric models using the nudging approach to represent the impacts of urban canopies on airflow is presented. In our parameterization, a nudging term is added to the momentum equations and a source term to the turbulent kinetic energy equation to account for building effects. The challenge of this parameterization lies in defining appropriate values for the nudging coefficient and the weighting function used to reflect canopy effects. Values of both are derived and the parameterization developed is implemented and tested for idealized cases in the Mesoscale Transport and Stream model (METRAS). Comparison data are taken from obstacle‐resolving microscale model results. Results show that the parameterization using the nudging approach can simulate aerodynamic effects induced within the canopy by obstacles well, in terms of reduction of wind speeds and production of additional turbulent kinetic energy. Thus, models with existing nudging can use this approach as an efficient and effective method to parameterize dynamic urban canopy effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Formation of C−C bonds by cleavage of the C(sp3)−N bonds of readily available alkyl amines is a valuable transformation. Herein, we report a method for oxidant‐ and metal‐free photoinduced deaminative alkylation of quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones with Katritzky salts as alkyl radical sources. Various alkyl radicals could easily be generated by single‐electron reduction of electron donor–acceptor complexes between the Katritzky salts and sodium acetate. This green, sustainable, operationally simple method has a broad substrate scope, and can be used for gram‐scale synthesis, and late‐stage modification of pharmaceutically relevant molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An operationally simple aqueous phase three‐component photochemical strategy for the alkylation of quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones with diethyl α‐bromomalonate and unactivated alkenes in the absence of both photoredox catalysts and additive has been developed. This reaction is driven by the photochemical activity of electron donor‐acceptor (EDA) complexes formed by quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones and diethyl α‐bromomalonate. Irradiation with visible light triggered single‐electron transfer (SET) from the quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones to the diethyl α‐bromomalonate, inducing the formation of the corresponding alkyl radical and the subsequent radical tandem reaction. It provides an efficient way to construct alkylated quinoxalinones from simple small molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural products with the 3,6‐diene‐2,5‐diketopiperazine core are widely distributed in nature; however, the biosynthetic mechanism of 3,6‐diene‐2,5‐diketopiperazine in fungi remains to be further elucidated. Through heterologous expression and biochemical investigation of an FeII/2‐oxoglutarate‐dependent oxidase (AspE) and a heme‐dependent P450 enzyme (AspF), we report that AspE, AspF and subsequent dehydration account for the formation of the 3,6‐diene‐2,5‐diketopiperazine substructure of brevianamide K from Aspergillus sp. SK‐28, a symbiotic fungus of mangrove plant Kandelia candel. More interestingly, in‐depth investigation of the enzymatic mechanism showed that AspE promotes hydroxylation of brevianamide Q with unprecedented stereoinversion through hydrogen atom abstraction and water nucleophilic attack from the opposite face of the resultant iminium cation intermediate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents different characteristics of precipitation and synoptic‐scale circulation associated with extreme precipitation events in inland and coastal Antarctica. The focus is on two stations, inland Vostok and coastal Casey. We use observed daily precipitation data from years 2004–2017 to investigate and compare the statistics on precipitation at both stations. The key areas for synoptic features favouring extreme precipitation are identified on the basis of air‐mass backward trajectories, computed applying the Lagrangian HYSPLIT model. The air moisture accounting for high‐precipitation events originates from the ocean but in many (some) cases the trajectories cover long distances over the ice sheet before reaching Vostok (Casey). Multiple statistical methods including composite analysis, empirical orthogonal functions (EOF), and self‐organizing maps (SOMs) are used to examine the full view of synoptic patterns. At Vostok in the inland high plateau, ERA‐Interim reanalysis shows that the synoptic patterns governing the extreme precipitation events are relatively complicated. Amplified planetary waves allow water vapour to reach the Vostok Station from different source regions, including the Weddell Sea, Ross Sea, and the Indian Ocean off the Amery Ice Shelf. A dipole structure of negative height anomalies to the west and positive ones to the east of the station is identified as the cause of southward water vapour transport and resulting precipitation at Casey in coastal Antarctica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spectral diffusion of singlet and triplet excitons in 9,9‐dioctylfluorene‐based conjugated copolymers is investigated using photoluminescence spectroscopy at both low (5 K) and room temperature (300 K). Inclusion of a N,N‐diphenyl‐4‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)aniline moiety into the polymer backbone allows subsequent cyclometalation with platinum acetylacetonate to increase the spin‐orbit coupling and yield radiative decay from the triplet state. For suitably low fractions (≤5%) of bulky ligand inclusion, cyclometalated or not, the resulting longer sequences of fluorene units are able to adopt the chain‐extended β‐phase conformation. Comparison between the phosphorescence spectral diffusion in glassy‐ and β‐phase Pt‐copolymer samples provide insight into the triplet exciton transfer in more‐ or less‐disordered conjugated polymer films. It is found in the glassy‐phase samples with shorter conjugation lengths that the triplet exciton relaxation becomes frustrated at low temperature due to a freezing out of the thermally activated hops required to move from one conjugated segment to another. In contrast, for films containing β‐phase chain segments, with increased conjugation lengths, this frustration is lifted as more hopping sites remain accessible through intra‐segment motion. This work demonstrates controlled use of changes in molecular conformation to optimize triplet diffusion properties in a member of the widely deployed fluorene‐based conjugated copolymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The COVID‐19 pandemic poses risks to the quality of life (QoL) of relatives of individuals with intellectual disabilities. This paper investigates relatives' QoL and associated risk and buffering factors before and during the pandemic. Method: Surveys were administered to three samples of relatives in the Netherlands in 2019 (N = 105) and during the first waves of COVID‐19 in June (N = 207) and October 2020 (N = 332). Associations between QoL and care burden, care competence, social support, and resilience, and changes over time were analysed using (logistic) regressions. Results: No significant changes in overall QoL nor its domains were found. Care burden was negatively associated with QoL and increased during the pandemic. Care competence was lower than in 2019. Competence, social support, and resilience were positively associated with QoL. Conclusions: Although relatives' QoL remained stable, the pandemic poses non‐negligible risks to their wellbeing. It is, therefore, crucial to provide relatives with adequate support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atmospheric circulation is a key driver of climate variability, and the representation of atmospheric circulation modes in regional climate models (RCMs) can enhance the credibility of regional climate projections. This study examines the representation of large‐scale atmospheric circulation modes in Coupled Model Inter‐comparison Project phase 5 RCMs once driven by ERA‐Interim, and by two general circulation models (GCMs). The study region is Western Europe and the circulation modes are classified using the Promax rotated T‐mode principal component analysis. The results indicate that the RCMs can replicate the classified atmospheric modes as obtained from ERA5 reanalysis, though with biases dependent on the data providing the lateral boundary condition and the choice of RCM. When the boundary condition is provided by ERA‐Interim that is more consistent with observations, the simulated map types and the associating time series match well with their counterparts from ERA5. Further, on average, the multi‐model ensemble mean of the analysed RCMs, driven by ERA‐Interim, indicated a slight improvement in the representation of the modes obtained from ERA5. Conversely, when the RCMs are driven by the GCMs that are models without assimilation of observational data, the representation of the atmospheric modes, as obtained from ERA5, is relatively less accurate compared to when the RCMs are driven by ERA‐Interim. This suggests that the biases stem from the GCMs. On average, the representation of the modes was not improved in the multi‐model ensemble mean of the five analysed RCMs driven by either of the GCMs. However, when the best‐performed RCMs were selected on average the ensemble mean indicated a slight improvement. Moreover, the presence of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) in the simulated modes depends also on the lateral boundary conditions. The relationship between the modes and the NAO was replicated only when the RCMs were driven by reanalysis. The results indicate that the forcing model is the main factor in reproducing the atmospheric circulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammation is one of the critical risk factors for colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the mechanisms for transition from colitis to CRC remain elusive. Recently, epigenetic changes have emerged as important regulatory factors for colitis‐associated cancer. Here, a systematic epigenomic study of histone modifications is performed, including H3K4me1, H3K4me3, H3K27ac, H3K27me3 and H3K9me3, in an AOM‐DSS‐induced CRC mouse model. In combination with transcriptomic data, the authors generate a dataset of 105 deep sequencing files and illustrate the dynamic landscape of chromatin states at five time points during inflammation‐cancer transition. Functional gene clusters are identified based on dynamic transcriptomic and epigenomic information, and key signaling pathways in the process are illustrated. This study's results reveal that enhancer state regions play important roles during inflammation‐cancer transition. It predicts novel transcription factors based on enhancer information, and experimentally proves OTX2 as a critical tumor suppressive transcription factor. Taken together, this study provides comprehensive epigenomic data and reveals novel molecular mechanisms for colitis‐associated cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Generation of waste has been a significant problem in recent decades in many engineering fields. Self‐compacting rubberized concrete (SCRC) is a new type of SCC, which replaces part of natural aggregates by rubber aggregates in SCC to increase the application range of waste tyre rubber. This study investigates the effect of age and crumb rubber aggregate ratio on fresh and mechanical performance. Eight different SCRC mixtures using 2–5 mm rubber aggregates to replace 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% natural aggregates by volume respectively, and 5–10 mm rubber aggregates to replace 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% natural aggregates by volume respectively, are tested after 7, 28, 56, and 91 days for their mechanical properties. Results show that both the compressive and the tensile strength increase with the aging time, both of these properties drop with the amount and size of the crumb rubber content. Similar to compressive and tensile properties, flexural toughness and the modulus of rupture showed increased with the aging time. Small addition of crumb rubber has shown improvements in both rupture and fracture toughness properties, which diminishes when the crumb rubber content becomes significantly large. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The COVID‐19 pandemic has significantly impacted family caregivers of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This study evaluated a virtual course for family caregivers from across Canada, focused on supporting the mental health and well‐being of adults with IDD and their families. The evaluation examined the feasibility and acceptability of the course, as well as the impact of the intervention on participants' overall health and well‐being. Methods: The 6‐week virtual course, informed by a parallel Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) course for service providers, combined didactic instruction with applied activities. A total of 126 family caregiver course participants consented to be part of the research evaluation delivered over three cycles between October 2020 and April 2021. Attendance was measured at each weekly session. Satisfaction was assessed weekly and post‐program. Learning, self‐efficacy, and well‐being were assessed pre‐ and post‐course, and again at follow‐up (8 weeks post‐course). Mixed‐effects models assessed changes between and within individuals across time. Results: Participants had consistent attendance, low‐dropout rates, and reported high satisfaction, with 93% of participants reporting that their expectations for the course were met. Compared with pre‐course, participants reported improved self‐efficacy and well‐being post‐course, which were maintained at follow‐up. Conclusions: An interactive and applied virtual education course delivered to a large group of family caregivers of adults with IDD was both feasible and acceptable. It positively impacted participants' well‐being by offering much needed mental health support and creating a peer‐led community of practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The frequency of flash floods resulting from heavy rainfall over West Africa has increased in recent years with serious socio‐economic consequences. Therefore, the need to utilize numerical weather prediction models to forecast heavy rainfall events reliably is also rising at many operational meteorological centres in West Africa. This paper evaluates the performance of the Consortium for Small‐scale Modelling (COSMO) model of the German Meteorological Services (DWD) in predicting rainfall over West Africa for high‐impact rainfall events that occurred between 19 and 26 August 2017. The paper aims to investigate the synoptic forcings modulating daily rainfall variability during that period. Results show that COSMO simulates adequately the spatio‐temporal variability of rainfall distribution over West Africa, though with inherent biases. COSMO displays a decreasing skill in producing spatial rainfall distribution as rainfall amounts tend to 30 mm and above. Additionally, areas of heavy rainfall, mostly about 100–300 km southwest of the core of the Africa Easterly Jet (AEJ), often coincide with areas of decreasing mean sea level pressure of at least 0.6 hPa and areas of increasing convective available potential energy of at least 500 J/kg. Although not in all cases, the trough of the Africa Easterly Wave (AEW) is always located to the east of these areas. We show that not every storm, especially east of the prime meridian, is associated with an AEW trough. COSMO is able to reproduce the atmospheric dynamics modulating the daily rainfall variability, in addition to capturing the daily propagation of the AEW trough, and the core of the AEJ. However, the reproducibility skill of the model in predicting atmospheric dynamics may not transform into the predictive skill of the model in producing rainfall. Nevertheless, operational forecasters may be able to determine likely areas of heavy rainfall by estimating the position of the AEJ core based on the position of areas of the least falling pressure from COSMO. Finally, the incorporation of the fractions skill score metric based on the neighbourhood approach could also assist operational forecasters to decide at which scale a severe weather alert can be issued. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With simple alkanes as the alkyl radical precursors under microwave irradiation, a convenient and efficient cross‐dehydrogenative alkylation reaction of quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones and other N‐heteroarenes has been achieved. The protocol demonstrates a broad substrate scope, good functional group tolerance, high atom economy and high efficiency, providing a wide range of valuable, structurally diverse C3 alkylated quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones and other alkylated N‐heteroarenes in good‐to‐excellent yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports a visible‐light‐induced difunctionalization of 2,3‐dihydrofuran with quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones and peroxides for the synthesis of 2,3‐disubstituted tetrahydrofurans under mild reaction conditions with good yields in most cases. The multicomponent reaction exhibits excellent site‐selectivity of carbon‐carbon double bond in 2,3‐dihydrofuran (exclusive anti‐addition), good functional group tolerance, and high diastereoselectivity (d.r. >99 %). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triplet–triplet annihilation (TTA) is a feasible approach for utilizing electrically generated triplet excitons in organic light‐emitting diodes. However, low TTA efficiency is often observed in solids. Owing to the optically inaccessible nature of triplets, the main loss routes of the TTA process remain unknown. In this work, three vibrational emission peaks of the first excited triplet state (T1) are identified in the sensitized room‐temperature phosphorescence of TTA molecules. These peaks provide strong evidence of the loss channels of TTA. It is found that the monomolecular recombination of T1 represents an energy‐loss channel that combines the transient photoluminescence of both upconversion fluorescence and phosphorescence. Moreover, the study demonstrates that low‐energy vibrational T1 acts as an energy‐loss channel with only slight contributions to TTA. This work presents constructive insights into the improvement of TTA efficiency in solid films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthesis of N‐aryl α‐ketoamides, α‐ketoesters and α‐ketothioesters were demonstrated from N‐Ts and N‐Boc α‐ketoamides via transamidation and transesterification reactions. The reactions proceeded at room temperature in the presence of DBU and provided the desired products in good to excellent yields in a short time. A regioselective synthesis of biologically relevant quinoxalinones was achieved in good yields from N‐aryl α‐ketoamides via nitration followed by reduction reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the key role of charge transfers (CT) states has been identified for organic solar cells (OSCs), research into their properties is a timely topic. Conventionally, their absorption and emission spectra are described in terms of Marcus' electron transfer theory. This is a single site approach with the essential parameter being the reorganization energy. Thus, it ignores ensemble effects, notably the role of static disorder that is inevitably present in a spin‐coated OSC film. Here time dependent photoluminescence spectroscopy is applied on blends of the polymeric donor MeLPPP with either the non‐fullerene acceptor SF‐PDI2 or with PC61BM within a temperature range from 295 to 5 K. The authors monitor how initially excited singlet states are converted to emissive CT states. Concomitantly, emission from residual singlets on the acceptor is observed rather than hybrid CT‐states. The role of spectral diffusion in this process is discussed. From the temperature and time dependent linewidths of absorption, fluorescence, and CT emission, the static and dynamic contributions to the total disorder are inferred. In both blends, at 295 K, the contribution of static disorder is comparable to the dynamic disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Raw glazes, which do not contain pre‐melted glass frits, are widely used due to their low cost. The natural variability of the mineral compositions used in raw glazes affects their viscosity during firing. Molten glaze viscosity plays an important role in determining the final surface quality; therefore, it is important to determine how raw glaze composition and firing conditions affect viscosity. Thermophysical modeling provides a way to evaluate the liquidus temperature and viscosity of molten glazes as a function of composition and oxygen activity. Equilibrium phase volume fraction and composition of 242 raw glaze recipes were evaluated under oxidizing and reducing conditions. Undissolved or precipitation of solid phases explains the secondary flux transition from anti‐fluxing to fluxing near the liquidus temperature. The liquidus temperature and viscosity of iron glazes decrease as a function of increasing iron content under a reducing atmosphere. The empirical probability distribution of molten glaze viscosity follows a lognormal distribution, with lead glazes having significantly lower viscosity compared with glazes without lead. The peak firing temperature viscosity of lead‐free glazes is near the working point of glass. Multiple linear regression analysis shows that the peak firing temperature viscosity and liquidus temperature significantly predict the viscosity factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An optimization method is proposed for designing an LED freeform lens which produces a uniform circular pattern with high energy efficiency. The results of design examples show that the irradiance distribution is well controlled with excellent uniformity and energy efficiency. This optimization method can be generalized to design freeform lenses with different lighting patterns or without rotational symmetry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID‐19 has very publicly had profound impacts on the health system of every country in the world. Over 4.5 million people have lost their lives. School closures worldwide where up to 1.6 billion of the world's children have been out of school, are also prominent in world news. Behind these public impacts are the families. In this paper, we focus on the experiences of families with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) through analysis of two data sets: the emerging research literature and contributions from our author team who have lived experience of intellectual and developmental disability in the context of COVID‐19. From these two data sets, we discern five themes of the impact of the pandemic: on health, on education, on services and supports, on families and finally on relationships beyond the family. We conclude with lessons from those living with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the carers and the individuals themselves to draw implications for supporting families in the context of disability during future pandemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prior to the start of the pandemic, adults with intellectual disability (ID) were more likely to experience mental health difficulties and face barriers obtaining mental health care. COVID‐related public health restrictions, combined with heightened challenges to obtain timely mental health care, have served to worsen this situation internationally, with a combination of new onset conditions and worsening mental health for those already struggling. In this narrative review, we summarize literature on the mental health of adults with ID during the COVID‐19 pandemic to describe what is known based on clinician perceptions, existing administrative health data, family and staff perceptions, and self‐report. In addition to noting similarities and differences in findings based on the source of information, we also explored how experiences differed depending on where and when the research was conducted. Based primarily on research conducted during the first six months of the pandemic, there is a consistent finding across sources of increased anxiety, stress, and isolation. This review also explored the delivery of virtual mental health care and the impact of pandemic‐based mental health interventions. There have been very few research studies evaluating clinical care during this time but clinicians have managed to provide supports virtually, which has been evaluated positively by some individuals. This narrative review concludes by identifying gaps in the literature and suggests key directions for future mental health research, policy, and practice efforts. Any mental health efforts now and during pandemic recovery need to have an understanding of how the mental health needs and services for adults with ID have evolved over the course of the pandemic. Further research is needed on the impact of both clinical interventions and other nonclinical efforts on the mental health of people with ID. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Gamma Factory (GF) is an ambitious proposal, currently explored within the CERN Physics Beyond Colliders program, for a source of photons with energies up to ≈400 MeV and photon fluxes (up to ≈1017 photons s−1) exceeding those of the currently available gamma sources by orders of magnitude. The high‐energy (secondary) photons are produced via resonant scattering of the primary laser photons by highly relativistic partially‐stripped ions circulating in the accelerator. The secondary photons are emitted in a narrow cone and the energy of the beam can be monochromatized, down to 10−3–10−6 level, via collimation, at the expense of the photon flux. This paper surveys the new opportunities that may be afforded by the GF in nuclear physics and related fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study analysed the impact that COVID‐19 and the response measures implemented by the Spanish Government have had on families of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Method: Data on 323 family members (M = 52.3 years old; SD = 10.5) were collected through an online survey, which was focused on analysing difficulties experienced and service provision during lockdown. Results: Many families (66.3%) have seen their level of stress increased during lockdown because of, among other reasons, a greater burden of care. Difficulties were associated with the closure and changes in disability‐related services. Families of people with extensive support needs have generally experienced greater difficulties. Conclusion: Support services should have been considered essential services during lockdown. The failure to receive support has resulted in excessive burden on families, who had to assume a multitude of roles to support their family member with intellectual and developmental disability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study examined factors that predict stress level and life satisfaction among adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities during the COVID‐19 pandemic and the role of social support. Method: From a larger study about the experiences during the pandemic of 2028 individuals with and without disabilities, 181 adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities (or proxy) responded. Results: Most respondents with intellectual or developmental disabilities (92.8%) reported negative impacts from the pandemic, with 55.2% of the 96 employed pre‐pandemic reporting impacted employment, including job loss. The negative impact of the pandemic was a significant predictor of stress level; social support was related to reduced stress. Stress level and the negative impact of the pandemic were inversely related to life satisfaction; social support was positively related to life satisfaction. Social support partially mediated the association between stress level and life satisfaction. Discussion: Comprehensive services and social support systems are needed to combat the impact of the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We conducted a rapid scoping review to identify how inclusive research teams use technology during the research process that could support remote collaboration during public health emergencies like the COVID‐19 pandemic. Method: We searched three databases and conducted a hand search. Two independent reviewers screened 1498 abstracts and titles for inclusion criteria; 81 full text articles were further reviewed; 47 were included. We extracted information about each type of technology, categorised technology used during the research process, and documented described accommodations. Results: We identified 47 articles and 94 examples of technologies used by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout the research process: team formation and team function (38), data collection (19), data analysis (17) and dissemination (20). Conclusions: Technology use by team members with intellectual and developmental disabilities demonstrates promise for remote research collaborations during public health and climate emergencies and teams with members living in diverse locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: During the initial phase of the COVID‐19 pandemic, many people with disabilities living in home care facilities could not receive visitors. The use of virtual social contact has been recommended by health authorities. This systematic review examined the scientific evidence of the use and feasibility of information and communication technology (ICT) for social contact by people with intellectual disabilities living in care facilities, and potential effects on well‐being. Methods: Five databases were searched using traditional systematic screening and machine‐learning supported screening. Findings are presented in a narrative synthesis using thematic analysis. Results: Nine studies were included. We described three themes: means of ICT used for social contact; effects on well‐being; and benefits, barriers, and preconditions. Conclusions: Engaging in virtual social contact may be feasible for people with severe to mild intellectual disabilities, but there is little concrete evidence that this can be used as an alternative for in‐person contact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought frequency and intensity have increased in recent decades and are expected to escalate in future under the changing climate scenario. However, a wide range of uncertainty exists regarding the risk, variability and severity of the drought. This study evaluates the future drought and associated uncertainty over homogeneous regions of India using the suites of CMIP5 global climate models (GCMs) and CORDEX‐SA regional climate models (RCMs). The drought characteristics and its projected future changes are analysed using probability density functions derived from hydroclimatic parameters, including the standardized precipitation index (SPI) and the standardized precipitation‐evapotranspiration index (SPEI). Besides, uncertainties from various sources such as inter‐model variability, indices type, timescale, adapted methods, and time‐slices are explored under the RCP8.5 emission scenario to the end of the 21st century. Our study reveals large biases in the individual model; however, both the multi model ensembles (GCM and RCM) generally demonstrate better performance with respect to observation. In particular, the RCM ensemble showed limitations in capturing the regional precipitation pattern while temperature and potential evapotranspiration (PET) showed considerable enhancement concerning GCMs. SPI (SPEI) generally exhibited enhanced wetness (dryness) derived from increased precipitation (PET), although a few discrepancies were noticed. The regional heterogeneity was also found to exist, although some robust changes were noticed in drought frequency and severity with different return periods. Our finding underscores a wide range of uncertainties in drought projection, with maximum contribution from indices selection followed by model variability whereas other sources have the least contribution. The primary drivers for all these uncertainty sources arise due to variations among models simulated hydroclimatic variables that need to be parameterized more precisely for sustainable drought management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The recent COVID‐19 pandemic led to widespread international restrictions, severely impacting on health and social care services. For many individuals with an intellectual disability (ID) this meant reduced access to services and support for them and their carers. Aim: The aim of this study was to gain insight into the ways parents of adults with ID coped during the first 2020 lockdown period. Methods: Eight parents of adults with ID were interviewed. The recordings of these interviews were subjected to a thematic analysis. Results: Four main themes were identified: powerless and unappreciated; coping under lockdown; support; and the impact of lockdown on well‐being. Conclusions: The parents of adults with ID who made up our sample reported that they received little support from services and experienced a sense of powerlessness. Nevertheless, they were open to accepting support from family and friends and showed remarkable resilience. These findings are discussed in the light of the Willner et al. (2020) survey results on parental mental health and coping, and suggestions for future service provision during pandemic conditions are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well established that Africa is particularly exposed to climate extremes including heat waves, droughts, and intense rainfall events. How exposed Africa is to the co‐occurrence of these events is however virtually unknown. This study provides the first analysis of projected changes in the co‐occurrence of five such compound climate extremes in Africa, under a low (RCP2.6) and high (RCP8.5) emissions scenario. These changes are combined with population projections for a low (SSP1) and high (SSP3) population growth scenario, in order to provide estimates of the number of people that may be exposed to such events at the end of the 21st century. We make use of an ensemble of regional climate projections from the Coordinated Output for Regional Evaluations (CORE) project embedded in the Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX) framework. This ensemble comprises five different Earth System Model/Regional Climate Model (ESM/RCM) combinations with three different ESMs and two RCMs. We show that all five compound climate extremes will increase in frequency, with changes being greater under RCP8.5 than RCP2.6. Moreover, populations exposed to these changes are greater under RCP8.5/SSP3, than RCP2.6/SSP1, increasing by 47‐ and 12‐fold, respectively, compared to the present‐day. Regions of Africa that are particularly exposed are West Africa, Central‐East Africa, and Northeast and Southeast Africa. Increased exposure is mainly driven by the interaction between climate and population growth, and the effect of population alone. This has important policy implications in relation to climate mitigation and adaptation. Plain Language Summary: It is well known that Africa is exposed to a range of different climate hazards including droughts, heat waves, and extreme rainfall events, which cause major social and economic suffering. It is, however, largely unknown how exposed the African population is to the co‐occurrence of such climate hazards. This is important because compound events will likely increase the suffering far and above that caused by individual climate hazards. In this study, we provide an analysis of potential changes in five different compound events, and the exposure of the African population to them, at the end of this century. Combining exposure to all compound events, the results show that compared to the present‐day, the exposure of the African population may increase by 12‐ and 47‐fold in the best‐ and worst‐case scenarios, respectively. The spatial distribution of changes shows that West Africa and central and eastern regions of Africa may be particularly exposed. Increased exposure is mainly caused by the interaction between climate and population growth, and the effect of population alone. These results imply that any policy response designed to reduce exposure needs to address both climatic and socioeconomic factors. Key Points: Five compound climate extremes are projected to be more frequent in Africa under both emission scenarios by the end of the centuryPopulations in West Africa, Central‐East Africa, and Northeast and Southeast Africa are projected to be particularly exposedIncreased exposure is mainly driven by the interaction between climate and population growth, and the effect of population alone [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new turbulence parametrization is developed for a non‐eddy‐resolving microscale model to study the effects of leads (elongated open‐water channels in sea ice) of different width on the polar atmospheric boundary layer (ABL). Lead‐dominated sea ice regions are characterized by large horizontal inhomogeneities of the surface temperature causing strong convection. Therefore, the new parametrization is based on a previous formulation where inhomogeneous conditions of dry convection over leads and nonlocal effects on heat fluxes had already been taken into account for a fixed lead width. A nonlocal lead width dependent approach is applied now for both heat fluxes and momentum fluxes in the convective region. Microscale model results obtained with the new, the previous nonlocal, and a local parametrization are shown, where 10 idealized cases of a lead‐perpendicular, near‐neutral ABL‐flow below a strong capping inversion are considered. Furthermore, time‐averaged large eddy simulation (LES) results of those cases are considered for analyzing the integrated effects of the dry convection on ABL characteristics. Microscale model results obtained with the new nonlocal parametrization agree well with the LES for variable lead widths and different atmospheric forcing although there is a room for further improvement. Furthermore, several features obtained with a local closure clearly disagree with LES. Thus, the microscale study also points to difficulties that might occur in mesoscale studies over regions where leads dominate the flow regime when local closures are applied. Key Points: Improved parametrization of inhomogeneous turbulent convection over sea ice leads of variable width for non‐eddy‐resolving atmospheric modelSimulated lead effects on atmospheric boundary layer obtained with new nonlocal scheme agree well with large eddy simulationResults obtained with local scheme show potential difficulties for mesoscale atmospheric studies in lead‐dominated sea ice regions [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beam of light shaping process can be considered ultimate, if both irradiance and wavefront spatial distributions are under control and both can be shaped arbitrarily. In order to keep these two quantities determined simultaneously, it is required to apply at least two powered refractive or reflective surfaces. In this paper, a fully geometric design method of double-freeform beam shapers is discussed briefly. The presented algorithm is based on two stages. First, integrable input-output ray mapping is calculated by the application of the novel GATMA (Geometric Approach to Monge–Ampere equation) method. It allows us to determine the shape of the first freeform surface. Then, according to the condition of constant optical path length between input and output plane, corrected by wavefront phases at those planes, the second surface is determined. GATMA algorithm combines advantages of Monge–Ampere (MA) equation and ray-tracing efficient apparatus. Compared to the state-of-the-art freeform design methods, GATMA does not need to solve MA equation directly but uses this equation as an error function. Such approach makes the computation algorithm simpler and more robust and convergent. The application of the proposed method in a challenging design example of a beam shaper, transforming uniform collimated beam into a beam having a triangular cross section and flat wavefront, is presented as a case study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increase in the efficiency of organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices relies on understanding the underlying science of several interconnected physical mechanisms that prevent the success of 1D optimization strategies. Here, a combination of kinetic Monte Carlo simulations of exciton dynamics with a genetic algorithm to automatically optimize the external quantum efficiency of donor–acceptor interfaces under different scenarios is employed. Simulations include phenomena from light absorption to exciton diffusion, dissociation, radiative recombination, and internal conversion, thus modeling the main physical processes that define the overall efficiency of an OPV up to charge separation. It is shown that when internal conversion is kept in check, the combination of optimal transition dipole moments and absorption energies points at low bandgap polymers as the most promising candidates for donor materials. However, when non‐radiative deexcitation mechanisms are stronger, the optimization strategy shifts toward higher bandgaps, focusing rather on increasing the fluorescence quantum yield of the donor. Finally, the approach shows that adjusting the energy levels of the acceptor so that exciton transfers across the interface become negligible produces important gains in efficiency and at the same time reduces the system's dependence on large electronic couplings. The findings indicate pathways for engineering highly efficient organic interfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer light‐emitting diodes based on two poly(p‐phenylene vinylene) derivatives are aged at a constant current density, leading to the formation of hole traps. Time‐resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy (TRPL) measurements show that the degraded polymer light‐emitting diodes (PLEDs) also demonstrate a decrease in exciton lifetime. The amount of nonradiative exciton quenching sites in the aged devices is quantified by Monte Carlo simulations. It is found that the number of hole traps obtained from electrical charge transport measurements matches the number of newly formed nonradiative quenching sites determined from the TRPL experiments. The results reveal the origin for the apparent different behavior of the electroluminescence and photoluminescence upon PLED degradation. The decrease of the electroluminescence is governed by recombination of free electrons with trapped holes, whereas the photoluminescence is reduced by nonradiative quenching processes between excitons and hole traps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The aim of the present work is to enhance the thermal management avoiding the high‐thermal stress on the outer surface of the parabolic trough receiver (PTR) derived from nonuniform concentrated solar flux distribution. A parabolic trough concentrating (PTC) system with second homogenizing reflector (HR) is numerically designed and optimized to ensure a uniform concentrated solar flux on the PTR walls. For this purpose, a three‐dimensional optical model has been developed to analyze quantitatively the improvement made by the HR using the optical efficiency and qualitatively basing on the uniformity of the solar flux density distribution over the entire surface of the PTR. The validation of the numerical tool is presented, and the algorithm of the design process has been proposed and detailed. As a preliminary trait, it was revealed that the peak of the designed system performance is achieved with a rim angle of 68° avoiding simultaneously the aberration and the blocking effects. Despite the optical efficiency decrease by about 7% compared with the conventional PTC design, the uniformity of the solar flux distribution has been strongly improved such that the maximum local solar flux density gradient is decreased from 80 to 11 kW/m2 equivalent to a decrease of 86.25% with respect to the conventional PTC and the average local density is about 25.5 kW/m2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbene‐metal‐amides (CMAs) are a promising family of donor–bridge–acceptor molecular charge‐transfer (CT) emitters for organic light‐emitting diodes. A universal approach is demonstrated to tune the energy of their CT emission. A blueshift of up to 210 meV is achievable in solid state via dilution in a polar host matrix. The origin of this shift has two components: constraint of thermally‐activated triplet diffusion, and electrostatic interactions between guest and polar host. This allows the emission of mid‐green CMA archetypes to be tuned to sky blue without chemical modifications. Monte‐Carlo simulations based on a Marcus‐type transfer integral successfully reproduce the concentration‐ and temperature‐dependent triplet diffusion process, revealing a substantial shift in the ensemble density of states in polar hosts. In gold‐bridged CMAs, this shift does not lead to a significant change in luminescence lifetime, thermal activation energy, reorganization energy, or intersystem crossing rate. These discoveries offer new insight into coupling between the singlet and triplet manifolds in CMA materials, revealing a dominant interaction between states of CT character. The same approach is employed using materials which have been chemically modified to alter the energy of their CT state directly, shifting the emission of sky‐blue chromophores into the practical blue range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A direct and simple strategy to heteroaryl ethers via a visible‐light‐induced alkoxylation of quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones with alcohols under ambient conditions was developed. The commercially available, low cost alcohols served as alkoxylation reagents and solvents. This reaction has advantages of novel protocol, mild conditions, good functional‐group tolerance, and high yields of products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temporally dynamic tunable light‐emitting diode (LED) lighting systems offer multiple spectral degrees of freedom and enable the creation of composite light spectra with a wide range of perceptual characteristics. Connecting existing metrics and ongoing research, this paper introduces relevant measures of quality of light, color, and temporal performance characteristics, including color rendition, circadian stimulation potential, and temporal smoothness and speed. Multiprimary system models describing both colorimetric and spectral characteristics are explained, along with colorimetric‐plus multiprimary intensity solutions that allow optimization of any of these quality of light characteristics in addition to ensuring a colorimetric match. Three commercial multiprimary LED systems are modeled to show examples of spectral solutions for different colorimetric‐plus optimization goals, and their range of performance are discussed. The diversity of results shows both the need for usable optimization tools and the need for clear communication standards about quality of light when light sources are capable of much more than typical fixed‐color lights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]