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We developed an extracellular vesicle (EV) bioprocessing platform for the scalable production of human Wharton’s jelly mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived EVs. The effects of clinical-scale MSC-EV products on wound healing were tested in two different wound models: subcutaneous injection of EVs in a conventional full-thickness rat model and topical application of EVs using a sterile re-absorbable gelatin sponge in the chamber mouse model that was developed to prevent the contraction of wound areas. In vivo efficacy tests showed that treatment with MSC-EVs improved the recovery following wound injury, regardless of the type of wound model or mode of treatment. In vitro mechanistic studies using multiple cell lines involved in wound healing showed that EV therapy contributed to all stages of wound healing, such as anti-inflammation and proliferation/migration of keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells, to enhance wound re-epithelialization, extracellular matrix remodeling, and angiogenesis.

This comparative case study explores why two cities similar in socio-economic factors diverge in their pathways to environmental improvement. Our research looks at the changing local economies and environmental pollution problems facing Kitakyushu in Japan and Pohang in South Korea. Both cities drove their nations’ rapid economic growth as the main heavy industry hubs but have performed radically differently vis-à-vis public demands for environmental improvement despite sharing much in common. Employing the advocacy coalition framework as a main analytical tool, we examine the unfolding of policy efforts to turn a manufacturing-oriented industrial city into a “greener” city responding to environmental objectives and the respective outcomes. The research reveals that variations in regulatory decentralization, external events and coalition opportunity structures largely explain the observed discrepancy in green transition between the two settings. Our findings contribute to expanding scarce case study literature illustrating the mechanisms that can underpin environmental improvements in cities that have served as the location of heavy industries and offer suggestions for advancing them.

Interpreting and tracking finger motion in free space are important for human communication in the reality–virtuality continuum. End-user form-factor-free sensors integrated with neuromorphic computing capabilities can expedite the implementation of human–machine interfaces with accurate finger motion recognition. We introduce and design an ultra-flexible TiO2 artificial synapse array and organic proximity sensor conformably attachable to the finger skin surface for real-time finger motion recognition in free space. Ultra-flexible synaptic device and sensor exhibit well-defined synaptic and light-responsive electrical properties, along with mechanical robustness, and the synapse–sensor integration enables optical–electrical signal conversion. Accordingly, various finger motions for time-resolved digit patterns following a Eulerian trail in free space can be learned and recognized with up to ~95 % accuracy for different individuals at varying strains and repeated cycles. Our proposal may contribute to the development of human–machine interaction wearables for extended reality.

The rapid advances in human-friendly and wearable photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors have facilitated the continuous and real-time monitoring of physiological conditions, enabling self-health care without being restricted by location. In this paper, we focus on state-of-the-art skin-compatible PPG sensors and strategies to obtain accurate and stable sensing of biological signals adhered to human skin along with light-absorbing semiconducting materials that are classified as silicone, inorganic, and organic absorbers. The challenges of skin-compatible PPG-based monitoring technologies and their further improvements are also discussed. We expect that such technological developments will accelerate accurate diagnostic evaluation with the aid of the biomedical electronic devices.

Mechanically stretchable optoelectronic devices have provided unprecedented advantages for modern society, with the development of the Internet of Things. Stretchable organic optoelectronic devices have recently emerged as promising candidates for next-generation human-friendly wearable devices and sensors. The combination of facile and cost-effective processing accessibility has triggered the rapid development of stretchable electronic materials and devices. This review presents some recent advances and remaining challenges in the field of stretchable organic optoelectronics. Specifically, it focuses on advanced approaches, including appropriate material selection and structure engineering, to build stretchable optoelectronic devices while also preserving their photonic/electrical performances under external mechanical stresses. In addition, the potential challenges and their corresponding response strategies are discussed for further development of functional devices. We anticipate that this review will inspire more studies that assist in expanding the practical applications and potential of stretchable optoelectronic devices in wearables, primary healthcare, and medical and humanoid systems.

SDG 13 calls for urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. Targets for SDG 13 include enhancing national capacity for implementing GHG mitigation actions to minimize the adverse effects of climate change, empowering climate actions both nationally and internationally, and contributing to climate finance. This chapter is organized into three sections. The first provides context for the ROK’s climate change related disaster risk exposure trends (target 13.1) and is followed by the history of climate policy, early warning systems, and education programs (targets 13.2 and 13.3). Lastly, the ROK’s contribution to global climate finance and international cooperation, including ODA, will be discussed. This chapter aims to check the current status of the ROK’s readiness and response to climate change and to provide policy recommendation by examining key Goal 13 indicators.

Tissue infarction is known as one of the characteristic features of invasive fungal sinusitis (IFS). The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and characteristic MR imaging findings of cervicofacial tissue infarction (CFTI) associated with acute IFS. We retrospectively reviewed MR images in 23 patients with histologically or microbiologically proven acute IFS. CFTI was defined as an area of lack of enhancement in and around the sinonasal tract on contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images. We divided CFTI into two groups, i.e., intrasinonasal and extrasinonasal. Particular attention was paid to the location of extrasinonasal CFTI and the signal intensity of CFTI on T1- and T2-weighted images. The presence of bone destruction on CT scans was also recorded. CFTI was found in 17 (74 %) of 23 patients. All of these 17 patients had intrasinonasal CFTI, and 13 patients also had extrasinonasal CFTI. All 13 patients with extrasinonasal CFTI died of disease directly related to IFS. Various locations were involved in the 13 patients with extrasinonasal CFTI, including the orbit (n = 8), infratemporal fossa (n = 7), intracranial cavity (n = 3), and oral cavity and/or facial soft tissue (n = 4). Various signal intensities were noted at the area of CFTI on T1- and T2-weighted images. Bone destruction was found on CT scans in only 3 of 17 patients with CFTI. CFTI with preservation of the bony wall of the involved sinonasal tract may be a characteristic MR imaging finding of acute IFS. The mortality is very high once the lesion extends beyond the sinonasal tract.