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Abstract: Mini-module aging tests with differently interconnected heterojunction solar cells having industrially viable copper metallization are presented. The plating process comprises 3 steps: firstly, screen printing of a seed-grid layout using a copper-based paste, followed by deposition of a dielectric layer over the entire wafer surface, and finally, selective copper electrodeposition on grid positions. Modules with Smartwire interconnection, fabricated with M6 half-cells, are stable in extended TC and PID tests. DH degradation is at 5% after 2700 h (glass-glass modules without edge sealing). Shingle modules, realized in collaboration with CEA INES and AMAT, exhibit notably higher fill factor compared to reference modules with screen-printed silver paste. This improvement is attributed to the superior line conductivity achieved with plated copper. TC stability of shingle modules is very good, whereas after 2000 h damp-heat aging more than 2% loss in fill factor is observed. Using pattern-transfer-printing technology narrow, high aspect-ratio lines have been obtained: with a seed-grid of pure copper paste, reinforced with electrodeposited copper. Line dimensions and line resistance as well as first cell results are presented.

The article discusses the role of the microstructure formed through plastic deformation in the corrosion resistance of metallic materials. Additionally, a review of the existing knowledge in this area is conducted. In particular, the role of the refinement of intermetallic phases is emphasized. For that purpose, investigations of as-cast aluminum alloy, as well as after plastic deformation, from the 2000 series have been performed. Metallographic tests of the examined materials have been carried out, and electrochemical tests as well as SEM examinations of the surface after the corrosion tests have been conducted. It has been documented that the presence of large precipitates existing at distances typical of as-cast alloys favours intensive corrosion. In turn, a significant amount of fine-dispersive precipitates at the initial stage of corrosion can work as a barrier counteracting the corrosion processes.

The use of cut-cells in most of the current modules is now the norm to maximise the final product performances. But the integration of such new cell configurations also comes with new challenges, especially if small cell size dimensions such as shingle are considered. Indeed, specific edge passivation processes are often used to recover for the cut-cell losses. Alumina Oxide or Polymer deposition are the most studied approaches, with in general promising benefits proven at cell level. However, only few communications after module integration are available, in particular about the impact of these additional layers on final module reliability. We show for example that it is crucial to avoid direct deposition of AlOX over the cell metal pattern in the future interconnection area, as TC (Thermal Cycling) resilience of such modules is clearly degraded. Proper edge localization of the AlOX layer is needed to recover the initial reliability behaviour. To preserve the interconnection quality, three different approaches are investigated: (1) edge localisation of the layer by wafer stacking during deposition (2) introduction of adapted copper plating solutions allowing metal growth through the passivation layer (3) edge passivation process directly applied on final strings just before lamination.

Controlling the microorganisms employed in vinification is a critical factor for successful wine production. Novel methods aimed at lowering sulfites used for wine stabilization are sought. UV-C irradiation has been proposed as an alternative for reducing the viable cell count of microorganisms in wine and grape juice. Nevertheless, UV-C treatment poses the risk of altering the chemical properties of wine. Therefore, this study aimed to test and implement iron oxide–silica core–shell nanomaterial functionalized with TiO2 in UV-C treatment of white and red wines. Material for the study consisted of the synthesized nanocomposite, Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model yeast, and Muscaris and Cabernet Cortis wines. The viability of yeasts under treatment, the physiochemical properties of wine, and polyphenol content were tested. Studies have shown that nanomaterial can modulate the effects of UV-C treatment regarding yeast viability and polyphenol content, and the effectiveness of the treatment depends on the wine type. These results open up discussion on the possible use of the proposed hurdle technology in winemaking to control the polyphenol composition and alcohol reduction.

Objectives: This study analyzed the effects of parachute jump stress on the executive functions and attention of cadets. Executive functions, which includes processes such as attentional control and cognitive flexibility, are crucial for soldiers, especially in situations requiring rapid decision-making. Parachute jumping, as an intense stressor, mobilizes cognitive resources, which can lead to short-term improvements in executive functions. Methods: A total of 64 cadets divided into control (N = 32) and experimental (N = 32) groups participated in the study. The experimental group performed a parachute jump and then took the Color Trails Test, assessed both before and after the jump. Results: The results showed significant improvements in executive functions, in particular, sustained and alternating attention, sequential information processing, and monitoring one’s own behavior, suggesting a positive effect of stress on selected executive functions. Conclusions: The results indicate that intense, short-term stress can positively affect executive functions, although this effect may depend on the type of task and the participants’ experience of exposure to intense stressful stimuli. The study makes an important contribution to the design of future military training, considering the importance of mobilizing cognitive resources in response to short-term stress.

Background/Objectives: The primary method used to pharmacologically arrest cancer development and its metastasis is to disrupt the cell division process. There are a few approaches that may be used to meet this objective, mainly through inhibiting DNA replication or mitosis. Despite intensive studies on new chemotherapeutics, the biggest problem remains the side effects associated with the inhibition of cell division in non-tumoural host cells. Methods: The efficacy and selectivity of the kojic acid derivative (L1) was studied in vitro with the use of tumoural (Caco2, SW480, HT29, T98G) and non- tumoural (HEK293T, RAW) cell lines. Light and electron microscopy observations were supported by the next generation sequencing (NGS), cytoflow, and spectroscopy analysis of mRNA and biomolecules, respectively. Results: The light and electron microscopy observations showed that L1 treatment leads to significant morphological changes in Caco2 cells, which are characteristic of mitosis arrest. Moreover, the fluorescent tubulin staining revealed the formation of tubulin ring structure associated with the apoptotic stage. Mitotic exit into apoptosis was further conformed by the cytoflow of early/late apoptosis stages and caspase-3 analysis. NGS investigation showed differentiated expressions of genes involved in mitosis and apoptosis processes. The observed IC50 in tumoural cell lines were as follows: Caco2 (IC50 = 68.2 mM), SW480 (IC50 = 15.5 mM), and HT29 (IC50 = 4.7 mM). Conclusions: The findings presented here suggest that L1 could be a valid candidate for oral prevention and/or chemotherapy in colorectal cancer. Considering high selectivity of L1 versus tumoural cell lines, more in-depth mechanistic studies could reveal unknown stages in carcinogenesis.

Objectives: Electronic sports (esports) have grown into a major competitive field in today’s digital landscape, attracting the interest of established companies and evolving into a fast-growing industry. Cognitive function, including reaction time, motor time, and eye–hand coordination, plays a crucial role in e-athlete performance. This study aims to examine the impact of VR training on these cognitive functions in amateur e-athletes. Methods: The study involved 66 amateur e-athletes (45 men and 21 women, aged 19–41, with a mean age of 23.96 ± 3.90 years) who reported active, non-professional involvement in esports. Participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group (E) (n = 32) and a control group (C) (n = 34), with initial comparisons confirming no significant differences in daily gaming habits, esports experience, or age between groups. The E group completed 15-minute daily training sessions using the VR game Beat Saber over eight consecutive days. Results: The results demonstrated that VR training significantly improved eye–hand coordination in the experimental group, although there were no notable effects on reaction time or motor time. Conclusions: These findings suggest that VR training may be an effective method to enhance certain cognitive functions, specifically eye–hand coordination, among amateur e-athletes. This could offer a valuable approach for performance improvement in this rapidly growing field.

In sports research, genetic studies linked to the traits of the temperament, in addition to medical examinations and other physiological and biochemical tests, would enrich the scope of possibilities and successes that a competitor can accomplish. This could be beneficial for the protection of both mental and physical health. The study group comprised 391 male volunteers. Out of these, 222 sports subjects and 186 were non-addicted. The temperament and character questionnaire (TCI-R) was used to determine personality traits such as novelty seeking, harm avoidance, reward addiction and perseverance, as well as self-direction, cooperation and self-transcendence. Genotyping OPRM1 rs1799971 was carried out with the real-time PCR method. In the present study polymorphic variants of selected genotypes were associated with self-direction - A/A genotypes in the study group. Higher values were observed compared to the control group (p = 0.045). Similarly, the A/G genotype occurred statistically significantly more frequently in the study group compared to the control group. The G/G genetic variant was less common in the study group compared to the controls. Conclusions: The study reveals the validity of analysing connections between personality traits and selected gene polymorphisms in athletes, a relatively new field. The presence of the OPRM1 rs1799971 AA genotype is associated with higher self-management scores, indicating genetic predispositions in the study group for better results in sports.

Cyanide (CN) is a well-known mitochondrial poison. CN poisoning may result from acute or long-term exposure to a number of CN compounds. Recent insight into the chemical affinities of the CN anion has increased our understanding of its toxicity and the mechanisms of antidotal actions, which, together with information on various exposure sources, are reviewed in the present article. A literature search in Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar for the period 2001–2024 revealed that the CN anion after exposure or degradation of CN compounds is distributed to vulnerable copper and iron-containing targets, especially in mitochondria, thus blocking the electron transport chain. Intake of cyanogenic compounds may exert subacute or chronic toxic effects, also because of the interaction with cobalt in vitamin B12. Antidotal agents exert their effects through the affinity of CN for cobalt- or iron-containing compounds. Research on CN interactions with metalloproteins may increase our insight into CN toxicity and efficient antidotal regimens.

The study discusses the issues of low durability of dies used in the first operation of producing a valve type forging from high nickel steel assigned for the application in motor truck engines. The analyzed process of manufacturing the exhaust valve forgings is realized in the coextrusion technology, followed by forging in closed dies. This process is difficult to master, mainly due to elevated adhesion of the charge material (high nickel steel – NCF3015) to the tool substrate as well as very high abrasive wear of the tool, most probably caused by the dissolution of hard carbide precipitates during the charge heating. A big temperature scatter of the charge during the heating and its short presence in the inductor prevents microstructure homogenization of the bearing roller and dissolution of hard precipitates. In effect, this causes an increase of the forging force and the pressures in the contact, which, in extreme cases, is the cause of the blocking of the forging already at the beginning of the process. In order to analyze this issue, complex investigations were conducted, which included: numerical modelling, dilatometric tests and hardness measurements. The microstructure examinations after the heating process pointed to lack of structure repeatability; the dilatometric tests determined the phase transformations, and the FEM results enabled an analysis of the process for different charge hardness values. On the basis of the conducted analyzes, it was found that the batch material heating process was not repeatable, because the collected samples showed a different amount of dissolved carbides in the microstructure, which translated into different hardnesses (from over 300 HV to 192 HV). Also, the results of numerical modeling showed that lower charge temperature translates into greater forces (by about 100 kN) and normal stresses (1000 MPa for the nominal process and 1500 MPa for a harder charge) and equivalent stresses in the tools (respectively: 1300 MPa and over 1800 MPa), as well as abrasive wear (3000 MPa mm; 4500 MPa mm). The obtained results determined the directions of further studies aiming at improvement of the production process and thus increase of tool durability.

BackgroundFabry disease (FD) is an X-chromosome-linked disorder characterized by a reduced or complete absence of the enzyme α-galactosidase, resulting in the accumulation of lysosomal globotriaosylceramide. Despite the presence of these deposits in multiple organs, the problem of sleep disorders within this population has very rarely been documented.ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the types and prevalence of sleep disorders among patients with FD.MethodsScreening of the following medical databases using key terms was performed on 10 February 2023: PubMed, Scopus, and Embase. A total of 136 records were identified. The quality assessment of the studies was conducted by using tools from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and critical appraisal tools from the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI).ResultsThe study included nine studies on sleep disorders in patients with FD. The overall quality of the majority of these studies was assessed as either poor or fair. Among 330 patients, there was a slightly higher representation of female patients (56%). Sleep problems manifested 4–5 years after the onset of FD and sometimes even after 10–11 years. Genotypes of disease associated with sleep problems were rarely described. Within the FD population, the most commonly reported conditions were excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) as well as obstructive and central sleep apnea (OSA, CSA). However, EDS occurred more frequently in FD patients, while the prevalence of OSA and CSA was within the ranges observed in the general population. The studies included indicated a lack of association between organ impairment by primary disease and EDS and OSA. The effectiveness of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) in treating sleep disorders was not demonstrated.ConclusionThe findings of this report revealed the presence of many sleep-related disorders within the FD population. However, very few studies on this subject are available, and their limited results make it difficult to truly assess the real extent of the prevalence of sleep disturbances among these individuals. There is a need to conduct further studies on this topic, involving a larger group of patients. It is important to note that there are no guidelines available for the treatment of sleep disorders in patients with FD.