The main barriers to distributed interaction are not technological
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Optimising the mainstreaming of renal genomics: Complementing empirical and theoretical strategies for implementation
To identify and develop complementary implementation strategies that support nephrologists in mainstreaming renal genomic testing. Interviews were conducted with individuals nominated as ‘genomics champions’ and ‘embedded genomics experts’ as part of a mainstreaming project to identify initial barriers and investigate empirical strategies for delivering the project at initial stage. Data were mapped onto implementation science framework to identify complementary theoretical strategies. Interviews with 14 genomics champions and embedded genomics experts (genetic counsellors, nephrologists, renal nurses), identified 34 barriers to incorporating genomic testing into routine care, e.g., lack of long-term multidisciplinary team support and role clarity. In total, 25 empirical implementation strategies were identified such as creating new clinical teams. Using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, 10 complementary theoretical implementation strategies were identified. Our study presents a novel approach complementing empirical strategies with theoretical strategies to support nephrologists in incorporating genomic testing into routine practice. Complementary strategies can potentially address barriers and inform future studies when mainstreaming renal genomics. This process underscored the need for integrating collaborative efforts among health professionals, patients, implementation scientists and the health system to overcome identified challenges to mainstream genomic testing. Future research should explore the applicability of these strategies to support mainstreaming genomic testing in different clinical settings.
The role of rivers in the origin and future of Amazonian biodiversity
The rich biodiversity of Amazonia is shaped geographically and ecologically by its rivers and their cycles of seasonal flooding. Anthropogenic effects, such as deforestation, infrastructure development and extreme climatic events, threaten the ecological processes sustaining Amazonian ecosystems. In this Review, we explore the coupled evolution of Amazonian rivers and biodiversity associated with terrestrial and seasonally flooded environments, integrating geological, climatic, ecological and genetic evidence. Amazonia and its fluvial environments are highly heterogeneous, and the drainage system is historically dynamic and continually evolving; as a result, the discharge, sediment load and strength of rivers as barriers to biotic dispersal has changed through time. Ecological affinities of taxa, drainage rearrangements and variations in riverine landscape caused by past climate changes have mediated the evolution of the high diversity found in modern-day Amazonia. The connected history of the region’s biodiversity and landscape provides fundamental information for mitigating current and future impacts. However, incomplete knowledge about species taxonomy, distributions, habitat use, ecological interactions and occurrence patterns limits our understanding. Partnerships with Indigenous peoples and local communities, who have close ties to land and natural resources, are key to improving knowledge generation and dissemination, enabling better impact assessments, monitoring and management of the riverine systems at risk from evolving pressures.
Dielectric constant of MgO tunnel barrier with epitaxial strain
MgO tunnel barrier is a key material in spintronics. MgO-based magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) are widely used in magnetic sensors and magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM) applications. The MgO tunnel barrier also plays a central role in research on the voltage control of magnetic anisotropy (VCMA) effect, which enables an emerging magnetization control technique with ultralow power consumption. However, the value of the dielectric constant (εr), which is a basic physical quantity of the MgO tunnel barrier, has not been experimentally investigated due to the difficulty in measuring the εr of small and thin MgO tunnel barriers. In this study, we measured εr for a MgO tunnel barrier in epitaxial stacks and systematically investigated the relationships among εr, epitaxial strain, and the VCMA effect. We showed that the MgO tunnel barrier in the epitaxial stacks was subjected to ~1.5% compressive strain and exhibited an enhanced εr (>15), which is more than 50% greater than that of bulk MgO. Our results indicate that the compressive strain in the thin MgO tunnel barrier enhances εr and thus the VCMA coefficient. Such strain engineering makes simple rocksalt tunnel barriers more attractive for spintronics applications.
An Integrative lifecycle design approach based on carbon intensity for renewable-battery-consumer energy systems
Driven by sustainable development goals and carbon neutrality worldwide, demands for both renewable energy and storage systems are constantly increasing. However, the lack of an appropriate approach without considering renewable intermittence and demand stochasticity will lead to capacity oversizing or undersizing. In this study, an optimal design approach is proposed for integrated photovoltaic-battery-consumer energy systems in the form of a m2-kWp-kWh relationship in both centralized and distributed formats. Superiorities of the proposed matching degree approach are compared with the traditional uniformity approach, in photovoltaic capacity, battery capacity, net present value and lifecycle carbon intensity. Results showed that the proposed method is superior to the traditional approach with higher net present value and lower carbon intensity. Furthermore, the proposed method can be scaled and applied to guide the design of photovoltaic-battery-consumer energy systems in different climate zones, promoting sustainable development and carbon neutrality globally.
The risk effects of corporate digitalization: exacerbate or mitigate?
This study elaborates on the risk effects of corporate digital transformation (CDT). Using the ratio of added value of digital assets to total intangible assets as a measure of CDT, this study overall reveals an inverse relationship between CDT and revenue volatility, even after employing a range of technical techniques to address potential endogeneity. Heterogeneity analysis highlights that the firms with small size, high capital intensity, and high agency costs benefit more from CDT. It also reveals that advancing information infrastructure, intellectual property protection, and digital taxation enhances the effectiveness of CDT. Mechanism analysis uncovers that CDT not only enhances financial advantages such as bolstering core business and mitigating non-business risks but also fosters non-financial advantages like improving corporate governance and ESG performance. Further inquiries into the side effects of CDT and the dynamics of revenue volatility indicate that CDT might compromise cash flow availability. Excessive digital investments exacerbate operating risks. Importantly, the reduction in operating risk associated with CDT does not sacrifice the potential for enhanced company performance; rather, it appears to augment the value of real options.
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