apa

Climate-Resilient Connectivity for the Eastern Economic Corridor Project: The Intercity Motorway No. 7 (Extension to Link with U-Tapao International Airport)

The U-Tapao International Airport is the core infrastructure of the EEC and its expansion project is to be implemented via Public-Private Partnership modality. Land transport network connecting the U-Tapao International Airport in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) to the rest of the Pattaya City and country cannot adapt to changing needs as a result of the expansion plan of the airport due to the limitations of the existing land transport network to cope with traffic increase.




apa

Capacity Development for Portfolio Quality Improvement

The TA will provide implementation support to a series of ongoing and ensuing projects. It's objective will be to strengthen the quality of implementation of ongoing projects. The focus will be on procurement, contract management, DPP/TAPP approvals, project design and management.




apa

Snow and rising sea levels may have triggered Japan's earthquake swarm

In an ongoing swarm of earthquakes that began hitting Japan in 2020, the shifting weight of surface water may have spurred the shaking




apa

Heart Attacks, Strokes Jumped After Japan Earthquake, Study Finds

Title: Heart Attacks, Strokes Jumped After Japan Earthquake, Study Finds
Category: Health News
Created: 8/30/2012 2:05:00 PM
Last Editorial Review: 8/31/2012 12:00:00 AM




apa

Characterization and implementation of the MarathonRT template-switching reaction to expand the capabilities of RNA-seq [ARTICLE]

End-to-end RNA-sequencing methods that capture 5'-sequence content without cumbersome library manipulations are of great interest, particularly for analysis of long RNAs. While template-switching methods have been developed for RNA sequencing by distributive short-read RTs, such as the MMLV RTs used in SMART-Seq methods, they have not been adapted to leverage the power of ultraprocessive RTs, such as those derived from group II introns. To facilitate this transition, we dissected the individual processes that guide the enzymatic specificity and efficiency of the multistep template-switching reaction carried out by RTs, in this case, by MarathonRT. Remarkably, this is the first study of its kind, for any RT. First, we characterized the nucleotide specificity of nontemplated addition (NTA) reaction that occurs when the RT extends past the RNA 5'-terminus. We then evaluated the binding specificity of specialized template-switching oligonucleotides, optimizing their sequences and chemical properties to guide efficient template-switching reaction. Having dissected and optimized these individual steps, we then unified them into a procedure for performing RNA sequencing with MarathonRT enzymes, using a well-characterized RNA reference set. The resulting reads span a six-log range in transcript concentration and accurately represent the input RNA identities in both length and composition. We also performed RNA-seq from total human RNA and poly(A)-enriched RNA, with short- and long-read sequencing demonstrating that MarathonRT enhances the discovery of unseen RNA molecules by conventional RT. Altogether, we have generated a new pipeline for rapid, accurate sequencing of complex RNA libraries containing mixtures of long RNA transcripts.




apa

Capacity-Building Through Digital Approaches: Evaluating the Feasibility and Effectiveness of eLearning to Introduce Subcutaneous DMPA Self-Injection in Senegal and Uganda

ABSTRACTTraining health workers is one of the biggest challenges and cost drivers when introducing a new contraceptive method or service delivery innovation. PATH developed a digital training curriculum for family planning providers who are learning to offer subcutaneous DMPA (DMPA-SC), including through self-injection, as an option among a range of contraceptive methods. The DMPA-SC eLearning course for health workers includes 10 lessons with an emphasis on informed choice counseling and training clients to self-inject. In partnership with Ministries of Health in Senegal and Uganda, the course was rolled out in select areas in 2019–2020, including during the COVID-19 pandemic when physical distancing requirements restricted in-person training. We conducted evaluations in both countries to assess the practical application of this digital training approach for contraceptive introduction. The evaluation consisted of a post-training survey, an observational assessment conducted during post-training supportive supervision, and an estimation of training costs.In both countries, a majority (88.6% in Uganda and 64.3% in Senegal) scored above 80% on a DMPA-SC knowledge test following the training. In Senegal, where there was a comparison group of providers trained in person, those providers scored similar on the post-test to eLearners. Providers in both groups and in both countries felt more prepared to administer DMPA-SC or offer self-injection to clients after receiving a supervision visit (93%–98% of eLearners felt very prepared after supervision as compared to 45%–72% prior). The evaluation results suggest that digital approaches offer a number of benefits, can be cost-effective, and are most optimal when blended with in-person training and/or supportive supervision.




apa

Strengthening Capacity for Tailored Immunization Programs Using Adult Learning Principles: A Case Study from Nigeria

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Nigeria has the highest number of children who have not received any vaccines in Africa. The training-of-trainers (TOT) model used to train program managers (PMs) and health care workers (HCWs) is ineffective for adult learning and limits immunization programs’ success. We incorporated adult learning principles (ALPs) in designing and delivering TOT for immunization PMs and HCWs to use data to engage communities for tailored immunization strategies.Methods: Our study was implemented in 3 local government areas (LGAs) of the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. A training curriculum was developed, integrating ALPs and technical and operational content based on best practices in delivering immunization training and the training needs assessment findings. State PMs (n=10), LGA PMs (n=30), and HCWs (n=42) were trained on the human-centered design for tailoring immunization programs (HCD-TIP) approaches using ALPs. We used interviews and surveys with purposively and conveniently sampled PMs and HCWs, respectively, and observations to assess participants’ satisfaction, knowledge and competence, behavior changes, and results. The interviews were analyzed thematically, and surveys were statistically.Results: There was a high level of satisfaction with the training among LGA PMs (100%), state PMs (91%), and HCWs (85%), with significant knowledge and competence improvements post-training (P<.001). The trained participants conducted 2 HCD sessions with 24 undervaccinated communities and co-designed 24 prototype solutions for testing. Results showed increased coverage of the pentavalent vaccine first dose (54%) and third dose (188%) across 12 participating communities. Improved community colaboration, communication skills, and data-driven approaches were the most cited behavior changes in practice.Conclusion: The application of ALPs in training, use of HCD-TIP approaches and tools, and supportive supervision enhanced PMs’ and HCWs’ capacity for tailored interventions. Countries should consider adopting a holistic approach that focuses on using these approaches in immunization programs to strengthen the health system for equitable vaccine coverage.




apa

Intrapatient Intermetastatic Heterogeneity Determined by Triple-Tracer PET Imaging in mCRPC Patients and Correlation to Survival: The 3TMPO Cohort Study

Intrapatient intermetastatic heterogeneity (IIH) has been demonstrated in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients and is of the utmost importance for radiopharmaceutical therapy (RPT) eligibility. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of IIH and RPT eligibility in mCRPC patients through a triple-tracer PET imaging strategy. Methods: This was a multisite prospective observational study in which mCRPC patients underwent both 18F-FDG and 68Ga-prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)–617 PET/CT scans. A third scan with 68Ga-DOTATATE, a potential biomarker of neuroendocrine differentiation, was performed if an 18F-FDG–positive/68Ga-PSMA–negative lesion was found. Per-tracer lesion positivity was defined as having an uptake at least 50% above that of the liver. IIH prevalence was defined as the percentage of participants having at least 2 lesions with discordant features on multitracer PET. Results: IIH was observed in 81 patients (82.7%), and at least 1 18F-FDG–positive/68Ga-PSMA–negative lesion was found in 45 patients (45.9%). Of the 37 participants who also underwent 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT, 6 (16.2%) had at least 1 68Ga-DOTATATE–positive lesion. In total, 12 different combinations of lesion imaging phenotypes were observed. On the basis of our prespecified criteria, 52 (53.1%) participants were determined to be eligible for PSMA RPT, but none for DOTATATE RPT. Patients with IIH had a significantly shorter median overall survival than patients without IIH (9.5 mo vs. not reached; log-rank P = 0.03; hazard ratio, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.1–6.8). Conclusion: Most mCRPC patients showed IIH, which was associated with shorter overall survival. On the basis of a triple-tracer PET approach, multiple phenotypic combinations were found. Correlation of these imaging phenotypes with genomics and treatment response will be relevant for precision medicine.




apa

Deep End Kawasaki/Yokohama: A New Challenge for GPs in Deprived Areas in Japan [Innovations in Primary Care]




apa

U.S., Japan agree to maximize diplomatic pressure on North Korea

Monitor in Tokyo shows news of North Korea firing a ballistic missile on July 4. File photo by Toru Hanai/Reuters

TOKYO — U.S. and Japanese diplomats agreed Tuesday to maximize pressure on North Korea to resolve tensions over its nuclear program, while citing the need to be prepared for the worst if diplomacy fails.

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan, after meeting his Japanese counterpart, Shinsuke Sugiyama, told reporters that the focus at the State Department is still on diplomacy to solve the problem and eventually denuclearize the Korean Peninsula.

“We must, however, with our allies in Japan and South Korea and elsewhere, be prepared for the worst should diplomacy fail,” he said. The U.S. must be prepared to defend itself and its allies, he said.

Sugiyama, briefing reporters separately, reiterated Japan’s support for President Donald Trump’s policy of keeping all options open, but stressed the need for a diplomatic solution by bolstering cooperation among Japan, U.S. and South Korea, as well as via cooperation with China and Russia.

The two diplomats will join their South Korean counterpart in Seoul for further talks Wednesday on North Korea.

READ MORE: Rex Tillerson says continue diplomacy with North Korea ‘until first bomb drops’

The talks come as the U.S. and South Korea hold joint naval drills this week. They regularly conduct joint exercises, though North Korea condemns them as an invasion rehearsal.

North Korea’s deputy U.N. ambassador warned on Monday that the situation on the peninsula “has reached the touch-and-go point and a nuclear war may break out any moment.”

Kim In Ryong told the U.N. General Assembly’s disarmament committee that North Korea has been subjected to a direct nuclear threat from the United States and has the right to possess nuclear weapons in self-defense.

He pointed to military exercises and what he called a U.S. plan to stage a “secret operation aimed at the removal of our supreme leadership.”

Kim’s speech follows increasingly tough U.N. sanctions. Russian President Vladimir Putin said his country is curtailing economic, scientific and other ties with North Korea in line with U.N. sanctions, and the European Union announced new sanctions as well.

The post U.S., Japan agree to maximize diplomatic pressure on North Korea appeared first on PBS NewsHour.




apa

RPG Cast – Episode 610: “No One Should Learn Japanese from Super Robot Wars”

Chris embraces our cyberpunk subscription overlords. Josh kills the innkeeper (accidentally). Meanwhile Robert plunges down the .Hack hole.

The post RPG Cast – Episode 610: “No One Should Learn Japanese from Super Robot Wars” appeared first on RPGamer.



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Super Mario Party Jamboree Tops the Japanese Charts

Super Mario Party Jamboree (NS) has remained in first place on the retail charts in Japan with sales of 57,522 units, according to Famitsu for the week ending October 27, 2024. 

Farmagia (NS) debuted in eighth place with sales of 4,296 units.

Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven (NS) remained in second place with sales of 14,646 units. The PS5 version fell from third to seventh place with sales of 5,097 units.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 (PS5) is up one spot to third place with sales of 8,620 units and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (NS) re-entered the top 10 in fourth place with sales of 5,782 units.

Professional Baseball Spirits 2024-2025 (PS5) is up two spots to fifth with sales of 5,729, and The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom (NS) is up two spots to sixth place with sales of 5,492 units.

The Nintendo Switch was the best-selling platform with 60,096 units sold. The PlayStation 5 sold 13,965 units, the Xbox Series X|S sold 2,610 units, and the PlayStation 4 sold 53 units.

Here are the best-selling games in Japan:

    1. [NSW] Super Mario Party Jamboree (Nintendo, 10/17/24) – 57,522 (364,484)
    2. [NSW] Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven (Square Enix, 10/24/24) – 14,646 (85,013)
    3. [PS5] Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 (Activision, 10/25/24) – 8,620 (35,567)
    4. [NSW] Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Nintendo, 04/28/17) – 5,782 (6,044,039)
    5. [PS5] Professional Baseball Spirits 2024-2025 (Konami, 10/17/24) – 5,729 (84,989)
    6. [NSW] The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom (Nintendo, 09/26/24) – 5,492 (294,371)
    7. [PS5] Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven (Square Enix, 10/24/24) – 5,097 (37,254)
    8. [NSW] Farmagia (Marvelous, 11/01/24) – 4,296 (New)
    9. [NSW] Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Nintendo, 03/20/20) – 4,253 (7,943,533)
    10. [NSW] Minecraft (Microsoft, 06/21/18) – 4,242 (3,666,338)

    Here is the hardware breakdown (followed by lifetime sales):

    A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can contact the author on Twitter @TrunksWD.

    Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/463007/super-mario-party-jamboree-tops-the-japanese-charts/




    apa

    Switch Comfortably Best-Seller - Japan Hardware Estimates for October 2024

    The Nintendo Switch was the best-selling console in Japan with 241,803 units sold for October 2024, according to VGChartz estimates. The Nintendo Switch has now sold an estimated 34.30 million units lifetime in Japan.

    The PlayStation 5 sold an estimated 49,056 units to bring its lifetime sales to 6.12 million units. The Xbox Series X|S sold 5,862 units to bring their lifetime sales to 0.64 million units. The PlayStation 4 sold an estimated 162 units to bring its lifetime sales to 9.68 million units.

    PS5 sales compared to the same month for the PS4 in 2017 are down by nearly 53,000 units, while the Xbox Series X|S compared to the same month for the Xbox One are up by over 5,000 units. PS4 sold 101,851 units for the month of October 2017 and Xbox One sales were at 563 units.

    Nintendo Switch sales compared to the same month a year ago are down by 41,368 units (-14.6%). PlayStation 5 sales are down by 17,208 (-26.0%) and Xbox Series X|S sales are down by 2,294 units (-28.1%). The PlayStation 4 is down by 5,362 units (-97.1%) year-over-year.

    Looking at sales month-on-month, Nintendo Switch sales are down up nearly 67,000 units, the PlayStation 5 sales are down by over 4,000 units, and Xbox Series X|S sales are up by over 2,000 units.

    2024 year-to-date, the Nintendo Switch has sold an estimated 2.47 million units, the PlayStation 5 has sold 1.16 million units, and the Xbox Series X|S has sold 0.09 million units.

    Monthly Sales:

    Japan hardware estimates for October 2024 (Followed by lifetime sales):

    1. Switch - 241,803 (34,300,699)
    2. PlayStation 5 - 49,056 (6,121,649)
    3. Xbox Series X|S - 5,862 (636,764)
    4. PlayStation 4 - 162 (9,679,626)

    Weekly Sales:

    Japan October 12, 2024 hardware estimates:

    1. Switch - 55,097
    2. PlayStation 5 - 11,810
    3. Xbox Series X|S - 429
    4. PlayStation 4 - 31

    Japan October 19, 2024 hardware estimates:

    1. Switch - 58,866
    2. PlayStation 5 - 11,324
    3. Xbox Series X|S - 1,612
    4. PlayStation 4 - 36

    Japan October 26, 2024 hardware estimates:

    1. Switch - 67,736
    2. PlayStation 5 - 11,951
    3. Xbox Series X|S - 1,207
    4. PlayStation 4 - 40

    Japan November 2, 2024 hardware estimates:

    1. Switch - 60,104
    2. PlayStation 5 - 13,971
    3. Xbox Series X|S - 2,614
    4. PlayStation 4 - 55

    A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can contact the author on Twitter @TrunksWD.

    Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/463008/switch-comfortably-best-seller-japan-hardware-estimates-for-october-2024/




    apa

    PS5 vs Xbox Series X|S vs Switch 2024 Japan Sales Comparison Charts Through October

    Here we see data representing the sales through to consumers and change in sales performance of the three current platforms (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch) and two legacy platforms (PlayStation 4 and Xbox One) over comparable periods for 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. Also shown is the market share for each of the consoles over the same periods.

    Year to Date Sales Comparison (Same Periods Covered)

    Market Share (Same Periods Covered)

    2021 – (January 2021 to October 2021)

    2022 – (January 2022 to October 2022)

    2023 – (January 2023 to October 2023)

    2024 – (January 2024 to October 2024)

    "Year to date" sales for 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 sales are shown in series at the top of the table and then just below a comparison of 2024 versus 2023 and 2024 versus 2022 is displayed.  This provides an easy-to-view summary of all the data.

    Total Sales and Market Share for Each Year

    Microsoft

    • Xbox Series X|S
      • 0.09 million units sold year-to-date
      • Down year-on-year 0.03 million units (-23.2%)

    Nintendo

    • Nintendo Switch
      • 2.47 million units sold year-to-date
      • Down year-on-year 0.75 million units (-23.4%)

    Sony

    • PlayStation 5
      • 1.16 million units sold year-to-date
      • Down year-on-year 0.94 million units (-44.9%)
    • PlayStation 4
      • 0.01 million units sold year-to-date
      • Down year-on-year 0.05 million (-77.2%)

    Note: VGChartz 2024 estimates through October includes 44 weeks, while 2023, 2022, and 2021 estimates includes 43 weeks.

    A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can contact the author on Twitter @TrunksWD.

    Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/463009/ps5-vs-xbox-series-xs-vs-switch-2024-japan-sales-comparison-charts-through-october/




    apa

    PS5 vs PS4 Sales Comparison in Japan - October 2024

    The VGChartz sales comparison series of articles are updated monthly and each one focuses on a different sales comparison using our estimated video game hardware figures. The charts include comparisons between the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch, as well as with older platforms. There are articles based on our worldwide estimates, as well as the US, Europe, and Japan.

    This monthly series compares the aligned Japanese sales of the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4.

    The PlayStation 5 launched in November 2020 in Japan, while the PlayStation 4 launched in February 2014. This does mean the holiday periods for the two consoles do not lineup.

    PS5 Vs. PS4 Japan:

    Gap change in latest month: 277,262 - PS4

    Gap change over last 12 months: 300,542 - PS4

    Total Lead: 234,400 - PS4

    PlayStation 5 Total Sales: 6,121,649

    PlayStation 4 Total Sales: 6,356,049

    October 2024 is the 48th month the PlayStation 5 has been available for. In the latest month, the gap grew in favor of the PlayStation 4 when compared to the aligned launch of the PlayStation 5 by 0.28 million units.

    In the last 12 months, the PS4 has outsold the PS5 by 0.30 million units. The PS5 is currently behind the PS4 by 0.23 million units.

    The 48th month for the PS5 in Japan is October 2024, while for the PS4 it is January 2018. The PS5 has sold 6.36 million units, while the PS4 sold 6.12 million units during the same timeframe.

    The PS4 crossed 7 million in month 53, 8 million in month 61, and 9 million in month 72. The PS4 has sold 9.68 million units to date. The PS5 is currently 3.56 million units behind the lifetime sales of the PS4 in Japan.

    A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can contact the author on Twitter @TrunksWD.

    Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/463011/ps5-vs-ps4-sales-comparison-in-japan-october-2024/




    apa

    Hideaki Itsuno to Lead New AAA Developer LightSpeed Japan Studio

    Tencent Games subsidiary LightSpeed Studios has announced Hideaki Itsuno, who recently left Capcom after 30 years working for the company, will be leading a new video game studio called LightSpeed Japan Studio.

    LightSpeed Japan Studio will have two locations in Tokyo and Osaka and is focused on developing original AAA games.

    "Joining LightSpeed Studios is an exciting new chapter for me," said Hideaki Itsuno. "With LightSpeed’s strong development capability and global network, I look forward to creating original AAA action game titles together with the amazing team and building aesthetic and innovative experiences for the global player community. We welcome all talented and passionate game creators from the world over to join our vision."

    LightSpeed Studios president Jerry Chen added, "It is our great honor to have Hideaki Itsuno join LightSpeed Studios. The establishment of LightSpeed Japan Studio is a significant step in LightSpeed Studios’ expansion and demonstrates our commitment to bringing the best possible games to our players."

    Itsuno directed entries in the Rival Schools, Power Stone, Capcom VS. SNK, Devil May Cry, and Dragon’s Dogma franchises.

    A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can contact the author on Twitter @TrunksWD.

    Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/463041/hideaki-itsuno-to-lead-new-aaa-developer-lightspeed-japan-studio/





    apa

    Jordan Nobbs Column: England Have Impressed So Far But Must Be Wary of Tough Japan Challenge

    Arsenal and England midfielder Jordan Nobbs will be a columnist for 90min & BBC Sport pundit at the Women's World Cup in France this summer, as Phil Neville's Lionesses' look to secure a maiden World Cup triumph. Two wins from our first two games is obviously what we were all hoping for. The first game of a World Cup, or any other major tournament, is never going to be one where you're playing at your absolute best. But the 2-1 win over was Scotland was great given the pre-match hype, the..




    apa

    Rapamycin could make an epilepsy drug much safer during pregnancy

    The epilepsy medication sodium valproate is linked to developmental problems in fetuses, but lab studies may now have found a way to prevent this




    apa

    How Did Two Bowhead Whales That Were 60 Miles Apart Sync Their Diving?

    Researchers suspect the marine mammals may have been communicating across the vast distance





    apa

    ‘Laapataa Ladies’ rebrands to ‘Lost Ladies’ as Kiran Rao and Aamir Khan begin Oscar campain in the U.S.

    Aamir Khan recently kicked off the campaign at New York’s Indian restaurant, The Bungalow, where he was joined by Kiran Rao and hosted by chef Vikas Khanna





    apa

    Netflix announces new Japanese family drama ‘Asura’ helmed by Palme d’Or-winner

    The show will premiere in January 2025




    apa

    Superconducting Wire Sets New Current Capacity Record



    UPDATE 31 OCTOBER 2024: No. 1 no longer. The would-have-been groundbreaking study published in Nature Communications by Amit Goyal et al. claiming the world’s highest-performing high-temperature superconducting wires yet has been retracted by the authors.

    The journal’s editorial statement that now accompanies the paper says that after publication, an error in the calculation of the reported performance was identified. All of the study’s authors agreed with the retraction.

    The researchers were first alerted to the issue by Evgeny Talantsev at the Mikheev Institute of Metal Physics in Ekaterinburg, Russia, and Jeffery Tallon at the Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand. In a 2015 study, the two researchers had suggested upper limits for thin-film superconductors, and Tallon notes follow-up papers showed these limits held for more than 100 known superconductors. “The Goyal paper claimed current densities 2.5 times higher, so it was immediately obvious to us that there was a problem here,” he says.

    Upon request, Goyal and his colleagues “very kindly agreed to release their raw data and did so quickly,” Tallon says. He and Talantsev discovered a mistake in the conversion of magnetization units.

    “Most people who had been in the game for a long time would be fully conversant with the units conversion because the instruments all deliver magnetic data in [centimeter-gram-second] gaussian units, so they always have to be converted to [the International System of Units],” Tallon says. “It has always been a little tricky, but students are asked to take great care and check their numbers against other reports to see if they agree.”

    In a statement, Goyal notes he and his colleagues “intend to continue to push the field forward” by continuing to explore ways to enhance wire performance using nanostructural modifications. —Charles Q. Choi

    Original article from 17 August, 2024 follows:

    Superconductors have for decades spurred dreams of extraordinary technological breakthroughs, but many practical applications for them have remained out of reach. Now a new study reveals what may be the world’s highest-performing high-temperature superconducting wires yet, ones that carry 50 percent as much current as the previous record-holder. Scientists add this advance was achieved without increased costs or complexity to how superconducting wires are currently made.

    Superconductors conduct electricity with zero resistance. Classic superconductors work only at super-cold temperatures below 30 degrees Kelvin. In contrast, high-temperature superconductors can operate at temperatures above 77 K, which means they can be cooled to superconductivity using comparatively inexpensive and less burdensome cryogenics built around liquid nitrogen coolant.

    Regular electrical conductors all resist electron flow to some degree, resulting in wasted energy. The fact that superconductors conduct electricity without dissipating energy has long lead to dreams of significantly more efficient power grids. In addition, the way in which rivers of electric currents course through them means superconductors can serve as powerful electromagnets, for applications such as maglev trains, better MRI scanners for medicine, doubling the amount of power generated from wind turbines, and nuclear fusion power plants.

    “Today, companies around the world are fabricating kilometer-long, high-temperature superconductor wires,” says Amit Goyal, SUNY Distinguished Professor and SUNY Empire Innovation Professor at the University of Buffalo in New York.

    However, many large-scale applications for superconductors may stay fantasies until researchers can find a way to fabricate high-temperature superconducting wires in a more cost-effective manner.

    In the new research, scientists have created wires that have set new records for the amount of current they can carry at temperatures ranging from 5 K to 77 K. Moreover, fabrication of the new wires requires processes no more complex or costly than those currently used to make high-temperature superconducting wires.

    “The performance we have reported in 0.2-micron-thick wires is similar to wires almost 10 times thicker,” Goyal says.

    At 4.2 K, the new wires carried 190 million amps per square centimeter without any externally applied magnetic field. This is some 50 percent better than results reported in 2022 and a full 100 percent better than ones detailed in 2021, Goyal and his colleagues note. At 20 K and under an externally applied magnetic field of 20 tesla—the kind of conditions envisioned for fusion applications—the new wires may carry about 9.3 million amps per square centimeter, roughly 5 times greater than present-day commercial high-temperature superconductor wires, they add.

    Another factor key to the success of commercial high-temperature superconductor wires is pinning force—the ability to keep magnetic vortices pinned in place within the superconductors that could otherwise interfere with electron flow. (So in that sense higher pinning force values are better here—more conducive to the range of applications expected for such high-capacity, high-temperature superconductors.) The new wires showed record-setting pinning forces of more than 6.4 trillion newtons at 4.3 K under a 7 tesla magnetic field. This is more than twice as much as results previously reported in 2022.

    The new wires are based on rare-earth barium copper oxide (REBCO). The wires use nanometer-sized columns of insulating, non-superconducting barium zirconate at nanometer-scale spacings within the superconductor that can help pin down magnetic vortices, allowing for higher supercurrents.

    The researchers made these gains after a few years spent optimizing deposition processes, Goyal says. “We feel that high-temperature superconductor wire performance can still be significantly improved,” he adds. “We have several paths to get to better performance and will continue to explore these routes.”

    Based on these results, high-temperature superconductor wire manufacturers “will hopefully further optimize their deposition conditions to improve the performance of their wires,” Goyal says. “Some companies may be able to do this in a short time.”

    The hope is that superconductor companies will be able to significantly improve performance without too many changes to present-day manufacturing processes. “If high-temperature superconductor wire manufacturers can even just double the performance of commercial high-temperature superconductor wires while keeping capital equipment costs the same, it could make a transformative impact to the large-scale applications of superconductors,” Goyal says.

    The scientists detailed their findings on 7 August in the journal Nature Communications.

    This story was updated on 19 August 2024 to correct Amit Goyal’s title and affiliation.




    apa

    US aircraft carrier joins military drills with South Korea and Japan

    SEOUL - South Korea's military said it will hold a three-day joint exercise with the United States and Japan starting on Wednesday (Nov 13), featuring fighter jets and marine patrol aircraft as well as the US nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington. The Freedom Edge exercise is a response to what the South Korean military said were threats from North Korea, which recently conducted an intercontinental ballistic missile test, drawing condemnation from Seoul, Tokyo and Washington. It also comes as the US State Department said North Korean troops have started engaging in combat operations in Russia's war with Ukraine. The exercise will include South Korean and Japanese fighter jets and maritime patrol aircraft, as well as the USS George Washington, Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said in a statement. The trilateral exercise follows a first round held earlier this year after the leaders of the three countries agreed at a summit in 2023 to hold annual training drills. Pyongyang has long condemned joint drills between South Korea and the United States, calling them a rehearsal for invasion.





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    Germany's government coalition breaks apart






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    ITC Energizes Thumb Loop Transmission Line - capable of delivering 5,000 MW of low-cost wind energy across Michigan - Thumb Loop VNR

    The Thumb Loop system is designed to meet the maximum wind energy potential of Michigan�s Thumb region as well as contribute to regional system reliability and facilitate wholesale market competition.




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    Ondori Asian Kitchen, A Delectable Duality of Chinese and Japanese Cuisines, Now Open at The Orleans - Ondori Asian Kitchen

    Special guests helped celebrate the opening of Ondori Asian Kitchen, a distinctive new dining concept at The Orleans Hotel and Casino, on March 2, 2016.





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    West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. and HealthPrize Technologies Announce Self-Reporting and Barcoding Capabilities for Self-Injection Technology - West and HealthPrize Collaboration

    West and HealthPrize are collaborating to provide an end to end connected health solution for pharmaceutical companies and the patients they serve.




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    Orders signed by same officer in dual capacity not maintainable

    The Hon'ble Madras High Court in the case of M/s S.R.S. Construction v. The State Tax Officer (Data Analytics) [Writ Petition (MD) Nos. 16214 & 16276 of 2024 dated July 19, 2024] set aside the orders which have been signed by the same officer in dual capacity, holding that such orders are liable to





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    French-Japanese Film Ghost Cat Anzu Streams New Clip Ahead of N. American Release

    "Forest Spirit Party!" clip streams for film opening in N. America on Friday




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    Universal Studios Japan to Open Donkey Kong Country Area on December 11

    Shigeru Miyamoto previews games, Golden Temple ride, more in Direct video




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    Dragon's Dogma Game Director Hideaki Itsuno Helms New LightSpeed Japan Studio

    Studio based in Osaka, Tokyo to focus on AAA action games




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    napa cabbage wedge with miso dressing

    If you were to make a multi-part Venn diagram combining my favorite salad things, you could nestle this right in the center. It’s one part wedge salad, the fork and steak knife kind, something I am so into I talked my podcast co-host Kenji (okay, it wasn’t hard) into dedicating a whole episode to it. And it contains cabbage, and not just cabbage but Napa cabbage, which I think deserves more credit as a salad green. [This can be convenient to know as it often comes in heads large enough to feed a small family for a week.] Napa cabbage is a little leafy, a little crunchy, and yet kind of juicy too and I’ve used it, sliced thin, in everything from this Italian-style salad to a classic Caesar.
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    President Rajapaksa launches new water information system during visit to IWMI

    17th January 2014 – Colombo, Sri Lanka – His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, has officially launched a new, hi-tech information system that promises to enhance water management in the South Asian country. Download the full media release

    The post President Rajapaksa launches new water information system during visit to IWMI first appeared on International Water Management Institute (IWMI).




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    Plastic-Free Future: South Korea, Japan, and China Unite for Change

    South Korea, China, and Japan pledged their joint commitment to finalize negotiations for a global treaty on medlinkplastic pollution/medlink (!--ref1--).




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    Japan on Alert as Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Hits Warning Level

    The number of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) infections in Japan has surpassed the warning level nationwide for the first time in nearly five years (!--ref1--).




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    Japanese Encephalitis: Emerging Concern for Assam

    Tropical diseases have always remained a big challenge to combat for public health professionals. In recent times, Assam has been recording a steady rise in medlinkvector-borne diseases/medlink.




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    Cellular Dynamics Partners with iPS Academia Japan, Inc. to In-License Seminal iPS Cell Patent Portfolio

    Cellular Dynamics Partners with iPS Academia Japan, Inc. to In-License Seminal iPS Cell Patent Portfolio




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    Avian Flu Outbreak in Japan

    Japan has reported an avian flu outbreak at a poultry farm in Kagawa prefecture, leading to the culling of thousands of chickens. Minister of




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    Japan Records Second Avian Flu Outbreak of the Season

    The Ministry of Agriculture in Japan confirmed a highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak at a poultry farm in the eastern prefecture of Ibaraki. This




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    AI-powered electronic Tongue Capable of Detecting Food Safety Concerns

    A new electronic tongue was found to detect subtle differences and signs of spoilage in liquids (milk, soda products, coffee blends, and fruit juices).




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    Woman With Two Uteruses Successfully Treated Through Laparoscopic Surgery

    A 56-year-old woman who had two uteruses has been successfully treated through total laparoscopic hysterectomy, reveal doctors. Even after three pregnancies




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    Appart’City Selects IDeaS G3 RMS to Optimise Revenue Across European Aparthotel Portfolio

    Appart’City, France’s leading aparthotel operator, has partnered with IDeaS, a SAS company and world’s leading provider of hospitality revenue management software and services, to optimise revenue management decisions and automate related processes across its portfolio of 90 properties.