Estimation of heat-related deaths during heat wave episodes in South Korea (2006-2017).

In 2016, South Korea experienced extremely high temperatures and the Korea Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) reported 17 heat-caused deaths during these heat waves, most due to heat stroke. Because the reported number of heat-caused deaths is only part of the total deaths associated with heat waves, we aimed to estimate attributable deaths during heat wave episodes. We linked mortality to meteorological data in 16 regions in South Korea and estimated relative risk at or above threshold of maximum temperature during summer using generalized linear regression models after controlling for confounders. We computed overall, age-, sex-, and cause-specific attributable deaths from 2006 to 2017. With a 1.5% increase in all-cause mortality per 1 °C increase in concurrent days' maximum temperature during summer, this study estimates a total of 1440 all-cause deaths associated with heat waves during the 2006-2017 study period in South Korea. We estimate that 343 deaths in 2016 can be ascribed to heat waves, which is approximately 20 times more than the number reported by the KCDC (17 heat-caused deaths). This study addresses attributable heat wave deaths in South Korea and illustrates that the reports of medically classified heat-caused deaths seriously underestimate the number of deaths attributable to heat waves. Our findings may enable the implementation and reinforcement of government- and individual-level management strategies for heat waves.

Enhancing Flexible Neural Probe Performance via Platinum Deposition: Impedance Stability under Various Conditions and In Vivo Neural Signal Monitoring.

Monitoring neural activity in the central nervous system often utilizes silicon-based microelectromechanical system (MEMS) probes. Despite their effectiveness in monitoring, these probes have a fragility issue, limiting their application across various fields. This study introduces flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) neural probes characterized by robust mechanical and electrical properties. The probes demonstrate low impedance after platinum coating, making them suitable for multiunit recordings in awake animals. This capability allows for the simultaneous monitoring of a large population of neurons in the brain, including cluster data. Additionally, these probes exhibit no fractures, mechanical failures, or electrical issues during repeated-bending tests, both during handling and monitoring. Despite the possibility of using this neural probe for signal measurement in awake animals, simply applying a platinum coating may encounter difficulties in chronic tests and other applications. Furthermore, this suggests that FPCB probes can be advanced by any method and serve as an appropriate type of tailorable neural probes for monitoring neural systems in awake animals.

Effect of high-pressure D2 and H2 annealing on LFN properties in FD-SOI pTFET.

Tunneling field-effect transistors (TFETs) are a promising candidate for the next generation of low-power devices, but their performance is very sensitive to traps near the tunneling junction. This study investigated the effects of high-pressure deuterium (D2) annealing and hydrogen (H2) annealing on the electrical performance and low-frequency noise (LFN) of a fully depleted silicon-on-insulator p-type TFET. Without high-pressure annealing, the typical noise power spectral density exhibited two Lorentzian spectra that were affected by fast and slow trap sites. With high-pressure annealing, the interface trap density related to fast trap sites was reduced. The passivation of traps near the tunneling junction indicates that high-pressure H2 and D2 annealing improves the electrical performance and LFN properties, and it may become a significant and necessary step for realizing integrated TFET technology in the future.

Characteristics of Heat Waves From a Disaster Perspective.

In September 2018, heat waves were declared to be a type of natural disaster by the Framework Act on the Management of Disasters and Safety. The present study examined the characteristics of heat waves from the perspectives of meteorological phenomena and health damage. The government's efforts to minimize the damages incurred by heat waves are summarized chronologically. Furthermore, various issues pertaining to heat waves that are being raised in our society despite the government's efforts are summarized by analyzing big data derived from reported news and academic articles.