Polymer
networks generally consist of an ensemble of single chains.
However, understanding how chain conformation affects the structure
and properties of polymer networks remains a challenge for optimizing
their functionality. Here, we present the fabrication and comparative
study of a polymer network composed of collapsed self-entangled chains
(intrachain entangled network) and a standard polymer network in which
random-coil chains are entangled with each other (interchain entangled
network). For poly(methyl methacrylate) thin films composed of these
networks, we coupled solvent vapor swelling and single-molecule tracking
techniques to examine the anomalies in the dynamics of a small-molecular
probe included in the system. We demonstrate that when compared to
the interchain entangled network the intrachain one exhibits a more
substantial structural heterogeneity, particularly under highly crowded
conditions. This network also exhibits physical compactness, which
keeps the heterogeneous network structure frozen over time and impedes
network plasticization through solvent uptake by the film.
The
delocalized exciton on conjugated polymers plays a momentous
role in efficient charge generation and transport processes. Because
the exciton is delocalized over the conjugated backbone, the exciton
delocalization is highly susceptible to structural properties, such
as conformational disorder and torsional relaxation. Here, we investigated
impact of cyclic strain on the structural relaxation with a series
of cyclic oligothiophenes, C-10T
2V
–C-40T
8V
, as a simplified
and controlled conjugated systems with macrocyclic geometry. The excitation
energy dependent transient absorption experiments revealed the conformational
heterogeneity of all conjugated macrocycles and the structural relaxation
rate are largely affected by their cyclic strain. In particular, through
the comparative analysis with transient absorption and anisotropy
measurements, we found that C-15T3V
–C-40T8V
basically undergo the similar extent of
torsional relaxation energetically and structurally with lowest energy
excitation regardless of ring size whereas the structural relaxation
is decelerated by large cyclic strain in the smaller ring. Collectively,
our findings provide a deeper understanding for the exciton delocalization
in conjunction with cyclic structure and a new insight into structural
engineering for optimizing organic-base devices.
This descriptive research study aimed to identify the factors influencing nursing students' empathy and gender role identity and their effect on communication competence. Methods : Participants were 183 senior nursing students who had completed a clinical practice and simulation-based practical training course. Using the IBM SPSS/WIN 21.0 program, general characteristics were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent variables were compared with t-tests and χ 2 tests, and influencing factors on each variable and communication underwent multiple linear regression analysis. Results : Communication competence showed significant correlations with empathy (r=.40, p<.001), gender role identity (r=.53, p<.001), major satisfaction (r=.18, p=.013), and peer relationships (r=.24, p<.001). When gender was entered as a covariate, empathy (t=4.41, p<.001) and gender role identity (t=6.97, p<.001) were identified as predictors affecting communication competence with 36% explanation power (R² =.36, p<.001). Conclusion : The findings of this study suggest that course subjects considering the gender identities of students should be developed through various programs to establish students' identity as nurses and improve their empathy and communication.
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