Silver sulfide (Ag2S) could be a viable chalcogenide absorber layer in the applications of thin film solar cells due to its optimum band gap of 1.1 eV and high absorption coefficient. Here, we propose a novel Ag2S-based double-heterojunction n-CdS/p-Ag2S/p+-SnS solar cell structure. The numerical analysis has been performed with SCAPS-1D (Solar Cell Capacitance Simulator). In the case of single heterojunction, n-CdS/p-Ag2S manifests the efficiency of 19.75% where the VOC= 0.66 V, the JSC=36.99 mA/cm2, FF=81.50%. However, Ag2S-based double-heterojunction with optimized structure provides efficiency of 29.51% wherein VOC = 0.81 V, JSC = 42.81 mA/cm2 and FF = 85.24%. The noteworthy augmentation of VOC and JSC in double heterojunction results from the reduction in surface recombination velocity and rise in built-in voltage in the p-Ag2S/p+-SnS heterostructure.

In this paper, the vector extension operation is proposed to replace the de Boor-Cox formula for a fast algorithm to B-spline basis functions. This B-spline basis function based on vector extending operation is implemented in the class and shape transformation (CST) parameterization method in place of the traditional Bezier polynomials to enhance the local ability of control and accuracy to represent an airfoil shape. To calculate the k-degree B-spline function’s nonzero values, the algorithm can improve the computing efficiency by 2k+1 times.

The paper investigates the possibility of forming a reflector for an antenna system based on solar panels. The design of the reflector is formed on the basis of two solar panels, which form a corner reflector. The conducted studies show that the use of solar panels as a reflector makes it possible to provide a high level of antenna directivity, provide a wide range of operating frequencies, and also ensure the generation of electricity based on green (carbon-free) energy technologies. The obtained results are confirmed by the results of electrodynamic modeling, as well as experimental measurements of the antenna layout. The developed design, thanks to the use of a planar antenna as an emitter, made it possible to provide a high level of electricity generation, since a small overlap of solar panels is provided. The results of measurements and simulations are illustrated by pictures of radiation patterns, as well as measurements of the characteristics of the electrical energy generated by the solar panel.

Compared with traditional technology, bonding technology is more suitable for civil structure reinforcement because of its cost-efficiency and superior mechanical properties. As one of the simplest forms of adhesive joints, numerous studies have been conducted on the performance of single-lap joints (SLJs). However, research on the long-term performance of SLJs requires better organization and comprehension. This paper aims to investigate the long-term performance and optimization design of SLJs. The main factors influencing the long-term performance of SLJs from both material and component levels are discussed. The moisture diffusion mechanisms of bulk adhesives and the degradation mechanisms of SLJs are explored. Moreover, the optimization design of SLJs focuses on evaluating the overlap length, adhesive layer thicknesses, and changes in adhesives along the overlap length based on available literature. This paper can be employed to improve the shear strength and long-term performance of SLJs and to provide insights into their challenges and prospects.

Aim Identification of taxonomically cryptic species is essential for the effective conservation of biodiversity. Freshwater-limited organisms tend to be genetically isolated by drainage boundaries, and thus may be expected to show substantial cryptic phylogenetic and taxonomic diversity. By comparison, populations of diadromous taxa, that migrate between freshwater and marine environments, are expected to show less genetic differentiation. Here we test for cryptic diversity in Australasian populations (both diadromous and non-diadromous) of two widespread Southern Hemisphere fish species. Location Throughout both their Australian ranges (including Lord Howe Island) and localities in New Zealand (including the Subantarctic Islands and Chatham Island). Taxon Galaxias brevipinnis and Galaxias maculatus. Methods mtDNA and nuclear markers were used to assess the presence of cryptic species and to determine if differences in species ecology could influence the degree of cryptic diversity. Results Both mtDNA and nuclear markers reveal putative cryptic species within these taxa. The substantial diversity detected within G. brevipinnis may be explained by its strong climbing ability which allows it to form isolated inland populations. In island populations, G. brevipinnis similarly show deeper genetic divergence than those of G. maculatus, which may be explained by the greater abundance of G. maculatus larvae in the sea allowing more ongoing dispersal. Main conclusions Our study highlights that even widespread, ‘high-dispersal’ species can harbour substantial cryptic diversity and therefore warrant increased taxonomic and conservation attention.

A document by Miguel Vicente. Click on the document to view its contents.

Cost effectiveness of support with out-of-pockets costs to prevent treatment abandonment in Malawi and sub-Saharan Africa; lessons learnt and the way forward – a report from CANCaRe Africa Junious Sichali1, Avi Denburg2, Harriet Khofi3, Cecilia Mdoka1, Deborah Nyirenda4, Yamikani Chimalizeni3, George Chagaluka3, Elizabeth Molyneux3, Marc Y. R. Henrion4,5, Sumit Gupta2, Trijn Israels11 Collaborative African Network for Childhood Cancer Care and Research (CANCaRe Africa), 2Division of Haematology/Oncology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada,3 Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS), Blantyre, Malawi, 4 Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi, 5Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UKCorresponding author:Dr Trijn Israels, CANCaRe Africa, Department of Paediatrics, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KuHES), Blantyre, Malawi. Email: cancareafrica@gmail.comWord count: 1189 wordsNumber of Tables: 0Number of Figures: 0Short running title: Cost-effectiveness of treatment abandonment preventionKey words: childhood cancer, treatment abandonment, cost-effectiveness,LMIC Low- and middle-income countryGICC Global Initiative for Childhood CancerCANCaRe Africa Collaborative African Network for Childhood Cancer Care and ResearchALL Acute lymphoblastic leukaemiaGDP Gross Domestic ProductDALY Disability Adjusted Life Year

Hypochlorite (ClO-) is an important reactive oxygen species produced by the immune system to fight off invading pathogens, but its over-expression can interfere with normal physiological process and induce serious diseases. Although a variety of molecular probes have been reported for detecting ClO-, the development of advanced fluorescent tools with faster response and higher sensitivity to precisely monitor ClO- remains a challenge. In this work, two Hantzsch ester (a derivative of 1,4-dihydropyridine) derived fluorescent probes MeDHP-BCl and MeDHP-PhBCl were constructed based on asymmetric BODIPY-matrix. These probes exhibit significant fluo-rescence turn-on in the ultra-sensitive (detection limit < 1 nM) and ultra-fast response (≤ 5 s) to ClO-, the reaction has determined to be a highly selective N-Chlorination of Hantzsch ester which cannot be activated by various common bioactive species, including nitric ox-ide (NO) that could oxidize Hantzsch ester under aerobic physiological conditions in most reports. MeDHP-PhBCl possess a relatively longer fluorescence emission wavelength and higher quantum yield after activation, while more notably, MeDHP-BCl displayed lower cytotoxicity and more remarkable fluorescence increasement in the response to ClO-, enabling selective and precise visualization of endogenous ClO- over-expression in living RAW264.7 cells.

It is a known fact that there exist behavioral difficulties among Mathematics students in Estiwani as a result of unresolved attitudinal issues that either the students are not aware of, or that the issues are not properly dealt with. This work seeks to investigate some factors influencing the attitude of secondary school students toward studying Mathematics in the Mazini region. Five schools consisting of two boys-only, two girls-only, and one mixed school were been carefully selected for the investigation. A total of 200 students and 15 qualified teachers were randomly and actively engaged. A combination of the discrete and continuous data collected through observations and using a well-designed questionnaire was carefully analyzed from their graphical representations. It was found that the majority of the students showed a huge gap in the content knowledge and also presented a clear negative attitude towards Mathematics as a subject. Some of the factors responsible for this worrying pattern, as shown by the analysis include poor background from their primary schools, ineffective teaching methods by their teachers, and lack of motivation by their parents among others. Training programs for teachers particularly on the use of technology and teaching aids to better disseminate the contents and the rewards were also highlighted

We develop a delay-adaptive controller for a class of first-order hyperbolic partial integro-differential equations (PIDEs) with an unknown input delay. By employing a transport PDE to represent delayed actuator states, the system is transformed into a transport partial differential equation (PDE) with unknown propagation speed cascaded with a PIDE. A parameter update law is designed using a Lyapunov argument and the infinite-dimensional backstepping technique to establish global stability results. Furthermore, the well-posedness of the closed-loop system is analyzed. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method was validated through numerical simulations.

A document by Franca Rusconi. Click on the document to view its contents.

Decreased vessel wall function and elasticity lead to intracranial aneurysms (IAs), which increase the risk of vessel rupture. The association between IA formation and gut flora remains unclear. Therefore, we compared the gut microbiomes of patients with IAs with those of healthy controls (HCs) to identify specific bacteria associated with IAs. This single-center prospective case-control study was conducted from July 2022 and February 2023. Stool samples were collected from patients with unruptured IAs and HCs. The bacterial communities of patients with IAs were compared with those of healthy controls using 16SrRNA sequencing technology. In addition, phylogenetic trees were constructed to identify specific species. Twenty-five patients with IAs and 30 HCs were included in this study. There were no significant differences in age, sex, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, smoking, or alcohol consumption rates between the two groups. Diversity analysis indicated no significant difference in alpha diversity; however, there was a significant difference in beta diversity with respect to the unweighted UniFrac distance. Linear discriminant analysis combined with effect size measures showed that several intestinal microbiome taxonomic profiles were significantly enriched in samples from patients in the IA group. Helicobacter species were our point of concern as they are widely considered pathogenic. Thus, we constructed a Helicobacter-related phylogenetic tree and identified three species, Helicobacter pullorum, Helicobacter typhlonius, and Helicobacter rodentium. The gut microbiome profiles of patients with stable, unruptured IAs differed significantly from those of HCs. Therefore, the genus Helicobacter may be associated with IA formation.

Developing security inks, which can be permanently erased after reading the information, is of great significance in enhancing the information and data protection of ink anti-counterfeiting applications. Herein, a novel TPE-derived AIE fluorescent molecule (TPE-PA) is synthesized, which produces the strongest fluorescence in THF/water (5:95, v/v, the same below) and EtOH/water (30:70) co-solvents. However, in co-solvents of equal concentration, the fluorescence of TPE-PA pigment in EtOH/water (30:70) was almost entirely quenched with UV light irradiation, whereas in THF/water (5:95), despite the fluorescence showing a decreasing trend, it was not entirely quenched. More intriguingly, TPE-PA pigment self-assembles into fluorescent nanospheres of various particle sizes in co-solvents, and while UV light irradiation quenches the fluorescence of the nanospheres, the particle size of the microspheres marginally reduces. EtOH/water (30:70) was selected as the co-solvent to explore the potential application of the erasable fluorescent anti-counterfeit ink in the field of information storage and encryption. Under ambient and UV light, text written in this ink can be invisible and fluorescent, respectively, but the fluorescence is gradually erased under constant UV light irradiation. The latter can be attributed to the fluorescence quenching caused by the photocyclization and subsequent photo-oxidation of TPE derivatives. This kind of erasable invisible ink, which is dominated by nanospheres, offers a wide range of applications, including privacy protection, data encryption, and anti-counterfeiting.

Goals: The American healthcare system has been facing a burnout epidemic, worsened by COVID, that must be addressed expeditiously and with high priority. The burden Emergency Physicians encountered before and during the pandemic is well known, with countless health care workers exiting the work force. A Chief Wellness Officer (CWO) is a senior leader who works primarily to cultivate organizational wellness and foster and promote a culture of staff well-being throughout an institution. Specifically, the CWO assists the health system leadership promote clinician engagement and address clinician burnout. The aim of this paper is to explore the status of existing CWOs, and cite the benefits, impacts, and barriers to implementation of a CWO, with focus on the field of Emergency Medicine. Methods: A steering committee of wellness experts was formed from one of the national emergency medicine organizations. The committee completed a purposive search and literature review using various search terms relating to CWOs. Publications were examined for relevance and recency. Additionally, the committee created an online questionnaire to survey current CWOs in the US, conducted personal CWO interviews, and met through regular focused meetings. The committee cohesively developed a framework delineating the role of a CWO as an organization evolves from instituting novice wellness interventions to expert organizational innovations (Table [1](#tbl-cap-0001)). Principle Findings: Despite the title , CWOs are not regularly included in major c-suite decisions. Barriers to instituting a CWO include perceived financial cost, the medical system itself, and physician resistance within the organization. Measuring return on investment may be a window to solutions overcoming these barriers. CWOs who create comprehensive institutional wellness innovations bring organizations to the highest proficient and expert levels of wellness practices, positively affecting physician engagement and deflecting burnout. CWOs instituting novice and beginner levels of wellness interventions, especially in emergency medicine, only modestly impact individual wellness practices. Practical Applications: A CWO and team with a voice in the organization and a stakeholder’s seat in the corporate suite are essential to centralizing and leading effective wellness efforts and innovations in emergency medicine and other specialties, which improve the work environment and culture, rather than continuing to enable a broken healthcare system.

The paper attempts forecasting the Cotton Growth area in Punjab and Haryana using the best fitted Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model. The time series data on area growth of cotton in Punjab and Haryana for the period of last 10 Years i.e. from 2012-13 to 2021-22 is analyzed for this study. The best models are selected by calculating Normalized BIC; Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) and maximum values of R 2. The study revealed that ARIMA (1,1,1) and ARIMA (0,1,1) are the best fitted models for forecasting Growth area of cotton in both states. The analysis shows an increasing trend in area of cotton for both the states Punjab and Haryana.

Aims: We investigated the influence of KCNQ1, KCNE1, and KCNH2 gene polymorphisms along with clinical factors on escitalopram-induced QTc prolongation. Methods: A total of 713 patients prescribed escitalopram were identified and had at least one ECG recording in this retrospective study. 472 patients with two or more ECG data were divided into QTc prolongation (n=119) and non-prolongation (n=353) groups depending on the threshold change in QTc of 30ms above baseline value (∆QTc≥30ms). 45 patients in the QTc prolongation group and 90 patients in the QTc non-prolongation group were genotyped for 43 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of KCNQ1, KCNE1, and KCNH2 genes. Results: Patients with QTc prolongation (∆QTc≥30ms) still got higher escitalopram dose (10.3mg) than patients without QTc prolongation (9.4mg), although no significant relationship was found between QTc interval and escitalopram dose among all patients. Patients who were older, or with coronary disease, or with hypertension were significantly at risk for QTc prolongation (∆QTc≥30ms). Concomitant antipsychotic treatment was associated with a longer QTc interval (7.469ms). Additionally, the distribution of KCNE1 rs1805127 C allele, KCNE1 rs4817668 CC genotype KCNH2 rs3807372 AG genotype differed significantly between the QTc prolongation and non-prolongation groups. Conclusion: Patients with QTc prolongation got higher escitalopram dose. Meanwhile, Greater age, coronary disease and hypertension are risk factors for QTc prolongation. Patients prescribed escitalopram would have longer QTc interval when prescribed concomitant antipsychotics at the same time. Moreover, polymorphism of KCNE1 and KCNH2 SNPs play a role in escitalopram-induced QTc prolongation.

Acinetobacter baumannii is a crucial pathogen of nosocomial infection and an alarming threat to the medical community due to the high rate of mortality worldwide. Because of its highly contagious, biofilm-forming nature, virulence characteristics, and multi-drug resistance (MDR), it has been recognized as a red-alert pathogen on a global scale. The main components which strengthen the pathogenicity of A. baumannii are complex gram-negative cell wall structure and specialized virulence factors which facilitate its adhesion and infection spread in the host cells. Higher incidents of infections have been reported in hospitalized patients undergoing treatment with Intensive Care Unit aids and medical devices majorly causing Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection (CAUTI) and Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). This makes the biofilm-forming multi-drug resistant A. baumannii, the most hazardous pathogen in Device Associated Hospital Acquired Infections (DA-HAI). Several investigations unveiled that the outer membrane proteins (OMP) and other adhesion-associated virulence have an anchoring role in biofilm formation which majorly contributes to DA-HAI. Moreover, during the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, the infection spread was further aggravated in DA-HAI. Hence, it is important to search for novel therapeutic approaches that will improve the treatment strategy and prevent device-associated infection. This review explores the relationship between adhesion-associated virulence and biofilm formation further it highlights the correlation between antibacterial resistance, and biofilm characterization to elucidate a novel therapeutic approach against this threatful pathogen.

The purpose of this study is to reveal the prejudices of psychological counselor trainees towards some clients and the sources of these prejudices on a group of Turkish undergraduates of psychological counseling department. The qualitative data obtained from 39 participants were subjected to content analysis. The themes and the categories reached as a result of the analysis were discussed in line with the literature on prejudice in psychological counseling and preview studies been conducted.

Objectives Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) is a common infection, affecting 90% of the population by age 50. Recurrent symptomatic outbreaks, experienced by a minority, have significant psychological and psychosexual effects. The Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV), resembling HSV2, shows potential for a functional cure via vaccination. This study investigates the link between low VZV antibody levels and recurrent HSV outbreaks. Methods During this case controlled study a total of 110 patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic HSV1&2 were recruited during their sexual health screen. Serum samples were collected between Aug 2019 - July 2022, breaks in the study occurred due to COVID and Monkeypox outbreaks. Primary outcome measure was the serological status of HSV and VZV and VZV IgG titre level. Results The average age was 37.3 years (range 21-65 years). For asymptomatic genital HSV2 the average VZV IgG titre was 2373.9 IU/mL (n=17) and 1219.0 IU/mL for the symptomatic group (n=67); p=<0.00001), with similar results for HSV1. Conclusion There is a strong association between average higher varicella-zoster virus (VZV) IgG level and being an asymptomatic carrier of Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)1&2. Further research is planned.

Biodiversity plays important roles in driving plant community dynamics and functioning. The relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning is currently one of the important principles for plant management to control desertification. Replanting is required in the management of the Kubuqi Desert. However, due to the high water consumption of the vegetation planted during previous desertification control programmes, as well as the poor economic performance of these vegetations, improved practices are required for the Kubuqi Desert. We conducted mixed planting and intercropping experiments with plant species that were selected on the basis of their drought tolerance and high economic value. The results showed that mixed plant and intercropping communities could improve the ability of windbreak and sand fixation. At the same time, effective plant combinations can produce more biomass to feed livestock. We designed the best possible mixtures combining ecological benefits with economic benefits. Through this study, we provide a new method for desertification control in the Kubuqi Desert, and hope to promote the long-term effectiveness and stability of desert control.

ABSTRACT The double-spined spruce bark beetle, Ips duplicatus has become an infamous secondary pest of Norway spruce, causing extensive ecological and economic destruction in many Central European countries. Antennae are the primary olfactory organs that play fundamental role in insect-host chemical communication; therefore, understanding morphology is crucial before conducting electrophysiological investigations. Here, we present our analysis of sensilla types on the antennal surface of I. duplicatus for the first time, using high-resolution-scanning electron microscopy. We studied the external morphological characteristics of antennae and the types, numbers, and distribution of the antennal sensilla in males and females. Our results revealed the presence of five different types of morphologically distinct sensilla: sensilla chaetica, sensilla basiconica, sensilla trichodea, sensilla coeloconica, and Bӧhm’s bristles. We observed two subtypes in sensilla chaetica (SChI and SChII), four subtypes in sensilla basiconica (SBI, SBII, SBIII and SBIV), three subtypes in sensilla trichodea (STrII, STrIII and STrIV) and two subtypes in sensilla coeloconica (SCoI and SCoII), respectively in I. duplicatus males and females. Minor differences in length and numbers between the sexes for some sensilla types were found. Distribution maps for different sensillar types were constructed and specific areas for the respective sensilla were found. Possible functions of observed sensilla types are discussed. The present study provides a basis for future electrophysiological studies aimed at understanding how I. duplicatus detects ecologically important olfactory cues.

Hybrid Nano fluids (H.N.F.s) are crucial in engineering, biomedical and industrial applications due to their high effective thermal conductivity when compared to ordinary fluid and Nano fluid (N.F).The study of hybrid Nano fluids (Cu and Al 2O 3) has a good application in blood flow through an artery. The impact of flow elements on velocity, temperature and concentrations has been discussed through graphs and values are tabulated. Copper and aluminum oxide comprises a hybrid combination; their volume fractions ranging from 0.01 to 0.2. The flow control equations were simplified before being coded and solved using Maple software. Figures show the study’s key conclusions, including the impact of several physical factors. With the aid of Tables and Figures, the holds of physical parameters on the flow distributions are demonstrated. In order to research the heat and mass phenomena caused by the Dufour and Soret effect, water is utilized as the base fluid and the hybrid nanoparticle of copper and alumina as the study material. The Soret factor affects surface thermal efficiency, but the Dufour effect limits surface mass transfer.

The timing of life history events is being altered by climate change and other anthropogenic environmental changes, with potential functional consequences. Such changes may be particularly important in mutualisms, such as plant-pollinator interactions, where timing mismatches can impact fitness in both plants and pollinators. Numerous studies have examined how changes in flowering phenology could impact the seed set of individual species, yet it is the changes to relative fitness among species that shape coexistence and community composition. To understand how phenological change can affect plant community seed set, we conducted a large-scale snowmelt acceleration experiment to advance flowering phenology in eight montane meadow communities across two valleys in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, USA. Each snowmelt acceleration plot (10 m x 14 m) was paired with an adjacent control plot without snowmelt manipulation (16 plots total). In six plots and their adjacent controls, we measured how phenological change altered the fecundity of eight co-occurring plant species, evaluating pollen limitation in five species using hand pollination treatments. Although accelerating flowering phenology resulted in lower overall fecundity and greater pollen limitation in the examined assemblage of focal species, these changes occurred in different directions depending on the species. Species-dependent responses were also reflected in a significant change in the relative proportions of seeds produced by different plants. Our results suggest potential impacts on future plant community composition resulting from early snowmelt, and underscore the importance of studying the impacts of phenological change at a community level.

Assessing river health by combining different biological taxa can provide more reliable results. However, there is still a lack of in-depth research on how different taxa respond to river health and what kind of supplementary ecological data might be provided. In this study, we set up 31 survey sections in the main streams and major tributaries of the Babian River to investigate the conditions of river habitat, macroinvertebrates, phytoplankton, water quality, riparian zone, and societal value. Indexes of biotic integrity of macroinvertebrates and phytoplankton (B-IBI and P-IBI) were constructed, and assessments of biotic integrity, water quality, riparian zone, and societal value were conducted. The responses of macroinvertebrates and phytoplankton to river health were analyzed across the Babian River basin, as well as those in rivers with-various substrates, river widths, elevations, and flow velocities. The results showed that 1) both B-IBI and P-IBI could distinguish between reference and impaired sites, and could be used to assess the target watershed, but their assessment results were both sub-healthy. 2) Both B-IBI and P-IBI accurately reflected the overall water quality (comprehensive pollution index, CPI) and TN condition, and partially reflected the status of the riparian zone, but neither one was able to reflect the results of the societal value survey. 3) The applicability and assessment effectiveness of B-IBI and P-IBI in different habitats revealed obvious differences: phytoplankton more comprehensively reflected the river health than macroinvertebrates in pebble and sediment-dominated rivers, wider and narrower rivers, high-elevation rivers, and low-velocity rivers. However, phytoplankton were not able to indicate NH 3-N and COD Mn conditions across the whole watershed or in different habitats. In contrast, macroinvertebrates responded better to CPI, NH 3-N, and COD Mn throughout the entire watershed, as well as in rivers that were narrower, pebble-dominated, at low-elevation, and with high-velocity. In summary, macroinvertebrates could effectively account for the insufficiency of phytoplankton in the assessment of organic pollution and oxygen-consuming pollutants due to their sensitivity to NH 3-N and COD Mn. The findings will provide data and theoretical support for selecting biological taxa and constructing multimetric indices in river health assessment.