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Monkeypox awareness and public health challenges in conflict affected syria 2024

ZnO/Cu2S PN-junctions with built-in electric field for enhanced CO2 electroreduction

A full stack strategy, including facilitating the capture of CO2 molecules on catalysts, regulating intermediates, and releasing products, is highly needed to break the bottleneck for CO2 electroreduction to CO. The electric field is expected to promote capture of CO2, reduce energy barriers of reaction, and efficiently release CO, boosting the overall CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) activities. In this work, ZnO/Cu2S PN-junctions with a built-in electric field were fabricated. Kelvin probe force microscopy measurements confirmed that the presence of the built-in electric field facilitates the adsorption of more CO2 molecules onto the catalyst surface. Furthermore, theoretical calculations and electrochemical testing demonstrated that the built-in electric field lowers the reaction energy barrier and effectively modulates the reaction intermediates, contributing to enhanced catalytic performance. This work provides a full stack strategy to improve CO2RR performance and thinking for gas-fed catalytic reactions.

Cross-cultural adaptation and multicentric validation of the Italian version of the Simplified Evaluation of CONsciousness Disorders (SECONDs)

Introduction The Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R) is the recommended tool to assess consciousness in patients with prolonged Disorders of Consciousness (pDoC). However, the time needed to administer it may limit its use. A shorter tool has been validated: the Simplified Evaluation of CONsciousness Disorders (SECONDs). This multicentre study aimed to develop and validate a cross-cultural adaptation of the SECONDs into Italian. Methods An interdisciplinary expert team, from both Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi and Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, led the translation processes. Independent certified translators were also involved in a blinded modality. Patients diagnosed with Unresponsive Wakefulness Syndrome (UWS) or Minimally Conscious State (MCS) admitted to 3 Italian rehabilitation units were enrolled. The CRS-R and SECONDs were administered in 5 sessions over two weeks by 3 blinded examiners at each center (3 times, with 2 sessions conducted by the same examiner). Weighted Fleiss’ kappa and Spearman correlation coefficients were used to assess intrarater and interrater reliability and concurrent validity. Results Sixty adults with pDoC were assessed: 23 women; median age: 64 years; 14 trauma, median post-onset time: 2 months. Intrarater and interrater reliability showed almost perfect agreement (kappa coefficients 0.968 and 0.935, respectively; p<0.001). The comparison of CRS-R vs. SECONDs on the same day or the best out of 5 SECONDs/CRS-R led to a substantial to almost perfect agreement both for the total score of the CRS-R and the SECONDs’ Additional Index (ρ = 0.772–1.000; p<0.001) and for the consciousness diagnosis (k = 0.784–0.935; p<0.001). The disagreement rate between the overall best diagnosis of the SECONDs and the best CRS-R diagnosis was 6.7%. Conclusion The Italian version of the SECONDs has been cross-culturally adapted to serve as a shorter assessment tool for the diagnosis of pDoC. Our study shows its excellent reliability and concurrent validity when compared to the CRS-R.

Circuit implementation and analysis of a quantum-walk based search complement algorithm

Designing the weak Fermi pinning and p-type Ohmic contacts to monolayer halide perovskite Cs3Bi2I9

The contact between two-dimensional (2D) perovskite and metal electrodes is often plagued by strong Fermi-level pinning (FLP) effects, which limit the electronic performance of devices. By utilizing van der Waals design strategies, the contact performance between Cs3Bi2I9 and 1T/H-XA2 (X = V, Nb, Ta; A = S, Se) was investigated. P-type Schottky contacts are obtained in all 1T/H-XA2 contacts to Cs3Bi2I9, and the contacts can be engineered from Schottky to Ohmic contacts via external electric fields. Furthermore, a large pinning factor to suppress the FLP effects was observed to approach the Schottky–Mott limit, and the origin is elucidated. In addition, the transport properties of various 2D metals contacts to Cs3Bi2I9 were calculated and screened out. Finally, Curie temperature (Tc) of magnetic systems were calculated using the Monte Carlo method, and the Tc of 1H-VS2/Cs3Bi2I9 significantly enhances largely to surpass room temperature, thereby expanding the application field of spintronic devices. This study provides potential guidance for the design of efficient 2D Cs3Bi2I9-based nanodevices as well as high-temperature spintronic devices.

Breastfeeding self-efficacy status and associated factors among postpartum mothers at Hadiya Zone public hospitals, Southern Ethiopia

Background Breastfeeding is a crucial health-promoting behavior that has several positive effects on the health of both mothers and newborns. Breastfeeding self-efficacy (BFSE) status is an important factor that is positively related to breastfeeding, as it influences a woman’s decision to breastfeed or not. Therefore, the objective of this study is to assess the BFSE status and its associated factors among postpartum mothers at public hospitals in the Hadiya Zone. Method A cross-sectional study design was conducted from August 1–30, 2022, at public hospitals in the Hadiya Zone, southern Ethiopia. Data were collected from 416 participants using a pretested, structured questionnaire. Study participants were selected using a systematic random sampling technique from four public hospitals. The data were entered into Epi Data version 3.1 and analyzed using the SPSS version 24. Bivariable analysis was conducted initially, and variables with p values ≤ 0.25 were entered into multivariable logistic regression. Statistical significance was declared at a p value ≤ 0.05. Results The results of this study showed that 48% had a high level of BFSE. On multivariable logistic regression analysis, the variables age ≥ 35 years old [AOR = 3.596; 95% CI (1.564, 8.26)], age 20 to 34 [AOR = 2.352; 95% CI (1.2275, 4.506)], spontaneous vaginal delivery [AOR = 2.755; 95% CI (1.636, 5.566)], breastfeeding experience [AOR =1.845; 95% CI (1.028, 3.3)], more than secondary educational status [AOR = 6.856; 95% CI (2.670–17.603)], and intended pregnancy [AOR = 4.156; 95% CI (2.239, 7.714)] were significantly associated with high breastfeeding self-efficacy status. Conclusion The study findings suggest that mothers attending postpartum care at Hadiya Zone Hospital have a low status of breastfeeding self-efficacy. Therefore, efforts should be made to enhance mothers’ breastfeeding self-efficacy status before they are discharged from the hospital.

An automatic control system based on machine vision and deep learning for car windscreen clean

Erratum: “Epitaxial (AlxGa1−x−yIny)2O3 alloys lattice matched to monoclinic Ga2O3 substrates” [Appl. Phys. Lett. <b>125</b> , 172106 (2024)]

Assessment of potential dominant factors for brownfield landscape regeneration: A case study in Xi’an, China

Rapid global urbanization has made brownfield reuse a vital issue for sustainable urban development. However, the regeneration of brownfield landscapes is a complex and lengthy process that requires a combination of factors to be considered. Their landscape regeneration must be planned and prioritized to utilize brownfield sites and achieve positive social benefits. Therefore, an urgent need must be established to establish an assessment framework and system for various types of brownfield landscape regeneration dominant factors to find different brownfield landscape regeneration dominant factors. This research developed an assessment model using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), covering five brownfield types: industrial, mining, military, transportation, and landfill in Xi’an, China. The potential assessment factors in three levels were analyzed for weighting to explore the dominant factors for the potential regeneration of brownfield landscapes in Xi’an. The results showed that, firstly, among the five first-level assessment factors, the physicality factor was the most important. Secondly, among the 16 second-level factors, the spatial and physical features of the visual landscape were the most critical. Finally, among the 40 three-level factors, spatial features were the primary factor. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to provide a specific assessment system and data analysis methods and ideas for the dominant factors of urban brownfield landscape regeneration in China and other regions based on the assessment framework with strong adaptability proposed by the AHP method, which can be flexibly adapted in the different areas and countries, to realize the sustainable development of cities in various regions.

Antiviral defence arsenal across members of the Bacillus cereus group

Abstract Bacteria co-evolve with bacteriophages to overcome each other’s defence arsenal. Bacillus cereus group gathers bacteria of medical and agricultural importance, including foodborne pathogens. So far, few studies have portrayed a complete defence arsenal of microorganisms, and the role of antiviral systems in the Bacillus cereus group has been overlooked. Here, we investigate the repertoire of defence systems in 6354 B. cereus group’s genomic assemblies, using bioinformatics tools DefenseFinder and PADLOC. Our analyses provide an overview of the diversity and abundance of defence systems in this group, with 83,738 systems distributed by 2 to 33 within each assembly. Comparing PADLOC and DefenseFinder predictions showed that the most prevalent strategy is Restriction-Modification, but many abortive infection systems also intervene in the group’s defence, such as Septu, Gabija and Lamassu. Most defences were encoded on both plasmids and the chromosome, though some tend to have a preferential genomic location. We also studied the defence systems associations within the genomic assemblies. Overall, our results establish a baseline picturing the rich and complex antiviral arsenal encoded by B. cereus group’s species and provide clues for studying co-existing strategies displayed by these bacteria to subvert phages and other MGEs invasions.

High-performance GaSb-based interband cascade lasers with a top hybrid cladding

We report high-performance GaSb-based interband cascade lasers (ICLs) with a top hybrid cladding and operating around 3.5 μm at room temperature. Unlike the conventional superlattice (SL) claddings in GaSb-based ICLs, the top cladding of the present ICLs consisted of an n-SL, followed by an n+-InAs0.91Sb0.09 layer, while their bottom claddings entirely consisted of an n-SL. This “asymmetric” waveguide design is potentially advantageous, since it improves the active-core optical confinement factor, as well as the overall thermal conductance, especially for epitaxial-side-down mounted devices. When operated in pulsed mode, the broad-area ICL featured a characteristic temperature of 57 K and a threshold current density as low as 95 A/cm2 at 25 °C, which is the lowest ever reported for an ICL operating at a similar temperature. The narrow-ridge device processed from the same wafer, operated in continuous-wave (CW) mode up to a temperature as high as 100 °C, with a CW threshold current density of only 150 A/cm2 at 20 °C, although the current leakage was appreciable at the sidewalls.

Quantitative nylon monomerization by the combination of chemical pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis using nylon hydrolases

Nylons, derived from fossil fuels, are widely used for their toughness and flexibility, but they pose environmental concerns due to their low biodegradability. This study explored an efficient method for the monomerization of polymeric nylons, specifically nylon-6 and nylon-6,6, through a combination of chemical pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis using two kinds of nylon hydrolases, NylB and NylC (Nyl series enzymes). To break down the strong intermolecular hydrogen bonding between polymer chains of nylon, two pretreatment methods were investigated: homogeneous dispersion and soluble oligomerization induced by acid treatment. Homogeneous dispersion enhances water solubility, while soluble oligomerization reduces the molecular weight. These pretreatments significantly increased the enzyme sensitivity of the nylons, resulting in nearly complete conversion into monomers by Nyl series. Finally the convincing monomerization toward market products such as used fishing nets was also achieved. This study highlights the potential of this methodology for chemical recycling, offering a promising solution for reducing environmental impacts and achieving a circular economy for nylon products.

Association between breakfast nutrient density, subsequent meal quality, and overall diet quality in Iranian adults: a cross-sectional study

Design guidelines for Si metal–oxide–semiconductor and Si/SiGe heterostructure quantum dots for spin qubits

Si-based spin qubits are promising due to their long decoherence time and the compatibility with state-of-the-art semiconductor technology and have been demonstrated using quantum dots (QDs) to host single electrons for spin manipulation. In this work, we simulate the electrostatics and quantum transport properties of quantum dots on a Si metal–oxide–semiconductor platform and a Si/SiGe heterostructure. We investigate the effects of gate configurations and the SiGe spacer thickness on device characteristics, such as gate capacitances, Coulomb blockade, and charge stability. For a single quantum dot, placing its barrier gates (BGs) under the plunger gate improves the charge stability, while swapping the positions of those gates reduces the effects of the barrier gate biases on the charge stability. A thicker SiGe spacer further suppresses the effects of the barrier gate biases on the charge stability for quantum dots on the Si/SiGe heterostructure but leads to stronger crosstalk between neighboring quantum dots. Wider barrier gates can help to mitigate the crosstalk effects for multiple quantum dots. These findings provide key insights into the optimization of the gate configurations and material selection to improve the charge stability and minimize the crosstalk by different gates for future development of scalable Si-based quantum dots.

Author Correction: Follistatin like-1 aggravates silica-induced mouse lung injury

Distinct effects of Na and heavy alkali (K, Rb) incorporation in Cu(In, Ga)Se2 solar cells

Density functional theory calculations are performed to explore the nature of the alkali incorporation in Cu(In, Ga)Se2 (CIGS) thin-film solar cells. It is revealed that all the alkalis (Na, K, Rb) prefer to accumulate in the surface region of the absorber with occupying Cu sites. A hole barrier can be introduced in the absorber surface region, and the electron barrier at CdS/CuInSe2 interface is nearly changed after alkali incorporation. Distinct effects of Na and heavier alkalis (K and Rb) are explored. Post-deposition treatment (PDT) with Na leads to form NaxCu1−xInSe2 in the near-surface region. While monoclinic KInSe2 (or RbInSe2) secondary phase tends to form at the surface during K (or Rb) PDT. The hole barrier introduced by Na PDT can be much lower than that in the case of heavy alkali PDT due to the limited Na solubility in NaxCu1−xInSe2. The improved VOC in CIGS solar cells by heavy alkali PDT is mainly attributed to the absence of interfacial states and the elimination of isolated InCu and VCu defects in the surface region.

Concrete crack detection using ridgelet neural network optimized by advanced human evolutionary optimization

Stacking-dependent tunable valley splitting in Janus SMoSiN2-based van der Waals heterostructure

Using the first principles calculation, we explore the modulation of valley-related properties of two-dimensional (2D) Janus SMoSiN2 monolayer by constructing van der Waals (vdW) heterostructure with the ferromagnet CrCl3 monolayer. The monolayered SMoSiN2 possesses excellent stability and direct bandgap at the K/K′ valley, making it a promising candidate for valleytronic semiconductor. The ferromagnet CrCl3 substrate induces a sizable valley splitting via proximity coupling. The valley-contrasting property of the top-stacking is significantly tunable by both in-plane sliding and vertical strain engineering, leading to extraordinary tunability of valley splitting in the range 1.6–9.4 meV. In contrast, the valley-contrasting property of the bottom-stacking is comparably robust due to the screen effect originating from the outmost N sublayer to reduce the proximity interaction. Our investigation reveals that the stacking order is a degree of freedom to manipulate the valley-related properties of various vdW heterostructures, facilitating the achievement of versatile valley-contrasting properties.

Grass pea dual purpose dry matter and seed yields in rainfed conditions across diverse environments

Significant orbit-to-charge conversion in CoFeB/Pt/SrIrO3 trilayer by terahertz emission spectroscopy

Orbitronics has been extensively explored theoretically and experimentally in orbital-charge conversion. The spin-charge conversion efficiency induced by the orbital Hall effect can be much larger than that of the spin Hall effect. However, orbitronics focuses primarily on light metal elements and their oxides, while exploring heavy metal elements and oxides is rare. In this Letter, we report significant enhancements in the ultrafast spin (orbit)-charge conversion for the CoFeB/Pt/SrIrO3 (SIO) trilayer using the terahertz emission spectroscopy, where the maximum enhancement calculated by the normalized terahertz emission amplitude is about three times that for the CoFeB/Pt bilayer. In addition, we observe a ∼2 orders of magnitude enhancement in the THz emission due to significant orbital transport in Pt-insertion heavy metal layer in the CoFeB/Pt/SIO heterostructure as compared to the CoFeB/SIO bilayer. Our findings not only demonstrate that the transition metals and their oxides exhibit strong inverse orbital Hall effect but also show that multilayer structures allow enhancing the spin-to-charge current conversion efficiency for THz applications, providing a direction to tailor THz emitters.