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As part of research on the influence of selenium as dopant on bismuth telluride, a successful synthesis of single crystal was carried out. Single crystal of p type conductivity, with the given compound formula, Bi2Te2.88Se0.12, was obtained by the Bridgman process. The obtained empirical formula does not deviate from the given compound formula. Single crystal was characterized by Hall Effect system based on the Van der Pauw method. Also, bulk sample was characterized by Seebeck coefficient (S), thermal conductivity (κ) and electrical resistivity (ρ) measurements, as а function of temperature in the range of 40-320°C by а homemade impedance meter. The prepared single crystal has a figure of merit (Z) of 2.16 x 10-3 K-1 at 40°C. Values of ZT are about 1.0 at 27°C for commercialized p and n type of bismuth telluride ingots. T is absolute temperature.

We present a case of a transwoman taking hormonal feminisation therapy for over 20 years, who underwent surgical excision of a benign phyllodes tumour of the breast. Hormones progesterone and oestrogen act on breast epithelium to increase proliferation. For ciswomen, endogenous and exogenous oestrogen exposure over a lifetime is associated with increased risk for certain benign and malignant breast pathologies. Transwomen taking hormonal therapy may also be at an increased risk of breast disease., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2024. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

This paper presents an innovative approach to the integration of thermoelectric microgenerators (μTEGs) based on thick-film thermopiles of planar constantan-silver (CuNi-Ag) and calcium cobaltite oxide-silver (Ca 3 Co 4 O 9 -Ag) thick-film thermopiles with radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. The goal was to consider using the TEG for an active or semi-passive RFID tag. The proposed implementation would allow the communication distance to be increased or even operated without changing batteries. This article discusses the principles of planar thermoelectric microgenerators (μTEGs), focusing on their ability to convert the temperature difference into electrical energy. The concept of integration with active or semi-passive tags is presented, as well as the results of energy efficiency tests, considering various environmental conditions. On the basis of the measurements, the parameters of thermopiles consisting of more thermocouples were simulated to provide the required voltage and power for cooperation with RFID tags. The conclusions of the research indicate promising prospects for the integration of planar thermoelectric microgenerators with RFID technology, opening the way to more sustainable and efficient monitoring and identification systems. Our work provides the theoretical basis and practical experimental data for the further development and implementation of this innovative technology.

Breast necrotising soft tissue infections (NSTIs) are rare surgical emergencies with limited cases described in the literature. Here, we discuss a unique case of a woman in her 70s who presented with newly diagnosed diabetes and a neglected right breast cancer associated with breast erythema, skin necrosis, crepitus on examination and breast soft tissue gas seen on CT requiring emergent total mastectomy with partial pectoralis muscle excision. Pathology revealed a 15 cm invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma and necrotising polymicrobial cellulitis with a large abscess cavity. She recovered from her surgery with strict glycaemic control and a 10-day course of antibiotics. Multidisciplinary tumour board recommended adjuvant anastrozole, abemaciclib and postmastectomy radiation to complete her oncological treatment. Although exceedingly rare, it is important that clinicians be aware of, promptly recognise and properly treat NSTIs of the breast, as correct care can be life-saving from both infection and malignancy., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2024. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Polycrystalline samples of NaCo 2-x Cu x O 4 (x = 0, 0.01, 0.03, 0.05) were obtained from powder precursors synthesized by a mechanochemically assisted solid-state reaction method (MASSR) and a citric acid complex method (CAC). Ceramic samples were prepared by pressing into disc-shaped pellets and subsequently sintering at 880 °C in an argon atmosphere. Effects of low concentrations of Cu doping and the above-mentioned synthesis procedures on the thermoelectric and mechanical properties were observed. The electrical resistivity ( ρ ), the thermal conductivity ( κ ) and the Seebeck coefficient ( S ) were measured simultaneously in the temperature gradient (Δ T ) between the hot and cold side of the sample, and the figure of merit ( ZT ) was subsequently calculated. The ZT of the CAC samples was higher compared with the MASSR samples. The highest ZT value of 0.061 at Δ T = 473 K was obtained for the sample with 5 mol% of Cu prepared by the CAC method. The CAC samples showed better mechanical properties compared to the MASSR samples due to the higher hardness of the CAC samples which is a consequence of homogeneous microstructure and higher density obtained during sintering of these samples. The results confirmed that, besides the concentration of Cu, the synthesis procedure considerably affected the thermoelectric and mechanical properties of NaCo 2 O 4 (NCO) ceramics.