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This study investigates the electron field emission (EFE) of vertical silicon nanowires (Si NWs) fabricated on n-type Si (100) and p-type Si (100) substrates using catalyst-induced etching (CIE). The impact of dopant types (n- and p-types), optical energy gap, crystallite size and stress on EFE parameters has been explored in detail. The surface morphology of grown SiNWs has been characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), showing vertical, well aligned SiNWs. Optical absorption and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the presence of the quantum confinement (QC) effect. The EFE performance of the grown nanowire arrays has been examined through recorded J–E measurements under the Fowler–Nordheim framework. The Si NWs grown on p-type Si showed a minimum turn-on field and also a higher field enhancement factor. The band-bending diagram also suggests a lower barrier height of p-type Si NWs compared to n-type Si NWs, which plays a key role in enhancing the EFE performance. These investigations suggest that dopant types (n- and p-types), band gap, crystallite size and stress influence the EFE parameters and Si NWs grown on p-type Si (100) substrates are much more favorable for the investigation of EFE properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Fungal Rhinosinusitis (FRS) is a growing concern in both immunosuppressed and immunocompetent patients and involves a broad spectrum of immune and pathological responses induced by different types of fungi. The aims of this study were to determine the type of fungi causing Rhinosinusitis and to correlate type of FRS with respect to the histopathological findings, causative fungi, immune status, clinical presentation, other co-morbid conditions, treatment and outcome Materials and Methods: This retrospective study on FRS was done on 92 non-duplicate specimens of suspected cases of FRS over three-year period. Samples from patients of suspected FRS were processed for fungal smear KOH examination and fungal culture. Identification of fungi was done by both conventional and automated methods using MALITOF-MS (Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time of Flight-Mass Spectrometry). Results: Out of 92 non-duplicate specimens of suspected cases of FRS received during study period; fungal smear or histopathological examination for fungal hyphae was positive in 43 cases and fungal culture was positive in 42 cases with 48 fungal isolates. Aspergillus flavus (43.75%) was isolated maximally followed by Rhizopus sp. (20.8%). Mixed infection with two types of fungi was also seen. Aspergillus FRS was mainly Allergic in immunocompetent host and Acute invasive in immunocompromised hosts. Infection with Zygomycetes was largely invasive and was seen in immunocompromised hosts with poor prognosis. Other fungi like Schizophyllum commune, Bipolaris and Paecilomyces were associated with Allergic FRS. Scedosporium apiospermum was associated with chronic non-specific FRS in immunocompetent patient. Fusarium infection was seen both as mere colonization and invasive sinusitis. Candida species were isolated mainly in mixture with mycelial fungi and were associated with invasive FRS. Conclusion: Our study depicts that a variety of fungi may cause FRS and the type of FRS caused by different types of fungi depend upon type of host. So, it is pertinent to monitor and study the types of fungi causing infections in different patient populations. Automated methods like MALDITOF -MS are an excellent tool in the definitive and timely identification of fungi resulting in timely and appropriate management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Vision is the most important source of information about one’s environment and has significance in one’s progress. Visual impairment is a worldwide problem that has great socioeconomic impact.Childhood blindness is a priority area as it is associated with consequences not only for individual child but also for the family and community Methodology: This Crosss sectional, community based study was done at RMC at center Ashram shalaRajur / shendi Results: Out of 170 students, only one student was wearing spectacle and was known case of refractive error. So it is noteworthy that only one student was able to correct his visual acuity in time. From this it proves that there is scholastic backwardness among school going children of tribal area. Conclusion: The present study focuses on need of screening of school going children is important as timely recognition and prompt treatment would reduce ocular morbidity in that particular age group. Further we recommend such screening programmes to be extended to the remote tribal areas and that too at regular intervals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we report the successful synthesis and thorough characterization of Eu 3+ -doped Na 3 Ba 2 LaNb 10 O 30 phosphors, targeting their application in white-light-emitting diodes (w-LEDs). The phosphors were synthesized using a high-temperature solid-state method, ensuring robust incorporation of Eu 3+ ions into the host lattice. Comprehensive analyses were performed, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy, confirming the phase purity, crystallinity, morphology, and elemental composition of the phosphors. We have also studied the electronic structure using diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). Photoluminescence studies revealed strong red emissions under near-ultraviolet light excitation, with the optimal Eu 3+ doping concentration identified to be 9 mol%. Quantum-yield measurements demonstrated high luminescence efficiency, while chromaticity coordinates indicated excellent color purity suitable for w-LED applications. These findings contribute significantly to the advancement of phosphor materials for solid-state lighting, suggesting promising prospects for their integration into commercial LED devices., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts to declare., (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry.)