Search

Small and low-cost chlorophyll sensors are popular in agricultural sector and food-quality control.Combining such sensors with silicon CMOS electronics is challenged by the absence of silicon-integrated light-sources.We experimentally achieve optical absorption sensing of chlorophyll based pigments with silicon (Si) micro light-emitting diodes (LED) as light-source, fabricated in a standard SOI-CMOS technology.By driving a Si LED in both forward and avalanche modes of operation,we steer its electroluminescentspectrum between visible (400-900 nm) and near-infrared (1120 nm). For detection of chlorophyll in solution phase, the dualspectrum light from the LED propagates vertically through glycerol micro-droplets containing sodium copper chlorophyllin at varying relative concentrations. The transmitted light is detected via an off-chip Si photodiode. The visible to near-infrared color ratio (COR) of the photocurrent yields the effective absorption coefficient. We introduce the LED-specificmolar absorption coefficient as ametric to compute the absolute pigment concentration (0.019 ± 0.006 mol L-1) and validate the results by measurements with a hybrid spectrophotometer. With the same sensor, we also show noninvasive monitoring of chlorophyll in plant leaves. COR sensitivities $\sim 3.9 \times 10^{4}$ mol-1L and $\sim 5.3 \times 10^{4}$ mol-1L are obtained for two leaf species, where light from the LED propagates diffusely through the thickness of the leaf prior to detection by the photodiode. Our work demonstrates the feasibility of realizing fully CMOS-integrated optical sensors for biochemical analyses in food sector and plant/human health.

Conventional energy consumption in refrigeration is one of the important reasons in global warming. Solar cooling systems are becoming more compact, having lower costs, and are potential alternative technologies, especially in hot and sunny climates. The adsorption, absorption, and dissociative evaporative cooling (DEC) are the technologies used for sorption machines, which are discussed in this review paper. Various multi-criteria performance indicators appearing in the previous studies are discussed, followed by evaluating the benefits and drawbacks of distinguishing sorption solar thermal cooling systems. Market research is conducted to prove the capacity of these technologies. The review shows that compared to other technologies, the solar absorption system is more efficient, so it is very commonly used for cooling applications in various locations. An important topic was also presented using phase change materials and nanofluids in solar sorption systems, that need more research. It is noted from this that most solar cooling systems are hybrid in terms of source and there are multiple applications (cooling - heating and electricity generation). The software packages to study these systems are introduced. Further research is required on desiccant materials that can be regenerated under lower temperatures that would augment the extent of solar desiccant cooling application.

Azithromycin is an antibiotic listed in the essential list of medicines for adults and pediatrics. Conflicting evidence has been found regarding azithromycin classification according to the Biopharmaceutics classification system (BCS). The purpose of this study was to identify the critical variables that influence the oral absorption of azithromycin in adults and pediatrics.Azithromycin solubility and dissolution studies (oral suspension) were performed in buffers and biorelevant media simulating the fasted and fed gastrointestinal tract. A PBPK model was developed for azithromycin for healthy adult volunteers and pediatrics (Simcyp® v18.2) informed by in vitro solubility and dissolution studies to predict drug performance after administration of azithromycin as an oral suspension.The developed PBPK model predicted azithromycin plasma concentrations-time profiles after administration of an oral suspension to adults and pediatrics. Sensitivity analysis of solubility vs dose suggests that absorption is independent of solubility within the therapeutic dose range in both adults and pediatrics. The developed PBPK model for adults and pediatrics was consistent with the mechanism of permeation through the intestinal membrane (passive and active processes) being the rate-limiting step of azithromycin's absorption.The physiologically based approach proposed was shown to be useful to determine the factors controlling drug absorption in adults and pediatrics.

Excess salt intake is viewed as a major contributor to hypertension and cardiovascular disease, and dietary salt restriction is broadly recommended by public health guidelines. However, individuals can have widely varying physiological responses to salt intake, and a tailored approach to evaluation and intervention may be needed. The traditional sodium related concepts are challenging to assess clinically for two reasons: (1) spot and 24‐hour urine sodium are frequently used to evaluate salt intake, but are more suitable for population study, and (2) some adverse effects of salt may be blood pressure‐independent. In recent years, previously unknown mechanisms of sodium absorption and storage have been discovered. This review will outline the limitations of current methods to assess sodium balance and discuss new potential evaluation methods and treatment targets.

The paper presents the results of modeling the processes of controlled thermal cracking of quartz glass under the parallel action of two infrared laser beams of different geometries on the material: with maximum intensity in the center and with zero intensity in the center (annular section). To calculate the temperature distribution in the material, the method of Green's functions was used, which allows us to obtain a well-interpreted solution for almost any type of function of surface heat sources. Further, taking into account the quasi-static approach, using the methods of the classical theory of thermoelasticity, thermoelastic microstresses were calculated, both on the surface and in the depth of the material. It is established that the simultaneous use of these two types of laser exposure makes it possible to control the temperature field more efficiently, and create prerequisites for the most stable formation of a microcrack. The simulation results show that with a bi-beam effect, the micromechanical stresses necessary for the formation of a microcrack are realized in shorter time intervals, both on the surface and in the depth of the material, which allows increasing the processing speed by up to 30 %. Strengthening control over the process of controlled thermal cracking can significantly reduce the percentage of defects and improve the quality of the resulting microeletronics products.

Objective: To determine the effect of fraction of inspired oxygen (FIO2) on intrapulmonary shunt fraction as measured by F-shunt in ponies during isoflurane anaesthesia. Study design: Prospective, randomized clinical study. Animals: A group of 23 adult Shetland ponies undergoing a total of 32 anaesthetic procedures. Methods: Ponies were premedicated intravenously (IV) with detomidine (0.01 mg kg–1) and either morphine (0.1 mg kg–1) or butorphanol (0.02 mg kg–1). Anaesthesia was induced with ketamine (2.2 mg kg–1) and midazolam (0.07 mg kg–1) administered IV. Ponies were randomly allocated to maintenance of anaesthesia with isoflurane in oxygen (group TH; FIO2 = 0.95) or a mixture of oxygen and medical air (group TL; FIO2 = 0.65); all ponies were given a constant rate of infusion of detomidine. Animals were mechanically ventilated to maintain PaCO2 between 40 and 50 mmHg. Arterial blood gas analysis was performed every 30 minutes. The F-shunt equation was calculated for each time point T0, T30, T60 and T90. Data were analysed using linear mixed model analysis and presented as mean ± standard deviation (p < 0.05). Results: PaO2 was greater in group TH than in group TL (TH: 406 ± 90, 438 ± 83, 441 ± 69 and 464 ± 53 mmHg versus TL: 202 ± 90, 186 ± 84, 172 ± 85 and 191 ± 98 mmHg at T0, T30, T60 and T90, respectively; p < 0.0001). In TH, F-shunt was < TL. Significant differences were found at T60 (TH: 13.2% ± 4.3 versus TL: 19.4% ± 8.3; p = 0.016) and T90 (TH: 11.7% ± 3.5 versus TL: 18.6% ± 9.5; p = 0.036). Conclusions and clinical relevance: Our findings do not support a beneficial effect of using a reduced FIO2 to improve oxygenation in anaesthetized and mechanically ventilated Shetland ponies.

III–V compound nanowires have electrical and optical properties suitable for a wide range of applications, including photovoltaics and photodetectors. Furthermore, their elastic nature allows the use of strain engineering to enhance their performance. Here we have investigated the effect of mechanical strain on the photocurrent and the electrical properties of single GaAs nanowires with radial p-i-n junctions, using a nanoprobing setup. A uniaxial tensile strain of 3% resulted in an increase in photocurrent by more than a factor of 4 during NIR illumination. This effect is attributed to a decrease of 0.2 eV in nanowire bandgap energy, revealed by analysis of the current–voltage characteristics as a function of strain. This analysis also shows how other properties are affected by the strain, including the nanowire resistance. Furthermore, electron-beam-induced current maps show that the charge collection efficiency within the nanowire is unaffected by strain measured up to 0.9%.

Levothyroxine (LT4) is a safe, effective means of hormone replacement therapy for hypothyroidism. Here, we review the pharmaceutical, pathophysiological and behavioural factors influencing the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of LT4. Any factor that alters the state of the epithelium in the stomach or small intestine will reduce and/or slow absorption of LT4; these include ulcerative colitis, coeliac disease, bariatric surgery, Helicobacter pylori infection, food intolerance, gastritis, mineral supplements, dietary fibre, resins, and various drugs. Once in the circulation, LT4 is almost fully bound to plasma proteins. Although free T4 (FT4) and liothyronine concentrations are extensively buffered, it is possible that drug- or disorder-induced changes in plasma proteins levels can modify free hormone levels. The data on the clinical significance of genetic variants in deiodinase genes are contradictory, and wide-scale genotyping of hypothyroid patients is not currently justified. We developed a decision tree for the physician faced with an abnormally high thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level in a patient reporting adequate compliance with the recommended LT4 dose. The physician should review medications, the medical history and the serum FT4 level and check for acute adrenal insufficiency, heterophilic anti-TSH antibodies, antibodies against gastric and intestinal components (gastric parietal cells, endomysium, and tissue transglutaminase 2), and Helicobacter pylori infection. The next step is an LT4 pharmacodynamic absorption test; poor LT4 absorption should prompt a consultation with a gastroenterologist and (depending on the findings) an increase in the LT4 dose level. An in-depth etiological investigation can reveal visceral disorders and, especially, digestive tract disorders.

In this paper, we demonstrate a simple, fast and single-step method for fabricating self-enclosed fluidic channels via TPA. Pairs of parallel, polymerized ribs are linked by the subsequent polymerization with correctly predetermined offset between the ribs. The region, where the radicals are initiated but its concentration is below the threshold, we called it a sub-activated region. The subsequent polymerization is triggered by the overlap of the sub-activated regions of the two adjacent ribs. The dimensions of the self-enclosed channels depends on the offset between ribs, the scan speed as well as the laser parameters such as pulse energy, pulsewidth and repetition rate.

Metal-oxide semiconductors (MOS) are widely utilized for catalytic and photocatalytic applications in which the dynamics of charged carriers (e.g., electrons, holes) play important roles. Under operation conditions, photoinduced surface oxygen vacancies (PI-SOV) can greatly impact the dynamics of charge carriers. However, current knowledge regarding the effect of PI-SOV on the dynamics of hole migration in MOS films, such as titanium dioxide, is solely based upon volume-averaged measurements and/or vacuum conditions. This limits the basic understanding of hole-vacancy interactions, as they are not capable of revealing time-resolved variations during operation. Here, we measured the effect of PI-SOV on the dynamics of hole migration using time-resolved atomic force microscopy. Our findings demonstrate that the time constant associated with hole migration is strongly affected by PI-SOV, in a reversible manner. These results will nucleate an insightful understanding of the physics of hole dynamics and thus enable emerging technologies, facilitated by engineering hole-vacancy interactions.

Seventeen per cent of the world's population is estimated to be at risk of inadequate zinc intake, which could in part be addressed by zinc fortification of widely consumed foods. We conducted a review of efficacy and effectiveness studies to ascertain the effect of zinc fortification [postharvest fortification of an industrially produced food or beverage; alone or with multiple micronutrients (MMN)] on a range of health outcomes. Previous reviews have required that the effect of zinc be isolated; because zinc is always cofortified with MMN in existing fortification programs, we did not impose this condition. Outcomes assessed were zinc-related biomarkers (plasma or serum, hair or urine zinc concentrations, comet assay, plasma fatty acid concentrations, and the proportion of and total zinc absorbed in the intestine from the diet), child anthropometry, morbidity, mortality, cognition, plasma or serum iron and copper concentrations, and for observational studies, a change in consumption of the food vehicle. Fifty-nine studies were included in the review; 54 in meta-analyses, totaling 73 comparisons. Zinc fortification with and without MMN increased plasma zinc concentrations (efficacy, n = 27: 4.68 μg/dL; 95% CI: 2.62–6.75; effectiveness, n = 13: 6.28 μg/dL; 95% CI: 5.03–7.77 μg/dL) and reduced the prevalence of zinc deficiency (efficacy, n = 11: OR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.60–0.96; effectiveness, n = 10: OR: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.31–0.64). There were statistically significant increases in child weight (efficacy, n = 11: 0.43 kg, 95% CI: 0.11–0.75 kg), improvements in short-term auditory memory (efficacy, n = 3: 0.32 point, 95% CI: 0.13–0.50 point), and decreased incidence of diarrhea (efficacy, n = 3: RR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.68–0.92) and fever (efficacy, n = 2: RR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.74–0.97). However, these effects cannot be solely attributed to zinc. Our review found that zinc fortification with or without MMN reduced the prevalence of zinc deficiency and may provide health and functional benefits, including a reduced incidence of diarrhea., Zinc fortification increased plasma/serum zinc concentrations and reduced the prevalence of zinc deficiency; limited evidence indicated that MMN + zinc-fortified food increased body weight and reduced the incidence of fever and diarrhea.

π-Conjugated molecules with acceptor-donor-acceptor (A-D-A) electronic structures make up an important class of materials due to their tunable optoelectronic properties and applications in, for example, organic light-emitting diodes, nonlinear optical devices, and organic solar cells. The frontier molecular orbital energies, and thus band gaps, of these materials can be tuned by varying the donor and acceptor traits and π-electron counts of the structural components. Herein, we report the synthesis and characterization of a series of A-D-A compounds consisting of BF2 formazanates as electron acceptors bridged by a variety of π-conjugated donors. The results, which are supported by density functional theory calculations, demonstrate rational control of optoelectronic properties and the ability to tune the corresponding band gaps. The narrowest band gaps (EgOpt = 1.38 eV and EgCV = 1.21 eV) were observed when BF2 formazanates and benzodithiophene units were combined. This study provides significant insight into the band gap engineering of materials derived from BF2 formazanates and will inform their future development as semiconductors for use in organic electronics.

In optical sensing, the differentiation between absorption and scattering poses a challenge when dealing with a physiological medium. We have shown that for extracting absorption-based parameters it is optimal to measure at the iso-path length (IPL) point. The IPL position is dependent on the diameter of the medium. In this paper, we will demonstrate how beam shaping can help match the light pattern, so the IPL point remains in the same position and distance from the light source. Hence, the location of the detector will remain constant for different mediums, such as different fingers. A spatial frequency of 0.4 mm−1, in the case of a 15mm diameter cylindrical phantoms, shifts the IPL point's position by 40 degrees on the phantom's surface. Moreover, the spatial modulation yields an optical signature from different depths, which could improve the extraction of optical properties from tissue depth using our method.

The objective of this study was to evaluate bilastine dosing recommendations in older adults and overcome the limitation of insufficient data from phase I studies in this underrepresented population. This was achieved by integrating bilastine physicochemical, in vitro and in vivo data in young adults and the effect of aging in the pharmacology by means of two alternative approaches: a physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model and a semi-mechanistic population pharmacokinetic (Senescence) model. Intestinal apical efflux and basolateral influx transporters were needed in the PBPK model to capture the observations from young adults after single i.v. (10 mg) and p.o. (20 mg) doses, supporting the hypothesis of involvement of gut transporters on secretion. The model was then used to extrapolate the pharmacokinetics (PKs) to elderly subjects considering their specific physiology. Additionally, the Senescence model was develop starting from a published population PK) model, previously applied for pediatrics, and incorporating declining functions on different physiological systems and changes in body composition with aging. Both models were qualified using observed data in a small group of young elderlies (N = 16, mean age = 68.69 years). The PBPK model was further used to evaluate the dose in older subjects (mean age = 80 years) via simulation. The PBPK model supported the hypothesis that basolateral influx and apical efflux transporters are involved in bilastine PK. Both, PBPK and Senescence models indicated that a 20 mg q.d. dose is safe and effective for geriatrics of any age. This approach provides an alternative to generate supplementary data to inform dosing recommendations in under-represented groups in clinical trials. The authors would like to acknowledge financial support from grant 00102201/INNO- 20f171110 from the INNOGLOBAL program of the Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology (CDTI) from the Spanish Ministry of Economy Industry and Competitiveness.

Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text., Background: Pregnant women using antiretrovirals (ARVs) may have persistent vaginal viral shedding, which could be associated with sexual and perinatal HIV transmission. However, there are scant data on vaginal viral load (VVL) in pregnant women with undetectable plasma viral load (PVL). Methods: This study was a post hoc analysis of an open-label randomized trial to evaluate the virologic response of 2 ART regimens. The participants were ART-naive women living with HIV initiating ART regimens between 20 and 36 weeks of pregnancy recruited at 19 clinical sites in 6 countries. Participants were randomized to receive 400 mg of raltegravir 2 times a day or 600 mg of efavirenz 4 times a day in addition to 150 mg of lamivudine and 300 mg of zidovudine 2 times a day. VVL and PVL tests were performed at every study visit. The primary outcome measures were HIV-1 PVL and VVL at maternal study week 4 and rates of perinatal HIV transmission. Results: A total of 408 were enrolled, of whom 323 had VVL samples 4 weeks after enrollment and were included in this analysis. Among women with undetectable/nonquantifiable PVL during ART, the overall rate of quantifiable VVL at week 4 was 2.54% (7/275). Of the 275 with nonquantifiable PVL, 99.1% (115/116) and 96.2% (153/159) had nonquantifiable VVL in the efavirenz and raltegravir arms, respectively. None of the 7 women with quantifiable VVL at the week 4 study visit transmitted HIV to their infants. Conclusions: Detectable VVL in pregnant women with undetectable/nonquantifiable PVL while receiving ART was rare and not associated with perinatal HIV transmission.

Lutein, a type of carotenoids, is found to delay the onset and progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Several lutein supplementation studies showed that after an initial increase, lutein serum levels demonstrated a subsequent decrease despite continuous supplementation. In this systematic literature review, this obscure phenomenon was tried to be explained. The subsequent drop in lutein levels was postulated due to down-regulation of lutein receptors scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) in the gastrointestinal tract, upregulation of lutein degrading enzyme β-carotene dioxygenase (BCDO2), or perhaps a combination of both. Some single nucleotides polymorphisms (SNPs) that could have influence on the occurrence of this phenomenon. To date, an exact scientific explanation for this phenomenon has not been established. Further research is needed to investigate this phenomenon in depth to reach an irrefutable explanation, giving that lutein is proven to be effective in delaying the onset and progression of AMD and its metabolism in the human body becomes of equal importance.

Abstract The carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere has reached extremely high levels, generating environmental concerns. Unfortunately, despite the climate change, CO2 is not included nowadays as a key environmental issue in Best Available Technique (BAT) reference documents (BREF). Industrially, the widespread industrial technology to capture CO2 is the chemical absorption using aqueous monoethanolamine (MEA) at 30%wt, which is the basis of comparison for novel alternative techniques in the literature and seems a suitable candidate to be proposed as Best Available Technique. Nevertheless, there is an intense research to find alternative solvents that decrease the energy consumption for carbon capture and many solvents are claimed in the literature to outperform MEA. A novel empirical surrogate model and exergy balances are used to confirm that MEA is still the best candidate to be proposed as Best Available Technique. The surrogate model proposed in this study properly regresses the CO2 gas liquid equilibrium data. The regressed parameters of the model are tabulated in this study for many aqueous alkanolamines and their mixtures, being the basis for computationally inexpensive chemical absorption column design. The surrogate model parameter considering the temperature is related with the chemical absorption energy and the consumed energy for solvent recovery. The obtained results show that none of the considered alkanolamine outperforms MEA in all the considered aspects, i.e. energy and solvent flowrate. MEA minimum flowrate is 15.62 mol solvent/mol gas and its heat of absorption regression parameter is − 27,745 J/mol. The proposed mathematical method is useful as a fast assessment for other novel alternatives that will be proposed in the future, providing energetically more efficient and cleaner technologies for CO2 capture. Graphic abstract

Background and Aims: Controversy over fat quality and cardiovascular disease risk stems from a series of meta-analyses of prospective cohort and randomised intervention trials, which found little evidence for a significant relationship between the intake of saturated fat and disease endpoints. Possible explanations for these null findings include difficulties inherent in estimating true food intake, the confounding effects of macronutrient replacement and food composition, and marked inter-individual variation in the response of serum LDL-cholesterol. The aim of this narrative review was to present evidence for the existence and origins of variation in serum LDL-cholesterol response to the replacement of dietary saturated fat, and its potential to explain the controversy over the latter. Methods/Results: The review provides evidence to suggest that variation in LDL-responsiveness may harbour significant potential to confound the relationship between saturated fat and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk, thus undermining the effectiveness of the dietary guideline to replace saturated fat with unsaturated fat. Conclusions: the identification and application of a simple biomarker of this phenomenon, would make it possible to tailor dietary guidelines to LDL responsive individuals, who stand to gain a greater benefit to their cardiovascular health.

An outstanding potentiality of layered two-dimensional (2D) organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites (2DHPs) is in the development of solar cells, photodetectors, and light-emitting diodes. In 2DHPs, an exciton is localized in an atomically thin lead(II) halide inorganic layer of sub-nanometer thickness as in a quantum well sandwiched between organic layers as energetic and dielectric barriers. In previous years, versatile optical characterization of 2DHPs has been carried out mainly for thin flakes of single crystals and ultrathin (of the order of 20 nm) polycrystalline films, whereas there is a lack of optical characterization of thick (hundreds of nanometers) polycrystalline films, fundamentals for fabrication of devices. Here, with the use of photoluminescence (PL) and absorption spectroscopies, we studied the exciton behavior in ∼200 nm polycrystalline thin films of 2D perovskite (PEA)2PbI4, where PEA is phenethylammonium. Contrary to the case of ultrathin films, we have found that peak energies and line width of the excitonic bands in our films demonstrate unusual extremely weak sensitivity to temperature in 20–300 K diapason. The excitonic PL band is characterized by a significant (∼30 meV) Stokes shift with respect to the corresponding absorption band as well as by a full absence of the exciton fine structure at cryogenic temperatures. We suggest that the observed effects are due to the large inhomogeneous broadening of the excitonic PL and absorption bands resulting from the (PEA)2PbI4 band gap energy dependence on the number of lead(II) halide layers of individual crystallites. The characteristic time of the exciton energy funneling from higher- to lower-energy crystallites within (PEA)2PbI4 polycrystalline thin films is about 100 ps.

Thin, flexible, and efficient silicon solar cells would revolutionize the photovoltaic market and open up new opportunities for PV integration. However, as an indirect semiconductor, silicon exhibits weak absorption for infrared photons and the efficient absorption of the full above bandgap solar spectrum requires careful photon management. This review paper provides an overview on the fundamental physics of light trapping and explains known theoretical limits. Technologies that have been developed to improve light trapping will be discussed, and limitations will be addressed.

Highlights DAC can help deal with difficult to avoid emissions. Large-scale deployment of DAC requires serious government, private, and corporate support and investment particularly to offset the capital cost as well as operational costs. Further optimizations to the costs can be found in choice of energy source as well as advances in CO2 capture technology such as high capacity and selectivity materials, faster reaction kinetics, and ease of reusability. Abstract Direct air capture (DAC) technologies are receiving increasing attention from the scientific community, commercial enterprises, policymakers and governments. While deep decarbonization of all sectors is required to meet the Paris Agreement target, DAC can help deal with difficult to avoid emissions (aviation, ocean-shipping, iron-steel, cement, mining, plastics, fertilizers, pulp and paper). While large-scale deployment of DAC discussions continues, a closer look to the capital and operational costs, different capture technologies, the choice of energy source, land and water requirements, and other environmental impacts of DAC are reviewed and examined. Cost per ton of CO2 captured discussions of leading industrial DAC developers with their carbon capture technologies are presented, and their detailed cost comparisons are evaluated based on the choice of energy operation together with process energy requirements. Validation of two active plants’ net negative emission contributions after reducing their own carbon footprint is presented. Future directions and recommendations to lower the current capital and operational costs of DAC are given. In view of large-scale deployment of DAC, and the considerations of high capital costs, private investments, government initiatives, net zero commitments of corporations, and support from the oil companies combined will help increase carbon capture capacity by building more DAC plants worldwide. Graphic abstract

In this work, an algorithm that makes decisions on whether or not an object under protection has been penetrated based on data from infrared (IR) sensors included in a wireless sensor system is considered. Based on theoretical considerations, methods for calculating the attenuation of infrared radiation by the medium, including attenuation due to molecular gases and aerosol attenuation, are presented. Peculiarities of the external environment impact on the functioning of local heat sensors are shown. Also, peculiarities of the noise immunity characteristics of a radio communication channel are considered with due regard for signal fading. With the purpose of analyzing the environment impact on the efficiency of the entire system, we present dependencies of the total error probability on the energy parameter, taking into account the attenuation of infrared radiation in both the environment at the level of local sensors and the radio communication channel. In addition, a dependence of the total error probability on the communication distance under the influence of fading is presented. The results arrived at are analyzed and the degree of influence of the environment on the quality of functioning of the wireless sensor system of thermal type is evaluated. It is shown that adverse weather conditions can have a significant impact on the efficiency of local sensors, and, hence the entire system. However, despite the possible significant deterioration in efficiency due to the IR signal attenuation in the medium and in the radio channel, the efficiency can be increased by increasing the number of sensors used.

The selective removal of acid gases using amine-based solutions is a significant process in the petroleum and natural gas industries. This work investigates the effectiveness of two common chemical solvents of Methyl Diethanolamine (MDEA) and Diethanolamine (DEA) and the blends of them with different mass concentration and circulation rate to absorb H2S and CO2 from natural gas in an existing industrial process plant in Phase I of the South Pars Gas Complex (SPGC) located in Persian Gulf region. This sweetening unit was simulated for H2S CO2 MDEA H2O and H2S CO2 DEA H2O systems incorporated into the Amine Package in the Promax simulator. Sensitivity analyses were performed on circulation rate (140–350 m3/h for MDEA and 300–520 m3/h for DEA), concentration (30–65 wt.% for MDEA and 30–40 wt.% for DEA) of amine solution and the MDEA to DEA ratio (eight different cases) which are the main factors improving process performance. The effect of these factors has been separately studied on the parameters such as acid gas content in the sweetened gas, reboiler duty, acid gas loadings, amine carryover and pH. The results confirmed that higher solvent concentration and circulation rate are beneficial to the sour gas absorption process. However, they require greater corresponding energy to regenerate rich-loaded solution in the reboiler. It enhances the operational costs. Based on the results, the optimal concentration and flow rate of MDEA and DEA solvents was obtained at 40 and 32 wt.% and 150 and 350 m3/h, respectively.

Lead-based perovskites have achieved excellent photovoltaic efficiencies in the last decade, but key intrinsic issues related to their instability and Pb toxicity need to be overcome for their successful commercialization. In this combined experimental–computational study, we investigate the structural and optoelectronic properties of the novel vacancy-ordered lead-free perovskites (CH3NH3)3(Bi1–xSbx)2I9. We find complete miscibility across the solid solution with less than 1% change in the lattice parameters. This miscibility extends to the full configurational disorder between Bi and Sb and a subsequent reduction in the experimentally observed photoluminescence quantum yields. We highlight the significance of the observed band-gap bowing as a means to fine-tune the electronic structure for optoelectronic devices. The substitution of Bi with Sb leads to lower calculated electron and hole effective masses that result in lower exciton binding energies. We show a clear shift from a strongly bound to a weakly bound excitonic regime with the substitution of Bi with Sb, which correlates with the increase in device performance.

This study proposes using double-layer wire-grid structures to create narrow-band, perfect plasmonic absorbers, which depend on polarization, for the short-wavelength visible and near-ultraviolet regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. A rigorous coupled-wave analysis reveals that the maximum absorption attained using Ag and Al is ~90% at 450 nm and 375 nm. Experiments using Ag yielded results similar to those predicted by simulations. These results demonstrate that narrow-band perfect plasmonic absorbers, which depend on the polarization, can be realized at 450 nm and 375 nm using Ag or Al.

We propose a design model for creating a resilient supply network applicable for local and global markets It addresses the ineffectiveness and failure of existing supply network that resulted current economic, food and hospital supply crisis during this ongoing COVID 19 Pandemic situation The research includes resilience creation approach for the known previously experienced as well as unknown and unforeseen disruption situations This research considers resilience management-based steps and methods covered in the literature to building abilities of supply networks for absorption, adaptation and recovery for containing disruptions that have severe negative effect on supply chain operations and society The research studies the options for including SC intermediaries to take the role of supply agent or supply contractors (SCON) to manage supply of items when traditional/classical supply networks known to us were almost inoperative or ineffective to fulfill buyer requirements during this COVID 19 like pandemic situations A numerical example is solved for illustrating applicability of the model © Original content of this work is copyright © International Journal of Mathematical, Engineering and Management Sciences Uses under the Creative Commons Attribution 4 0 International (CC BY 4 0) license at https://creativecommons org/licenses/by/4 0/

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of employee engagement (dedication, absorption, and vigor sub-dimensions) on individual performance. Design/methodology/approach – The data have been collected through an online questionnaire from 843 employees working in Istanbul, Ankara, and Eskişehir provinces. The results have been analyzed with SPSS 21 and AMOS 24. Reliability, normality, explanatory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, correlation, and structural equation model analyses have been utilized. Findings – According to the findings of the study; It has been determined that dedication, absorption and vigor sub-dimensions adequately represent the job engagement scale. In addition, it has been determined that job engagement independent variable has had a positive and statistically significant effect on the individual performance dependent variable. Discussion – In today's competitive conditions, efficiency is essential for every organization. One of the basic elements that make up efficiency is human capital. This capital is also the most valuable resource that organizations have. According to the results of the studies, the higher employees' job engagement level is, the higher their individual performance is. Determining the factors affecting the level of job engagement positively and negatively and producing policies accordingly will have a positive effect on individual as well as organizational performance.

Hydrogen sulfide is essentially removed from the raw natural gas to meet the process, health, safety and environmental standards. Alkanolamine based absorption process remains the prevalent technique for hydrogen sulfide removal due to ease of operation and economic considerations. The design of such gas separation systems is a critical factor in meeting the stringent process requirements and optimizing operations. To achieve precise design, determination of vapor–liqid equilibrium for the system is indispensable while maintaining efficacy and simplicity. This study presents a simple model for estimating hydrogen sulfide solubility in aqueous alkanolamines and their blends in the high pressure-high gas loading region. The model equation is developed by considering and combining amine protonation and bi-sulfide formation reactions, assuming ideal liquid properties. Satisfactory correlated values of hydrogen sulfide loadings (0.21–3.15 mol gas/mole solvent) are obtained over a wide range of temperature (298.15–393.15 K), pressure (60–7027 kPa) and alkanolamine concentration (1.12–14.27 molal). Parameters are given for the hydrogen sulfide solubility in aqueous solutions of monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, N-methyldiethanolamine, 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol, piperazine, diglycolamine, di-isopropylamine, 1-amino-2-propanol and their selected blends. The model shall be useful for the design of alkanolamine based natural gas sweetening systems, operating at high pressure and high hydrogen sulfide gas loadings.

Insulin therapy plays an essential role in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. However, frequent injections required to effectively control the glycemic levels lead to substantial inconvenience and low patient compliance. In order to improve insulin delivery, many efforts have been made, such as developing the nanoparticles (NPs)-based release systems and oral insulin. Although some improvements have been achieved, the ultimate results are still unsatisfying and none of insulin-loaded NPs systems have been approved for clinical use so far. Recently, nano‒protein interactions and protein corona formation have drawn much attention due to their negative influence on the in vivo fate of NPs systems. As the other side of a coin, such interactions can also be used for constructing advanced drug delivery systems. Herein, we aim to provide an insight into the advance and flaws of various NPs-based insulin delivery systems. Particularly, an interesting discussion on nano‒protein interactions and its potentials for developing novel insulin delivery systems is initiated., Graphical abstract Nanoparticles-based systems have shown great potentials in delivering insulin but still have some limitations. Nano‒protein interactions, including the interaction of insulin with nanomaterials and between insulin-loaded nanoparticles and other proteins, may provide a future direction for advanced insulin delivery.Image 1, Highlights • Insulin therapy plays essential roles in treating diabetes. • Optimizing insulin delivery enhances insulin therapy. • Nanoparticles are promising systems for delivery of insulin. • Nano-protein interactions influence the delivery of nanoparticles. • Nano-protein interactions can be used for advanced delivery of insulin.

Background: The use of technological devices is growing rapidly, and the use of cell phones increases in parallel. Dependence on technological devices is a particular factor in this increased exposure. Many studies have been performed on this electromagnetic field, but no definite conclusions have been drawn. Objective: The purpose of this research was to investigate exposure to electromagnetic field, cell phone use behaviors, the specific absorption rate (SAR) values, and changes in health occurring after exposure in university students. Methods: A questionnaire was administered to 1,019 volunteer students aged 18–24 years at the Niğde Ömer Halisdemir and Recep Tayip Erdoğan Universities in 2018–2019. The questions were based on a survey of the literature. Results: The students spent an average 4–8 hours per day on their cell phones, and findings such as headache (p=0.002), concentration deficit (p=0.001), tiredness on waking in the morning (p=0.001), hyperactivity (p=0.001), general feeling of fatigue (p=0.001), and lethargy (p=0.001) increased in a statistically significant manner with length of use. Conclusions: Participants exhibited high levels of cell phone use and experienced biological, behavioral, and sleep problems. They also had very little knowledge about specific SAR values, an important criterion concerning cell phones. RESUMO Introdução: O uso de dispositivos tecnológicos está crescendo rapidamente e o uso de telefone celulares aumenta em paralelo. A dependência de dispositivos tecnológicos é um fator nesse aumento de exposição. Diversos estudos sobre o campo eletromagnético foram realizados, mas nenhuma conclusão definitiva foi alcançada. Objetivo: O objetivo desta pesquisa foi investigar a exposição ao campo eletromagnético, os comportamentos de uso do telefone celular, os valores de absorção específica (specific absorption rate — SAR) dos telefones celulares utilizados e as alterações na saúde ocorridas após a exposição em adolescentes universitários. Métodos: Um questionário foi aplicado a 1.019 alunos voluntários com idades entre 18–24 anos nas universidades Niğde Ömer Halisdemir e Recep Tayip Erdoğan em 2018–2019. As perguntas foram baseadas em um levantamento bibliográfico. Resultados: Os estudantes gastaram em média 4–8 horas por dia em seus celulares, e achados como cefaleia (p=0,002), dificuldade de concentração (p=0,001), cansaço ao acordar pela manhã (p=0,001), hiperatividade (p=0,001), sensação geral de fadiga (p=0,001) e letargia (p=0,001) aumentaram de forma estatisticamente significativa com o tempo de uso. Conclusões: Os participantes exibiram altos níveis de uso de telefone celular e problemas biológicos, comportamentais e de sono. Eles também tinham pouco conhecimento sobre valores específicos de SAR, um critério importante para telefones celulares.

Malaria and iron deficiency (ID) are common and interrelated public health problems in African children. Observational data suggest that interrupting malaria transmission reduces the prevalence of ID1. To test the hypothesis that malaria might cause ID, we used sickle cell trait (HbAS, rs334 ), a genetic variant that confers specific protection against malaria2, as an instrumental variable in Mendelian randomization analyses. HbAS was associated with a 30% reduction in ID among children living in malaria-endemic countries in Africa (n = 7,453), but not among individuals living in malaria-free areas (n = 3,818). Genetically predicted malaria risk was associated with an odds ratio of 2.65 for ID per unit increase in the log incidence rate of malaria. This suggests that an intervention that halves the risk of malaria episodes would reduce the prevalence of ID in African children by 49%. A genetic link suggests that interventions that halve the risk of malaria episodes could reduce the prevalence of iron deficiency in African children by nearly 50%.

The transient current technique (TCT) is widely used in the field of silicon particle detector development. So far, only laser wavelengths with a photon energy larger than or similar to the silicon bandgap (single photon absorption) were used. Recently, measurements using two-photon absorption (TPA) for silicon detector testing have been carried out for the first time. Excess carriers are only created at the focal point of the laser beam and thus resolution in all three spatial directions could be achieved. The resolution perpendicular to the incident laser beam could be increased roughly by a factor of 10. First measurements using this new method were performed at the Singular Laser Facility of Universidad del País Vasco (UPV)/Euskal Herriko Unibertzitatea (EHU). Following the initial success of the method, a compact TPA-TCT setup is under development. A first description of the setup and laser system is presented in this article., This work was supported in part by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO) under Grant FPA2013-48387-C6-1-P and in part by the Wolfgang Gentner Programme of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research under Grant 05E15CHA.

Seizure clusters must be treated quickly and effectively to prevent progression to prolonged seizures and status epilepticus. Rescue therapy for seizure clusters has focused on the use of benzodiazepines. Although intravenous benzodiazepine administration is the primary route in hospitals and emergency departments, seizure clusters typically occur in out‐of‐hospital settings, where a more portable product that can be easily administered by nonmedical caregivers is needed. Thus, other methods of administration have been examined, including rectal, intranasal, intramuscular, and buccal routes. Following US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in 1997, rectal diazepam became the mainstay of out‐of‐hospital treatment for seizure clusters in the United States. However, social acceptability and consistent bioavailability present limitations. Intranasal formulations have potential advantages for rescue therapies, including ease of administration and faster onset of action. A midazolam nasal spray was approved by the FDA in 2019 for patients aged 12 years or older. In early 2020, the FDA approved a diazepam nasal spray for patients aged 6 years or older, which has a different formulation than the midazolam nasal product and enhances aspects of bioavailability. Benzodiazepines, including diazepam, present significant challenges in developing a suitable intranasal formulation. Diazepam nasal spray contains dodecyl maltoside (DDM) as an absorption enhancer and vitamin E to increase solubility in an easy‐to‐use portable device. In a Phase 1 study, absolute bioavailability of the diazepam nasal spray was 97% compared with intravenous diazepam. Subsequently, the nasal spray demonstrated less variability in bioavailability than rectal gel (percentage of geometric coefficient of variation of area under the curve = 42%–66% for diazepam nasal spray compared with 87%–172% for rectal gel). The diazepam nasal spray safety profile is consistent with that expected for rectal diazepam, with low rates of nasal discomfort (≤6%). To further improve the efficacy of rescue therapy, investigation of novel intranasal benzodiazepine formulations is underway.

Introduction Oral antimicrobials, including ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin and doxycycline, are susceptible to binding with enteral therapies such as calcium and iron therapies. Administered together, the bioavailability of these antimicrobials is expected to be reduced. Methods A retrospective case series of patients receiving oral antimicrobials (ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin and doxycycline) was analysed at a single-centre NHS acute hospital (April 2016–September 2019). Patient demographics, including concurrent enteral therapies, were recorded using medical records. Clinically important interactions were defined as doses administered within 2 hours of antimicrobial therapy. Results A total of 4067 prescriptions for the study antimicrobials (ciprofloxacin, n=1905; levofloxacin, n=538; and doxycycline, n=1624) were prescribed for 3584 patients. 1918/3583 (53.5%) of the patients were female, and the median age was 67 years (range 0.5–105.0 years). 810/4067 (19.3%) prescriptions reviewed had an interacting enteral therapy (calcium or iron salt) administered within 2 hours of the study medication. Conclusion The concomitant administration of enteral calcium and iron with oral antimicrobials is common within the acute care hospital setting. Approximately one in five patients has a clinically important interaction which may impair oral bioavailability and limit treatment efficacy. As antimicrobial stewardship teams strive for increased intravenous-to-oral de-escalation, it is important that optimum dosing administration is followed to optimise patient outcomes.

Arbitrary control and dynamic tuning of circularly polarized (CP) wave are of great significance to photonic research and application. Here, a terahertz switchable metasurface is designed with bifunctional properties based on a mixed structure of graphene and vanadium dioxide (VO2). The design consists of VO2 strips, topas spacer, VO2 film, graphene patch, topas spacer, and metallic film. When VO2 is metal, this metasurface realizes photonic spin Hall effect (PSHE) for CP wave in a wide frequency band of 0.7-1.5 THz. When VO2 is insulator, the design behaves as an absorber. It has a broadband absorption with more than 90% absorptance in the range of 0.48-1.88 THz, and there are two resonant peaks with ∼100% absorptance at 0.92 THz and 1.74 THz. Meanwhile, absorption bandwidth and intensity can be dynamically tuned by changing Fermi energy level of graphene. Besides, broadband absorption is robust against incident angle. Our design may promote the realization of terahertz switchable and multifunctional metasurfaces.