Search

Gas sensing is essential for detecting and measuring gas concentrations across various environments, with applications in environmental monitoring, industrial safety, and healthcare. The integration of two-dimensional (2D) materials, organic materials, and metal oxides has significantly advanced gas sensor technology, enhancing its sensitivity, selectivity, and response times at room temperature. This review examines the progress in optically activated gas sensors, with emphasis on 2D materials, metal oxides, and organic materials, due to limited studies on their use in optically activated gas sensors, in contrast to other traditional gas-sensing technologies. We detail the unique properties of these materials and their impact on improving the figures of merit (FoMs) of gas sensors. Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), with their high surface-to-volume ratio and tunable band gap, show exceptional performance in gas detection, especially when activated by UV light. Graphene-based sensors also demonstrate high sensitivity and low detection limits, making them suitable for various applications. Although organic materials and hybrid structures, such as metal–organic frameworks (MoFs) and conducting polymers, face challenges related to stability and sensitivity at room temperature, they hold potential for future advancements. Optically activated gas sensors incorporating metal oxides benefit from photoactive nanomaterials and UV irradiation, further enhancing their performance. This review highlights the potential of the advanced materials in developing the next generation of gas sensors, addressing current research gaps and paving the way for future innovations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was carried out in five regions of Bangladesh--Gazipur, Bogura, Jamalpur, Jashore, and Chattogram--utilizing a randomized complete block design and involving 17 genotypes of sweet potatoes. The objective was to evaluate their performance, environmental adaptability, and stability in terms of root yield. The analysis was carried out using fixed and random effects models. The results revealed that BARI Mistialu-12 had the highest storage root yield (45.35 t/ha). Among the locations, Bogura (sandy loam soil) achieved the highest yield, at 37.05 t/ha, followed by Jamalpur (36.15 t/ha). ANOVA showed significant variation in root yield across genotype, environment, and their interaction (GEI). Both the additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) effect models and a linear mixed model (LMM) confirmed substantial GEI variance. Considering LMM, 53.58% of the total variation was due to genotypes, with a selection accuracy of 94%, leading to the use of a best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) index for genotype selection. BARI Mistialu-12, BARI Mistialu-16, BARI Mistialu-11, BARI Mistialu-8, BARI Mistialu-2, and BARI Mistialu-13 were identified as high-performing genotypes in the BLUP index. Based on the AMMI stability value (ASV), the first two principal components explained 74.60% of the total GEI variance (20.16%), with BARI Mistialu-14 being the most stable genotype. Additionally, the interaction principal components axis analysis identified Bogura, Jashore, and Chattogram as key testing sites for root yield. The weighted average of absolute scores biplot highlighted BARI Mistialu-16 as the most stable variety. In the megaenvironment analysis, BARI Mistialu-11 and BARI Mistialu-2 excelled in Jamalpur, while BARI Mistialu-12 and BARI Mistialu-16 led in Gazipur, Bogura, and Jashore. Bogura was the best location for production. These findings are crucial for future breeding efforts to expand the sweet potato industry, demonstrating consistent high-yield potential across various agroecological conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This qualitative study explores the influence of organizational culture on supply chain integration, focusing on how various cultural attributes within organizations impact the seamless operation and collaboration across the supply chain. Organizational culture, defined by shared values, beliefs, and practices, profoundly affects the behavior of employees and their interactions within and outside the organization. The study delves into the intricate relationship between organizational culture and supply chain integration, examining how cultural factors such as trust, communication, leadership, and teamwork contribute to or hinder effective supply chain management. By conducting a comprehensive literature review, gathering qualitative data through interviews and case studies, and analyzing the results, this research provides a nuanced understanding of the critical role that organizational culture plays in achieving supply chain integration. The findings reveal that organizations with a strong, cohesive culture that emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and adaptability are better positioned to integrate their supply chains effectively. Conversely, organizations with fragmented or misaligned cultures face significant challenges in achieving seamless supply chain operations. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by highlighting the importance of cultivating a positive organizational culture to enhance supply chain performance and offers practical recommendations for organizations aiming to improve their supply chain integration through cultural transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poverty continues to ravage about 10 percent of the world population. Efforts to eradicate poverty in all its forms remain elusive. The historical decline in global poverty rate experienced from 10.1% in 2015 to 8.6% in 2018 and even further down to 8.3% in 2019 reverses to 9.2% in 2019 due to COVID-19 pandemic. Although the poverty rate is projected to decrease to 8.6% in 2022, efforts to lower it further are confounded by the emerging global uncertainties including the Ukraine-Russia war, the global economic crisis, and catastrophes of earthquakes, and adverse effects of climate change. To address poverty in a country, the government and other development actors, including civil society, must establish national definitions, set targets, and conduct assessments on how the poor access and are satisfied with public services. This necessitates an understanding of the poor's socioeconomic circumstances, as well as the factors that influence service providers' ability to meet their expectations. This study was primarily undertaken to determine the satisfaction level of rural women with public services provided through civil society programs within four villages in the northern parts of Bangladesh. It also explores what factors influence the satisfaction level. Findings indicated that highest proportion of the respondents (53%) had a high level of satisfaction. In addition, the findings show that respondents' knowledge of civil society organization services and duration of involvement in civil society organizations, as well as family size, annual family income, and training, were significantly correlated with women's satisfaction with the services provided by civil society organizations. Furthermore, age, family size, annual income, and farm size are important socioeconomic factors that can influence women's satisfaction with public services provided by civil society organizations. It concludes that the selected civil society organization lacks the necessary personnel to provide public services and assess program success. The implication is that for civil societies to successfully supplement the government's public services, they must examine the existing gaps and barriers that need to be addressed in providing the services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigates a new type of heterostructure photodetector (PD) made of cerium hexaboride (CeB6) and tungsten (W) alloy deposited on top of a nitrogen-doped silicon carbide substrate. Density function theory (DFT) suggests that the alloy with 67% CeB6 and 33% W provides an optimal photo response for the PD. The optimum alloy thickness is computed numerically using particle swamp optimization (PSO) in lumerical Finite difference time domain (FDTD) software, and the alloy is fabricated using direct current (DC) and radio frequency (RF) sputtering. The performance of the PD is experimentally characterized, and our findings show a maximum photocurrent of 71.86 nA and a maximum responsivity of 94.1 µAW−1 at the near ultraviolet (UV) wavelength of 405 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrous oxide (N2O) emission is mainly associated with aerobic crop culture, which is influenced by nitrogen (N) fertilizer sources, rates, placement methods, and water management systems. The influence of N fertilizers on greenhouse gas (GHG) emission patterns are not well documented in Asian region. The present investigation was undertaken to identify GHG emission patterns, net carbon budget, net global warming potential (GWP) and GHG intensity. N fertilizer from prilled urea (PU), urea super granule (USG) and N-phosphorus (P)-potassium (K) briquette (NPKB) were used and compared with control (no fertilizer). Equal nutrient doses were maintained for all the treatments irrespective of fertilizer sources. Static close chamber technique was used for measuring GHG emission. Depending on treatments, total methane (CH4), nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide (CO2) fluxes were 8.16–10.85, 0.57-0.49-0.59 and 1739–2309 kg ha−1 season−1, respectively and net GWPs varied from −1292 to −2438 kg CO2 eq. ha−1 season−1. Wheat grain yields significantly varied from 3.2 to 3.9 t ha−1 because of N sources and rates. Use of USG for wheat cultivation can increase CO2 removal about 22–88% from the atmosphere along with about 2–14% grain yield and 26–48% soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration improvements compared to other N sources in Bangladesh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]