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Metal halide perovskites (MHPs) are low-temperature processable hybrid semiconductor materials with exceptional performances that are revolutionizing the field of optoelectronic devices. Despite their great potential, commercial deployment is hindered by MHPs lack of stability and durability, mainly attributed to ion migration and chemical interactions with the electrodes. To address these issues, 2D layered MHPs are investigated as possible device interlayers or active material substitutes. Here, the 2D perovskite (PEA)2PbBr4 is considered that is recently discussed as promising candidate for X-ray direct detection. While the increased resilience of (PEA)2PbBr4 radiation detectors has already been reported, the physical mechanisms responsible for such improvement compared to 3D perovskites are not still fully understood. To unravel the charge transport process in (PEA)2PbBr4 crystals thought to underly the device better performance, an investigation technique is adapted previously used on highly resistive inorganic semiconductors, called photo induced current transient spectroscopy (PICTS). It is demonstrated that PICTS can reliably detect three trap states (T1, T2, and T3), and that their evolution upon X-ray exposure can explain (PEA)2PbBr4 superior radiation tolerance and reduced aging effects. Overall, the results provide essential insights into the electrical characteristics of 2D perovskites and their potential application as reliable direct X-ray detectors.

Metal halide perovskites (MHPs) are low‐temperature processable hybrid semiconductor materials with exceptional performances that are revolutionizing the field of optoelectronic devices. Despite their great potential, commercial deployment is hindered by MHPs lack of stability and durability, mainly attributed to ion migration and chemical interactions with the electrodes. To address these issues, 2D layered MHPs are investigated as possible device interlayers or active material substitutes. Here, the 2D perovskite (PEA)2PbBr4 is considered that is recently discussed as promising candidate for X‐ray direct detection. While the increased resilience of (PEA)2PbBr4 radiation detectors has already been reported, the physical mechanisms responsible for such improvement compared to 3D perovskites are not still fully understood. To unravel the charge transport process in (PEA)2PbBr4 crystals thought to underly the device better performance, an investigation technique is adapted previously used on highly resistive inorganic semiconductors, called photo induced current transient spectroscopy (PICTS). It is demonstrated that PICTS can reliably detect three trap states (T1, T2, and T3), and that their evolution upon X‐ray exposure can explain (PEA)2PbBr4 superior radiation tolerance and reduced aging effects. Overall, the results provide essential insights into the electrical characteristics of 2D perovskites and their potential application as reliable direct X‐ray detectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many global environments face increasing pressures on soil resources, and effective, scalable methods for assessment of soil condition and capital are essential to respond to tangible soil threats. This situation is common across Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs), where high throughput soil analysis laboratories are limited, and issues such as soil organic carbon decline, acidification and fertility declines are present. Soil spectral inference presents an opportunity in such regions to provide rapid insights into soil capital and condition, though the need for robust calibration libraries remains a limiting factor. This work investigates the utility of a regionally appropriate spectral library, the New Zealand Soil Spectral Library (NZSSL) to support the development of soil spectral inference in data-poor environments, such as PICTs, through a case study on the island of Tongatapu in The Kingdom of Tonga. We contrast the performance of existing partial least squares regression (PLSR) models developed for New Zealand soils on soils from Tongatapu and explore the opportunities for enhancement of predictions formed through memory-based learning (MBL) supplemented with local data. Our work shows the potential for cost-effective and timely soil monitoring through soil spectral inference in PICTs. The work further underscores the importance of regional cooperation and data-sharing for addressing soil security.

The author explores the use of the Pictish stones in the classroom by arts educators to engage students with the artwork of the ancient civilization, the Picts, and help them familiarize with evidential uncertainty. Topics discussed include the pedagogical value of the use of inquiry-based approaches in history education, information about the Picts as artists, and the artistic processes.

Evaluation of criminal thinking is important in correctional assessments because of its salience to recidivism, or relapse of criminal behavior. The Psychological Inventory of Criminal Thinking Styles (PICTS) is a common instrument which assesses criminal thinking, one of the most salient risk factors of recidivism. However, little is known about the accuracy of the validity scales of this instrument. This study examines the effectiveness of the PICTS' over-reporting validity indicator, the Confusion-revised (Cf-r) scale, using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2-Restructured Form's (MMPI-2-RF) over-reporting validity scales as criterion measures. The sample is composed of 165 mostly white (66%), mid-to-late 20 s (M = 27.4 years old, SD = 8.3), males who underwent a mental health evaluation in a court-ordered residential treatment facility. All participants had a prior substance-use-disorder diagnosis and moderate to high criminal risk. Mean comparisons across MMPI-2-RF recommended over-reporting scales as well as classification accuracy analyses were conducted. The results support the use of the PICTS recommended cut-score for Cf-r, as it produced high specificity (> 0.90) and strong area under the curve (AUC) classification accuracy (AUC = 0.76, 95% CI = [0.67, 0.84]). The implications for this study are the discussions in terms of criminal-thinking evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manganese–doped TlInS 2 (TlInS 2 +Mn) layered semiconductors with different doping concentrations of about 0.1 and 0.3 at. percent were investigated. Photo–induced current transient spectroscopy (PICTS) measurements in the temperature range of 80 and 300 K have been made for identifying energy levels related to Mn dopant within the electronic bandgap of TlInS 2 +Mn crystal. Optical absorption spectra in the photon energy range of ∼1.8–3.1 eV have been extracted by fitting the transmittance spectra of TlInS 2 +Mn recorded at the temperatures varied from ∼40–300 K. A redshift trend of the absorption edge with increasing of temperature was observed. On the other hand, a blue shift in the absorption edge with Mn doping was observed in the absorption spectra. The Mn dopant induced photoluminescence (PL) was also investigated in the visible region ranging from 320 to 960 nm. Seven peaks were observed in the PL spectra of Mn doped TlInS 2 crystal in the regions both ∼960–620 nm (∼1.3–2 eV) and ∼620–320 nm (∼2–3.8 eV) due to the electronic states of Mn ions. Laser–induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) technique was applied to establish of the elemental chemical composition and to confirm presence of each constituent element in TlInS 2 :Mn. The dc magnetization measurements of TlInS 2 +Mn performed in a wide temperature range of ∼5 and ∼300 K revealed different (diamagnetic and paramagnetic states) magnetic phases inside the studied temperature range. The X–band electron paramagnetic resonance (ESR) experiments were carried out in the low–temperature phase of TlInS 2 +Mn to probe the structure of Mn centers in TlInS 2. The measurements revealed that the ESR spectrum changes drastically in the low–temperature phase of TlInS 2 +Mn bulk sample. Finally, a detailed density functional theory (DFT) based computational investigation of electronic band structures, density of states and optical properties of TlInS 2 +Mn compound has been performed. The results of ab –initio calculations are discussed for three possible states when the manganese atom was doped by replacing either the Tl, In or S atoms in the unit cell of TlInS 2. Additionally, the effect of interstitial Mn dopant on the electronic structure and optical properties of TlInS 2 material has been simulated. [Display omitted] • TlInS 2 single crystals were grown and doped with Mn at atomic ratios of 0.1% and 0.3%. The chemical compositions were analyzed using the LIBS technique. EDX and pXRD studies confirmed the presence of Mn dopants in the crystal structure. • PICTS, PL, and UV-VIS methods were used to identify the energy levels of Mn dopants. All measurements were properly fitted with the corresponding equations. • X-band ESR measurements were conducted to determine the Mn centers within the TlInS₂ host. Additionally, M-H curves clearly show the effect of Mn dopants on the magnetic properties of the crystal. ZFC/FC characteristics are extensively discussed. • DFT calculations were performed for Mn substitution at the Tl, In, and S atomic positions. Both experimental and theoretical analyses confirm the coexistence of ferromagnetism and semiconducting conductivity in Mn-doped TlInS₂ two-dimensional crystals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sacred kings of Late Iron Age northern Britain are thought to have symbolised fertility and considered responsible for the wellbeing of the lands and people; components of a system of governance maintained by conservative religious beliefs and champions of a local goddess of sovereignty, also associated with the cuckoo and the planet Venus. Their regicide was undertaken by their successors with a sacred spear at cult-sites at eight-year intervals when Venus set at its evening extreme at Samhain. Titled after the cuckoo, the symbol of male fertility across Europe, they mimicked the cuckoo's polygynous behaviour. Others have suggested their exploits were based on myths about the cuckoo. They are recalled in Irish legends, Arthurian tales and the writings of contemporary authors, depicted on stones and confirmed in recent place-name and archaeoastronomy studies, but not previously recognised. This paper explores the evidence for, and significance of, British, Irish and continental European warrior-champions named after the cuckoo. The study strongly suggests a continuity of cosmological beliefs, celestial associations, myths and legends, religious symbolism, sacred kingship and governance of tribal societies from the Indo-European immigrants to Britain until the adoption of Christianity and its associated form of kingship by the Picts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent scholarship has become increasingly sceptical about the importance of Pictish identity in the first millennium A.D. It has been suggested that Picti was an external classical general label for people inhabiting northern Britain only adopted internally in the late seventh century. This article reviews the references to Picti in late antique and subsequent Insular sources from the late third century to A.D. 700. It proposes that the term was adopted in northern Britain by the end of the Roman period and maintained afterwards through the usage of Latin, due to imperial influence and conversion to Christianity. While not the only ethnic identity upheld in the region, the concept of Picti was used by the kings of Fortriu for their wider realm in the late seventh century because it was already known and significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we provide a mechanistic understanding of the degradation of perovskite solar cells in operation by focusing on methylammonium lead triiodide (CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 or MAPbI 3) and tracking the evolution of electronic defects via photo-induced current transient spectroscopy (PICTS). Moreover, we also record the degradation of its photovaltaic characteristics over time under various electric load and temperature conditions. Using PICTS, we found that bands of trap states, initially highly localized deep within the band gap of the perovskite, widened over the exposure period. This effect was exacerbated with increasing temperature. Further, using the design of experiment methodology for this multifactorial study, we found that two interaction factors (temperature× load & temperature× time) were significant in the degradation of the perovskite cells, validating the importance of our holistic approach. Through these observations, we establish a mechanistic link between deep-level traps and photovoltaic characteristics. [Display omitted] • Deep-level traps in degrading perovskites were measured via PICTS. • Band of trap states widen in degrading perovskites. • Fill factor tracks well with the trap activation energy. • These measurements can inform the quality of the fabrication process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article investigates the Scottish place-names of Pictish origins. The Picts are the most mysterious people of Britain, having lived in the north of Scotland from the 3rd to the 9th centuries. Little is known about the language, culture, way of life and destiny of the Picts. The article is dedicated to the study and description of the Scottish part of the toponymic world image. The object of the study includes appellatives and place-names of Pictish origin. As a result of the work, nine appellatives were discovered and about a hundred toponyms were considered, the interpretation of which determines the spiritual side of the life of the ancient people and depicts the Picts as people with developed agriculture, animal husbandry and land tenure.

The formidable rise of lead‐halide perovskite photovoltaics has energized the search for lead‐free perovskite‐inspired materials (PIMs) with related optoelectronic properties but free from toxicity limitations. The photovoltaic performance of PIMs closely depends on their defect tolerance. However, a comprehensive experimental characterization of their defect‐level parameters—concentration, energy depth, and capture cross‐section—has not been pursued to date, hindering the rational development of defect‐tolerant PIMs. While mainstream, capacitance‐based techniques for defect‐level characterization have sparked controversy in lead‐halide perovskite research, their use on PIMs is also problematic due to their typical near‐intrinsic character. This study demonstrates on four representative PIMs (Cs3Sb2I9, Rb3Sb2I9, BiOI, and AgBiI4) for which Photoinduced Current Transient Spectroscopy (PICTS) offers a facile, widely applicable route to the defect‐level characterization of PIMs embedded within solar cells. Going beyond the ambiguities of the current discussion of defect tolerance, a methodology is also presented to quantitatively assess the defect tolerance of PIMs in photovoltaics based on their experimental defect‐level parameters. Finally, PICTS applied to PIM photovoltaics is revealed to be ultimately sensitive to defect‐level concentrations <1 ppb. Therefore, this study provides a versatile platform for the defect‐level characterization of PIMs and related absorbers, which can catalyze the development of green, high‐performance photovoltaics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Psychological Inventory of Criminal Thinking Styles (PICTS) is a self-report measure which is given to individuals who have been involved in criminal activity or are known to the Criminal Justice System. Although the PICTS is extensively used and its psychometric properties supported within the research, no critique has yet specifically assessed its utility with forensic populations. Therefore, the aim of the critique was to analyse the scientific and psychometric properties of the PICTS. Adaptions have been made to the PICTS from the first to the fourth revision due to issues with the reliability and validity of the measure. Although the PICTS does have satisfactory internal and retest reliability, the reliability of the validity scales within the measure has continued to be poor. Furthermore, no independent research on the measure has been undertaken. As such, gaps in research and issues that need to be addressed have been highlighted. Practical implications, limitations, and future research are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current research reports 61 male serial murderers' responses to self-report questionnaires designed to assess levels of psychopathy and criminal thinking. Three separate measures of psychopathy were included. Contrary to our predictions, results indicated that our sample of serial murderers did not demonstrate strong evidence of psychopathy. Rather, the percentage of inmates who could be classified as having psychopathic tendencies is on par with the general population of prisoners. Only half of the participants had an interpretable criminal thinking style scale. Temperament and power issues were the two factors of greatest significance for understanding the serial homicide perpetrators' criminal cognition. In line with expectations, multiple significant correlations were observed for the measures. Implications and limitations of the research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cognitive intervention programme ‘New Challenges’ targeting adult men with a criminal lifestyle was evaluated in a pilot study. The participants were divided into a cognitive treatment group (n = 32) and a control group (n = 11). In the control group, six participants had no treatment and five participated in 12-step treatment. The participants were measured pre and post using the Psychological Inventory of Criminal Thinking Styles (PICTS), the abridged version of sense of coherence (SOC), Positive and Negative Affect Scale, and Bergström’s quality of programme delivery (QPD). The results of the treatment group showed that criminal thinking patterns dropped significantly from high values to close to normal level. SOC and positive affect increased significantly in the treatment group. Both SOC and positive affect showed positive correlation with QPD. Regarding the possible influence of the 12-step treatment, there was no difference in the control group between participants receiving 12-step treatment and those not receiving treatment. The main conclusion is that the cognitive treatment programme ‘New Challenges’ can contribute to reduced criminal thinking and increased SOC and positive affect, which may prove to be important precursors of reduced criminality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This introductory essay situates Poly-Olbion (1612, 1622), Michael Drayton’s vast chorographical and historical poem of England and Wales, in terms of its development as a poetic project, its structural choices, and its reception by early readers. It sets the tension in the text between the local and the national against the backdrop of a more fundamental seventeenth-century shift from national to regional description. By exploring the text’s depiction of the ancient Picts, it also considers some of the difficulties that Drayton might have faced, had he managed to extend his poem north to Scotland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The treatment of offenders has changed from focusing on risk management to also emphasizing salutogenic experiences as a protective factor. The programme ‘A New Direction’ involves cognitive intervention combining the above-mentioned approaches to treat young criminals and young persons at risk of developing a criminal lifestyle. In evaluating this programme, 61 participants from the Swedish social services and youth care facilities were divided into two treatment groups and two control groups. All participants were subjected to pre- and post-measurements using two questionnaires: the Psychological Inventory of Criminal Thinking Styles (PICTS) and the Sense of Coherence (SOC-13). The two treatment groups followed the programme during one week and 9–30 weeks, respectively, with the control groups measured at approximately the corresponding time intervals. The results show reduced PICTS from high to low levels and increased SOC only for the multi-week treatment group. Although the recidivism analysis revealed a greater reduction of convicted offences in the multi-week treatment group compared with the control group, the finding is tentative because of small sample sizes. To conclude, cognitive intervention shows promise for reducing criminal thinking patterns and increasing sense of coherence, which may have beneficial effects on the behaviour of young offenders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article talks about people known as Picts, who lived in the early middle ages. It states that historian James E. Fraser observed that the Latin term Picti was used as a pejorative term and holds no continuity today. Author Bede's book "Historia Ecclesiastica" is discussed, which focuses on peoples Angli, Brittones, Scotti, and Picti. The context of the destruction of Fortriu by the vikings to Pictish kingdom and identity is also discussed.

The Pacific region is experiencing a non-communicable disease epidemic largely driven by an ongoing nutrition transition from nutrient rich whole foods to imported staples and highly processed foods. Food trade is a major driver of this transition. We characterize regional and sub-regional trade from 1995 to 2018 for 18 Pacific Island Countries and Territories using the Pacific Food Trade Database. The analysis shows the growing dependence on imports of rice from South-East Asia and wheat from Australia, and recent growth in imports of meat from Australia, New Zealand and USA, and highly processed foods from South-East Asia. Findings are discussed in terms of policy and trade agreements, and global shocks including COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine. • The Pacific region is experiencing a diet-related non-communicable disease epidemic. • The region is highly dependent on food imports to meet caloric requirements. • Imports of unhealthy food from South-East Asia have increased dramatically over the last decade. • Trade patterns vary significantly across Pacific sub-regions and trade partnerships. • Global shocks that inhibit imports are likely to increase domestic production of healthy foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The band alignment and defect states of GaInZnO thin films grown on SiO2/Si via radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering were investigated by using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, reflection electron energy loss spectroscopy, thermally stimulated exo-electron emission and photo-induced current transient spectroscopy.The band gap via reflection electron energy loss spectroscopy was 3.2 eV. The defect states via photo-induced current transient spectroscopy and thermally stimulated exo-electron emission were at 0.24, 0.53, 1.69 and 2.01 eV below the conduction band minimum of GIZO thin films, respectively. The defect states at 0.24 and 0.53 eV are related to the field-effect mobility, and the defect stated at 1.69 and 2.01 eV is related to the oxygen vacancy defect. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study related to the psychometric evaluation of a simplified version of the Psychological Inventory of Criminal Thinking Styles (PICTS), in which item language was simplified but item content was preserved. It states that PICTS-SV is a valid alternative for assessing criminal thinking in inmates with low reading ability.

Studies were performed on two types of chlorine-compensated cadmium telluride crystals with a different density of native dislocations walls. The crystals were investigated by current–voltage measurements, photo-induced current transient spectroscopy and absorption measurements, in the view of investigating the influence of the density of dislocation walls on their charge transport properties and electronic levels scheme. It results that a higher density of dislocation walls increases the dark current in CdTe. To the contrary, the optical absorption properties do not seem to be influenced by the presence of dislocation walls. The PICTS measurements demonstrated that a lower density of dislocation walls provides a higher concentration of compensation-related defects and a lower concentration of the defects responsible for the peaks observed at high temperature, possibly associated to donor-pair complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]