Mode-based analysis of silicon nanohole arrays for photovoltaic applications

We investigate the optical properties of silicon nanohole arrays for application in photovoltaic cells in terms of the modes within the structure. We highlight three types of modes: fundamental modes, important at long wavelengths; guided resonance modes, which enhance absorption for wavelengths where the intrinsic absorption of silicon is low; and channeling modes, which suppress front-surface reflection. We use this understanding to explain why the parameters of optimized nanohole arrays occur in specific ranges even as the thickness is varied. © 2014 Optical Society of America

Total absorption of visible light in ultrathin weakly absorbing semiconductor gratings

© 2016 Optical Society of America. The perfect absorption of light in subwavelength thickness layers generally relies on exotic materials, metamaterials or thick metallic gratings. Here we demonstrate that total light absorption can be achieved in ultra-thin gratings composed of conventional materials, including relatively weakly-absorbing semiconductors, which are compatible with optoelectronic applications such as photodetectors and optical modulators. We fabricate a 41 nm thick antimony sulphide grating structure that has a measured absorptance of A = 99.3% at a visible wavelength of 591 nm, in excellent agreement with theory. We infer that the absorption within the grating is A = 98.7%, with only A = 0.6% within the silver mirror. A planar reference sample absorbs A = 7.7% at this wavelength

Bulgarian sport policy 1945-1989: A strategic relation perspective

The 2008 Beijing Olympic Games have stimulated discussions about the success of different sport systems and the Chinese model in particular. Revisiting explanations of sport in the former communist countries of Eastern Europe during the Cold War seems timely, as the current Chinese model of sport was largely designed after the Soviet example established in this period. This paper examines Bulgarian sport policy between 1945 and 1989. It employs a Strategic Relation approach (Jessop, 1990) to analyse sport policy making as a strategic relation closely linked to the dominant state project of building a new stateness. It goes beyond ideological interpretations and argues that the state represents a strategic terrain where these relations have to be established in struggles, the outcomes of which are always uncertain. Furthermore, past and present struggles and their outcomes create various socio-political environments that presuppose the forms of state selectivity and intervention in sport. The process of constructing sport policy was influenced by two main categories of strategic relations: intra-state, including political, organisational and personal relations between the Party, state apparatus and various sport and non-sport organisations and their managers, and transnational, concerning ideological, political, economic and organisational relations with both communist and western countries and international sport organisations

Secondary education reform in Lesotho and Zimbabwe and the needs of rural girls: Pronouncements, policy and practice

Analysis of the educational needs of rural girls in Lesotho and Zimbabwe suggests a number of shortcomings in the current form of secondary education, and ways in which it might be modified so as to serve this sizeable group of students better. Several of the shortcomings, notably in relation to curricular irrelevance and excessive focus on examinations, have long been recognised, including by politicians. Yet political pronouncements are seldom translated into policy, and even where policy is formulated, reforms are seldom implemented in schools. This paper makes use of interviews with educational decision-makers in the two southern African countries and a range of documentary sources to explore why, despite the considerable differences between the two contexts, much needed educational reforms have been implemented in neither

Cuisine as a Compass: Exploring the Therapeutic Benefits of Community, Cooking, and More within the LGBTQIA+ Population

Background: The LGBTQIA+ population experiences unique barriers to occupation and well being. Anti-LGBTQ legislation encroaches on inclusive and affirming care affecting occupational access. Limited occupational participation and additional exhaustive adaptive strategies to engage in occupations safely have an emotional cost. This research study explores how food or mealtime occupations such as cooking, eating, and hosting can support LGBTQIA+ well-being. This research was made possible by LGBTQIA+ participants that are experts of their lived experience. Methods: This mixed methods research used both qualitative and quantitative methods to gather data on the significance of food-based occupations, culture, mental health, and identity in LGBTQIA+ adults. Qualitative data was collected through 8 individual, semi-structured interviews, 35 survey responses, and 7 photo and caption submissions for photo elicitation. Data was analyzed and assessed using Braun and Clarke’s (2019) six steps of thematic analysis. Results: Several themes and sub-themes emerged through the thematic analysis including joy as a process, community, negotiating identity, the power of memories and meaning-making, food as a means of expression, and symbolism in food. Conclusions: The findings of this research are encouraged to be used to advocate for the therapeutic use of mealtime occupations in supporting the well-being of the LGBTQIA+ community.https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonesfall2024/1052/thumbnail.jp

Perfect absorption in ultra-thin uniform and nanostructured media

© OSA 2015. We show that perfect absorption can be achieved in ultra-thin gratings composed of weakly absorbing dielectric materials combined with a mirror. The structures can be fabricated using standard processing techniques

Interprofessional Collaboration Between Primary Care and Occupational Therapy

Purpose: This article explores the utilization of occupational therapy (OT) in interprofessional health care teams in adult populations. Primary care settings are typically the first point of contact for individuals seeking health care services; therefore, primary care practitioners (PCPs) are in a unique position to initiate collaboration with specialty clinicians to optimize the use of health care resources. Method: Peer- reviewed literature from primary care and OT research was reviewed and summarized. The search focused on barriers and potential opportunities for collaboration between primary care and occupational therapy in adult populations. Results: Occupational therapy (OT) is underutilized, as lack of knowledge regarding OT’s potential contribution to primary care often excludes them from collaborative teams. This paper proposes the opportunities for collaboration between primary care and OT to support optimal patient outcomes. Conclusion: Interprofessional collaborative health care teams that include OT enhance the delivery of person-centered care and improve patient outcomes in adult populations. It is essential to familiarize primary care practitioners with the scope of occupational therapists’ practice domains