Effect of the thickness on the photocatalytic and the photocurrent properties of ZnO films deposited by spray pyrolysis

In this work, we have investigated the structure, morphology, photoluminescence, photocatalytic and photocurrent properties of ZnO thin films as a function of their film thickness (tZnO) fabricated via ultrasonic spray pyrolysis technique. The X-Ray diffraction patterns exhibited the formation of polycrystalline wurtzite phase of ZnO. Scanning electron microscopy images showed the uniform morphology with nanorod structure. The photosensitivity and photocatalytic efficiency are found to be optimum at tZnO = 1200 nm and are attributed to the improved photogeneration of charge carriers and higher concentration of oxygen vacancies. A direct correlation is established between the photosensitivity and photodegradation process. The incident photon-to-electron conversion efficiency (IPCE) and photocatalytic efficiency for the ZnO film at tZnO = 1200 nm are estimated to be 31.5% and 100% respectively. The obtained result suggests that ZnO thin films are potential candidates for applications in various optoelectronic devices.This study has been partially supported by Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) in the framework of the Strategic Funding UIDB/FIS/04650/2020 (JPBS) and DST SERB Project ECR/2017/002537(K.K.). Author KVA acknowledges DST, Govt. of India for the Inspire fellowship (IF170601)

Effect of Buerger Allen Exercise on Lower Extremity Perfusion among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Selected Hospital at Poovanthi

A quasi experimental study to assess the effect of Buerger Allen exercise on lower extremity perfusion among patients with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in selected hospital at Poovanthi was undertaken by Ms. M. Bhakya Lakshmi during the Academic year, 2018 - 2020 in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree in Master of Science in nursing at RASS Academy College of Nursing, Poovanthi which is affiliated to the Tamil Nadu Dr.M.G.R.University, Chennai. OBJECTIVES: 1. To assess the pretest level of lower extremity perfusion among patients with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in intervention and control group. 2. To find out the effect of Buerger Allen exercise on lower extremity perfusion among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in intervention group. 3. To compare the posttest level of lower extremity perfusion among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the intervention and control group. 4. To associate the pretest level of lower extremity perfusion with their demographic variables and clinical proforma among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the intervention group. CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK: The study framework was based on Ottawa model of research. APPROACH: Quantitative approach was adopted. DESIGN: Quasi experimental pretest posttest control group design was adopted. SETTING: The study was conducted in Lakshmi hospital, Poovanthi. SAMPLE SIZE: The sample size was 60 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, 30 in intervention group and 30 in control group. SAMPLING TECHNIQUE: The non-probability purposive sampling technique was used to recruit patients as per inclusion criteria. DATA COLLECTION PROCEDURE: First day pretest level of lower extremity perfusion on each leg separately was assessed by using Inlow’s foot screen for 60 samples. The Buerger Allen exercise was administered to the intervention group (30) for 15 minutes 5 cycles twice-a-day for 5 consecutive days and control group (30) received only routine treatment. The posttest was conducted on 6th day for both groups using the same tool as same as pretest. RESULTS: There was a difference in pre and posttest level of lower extremity perfusion on both legs in intervention group, the “t” value of left leg (11.92) and right leg (13.91) was greater than the table value. There was a significant difference in the posttest level of lower extremity perfusion on both the leg in the intervention and control group, the t value (6.95 and 7.68) respectively was greater than the table value at 0.05% significance. CONCLUSION: Buerger Allen exercise is effective in improving the lower extremity perfusion, thus preventing the risk of PAD and cardiac complication