Enhanced Magnetism in Heterostructures with Transition-Metal Dichalcogenide Monolayers

Two-dimensional materials and their heterostructures have opened up new possibilities for magnetism at the nanoscale. In this study, we utilize first-principles simulations to investigate the structural, electronic, and magnetic properties of $\textrm{Fe}/\textrm{WSe}_2/\textrm{Pt}$ systems containing pristine, defective, or doped $\textrm{WSe}_2$ monolayers. The proximity effects of the ferromagnetic Fe layer are studied by considering defective and vanadium-doped $\textrm{WSe}_2$ monolayers. All heterostructures are found to be ferromagnetic, and the insertion of the transition-metal dichalcogenide results in a redistribution of spin orientation and an increased density of magnetic atoms due to the magnetized $\textrm{WSe}_2$. There is an increase in the overall total density of states at the Fermi level due to $\textrm{WSe}_2$; however, the transition-metal dichalcogenide may lose its distinct semiconducting properties due to the stronger than van der Waals coupling. Spin-resolved electronic structure properties are linked to larger spin Seebeck coefficients found in heterostructures with $\textrm{WSe}_2$ monolayers.Comment: 22 pages, 5 figures, 1 tabl

Culturally adaptive storytelling intervention versus didactic intervention to improve hypertension control in Vietnam: a cluster-randomized controlled feasibility trial

BACKGROUND: Vietnam is experiencing an epidemiologic transition with an increased prevalence of non-communicable diseases. Novel, large-scale, effective, and sustainable interventions to control hypertension in Vietnam are needed. We report the results of a cluster-randomized feasibility trial at 3 months follow-up conducted in Hung Yen province, Vietnam, designed to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of two community-based interventions to improve hypertension control: a storytelling intervention, We Talk about Our Hypertension, and a didactic intervention. METHODS: The storytelling intervention included stories about strategies for coping with hypertension, with patients speaking in their own words, and didactic content about the importance of healthy lifestyle behaviors including salt reduction and exercise. The didactic intervention included only didactic content. The storytelling intervention was delivered by two DVDs at 3-month intervals; the didactic intervention included only one installment. The trial was conducted in four communes, equally randomized to the two interventions. RESULTS: The mean age of the 160 study patients was 66 years, and 54% were men. Most participants described both interventions as understandable, informative, and motivational. Between baseline and 3 months, mean systolic blood pressure declined by 8.2 mmHg (95% CI 4.1-12.2) in the storytelling group and by 5.5 mmHg (95% CI 1.4-9.5) in the didactic group. The storytelling group also reported a significant increase in hypertension medication adherence. CONCLUSIONS: Both interventions were well accepted in several rural communities and were shown to be potentially effective in lowering blood pressure. A large-scale randomized trial is needed to compare the effectiveness of the two interventions in controlling hypertension. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02483780

Drug-Related Problems in Coronary Artery Diseases

Coronary artery disease (CAD) remains the leading cause of mortality among cardiovascular diseases, responsible for 16% of the world’s total deaths. According to a statistical report published in 2020, the global prevalence of CAD was estimated at 1655 per 100,000 people and is predicted to exceed 1845 by 2030. Annually, in the United States, CAD accounts for approximately 610,000 deaths and costs more than 200 billion dollars for healthcare services. Most patients with CAD need to be treated over long periods with a combination of drugs. Therefore, the inappropriate use of drugs, or drug-related problems (DRPs), can lead to many consequences that affect these patients’ health, including decreased quality of life, increased hospitalization rates, prolonged hospital stays, increased overall health care costs, and even increased risk of morbidity and mortality. DRPs are common in CAD patients, with a prevalence of over 60%. DRPs must therefore be noticed and recognized by healthcare professionals. This chapter describes common types and determinants of DRPs in CAD patients and recommends interventions to limit their prevalence

Enhanced Magnetism in Heterostructures with Transition-Metal Dichalcogenide Monolayers

Two-dimensional materials and their heterostructures have opened up new possibilities for magnetism at the nanoscale. In this study, we utilize first-principles simulations to investigate the structural, electronic, and magnetic properties of Fe/WSe2/Pt systems containing pristine, defective, or doped WSe2 monolayers. The proximity effects of the ferromagnetic Fe layer are studied by considering defective and vanadium-doped WSe2 monolayers. All heterostructures are found to be ferromagnetic, and the insertion of the transition-metal dichalcogenide results in a redistribution of spin orientation and an increased density of magnetic atoms due to the magnetized WSe2. There is an increase in the overall total density of states at the Fermi level due to WSe2; however, the transition-metal dichalcogenide may lose its distinct semiconducting properties due to the stronger than van der Waals coupling. Spin-resolved electronic structure properties are linked to larger spin Seebeck coefficients found in heterostructures with WSe2 monolayers

A predictive model for the growth/no growth boundary of Zygosaccharomyces bailii at 7°C and conditions mimicking acidified sauces

The spoilage potential of Zygosaccharomyces bailii has been widely recognized within the food industry. However, few data are available on the growth characteristics of this yeast at low temperature and in the absence of chemical preservatives. In this study, the growth/no growth boundary of Z. bailii was defined at refrigeration temperature (7 degrees C) and at conditions relevant to high-sugar, low-pH foods (such as ketchup and salad dressing), i.e. pH 3.0-5.0 (five levels), a(w) 0.93-0.97 (five levels) and acetic acid concentration 0-2.5% (v/v; six levels). Yeast growth was followed during 90 days by optical density measurements, and logistic regression models were used to describe the data. Acetic acid had a significant effect on the relation between a(w) and NaCl concentration and this interaction had important consequences for the model development. When data were modelled as a function of a(w) or NaCl concentration, a stimulatory effect by acetic acid was observed. In contrast, as a function of (toxic) Na+ ions, no evidence was found of such a phenomenon. These results indicate that in cases where the relationship between a(w) and solute concentration is not straightforward such as in the presence of acid preservatives, one must be critical towards the interpretation of data and correspondingly, the development of predictive models. On a practical note, the developed models, especially the one incorporating Na+ ions, may be used (1) to assess the stability of shelf-stable acidified foods stored under chilled conditions after opening or (2) to formulate new additive-free products intended for storage at 7 degrees C