Structure, optical, electrical and thermoelectric properties of solution-processed Li-doped NiO films grown by SILAR

The article presents a new facial synthesis of Li-doped NiO films (NiO:Li) via an easy and cost-effective method Successive Ionic Layer Adsorption and Reaction (SILAR) with the processing of the obtained NiO films in a lithium-containing aqueous solution for their transformation after annealing into NiO:Li layers. Comparative analysis of crystal structure, optical, electrical and thermoelectric properties of the obtained NiO and NiO:Li 420-1050 nm thick films have reveiled a cubic rock-salt NiO structure, at that, NiO:Li samples are nanocrystalline single phased Li-NiO solid solutions. The fabricated NiO and NiO:Li films are p-type semiconductors with activation energy Ea = 0.1 eV and Ea = 0.25‒0.31 eV, respectively. The obtained in-plane Seebeck coefficients Z are in the range 0.20–0.33 mV/К. Notwithstanding the fact that the maximum values of the thermoelectric power factors P=2.2 μW/K2·m, are rather small, they were achieved if the hot end of the NiO:Li film was heated only to 115 °C. Thus, the produced in this work new low cost thermoelectric thin film material is suitable for a production of electrical energy for low-power devices due to absorption of low-potential heat

Zinc oxide-nickel cermet selective coatings obtained by sequential electrodeposition

The investigation of pulse electrodepositing modes influence on crystal structure, morphology and optical properties of ZnO has revealed the conditions in which quasi-one-dimensional (1D) ZnO nanorod arrays are formed as separate nanorods. Due to a sufficiently high resistance of zinc oxide, the electrodeposition of nickel on the fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO)/ZnO surfaces carried out in space between the ZnO nanorods. An incomplete filling of the gaps between nanorods by the nickel nanoparticles through subsequent Ni electrodeposition ensured the creation of ZnO–Ni graded cermets. The cermets, in which electrochemical filling of the spaces between ZnO nanorods by Ni, was performed in the pulse mode. It provided higher absorption of visible and near IR light. It was shown that the manufactured ZnO–Ni graded cermets have high light absorption combined with comparatively low thermal losses, so these cermets are promising cheap and affordable selective coatings for solar heat collectors

Solution-processed flexible broadband ZnO photodetector modified by Ag nanoparticles

In this work, we present flexible broadband photodetectors (PDs) fabricated by a deposition of nanostructured zinc oxide (ZnO) films on polyimide (PI) substrates by using cheap and scalable aqueous method Successive Ionic Layer Adsorption and Reaction (SILAR). In order to increase the long-wavelength absorption of the nanostructured ZnO layer, we created its intrinsic defects, including oxygen vacancies by post-treatment at 300 °C in vacuum and thus the light-sensitive material ZnO/PI was obtained. Then we applied silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) from a silver sol onto a nanostructured ZnO film, which were visualized using SEM in the form of spheres up to 100 nm in size that increased the photocurrent and figures of merit of thus obtained light-sensitive material ZnO_Ag/PI due to localized surface plasmon resonance and double Schottky barriers at the Ag-ZnO interface. To fabricate photodetectors based on a photoconductive effect, these ZnO/PI and ZnO_Ag/PI materials were equipped with ohmic aluminum contacts. The spectral responsivity (Rλ up to 275 A/W to UV light) of solution-processed flexible broadband photodetector based on ZnO_Ag/PI material at different wavelengths of light and light power densities is better than Rλ of the ZnO/PI photodetector, and at least an order of magnitude higher than Rλ of photodetectors based on nanostructured zinc oxide described in recent articles. The external quantum efficiency (EQE) of both PDs in this study in UV–Vis-NIR spectra is very high in the range from 1∙102 to 9∙104 % and is better or of the same order of magnitude as the EQE data of modern flexible broadband high-sensitivity PDs based on nanostructured heterostructures containing ZnO. The specific detectivity in UV–Vis-NIR spectra is large for ZnO/PI (from 3.5∙1010 to 1∙1012 Jones) and especially for ZnO_Ag/PI (from 1.6∙1011 to 8.6∙1013 Jones), which indicates the ability of the PDs based on light-sensitive materials ZnO/PI and ZnO_Ag/PI to recognize a very weak light signal

Crystal Structure of Nanoscale Tin Dioxide Films Produced by Magnetron Sputtering

Investigation of direct current magnetron sputtering parameters effects on the crystal structure of gas sensitive tin dioxide films has revealed that the change in the substrate temperature and in the film thickness leads to the transition from the condensation of metastable conglomerates of amorphous globules to the ≈15 nm SnO₂ crystallites with three-dimensional shape and well-defined edges. The dependence of the SnO₂ structure from the working Ar-O₂ gas mixtures and from their humidity evidences the significant role of the adsorption in the kinetics of the magnetron sputtering of tin dioxide. Due to the adsorption the morphological and dimensional characteristics of the tin dioxide films demonstrate the anomalous stability of the amorphous globules with their enhanced specific surface energy and the stabilization of the amorphous state, selectively retained even after the SnOv film reach in general the critical thickness of the crystallization

АНТИОТРАЖАЮЩИЕ ПОКРЫТИЯ ИЗ ЭЛЕКТРООСАЖДЕННЫХ МАССИВОВ ОКСИДА ЦИНКА ДЛЯ СОЛНЕЧНЫХ ЭЛЕМЕНТОВ

Surfaces of current photovoltaic devices are characterized by a high refractive index, so they tend to significant reflection of light. This explains the need for an antireflective coating (AR). In this paper, for the first time we demonstrate the possibility of creating the AR in the form of nano-scale zinc oxide array with a parabolic profile by its pulse electrodeposition from aqueous electrolytes. The study of the influence of the zinc oxide deposition mode on their optical properties such as transparency and reflection in the visible region at different angles of radiation, the optical band gap and Urbach energy were performed using a spectrophotometer SF-2000 equipped with specular and diffuse reflection attachment SFO-2000. Structural characteristics, namely, lattice parameters, microstrains, residual stress and texture were analyzed by X-ray diffractometry. Morphology of the grown arrays was investigated by intermittent-contact atomic force microscopy (AFM) using a NanoLaboratory Ntegra Prima NT-MDT setup. Optimization of the pulse electrodeposition mode allowed to adjust the size of parabolic nipples and thus to create AR moth-eye structure based on the electrodeposited zinc oxide arrays, which is suitable for use in photovoltaic devices. Bibliography. 7, Table. 1, Fig. 5.Поверхности современных фотоэлектрических преобразователей характеризуются довольно высоким коэффициентом преломления, поэтому им свойственно значительное отражение света, для устранения которого прибегают к нанесению антиотражающих покрытий (АП). В данной работе впервые показана возможность создания АП в виде наноразмерных массивов оксида цинка с параболическим профилем методом импульсного электрохимического осаждения из водных электролитов. Исследование влияния режимов осаждения массивов оксида цинка на такие его оптические свойства как прозрачность и отражение в видимой области при различных углах облучения, на оптическую ширину запрещенной зоны и на энергию Урбаха выполняли с помощью спектрофотометра СФ-2000, оснащенного приставкой зеркального и диффузного отражения СФО-2000. Структурные характеристики, а именно, параметры кристаллической решетки, микронапряжения, остаточные напряжения и текстура анализировались по данным рентген-дифрактометрических исследований. Морфологию выращиваемых массивовисследовали полуконтактным методом атомной силовой микроскопии (АСМ) на установке «НаноЛаборатория Нтегра Прима NT-MDT». Оптимизация режимов импульсного электроосаждения позволила скорректировать размеры параболических нановыступов и таким образом обеспечить создание на основе электроосажденных массивов оксида цинка пригодного для использования в фотоэлектрических преобразователях АП с эффектом глаза ночной бабочки. Библ. 7, табл. 1, рис. 5.Поверхні сучасних фотоелектричних перетворювачів характеризуються досить високим коефіцієнтом заломлення, тому їм властиво значне відображення світла, для усунення якого вдаються до нанесення антивідбиваючих покриттів (АП). У даній роботі вперше показана можливість створення АП у вигляді нанорозмірних масивів оксиду цинку з параболічним профілем методом імпульсного електрохімічного осадження з водних електролітів. Дослідження впливу режимів осадження масивів оксиду цинку на такі його оптичні властивості як прозорість і відображення у видимій області при різних кутах опромінення, на оптичну ширину забороненої зони та на енергію Урбаха виконували за допомогою спектрофотометра СФ-2000, оснащеного приставкою дзеркального і дифузного віддзеркалення СФО-2000 . Структурні характеристики, а саме, параметри кристалічної решітки, мікронапруги, залишкові напруги і текстура аналізувалися за даними рентген-дифрактометричних досліджень. Морфологію вирощуваних масивів досліджували напівконтактним методом атомної силової мікроскопії (АСМ) на установці «НаноЛабораторія Нтегра Прима NT-MDT». Оптимізація режимів імпульсного електроосадження дозволила скорегувати розміри параболічних нановиступов і таким чином забезпечити створення на основі електроосадженних масивів оксиду цинку придатного для використання в фотоелектричних перетворювачах АП з ефектом ока нічного метелика. Бібл. 7, табл. 1, мал. 5

The chemical compound 'Heatin' stimulates hypocotyl elongation and interferes with the Arabidopsis NIT1-subfamily of nitrilases

Temperature passively affects biological processes involved in plant growth. Therefore, it is challenging to study the dedicated temperature signalling pathways that orchestrate thermomorphogenesis, a suite of elongation growth-based adaptations that enhance leaf-cooling capacity. We screened a chemical library for compounds that restored hypocotyl elongation in the pif4-2-deficient mutant background at warm temperature conditions in Arabidopsis thaliana to identify modulators of thermomorphogenesis. The small aromatic compound 'Heatin', containing 1-iminomethyl-2-naphthol as a pharmacophore, was selected as an enhancer of elongation growth. We show that ARABIDOPSIS ALDEHYDE OXIDASES redundantly contribute to Heatin-mediated hypocotyl elongation. Following a chemical proteomics approach, the members of the NITRILASE1-subfamily of auxin biosynthesis enzymes were identified among the molecular targets of Heatin. Our data reveal that nitrilases are involved in promotion of hypocotyl elongation in response to high temperature and Heatin-mediated hypocotyl elongation requires the NITRILASE1-subfamily members, NIT1 and NIT2. Heatin inhibits NIT1-subfamily enzymatic activity in vitro and the application of Heatin accordingly results in the accumulation of NIT1-subfamily substrate indole-3-acetonitrile in vivo. However, levels of the NIT1-subfamily product, bioactive auxin (indole-3-acetic acid), were also significantly increased. It is likely that the stimulation of hypocotyl elongation by Heatin might be independent of its observed interaction with NITRILASE1-subfamily members. However, nitrilases may contribute to the Heatin response by stimulating indole-3-acetic acid biosynthesis in an indirect way. Heatin and its functional analogues present novel chemical entities for studying auxin biology

Investigations into a putative role for the novel BRASSIKIN pseudokinases in compatible pollen-stigma interactions in Arabidopsis thaliana.

BACKGROUND: In the Brassicaceae, the early stages of compatible pollen-stigma interactions are tightly controlled with early checkpoints regulating pollen adhesion, hydration and germination, and pollen tube entry into the stigmatic surface. However, the early signalling events in the stigma which trigger these compatible interactions remain unknown. RESULTS: A set of stigma-expressed pseudokinase genes, termed BRASSIKINs (BKNs), were identified and found to be present in only core Brassicaceae genomes. In Arabidopsis thaliana Col-0, BKN1 displayed stigma-specific expression while the BKN2 gene was expressed in other tissues as well. CRISPR deletion mutations were generated for the two tandemly linked BKNs, and very mild hydration defects were observed for wild-type Col-0 pollen when placed on the bkn1/2 mutant stigmas. In further analyses, the predominant transcript for the stigma-specific BKN1 was found to have a premature stop codon in the Col-0 ecotype, but a survey of the 1001 Arabidopsis genomes uncovered three ecotypes that encoded a full-length BKN1 protein. Furthermore, phylogenetic analyses identified intact BKN1 orthologues in the closely related outcrossing Arabidopsis species, A. lyrata and A. halleri. Finally, the BKN pseudokinases were found to be plasma-membrane localized through the dual lipid modification of myristoylation and palmitoylation, and this localization would be consistent with a role in signaling complexes. CONCLUSION: In this study, we have characterized the novel Brassicaceae-specific family of BKN pseudokinase genes, and examined the function of BKN1 and BKN2 in the context of pollen-stigma interactions in A. thaliana Col-0. Additionally, premature stop codons were identified in the predicted stigma specific BKN1 gene in a number of the 1001 A. thaliana ecotype genomes, and this was in contrast to the out-crossing Arabidopsis species which carried intact copies of BKN1. Thus, understanding the function of BKN1 in other Brassicaceae species will be a key direction for future studies

INTERDISCIPLINARY CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES "MANAGEMENT OF OBESITY AND ITS COMORBIDITIES"

Clinical guidelines have long been one of the working tools of the modern doctor, helping him quickly navigate the most effective proven methods of treatment and prevention of various diseases, and also to adapt these methods to the specific tasks of their patients and to achieve maximum personalization of treatment. Clinical  practice guidelines are drawn up by professional non-profit associations and are approved by the Scientific Council of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, while often one recommendation is prepared by two or even three associations. The peculiarity of the recommendations offered to your attention is that not only endocrinologists, but also therapists, cardiologists, gynecologists, gastroenterologists, and experts of many other specialties are involved in the prevention and treatment of obesity. The Multidisciplinary Working Group presents this a project in a multidisciplinary journal to bring together the efforts of several professional associations that associated with the need to pay attention not only to obesity itself but also to comorbid conditions. We are looking forward to constructive criticism and a comprehensive discussion of the problem on the pages of our journal

ЗАЛУЧЕННЯ ІНОЗЕМНИХ ІНВЕСТИЦІЙ В ЕКОНОМІЧНУ ДІЯЛЬНІСТЬ ПІДПРИЄМСТВА

One of the most significant problems of modern Ukraine is the stability of economic development. Attraction of overseas investments has significant impact on the state and dynamics of Ukrainian economy, ensures scientific and technological progress, economic growth, creation of additional and preservation of existing jobs, promotes intensification of business activity.The attractiveness of overseas investments in the economic activity of the enterprise was assessed in this punlication. The features of this process from existing is the evaluation of 6 components: competitors, product range and export, operating expenses, the state of fixed assets and the workforce.As the result on evaluation, problems and ways to increase the efficiency on attracting foreign investment in the company economic activity, its strengths and weaknesses have been identified, and measures have been proposed to improve the process on making informed management decisions related to ensuring investment attractiveness in modern farming conditions.In order to increase overseas investment and expand scope of their using in enterprise economic activity, it is advisable to develop organizational and economic mechanism. It should be combined different functional blocks: institutional and legal, monetary, tax and territorial-organizational. It should be bring together the components of the organizational and economic mechanism and provide the vector approach on formation favourable conditions for attracting overseas investment in enterprises economic activity.Overseas investment is financial resource, that will be helping to increase enterprises efficiency, the development of relevant territories and cities, to improve the social protection of citizens.Attracting overseas investment into enterprise economic activity taking into account competitors, assortment and export of products, operating expenses, the state of fixed assets and labour will be creating opportunities to improve the investment environment in state and increase the flow of overseas direct investment in short future.Однією з найбільш вагомих проблем сучасної України залишається стабільність економічного розвитку. Залучення іноземних інвестицій здійснює значний вплив на стан і динаміку економіки України, забезпечує науково-технічний прогрес, економічне зростання, створення додаткових і збереження вже наявних робочих місць, сприяє активізації підприємницької діяльності.Виконано оцінювання залучення іноземних інвестицій в економічну діяльність підприємства. Відміною рисою цього процесу від існуючих є врахування шести компонентів: конкурентів, асортименту та експорту продукції, операційних витрат, стану основних засобів і робочої сили.У результаті оцінювання визначено проблеми і шляхи підвищення ефективності залучення іноземних інвестицій в економічну діяльність підприємства, її сильні і слабі сторони, запропоновано заходи щодо поліпшення процесу ухвалення обґрунтованих управлінських рішень, пов’язаних із забезпеченням інвестиційної привабливості.Для збільшення обсягів зростання і поширення застосування іноземних інвестицій в економічну діяльність підприємства доцільним є розроблення організаційно-економічного механізму. Він має бути побудованим на основі поєднання різних функціональних блоків: інституціонально-правового, грошово-кредитного, бюджетно-податкового і територіально-організаційного. Це дозволить об’єднати компоненти організаційно-економічного механізму для забезпечення векторного підходу до формування сприятливих умов залучення іноземних інвестицій в економічну діяльність підприємства.Залучення іноземних інвестицій в економічну діяльність підприємства з урахуванням конкурентів, асортименту та експорту продукції, операційних витрат, стану основних засобів та робочої сили дозволить створити можливості для поліпшення інвестиційного середовища в державі і збільшити потік прямих іноземних інвестицій у найближчій перспективі