Effect of Composition on Optical and Thermoelectric Properties of Microstructured p-type (Bi2Te3)x(Sb2Te3)1 – x Alloys

Semiconducting (Bi2Te3)x(Sb2Te3)1 – x alloys are among the best thermoelectric materials available today near room temperature. This property is largely attributed to compositional variations, resulting in improved figure of merit. Considering this, present study aimed at characterizing the optical and thermoelectric properties of microstructured p-type (Bi2Te3)x(Sb2Te3)1 – x alloys for enhanced thermoelectric efficiency. High performance microstructured p-type (Bi2Te3)x(Sb2Te3)1 – x alloys were prepared by melting technique. The phase, optical band gap, microstructure, carrier type concentration and thermoelectric properties of the prepared alloys were systematically investigated by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, hot probe p-n type tester, four-probe method, κ-probe method and Seebeck coefficient measurement system. The electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient were measured in the temperature range 298-473 K to elucidate the Sb content effect on the thermoelectric properties of the p-type (Bi2Te3)x(Sb2Te3)1 – x alloys. The optical band gap decreased with increasing Sb content. Also, with the increase of Sb content, the electrical conductivity increased substantially, the thermal conductivity increased significantly and the Seebeck coefficient decreased marginally, which lead to a great improvement in the thermoelectric figure of merit. The maximum power factor of 3.2 × 10 – 3 Wm – 1K – 2 and figure of merit of 0.72 were obtained at 300 K for the composition of 15 %Bi2Te3-85 %Sb2Te3. When you are citing the document, use the following link http://essuir.sumdu.edu.ua/handle/123456789/3432

On the estimation of functions belonging to Lipschitz class by block pulse functions and hybrid Legendre polynomials

In this paper, block pulse functions and hybrid Legendre polynomials are introduced. The estimators of a function $f$ having first and second derivative belonging to $Lip_\alpha[a,b]$ class, $0 < \alpha \leq 1$, and $a$, $b$ are finite real numbers, by block pulse functions and hybrid Legendre polynomials have been calculated. These calculated estimators are new, sharp and best possible in wavelet analysis. An example has been given to explain the validity of approximation of functions by using the hybrid Legendre polynomials approximation method. A real-world problem of radioactive decay is solved using this hybrid Legendre polynomials approximation method. Moreover, the Hermite differential equation of order zero is solved by using hybrid Legendre polynomials approximation method to explain the importance and the application of the technique of this method

EFFECT OF MUSTAKADI VATI IN THE MANAGEMENT OF GRAHANI DOSHA IN CHILDREN – A CASE STUDY

BACKGROUND: Grahani is the Adhishthana of Agni and Agni Dushti is the main reason of the disease. The disease Grahani Dosha is very commonly seen in present pediatric practice and it aggravates to form a critical condition if the proper care is not taken. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A 8-years-old male patient of Grahani Dosha with complaints of defecation just after taking meal, Bowel frequency 3-4 times/day, irregular bowel habit, loss of appetite, generalized weakness, occasional pain in abdomen, slow weight gain for 5-6 months was treated by Mustakadi Vati in three divided doses of 10 Vati per day after meal for 8 weeks with SukhoshnaJala. RESULT: Marked improvement was found after 8 weeks of treatment i.e., bowel frequency reduced to 1 time/day, no weakness, abdominal pain relieved, 2 kg body weight gained. Hematological parameters along with routine and microscopic investigations of stool and urine were done before and after the treatment, all were found normal. Mala Parikshana was done before treatment which showed sinking of stool in water and foul smell and after 8 weeks of treatment again Mala Parikshana was done where floating of stool in water and no foul smell were found. CONCLUSION: This case study has shown that Mustakadi Vati is effective in improving the symptoms of Grahani Dosha. Marked improvements were found in all the symptoms of Grahani Dosha in Children

Effect of Composition on Optical and Thermoelectric Properties of Microstructured p-type (Bi2Te3)x(Sb2Te3)1 – x Alloys

Semiconducting (Bi2Te3)x(Sb2Te3)1 – x alloys are among the best thermoelectric materials available today near room temperature. This property is largely attributed to compositional variations, resulting in improved figure of merit. Considering this, present study aimed at characterizing the optical and thermoelectric properties of microstructured p-type (Bi2Te3)x(Sb2Te3)1 – x alloys for enhanced thermoelectric efficiency. High performance microstructured p-type (Bi2Te3)x(Sb2Te3)1 – x alloys were prepared by melting technique. The phase, optical band gap, microstructure, carrier type concentration and thermoelectric properties of the prepared alloys were systematically investigated by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, hot probe p-n type tester, four-probe method, κ-probe method and Seebeck coefficient measurement system. The electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient were measured in the temperature range 298-473 K to elucidate the Sb content effect on the thermoelectric properties of the p-type (Bi2Te3)x(Sb2Te3)1 – x alloys. The optical band gap decreased with increasing Sb content. Also, with the increase of Sb content, the electrical conductivity increased substantially, the thermal conductivity increased significantly and the Seebeck coefficient decreased marginally, which lead to a great improvement in the thermoelectric figure of merit. The maximum power factor of 3.2 × 10 – 3 Wm – 1K – 2 and figure of merit of 0.72 were obtained at 300 K for the composition of 15 %Bi2Te3-85 %Sb2Te3. When you are citing the document, use the following link http://essuir.sumdu.edu.ua/handle/123456789/3582

Outdoor resting preference of Culex tritaeniorhynchus, the vector of Japanese encephalitis in Warangal and Karim Nagar districts, Andhra Pradesh

Background & objectives : Entomological investigations were carried out in Warangal and KarimNagar districts of Andhra Pradesh during viral encephalitis outbreak in July 2003.Methods : Adult mosquito collections in outdoor were done using sweep cage method and in indoorwith the help of aspirator tube and flash light. Larval collections were done by dipping method. JEvirus positivity was tested by IgM capture ELISA test.Results : Outdoor collections revealed presence of Culex tritaeniorhynchus, Cx. bitaeniorhynchusand Cx. gelidus and in indoor collections —Cx. quinquefasciatus, Cx. tritaeniorhynchus, An. vagusand An. subpictus. In the outdoor collections Cx. tritaeniorhynchus was predominant (96.3% of totalcollection). Three samples out of 55 serum samples from human cases and five from contacts showedthe presence of antibodies against JE virus.Interpretation & conclusion : Cx. tritaeniorhynchus, a known vector of JE is predominant in outdoorsand playing a main role in JE transmission in this area. Vector control aimed at the outdoor restingpopulation might limit virus circulation in the mosquito vertebrate host cycle and prevent humaninfection

Leprosy post-exposure prophylaxis with single-dose rifampicin

_Objective:_ Leprosy post-exposure prophylaxis with single-dose rifampicin (SDRPEP) has proven effective and feasible, and is recommended by WHO since 2018. This SDR-PEP toolkit was developed through the experience of the leprosy postexposure prophylaxis (LPEP) programme. It has been designed to facilitate and standardise the implementation of contact tracing and SDR-PEP administration in regions and countries that start the intervention. _Results:_ Four tools were developed, incorporating the current evidence for SDRPEP and the methods and learnings from the LPEP project in eight countries. (1) th

Mapping subnational HIV mortality in six Latin American countries with incomplete vital registration systems

BackgroundHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a public health priority in Latin America. While the burden of HIV is historically concentrated in urban areas and high-risk groups, subnational estimates that cover multiple countries and years are missing. This paucity is partially due to incomplete vital registration (VR) systems and statistical challenges related to estimating mortality rates in areas with low numbers of HIV deaths. In this analysis, we address this gap and provide novel estimates of the HIV mortality rate and the number of HIV deaths by age group, sex, and municipality in Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, and Mexico.MethodsWe performed an ecological study using VR data ranging from 2000 to 2017, dependent on individual country data availability. We modeled HIV mortality using a Bayesian spatially explicit mixed-effects regression model that incorporates prior information on VR completeness. We calibrated our results to the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017.ResultsAll countries displayed over a 40-fold difference in HIV mortality between municipalities with the highest and lowest age-standardized HIV mortality rate in the last year of study for men, and over a 20-fold difference for women. Despite decreases in national HIV mortality in all countries-apart from Ecuador-across the period of study, we found broad variation in relative changes in HIV mortality at the municipality level and increasing relative inequality over time in all countries. In all six countries included in this analysis, 50% or more HIV deaths were concentrated in fewer than 10% of municipalities in the latest year of study. In addition, national age patterns reflected shifts in mortality to older age groups-the median age group among decedents ranged from 30 to 45years of age at the municipality level in Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico in 2017.ConclusionsOur subnational estimates of HIV mortality revealed significant spatial variation and diverging local trends in HIV mortality over time and by age. This analysis provides a framework for incorporating data and uncertainty from incomplete VR systems and can help guide more geographically precise public health intervention to support HIV-related care and reduce HIV-related deaths.Peer reviewe

Mapping geographical inequalities in childhood diarrhoeal morbidity and mortality in low-income and middle-income countries, 2000–17 : analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017

Background Across low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs), one in ten deaths in children younger than 5 years is attributable to diarrhoea. The substantial between-country variation in both diarrhoea incidence and mortality is attributable to interventions that protect children, prevent infection, and treat disease. Identifying subnational regions with the highest burden and mapping associated risk factors can aid in reducing preventable childhood diarrhoea. Methods We used Bayesian model-based geostatistics and a geolocated dataset comprising 15 072 746 children younger than 5 years from 466 surveys in 94 LMICs, in combination with findings of the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2017, to estimate posterior distributions of diarrhoea prevalence, incidence, and mortality from 2000 to 2017. From these data, we estimated the burden of diarrhoea at varying subnational levels (termed units) by spatially aggregating draws, and we investigated the drivers of subnational patterns by creating aggregated risk factor estimates. Findings The greatest declines in diarrhoeal mortality were seen in south and southeast Asia and South America, where 54·0% (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 38·1–65·8), 17·4% (7·7–28·4), and 59·5% (34·2–86·9) of units, respectively, recorded decreases in deaths from diarrhoea greater than 10%. Although children in much of Africa remain at high risk of death due to diarrhoea, regions with the most deaths were outside Africa, with the highest mortality units located in Pakistan. Indonesia showed the greatest within-country geographical inequality; some regions had mortality rates nearly four times the average country rate. Reductions in mortality were correlated to improvements in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) or reductions in child growth failure (CGF). Similarly, most high-risk areas had poor WASH, high CGF, or low oral rehydration therapy coverage. Interpretation By co-analysing geospatial trends in diarrhoeal burden and its key risk factors, we could assess candidate drivers of subnational death reduction. Further, by doing a counterfactual analysis of the remaining disease burden using key risk factors, we identified potential intervention strategies for vulnerable populations. In view of the demands for limited resources in LMICs, accurately quantifying the burden of diarrhoea and its drivers is important for precision public health

Anemia prevalence in women of reproductive age in low- and middle-income countries between 2000 and 2018

Anemia is a globally widespread condition in women and is associated with reduced economic productivity and increased mortality worldwide. Here we map annual 2000–2018 geospatial estimates of anemia prevalence in women of reproductive age (15–49 years) across 82 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), stratify anemia by severity and aggregate results to policy-relevant administrative and national levels. Additionally, we provide subnational disparity analyses to provide a comprehensive overview of anemia prevalence inequalities within these countries and predict progress toward the World Health Organization’s Global Nutrition Target (WHO GNT) to reduce anemia by half by 2030. Our results demonstrate widespread moderate improvements in overall anemia prevalence but identify only three LMICs with a high probability of achieving the WHO GNT by 2030 at a national scale, and no LMIC is expected to achieve the target in all their subnational administrative units. Our maps show where large within-country disparities occur, as well as areas likely to fall short of the WHO GNT, offering precision public health tools so that adequate resource allocation and subsequent interventions can be targeted to the most vulnerable populations.Peer reviewe