Ultrafast transient optical loss dynamics in exciton-plasmon nano-assemblies

We study the exciton-plasmon dynamics that lead to optical loss mitigation via ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy (UTAS) on hybrid aggregates of core-shell quantum dots (QDs) and Au nanoparticles (NPs). We highlight that generating hot electrons in plasmonic NPs contributes to the transient differential absorption spectrum under optical excitation. The results suggest modifying the method of analyzing the transient absorption spectra of loss mitigated systems. Additionally, we investigate the effect of Electron Oscillation frequency-Phonon Resonance Detuning (EOPRD) on loss mitigation efficiency. Moreover, power dependent UTAS reveal a frequency pulling like effect in the transient bleach maximum towards the gain emission. We show that the appropriate choice of the pump wavelength and by changing the pump power we can conclusively prove the existence of loss mitigation using UTAS. Finally, we study the transient kinetics of hybrid gain-plasmon systems and report interesting hybrid transient kinetics. © 2017 The Royal Society of Chemistry

Behaviour change interventions to reduce second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure at home in pregnant women - A systematic review and intervention appraisal

Abstract Background Second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure during pregnancy is associated with poor pregnancy and foetal outcomes. Theory-based behaviour change interventions (BCI) have been used successfully to change smoking related behaviours and offer the potential to reduce exposure of SHS in pregnant women. Systematic reviews conducted so far do not evaluate the generalisability and scalability of interventions. The objectives of this review were to (1) report the BCIs for reduction in home exposure to SHS for pregnant women; and (2) critically appraise intervention-reporting, generalisability, feasibility and scalability of the BCIs employed. Methods Standard methods following PRISMA guidelines were employed. Eight databases were searched from 2000 to 2015 in English. The studies included used BCIs on pregnant women to reduce their home SHS exposure by targeting husbands/partners. The Workgroup for Intervention Development and Evaluation Research (WIDER) guidelines were used to assess intervention reporting. Generalisability, feasibility and scalability were assessed against criteria described by Bonell and Milat. Results Of 3479 papers identified, six studies met the inclusion criteria. These studies found that BCIs led to increased knowledge about SHS harms, reduction or husbands quitting smoking, and increased susceptibility and change in level of actions to reduce SHS at home. Two studies reported objective exposure measures, and one reported objective health outcomes. The studies partially followed WIDER guidelines for reporting, and none met all generalisability, feasibility and scalability criteria. Conclusions There is a dearth of literature in this area and the quality of studies reviewed was moderate to low. The BCIs appear effective in reducing SHS, however, weak study methodology (self-reported exposure, lack of objective outcome assessment, short follow-up, absence of control group) preclude firm conclusion. Some components of the WIDER checklist were followed for BCI reporting, scalability and feasibility of the studies were not described. More rigorous studies using biochemical and clinical measures for exposures and health outcomes in varied study settings are required. Studies should report interventions in detail using WIDER checklist and assess them for generalisability, feasibility and scalability. Trial registration CRD40125026666

Structural and optical characteristics of thermally evaporated TlGaSe2 thin films

The present paper reports the structural and optical properties of thermally evaporated TlGaSe2 thin films. X-ray diffraction pattern of evaporated film presented two diffraction peaks around 24.15 and 36.00° which are associated with planes of monoclinic unit cell. Surface morphology of the TlGaSe2 thin films was investigated by scanning electron and atomic force microscopy techniques. Although there was observed some ignorable amount of clusters of quasi-spherical shape in the scanning electron microscope image, the film surface was observed almost uniform. Raman spectrum exhibited six peaks around 253, 356, 488, 800, 1053 and 1440 cm−1 associated with possible vibrational mode combinations. Band gap energy of the thin film was determined as 3.01 eV from the analyses of transmission spectrum. Transmission spectrum presented strong Urbach tail and analyses of corresponding region resulted in Urbach energy of 0.66 eV. The structural and optical properties of deposited TlGaSe2 thin films were compared with those of single crystal. This comparison would provide valuable information about influence of thickness on the studied compounds

Consensus Approaches of High-Value Crypto Currencies and Application in SHA-3

In view of the widespread use of information technologies, the security of data against third parties should be maintained. Blockchain technology is used for this data and especially for transactions in finance. However, although bitcoin is well known as the crypto currency, the use of the blockchain technology is gaining importance in different areas as well. Thus, consensus algorithms have been developed in order to increase the security and especially the integrity of the crypto currencies. These consensus algorithms indirectly influence the market value of crypto currencies. In this study, consensus algorithms of some crypto currencies have been investigated. In addition to the SHA256 algorithm, the advantages and disadvantages of using Shake and Keccak algorithms as a part of the consensus algorithms, have been analyzed. SHA256, Keccak and Shake algorithms are compared regarding to their performance. As a result, we recommend that the cryptographic hash function can be replaced with the Shake algorithm can be an extendable output function for new crypto currencies. © 2020, Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Effectiveness of a multistimulant home-based program on cognitive function of older adults.

The purpose of this study was to test the effects of a multistimulant home-based program on cognitive function among older adults. This study was conducted in northeastern Turkey between March and June 2010. It was planned as an experimental versus control two-group design and carried out on 96 (intervention group = 48, control group = 48) participants. The intervention and control groups were similar regarding sex, education, partner status, and continuous drug use. Data were collected with a Standardized Mini Mental Test, the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and the Beck Anxiety Scale. Each senior received a total of 10 home visits on a once-per-week basis. Results for the intervention group showed that the Mini Mental State Test scores of the participants had statistically increased, and the Beck Anxiety and the GDS scores showed a decrease. The study found an association between the multistimulant home-based intervention program and cognitive function