Growth studies and physical characterizations of Pb-Se-Te epilayers grown by H.W.E.

The deposition process of IV- VI semiconductors is studied in order to determine optimal conditions of evaporation. A thermodynamical model of the growth is proposed and its use explained in HWE applications. Using these results, epitaxial thin films have been achieved on BaF2 and Si substrates in all the composition range from PbSe to PbTe. The epilayers obtained were then characterized by Xray diffraction, Auger spectroscopy, SEM observations and electrical measurements. An optical study from 4.2 to 300K is finally presented and the energy band gap dependence versus composition and temperature has been established

Circulating trans fatty acids are associated with prostate cancer in Ghanaian and American men

Abstract The association between fatty acids and prostate cancer remains poorly explored in African-descent populations. Here, we analyze 24 circulating fatty acids in 2934 men, including 1431 prostate cancer cases and 1503 population controls from Ghana and the United States, using CLIA-certified mass spectrometry-based assays. We investigate their associations with population groups (Ghanaian, African American, European American men), lifestyle factors, the fatty acid desaturase (FADS) genetic locus, and prostate cancer. Blood levels of circulating fatty acids vary significantly between the three population groups, particularly trans, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. FADS1/2 germline genetic variants and lifestyle factors explain some of the variation in fatty acid levels, with the FADS1/2 locus showing population-specific associations, suggesting differences in their control by germline genetic factors. All trans fatty acids, namely elaidic, palmitelaidic, and linoelaidic acids, associated with an increase in the odds of developing prostate cancer, independent of ancestry, geographic location, or potential confounders

Circulating trans fatty acids are associated with prostate cancer in Ghanaian and American men

The association between fatty acids and prostate cancer remains poorly explored in African-descent populations. Here, we analyze 24 circulating fatty acids in 2934 men, including 1431 prostate cancer cases and 1503 population controls from Ghana and the United States, using CLIA-certified mass spectrometry-based assays. We investigate their associations with population groups (Ghanaian, African American, European American men), lifestyle fac?tors, the fatty acid desaturase (FADS) genetic locus, and prostate cancer. Blood levels of circulating fatty acids vary significantly between the three population groups, particularly trans, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. FADS1/2 germline genetic variants and lifestyle factors explain some of the variation in fatty acid levels, with the FADS1/2 locus showing population-specific associations, suggesting differences in their control by germline genetic factors. All trans fatty acids, namely elaidic, palmitelaidic, and linoelaidic acids, associated with an increase in the odds of developing prostate cancer, independent of ancestry, geographic location, or potential confounders.</p

Academic student satisfaction and perceived performance in the e-learning environment during the COVID-19 pandemic: Evidence from an international survey.

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically shaped higher education and seen the distinct rise of e-learning as a compulsory element of the modern educational landscape. Accordingly, this study highlights the factors which have influenced how students perceive their academic performance during this emergency changeover to e-learning. The empirical analysis is performed on a sample of 10,092 higher education students from 10 countries across 4 continents during the pandemic\u2019s first wave through an online survey. A structural equation model revealed the quality of e-learning was mainly derived from service quality, the teacher\u2019s active role in the process of online education, and the overall system quality, while the students\u2019 digital competencies and online interactions with their colleagues and teachers were considered to be slightly less important factors. The impact of e-learning quality on the students\u2019 performance was strongly mediated by their satisfaction with elearning. In general, the model gave quite consistent results across countries, gender, study fields, and levels of study. The findings provide a basis for policy recommendations to support decision-makers incorporate e-learning issues in the current and any new similar circumstances