Crystallized InBiS3 thin films with enhanced optoelectronic properties

In this paper, a one-step thermal evaporation approach was used for fabrication of indium bismuth sulphide thin films, and the synergetic effects of co-evaporation of two sources (indium granules and Bi2S3 powders) were investigated using different characterization techniques. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the crystalline orthorhombic structure for the postannealed samples. Surface roughness and crystal size of the obtained film samples were increased with increasing annealing temperatures. Analysis using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed the formation of the InBiS3 structure for the obtained films, which is also confirmed by the XRD results. The optical absorption coefficient value of the annealed samples was found to be in the order of 10⁵cm-1 in the visible region of the solar spectrum. The optical band gap energy and electrical resistivity of the fabricated samples were observed to decrease (from 2.2 to 1.3 eV, and from 0.3 to 0.01 Ω-cm, respectively) with increasing annealing temperatures (from 200 to 350°C), indicating the suitability of the prepared InBiS3 thin films for solar cell applications

Analysis of students design activities towards biomimicry conceptual design

The creation of a new idea is crucial in many aspects of thinking. An improvement in method of thinking process these days has been producing a lot of novelty in design circumstances. Design thinking is often and very much influenced by design work. Nowadays, there are many research fieldworks use design thinking process to explain certain arising problems. In this study, we use Biomimicry as an approach to develop students’ design activities. Biomimicry study was highlighted when many solutions have been successfully implemented using this method in various fields of work nowadays. Biomimicry was originally formed by two different Greek root words which are “bios‟ meant life and “mimesis” which means imitate. Now, many have started to recognize the importance of inspirations of nature since a lot of researches have been conducted to understand. Conceptual framework is the basis of understanding in any study or research. This study will be utilising properties specified in the frame work which has been produced in developing the research methods. By using two aspects of study methods which are questionnaire and drawing test as a medium for experimentation and analysis

Description of larval instars of chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), a species of forensic importance in Malaysia.

The anatomical structures of the first, second and third instars of Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart) were examined by light microscopy. Observations were documented on the three main characteristics; the cephalopharyngeal skeleton, anterior spiracle and posterior spiracle. The first instar larva bore cornuae of fairly pigmented delineation with slim hypostomal sclerite and distinct dental sclerite. First instar did not have obscured anterior spiracle but posterior spiracles were obscured with thin lining of opened peritreme. Intersegmental spines were evident. The second instar larva displayed a prominent anterodorsal process approaching closer to hypostomal sclerite while upper margin of the dorsal cornua was slightly pigmented. Each anterior spiracle consisted of nine to ten papillae, arranged in a single row. Peritreme of the posterior spiracle thick, opening at the end of peritreme was not wide and confined to two spiracular slits. The third instar larva showed a prominent arch of the ventral cornua with broad and bold appearance. It approached the dorsal cornua and became narrow at the incision median. The anterior spiracle consisted of a single row of nine to ten papillae while intersegmental spine could be identified with one to three dark pigmented tips. A dark pigmented and wide periterime was observed confining three short and thick spiracular slits while button was poorly pigmented. The most distinctive feature of this second and third instar larva was the slender, thorn-like tubercle with numerous spined tips on the middle line segment of the body. These findings provide identification features of C. rufifacies larvae instars

Passively mode-locked ultrashort pulse fiber laser incorporating multi-layered graphene nanoplatelets saturable absorber

In this paper, a passive mode-locked erbium-doped fiber laser (EDFL) incorporating graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) powder-based saturable absorber (SA) with short pulse duration in femtosecond range is demonstrated. A good synthesis of GNP can be simply produced via a combination of thermal, chemical, and mechanical exfoliation of expandable graphite. The GNP-SA is fabricated by mechanically imprinting the powder onto the tip of a single mode fiber ferrule. The characterization of SA is done via focus ion beam scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, as well as Raman spectroscopy. The fabricated GNP-SA has 1.8 % modulation depth and C-band transmission loss of less than 1.8 dB. The ring-configuration EDFL integrated with GNP-SA yields a mode-locking threshold of 22.6 mW pump power. Net anomalous dispersion of the laser cavity is validated by the observation of Kelly’s sideband in the optical spectrum. At maximum pump power of 115.8 mW, the mode-locked EDFL has a pulse repetition rate of 13.11 MHz, sech2 profile fitted pulse duration of 694 fs, peak-to-pedestal extinction ratio of 58.2 dB, average output power of 6.7 mW, and pulse energy of 507.2 pJ. Our proposed GNP-SA is feasible as a mode-locker for ultrashort pulsed fiber laser with advantage in terms of simple synthesis and fabrication technique

Review of the Nanostructuring and Doping Strategies for High-Performance ZnO Thermoelectric Materials

Unique properties of thermoelectric materials enable the conversion of waste heat to electrical energies. Among the reported materials, Zinc oxide (ZnO) gained attention due to its superior thermoelectric performance. In this review, we attempt to oversee the approaches to improve the thermoelectric properties of ZnO, where nanostructuring and doping methods will be assessed. The outcomes of the reviewed studies are analysed and benchmarked to obtain a preliminary understanding of the parameters involved in improving the thermoelectric properties of Zn

Numerical approach for the evaluation of hemodynamic behaviour in peripheral arterial disease : A systematic review

Reduced blood flow to the lower extremities causes peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which is caused by atherosclerotic plaque in the arterial wall. If this impairment is not treated, it will result in severe vascular diseases like ulceration and gangrene. Previous research has shown that while evaluating the pathology of the peripheral artery, the assumption of the model geometry significantly impacts the uncertainty of the stenosis area. However, more work needs to be done to understand the interaction between mechanical better and flow conditions in the peripheral artery using a separate computer model of the cardiovascular system. This paper reviews the numerical approach on pre and post-treatment of hemodynamic behavior in peripheral arterial disease (PAD). The goal of this study was to thoroughly examine the most recent developments with the application of computational studies in PAD from 2017 to 2022. While FSI investigation highlights the behavior of both the fluid and structure domains (blood and artery) during the numerical analysis of blood flow, CFD simulations primarily focus on the fluid domain (blood) behavior. Out of 92 research publications, 19 were appropriate for this assignment. This thorough study divides the publications into the categories of CFD, and FSI approaches. The results were then reviewed in accordance with the wall characteristic, analytical method, geometry, viscosity models, and validation. This paper summarizes the parameters of geometrical construction, viscosity models, analysis methods, and wall characteristics taken into consideration by the researchers to identify and simulate the blood flood flow in the stenosis area. These parameters are summarised in this study. Additionally, it could offer systematic data to help future studies produce better computational analyse

Measurement Accuracy Assessment For Laser Triangulation 3D Scanning Machine

Laser triangulation 3D scanning machine is one of many types of 3D scanning technologies that are currently available in the current market. It is mainly use to capture object profiles as well as for measurement. Therefore, the measurement accuracy of laser triangulation 3D scanner was assessed and presented in paper. Three solid aluminum calibration block with known dimensions were fabricated by using CNC machine and these samples were named based on its profiles which are round, square and complex. Besides the laser triangulation 3D scanning machine, two more measuring equipment which are Vernier caliper and coordinate measuring machine were used as benchmarks. Three profiles were chose for each calibration block samples that made up of 9 profiles that have been measured and the deviation between the measuring values were analyzed. The results shown that the lowest deviation values for most of the profiles are from coordinate measuring machine and Vernier caliper measurement data. Nevertheless, the measurement deviation for laser triangulation 3D scanner are found to be comparable with other equipment

Fabrication of high performance PVDF hollow fiber membrane using less toxic solvent at different additive loading and air gap

Existing toxic solvents in the manufacturing of polymeric membranes have been raising concerns due to the risks of exposure to health and the environment. Furthermore, the lower tensile strength of the membrane renders these membranes unable to endure greater pressure during water treatment. To sustain a healthier ecosystem, fabrication of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) hollow fiber membrane using a less toxic solvent, triethyl phosphate (TEP), with a lower molecular weight polyethylene glycol (PEG 400) (0–3 wt.%) additive were experimentally demonstrated via a phase inversion-based spinning technique at various air gap (10, 20 and 30 cm). Membrane with 2 wt.% of PEG 400 exhibited the desired ultrafiltration asymmetric morphology, while 3 wt.% PEG 400 resulting microfiltration. The surface roughness, porosity, and water flux performance increased as the loading of PEG 400 increased. The mechanical properties and contact angle of the fabricated membrane were influenced by the air gap where 20 cm indicate 2.91 MPa and 84.72◦, respectively, leading to a stronger tensile and hydrophilicity surface. Lower toxicity TEP as a solvent helped in increasing the tensile properties of the membrane as well as producing an eco-friendly membrane towards creating a sustainable environment. The comprehensive investigation in this study may present a novel composition for the robust structure of polymeric hollow fiber membrane that is suitable in membrane technology

The Relationship between Salivary IgA and White Oral Lesion in Bedridden Patients

Abstract The worldwide increase in the aging population poses tough challenges to the health care community. Indeed, older age has been associated with increased burden of chronic diseases. A decline in the protective functions of the oral mucosa could expose the aging individual to a variety of pathogens and chemicals that enter the oral cavity. The role of mucosal immunity in the defence against pathogens is well established. However, there does not seem to be much research on the relationship between salivary secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) and white lesion particularly among geriatric residents of long-term health care. Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is the dominant immunoglobulin isotype on oral mucosal surface where it acts as a first line of defence against microbial invasion. Recent investigations suggest that secretory IgA concentrations vary over the day due to a range of variables including dietary factors, daily mood, and exercise. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship of sIgA level, and salivary pH with white lesion in bedridden patients. In this study, salivary IgA was determined by ELISA in samples of 34 elderly ( 60-80 years old ) subjects grouped as male and female . Unstimulated saliva was collected, saliva flow, PH, and sIgA concentrations were measured. The results showed that the sIgA concentration was significantly higher in patients with white lesion (536.97±88.63) comparing to those with healthy mucosa (323.79±64.01) , and there is no significant difference of sIgA concentration between male (476.46±145.58) and female (396.83±108.09). We concluded that early detection of oral health problems especially white lesion can be determined by the assessment of the sIgA level. This would reflect the salivary IgA protective mechanism in patients with white lesion problems

A University-Wide Preparedness Effort in the Alert Phase of COVID-19 Incorporating Community Mental Health and Task-Shifting Strategies: Experience from a Bornean Institute of Higher Learning

The COVID-19 pandemic caught the world by surprise, causing millions of confirmed cases and hundreds of thousands of deaths. Hence, the Malaysian government announced a Movement Control Order at the start of the containment phase to flatten the epidemiological curve. Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), a public university in Borneo, was accelerated into alert phase because of high risk of case importation from more than 400 China incoming undergraduates. Measures to mitigate the potential COVID-19 outbreaks in its population were taken by using conventional public health measures with special attention to task-shifting and widespread community mental health interventions. A Preparedness and Response Centre was established to overseer the mitigating measures happening inside the university. Measures taken included empowerment of frontline staff, strengthening of restrictions, strengthening university health center, vigorous contact tracing, widespread health education, maintaining cultural sensitivity, and establishment of early standard operating procedures and university continuity plans. Hence, UMS was able to ensure no importation of cases into its campus during both acute and containment phases at the nationwide level