Flexible zinc oxide photoelectrode for photo electrochemical energy conversion

© 2021 The Author(s). Photoelectrochemical properties have been investigated for flexible photoelectrodes containing 310 nm thick ZnO film on spin-coated ITO/PET. The high crystalline structure of ZnO was studied using x-ray diffraction pattern. A value of 3.4 eV has been estimated for optical band gap from its absorption spectra. The flexible ZnO photoelectrode was demonstrated to generate photoelectrochemical current. The photocurrents are enhanced by 4% whereas flat-band potential is shifted by 8 V due to the illumination. Values of 1.022 and 0.714 AW−1 were found to be for photo switching and photoresponsivity, respectively. ZnO/ITO/PET can be used as a substrate for making flexible hybrid PEC devices to generate solar power and solar fuels

Electrically Tunable Optical Switching of a Mott Insulator– Band Insulator Interface

We report on the optical switching behavior of ultrathin LaTiO 3 (LTO) fi lms epitaxially grown on (100) and (110) SrTiO 3 (STO).The metallic state of this heterostructure formed by deposition of an otherwise Mott insulator can be switched by an electric fi eld applied in a fi eld-effect transistor (FET) confi guration or upon exposure to near-ultraviolet light. The photon-fl ux-induced switching can be enhanced or nullifi ed by changing the polarity of the gate voltage. We present a scenario where electrons from the lower Hubbard band of LTO and oxygen defect states of STO accumulate at the interface. The extent of this accumulation is modifi ed by electric and photon fi elds, giving rise to a potentially new electronic device

Formulation and Evaluation of Bi-layer Tablet of Metoclopramide Hydrochloride and Ibuprofen

The aim of this study was to prepare bi-layer tablet of Metoclopramide Hydrochloride (MTH) and Ibuprofen (IB) for the effective treatment of migraine. MTH and IB were formulated as immediate and sustained release layer respectively. MTH was formulated as immediate release layer by using various disintegrants like Ac-Di-Sol, Polyplasdone XL, Explotab, Agar and Gellan Gum. Treated form of gellan gum and agar was prepared and compared for their disintegrant efficiency with other disintegrants. IB was formulated as sustained release layer using hydrophilic matrix (hydroxypropylmethylcellulose [HPMC K4M]). The effect of concentration of hydrophilic matrix (HPMC K4M), binder (polyvinylpyrollidone [PVP K30]) and buffer (sodium bicarbonate) on IB release was studied. The dissolution study of sustained release layer showed that an increasing amount of HPMC or PVP K30 results in reduced IB release. The inclusion of buffer (sodium bicarbonate) enhanced the release of IB from sustained release layer. The rational for formulation of bi-layer tablet of these two drugs in combination was (1) MTH increases the absorption of acidic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) by increasing gastric motility. So sequential release of MTH (as immediate release) and IB (as sustained release) was suitable for treatment of migraine. (2) MTH was degraded when prolonged contact with acidic NSAID. Bi-layer tablet was suitable for preventing direct contact of these two drugs and thus to maximize the efficacy of combination of two drugs for migraine

A adoção de Sistemas Produtivos entre Grupos de Pequenos Produtores de Algodão no Brasil

Resumo: Este trabalho analisa os padrões de produção de grupos de pequenos produtores do algodão no Brasil e seus impactos sobre as preferências declaradas por novos sistemas de produção. Especificamente, verificam-se as principais características que diferenciam as escolhas pelos sistemas de algodão geneticamente modificado (Bt e RR) e não geneticamente modificado (colorido, orgânico e branco convencional). As análises baseiam-se em dados primários aplicados a grupos de pequenos produtores de algodão nas principais regiões produtoras no Brasil. Os padrões de associação entre as características do produtor e do sistema de produção foram analisados com a Análise de Correspondência Múltipla. A propensão a adotar novos sistemas de produção foi analisada pela Análise Conjunta. Os resultados destacam que, mesmo entre pequenos produtores, há distinções importantes entre os padrões de produção que determinam a escolha pelo tipo de semente. O conhecimento prévio do sistema de cultivo, através da prática agrícola corrente, mostra-se um fator fundamental nas preferências dos produtores por novos sistemas de produção. Conclui-se que a cadeia produtiva, principalmente o papel das cooperativas locais e das redes privadas de apoio à produção e à comercialização, teria um papel decisivo na definição de redes de influência e, consequentemente, na adoção dos sistemas produtivos