227 research outputs found
Multiple exciton generation in nano-crystals revisited: Consistent calculation of the yield based on pump-probe spectroscopy
Multiple exciton generation (MEG) is a process in which more than one exciton
is generated upon the absorption of a high energy photon, typically higher than
two times the band gap, in semiconductor nanocrystals. It can be observed
experimentally using time resolved spectroscopy such as the transient
absorption measurements. Quantification of the MEG yield is usu- ally done by
assuming that the bi-exciton signal is twice the signal from a single exciton.
Herein we show that this assumption is not always justified and may lead to
significant errors in the estimated MEG yields. We develop a methodology to
determine proper scaling factors to the signals from the transient absorption
experiments. Using the methodology we find modest MEG yields in lead
chalcogenide nanocrystals including the nanorods
In situ analysis of catalyst composition during gold catalyzed GaAs nanowire growth
Semiconductor nanowires offer the opportunity to incorporate novel structures
and functionality into electronic and optoelectronic devices. A clear
understanding of the nanowire growth mechanism is essential for well-controlled
growth of structures with desired properties, but the understanding is
currently limited by a lack of empirical measurements of important parameters
during growth, such as catalyst particle composition. However, this is
difficult to accurately determine by investigating post-growth. We report
direct measurement of the catalyst composition of individual gold seeded GaAs
nanowires inside an electron microscope as they grow. The Ga content in the
catalyst during growth increased with both temperature and Ga precursor flux. A
direct comparison of the calculated phase diagrams of the Au-Ga-As ternary
system to the measured catalyst composition not only lets us estimate the As
content in the catalyst but also indicates the relevance of phase diagrams to
understanding nanowire growth
Scene Segmentation Driven by Deep Learning and Surface Fitting
This paper proposes a joint color and depth segmentation scheme exploiting together geometrical clues and a learning stage. The approach starts from an initial over-segmentation based on spectral clustering. The input data is also fed to a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) thus producing a per-pixel descriptor vector for each scene sample. An iterative merging procedure is then used to recombine the segments into the regions corresponding to the various objects and surfaces. The proposed algorithm starts by considering all the adjacent segments and computing a similarity metric according to the CNN features. The couples of segments with higher similarity are considered for merging. Finally the algorithm uses a NURBS surface fitting scheme on the segments in order to understand if the selected couples correspond to a single surface. The comparison with state-of-the-art methods shows how the proposed method provides an accurate and reliable scene segmentation
In situ XAS study of the local structure and oxidation state evolution of palladium in a reduced graphene oxide supported Pd(II) carbene complex during an undirected C–H acetoxylation reaction
In situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) investigations have been performed to provide insights into the reaction mechanism of a palladium(II) catalyzed undirected C–H acetoxylation reaction in the presence of an oxidant. A Pd(II) N-heterocyclic carbene complex π-stacked onto reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was used as the catalyst. The Pd speciation during the catalytic process was examined by XAS, which revealed a possible mechanism over the course of the reaction. Pd(II) complexes in the as-synthesized catalyst first go through a gradual ligand substitution where chloride ions bound to Pd(II) are replaced by other ligands with a mean bond distance to Pd matching Pd–C/N/O. Parallel to this the mean oxidation state of Pd increases indicating the formation of Pd(IV) species. At a later stage, a fraction of the Pd complexes start to slowly transform into Pd nanoclusters. The mean average oxidation state of Pd decreases to the initial state at the end of the experiment which means that comparable amounts of Pd(0) and Pd(IV) are present. These observations from heterogeneous catalysis are in good agreement with its homogeneous analog and they support a Pd(II)–Pd(IV)–Pd(II) reaction mechanism
Structure and phase stability of nanocrystalline Ce1−xLnxO2−x/2−δ (Ln = Yb, Lu) in oxidizing and reducing atmosphere
The structure and phase evolution of nanocrystalline Ce1−xLnxO2−x/2−δ (Ln = Yb, Lu, x = 0 − 1) oxides upon heating in H2 was studied for the first time. Up to 950 °C the samples were single-phase, with structure changing smoothly with x from fluorite type (F) to bixbyite type (C). For the Lu-doped samples heated at 1100 °C in the air and H2, phase separation into coexisting F- and C-type structures was observed for ~0.40 < x < ~0.70 and ~0.25 < x < ~0.70, respectively. It was found also that addition of Lu3+ and Yb3+ strongly hinders the crystallite growth of ceria during heat treatment at 800 and 950 °C in both atmospheres. Valency of Ce and Yb in Ce0.1Lu0.9O1.55−δ and Ce0.95Yb0.05O1.975−δ samples heated at 1100 °C was studied by XANES and magnetic measurements. In the former Ce was dominated by Ce4+, with small contribution of Ce3+ after heating in H2. In the latter, Yb existed exclusively as 3+ in both O2 and H2
Health promoting settings in primary health care - "hälsotorg": an implementation analysis
Background
Sweden, like many other western countries, faces increasing rates of lifestyle
related diseases and corresponding rise in costs for health care. To meet these
challenges, a number of efforts have been introduced at different societal
levels. One such effort is "Hälsotorg" (HS). HS is a new health promotion
setting that emerged in collaboration between the Swedish County Councils and
Apoteket AB, a state-owned pharmacy company. HS's overall aim was to improve
population health and facilitate inhabitants' responsibility for self-care. A
new National Public Health Policy, introduced in 2008, emphasizes more focus on
individual's needs and responsibility as well as strong need for county
councils to provide supportive environment for individual-centred health
services and increased health literacy among the population. In light of this
policy, there is a need to examine existing settings that can provide
supportive environment for individuals at community level. The aim of this
study was to explore HS's policy implementation at local level and analyse HS's
activities, in order to provide a deeper understanding of HS's potential as a
health promoting setting.
Methods
Materials included a survey and key documents related to the development and
nature of HS on local and national levels. A policy analysis inspired by Walt
and Gilson was used in data analysis. In addition, an analysis using the
principles of health promotion in relation to HS policy process and activities
was also carried out.
Results
The analysis illuminated strengths and weaknesses in the policy process, its
actors, contextual factors and activities. The health communication approach in
the analysed documents contained health promoting intentions but the health
promoting approach corresponding to a health promoting setting was neither
apparent nor shared among the stakeholders. This influenced the interpretation
and implementation of HS negatively.
Conclusions
The analysis indicates that HS has potential to be a valuable health promotion
setting for both population and individuals, given the strong intentions for a
health and empowerment building approach that is expressed in the documents.
However, for a more sustainable implementation of HS, there is need for an in-
depth understanding of the health promotion approach among HS stakeholders
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