Manganese Defective Clustering: Influence on the Spectroscopic Features of Ceria-Based Nanomaterials.

The influence of manganese modification on the spectroscopic features of manganese-doped CeO2 systems synthesized by the microwave-assisted hydrothermal route and their correlation with the presence of O defective structures were verified, focusing on their interaction with poisonous atmospheres. Raman and electron paramagnetic resonance studies confirmed the presence of defective clusters formed by dipoles and/or quadrupoles. The number of paramagnetic species was found to be inversely proportional to the doping concentration, resulting in an increase in the Mn2+ signal, likely due to the reduction of Mn3+ species after the interaction with CO. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data showed the pure system with 33% of its cerium species in the Ce3+ configuration, with an abrupt decrease to 19%, after the first modification with Mn, suggesting that 14% of the Ce3+ species are donating one electron to the Mn2+ ions, thus becoming nonparamagnetic Ce4+ species. On the contrary, 58% of the manganese species remain in the Mn2+ configuration with five unpaired electrons, corroborating the paramagnetic feature of the samples seen in the electron paramagnetic resonance study.

Structure, electronic properties, morphology evolution, and photocatalytic activity in PbMoO4 and Pb1-2xCaxSrxMoO4 (x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5) solid solutions.

In this work PbMoO4 and Pb1-2xCaxSrxMoO4 (x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5) solid solutions have been successfully prepared, for the first time, by a simple co-precipitation method and the as-synthesized samples were subjected to a water-based reflux treatment. Structural characterization of these samples was performed using X-ray diffraction with Rietveld refinement analysis and Raman spectroscopy. Their optical properties were investigated by UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy and PL emissions, and the photocatalytic activity of the as-synthesized samples for the degradation process of Rhodamine B has been demonstrated. The surface structure and morphologies were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy. To complement and rationalize the experimental results, the geometry, electronic structures, and morphologies of as-synthesized samples were characterized by first-principles quantum-mechanical calculations at the density functional theory level. By using Wulff construction, based on the values of the surface energies for the (001), (100), (110), (111), (011) and (112) surfaces, a complete map of the available morphologies for PbMoO4 was obtained and a good agreement between the experimental and theoretical predicted morphologies was found. The structural and electronic changes induced by the substitution of Pb by Ca and Sr allow us to find a relationship among morphology, the electron-transfer process at the exposed surfaces, optical properties, and photocatalytic activity. We believe that our results offer new insights regarding the local coordination of superficial Pb/Ca/Sr and Mo cations (i.e., clusters) on each exposed surface of the corresponding morphology, which dictate the photocatalytic activities of the as-synthesized samples, a field that has so far remained unexplored. The present study, which combines multiple experimental methods and first-principles calculations, provides a deep understanding of the local structures, bonding, morphologies, band gaps, and electronic and optical properties, and opens the door to exploit the electrical, optical and photocatalytic activity of this very promising family of materials.

A DFT investigation of the role of oxygen vacancies on the structural, electronic and magnetic properties of ATiO3 (A = Mn, Fe, Ni) multiferroic materials.

In order to achieve deep insight into the multiferroic behavior and electronic properties of intrinsic oxygen vacancies in ATiO3 (A = Mn, Fe, Ni), first-principles calculations based on hybrid density functional theory were carried out for bulk and non-polar (110) surface models. We found that the formation of an oxygen vacancy is accompanied by structural and electronic disorders in the constituent clusters of [TiO6] and [AO6] in ATiO3, that become [TiO5] and [AO5], respectively. This perturbation contributes to the generation of intermediary energy levels in the band gap region, thus narrowing the required excitation energy. In addition, the remaining electrons are mainly trapped in the empty 3d orbitals of the Ti cations neighboring the oxygen vacancy, generating [TiO5]' (3d1) that mediates an antiferromagnetic to ferromagnetic transition in MnTiO3 and FeTiO3 materials. In particular, MnTiO3 surfaces show exposed [TiO4]' species that are responsible for its half-metallic behavior. The present work provides compelling evidence that controlling oxygen vacancies can be a valuable strategy to tailor the multiferroic properties of ATiO3 materials.

ZnWO4 nanocrystals: synthesis, morphology, photoluminescence and photocatalytic properties.

The present joint experimental and theoretical work provides in-depth understanding on the morphology and structural, electronic, and optical properties of ZnWO4 nanocrystals. Monoclinic ZnWO4 nanocrystals were prepared at three different temperatures (140, 150, and 160 °C) by a microwave hydrothermal method. Then, the samples were investigated by X-ray diffraction with Rietveld refinement analysis, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electronic microscopy, micro-Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, and photoluminescence measurements. First-principles theoretical calculations within the framework of density functional theory were employed to provide information at the atomic level. The band structure diagram, density of states, Raman and infrared spectra were calculated to understand the effect of structural order-disorder on the properties of ZnWO4. The effects of the synthesis temperature on the above properties were rationalized. The band structure revealed direct allowed transitions between the VB and CB and the experimental results in the ultraviolet-visible region were consistent with the theoretical results. Moreover, the surface calculations allowed the association of the surface energy stabilization with the temperature used in the synthesis of the ZnWO4 nanocrystals. The photoluminescence properties of the ZnWO4 nanocrystals prepared at 140, 150, and 160 °C were attributed to oxygen vacancies in the [WO6] and [ZnO6] clusters, causing a red shift of the spectra. The ZnWO4 nanocrystals obtained at 160 °C exhibited excellent photodegradation of Rhodamine under ultraviolet light irradiation, which was found to be related to the surface energy and the types of clusters formed on the surface of the catalyst.

Characterisation of the selective binding of antibiotics vancomycin and teicoplanin by the VanS receptor regulating type A vancomycin resistance in the enterococci.

A-type resistance towards "last-line" glycopeptide antibiotic vancomycin in the leading hospital acquired infectious agent, the enterococci, is the most common in the UK. Resistance is regulated by the VanRASA two-component system, comprising the histidine sensor kinase VanSA and the partner response regulator VanRA. The nature of the activating ligand for VanSA has not been identified, therefore this work sought to identify and characterise ligand(s) for VanSA. In vitro approaches were used to screen the structural and activity effects of a range of potential ligands with purified VanSA protein. Of the screened ligands (glycopeptide antibiotics vancomycin and teicoplanin, and peptidoglycan components N-acetylmuramic acid, D-Ala-D-Ala and Ala-D-y-Glu-Lys-D-Ala-D-Ala) only glycopeptide antibiotics vancomycin and teicoplanin were found to bind VanSA with different affinities (vancomycin 70µM; teicoplanin 30 and 170µM), and were proposed to bind via exposed aromatic residues tryptophan and tyrosine. Furthermore, binding of the antibiotics induced quicker, longer-lived phosphorylation states for VanSA, proposing them as activators of type A vancomycin resistance in the enterococci.

Monitoring a CuO gas sensor at work: an advanced in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy study.

X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) and electrical measurements were used to elucidate the local structure and electronic changes of copper(II) oxide (CuO) nanostructures under working conditions. For this purpose, a sample holder layout was developed enabling the simultaneous analysis of the spectroscopic and electrical properties of the sensor material under identical operating conditions. The influence of different carrier gases (e.g., air and N2) on the CuO nanostructures behavior under reducing conditions (H2 gas) was studied to analyze how a particular gas atmosphere can modify the oxidation state of the sensor material in real time.

Experimental and theoretical investigations of electronic structure and photoluminescence properties of ß-Ag2MoO4 microcrystals.

In this paper, we investigate a correlation between theoretical calculations and experimental data to explain the electronic structure and optical properties of silver molybdate (ß-Ag2MoO4) microcrystals synthesized by the microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. X-ray diffraction, Rietveld refinement, and micro-Raman spectroscopy confirmed that these microcrystals crystallize in a spinel-type cubic structure. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy images revealed that the processing temperatures influence in the final shape of microcrystals. Optical properties were analyzed by ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy; the increase in the optical band gap energy (Egap) (from 3.24 to 3.31 eV) with processing temperature is associated with the reduction of intermediary energy levels. First-principles quantum mechanical calculations based on the density functional theory at the B3LYP level were conducted. The calculated band structure revealed an indirect Egap of approximately 4.00 and 3.34 eV for the ß-Ag2MoO4 without and with the formation of defects, respectively. Theoretical calculations based on density of states and electron density maps were employed to understand the polarization phenomenon induced by structural defects in the ß-Ag2MoO4 crystals. Finally, photoluminescence properties at room temperature of ß-Ag2MoO4 microcrystals were explained by the charge-transfer mechanism involving tetrahedral [MoO4] clusters.

Zinc blende versus wurtzite ZnS nanoparticles: control of the phase and optical properties by tetrabutylammonium hydroxide.

The influence of tetrabutylammonium hydroxide on the phase composition (cubic zinc blende versus hexagonal wurtzite) of ZnS nanoparticles was studied. The ZnS nanoparticles were prepared by a microwave-assisted solvothermal method, and the phase structure and optical properties along with the growth process of ZnS nanoparticles were studied. We report XRD, FE-SEM, EDXS, UV-vis and PL measurements, and first-principles calculations based on TDDFT methods in order to investigate the structural and electronic properties and the growth mechanism of ZnS nanostructures. The effects as well as the merits of microwave heating on the process and characteristics of the obtained ZnS nanostructures and their performance are reported.

Controlled synthesis of layered Sn3O4 nanobelts by carbothermal reduction method and their gas sensor properties.

This paper reports both the controlled synthesis of Sn3O4 nanobelts by carbothermal reduction method and the gas sensor properties of these nanostructures. The synthesized material was characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and gas sensor measurements. The results showed that the Sn3O4 nanobelts grow in a layered way and the careful control of experimental parameters is fundamental for stabilization of the correct phase. From the gas sensor measurements using oxygen as analyte gas, it was observed that the Sn3O4 nanobelts exhibit n-type behavior and both the sensitivity and the response time are dependent on the oxygen concentration. A model based on molecules adsorption was proposed to illustrate the mechanism of gas detection of these nanostructures. In summary, these results indicate that Sn3O4 nanobelts synthesized by carbothermal reduction method are promising to be applied as gas sensors.

LaNiO3 nanotubes produced using a template-assisted method.

We have studied the experimental conditions needed to produce LaNiO3 (LNO) nanostructures using a template-assisted method. In this route, a mesoporous anodic aluminum oxide template was filled with a chemical solution that had been prepared with polymeric precursors route. The precursor solutions and synthesized samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis, infrared spectroscopy and high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM). The XRD results for the samples that were heat-treated at 700 degrees C revealed that these samples crystallize in a perovskite-like LaNiO3 structure. HRSEM images revealed that the samples prepared with different deposition times (0.5, 1 and 2 h) promoted the formation of LaNiO3 nanotubes with different wall thicknesses.

Cross-cultural validation of the Children's Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment (CAPE) in Spain.

BACKGROUND: Despite growing interest in the topic of participation, the construct has not yet been assessed in children and adolescents with and without cerebral palsy (CP) in Spain. As there are no available instruments to measure participation in leisure activities which have been adapted in this country, the goal of this study was to validate a Spanish version of the Children's Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment (CAPE). METHOD: The sample comprised 199 children and adolescents with CP and 199 without CP, between 8 and 18 years of age, from seven regions in Spain. The adaptation of the original version of CAPE was carried out through translation and backward translation, and the validity of the instrument was analysed. Construct validity was assessed through the correlation of the diverse CAPE domains and the quality of life domains (KIDSCREEN questionnaire). Discriminant validity was established by comparing children and adolescents with CP and typically developing children and adolescents. For test-retest reliability, the children and adolescents with and without CP completed the CAPE questionnaire twice within 4 weeks. RESULTS: The correlations found between the CAPE domains and the quality of life domains show that the CAPE presents construct validity. The CAPE discriminated children and adolescents with CP from those without any disability in the results of participation. According to most CAPE domains, typically developing children and adolescents engage in a greater number of activities than children and adolescents with CP. Test-retest reliability for the Spanish version of CAPE was adequate. CONCLUSION: The study provides a valid instrument to assess the participation of children and adolescents with and without CP who live in Spain.

Involving citizen scientists in monitoring arthropod vectors of human and zoonotic diseases: The case of Mosquito Alert in Italy.

Citizen science has been particularly effective in gathering reliable, timely, large-scale data on the presence and distributions of animal species, including mosquito vectors of human and zoonotic pathogens. This involves the participation of citizen scientists in research projects, with success strongly dependent on the capacity to disseminate project information and engage citizen scientists to contribute their time. Mosquito Alert is a citizen science that aids in the system surveillances of vector mosquitoes. It involves citizen scientists providing expert-validated photos of targeted mosquitoes, along with records of bites and breeding sites. Since 2020 the system has been disseminated throughout Europe. This article uses models to analyze the effect of promotion activities carried out by the Mosquito Alert ITALIA team from October 2020 to December 2022 on the number of citizen scientists recruited and engaged in the project, and their performance in mosquito identification. Results show a high level of citizen scientist recruitment (N > 18.000; 37 % of overall European participants). This was achieved mostly through articles generated by ad hoc press releases detailing the app's goals and functioning. Press releases were more effective when carried out at the beginning and end of the mosquito season and when mosquito's public health significance was emphasized. Despite the high number of records received (N > 20.000), only 30 % of registered participants sent records, and the probability of a participant sending a record dropped off quickly over time after first registering. Among participants who contributed, ~50 % sent 1 record, ~30 % ≥3 and 4 % >10 records. Participants showed good capacity to identify mosquitoes and improve identification skills with app usage. The results will be valuable for anyone interested in evaluating citizen science, as participation and engagement are seldom quantitatively assessed. Our results are also useful for designing dissemination and education strategies in citizen science projects associated with arthropod vector monitoring.

A promising eco-sustainable wound dressing based on cellulose extracted from Spartium junceum L. and impregnated with Glycyrrhiza glabra L extract: Design, production and biological properties.

Glycyrrhiza glabra extract is widely known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and can improve the wound healing process. The aim of this work was to shorten the time of the healing process by using an eco-sustainable wound dressing based on Spanish broom flexible cellulosic fabric by impregnation with G. glabra extract-loaded ethosomes. Chemical analysis of G. glabra extract was performed by LC-DAD-MS/MS and its encapsulation into ethosomes was obtained using the ethanol injection method. Lipid vesicles were characterized in terms of size, polydispersity index, entrapment efficiency, zeta potential, and stability. In vitro release studies, biocompatibility, and scratch test on 3T3 fibroblasts were performed. Moreover, the structure of Spanish broom dressing and its ability to absorb wound exudate was characterized by Synchrotron X-ray phase contrast microtomography (SR-PCmicroCT). Ethosomes showed a good entrapment efficiency, nanometric size, good stability over time and a slow release of polyphenols compared to the free extract, and were not cytotoxic. Lastly, the results revealed that Spanish broom wound dressing loaded with G. glabra ethosomes is able to accelerate wound closure by reducing wound healing time. To sum up, Spanish broom wound dressing could be a potential new green tool for biomedical applications.

Towards an insight on photodamage in hair fibre by UV-light: An experimental and theoretical study.

OBJECTIVES: In this research, an experimental and theoretical study was conducted to design a photodegradation mechanism of the amino acid tryptophan (Trp) in hair fibres. METHODS: For the experimental research, Caucasian hair fibres were exposed to several different solar radiation simulation periods. Then, Trp and its photoproducts (N-formylkynurenine and kynurenine) were assayed by excitation and emission spectroscopic analysis. RESULTS: For the theoretical study, reactions involved in the photodegradation of Trp were evaluated by high-level quantum mechanical calculations in a density functional theory (DFT) framework which indicate a probable Trp degradation mechanism with a minimum expended energy pathway. CONCLUSION: The biochemistry concerning these reactions is essentially important for a biological system where the degradation of Trp occurs.

Assigning F-words as ingredients of interventions for children with cerebral palsy functioning at GMFCS IV and V: A scoping review protocol.

Introduction: Children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) functioning at Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels IV and V require "on time" identification and intervention. Interventions offered continue to be a challenge, in high-, but even more so in middle-, and low-income countries. Aim: To describe the methods developed to explore the ingredients of published studies on early interventions in young children with cerebral palsy (CP) at highest risk of being non-ambulant based on the "F-words for child development framework" and the design of a scoping review exploring these ingredients. Method: An operational procedure was developed through expert panels to identify ingredients of published interventions and related F-words. After sufficient agreement among researchers was reached, a scoping review was designed. The review is registered in the Open Science Framework database. The "Population, Concept and Context" framework was used. Population: young children (0-5 years with CP and at highest risk for being non-ambulant (GMFCS levels IV or V); Concept: non-surgical and non-pharmacological early intervention services measuring outcomes from any ICF domain; Context: studies published from 2001 to 2021. After duplicated screening and selection, data will be extracted and quality will be assessed with the American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine (AACPDM) and Mixed Methods Appraisal (MMAT) tools. Results: We present the protocol to identify the explicit (directly measured outcomes and respective ICF domains) and implicit (intervention features not explicitly intended or measured) ingredients. Conclusion: Findings will support the implementation of the F-words in interventions for young children with non-ambulant CP.

Knowledge translation in rehabilitation settings in low, lower-middle and upper-middle-income countries: a scoping review.

PURPOSE: This review aims to identify the barriers and facilitators to knowledge use and Knowledge Translation (KT) strategies in rehabilitation in low, lower-middle, and upper-middle-income countries (LMICs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A scoping review of studies of KT in rehabilitation in LMICs contexts using the Arksey and O'Malley Framework was conducted. A comprehensive search of MEDLINE and 10 other databases was undertaken to identify studies conducted primarily in LMICs. RESULTS: From the initial 15.606 titles identified; 27 articles were included for final analysis. Our analysis identified the following themes: Professional culture and context; KT interventions; and the conceptualization and application of KT and Evidence Based Practice (EBP). Individual-level barriers to KT included lack of skills, knowledge about EBP and English language, lack of motivation, and decision-making power. Facilitators to KT included positive attitudes and motivation. Organization-level barriers included lack of time, lack of financial resources, limited access to scientific journals, and applicability of research to rural settings. Facilitators included adequate financial and physical resources, a supportive management environment, and the existence of training and continuing education programs. CONCLUSION: This review identified common and unique barriers and facilitators to KT in LMICs when compared to KT studies conducted in high-income settings.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONKnowledge Translation from academic institutions to rehabilitation clinical practice in low and upper-middle-income countries is important to support evidence-based practice and patient outcomes.Barriers at the individual level include professionals' ability to understand English and knowledge of the evidence-based practice.Organization-level barriers included lack of time to access and implement new practices, lack of financial and personal resources, limited access to scientific journals, and applicability of research to rural settings.Training and continuing education programs are needed to support rehabilitation professionals' efforts to achieve the application of evidence-based practice in clinical practice.

Significant enhancement of ferromagnetism above room temperature in epitaxial 2D van der Waals ferromagnet Fe5-δGeTe2/Bi2Te3 heterostructures.

Two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals (vdW) ferromagnetic metals FexGeTe2 with x = 3-5 have raised significant interest in the scientific community. Fe5GeTe2 shows prospects for spintronic applications since the Curie temperature Tc has been reported near or higher than 300 K. In the present work, epitaxial Fe5-δGeTe2 (FGT) heterostructures were grown by Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE) on insulating crystalline substrates. The FGT films were combined with Bi2Te3 topological insulator (TI) aiming to investigate the possible beneficial effect of the TI on the magnetic properties of FGT. FGT/Bi2Te3 films were compared to FGT capped only with AlOx to prevent oxidation. SQUID and MOKE measurements revealed that the growth of Bi2Te3 TI on FGT films significantly enhances the saturation magnetization of FGT as well as the Tc well above room temperature (RT) reaching record values of 570 K. First-principles calculations predict a shift of the Fermi level and an associated enhancement of the majority spin (primarily) as well as the total density of states at the Fermi level suggesting that effective doping of FGT from Bi2Te3 could explain the enhancement of ferromagnetism in FGT. It is also predicted that strain induced stabilization of a high magnetic moment phase in FGT/Bi2Te3 could be an alternative explanation of magnetization and Tc enhancement. Ferromagnetic resonance measurements evidence an enhanced broadening in the FGT/Bi2Te3 heterostructure when compared to FGT. We obtain a large spin mixing conductance of g↑↓eff = 4.4 × 1020 m-2, which demonstrates the great potential of FGT/Bi2Te3 systems for spin-charge conversion applications at room temperature.

Generation of copper nanoparticles induced by fs-laser irradiation in borosilicate glass.

Glasses containing metallic nanoparticles are promising materials for technological applications in optics and photonics. Although several methods are available to generate nanoparticles in glass, only femtosecond lasers allow controlling it three-dimensionally. In this direction, the present work investigates the generation of copper nanoparticles on the surface and in the bulk of a borosilicate glass by fs-laser irradiation. We verified the formation of copper nanoparticles, after heat treatment, by UV-Vis absorption, transmission electron microscopy and electron diffraction. A preferential growth of copper nanoparticles was observed in the bottom of the irradiated region, which was attributed to self-focusing in the glass.

Cluster coordination and photoluminescence properties of α-Ag2WO4 microcrystals.

In this paper, we report our initial research to obtain hexagonal rod-like elongated silver tungstate (α-Ag(2)WO(4)) microcrystals by different methods [sonochemistry (SC), coprecipitation (CP), and conventional hydrothermal (CH)] and to study their cluster coordination and optical properties. These microcrystals were structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Rietveld refinements, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES), and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopies. The shape and average size of these α-Ag(2)WO(4) microcrystals were observed by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The optical properties of these microcrystals were investigated by ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy and photoluminescence (PL) measurements. XRD patterns and Rietveld refinement data confirmed that α-Ag(2)WO(4) microcrystals have an orthorhombic structure. FT-IR spectra exhibited four IR-active modes in a range from 250 to 1000 cm(-1). XANES spectra at the W L(3)-edge showed distorted octahedral [WO(6)] clusters in the lattice, while EXAFS analyses confirmed that W atoms are coordinated by six O atoms. FE-SEM images suggest that the α-Ag(2)WO(4) microcrystals grow by aggregation and the Ostwald ripening process. PL properties of α-Ag(2)WO(4) microcrystals decrease with an increase in the optical band-gap values (3.19-3.23 eV). Finally, we observed that large hexagonal rod-like α-Ag(2)WO(4) microcrystals prepared by the SC method exhibited a major PL emission intensity relative to α-Ag(2)WO(4) microcrystals prepared by the CP and CH methods.

Magnetotransport and ARPES studies of the topological insulators Sb2Te3 and Bi2Te3 grown by MOCVD on large-area Si substrates.

Recently, the topological insulators (TIs) antimony telluride (Sb2Te3) and bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) are attracting high interest for applications based on spin-charge interconversion mechanisms. Aiming to make a step toward the technology transfer, it is of major importance to achieve and investigate epitaxial quality-TIs on large area Si-based substrates. In view of that, we report here magnetotransport and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) studies on Sb2Te3 and Bi2Te3 thin films grown by metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) on top of 4″ Si(111) substrates. Clear weak antilocalization (WAL) effects are observed in both TIs, proving the existence of quantum transport mechanism, and the data are successfully interpreted in the framework of the Hikami-Larkin-Nagaoka model. Further, by dedicated magnetotransport experiments, it has been confirmed that the investigated WAL originates from two-dimensional (2D) topological states. ARPES has been performed ex-situ, and in both TIs the gapless Dirac cones have been observed and attributed to the topological surface states. Combining the proofs of the existence of quantum 2D transport as deduced from the analysis of the magnetoconductance curve with the direct observation of the Dirac-like band structure revealed by the ARPES spectra, it is possible to unambiguously confirm the topological nature of our Sb2Te3 and Bi2Te3 thin films. The results obtained on thin films grown by MOCVD on 4'' Si(111) substrate mark an important step towards the technology transfer of the topological insulators studied in this work.