ABSTRACT
Predictive synthesis-structure-property relationships are at the core of materials design for novel applications. In this regard, correlations between the compositional stoichiometry variations and functional properties are essential for enhancing the performance of devices based on these materials. In this work, we investigate the effect of stoichiometry variations and defects on the structural and optoelectronic properties of monocrystalline zinc phosphide (Zn3P2), a promising compound for photovoltaic applications. We use experimental methods, such as electron and X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy, along with density functional theory calculations, to showcase the favorable creation of P interstitial defects over Zn vacancies in P-rich and Zn-poor compositional regions. Photoluminescence and absorption measurements show that these defects create additional energy levels at about 180 meV above the valence band. Furthermore, they lead to the narrowing of the bandgap, due to the creation of band tails in the region of around 10-20 meV above the valence and below the conduction band. The ability of zinc phosphide to form off-stoichiometric compounds provides a new promising opportunity for tunable functionality that benefits applications. In that regard, this study is crucial for the further development of zinc phosphide and its application in optoelectronic and photovoltaic devices, and should pave the way for defect engineering in this kind of material.
ABSTRACT
Journalist's mental health could predict their job change. This study aims at determining the prevalence of mental health issues and their association with perception of aptitude for covering emergencies and difficulty in seeing a corpse, and also to determine the mental health factors associated with job change. An ad hoc survey, GHQ-28 (Somatization, Anxiety-Insomnia, Social Dysfunction, Depression), MBI-P (Burnout, Emotional Exhaustion, Depersonalization, personal accomplishment) and Brief scale to diagnose Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Suicide Risk were applied to 196 journalists (female = 51.6%). Descriptive analysis, correlations (Pearson and Spearman), T-test and binary logistic regression were performed. It was found that one third part of journalists perceive themselves as having low aptitude to cover emergencies and difficulty in seeing a corpse, 17.3% would consider changing jobs and 42.1% could only access free mental health services. The most frequent mental health problems are: low personal accomplishment, emotional exhaustion and post-traumatic stress disorder (11.2 to 17.3%). People who want to change jobs present more: social dysfunction, depression, emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, low personal accomplishment, post-traumatic stress disorder and suicide risk. The two mental health factors associated with desire of changing jobs are high emotional exhaustion, and low personal accomplishment. These results guide the psychosocial risk prevention processes for journalists, as well as the training needs that universities could consider to protect the mental health of this vulnerable group.
Subject(s)
Burnout, Professional , Mental Health , Cross-Sectional Studies , Ecuador , Female , Humans , Job Satisfaction , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
El objetivo de este estudio descriptivo transversal fue investigar el nivel de conocimiento en reacciones adversas medicamentosas (RAMs), del personal médico de los dos principales hospitales de Barquisimeto, estado Lara y de los estudiantes de sexto año de medicina de la Universidad Centroccidental Lisandro Alvarado (UCLA) en esas instituciones. Se aplicó una encuesta previamente validada a 50 profesionales de la medicina y a 100 estudiantes, pero fueron devueltas 21 y 64 respectivamente. El análisis fue descriptivo. Un alto porcentaje de los encuestados manifestó haber recibido formación académica en RAM y tener experiencia en la materia. En relación con los conceptos básicos de las RAM y los conocimientos operacionales de los individuos encuestados, mas de 60% de los médicos y de 69% de los estudiantes, tienen conocimientos deficientes sobre los aspectos teóricos de las RAM y carecen de aptitudes para diagnosticar las diferentes RAM en los pacientes. No hubo correlación de los conocimientos teóricos y los conocimientos operacionales de cada grupo. La evidencia sugiere un considerable déficit en el conocimiento en RAM, por lo que es necesario aplicar medidas correctivas.
The aim of this descriptive cross-sectional study was to investigate the level of knowledge in Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs), of medical staff of both Barquisimeto's principal hospitals and the students of the sixth year of medicine of the Universidad Centroccidental Lisandro Alvarado (UCLA), in these institutions. A previously validated survey was applied to 50 doctors and to 100 students, but 21 and 64 were returned respectively. The analysis was descriptive. A high percentage of the polled ones referred to have received formation in ADRs and to be experienced at the matter. In relation with the basic concepts of ADRs and of the operational knowledges of the polled individuals, more than 60 % of the doctors and 69 % of the students, possess deficient knowledges on ADRs theoretical aspects and lack the aptitude to diagnose the different ADRs in the patients. There was no correlation of the theoretical knowledges and the operational knowledges of every group. The evidence suggests a considerable deficit in the knowledge in ADR, for what it is urgent to apply corrective policies.
ABSTRACT
The herbicide paraquat is associated with a high mortality rate. It produces multiorgan damage through the induction of acute oxidative stress, by generation of reactive oxygen species that cause oxidative damage to biomolecules. In addition to general supportive measures, the management of paraquat poisoning includes gastric washing, forced diuresis, haemodialysis and the use of antioxidants, such as N-acetylcysteine. However, this drug is rather unavailable in Venezuela and S-carboxymethylcysteine has been used. We report 35 patients with mild to severe paraquat poisoning, which beside standard supportive treatment received 1500 mg S-carboxymethylcysteine, up to 2-3 w. The mortality rate was 22.86% (8 deaths/35 cases) and was related to the severity of paraquat poisoning (as assessed by urine dithionite tests). We conclude that S-carboxymethylcysteine is a reliable alternative in managing patients with paraquat poisoning.
