Impact of Molybdenum Dichalcogenides on the Active and Hole-Transport Layers for Perovskite Solar Cells, X-Ray Detectors, and Photodetectors.

The interface architectures of inorganic-organic halide perovskite-based devices play key roles in achieving high performances with these devices. Indeed, the perovskite layer is essential for synergistic interactions with the other practical modules of these devices, such as the hole-/electron-transfer layers. In this work, a heterostructure geometry comprising transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) of molybdenum dichalcogenides (MoX2  = MoS2 , MoSe2 , and MoTe2 ) and perovskite- or hole-transfer layers is prepared to achieve improved device characteristics of perovskite solar cells (PSCs), X-ray detectors, and photodetectors. A superior efficiency of 11.36% is realized for the active layer with MoTe2 in the PSC device. Moreover, X-ray detectors using modulated MoTe2 nanostructures in the active layers achieve 296 nA cm-2 , 3.12 mA (Gy cm2 )-1 and 3.32 × 10-4 cm2 V-1 s-1 of collected current density, sensitivity, and mobility, respectively. The fabricated photodetector produces a high photoresponsivity of 956 mA W-1 for a visible light source, with an excellent external quantum efficiency of 160% for the perovskite layer containing MoSe2 nanostructures. Density functional theory calculations are made for pure and MoX2 doped perovskites' geometrical, density of states and optical properties variations evidently. Thus, the present study paves the way for using perovskite-based devices modified by TMDs to develop highly efficient semiconductor devices.

Effect of surface modification on wettability and tribology by laser texturing in Al2O3.

The life of ceramic tools restricts the development of the manufacturing industry and can be increased through the enhancement of surface performance. Laser surface texturing is a feasible technology to improve ceramic tool life based on the relationship between surface properties and the laser-texturing process. In this study, ${{\rm Al}_2}{{\rm O}_3}$ substrates have been textured by an ytterbium fiber laser system with a wavelength of 1064 nm and a pulse duration of 50 ns. First, the damage threshold of ${{\rm Al}_2}{{\rm O}_3}$ was measured to provide a basis for selecting laser-texturing parameters. The surface morphology was characterized using a white confocal scanning microscope and a scanning electron microscope to investigate the characteristics of laser processing. Water contact angles were measured to investigate the relationship between laser parameters and changes in wettability. The surface energy of the superhydrophobic ceramic was calculated based on the contact angle. Combined X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurement was used to explore the mechanism of wettability changes from the chemical component and microstructure perspectives. The friction coefficient of ${{\rm Al}_2}{{\rm O}_3}$ was determined by a ball-on-disc wear test. The results showed that laser texturing can significantly improve the surface hydrophobicity and friction stability.

Highly Fast Response of Pd/Ta2O5/SiC and Pd/Ta2O5/Si Schottky Diode-Based Hydrogen Sensors.

Herein, the fabrication of a novel highly sensitive and fast hydrogen (H2) gas sensor, based on the Ta2O5 Schottky diode, is described. First, Ta2O5 thin films are deposited on silicon carbide (SiC) and silicon (Si) substrates via a radio frequency (RF) sputtering method. Then, Pd and Ni are respectively deposited on the front and back of the device. The deposited Pd serves as a H2 catalyst, while the Ni functions as an Ohmic contact. The devices are then tested under various concentrations of H2 gas at operating temperatures of 300, 500, and 700 °C. The results indicate that the Pd/Ta2O5 Schottky diode on the SiC substrate exhibits larger concentration and temperature sensitivities than those of the device based on the Si substrate. In addition, the optimum operating temperature of the Pd/Ta2O5 Schottky diode for use in H2 sensing is shown to be about 300 °C. At this optimum temperature, the dynamic responses of the sensors towards various concentrations of H2 gas are then examined under a constant bias current of 1 mA. The results indicate a fast rise time of 7.1 s, and a decay of 18 s, for the sensor based on the SiC substrate.

Treatment of chronic Hepatitis C in Thalassemia major patients.

Treatment of chronic hepatitis C (HCV) is difficult in thalassemics due to the haemolytic side effects of therapy. This study evaluated the treatment response to conventional interferon and ribavirin in HCV patients with thalassemia major. It was conducted at PMRC Research Centre, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) Karachi. At baseline complete blood count, liver function tests, serum protein/ albumin, random blood glucose, serum ferritin, TSH, HCV RNA (quantitative) and genotyping were done. Conventional interferon 3 MIU thrice weekly and ribavirin 400 mg daily was given for 24 or 48 weeks. HCV RNA was done at 1st month (RVR), 3rd month (EVR), 6th month (ETR) and six months post treatment sustained virological response (SVR). A total of 17 Anti HCV positive patients, age range 7-28 years were included.HCV RNA was found in 12. Treatment was completed in 8 patients. Genotype 3(87.5%) was found in 7 patients, 1 had genotype 1. RVR was achieved in 5 (62.5%) cases, negative PCR at 3 and 6 months of treatment (EVR) in 7 (87.5%) patients, one patient was non responder. SVR was achieved in 2(25%) patients. Anaemia was the most common side effect due to which transfusion requirements increased in 4(50%) patients.

Sustainability assessment of machining Al 6061-T6 using Taguchi-grey relation integrated approach.

Modern machining requires reduction in energy usage, surface roughness, and burr width to produce finished or near-finished parts. To ensure high surface quality in machining processes, it is crucial to minimize surface finish and minimize burr width, which are considered as significant parameters as specific cutting energy. The objective of this study was to identify the optimal machining parameters for milling in order to minimize surface roughness, burr width, and specific cutting energy. To achieve this, the research investigated the impact of feed per tooth, cutting speed, depth of cut, and number of inserts on the responses across three intervals using Taguchi L9 array. Observing the responses by varying these parameters, underlined the need for multi objective optimisation. Machining conditions of 0.14 mm/tooth f z , 350 m/min V c and 2 mm ap using 1 cutting insert (exp no 9) was identified as the best machining run using grey relational analysis owing to its highest grey relational grade of 0.936. ANOVA examination identified cutting speed as the leading factor impacting the grey relational grade with 31.07 % contribution ratio, with the number of inserts, depth of cut, and feed per tooth also making notable contributions. Conclusively, machining parameters identified through response surface optimisation resulted in 21.69 % improvement in surface finish, 11.39 % reduction in specific energy consumption, and 6.2 % decrease in burr width on the down milling side albeit with an increase of 9 % in burr width on the up-milling side.

Tuning of electron transport layers using MXene/metal-oxide nanocomposites for perovskite solar cells and X-ray detectors.

This work elaborates on the decoration of metal oxides (ZnO and Fe3O4) between MXene sheets for use as the supporting geometry of PCBM electron transport layers (ETLs) in perovskite solar cells and X-ray detectors. The metal oxide supports for carrying the plentiful charge carriers and the hydrophobic nature of MXenes provide an easy charge transfer path through their flakes and a smooth surface for the ETL. The developed interface engineering based on the MXene/ZnO and MXene/Fe3O4 hybrid ETL results in improved power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 13.31% and 13.79%, respectively. The observed PCE is improved to 25.80% and 30.34% by blending the MXene/ZnO and MXene/Fe3O4 nanoparticles with the PCBM layer, respectively. Various factors, such as surface modification, swift interfacial interaction, roughness decrement, and charge transport improvement, are strongly influenced to improve the device performance. Moreover, X-ray detectors with the MXene/Fe3O4-modulated PCBM ETL achieve a CCD-DCD, sensitivity, mobility, and trap density of 15.46 µA cm-2, 4.63 mA per Gy per cm2, 5.21 × 10-4 cm2 V-1 s-1, and 1.47 × 1015 cm2 V-1 s-1, respectively. Metal oxide-decorated MXene sheets incorporating the PCBM ETL are a significant route for improving the photoactive species generation, long-term stability, and high mobility of perovskite-based devices.

Pathogenicity and virulence of monkeypox at the human-animal-ecology interface.

Monkeypox (Mpox) was mostly limited to Central and Western Africa, but recently it has been reported globally. The current review presents an update on the virus, including ecology and evolution, possible drivers of transmission, clinical features and management, knowledge gaps, and research priorities to reduce the disease transmission. The origin, reservoir(s) and the sylvatic cycle of the virus in the natural ecosystem are yet to be confirmed. Humans acquire the infection through contact with infected animals, humans, and natural hosts. The major drivers of disease transmission include trapping, hunting, bushmeat consumption, animal trade, and travel to endemic countries. However, in the 2022 epidemic, the majority of the infected humans in non-endemic countries had a history of direct contact with clinical or asymptomatic persons through sexual activity. The prevention and control strategies should include deterring misinformation and stigma, promoting appropriate social and behavioural changes, including healthy life practices, instituting contact tracing and management, and using the smallpox vaccine for high-risk people. Additionally, longer-term preparedness should be emphasized using the One Health approach, such as systems strengthening, surveillance and detection of the virus across regions, early case detection, and integrating measures to mitigate the socio-economic effects of outbreaks.

Investigation of Dielectric, Mechanical, and Thermal Properties of Epoxy Composites Embedded with Quartz Fibers.

Polymer matrix wave transparent composites are used in a variety of high-speed communication applications. One of the applications of these involves making protective enclosures for antennas of microwave towers, air vehicles, weather radars, and underwater communication devices. Material performance, structural, thermal, and mechanical degradation are matters of concern as advanced wireless communication needs robust materials for radomes that can withstand mechanical and thermal stresses. These polymer composite radomes are installed externally on antennas and are exposed directly to ambient as well as severe conditions. In this research, epoxy resin was reinforced with a small amount of quartz fibers to yield an improved composite radome material compared to a pure epoxy composite with better thermal and mechanical properties. FTIR spectra, SEM morphology, dielectric constant (Ɛr) and dielectric loss (δ), thermal degradation (weight loss), and mechanical properties were determined. Compared to pure epoxy, the lowest values of Ɛr and δ were 3.26 and 0.021 with 30 wt.% quartz fibers in the composite, while 40% less weight loss was observed which shows its better thermal stability. The mechanical characteristics encompassing tensile and bending strength were improved by 42.8% and 48.3%. In high-speed communication applications, compared to a pure epoxy composite, adding only a small quantity of quartz fiber can improve the composite material's dielectric performance, durability, and thermal and mechanical strength.

Statistical Analysis of Surface Roughness, Burr Formation and Tool Wear in High Speed Micro Milling of Inconel 600 Alloy under Cryogenic, Wet and Dry Conditions.

Super alloys offer excellent mechanical and chemical properties at elevated temperatures that make them an attractive choice for aerospace, automotive and chemical processing, and marine applications. These alloys are, however, difficult to machine due to their high strength at elevated temperatures, low thermal conductivity and work hardening. In this study, micro milling of Inconel 600 super alloy has been carried out and the effects of the key input parameters (cutting speed, feed rate, depth of cut) on response parameters (burr formation, surface roughness and tool wear), under various cooling conditions (dry, wet and cryogenic), have been analyzed. High speed micro milling (range up to 80,000 RPM) was carried out, while keeping the feed rate values below and above the cutting edge radius. The Taguchi design of experiments was used during this study. The results have been analyzed using SEM and 3D optical microscopy. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) revealed that the best surface roughness values can be achieved under cryogenic machining condition with an overall contribution ratio of 28.69%. It was also revealed that cryogenic cooling resulted in the highest tool life with the contribution ratio of cooling conditions at 26.52%.

Prescription Patterns of Novel Antihyperglycemic Medications.

BACKGROUND: Glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists (GLP-1a) and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i) are recommended in carefully selected patients with type 2 diabetes. This study will assess prescription of these medications and investigate predictors of prescription. METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional study included 31,354 patients. Data including sociodemographic descriptors, clinical histories, medications, and health insurance providers were extracted from a health system's administrative databases. Variables to be associated with prescription of a GLP-1a or SGLT-2i were assessed using a multivariable logistic regression model. RESULTS: Mean age was 62.58 years and 40.8% identified as African American. Only 3.4% were prescribed a GLP-1a and 2.1% received a SGLT-2i. Logistic regression demonstrated lower odds of receiving either medication in the highest age-group (70 to 79 years) (GLP-1a: odds ratio [OR] 0.44, P < .01, SGLT-2i: OR 0.39, P < .01) and in African Americans (GLP-1a: OR 0.64, P < .01, SGLT-2i: OR 0.28, P < .01). Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease was not associated with GLP-1a prescription (P = .54) and conferred lower odds of being prescribed SGLT-2i (OR 0.68, P < .01). History of chronic kidney disease conferred lower odds of receiving GLP-1a and was not associated with the odds of receiving SGLT-2i. CONCLUSIONS: Prescription of GLP-1a and SGLT-2i medications was low as compared with existing literature. Advanced age and African American race were negatively associated with prescription of these medications. Contrary to guideline recommendations; atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease were not positively associated with prescription.

Low-Power Negative-Differential-Resistance Device for Sensing the Selective Protein via Supporter Molecule Engineering.

Van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures composed of atomically thin two-dimensional (2D) materials have more potential than conventional metal-oxide semiconductors because of their tunable bandgaps, and sensitivities. The remarkable features of these amazing vdW heterostructures are leading to multi-functional logic devices, atomically thin photodetectors, and negative differential resistance (NDR) Esaki diodes. Here, an atomically thin vdW stacking composed of p-type black arsenic (b-As) and n-type tin disulfide (n-SnS2 ) to build a type-III (broken gap) heterojunction is introduced, leading to a negative differential resistance device. Charge transport through the NDR device is investigated under electrostatic gating to achieve a high peak-to-valley current ratio (PVCR), which improved from 2.8 to 4.6 when the temperature is lowered from 300 to 100 K. At various applied-biasing voltages, all conceivable tunneling mechanisms that regulate charge transport are elucidated. Furthermore, the real-time response of the NDR device is investigated at various streptavidin concentrations down to 1 pm, operating at a low biasing voltage. Such applications of NDR devices may lead to the development of cutting-edge electrical devices operating at low power that may be employed as biosensors to detect a variety of target DNA (e.g., ct-DNA) and protein (e.g., the spike protein associated with COVID-19).

Multi-Objective Optimization of Process Parameters during Micro-Milling of Nickel-Based Alloy Inconel 718 Using Taguchi-Grey Relation Integrated Approach.

This research investigates the machinability of Inconel 718 under conventional machining speeds using three different tool coatings in comparison with uncoated tool during milling operation. Cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut were selected as variable machining parameters to analyze output responses including surface roughness, burr formation and tool wear. It was found that uncoated and AlTiN coated tools resulted in lower tool wear than nACo and TiSiN coated tools. On the other hand, TiSiN coated tools resulted in highest surface roughness and burr formation. Among the three machining parameters, feed was identified as the most influential parameter affecting burr formation. Grey relational analysis identified the most optimal experimental run with a speed of 14 m/min, feed of 1 µm/tooth, and depth of cut of 70 µm using an AlTiN coated tool. ANOVA of the regression model identified the tool coating parameter as most effective, with a contribution ratio of 41.64%, whereas cutting speed and depth of cut were found to have contribution ratios of 18.82% and 8.10%, respectively. Experimental run at response surface optimized conditions resulted in reduced surface roughness and tool wear by 18% and 20%, respectively.

Statistical Analysis of Machining Parameters on Burr Formation, Surface Roughness and Energy Consumption during Milling of Aluminium Alloy Al 6061-T6.

Due to the increasing demand for higher production rates in the manufacturing sector, there is a need to manufacture finished or near-finished parts. Burrs and surface roughness are the two most important indicators of the surface quality of any machined parts. In addition to this, there is a constant need to reduce energy consumption during the machining operation in order to reduce the carbon footprint. Milling is one of the most extensively used cutting processes in the manufacturing industry. This research was conducted to investigate the effect of machining parameters on surface roughness, burr width, and specific energy consumption. In the present research, the machining parameters were varied using the Taguchi L9 array design of experiments, and their influence on the response parameters, including specific cutting energy, surface finish, and burr width, was ascertained. The response trends of burr width, energy consumption, and surface roughness with respect to the input parameters were analyzed using the main effect plots. Analysis of variance indicated that the cutting speed has contribution ratios of 55% and 47.98% of the specific cutting energy and burr width on the down-milling side, respectively. On the other hand, the number of inserts was found to be the influential member, with contribution ratios of 68.74% and 35% of the surface roughness and burr width on the up-milling side. The validation of the current design of the experiments was carried out using confirmatory tests in the best and worst conditions of the output parameters.

Fabrication of High-Performance Solar Cells and X-ray Detectors Using MoX2@CNT Nanocomposite-Tuned Perovskite Layers.

The interface design of inorganic and organic halide perovskite-based devices plays an important role to attain high performance. The modification of transport layers (ETL and HTL) or the perovskite layer is given the crucial inspiration to realize superior power conversion efficiencies (PCEs). The highly conducting 2D materials of CNT, graphene/GO, and transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are suitable substitutes to tune the electronic structure/work function of perovskite devices. Herein, the nanocomposites composed of molybdenum dichalcogenides (MoX2 = MoS2, MoSe2, and MoTe2) stretched CNT was embedded with HTL or perovskite layer to improve the resulted characteristics of perovskite devices of solar cells and X-ray detectors. A superior solar cell efficiency of 12.57% was realized for the MoTe2@CNT nanocomposites using a modified active layer-composed device. Additionally, X-ray detectors with MoTe2@CNT-modulated active layers achieved 13.32 µA/cm2, 3.99 mA/Gy·cm2, 4.81 × 10-4 cm2/V·s, and 2.13 × 1015 cm2/V·s of CCD-DCD, sensitivity, mobility, and trap density, respectively. Density functional theory approximation was used to realize the improved electronics properties, optical properties, and energy band structures in the MoX2@CNT-doped perovskites evidently. Thus, the current research paves the way for the improvement of highly efficient semiconductor devices based on perovskite-based structures with the use of 2D nanocomposites.

Self-biased wavelength selective photodetection in an n-IGZO/p-GeSe heterostructure by polarity flipping.

Transparent semiconductor oxides with two-dimensional (2D) heterostructures have been extensively studied as new materials for thin-film transistors and photosensors due to their remarkable photovoltaic characteristics, making them useful for newly developed optoelectronics. Here we demonstrate the fabrication and characterization of an ITO/n-IGZO/p-GeSe transparent selective wavelength photodetector. The wavelength-dependent photovoltaic behavior of the n-IGZO/p-GeSe heterostructure under UV-Visible laser light shifts the I-V curves down with positive Voc and negative Isc values of about 0.12 V and -49 nA and 0.09 V and -17 nA, respectively. Interestingly, when an NIR laser irradiated the device, the I-V curves shifted up with negative Voc and positive Isc values of about -0.11 V and 45 nA, respectively. This behavior is attributed to the free carrier concentration induced by photogenerated carriers across the device at different points that varied with the wavelength-dependent photon absorption. Consequently, the direction of the electric field polarity across the junction can be flipped. This study demonstrates a zero-bias near-infrared (NIR) photodetector with a high photoresponsivity of 538.9 mA W-1, a fast rise time of 25.2 ms, and a decay time of 25.08 ms. Furthermore, we observed a detectivity (D) of 8.4 × 109 Jones, a normalized photocurrent to dark current ratio (NPDR) of 2.8 × 1010 W-1, and a noise equivalent power (NEP) of 2.2 × 10-14 W Hz-1/2. Our strategy opens alternative possibilities for scalable, low-cost, multifunctional transparent near-infrared photosensors with selective wavelength photodetection.

Flexible Memory Device Composed of Metal-Oxide and Two-Dimensional Material (SnO2/WTe2) Exhibiting Stable Resistive Switching.

Two-terminal, non-volatile memory devices are the fundamental building blocks of memory-storage devices to store the required information, but their lack of flexibility limits their potential for biological applications. After the discovery of two-dimensional (2D) materials, flexible memory devices are easy to build, because of their flexible nature. Here, we report on our flexible resistive-switching devices, composed of a bilayer tin-oxide/tungsten-ditelluride (SnO2/WTe2) heterostructure sandwiched between Ag (top) and Au (bottom) metal electrodes over a flexible PET substrate. The Ag/SnO2/WTe2/Au flexible devices exhibited highly stable resistive switching along with an excellent retention time. Triggering the device from a high-resistance state (HRS) to a low-resistance state (LRS) is attributed to Ag filament formation because of its diffusion. The conductive filament begins its development from the anode to the cathode, contrary to the formal electrochemical metallization theory. The bilayer structure of SnO2/WTe2 improved the endurance of the devices and reduced the switching voltage by up to 0.2 V compared to the single SnO2 stacked devices. These flexible and low-power-consumption features may lead to the construction of a wearable memory device for data-storage purposes.

Deep-Ultraviolet (DUV)-Induced Doping in Single Channel Graphene for Pn-Junction.

The electronic properties of single-layer, CVD-grown graphene were modulated by deep ultraviolet (DUV) light irradiation in different radiation environments. The graphene field-effect transistors (GFETs), exposed to DUV in air and pure O2, exhibited p-type doping behavior, whereas those exposed in vacuum and pure N2 gas showed n-type doping. The degree of doping increased with DUV exposure time. However, n-type doping by DUV in vacuum reached saturation after 60 min of DUV irradiation. The p-type doping by DUV in air was observed to be quite stable over a long period in a laboratory environment and at higher temperatures, with little change in charge carrier mobility. The p-doping in pure O2 showed ~15% de-doping over 4 months. The n-type doping in pure N2 exhibited a high doping effect but was highly unstable over time in a laboratory environment, with very marked de-doping towards a pristine condition. A lateral pn-junction of graphene was successfully implemented by controlling the radiation environment of the DUV. First, graphene was doped to n-type by DUV in vacuum. Then the n-type graphene was converted to p-type by exposure again to DUV in air. The n-type region of the pn-junction was protected from DUV by a thick double-coated PMMA layer. The photocurrent response as a function of Vg was investigated to study possible applications in optoelectronics.

NIR self-powered photodetection and gate tunable rectification behavior in 2D GeSe/MoSe2 heterojunction diode.

Two-dimensional (2D) heterostructure with atomically sharp interface holds promise for future electronics and optoelectronics because of their multi-functionalities. Here we demonstrate gate-tunable rectifying behavior and self-powered photovoltaic characteristics of novel p-GeSe/n-MoSe2 van der waal heterojunction (vdW HJ). A substantial increase in rectification behavior was observed when the devices were subjected to gate bias. The highest rectification of ~ 1 × 104 was obtained at Vg = - 40 V. Remarkable rectification behavior of the p-n diode is solely attributed to the sharp interface between metal and GeSe/MoSe2. The device exhibits a high photoresponse towards NIR (850 nm). A high photoresponsivity of 465 mAW-1, an excellent EQE of 670%, a fast rise time of 180 ms, and a decay time of 360 ms were obtained. Furthermore, the diode exhibits detectivity (D) of 7.3 × 109 Jones, the normalized photocurrent to the dark current ratio (NPDR) of 1.9 × 1010 W-1, and the noise equivalent power (NEP) of 1.22 × 10-13 WHz-1/2. The strong light-matter interaction stipulates that the GeSe/MoSe2 diode may open new realms in multi-functional electronics and optoelectronics applications.