Improved photoluminescence stability and defect passivation in SbBr3 post-treated CsPbBr3 quantum dots under ambient conditions.

Inorganic cesium lead halide perovskites have evoked wide popularity because of their excellent optoelectronic properties, high photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield (PLQY), and narrowband emission. Here, cesium lead bromide (CsPbBr3 ) quantum dots (QDs) were synthesized via the ligand-assisted re-precipitation method. Post-synthesis treatment of CsPbBr3 QDs using antimony tribromide improved the PL stability and optoelectronic properties of the QDs. In addition, the PLQY of the post-treated sample was enhanced to 91% via post-treatment, and the luminescence observed was maintained for 8 days. The post-synthesis treatment ensured defect passivation and improved the stability of CsPbBr3 perovskite QDs. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy revealed the presence of more ordered, uniform-sized CsPbBr3 QDs after post-synthesis treatment, and the uniformity of the sample improved as the day passed. The formation of a mixed crystal phase was observed from X-ray diffraction in both as-synthesized, as well as post-treated QDs samples with the possibility of a polycrystalline nature in the post-treated CsPbBr3 QDs as per the selected area electron diffraction pattern. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy spectra confirmed the presence of antimony and the possibility of defect passivation in the post-treated samples. These QDs can act as potential candidates in various optoelectronic applications such as photodetectors and light-emitting diodes due to their high PLQY and longer lifetime.

Assessment of spatial variation in lung cancer incidence and air pollutants: spatial regression modeling approach.

A notable finding is that Kerala's capital Thiruvananthapuram has shown an increasing trend in lung cancer (LC) incidence. Long-term exposure to air pollution is a significant environmental risk factor for LC. This study investigated the spatial association between LC and exposure to air pollutants in Thiruvananthapuram, using Spatial Lag Model (SLM), Spatial Error Model (SEM), and Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR). The results showed that overall LC incidence rate was 111 per 105 males (age >60 years), whereas spatial distribution map revealed that 48% of the area had an incidence rate greater than 150. The results revealed a significant association between PM2.5 and LC. SLM was identified as the best model that predicted 62% variation in LC. GWR model improved model performance and made better local predictions in the southeastern parts of the study area. This study explores the effectiveness of spatial regression techniques for dealing spatial effects and pinpointing high-risk areas.

Diversity of fungal pathogens in leaf spot disease of Indian mulberry and its management.

Leaf spot disease in mulberry significantly affects silk production by reducing the nutritive quality of the leaves. This disease caused by various pathogens, regardless of the localities under the same climatic region. In the present investigation, an approximate incidence rate of 84 % was recorded in Karnataka based on surveys conducted in both farmer fields and germplasm locations. The causative agents have shown diversification, including new candidates such as Bipolaris sorokiniana, Curvularia lunata, Cladosporium sphaerospermum, and Epicoccum sorghinum. These findings mark the first report of these pathogens in Indian mulberry production. The investigation involved detailed pathogenicity assessments on the predominant mulberry silk production cultivar under controlled and field environments. Pathogens were identified using morpho-cultural, microscopic and phylogenetic analyses, including the internal transcribed spacer (ITS). Various concentrations of fungicides, both individually and in combinations, were evaluated to identify effective measures for mitigating yield losses. Among the fungicides tested against the new pathogens, Hexaconazole 5 % SC and Hexaconazole 5 % + Captan 70 % WP demonstrated high promise and cost-effectiveness. Consequently, these fungicides could serve as immediate solutions to prevent further yield reduction. However, it is essential to conduct comprehensive field investigations before recommending them as standard practices. Future research endeavors should focus on assessing the extent of crop loss caused by these newly identified pathogens in mulberry cultivation.

An Immature Type II Dens Invaginatus in a Mandibular Lateral Incisor with Talon's Cusp: A Clinical Dilemma to Confront.

Dens invaginatus (DI) is a malformation of teeth probably resulting from an infolding of the dental papilla during tooth development. DI is classified as type I, II, and III by Oehlers depending on the severity of malformation. The maxillary lateral incisor is the most commonly affected tooth. Structural defects do exist in the depth of the invagination pits, and as a consequence, the early development of caries and the subsequent necrosis of the dental pulp, as well as abscess and cyst formation are clinical implications associated with DI. Occasionally, we can see more than one developmental anomaly occurring in a single tooth. In such cases it becomes important to identify the anomalies and initiate a proper treatment plan for good prognosis. In this paper, an unusual case of DI which clinically presented as a huge talons cusp affecting a mandibular lateral incisor tooth is described. This case report illustrates grinding of the talons cusp followed by nonsurgical endodontic management of dens invaginatus type II with an immature apex and periapical lesions, in which Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) shows a complete periapical healing with bone formation at the site of the lesions.