Explore the vast range of titles available.

Simulation studies are vital to understanding solar cell performance and in optimal device design for high-efficiency solar cells. Cell performance is sensitive to many factors, including device architecture, energy band alignment at the interfaces, materials used for photogeneration, charge extraction, doping density and thickness of various layers. The role of electron transport layer (ETL) thickness and its doping density on device performance is explored in this work. As the ETL thickness is increased from 10 nm to 200 nm, both fill factor (FF) and efficiency remain high up to 40 nm, at 0.85 and 28.04%, respectively, and beyond 40 nm, they decrease gradually due to a sharp increase in series resistance, reaching zero at 200 nm. However, Jsc and Voc remained unchanged up to an ETL thickness of about 150 nm and 160 nm, respectively. These results were confirmed by contour plots of the simulated Voc, Jsc, FF and efficiency results. We observed that when ETL approached 200 nm, Jsc and Voc decreased to zero and 0.88 V, respectively. This can be attributed to very high series resistance and recombination in the cell. Donor concentration variation in the ETL from 1017/cm3 to 1020/cm3 has much less impact on Jsc, and Voc remains unchanged. However, fill factor and efficiency improved, which might be due to an increase in conductivity in the ETL. Our result shows that for an optimized device, with an AM 1.5 spectrum, a cell efficiency of 29.64% was achieved with Voc, Jsc and fill factor of 1.241 V, 28.70 mA/cm2 and 0.83, respectively.

Tacrolimus, an immunosuppressant used in solid organ transplantation, has a narrow therapeutic index and exhibits inter-individual pharmacokinetic variability. Achieving and maintaining a therapeutic level of the drug by giving appropriate doses is crucial for successful immunosuppression, especially during the initial post-transplant period. We studied the effect of CYP3A5 , CYP3A4 , and ABCB1 gene polymorphisms on tacrolimus trough concentrations in South Indian renal transplant recipients from Kerala to formulate a genotype-based dosing equation to calculate the required starting daily dose of tacrolimus to be given to each patient to attain optimal initial post-transplant period drug level. We also investigated the effect of these genes on drug-induced adverse effects and rejection episodes and looked into the global distribution of allele frequencies of these polymorphisms. One hundred forty-five renal transplant recipients on a triple immunosuppressive regimen of tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and steroid were included in this study. Clinical data including tacrolimus daily doses, trough levels (C 0 ) and dose-adjusted tacrolimus trough concentration (C 0 /D) in blood at three time points (day 6, 6 months, and 1-year post-transplantation), adverse drug effects, rejection episodes, serum creatinine levels, etc., were recorded. The patients were genotyped for CYP3A5 *3, CYP3A4 *1B, CYP3A4 *1G, ABCB1 G2677T, and ABCB1 C3435T polymorphisms by the PCR-RFLP method. We found that CYP3A5 *3 polymorphism was the single most strongly associated factor determining the tacrolimus C 0 /D in blood at all three time points ( p < 0.001). Using multiple linear regression, we formulated a simple and easy to compute equation that will help the clinician calculate the starting tacrolimus dose per kg body weight to be administered to a patient to attain optimal initial post-transplant period tacrolimus level. CYP3A5 expressors had an increased chance of rejection than non-expressors ( p = 0.028), while non-expressors had an increased risk for new-onset diabetes mellitus after transplantation (NODAT) than expressors ( p = 0.018). Genotype-guided initial tacrolimus dosing would help transplant recipients achieve optimal initial post-transplant period tacrolimus levels and thus prevent the adverse effects due to overdose and rejection due to inadequate dose. We observed inter-population differences in allele frequencies of drug metabolizer and transporter genes, emphasizing the importance of formulating population-specific dose prediction models to draw results of clinical relevance.

Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) received at the earth surface is the primary driver of plant growth and biomass production. The absence of a dedicated sensor network for regular measurements of PAR over the Indian region poses a challenge to the crop modelers and the decision makers. In the absence of any long-term study of PAR from this region, the present study from Delhi provides 4 years (2013–2016) of dedicated PAR measurements and also compares it with three other different methods of PAR estimation. PAR has been measured at the surface using Kipp and Zonen PQS1 PAR sensor and the data has been compared with the remotely sensed CERES-derived all-sky PAR values. It was also compared with the PAR estimated by fractional method using shortwave (SW) flux measured by pyranometer and the ratio of PAR/SW fraction using long-term satellite data for Delhi. It was further compared with the TUV radiative transfer model–derived PAR on clear-sky days. The daily mean PAR observed at Delhi is in the range 7.9 to 185.3 Wm−2 (average 94.5 ± 1.1 Wm−2) which nearly matched with the CERES-derived PAR in the range 10.8 to 144.3 Wm−2 (average 89.4 ± 0.8 Wm−2) and PAR derived by fractional method range 8.9 to 187 Wm−2 (with average 88.1 ± 0.8 Wm−2). The TUV model–estimated PAR on clear-sky days was found in the range 39.1–154.9 Wm−2 (average 96.8 ± 1.4 Wm−2) which showed a strong correlation of 0.82 with the observed PAR values on concurrent days. PAR estimated by all the three methods showed a good correlation with the observations (> 0.80). It may be concluded that in the absence of a regular PAR measurements, any of the three above methods of PAR estimation can give fairy accurate value at a point but CERES gives added advantage of providing PAR over large spatial area in the region.

The glass is half full; the glass is half empty. What is the big deal? Clearly, both statements are empirically valid descriptions of reality. Why is he the pessimist who sees the glass as half empty, and she the optimist who sees it half full? Why is it not intelligible to exclaim in consternation, \"Oh No! The glass is full,\" or \"How wonderful! The glass is empty!\" Why is plenitude an indicator of positivity and emptiness the sign of negativity? At what point is a neutral perception made to take on the interpretive bias of a certain worldview, a lean, a certain conative orientation? In other words, why should the description of reality have any bearing on the mood or psychological disposition of the perceiver? Why does the objective description of the state of fullness or emptiness of the glass take a subjective turn? The underlying issue here is that of phenomenological perspectivism that seeks a balance between a given objectivity and the embodied subjective and perspectival path towards objectivity.

Aluminium nitride (AlN) is a futuristic material for efficient next-generation high-power electronic and optoelectronic applications. Sublimation growth of AlN single crystals with hetero-epitaxial approach using silicon carbide substrates is one of the two prominent approaches emerged, since the pioneering crystal growth work from 1970s. Many groups working on this hetero-epitaxial seeding have abandoned AlN growth altogether due to lot of persistently encountered problems. In this article, we focus on most of the common problems encountered in this process such as macro- and micro-hole defects, cracks, 3D-nucleation, high dislocation density, and incorporation of unintentional impurity elements due to chemical decomposition of the substrate at very high temperatures. Possible ways to successfully solve some of these issues have been discussed. Other few remaining challenges, namely low-angle grain boundaries and deep UV optical absorption, are also presented in the later part of this work. Particular attention has been devoted in this work on the coloration of the crystals with respect to chemical composition. Wet chemical etching gives etch pit density (EPD) values in the order of 10 5  cm -2 for yellow-coloured samples, while greenish coloration deteriorates the structural properties with EPD values of at least one order more.

PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic is certain to have an unprecedented impact on the global population, but marginalized and vulnerable groups in low-income countries (LICs) are predicted to carry the largest burden. This study focuses on the implications of COVID-19-related measures on three population groups in India, including (1) migrant laborers (of which a majority come from Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), as well as Other Backward Classes (OBCs)), (2) children from low-income families and, (3) refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs).Design/methodology/approachThis study adopts a sequential mixed-method research design. A desk-based study of a selection of government reports was undertaken on the COVID-19-related mitigation measures. The desk study was followed by in-depth interviews with purposively recruited high-ranking experts in specific sectors of policy implementation and service delivery across the country.FindingsThe outcomes of this study shed light on (1) the most urgent needs that need to be addressed per population group, (2) the variety of state-level responses as well as best practices observed to deal with mitigation issues and (3) opportunities for quick relief as well as more long-term solutions.Practical implicationsThe COVID-19 pandemic has not only reduced people's means of maintaining a livelihood but has simultaneously revealed some of India's long-standing problems with infrastructure and resource distribution in a range of sectors, including nutrition and health, education, etc. There is an urgent need to construct effective pathways to trace and respond to those people who are desolate, and to learn from – and support – good practices at the grassroot level.Originality/valueThe current study contributes to the discussion on how inclusive public health might be reached.

How will the author teach Kamel Daoud’s The Meursault Investigation in an undergraduate class on postcolonial literature and theory? With this pedagogical perspective in mind, this essay attempts a contrapuntal appreciation of the intertextual relationship between Daoud’s The Meursault Investigation and Albert Camus’s L’Etranger . On the basis of Daoud’s novel, this intervention critically rehearses and reformulates the many crises and dilemmas that constitute postcolonial theory: postcolonial asymmetry and counter-memory, the predicament of secular nationalism, decolonization of the mind, humanism and the relationship of ontology to politics, and the future of third world literature.

Cooling processes like refrigeration and air conditioning are known for their high energy consumption. Since most Indian states experience abundant sunshine year-round, solar refrigeration is a suitable technology for the country. Solar-powered absorption refrigeration systems offer a viable alternative to traditional refrigeration, providing not only cooling and ice-making capabilities but also energy savings and environmental benefits. However, further research is necessary to enable widespread industrial adoption and the replacement of conventional refrigeration systems with solar powered absorption system. Using solar energy for an air-conditioning system is typically more cost-effective, when it can fulfil both heating and cooling needs. This research focuses on the thermodynamic modelling of a system, specifically the effect of various temperature on COP. Thermodynamic modelling was done with the help of first law of thermodynamics. Using engineering equation solver software, study simulated the cycle and equations were developed for energy and mass flow for each component. Further, before proceeding to analysis some assumptions were also made. We then analysed how the Coefficient of Performance (COP) changed when varying the temperatures across each component. Our findings show that COP increases with increase in condenser, evaporator, and absorber temperatures, but it is declined with decrease in generator temperature.

The coronavirus infectious disease (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) viruses. The pandemic has emerged as a global public health crisis, and the threat of fast-spreading of the latest variants of the coronavirus (such as omicron, delta) is rampant. Therefore, a fast and reliable diagnostic assay is needed to make the clinical decision for further treatment. The study aims to develop a Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC)–modified qualitative real-time reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-qPCR) assay and parallel assessment of commercially available RT-qPCR assay (Altona, Seegene, BD, and GBC) to detect SARS-CoV-2. Two hundred nine samples were chosen randomly out of around two hundred thousand samples. The panel consisted of SARS-CoV-2-positive ( n  = 156) and SARS-CoV-2-negative ( n  = 52) nasopharyngeal swab specimens for a primary clinical evaluation. Furthermore, 29 positive samples were sequenced using Oxford Nanopore Minion technology. Two hundred nine patient sample data of the cycle threshold (Ct) readings for target genes of five assays are 100% sensitive for Ct values. Mean Ct values for N1, N2, RdRp, S, and E of the positive controls in CDC assay, RealStar ® , Allplex, GBC, and SD Biosensor were 17.5 ± 0.49, 16.9 ± 0.51, 20 ± 0.49, 21.7 ± 0.38, and 23.1 ± 0.43, respectively. F test value shows ≥ 1, which was statistically significant. All assays showed an efficiency of < 120% and R squares were < 0.99, which is well above the required threshold value. Thus, when taking the CDC-modified assay as a gold standard, the other four assays demonstrated a p value of 0.0000, concordance at 100%, and a Kappa at 1.000. A maximum-likelihood (ML) tree was constructed and compared based on full-length SARS-CoV-2 with Wuhan isolate. These isolates are closely related to the B.1.617 lineage and reference sequences. Therefore, we conclude that all RT-PCR kits assessed in this study shall be used for routine diagnostics of COVID-19 in patients.