Tungsten-Doped ZnO as an Electron Transport Layer for Perovskite Solar Cells: Enhancing Efficiency and Stability.

This study delves into enhancing the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) by optimizing the surface morphologies and optoelectronic properties of the electron transport layer (ETL) using tungsten (W) doping in zinc oxide (ZnO). Through a unique green synthesis process and spin-coating technique, W-doped ZnO films were prepared, exhibiting improved electrical conductivity and reduced interface defects between the ETL and perovskite layers, thus facilitating efficient electron transfer at the interface. High-quality PSCs with superior ETL demonstrated a substantial 30% increase in power conversion efficiency (PCE) compared to those employing pristine ZnO ETL. These solar cells retained over 70% of their initial PCE after 4000 h of moisture exposure, surpassing reference PSCs by 50% PCE over this period. Advanced numerical multiphysics solvers, employing finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) and finite element method (FEM) techniques, were utilized to elucidate the underlying optoelectrical characteristics of the PSCs, with simulated results corroborating experimental findings. The study concludes with a thorough discussion on charge transport and recombination mechanisms, providing insights into the enhanced performance and stability achieved through W-doped ZnO ETL optimization.

Using demographic, psychosocial, behavioural and safety-related factors to assess cyclists' behaviour: A comparative approach across 19 countries.

This Data in Brief (DiB) article presents the differences in cycling behaviors related to violations, errors, and positive behaviors by region. The study data were collected by means of a structured questionnaire applied to a full sample of 7,001 participants from 19 countries, distributed over 5 continents. This paper proposes descriptive statistics, as well as common statistical tests. The aim is to enable authors to make their own analyses, not to provide precise interpretations. For further information about the macro project supporting the collection of these data, it is advised to refer to the paper titled "Cross-culturally approaching the cycling behavior questionnaire (CBQ): Evidence from 19 countries", published in Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behavior.

A state-of-the-art review of metal oxide nanoflowers for wastewater treatment: Dye removal.

Dye wastewater consists of high solids concentrations, heavy metals, minor contaminants, dissolved chemical oxygen demand, and microorganisms. Nanoflowers are nanoparticles that resemble flowers when viewed at a microscopic level. Inorganic metal oxide nanoflowers have been discovered to be a potential source for overcoming this situation. Their flower-like features give them a higher surface area to volume ratio and porosity structure, which can absorb a significant amount of dye. The metal oxide nanoflower synthesized from different synthesis methods is used to compare which one is cost-effective and capable of generating a large scale of nanoflower. This review has demonstrated outstanding dye removal efficiency by applying inorganic nanoflowers to dye removal. Since both adsorption and photocatalytic reactions enhance the dye degradation process, complete dye degradation could be achieved. Meanwhile, the inorganic metal oxide nanoflowers' exemplary reusability characteristics with negligible performance drop further prove that this approach is highly sustainable and may help to save costs. This review has proven the momentum of obtaining high dye removal efficiency in wastewater treatment to conclude that the metal oxide nanoflower study is worth researching.

The COVID-19 pandemic related stress and the associated factors among the healthcare workers in Kota Setar District Health Office, Malaysia.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic is the most significant worldwide health catastrophe, with massive impacts observed particularly among the healthcare workers. Stress among healthcare workers is a significant and pervasive issue that can have profound implications for both the well-being of healthcare professionals and the quality of patient care. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated factors among the healthcare workers (HCWs). METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted involving 533 HCWs in Kota Setar District Health Office. Related data was collected between January and June 2021. Stress was measured using the Depression Anxiety Depression Scale 21 (DASS-21). Other variables included in this study were sociodemographic and employment factors. The associated factors and predictors were determined by employing chi-square test and multivariate logistic models. RESULTS: COVID-19 related stress was reported at 10.5%. HCWs who work at the district health offices and those with degree or higher qualifications had 2.3 (AOR = 2.310, 95% CI: 1.177-4.535) and 3 (AOR = 2.899, 95% CI: 1.613-5.211) higher odds of experiencing stress compared to those working in the clinics and had lower qualifications (diploma or less). CONCLUSIONS: The mental wellbeing of the HCWs participated in this study had been affected negatively by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in one in 10th of the HCWs were experiencing stress during the COVID-19 pandemic, with higher risk observed among those working at the district health office and HCWs with higher qualifications or ranking. This is expected since COVID-19 was a new and unprecedented outbreak associated with massive number of mortalities that requires active contact tracing and surveillance which commonly conducted at district health office level. Active intervention needed to cope with the overwhelming stress and working condition to ensure effective rehabilitation are in place and quality of work were not jeopardized.

Menopausal hormone therapy and risk of venous thromboembolism: The story so far.

Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is known to increase the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), which includes deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and less frequently cerebral vein thrombosis, but the absolute risk for a given patient is very low. After starting MHT, the risk of VTE seems to be at its highest, declining to the non-HRT user baseline level of risk after stopping. Whether estrogen-only or estrogen-progestin HRT combination is linked to a similar risk of VTE is unclear from the available evidence. The aim of this study is to evaluate the risks of developing VTE in relation to different types as well as different modes of administration of MHT through a database search including PubMed, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and others in order to provide the women carers with the up-to-date and evidence-based guidelines and recommendations while counseling the post-menopausal women enquiring on use of hormonal therapies either to alleviate the menopausal symptoms or to prevent the long-term sequelae of estrogen deficiency.

On sait que l'hormonothérapie ménopausique (MHT) augmente le risque de thromboembolie veineuse (TEV), qui comprend la thrombose veineuse profonde, l'embolie pulmonaire et, moins fréquemment, la thrombose veineuse cérébrale, mais le risque absolu pour un patient donné est très faible. Après le début du MHT, le risque de TEV semble être à son plus haut niveau, diminuant jusqu'au niveau de risque de base des non-utilisatrices de THS après l'arrêt. Les preuves disponibles ne permettent pas de savoir si un THS à base d'œstrogène seul ou d'association œstroprogestative est lié à un risque similaire de TEV. Le but de cette étude est d'évaluer les risques de développer une TEV par rapport à différents types ainsi qu'à différents modes d'administration du MHT grâce à une recherche dans des bases de données comprenant PubMed, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library et autres afin de fournir aux femmes les soignants avec les lignes directrices et recommandations à jour et fondées sur des preuves tout en conseillant les femmes ménopausées qui se renseignent sur l'utilisation de thérapies hormonales, soit pour soulager les symptômes de la ménopause, soit pour prévenir les séquelles à long terme d'une carence en œstrogènes.

A review of the discussions on cultivated meat from the Islamic perspective.

Since the introduction of the cultivated meat burger in 2013, numerous discussions have transpired between researchers and consumers, manifesting in various forms such as academic publications, opinions on personal websites and interactions on social platforms. For Muslim consumers, a primary concern revolves around the halal status of cultivated meat, given the pivotal role of adhering to a halal diet as a divine obligation in their lives. Therefore, this article seeks to systematically review the existing literature on cultivated meat from an Islamic perspective as articulated by Muslim scholars, whether these perspectives are issued by an established fatwa organisation or representations of personal views. The sources incorporated into this analysis span from academic publications, newspaper articles, fatwa bodies, personal websites and interviews. Employing thematic analysis, five principal themes were discerned within the discourse among Muslim scholars regarding cultivated meat: (i) the ontological status of cultivated meat, (ii) the status and source of stem cells used in the cultivation process, (iii) the theological implications of cultivated meat production on altering God's creation, (iv) foundational principles for halal cultivated meat production, and (v) the contemporary necessity of cultivated meat from the perspective of al-maqasid al-shariah. It is duly recommended that international fatwa organisations such as the International Islamic Fiqh Academy (IIFA) engage in discussions and deliberations on this matter of growing significance within the food industry. The fatwas and resolutions issued by IIFA are frequently cited as the most recognised authority in many Islamic countries.

The Global Landscape of Domestic Violence against Women during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Narrative Review.

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has led to an alarming increase in domestic violence against women owing to lockdown measures and limited access to support services. This article provides insights into the global prevalence of domestic violence, barriers to seeking help, its impact on women and children, and the best practices implemented worldwide. Domestic violence encompasses various forms of abuse; many young women experience partner violence. Barriers to seeking help include fear, financial constraints, lack of awareness of available services, and distrust among stakeholders. The consequences of domestic violence affect the mental health of both mothers and children. Countries have increased shelter funding and developed innovative protocols to reach survivors and address this issue. However, the healthcare sector's involvement in addressing domestic violence has been limited. This review advocates collaboration among healthcare institutions and government bodies. Key recommendations include utilizing telehealth services, implementing comprehensive training programs, establishing effective referral systems, enhancing health education, developing a domestic violence registry, improving the responses of law enforcement and justice systems through healthcare integration, promoting data sharing, and conducting further research. Healthcare systems should recognize domestic violence as a public health concern and detect, prevent, and intervene in cases to support survivors.

pH-dependent structural transitions in cationic ionizable lipid mesophases are critical for lipid nanoparticle function.

Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are advanced core-shell particles for messenger RNA (mRNA) based therapies that are made of polyethylene glycol (PEG) lipid, distearoylphosphatidylcholine (DSPC), cationic ionizable lipid (CIL), cholesterol (chol), and mRNA. Yet the mechanism of pH-dependent response that is believed to cause endosomal release of LNPs is not well understood. Here, we show that eGFP (enhanced green fluorescent protein) protein expression in the mouse liver mediated by the ionizable lipids DLin-MC3-DMA (MC3), DLin-KC2-DMA (KC2), and DLinDMA (DD) ranks MC3 ≥ KC2 > DD despite similar delivery of mRNA per cell in all cell fractions isolated. We hypothesize that the three CIL-LNPs react differently to pH changes and hence study the structure of CIL/chol bulk phases in water. Using synchrotron X-ray scattering a sequence of ordered CIL/chol mesophases with lowering pH values are observed. These phases show isotropic inverse micellar, cubic Fd3m inverse micellar, inverse hexagonal [Formula: see text] and bicontinuous cubic Pn3m symmetry. If polyadenylic acid, as mRNA surrogate, is added to CIL/chol, excess lipid coexists with a condensed nucleic acid lipid [Formula: see text] phase. The next-neighbor distance in the excess phase shows a discontinuity at the Fd3m inverse micellar to inverse hexagonal [Formula: see text] transition occurring at pH 6 with distinctly larger spacing and hydration for DD vs. MC3 and KC2. In mRNA LNPs, DD showed larger internal spacing, as well as retarded onset and reduced level of DD-LNP-mediated eGFP expression in vitro compared to MC3 and KC2. Our data suggest that the pH-driven Fd3m-[Formula: see text] transition in bulk phases is a hallmark of CIL-specific differences in mRNA LNP efficacy.

Exploring Job Stress Among Public Health Workforce in Northeastern Malaysia.

Introduction Job stress is recognized as a significant concern across various occupational settings which have profound implications for both individuals and organizations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, job stress among the public health workforce (PHW) has been a significant concern, as they face a significantly increased risk of infection and mortality due to excessive COVID-19 exposure. This study presents a descriptive exploration of key job stress-related factors among PHW in Terengganu, Malaysia. Methodology This is a cross-sectional study conducted from May 2022 to April 2023, encompassing all eight District Health Offices (DHO) and government health clinics in Terengganu. Data collection involved a Malay version of the Job Content Questionnaire (M-JCQ), which assesses job characteristics based on Karasek's demand-control-support model and consists of four main domains: decision latitude, psychological job demands, physical job demands, and social support. Data was collected from 1044 participants, and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 27 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Findings Of the 1044 participants, 18.9% experienced job stress. The highest percentage of job stress was observed among nurses (24.3%), followed by medical assistants (18.3%) and physicians (16.0%). In contrast, the public health assistant (PKA) group had the lowest rate of job stress. Job types based on Karasek's model also showed variations, with doctors having the highest percentage of active jobs (46.4%), while medical assistants had the highest percentage of low job strain (17.9%), and PKAs had the highest percentage of passive job types (44.7%). Conclusion This study offers significant insights into the work-related challenges faced by the public health workforce in Terengganu, Malaysia, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Job stress is a substantial concern, and understanding its underlying factors is essential for improving the well-being of PHWs. Decision latitude, job demands, and social support play critical roles in shaping job stress among PHWs. Strategies and interventions are needed to mitigate job stress, improve working conditions, and enhance the effectiveness of PHWs in public health initiatives. This study highlights the importance of addressing job stress in this sector, with potential benefits for both the mental and physical health of PHW.

Findings from a Malaysian multicentre study on oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: In addition to the conventional aetiologic agents of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) such as tobacco usage, alcohol consumption and betel quid usage, it has been established that a proportion of OPSCC are driven by persistent oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) infections. Currently, there is a lack of data on the burden of HPV- associated OPSCC in Asian countries including Malaysia. METHODS: A cross-sectional multicentre study with tissue analysis of Malaysian patients diagnosed with primary OPSCC within a five-year period, from 2015 to 2019 between 01/01/2015 to 31/12/2019 was undertaken. Determination of HPV status was carried out using p16INK4a immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays constructed from archived formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue. RESULTS: From the cases identified, 184 cases had sufficient tissue material for analysis. Overall, median age at diagnosis was 63.0 years (IQR = 15) and 76.1% of patients were males. In our cohort, 35.3% of patients were Indian, 34.2% were Chinese, 21.2% were Malay and 9.2% were from other ethnicities. The estimated prevalence of HPV-associated OPSCC in our cohort was 31.0% (CI 24.4-38.2%). The median age for the HPV-associated OPSCC sub-group of patients was not significantly lower than the median age of patients with HPV-independent OPSCC. More than half of HPV-associated OPSCC was seen in patients of Chinese ethnicity (54.4%). Patients with HPV-associated OPSCC had a much better overall survival than patients with HPV-independent OPSCC (Log rank test; p < 0.001). Patients with HPV-associated OPSCC with no habit-related risk factors such as smoking, were found to have much better overall survival when compared to all other sub-groups. CONCLUSIONS: The findings from our study suggests that prevalence of HPV-associated OPSCC in Malaysia, though not as high as some developed countries, is however on an upward trend. HPV-associated OPSCC appears to be more frequently encountered in patients of Chinese ethnicity. Conventional risk-factors associated with OPSCC such as smoking, alcohol consumption and betel quid chewing should still be considered when estimating prognosis of patients with HPV-associated OPSCC.

Adsorbing DNA to Mica by Cations: Influence of Valency and Ion Type.

Ion-mediated attraction between DNA and mica plays a crucial role in biotechnological applications and molecular imaging. Here, we combine molecular dynamics simulations and single-molecule atomic force microscopy experiments to characterize the detachment forces of single-stranded DNA at mica surfaces mediated by the metal cations Li+, Na+, K+, Cs+, Mg2+, and Ca2+. Ion-specific adsorption at the mica/water interface compensates (Li+ and Na+) or overcompensates (K+, Cs+, Mg2+, and Ca2+) the bare negative surface charge of mica. In addition, direct and water-mediated contacts are formed between the ions, the phosphate oxygens of DNA, and mica. The different contact types give rise to low- and high-force pathways and a broad distribution of detachment forces. Weakly hydrated ions, such as Cs+ and water-mediated contacts, lead to low detachment forces and high mobility of the DNA on the surface. Direct ion-DNA or ion-surface contacts lead to significantly higher forces. The comprehensive view gained from our combined approach allows us to highlight the most promising cations for imaging in physiological conditions: K+, which overcompensates the negative mica charge and induces long-ranged attractions. Mg2+ and Ca2+, which form a few specific and long-lived contacts to bind DNA with high affinity.

Combining molecular dynamics simulations and x-ray scattering techniques for the accurate treatment of protonation degree and packing of ionizable lipids in monolayers.

The pH-dependent change in protonation of ionizable lipids is crucial for the success of lipid-based nanoparticles as mRNA delivery systems. Despite their widespread application in vaccines, the structural changes upon acidification are not well understood. Molecular dynamics simulations support structure prediction but require an a priori knowledge of the lipid packing and protonation degree. The presetting of the protonation degree is a challenging task in the case of ionizable lipids since it depends on pH and on the local lipid environment and often lacks experimental validation. Here, we introduce a methodology of combining all-atom molecular dynamics simulations with experimental total-reflection x-ray fluorescence and scattering measurements for the ionizable lipid Dlin-MC3-DMA (MC3) in POPC monolayers. This joint approach allows us to simultaneously determine the lipid packing and the protonation degree of MC3. The consistent parameterization is expected to be useful for further predictive modeling of the action of MC3-based lipid nanoparticles.

Plastic Roads in Asia: Current Implementations and Should It Be Considered?

The rapid economic and industrial growth experienced in the Asian region has significantly increased waste production, particularly single-use plastic. This surge in waste poses a significant challenge for these countries' municipal solid waste management systems. Consequently, there is a pressing need for progressive and effective solutions to address the plastic waste issue. One promising initiative involves utilizing used plastic to produce components for asphalt pavement. The concept of plastic road technology has gained traction in Asia, with 32 countries displaying varying levels of interest, ranging from small-scale laboratory experiments to large-scale construction projects. However, as a relatively new technology, plastic road implementation requires continuous and comprehensive environmental and health risk assessments to ascertain its viability as a reliable green technology. This review paper presents the current findings and potential implementation of plastic-modified asphalt in Asian countries, with particular attention given to its environmental and human health impacts. While plastic asphalt roads hold promise in waste reduction, improved asphalt properties, and cost savings, it is imperative to thoroughly consider the environmental and health impacts, quality control measures, recycling limitations, and long-term performance of this road construction material. Further research and evaluation are needed to fully understand the viability and sustainability of plastic asphalt roads. This will enable a comprehensive assessment of its potential benefits and drawbacks, aiding in developing robust guidelines and standards for its implementation. By addressing these considerations, it will be possible to optimize the utilization of plastic waste in road construction and contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.

Elderly Abuse and Neglect on Population Health: Literature Review and Interventions from Selected Countries.

Elderly abuse and neglect are among the primary public health problems linked to global demographic changes in the population, impacting not only the well-being of the elderly but also the growth of the nation or economy. This article discusses the effects of elder abuse and neglect on population health from the national and international perspectives through a narrative review of previously published articles on the concept of aging, the prevalence of elderly abuse and neglect, its risk factors and effects, and finally measures, legal perspectives, and recommendations to curb it. Interventions in Malaysia and selected nations, including Indonesia, South Korea, the United States, Australia, and Hong Kong, are examined. This issue is important as the majority of countries are moving toward being elderly populations. Improving global surveillance and the monitoring of instances is essential to inform policy actions to prevent elder abuse. In addition, a thorough assessment of the identified risk factors for violence and steps to prevent violence is required.

Assessing Mental Health Outcomes in Quarantine Centres: A Cross-Sectional Study during COVID-19 in Malaysia.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, persons under surveillance (PUS) were isolated in quarantine centres instead of at home. However, there is limited knowledge regarding the mental health issues experienced by these persons. This study aimed to assess mental health outcomes and associated factors among PUS and frontline workers at quarantine centres. This study conducted an analysis of secondary data from a cross-sectional survey carried out by the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services (MHPSS). The MHPSS employed the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) to evaluate mental health outcomes across 49 quarantine centres in Malaysia. The study included a total of 4577 respondents. The prevalence of stress, anxiety, and depression was found to be 0.9%, 11.4%, and 10.2%, respectively. Frontline workers and being part of the younger age group were found to be associated with depression, anxiety, and stress. Other factors associated with mental health issues were being female, staying at an institution-type centre, and a longer duration of the stay or work at the centre. In conclusion, assessing the mental health status and its associated factors among quarantine centre occupants is crucial for developing future strategies to safeguard their mental well-being.

A Rare Case of Idiopathic Bilateral Medial Canal Fibrosis.

Medial canal fibrosis usually occurs as sequelae of known conditions such as trauma, infection, or surgery. Rarely, it occurs without an identifiable cause, hence the term idiopathic medial canal fibrosis. Regardless of the etiology, the reportedly most successful treatment is surgery. A 52-year-old lady presented to us with bilateral reduced hearing and left ear tinnitus. There was no significant history to suggest the possible cause of the symptoms. Clinically, there is the presence of thick solid fibrous in the bilateral ear canal. Audiological examination revealed a conductive hearing loss bilaterally with tympanometry of type B, and imaging was done. She successfully underwent canalplasty following that and is doing well to date. In this paper, we reported a rare case of bilateral idiopathic medical canal fibrosis, and we discuss the causes, diagnosis, and best treatment for this disease.

Emotional and Behavioural Problems among Preschool Children in Northeast Peninsular Malaysia: Parent Report Version.

The rising prevalence of mental health disorders among children is a serious concern. Young children who exhibit early warning signs of mental health issues are more likely to develop symptoms in the same or overlapping regions years later. The research aimed to identify emotional and behavioural problems and associated factors in Malaysian preschools. A sample of young children aged 4-6 years from public and private preschools was chosen using a multistage random sampling method. Data were collected from 18 preschools via a parent survey using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). The sample involved 557 children in the SDQ assessment (92%). The overall estimated prevalence of emotional and behavioural problems was 8.4%. Peer problems were the most prevalent attribute, with a percentage of 19.7%. Conduct problems were found in 5.2%, hyperactivity problems in 5.6%, prosocial behaviours in 13.5%, and emotional problems in 6.8%. Girls showed a significant increase in behavioural and emotional problems compared to boys. Having one parent working, having more than two siblings, and having a single-parent family were associated with emotional and behavioural problems. The prevalence of emotional and behavioural problems in Malaysian children was relatively low compared to data from previous studies and other Asian countries but consistent with European studies. Measuring mental health disparities in young children helps stakeholders launch local early intervention programmes.

Structural insights on ionizable Dlin-MC3-DMA lipids in DOPC layers by combining accurate atomistic force fields, molecular dynamics simulations and neutron reflectivity.

Ionizable lipids such as the promising Dlin-MC3-DMA (MC3) are essential for the successful design of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) as drug delivery agents. Combining molecular dynamics simulations with experimental data, such as neutron reflectivity experiments and other scattering techniques, is essential to provide insights into the internal structure of LNPs, which is not fully understood to date. However, the accuracy of the simulations relies on the choice of force field parameters and high-quality experimental data is indispensable to verify the parametrization. For MC3, different parameterizations in combination with the CHARMM and the Slipids force fields have recently emerged. Here, we complement the existing efforts by providing parameters for cationic and neutral MC3 compatible with the AMBER Lipid17 force field. Subsequently, we carefully assess the accuracy of the different force fields by providing a direct comparison to neutron reflectivity experiments of mixed lipid bilayers consisting of MC3 and DOPC at different pHs. At low pH (cationic MC3) and at high pH (neutral MC3) the newly developed MC3 parameters in combination with AMBER Lipid17 for DOPC give good agreement with the experiments. Overall, the agreement is similar compared to the Park-Im parameters for MC3 in combination with the CHARMM36 force field for DOPC. The Ermilova-Swenson MC3 parameters in combination with the Slipids force field underestimate the bilayer thickness. While the distribution of cationic MC3 is very similar, the different force fields for neutral MC3 reveal distinct differences ranging from strong accumulation in the membrane center (current MC3/AMBER Lipid17 DOPC), over mild accumulation (Park-Im MC3/CHARMM36 DOPC) to surface accumulation (Ermilova-Swenson MC3/Slipids DOPC). These pronounced differences highlight the importance of accurate force field parameters and their experimental validation.

An Association Between Job Stress and Poor Social Support Among Healthcare Workers in Northeastern Malaysia.

INTRODUCTION: Job stress is an important occupational health problem globally. Hence, identification of workers at risk of developing job stress is paramount to the decision-makers. This study aims to estimate the proportion of job stress and its relationship with different categories of healthcare workers (HCWs) in the primary care and public health settings in northeastern Malaysia. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study involving 520 HCWs across all categories was conducted in Kelantan State, Malaysia. A proforma and validated Malay version of the Job Content Questionnaires were administered to obtain the data. The participants were then classified into four categories of workers according to Karasek's job demands-control model classification which were active, passive, high strain, and low strain. RESULTS: We found that a total of 145 (28.5%) HCWs in the study have job stress (high-strain job type). HCWs with a degree or higher qualification had the highest proportion of job stress (41.2%), while the diploma group has the lowest proportion of job stress among the four academic qualification groups (22.9%). Pearson chi-square shows a significant association between Karasek's job types and the level of social support from their supervisors (p < 0.05) but no association between job strain and the level of supervisor's social support (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Job stress among HCWs is prevalent, and the professional group had the highest percentage of risk job stress as compared to other groups. There is a significant association between the supervisor's social support and Karasek's job strain categories.

Metal organic framework derived NiO x nanoparticles for application as a hole transport layer in perovskite solar cells.

NiO x as a hole transport layer (HTL) has gained a lot of research interest in perovskite solar cells (PSCs), owing to its high optical transmittance, high power conversion efficiency, wide band-gap and ease of fabrication. In this work, four different nickel based-metal organic frameworks (MOFs) using 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid (BTC), terephthalic acid (TPA), 2-aminoterephthalic acid (ATPA), and 2,5-dihydroxyterephthalic acid (DHTPA) ligands respectively, have been employed as precursors to synthesize NiO x NPs. The employment of different ligands was found to result in NiO x NPs with different structural, optical and morphological properties. The impact of calcination temperatures of the MOFs was also studied and according to field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), all MOF-derived NiO x NPs exhibited lower particle size at lower calcination temperature. Upon optimization, Ni-TPA MOF derived NiO x NPs calcined at 600 °C were identified to be the best for hole transport layer application. To explore the photovoltaic performance, these NiO x NPs have been fabricated as a thin film and its structural, optical and electrical characteristics were analyzed. According to the findings, the band energy gap (E g) of the fabricated thin film has been found to be 3.25 eV and the carrier concentration, hole mobility and resistivity were also measured to be 6.8 × 1014 cm-3; 4.7 × 1014 Ω cm and 2.0 cm2 V-1 s-1, respectively. Finally, a numerical simulation was conducted using SCAPS-1D incorporating the optical and electrical parameters from the thin film analysis. FTO/TiO2/CsPbBr3/NiO x /C has been utilized as the device configuration which recorded an efficiency of 13.9% with V oc of 1.89 V, J sc of 11.07 mA cm-2, and FF of 66.6%.