Reduced trap-density and boosted performance of CH3NH3PbI3solar cells by 1-Pentanethiol enhanced anti-solvent washing route.

Performance and the stability of the perovskite-based photovoltaic devices are directly linked to existing trap-states or defect profiles at the surface and/or in the bulk of perovskite layers. Hence identification of stemming the defects during perovskite formation is crucial for achieving superior and long-lasting performances. Here, we present the effect of 1-Pentanethiol incorporation into the one-step deposition of perovskite layers. A feasible glove box-free route results in high-quality CH3NH3PbI3layers under highly humid conditions (RH > 50%) but at low temperatures (T< 18 °C). 1-Pentanethiol addition into the washing solvent leads to the refinement of I/Pb stoichiometry, elimination of the iodide deficiencies, and reduction of the trap-state densities. Consequently, a precise amount 1-Pentanethiol addition enhances photovoltaic performances, resulting in a 54% PCE improvement for CH3NH3PbI3-based inverted solar cells.

The aquaculture supply chain in the time of covid-19 pandemic: Vulnerability, resilience, solutions and priorities at the global scale.

The COVID-19 global pandemic has had severe, unpredictable and synchronous impacts on all levels of perishable food supply chains (PFSC), across multiple sectors and spatial scales. Aquaculture plays a vital and rapidly expanding role in food security, in some cases overtaking wild caught fisheries in the production of high-quality animal protein in this PFSC. We performed a rapid global assessment to evaluate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and related emerging control measures on the aquaculture supply chain. Socio-economic effects of the pandemic were analysed by surveying the perceptions of stakeholders, who were asked to describe potential supply-side disruption, vulnerabilities and resilience patterns along the production pipeline with four main supply chain components: a) hatchery, b) production/processing, c) distribution/logistics and d) market. We also assessed different farming strategies, comparing land- vs. sea-based systems; extensive vs. intensive methods; and with and without integrated multi-trophic aquaculture, IMTA. In addition to evaluating levels and sources of economic distress, interviewees were asked to identify mitigation solutions adopted at local / internal (i.e., farm-site) scales, and to express their preference on national / external scale mitigation measures among a set of a priori options. Survey responses identified the potential causes of disruption, ripple effects, sources of food insecurity, and socio-economic conflicts. They also pointed to various levels of mitigation strategies. The collated evidence represents a first baseline useful to address future disaster-driven responses, to reinforce the resilience of the sector and to facilitate the design reconstruction plans and mitigation measures, such as financial aid strategies.

Adaptive optimisation of a generalised phase contrast beam shaping system.

The generalised phase contrast (GPC) method provides versatile and efficient light shaping for a range of applications. We have implemented a generalised phase contrast system that used two passes on a single spatial light modulator (SLM). Both the pupil phase distribution and the phase contrast filter were generated by the SLM. This provided extra flexibility and control over the parameters of the system including the phase step magnitude, shape, radius and position of the filter. A feedback method for the on-line optimisation of these properties was also developed. Using feedback from images of the generated light field, it was possible to dynamically adjust the phase filter parameters to provide optimum contrast.

Establishing the detection threshold for Bacillus subtilis in a complex matrix using an inorganic fingerprint approach.

Methods for the detection and characterization of airborne biological warfare agents, such as bacteria, using their DNA or organic composition are fairly well developed. This approach is useful for identifying the type of bacterial strain once the organism has been isolated from the matrix sampled (e.g., dust particles) and can identify genetically related organisms, which might be helpful during a forensic investigation. However, this genetic signature will not reveal information related to the methods used to grow and weaponize the organism. Bacteria will take on an inorganic signature that is related to their growth and processing history. Therefore, the ability to characterize the inorganic fingerprint of a biological particle has the potential to detect the presence of a bio-agent and expand the forensic tools available to those investigating the origin of biological weapons. This investigation builds on previous work documenting the usefulness of the inorganic fingerprint and evaluates the limits of detection in the presence of background dust. Based on ICP-MS measurements and mixing models of digested mixtures of laboratory cultured Bacillus subtilis (anthrax stimulant) and NIST Standard Reference Material 2709 (dust stimulant), the inorganic fingerprint method is capable of detecting toxicologically relevant levels of a bio-warfare agent in the presence of a complex background matrix.

Venous thromboembolism in the Chinese population--experience in a regional hospital in Hong Kong.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the incidence and determine the characteristic features of venous thromboembolism in the Hong Kong Chinese population. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Regional hospital, Hong Kong. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Data were collected during a period of four years (1997-2000). Patients with duplex doppler ultrasonography or venography-documented venous thromboembolism and new episodes of deep vein thrombosis were identified from Department of Diagnostic Radiology records. Patients with high-probability ventilation-perfusion scans were identified from Department of Nuclear Medicine records and these scans were taken as evidence of pulmonary embolism. Patients with intermediate-probability ventilation-perfusion scans, with pulmonary embolism documented by either pulmonary angiography or spiral computed tomography scan, were also included in the study. Patients with autopsy-verified fatal pulmonary embolism were identified from Department of Pathology records. Patients with deep vein thrombosis at other sites were sought from patient discharge diagnostic coding data. Medical records were reviewed for patient characteristics and conditions associated with the development of venous thromboembolism. RESULTS: Three hundred and seventy-six Chinese patients had venous thromboembolism during the study period. Of these, 352 had peripheral deep vein thrombosis, five had deep vein thrombosis at other sites (cerebral sinus and portal vein thrombosis), 40 had pulmonary embolism (26 had concomitant deep vein thrombosis), and six had fatal pulmonary embolism shown at autopsy. CONCLUSION: The calculated annual incidence of venous thromboembolism in Hong Kong Chinese people was estimated at 16.6 events per 100,000 population, which is lower than incidence rates reported in Caucasians. The four conditions most commonly associated with venous thromboembolism were medical illness, malignancy, orthopaedic surgery, and intravenous drug use. Conditions associated with venous thromboembolism in patients younger than 45 years included intravenous drug use, thrombophilia, pregnancy, and the use of oral contraceptives.

Absence of gallium uptake in multicentric Castleman's disease of plasma cell type.

Multicentric Castleman's disease (MCD) of plasma cell type is a reactive lymphoproliferative disease. While 67Ga scanning is useful in the detection of malignant lymphomas, its role in reactive lymphadenopathy is unknown. We report the absence of 67Ga uptake in three patients with MCD of plasma cell type and present a review of the English literature on this condition.

Rehydration of air-dried smears with normal saline. Application in fluid cytology.

Ninety fluid specimens (30 each of urine, ascitic and pleural fluid) were studied by preparing three comparable smears. One was air dried for Giemsa stain, one wet fixed in 95% ethanol and one dried on a hot plate at 37 degrees C, rehydrated in normal saline for 30 seconds and fixed in ethanol. The latter two were stained with Papanicolaou stain, and a comparison was made of the (1) retention of red blood cells, (2) retention of epithelial or mesothelial cells, and (3) cytologic preservation. The Giemsa-stained smear was used as a control for (1) and (2). Complete lysis of red blood cells was noted in the rehydration smears as compared with 70% red blood cell retention in the wet-fixed smears (P < .01). The rehydration smears retained 78% urothelial cells as compared with 55% in the wet-fixed smears (P < .01). For ascitic and pleural fluid the cell retention did not differ significantly. The wet-fixed smears scored better for overall cytologic preservation, but the difference was not significant. The rehydration smears showed a decrease in the chromaticity of staining, more flattened cell clusters and slight cell enlargement. The rehydration method was beneficial for urine and blood-stained body cavity fluids.