702 research outputs found
Synthesis and optical characterisation of triphenylamine-based hole extractor materials for CdSe quantum dots
Recommended from our members
Phenothiazine-Based D-A-π-A Dyes for Highly Efficient Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells: Effect of Internal Acceptor and Non-Conjugated π-Spacer on Device Performance.
Three new D-A-π-A metal-free organic dyes based on phenothiazine as a donor (D) and non-conjugated π-spacer were designed and synthesized. The incorporation of different 'internal acceptors' (electron traps) such as benzothiadiazole (BTD), benzotriazole (BTA), and pyridine were shown to allow systematic tuning of the energy levels and the photophysical properties. The AI-1 dye showed lower electronic disorder compared with the other two dyes. The efficiencies achieved with AI-1, AI-2, and AI-3 dyes were 8.5 % (Jsc =15.42 mA cm-2 , Voc =0.78 V, FF=68 %), 7 % (Jsc =12.8 mA cm-2 , Voc =0.78 V, FF=68 %) and 6.7 % (Jsc =11.57 mA cm-2 , Voc =0.82 V, FF=68.26 %), respectively. The incorporation of non-conjugated phenothiazine as a π-spacer in D-A-π-A dyes showed remarkable enhancement in the photovoltaic performance of dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) devices. The sealed DSSC devices with iodide/tri-iodide (I- /I3 - )-based liquid electrolyte showed promising stability under ambient conditions
Modelling of gas production from tight shale formations: An innovative approach
Master's thesis in Petroleum engineeringShale gas is one of the most rapidly growing forms of natural gas. Unconventional natural gas deposits are difficult to characterize overall, but in general are often lower in resource concentration and more dispersed over large areas. Moreover, gas is densely packed into the matrix which account for large volume of gas reserves. Gas production from this tight shale deposits are made possible by extensive and deep well fracturing which contacts large fractions of the formation. Production of gas takes place by diffusion of adhered gas in the matrix and by Darcy type flow in the fractures.
This thesis aims at detailed modeling of gas desorption, diffusion and flow in combination with statistical representation of the two processes. The representation of the model involves a cube as a porous media and a sphere inside it where gas is adsorbed. Gas is considered to be densely packed into the sphere which desorbs and then diffuses to the pore space and fractures in the cube on variation in concentration of gas and pressure decline. Many of these representative but general cells of the reservoir are put together and linked to a well or well fracture. The thesis quantitatively describes these processes as well as clarifies the geological conditions under which a successful shale gas production could be expected.
A mathematical model has been derived which is then compiled on FORTRAN to develop a simulator for the production of shale gas by considering sphere as a source term in each of the grid block. The obtained production plot explains the unique characteristics of gas production from tight shale formations.
This thesis also includes an analytical fracture model for a linear inflow and linear flow in the vertical fracture. The analytical model has been used to compare the pressure in fracture with that of numerical solution. The obtained results highlight the stability and applicability of the numerical model
Convective heat transfer in a sealed vertical storage cask containing spent-fuel canisters
An experimental study of natural convection heat transfer in a one-twelfth scaled model of a sealed storage cask of the Integral Monitored Retrievable Storage (MRS) facility containing twelve canisters is performed. A uniform power dissipation per unit length is supplied to each canister (heater rod) and the cask (outer cylinder) is maintained at a constant temperature. Correlations representing the convective Nusselt number as a function of Rayleigh number for each rod as well as one for the rod-bundle as a whole are reported. Two outer cylinders in a vertical position with exactly the same dimensions, one with internal fins and the other without the fins are used in these experiments. Comparison of the heat transfer data obtained for these two show that the conduction regime terminates at a much lower Rayleigh number in case of the cylinder without internal fins. Moreover, the critical Rayleigh number (onset of convection) obtained for this case is in a good agreement with the one predicted by a general correlation for square array of rod-bundles as reported previously. A significant result of the present study is that, once, the rod-bundles reach their respective convective flow regime, the heat transfer can be predicted with a single correlation. Using a length scale recommended in this study, the correlation predicts the convective Nusselt number for all the available rod-bundle data (present and previously reported results) with an accuracy of 7.2%
Study of degenerative (non-lytic) spondylolisthesis grade 1 and 2 in axial MRI images
Background: The traditional imaging assessment of lumbar spondylolisthesis is in sagittal images noting movement of upper body over the lower body. It omits change at the facet.
Methods: The present observational, study included 35 patients with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis(non-lytic). Radiological analysis of all MRI images was done by 4 independent spinal surgeons and 2 radiologists. The study focused on the axial MRI images and changed relation between the superior articular process and inferior articular process and relation between inferior articular process and canal with thecal sac (traversing root).
Results: Majority of DS had sagittal oriented facets (71.43%). In 7 cases at the L3/4 and in 19 cases at L4/5 level both facet joints had sagittal orientation with forward (ventral) movement of IAP. The IAP was found to be encroaching or in close proximity of traversing root. In 1 patient at L3/4 and 6 patients at L4/5 joint was sagittal unilaterally, may be causing compression of the neural elements unilaterally, while on coronal side the IAP and SAP had a normal alignment and not causing neural encroachment
Conclusions: We need to concentrate on relation of IAP vs SAP at facet as seen in axial images of facet
PHARMACIST-LED INTERVENTIONS TO PREVENT OPIOID MISUSE
The opioid epidemic continues to be a major public health challenge worldwide, characterized by escalating rates of misuse, dependency, and overdose-related mortality. Pharmacists, as accessible and highly trusted healthcare professionals, are strategically positioned to play a pivotal role in mitigating opioid misuse and its associated consequences. However, pharmacists face several challenges in implementing these interventions effectively. Regulatory barriers, such as restrictions on prescribing naloxone or providing medication-assisted treatment, can limit their scope of practice. Resource limitations, including insufficient funding and lack of access to advanced tools like Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs), further hinder their efforts. Additionally, inadequate specialized training in opioid safety and stigma associated with harm reduction measures remain significant obstacles. Looking ahead, expanded pharmacist training programs and integration into multidisciplinary teams could enhance their impact. Digital health technologies, including telepharmacy and advanced PDMP tools, offer promising avenues to streamline efforts. Furthermore, fostering collaboration with public health organizations and policymakers can help pharmacists secure the resources and authority necessary to implement these strategies at scale. This Article will also showcase case studies and examples of successful pharmacist-led interventions to provide practical insights into overcoming these challenges and achieving measurable outcomes in opioid misuse prevention
Adolescent substance use and participation in out-of-school time interventions
Adolescent consumption of alcohol, marijuana and tobacco is a significant problem that affects youth of all demographic groups and can have lasting, damaging impacts into adulthood. Furthermore, it is a complicated issue, with many social and economic risk factors. The focal mediator for adolescent substance use, in this paper, is unsupervised time in the period immediately following school. Across the United States, millions of young people are left unsupervised between the hours of 3pm and 6pm, which elevates the risk for consumption of substances. For this reason, implementation of afterschool programming (ASP) to provide supervised and developmentally enriching activities for youth is a promising strategy for reducing substance use. Another reason for using ASPs to prevent substance use behavior is the theory of alternate reinforcers, which emphasizes the protective nature of alternative, substance free activities in reducing the motivation for consuming substances.
There are many different models for afterschool programs, however the three models examined here are the Positive Youth Development (PYD), the Sequenced Active Focused Explicit (SAFE) model, and the Empowerment model. Each of these approaches emphasizes a different element of the afterschool setting, either philosophy, practices for delivery and specific program content, respectively; however, there are common features to all three. The goal of this study was to identify the strongest model for an afterschool program with the goal of reducing substance use among adolescents and to identify potential reasons for its success. Through an extensive review of literature on this topic, it became clear that there are strengths to each model, and each showed evidence for reductions in substance use behavior following program participation. The most effective ASP model, then, will likely be a combination of these three approaches. Continued research will be necessary to examine programs that combine strategies, and more resources are required to increase the scale of ASP to enhance their benefits
- …
