Creation of a boron carbide-based Ti3AlBC (312) MAX phase: a route to novel MXenes for energy storage

A novel boron carbide (B4C)-based Ti3AlBC (312) MAX phase was predicted for the first time via density functional theory (DFT). The stability of the MAX phase was confirmed by mechanical and thermal property analyses. The computational details revealed the attractive properties of Ti3AlBC, indicating its potential as an advanced material with improved characteristics. Its thermodynamic properties are reported as a function of temperature, indicating its potential for energy storage applications.

Exploring the influence of pressure-induced semiconductor-to-metal transition on the physical properties of cubic perovskites FrXCl3 (X = Ge and Sn)

Even though lead halide perovskites have outstanding physiochemical properties and improved power conversion efficiency, most of these compounds threaten their future commercialization because of their instability and highly toxic nature. Thus, it is preferable to use stable alternative elements rather than lead to make environmentally friendly perovskite material that will have comparable optical and electronic properties to those constructed from Pb-based perovskites. However, devices constructed from lead-free perovskites typically display a lower power conversion efficiency. Applying hydrostatic pressure could be deemed an effective method to alter the physical properties of these compounds. This not only improves their performance in application but also reveals significant correlations between structure and properties. This work uses DFT to investigate the structural, electronic, optical, and elastic properties of non-toxic, francium-based halide perovskites FrXCl3 (X = Ge, Sn) at different levels of hydrostatic pressures that vary from 0 to 10 GPa. The estimated structural parameter's strong correlation with the data from earlier studies ensures the accuracy of the current findings. Pressure causes the Fr-Cl and Ge (Sn)-Cl bonds to shorten and become stronger. The electronic property calculations demonstrated that both compounds are direct band-gap semiconductors. The application of pressure leads to a linear reduction in the band gap (semiconducting to metallic state) and raises the electronic density of states around the Fermi level by forcing the valence band electrons upward, indicating that the optoelectronic device's performance can be tuned and improved. The values of the dielectric constant, absorptivity and reflectivity showed an increasing tendency with pressure. As the pressure applied to the compounds increases, the absorption spectra show a redshift. These findings suggested that the FrXCl3 (X = Ge and Sn) compound becomes more appropriate for usage in optoelectronic applications under pressure. Furthermore, our examination of the mechanical properties indicates that both FrGeCl3 and FrSnCl3 exhibit mechanically stability, and ductility. Interestingly, we observe an increase in ductility as pressure levels rise.

Chronic Morbidities Overrule Acute Morbidities in Determining Self-Reported Health in Rural Bangladesh

Self- rated health (SRH) is a valuable screening-level measure of a community's health status. A better understanding of the factors that influence SRH is time-demanding and challenging. This study aims to examine the determinants of SRH by investigating health morbidities, demographic and socio-economic factors in Bangladesh perspective. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 908 adults (aged 18 years and above) in Manikganj district of central Bangladesh from 2nd January to 13th January 2017. Chi-square test was performed to test the association and binary logistic regression was performed to predict the relationship of SRH with all potential variables. The present study reveals the balance of bad health versus good health which was 27.2% and 72.8% respectively. Participants had at least one or more chronic diseases reported 3.40 times (p<0.001) bad health compared to those who did not have any chronic illness. In contrast, acute morbidity was not a significant determinant for SRH (OR=1.379, p=0.063). Older population aged 60 years and above had 3.96 times (p<0.001) higher chance of having self-reported bad health than the younger population. In addition, depression was also found a significant contributor (OR=2.05, p<0.001) to bad health. Chronic morbidity, older age and depression are the significant predictors of SRH. If SRH is used as a screening-level measure for the rural communities then the chronic disease status of rural Bangladesh will be identified quickly and easily.

Prevalence of Thyroid Dysfunction in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

The level of thyroid hormones is often changed in uncontrolled diabetic patients. Screening for Thyroid dysfunction (TD) among patients with Type 2 Diabetes mellitus (T2DM) should be performed considering the increased prevalence of thyroid disorders. This cross-sectional comparative study was conducted in outpatient department of Endocrinology and Medicine, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh (MMCH) from 1st March 2020 to 30th August 2021. One hundred (100) patients with type 2 diabetes along with 100 (hundred) non-diabetic controls of same age group were enrolled in the study. After taking clinical data, patients were investigated to estimate Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), serum free tri-iodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxin (FT4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level to see thyroid dysfunction. Patients were selected with purposive sampling. Thyroid dysfunction was found to be more in T2DM (15.0%) in comparison with non-diabetic controls (5.0%) and this difference was statistically significant (p=0.018). In both diabetic and non-diabetic groups, subclinical hypothyroidism and hypothyroidism were the most common thyroid dysfunction. Thyroid dysfunction was found more in 40-60 years that suggests the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction are increasing in diabetic patients with advancing age. Thyroid dysfunction was found more among overweight and obese patient in both groups. Mean BMI was found higher among diabetic patient with thyroid dysfunction. Logistic regression showed significant association of Thyroid dysfunction with age >50 years and high FPG level. We found thyroid dysfunction was more prevalent in patients with T2DM than non-diabetics. So, screening for thyroid dysfunction among type 2 diabetic patients by estimating Serum TSH, FT4 level should be performed.

Band gap engineering in lead free halide cubic perovskites GaGeX3 (X = Cl, Br, and I) based on first-principles calculations

Lead-free inorganic Ge-based perovskites GaGeX3 (X = Cl, Br, and I) are promising candidates for solar cell applications due to their structural, mechanical, electrical, and optical properties. In this work, we performed density functional theory (DFT) calculations using the CASTEP module to investigate these properties in detail. We found that the lattice parameters and cell volumes increase with the size of the halogen atoms, and that all the compounds are stable and ductile. GaGeBr3 has the highest ductility, machinability, and lowest hardness, while GaGeCl3 has the highest anisotropy. The band gap values, calculated using the GGA-PBE and HSE06 functionals, show a direct band gap at the R-R point, ranging from 0.779 eV and 1.632 eV for GaGeCl3 to 0.330 eV and 1.140 eV for GaGeI3. The optical properties, such as absorption coefficient, conductivity, reflectivity, refractive index, extinction coefficient, and dielectric function, are also computed and discussed. We observed that the optical properties improve with the redshift of the band gap as Cl is replaced by Br and I. GaGeI3 has the highest dielectric constant, indicating the lowest recombination rate of electron-hole pairs. Our results suggest that GaGeX3 (X = Cl, Br, and I) can be used as effective and non-toxic materials for multijunction solar cells and other semiconductor devices.

Effect of Low to High Pressure on the Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, and Optical Properties of Inorganic Material Ca3AsBr3: An Ab Initio Investigation

Inorganic metal halide solar cells made from perovskite stand out for having outstanding efficiency, cheap cost, and simple production processes and recently have generated attention as a potential rival in photovoltaic technology. Particularly, lead-free Ca3AsBr3 inorganic materials have a lot of potential in the renewable industry due to their excellent qualities, including thermal, electric, optoelectronic, and elastic features. In this work, we thoroughly analyzed the stress-driven structural, mechanical, electrical, and optical properties of Ca3AsBr3 utilizing first-principles theory. The unstressed planar Ca3AsBr3 compound's bandgap results in 1.63 eV, confirming a direct bandgap. The bandgap within this compound could have changed by applying hydrostatic stress; consequently, a semiconductor-to-metallic transition transpired at 50 GPa. Simulated X-ray diffraction further demonstrated that it maintained its initial cubic form, even after external disruption. Additionally, it has been shown that an increase in compressive stress causes a change of the absorption spectra and the dielectric function with a red shift of photon energy at the lower energy region. Because of the material's mechanical durability and increased degree of ductility, demonstrated by its stress-triggered mechanical characteristics, the Ca3AsBr3 material may be suitable for solar energy applications. The mechanical and optoelectronic properties of Ca3AsBr3, which are pressure sensitive, could potentially be advantageous for future applications in optical devices and photovoltaic cell architecture.

Mental Health Assessment of Health Care Providers of Bangladesh during Covid-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Web-Based Study

SARS COV 2 raised immense agony to everyone. As health care workers remains direct contact with patients, they are vulnerable to mental health disorder. The study was done to identify mental health status of health care providers of Bangladesh. It was a cross sectional web based survey among health care providers of bangladesh. A structured web based questionnaire was prepared both in Bangla and English version for better understanding. Total 2594 health care workers responded to online survey. Male were 1303(50.2%) and female were 1291(49.8%). Occupational demography shows 98.5% were physicians. Mean value of patient health questionnaire 9 (PHQ9) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) were 8.43±6.082 and 8.27±5.234 respectively among healthcare providers. To overcome anxiety and depression, 93.4% of HCW didn't receive any psychological material and 85.6% HCW didn't find physiological resources even through media. Despite many lacking, healthcare workers were resilient in our study.

Investigations on the structural and optoelectronic characteristics of cadmium-substituted zinc selenide semiconductors

A change in the composition and dopant content of selective atoms in a material leads to their new desired properties by altering the structure, which can significantly improve the performance of relevant devices. By acknowledging this, we focused on characterizing the optoelectronic and structural properties of cadmium-substituted zinc selenide (Zn1-xCdxSe; 0 ≤ X ≤ 1) semiconductors using density functional theory (DFT) within the generalized gradient approximation (GGA), EV-GGA, and mBJ approximations. The results proved the cubic symmetry of the investigated materials at all Cd concentrations (0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1). Although a linear surge in the lattice constant is observed with the change in Cd content, the bulk modulus exhibits a reverse trend. These materials are observed to be direct bandgap semiconductors at all Cd concentrations, with a decrease in electronic bandgap from 2.76 eV to 1.87 eV, and have isotropic optical properties, showing their potential applicability as a blue-to-red display. The fundamental optical properties of the materials, such as optical conductivity, reflectance, refractive index, absorption, and extinction coefficient, are also discussed. These outcomes provide a computational understanding of the diverse applications of Zn1-xCdxSe semiconductors in optoelectronic, photonic, and photovoltaic devices, particularly for a visible-range display.

A qualitative Design and optimization of CIGS-based Solar Cells with Sn2S3 Back Surface Field: A plan for achieving 21.83 % efficiency

Conventional Copper Indium Gallium Di Selenide (CIGS)-based solar cells are more efficient than second-generation technology based on hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si: H) or cadmium telluride (CdTe). So, herein the photovoltaic (PV) performance of CIGS-based solar cells has been investigated numerically using SCAPS-1D solar simulator with different buffer layer and less expensive tin sulfide (Sn2S3) back-surface field (BSF). At first, three buffer layer such as cadmium sulfide (CdS), zinc selenide (ZnSe) and indium-doped zinc sulfide ZnS:In have been simulated with CIGS absorber without BSF due to optimized and non-toxic buffer. Then the optimized structure of Al/FTO/ZnS:In/CIGS/Ni is modified to become Al/FTO/ZnS:In/CIGS/Sn2S3/Ni by adding a Sn2S3 BSF to enhanced efficiency. The detailed analysis have been investigated is the influence of physical properties of each absorber and buffer on photovoltaic parameters including layer thickness, carrier doping concentration, bulk defect density, interface defect density. This study emphasizes investigating the reasons for the actual devices' poor performance and illustrates how each device's might vary open-circuit voltage (VOC), short-circuit current density (JSC), fill factor (FF), power conversion efficiency (PCE), and quantum efficiency (QE). The optimized structure offers outstanding power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 21.83 % with only 0.80 μm thick CIGS absorber. The proposed CIGS-based solar cell performs better than the previously reported conventional designs while also reducing CIGS thickness and cost.

Lead-free novel perovskite Ba3AsI3: First-principles insights into its electrical, optical, and mechanical properties

Lead-free halide perovskites are a crucial family of materials in the fabrication of solar cells. At present, Solar cells are facing several challenges such as mechanical and thermodynamic instability, toxicity, unsuitable optical parameters, bandgap, and absorption coefficient. Ba3AsI3 is a halide perovskite which has demonstrated good efficiency and tremendous promise for usage in solar cell applications, and it offers a possible solution to these issues. In this study, the properties of the Ba3AsI3 perovskite solar cell were investigated using first-principles density functional theory (FP-DFT) calculations with the CASTEP (Cambridge serial total energy package) formulation. Most of its physical qualities, including its elasticity, electrical composition, bonding, optoelectronic characteristics, and optical characteristics have not yet been explored. In this work, these unexplored properties have been thoroughly investigated using density functional theory-based computations. The Born-Huang criterion and phonon dispersion characteristics have revealed that the material is mechanically stable. The bonding nature has been investigated using the density of states curves, Mulliken population analysis, and electronic charge density. Additionally, different elastic parameters demonstrate that Ba3AsI3 has reasonably high machinability and is mechanically isotropic. ELATE's three-dimensional visualization and optical properties also show isotropic behavior in all directions. The band structure shows that the bandgap is direct. Based on its direct bandgap, stability, large range of absorption coefficient, and suitable optical parameters, Ba3AsI3 is recommended as an absorber layer for solar cell fabrication in a near future.

Boosting efficiency above 28% using effective charge transport layer with Sr3SbI3 based novel inorganic perovskite

Strontium antimony iodide (Sr3SbI3) is one of the emerging absorbers materials owing to its intriguing structural, electronic, and optical properties for efficient and cost-effective solar cell applications. A comprehensive investigation on the structural, optical, and electronic characterization of Sr3SbI3 and its subsequent applications in heterostructure solar cells have been studied theoretically. Initially, the optoelectronic parameters of the novel Sr3SbI3 absorber, and the possible electron transport layer (ETL) of tin sulfide (SnS2), zinc sulfide (ZnS), and indium sulfide (In2S3) including various interface layers were obtained by DFT study. Afterward, the photovoltaic (PV) performance of Sr3SbI3 absorber-based cell structures with SnS2, ZnS, and In2S3 as ETLs were systematically investigated at varying layer thickness, defect density bulk, doping density, interface density of active materials including working temperature, and thereby, optimized PV parameters were achieved using SCAPS-1D simulator. Additionally, the quantum efficiency (QE), current density-voltage (J-V), and generation and recombination rates of photocarriers were determined. The maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 28.05% with JSC of 34.67 mA cm-2, FF of 87.31%, VOC of 0.93 V for SnS2 ETL was obtained with Al/FTO/SnS2/Sr3SbI3/Ni structure, while the PCE of 24.33%, and 18.40% in ZnS and In2S3 ETLs heterostructures, respectively. The findings of this study contribute to in-depth understanding of the physical, electronic, and optical properties of Sr3SbI3 absorber perovskite and SnS2, ZnS, and In2S3 ETLs. Additionally, it provides valuable insights into the potential of Sr3SbI3 in heterostructure perovskite solar cells (PSCs), paving the pathway for further experimental design of an efficient and stable PSC devices.

Achieving above 24% efficiency with non-toxic CsSnI3 perovskite solar cells by harnessing the potential of the absorber and charge transport layers

Lead toxicity is a barrier to the widespread commercial manufacture of lead halide perovskites and their use in solar photovoltaic (PV) devices. Eco-friendly lead-free perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have been developed using certain unique non- or low-toxic perovskite materials. In this context, Sn-based perovskites have been identified as promising substitutes for Pb-based perovskites due to their similar characteristics. However, Sn-based perovskites suffer from chemical instability, which affects their performance in PSCs. This study employs theoretical simulations to identify ways to improve the efficiency of Sn-based PSCs. The simulations were conducted using the SCAPS-1D software, and a lead-free, non-toxic, and inorganic perovskite absorber layer (PAL), i.e. CsSnI3 was used in the PSC design. The properties of the hole transport layer (HTL) and electron transport layer (ETL) were tuned to optimize the performance of the device. Apart from this, seven different combinations of HTLs were studied, and the best-performing combination was found to be ITO/PCBM/CsSnI3/CFTS/Se, which achieved a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 24.73%, an open-circuit voltage (VOC) of 0.872 V, a short-circuit current density (JSC) of 33.99 mA cm-2 and a fill factor (FF) of 83.46%. The second highest PCE of 18.41% was achieved by the ITO/PCBM/CsSnI3/CuSCN/Se structure. In addition to optimizing the structure of the PSC, this study also analyzes the current density-voltage (J-V) along with quantum efficiency (QE), as well as the impact of series resistance, shunt resistance, and working temperature, on PV performance. The results demonstrate the potential of the optimized structure identified in this study to enhance the standard PCE of PSCs. Overall, this study provides important insights into the development of lead-free absorber materials and highlights the potential of using CsSnI3 as the PAL in PSCs. The optimized structure identified in this study can be used as a base for further research to improve the efficiency of Sn-based PSCs.

Inorganic novel cubic halide perovskite Sr3AsI3: Strain-activated electronic and optical properties

In recent years, inorganic perovskite materials have attracted a lot of attention in the field of solar technology due to their exceptional structural, optical, and electronic properties. This study thoroughly investigated, using first-principles density-functional theory (FP-DFT), the impact of compressive and tensile strain on the structural, optical, and electrical properties of the inorganic cubic perovskite Sr3AsI3. The unstrained planar Sr3AsI3 molecule exhibits a direct bandgap of 1.265 eV value at Γ point. The bandgap of the Sr3AsI3 perovskite is lowered to 1.212 eV when the relativistic spin-orbital coupling (SOC) effect is subjected in the observations. In addition, the structure's bandgap exhibits a falling prevalence due to compressive strain and a slight rise due to tensile strain. The optical indicators such as dielectric functions, absorption coefficient, reflectivity, and electron loss function show that this component has a great ability to absorb in the visible range in accordance with band characteristics. When compressive strain is raised, it is discovered that the spikes of the dielectric constant of Sr3AsI3 move to lower photon energy (redshift), and conversely, while growing tensile strain, it exhibits increased photon energy changing behavior (blueshift). As a result, the Sr3AsI3 perovskite is regarded as being ideal for use in solar cells for the production of electricity and light management.

Harnessing the potential of CsPbBr3-based perovskite solar cells using efficient charge transport materials and global optimization

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have become a possible alternative to traditional photovoltaic devices for their high performance, low cost, and ease of fabrication. Here in this study, the SCAPS-1D simulator numerically simulates and optimizes CsPbBr₃-based PSCs under the optimum illumination situation. We explore the impact of different back metal contacts (BMCs), including Cu, Ag, Fe, C, Au, W, Pt, Se, Ni, and Pd combined with the TiO₂ electron transport layer (ETL) and CFTS hole transport layer (HTL), on the performance of the devices. After optimization, the ITO/TiO₂/CsPbBr₃/CFTS/Ni structure showed a maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE or η) of 13.86%, with Ni as a more cost-effective alternative to Au. After the optimization of the BMC the rest of the investigation is conducted both with and without HTL mode. We investigate the impact of changing the thickness and the comparison with acceptor and defect densities (with and without HTL) of the CsPbBr₃ perovskite absorber layer on the PSC performance. Finally, we optimized the thickness, charge carrier densities, and defect densities of the absorber, ETL, and HTL, along with the interfacial defect densities at HTL/absorber and absorber/ETL interfaces to improve the PCE of the device; and the effect of variation of these parameters is also investigated both with and without HTL connected. The final optimized configuration achieved a V_OC of 0.87 V, J_SC of 27.57 mA cm^-2, FF of 85.93%, and PCE of 20.73%. To further investigate the performance of the optimized device, we explore the impact of the temperature, shunt resistance, series resistance, capacitance, generation rate, recombination rate, Mott-Schottky, JV, and QE features of both with and without HTL connected. The optimized device offers the best thermal stability at a temperature of 300 K. Our study highlights the potential of CsPbBr₃-based PSCs and provides valuable insights for their optimization and future development.

Deep Insights into the Coupled Optoelectronic and Photovoltaic Analysis of Lead-Free CsSnI3 Perovskite-Based Solar Cell Using DFT Calculations and SCAPS-1D Simulations

CsSnI₃ is considered to be a viable alternative to lead (Pb)-based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) due to its suitable optoelectronic properties. The photovoltaic (PV) potential of CsSnI₃ has not yet been fully explored due to its inherent difficulties in realizing defect-free device construction owing to the nonoptimized alignment of the electron transport layer (ETL), hole transport layer (HTL), efficient device architecture, and stability issues. In this work, initially, the structural, optical, and electronic properties of the CsSnI₃ perovskite absorber layer were evaluated using the CASTEP program within the framework of the density functional theory (DFT) approach. The band structure analysis revealed that CsSnI₃ is a direct band gap semiconductor with a band gap of 0.95 eV, whose band edges are dominated by Sn 5s/5p electrons After performing the DFT analysis, we investigated the PV performance of a variety of CsSnI₃-based solar cell configurations utilizing a one-dimensional solar cell capacitance simulator (SCAPS-1D) with different competent ETLs such as IGZO, WS₂, CeO₂, TiO₂, ZnO, PCBM, and C₆₀. Simulation results revealed that the device architecture comprising ITO/ETL/CsSnI₃/CuI/Au exhibited better photoconversion efficiency among more than 70 different configurations. The effect of the variation in the absorber, ETL, and HTL thickness on PV performance was analyzed for the above-mentioned configuration thoroughly. Additionally, the impact of series and shunt resistance, operating temperature, capacitance, Mott-Schottky, generation, and recombination rate on the six superior configurations were evaluated. The J-V characteristics and the quantum efficiency plots for these devices are systematically investigated for in-depth analysis. Consequently, this extensive simulation with validation results established the true potential of CsSnI₃ absorber with suitable ETLs including ZnO, IGZO, WS₂, PCBM, CeO₂, and C₆₀ ETLs and CuI as HTL, paving a constructive research path for the photovoltaic industry to fabricate cost-effective, high-efficiency, and nontoxic CsSnI₃ PSCs.

First-Principles Calculations to Investigate the Stability and Thermodynamic Properties of a Newly Exposed Lithium-Gallium-Iridium-Based Full-Heusler Compound

The structural, optical, electrical, thermodynamic, superconducting, and mechanical characteristics of LiGa₂Ir full-Heusler alloys with the MnCu₂Al configuration were comprehensively examined in this work using the first-principles computation approach premised upon density functional analysis. This theoretical approach is the first to investigate the influence of pressure on the mechanical and optical characteristics of LiGa₂Ir. The structural and chemical bonding analysis shows that hydrostatic pressure caused a decrease in the lattice constant, volume, and bond length of each cell. According to the mechanical property calculations, the LiGa₂Ir cubic Heusler alloy exhibits mechanical stability. It also has ductility and anisotropic behavior. This metallic substance shows no band gap throughout the applied pressure range. The physical characteristics of the LiGa₂Ir full-Heusler alloy are analyzed in the operating pressure range of 0-10 GPa. The quasi-harmonic Debye model is employed to analyze thermodynamic properties. The Debye temperature (291.31 K at 0 Pa) increases with hydrostatic pressure. A newly invented structure attracted a lot of attention around the globe for its superior superconductivity (T_c ∼ 2.95 K). Optical functions have also been improved after applying stress to utilize it in optoelectronic/nanoelectric devices. The optical function analysis is supported strongly by the electronic properties. Due to these reasons, LiGa₂Ir imposed an essential guiding principle for relevant future research and could be a credible candidate substance for industrial settings.

Development of cell culture based peste des petits ruminants (PPR) virus vaccine candidate from Bangladeshi isolates

This study was conducted to develop a cell culture based PPR virus vaccine candidate using recent Bangladeshi strain of peste des petits ruminant's (PPR) virus. PPR virus was isolated from field outbreaks, confirmed by RT-PCR and used as viral inoculum for serial passaging in Vero cells for adaptation and attenuation. 60th serial passage had completed and RT-PCR and real time RT-PCR were done in every 5 passages for confirmation of PPR virus in tissue culture fluid (TCF). To assess the adaptation and attenuation cytopathology, virus titration, sequencing of both F and N genes and live animal experimentation were done. Different cellular alterations produced by PPR virus in infected Vero cells including syncytia formation, development of both intranuclear and intra cytoplasmic inclusion bodies and finally cell degradation are the indications of adaptation. The virus titre was found 2.5, 3.31, 3.55, 4.44, 4.71 and 6.5 Log₁₀ TCID₅₀/ml at 10th, 20th, 30th, 40th, 50th and 60th passages level respectively. In F gene sequence analysis it has been observed that few nucleotide (nt) and mino acid (aa) has been substituted as the effects of serial passaging of PPR virus in Vero cells. TCF at 60th passage level was found effective to produced protective antibody (Ab) titre in live animal experimentation. It is concluded that serially passaged and Vero cells adapted PPR virus TCF could be used as a vaccine candidate for further use to develop a potent & effective vaccine against PPR diseases.

Revealing the diversity of internal body temperature and panting response for feedlot cattle under environmental thermal stress

Core body temperature (CBT) regulation is crucial for mammalian wellbeing and survival. Cattle pant to dissipate excess heat to regulate CBT when ambient conditions exceed thermoneutral zones. However, to date, neither the variability in cattle heat response, the lagged response of CBT to thermal indices, nor the diurnal patterns of thermal indices, CBT and panting have been reported in the literature. We decomposed thermal indices, CBT and panting time-series data for 99 feedlot heifers across three discrete heat events into diurnal, trend and residual components. Both raw and decomposed data were analysed to explore the lagged CBT and panting responses and the association between series. We show ambient thermal conditions impact CBT with a 1-h lag despite a lag of between 1.5 to 3 h from raw data. Average individual panting scores were used to identify heat-susceptible and heat-tolerant cattle. Heat-susceptible cattle showed greater CBT (P < 0.01) between 8:00 and 23:00 and greater panting duration (P < 0.05) between 10:00 and 18:00 than heat-tolerant cattle under the same thermal conditions and these variations followed a similar pattern despite differences in cattle breed. This new information enables targeted amelioration and selection of individuals against heat susceptibility.

Socio-economic inequalities in undiagnosed, untreated, and uncontrolled diabetes mellitus in Bangladesh: is there a gender difference?

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to determine: (1) the prevalence and socio-economic distribution of undiagnosed, untreated, and uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (DM); (2) the relationship between socio-economic status (SES) and undiagnosed, untreated, and uncontrolled DM; and (3) if this relationship is mediated by gender.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional nationally representative household-based survey.

METHODS

We used data from the Bangladesh Demographic Health Survey from 2017 to 18. Our findings were based on the responses of 12,144 individuals aged 18 years and older. As a measure of SES, we focused on standard of living (hereinafter referred to as wealth). The study's outcome variables were prevalence of total (diagnosed + undiagnosed), undiagnosed, untreated, and uncontrolled DM. We used three regression-based approaches-adjusted odds ratio, relative inequality index, and slope inequality index-to assess different aspects of SES differences in the prevalence of total, undiagnosed, untreated, and uncontrolled DM. We used logistic regression analysis to look at the adjusted association between SES and the outcomes after gender stratification to see whether gender status moderates the association between SES and the targeted outcomes.

RESULTS

In our sample analysis, the age-adjusted prevalence of total, undiagnosed, untreated, and uncontrolled DM was 9.1%, 61.4%, 64.7%, and 72.1%, respectively. Females had a higher prevalence of DM and undiagnosed, untreated, and uncontrolled DM than males. When compared to people in the poor SES group, people in the rich and middle SES groups had 2.60 times (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.05-3.29) and 1.47 times (95% CI 1.18-1.83) higher chance of developing DM. When compared to individuals in the poor SES group, those in the rich SES groups were 0.50 (95% CI 0.33-0.77) and 0.55 times (95% CI 0.36-0.85) less likely to have undiagnosed and untreated DM.

CONCLUSIONS

In Bangladesh, rich SES groups were more likely than poor SES groups to have DM, whereas poor SES groups with DM were less likely than rich SES groups to be aware of their disease and obtain treatment. The government and other concerned parties are urged by this study to pay more attention to developing suitable policy measures to reduce the risk of DM, particularly among rich SES groups, as well as targeted efforts to screen for and diagnose DM in socio-economically disadvantaged groups.

An extensive study on multiple ETL and HTL layers to design and simulation of high-performance lead-free CsSnCl3-based perovskite solar cells

Cesium tin chloride (CsSnCl₃) is a potential and competitive absorber material for lead-free perovskite solar cells (PSCs). The full potential of CsSnCl₃ not yet been realized owing to the possible challenges of defect-free device fabrication, non-optimized alignment of the electron transport layer (ETL), hole transport layer (HTL), and the favorable device configuration. In this work, we proposed several CsSnCl₃-based solar cell (SC) configurations using one dimensional solar cell capacitance simulator (SCAPS-1D) with different competent ETLs like indium-gallium-zinc-oxide (IGZO), tin-dioxide (SnO₂), tungsten disulfide (WS₂), ceric dioxide (CeO₂), titanium dioxide (TiO₂), zinc oxide (ZnO), C₆₀, PCBM, and HTLs of cuprous oxide (Cu₂O), cupric oxide (CuO), nickel oxide (NiO), vanadium oxide (V₂O₅), copper iodide (CuI), CuSCN, CuSbS₂, Spiro MeOTAD, CBTS, CFTS, P3HT, PEDOT:PSS. Simulation results revealed that ZnO, TiO₂, IGZO, WS₂, PCBM, and C₆₀ ETLs-based halide perovskites with ITO/ETLs/CsSnCl₃/CBTS/Au heterostructure exhibited outstanding photoconversion efficiency retaining nearest photovoltaic parameters values among 96 different configurations. Further, for the six best-performing configurations, the effect of the CsSnCl₃ absorber and ETL thickness, series and shunt resistance, working temperature, impact of capacitance, Mott-Schottky, generation and recombination rate, current-voltage properties, and quantum efficiency on performance were assessed. We found that ETLs like TiO₂, ZnO, and IGZO, with CBTS HTL can act as outstanding materials for the fabrication of CsSnCl₃-based high efficiency (η ≥ 22%) heterojunction SCs with ITO/ETL/CsSnCl₃/CBTS/Au structure. The simulation results obtained by the SCAPS-1D for the best six CsSnCl₃-perovskites SC configurations were compared by the wxAMPS (widget provided analysis of microelectronic and photonic structures) tool for further validation. Furthermore, the structural, optical and electronic properties along with electron charge density, and Fermi surface of the CsSnCl₃ perovskite absorber layer were computed and analyzed using first-principle calculations based on density functional theory. Thus, this in-depth simulation paves a constructive research avenue to fabricate cost-effective, high-efficiency, and lead-free CsSnCl₃ perovskite-based high-performance SCs for a lead-free green and pollution-free environment.

Excellent photocatalytic properties in 2D ZnO/SiC van der Waals hetero-bilayers: water-splitting H2-fuel production

This research unravels the photocatalytic properties of a 2D ZnO/SiC van der Waals hetero-bilayer for potential water-splitting applications by first-principles calculations. Four unique stacking patterns are considered in studying the electronic and optical properties in the presence and absence of biaxial external strain. For pattern-I and II, large negative binding energy and positive phonon frequencies are observed, denoting chemical and mechanical stabilities. Under the HSE-06 pseudo potential, the calculated bandgap value for pattern-I and II reaches 2.86 eV and 2.74 eV, respectively. 2D ZnO/SiC shows a high absorption coefficient (∼10⁵ cm^-1). The absorption peak under biaxial strain could reach ∼3.5 times the peak observed under unstrained conditions. Under strain, a shift from compressive to tensile biaxial strain (-6% to 6%) results in a bandgap decrease from 3.18 eV to 2.52 eV and 3.09 eV to 2.43 eV, for pattern-I and II, respectively. The observed strain-driven kinetic overpotential for 2D ZnO/SiC pattern-I and II easily engenders photocatalytic redox reactions. The excellent mechanical durability and strain-driven large kinetic overpotential suggest 2D ZnO/SiC heterobilayers as a prospective material for water-splitting H₂-fuel production.

Serum Magnesium Level and It's Relation in Predicting Adverse In-Hospital Outcome in Patients with First Attack of Myocardial Infarction

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients characterize a large proportion of admissions in coronary care unit and their management and risk stratification is of immense importance. Hypomagnesemia is a long-term risk factor for incident of both myocardial infarction and arrhythmia. We assessed whether serum magnesium levels at admission is associated with arrhythmias and in-hospital mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The aim of the study was to evaluate the prognostic implications of serum magnesium level in patients with acute myocardial infarction. This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the department of cardiology in Mymensingh Medical College Hospital from October 2017 to March 2019. Total 259 acute myocardial infarction patients were included considering inclusion and exclusion criteria. The sample population was divided into two groups: Group-I: Patients with acute myocardial infarction with serum magnesium ≥1.82mg/dl. Group-II: Patients with acute myocardial infarction with serum magnesium <1.82mg/dl. Serum magnesium level was measured on admission, and the incidence of in-hospital major cardiac events was assessed. In this study mean serum magnesium level of Group-I, Group-II were 2.21±0.14mg/dl, 1.60±0.15mg/dl respectively. It was statistically significant (p<0.05). In-hospital outcomes of the study group revealed that low risk group patients were uneventful outcome during hospitalization period, they had no any complication. In Group-I patient, 9(4.8%) were developed arrhythmias, 26(13.9%) were developed heart failure, 9(4.8%) were developed cardiogenic shock and 3(1.6%) were died and in Group-II patient, 44(61.10%) developed arrhythmias, 9(12.50%) were developed heart failure, 7(9.7%) were developed cardiogenic shock and 12(16.7%) were died out of them which was statistically significant (p<0.05). Mean duration of hospital stay of the study population according serum magnesium level was in Group-I, 4.27±0.68 days, in Group-II, 5.84±1.05 days which was statistically significant (p<0.05). In conclusion patient with serum magnesium level less than 1.82mg/dl increased the risk of in-hospital arrhythmia and death.

Numerical simulation and optimization of CsPbI3-based perovskite solar cell to enhance the power conversion efficiency

In this study, we investigated the potential of CsPbI3 as an absorber material for use in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). To optimize the device, we used TiO2 as the electron...

A comprehensive study of the optimization and comparison of cesium halide perovskite solar cells using ZnO and Cu2FeSnS4 as charge transport layers

Scientists are always working to increase the efficiency of solar cells in order to fulfill the rising need for energy sources. In these circumstances, Cs-based perovskites attracted attention due to...

Platelet Count as a Prognostic Factor in Stage IV Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Increase platelet count can accompany various cancers including lung cancer. This finding has recently been suggested to indicate poor prognosis. In patients with malignancies, thrombocytosis has previously been related disease stage, histological type and survival. In this study, the prevalence of thrombocytosis and the prognostic information provided by platelet count were analyzed in patients with stage IV Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) with an aim to assess elevated platelet count as a prognostic factor in patients with stage IV NSCLC and to investigate whether there is relationship between thrombocytosis, other clinico-pathologic factors and median survival. This prospective observational study was conducted in National Institute of Cancer Research and Hospital (NICRH), Dhaka, Bangladesh from September 2019 to August 2020. A total of 108 patients were enrolled purposively. Detail history taking, thorough physical examination was done along with relevant investigations. Data were collected by semi structured questionnaire and analysis was done with the help of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS), version 21.0. The mean age of the patients was found 56.4±12.2 years with range from 35 to 75 years. Majority (79.6%) patients were male, 52.8% patients came from low income and 36.1% were farmer. Majority (40.7%) were symptomatic; in bed >50.0% of day. Almost two third (59.3%) had <5.0% weight loss. Almost three fourth (69.4%) had squamous cell carcinoma. At the time of first assessment 75(69.4%) patients had normal and 33(30.6%) had elevated platelet count level. Age, sex and histological type were statistically not significant between normal and elevated platelet count level groups. But performance status, weight loss were statistically significant (p<0.05) between two groups. According to univariate analysis, age, performance status at presentation, weight loss more than 10.0% for 3 months and platelet count prior the start of treatment were all significant predictors for the overall survival. In multivariate analysis age, performance status at presentation and initial thrombocytosis were independent prognostic determinants for overall survival. Median survival time was significantly higher for the normal platelet count group and elevated platelet count group (7.5 months versus 5.5 months) respectively (95% CI, 5.5-7.5), p<0.001. The frequency of thrombocytosis in patients with stage-IV NSCLC at first presentation was 30.6% and median survival time in these patients was significantly shorter compared in patients without thrombocytosis. These results concluded that an elevated platelet count could be a useful prognostic factor for survival in patients with stage-IV NSCLC.

Synthesis and Characterization of Polyvinyl Chloride Matrix Composites with Modified Scrap Iron for Advanced Electronic, Photonic, and Optical Systems

In this study, Fe₂O₃ powder was synthesized using the co-precipitation method from scrap iron, which was then treated with varying concentrations of copper. Afterwards, the modified Fe₂O₃ was reinforced in the PVC matrix by using the solution-casting method to synthesize PVC composite films, which were subjected to a UV-visible spectrophotometer, a Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer, an X-ray diffractometer, and a thermal gravimetric analyzer to evaluate the optical, chemical, structural, and thermal properties. FTIR analysis reveals the formation of the composite through vibrational bands pertaining to both components present, whereas no significant changes in the XRD patterns of PVC were observed after the doping of modified iron oxide, which reveals the compatibility of fillers with the PVC matrix. The optical properties of the copper-doped iron oxide-PVC composites, including absorbance, refractive index, urbach energy, and optical as well as electrical conductivity are measured, and show an increase in optical activity when compared to the pure PVC compound. Moreover, the increased thermal stability of the synthesized composite was also observed and compared with conventional compounds, which, in accordance with all the other mentioned properties, makes the copper-dopped iron oxide-PVC composite an effective material for electronic, photonic, and optical device applications.

Ocular Manifestation and Correlation with CD4+ T Cell Count among Adult HIV/AIDS Patients in Bangladesh

Patients with HIV or AIDS suffer from wide varieties of complications that are related to infection. The eye as an organ is not spared from HIV-related manifestations. The ocular manifestations can be the presenting sign of a systemic infection in an otherwise asymptomatic HIV-positive person. The disease can have adnexal, anterior segment, posterior segment, orbital and neuro-ophthalmic manifestations. The objective of the study was to evaluate the ophthalmological manifestations among adult HIV infected patients of Bangladesh and co-relate the findings with CD-4+ T cell count. This cross sectional study was conducted in the department of Community Ophthalmology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh from January 2013 to September 2015. Purposive sampling technique was applied to enroll the patients. Total 110 patients were enrolled regardless of their immunological status by inclusion and exclusion criteria. Relevant clinical evaluation including history & physical examinations, laboratory investigations and some ocular examinations like- visual acuity, slit lamp biomicroscopy, IOP, indirect ophthalmoscopy with +90D (diopter) and +20D were done. The age of the study population ranged from 20-58 years with mean±SD 37.63±8.16 years. Among the study population 67(60.9%) were male and 43(39.1%) were female. According to ART status, 58(52.7%) were on ART and 52(47.3%) were ART naive. The mean CD4+ T- cells count was 410±281.65 with minimum to maximum was 6-1266 cells/μl. Among them 53(48.2%) had HIV related ocular findings and 57(51.8%) had no HIV related ocular manifestation. In relation with CD+ T- cells count, highly significant relation was found with lower CD4+ T- cells count and ocular manifestation (p=0.001).

Predictors of Malignancy in Thyroid Nodules

Thyroid swellings are common clinical problem throughout the world and also in Bangladesh. Most of thyroid swellings are multinodular, but a good percentage is solitary thyroid nodule. There is no robust, feasible method for malignancy differentiation has not been well established. The study evaluated thyroid nodules for risk of malignancy and compared history, clinical, sonographic features and FNAC findings with histopathology. This was a cross sectional study on 160 consecutive subjects of thyroid nodules done in the department of ENT and Head Neck Surgery of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH), Mymensingh, Bangladesh during from July 2018 to December 2019. All patients were admitted and diagnosed by detail history, clinical examination, investigations and underwent thyroidectomy. Detailed history, clinical examination, ultrasonographic finding and FNAC variables were documented retrospectively and a mathematical model was established for malignancy prediction. In this study mean age of the patients of thyroid nodules was 37.54±11.49 years and majority of the patients were within 21-40 years of age. Frequency of thyroid nodules is more in female with male female ratio 1:7. Most of the thyroid nodules appeared in this study within 0-2 years (61.9%). In this series of thyroid nodules constituted 88.1% firm, 8.8% hard, 3.1% cystic. Among the patients 89(55.6%) cases have solitary thyroid nodule and 71(44.4%) cases have multinodular goitre Majority of the nodules were warm 57.5% followed by cold 42.5%. FNAC showed nodular goitre 72.5%, Follicular neoplasm 1.3%, Papillary carcinoma of thyroid 7.5%, colloid goitre 9.4%, suspicious papillary carcinoma 3.8% and lymphocytic thyroiditis 1.3%. In this study out of 85 solid nodule, 69(81.18%) were benign and 16(18.82%) was malignant and out of 3 cystic nodule 3(100%) were benign. In this study most of the benign and malignant nodules were predominantly solid. Study showed the malignancy is significantly (p=0.001) more in solid than cystic nodules. Final diagnosis in this study was done on the basis of histopathological reports. Out of 160 patients, histopathologically benign lesion was 120(75%) and malignant was 40(25%). Among malignant cases 36(22.5%) cases were papillary carcinoma, 1 case was medullary carcinoma and 3 cases were follicular carcinoma.

Vacancy-Induced Thermal Transport and Tensile Mechanical Behavior of Monolayer Honeycomb BeO

Because of the rapid shrinking trend of integrated circuits, the performances of nanodevices and nanomechanical systems are greatly affected by the joule heating and mechanical failure dilemma. In addition, structural defects are inevitable during experimental synthesis of nanomaterials, which may alter their physical properties significantly. Investigation of the thermal transport and mechanical behavior of nanostructured materials with structural defects is thus a crucial requirement. In this study, the thermal conductivity (TC) and tensile mechanical behavior of monolayer honeycomb BeO are systematically explored using molecular dynamics simulations. An infinite length bulk TC of ∼277.77 ± 8.93 W/mK was found for the pristine monolayer BeO. However, the insertion of 1% single vacancy (SV) and double vacancy (DV) defects reduces the TC by ∼36.98 and ∼33.52%, respectively. On the other hand, the uniaxial tensile loading produces asymmetrical fracture stress, elastic modulus, and fracture strain behaviors in the armchair and zigzag directions. The elastic modulus was reduced by ∼4.7 and ∼6.6% for 1% SV defects along the armchair and zigzag directions, respectively, whereas the reduction was ∼2.7 and ∼ 5.1% for 1% DV defects. Moreover, because of the strong symmetry-breaking effect, both the TC and mechanical strength were significantly lower for the SV defects than those for the DV defects. The highly softening and decreasing trends of the phonon modes with increasing vacancy concentration and temperature, respectively, were noticed for both types of defects, resulting in a reduction of the TC of the defected structures. These findings will be helpful for the understanding of the heat transport and mechanical characteristics of monolayer BeO as well as provide guidance for the design and control of BeO-based nanoelectronic and nanoelectromechanical devices.

Antimicrobial Resistance of E Coli Causing Urinary Tract Infection in Bangladesh

Rapid spread of multidrug resistant microorganisms is a matter of great concern throughout the glove including Bangladesh. The objective was to identify the causative organisms for urinary tract infection (UTI) and their sensitivity patterns to antibiotics. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on patients admitted with UTI (n=60) at a tertiary level hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh from March 2019 to September 2019. Data were collected through clinical record reviews. Data of all these 60 cases were analyzed for socio-demographic characteristics. Of the 60 patients, culture and sensitivity report was available for 42 patients. Therefore, data were further analyzed for these 42 cases. Median age of patients was 35 years and 80% were female. The main organisms isolated from urine culture of UTI patients were E. coli (64%), Klebsiella (12%) and Enterococci species (10%). Susceptibility to antibiotics was analyzed only for E. coli (n=27) since the number of isolates of other organisms were small. E. coli was found to be resistant to most of the first- and second-line antibiotics, such as Amoxicillin (100%), Amoxyclav (72%), Co-trimoxazole (89%), Nalidixic acid (78%), Ceftazidim (94%), Ceftriaxone (73%), Cefuroxime (100%), Ciprofloxacin (59%), Cephotaxime (80%), Cefixime (100%) and Moxifloxacin (100%). E. coli was the predominant organism responsible for UTI and was resistant to most of the first- and second-line antibiotics. Immediate action is needed to develop empirical guideline for empirical management of UTI and establish surveillance system for monitoring.

Correction: Unveiling concentration effects on the structural and optoelectronic characteristics of Zn1−xCdxS (x = 0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1) cubic semiconductors: a theoretical study

Correction for ‘Unveiling concentration effects on the structural and optoelectronic characteristics of Zn1−xCdxS (x = 0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1) cubic semiconductors: a theoretical study’ by Muhammad Aamir Iqbal et al., RSC Adv., 2022, 12, 22783–22791, https://doi.org/10.1039/D2RA03850A.

Unveiling concentration effects on the structural and optoelectronic characteristics of Zn1−xCdxS (x = 0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1) cubic semiconductors: a theoretical study

This study explores the concentration dependent optoelectronic properties of Zn1−xCdxS (x = 0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1) cubic direct bandgap semiconductors using DFT within mBJ potential.

Recommendation and Roadmap of Mass Vaccination against Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic in Bangladesh as a Lower-Middle-Income Country

Low-income countries (LICs) and lower-middle-income countries (LMICs) are still deprived of the optimum doses of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines for their population, equal access and distribution, as well as mass immunization roadmaps to be implemented for achieving herd immunity and protection from the ongoing pandemic. In this short report, we are interacting with the world public health experts, as well as national and global leaders for warranting the mass vaccination drive to be more progressive against COVID-19 with equitable access of vaccines to LICs or LMICs to save the lives of the poorest country people and refugees. From several scientific databases, such as Google Scholar, PubMed, as well as national and international news websites, the data were collected data by utilizing appropriate keywords regarding the topic. Bangladesh might be exemplified in this brief communication as the representative of LMIC. As of October 14, 2021, 48% of the world's people have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. In contrast, only 2.5% of people from LICs have come in under COVID-19 vaccination for at least a single shot. Both LICs and LMICs need far more vision and ambition, including political, administrative, and diplomatic progress along with enhancing the vaccination drive for their population to be immunized through simultaneous mass vaccination progress of other countries with implementing public health safety measures against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Superior tunable photocatalytic properties for water splitting in two dimensional GeC/SiC van der Waals heterobilayers

The photocatalytic characteristics of two-dimensional (2D) GeC-based van der Waals heterobilayers (vdW-HBL) are systematically investigated to determine the amount of hydrogen (H2) fuel generated by water splitting. We propose several vdW-HBL structures consisting of 2D-GeC and 2D-SiC with exceptional and tunable optoelectronic properties. The structures exhibit a negative interlayer binding energy and non-negative phonon frequencies, showing that the structures are dynamically stable. The electronic properties of the HBLs depend on the stacking configuration, where the HBLs exhibit direct bandgap values of 1.978 eV, 2.278 eV, and 2.686 eV. The measured absorption coefficients for the HBLs are over ~ 105 cm-1, surpassing the prevalent conversion efficiency of optoelectronic materials. In the absence of external strain, the absorption coefficient for the HBLs reaches around 1 × 106 cm-1. With applied strain, absorption peaks are increased to ~ 3.5 times greater in value than the unstrained HBLs. Furthermore, the HBLs exhibit dynamically controllable bandgaps via the application of biaxial strain. A decrease in the bandgap occurs for both the HBLs when applied biaxial strain changes from the compressive to tensile strain. For + 4% tensile strain, the structure I become unsuitable for photocatalytic water splitting. However, in the biaxial strain range of - 6% to + 6%, both structure II and structure III have a sufficiently higher kinetic potential for demonstrating photocatalytic water-splitting activity in the region of UV to the visible in the light spectrum. These promising properties obtained for the GeC/SiC vdW heterobilayers suggest an application of the structures could boost H2 fuel production via water splitting.

Thermal transport in monolayer zinc-sulfide: effects of length, temperature and vacancy defects

Of late, atomically thin two-dimensional zinc-sulfide (2D-ZnS) shows great potential for advanced nanodevices and as a substitute to graphene and transition metal di-chalcogenides owing to its exceptional optical and electronic properties. However, the functional performance of nanodevices significantly depends on the effective heat management of the system. In this paper, we explored the thermal transport properties of 2D-ZnS through molecular dynamics simulations. The impact of length, temperature, and vacancy defects on the thermal properties of 2D-ZnS are systematically investigated. We found that the thermal conductivity (TC) rises monotonically with increasing sheet length, and the bulk TC of ∼30.67 W mK^-1is explored for an infinite length ZnS. Beyond room temperature (300 K), the TC differs from the usual 1/Trule and displays an abnormal, slowly declining behavior. The point vacancy (PV) shows the largest decrease in TC compared to the bi vacancy (BV) defects. We calculated phonon modes for various lengths, temperatures, and vacancies to elucidate the TC variation. Conversely, quantum corrections are used to avoid phonon modes' icing effects on the TC at low temperatures. The obtained phonon density of states (PDOS) shows a softening and shrinking nature with increasing temperature, which is responsible for the anomaly in the TC at high temperatures. Owing to the increase of vacancy concentration, the PDOS peaks exhibit a decrease for both types of defects. Moreover, the variation of the specific heat capacity and entropy with BV and PV signify our findings of 2D-ZnS TC at diverse concentrations along with the different forms of vacancies. The results elucidated in this study will be a guide for efficient heat management of ZnS-based optoelectronic and nano-electronic devices.

Efficacy of Clotrimazole 1% Solution Compared to Econazole Nitrate 1% + Triamcinolone Acetonide 0.1% Cream in Patient with Otomycosis

Fungal infection of the ear canal is called Otomycosis. It is more common in hot and humid condition. There are many modalities of treatment or therapeutic agent for treatment of otomycosis. Econazole Nitrate 1% + Triamcinolone Acetonide 0.1% cream is a topical antifungal agent described to be effective in the treatment of otomycosis. This study was performed to compare the efficacy of topical application clotrimazole 1% solution and Econazole Nitrate 1% + Triamcinolone Acetonide 0.1% cream in the treatment of otomycosis. A controlled, randomized and open clinical trial was carried out in ENT department of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from January 2020 to July 2020. Patients diagnosed with fungal otitis externa who were treated with topical antifungals were included in this study. They were randomized into two treatment groups: i) Clotrimazole 1% solution, 2) Econazole Nitrate 1% + Triamcinolone Acetonide 0.1% cream. Patients were microscopically evaluated at two weeks of treatment to determine resolution of disease. Recurrence and complications were recorded. Demographic and clinical variables were collected and analyzed, follow up and final outcomes (absence of infection) were compared between two groups. One hundred & two (102) patients were included, 51 in the clotrimazole 1% solution group and 51 in the Econazole Nitrate 1% + Triamcinolone Acetonide 0.1% cream group. Predominant symptoms are pain, pruritus, aural fullness and hearing loss. Aspergillus organism was isolated most frequently (63.73%). Treatment with clotrimazole 1% solution groups resulted in 88.23% resolution vs. 80.39% resolution with Econazole Nitrate 1% + Triamcinolone Acetonide 0.1% cream at 2 weeks of treatment. Econazole Nitrate 1% + Triamcinolone Acetonide 0.1% cream group demonstrated higher treatment failure 11.76 and 19.60 respectively. Clotrimazole 1% solution is more effective than Econazole Nitrate 1% + Triamcinolone Acetonide 0.1% cream for uncomplicated otomycosis. More study is needed to corroborate our results.

Open Label Randomized Controlled Comparison of Three Alternative Regimes of Ciprofloxacin, Azithromycin and Cefixime for Treatment of Uncomplicated Typhoid Fever in Bangladesh

Multi-drug resistant Typhoid fever (resistant to previously used chloramphenicol, ampicillin, amoxicillin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole) has been commonly described in the South East Asia region and a recent report suggests that the salmonella typhi have reduced response to fluoroquinolones (nalidixic acid-resistant). The optimum treatment protocol for this type of serovar has not been established. This study compared different antimicrobial regimens for the treatment of uncomplicated typhoid fever which was conducted in the medicine ward of Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) and outdoor setting in private practice in Dhaka metropolitan city, Mymensingh and Sylhet town from January 2017 to December 2017. Bangladeshi adults with uncomplicated typhoid fever were included in this an open-label randomized controlled trial. Ciprofloxacin (20mg/kg of body weight/day for 14 days), azithromycin (20mg/kg/day for 14 days), and Cefixime (16mg/kg/day for 14 days) were compared. Of the 81 enrolled patients, 62 were eligible for analysis (61 S. enterica serovar Typhi, 1 Salmonella enterica serovar paratyphi A). Of the S enterica serovar Typhi isolates, 88.7% (55/62) were MDR and 93.5% (58/62) were nalidixic acid resistant (NAR). The clinical cure rate was 62% (13/21) with ciprofloxacin, 71% (15/21) with Cefixime, and 85% (17/20) with azithromycin (p=0.053). The mean (95% confidence interval [CI]) fever clearance time for patients treated with azithromycin (5.8 days [5.1 to 6.5 days]) was shorter than that for patients treated with cefixime (7.1 days [6.2 to 8.1 days]) and ciprofloxacin (8.2 days [7.2 to 9.2 days]) (p<0.001). All three antibiotics were well tolerated. A 7-day course of azithromycin can be successfully used in uncomplicated typhoid fever due to isolates of MDR S enterica serovar Typhi.

COVID 19 in Children: Gastrointestinal, Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Manifestation

The most devastating pandemic of this era coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is caused by a novel virus named severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Although it is primarily a respiratory pathogen, it can also result in several extra-pulmonary manifestations includes gastrointestinal symptoms, hepatocellular injury. Angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2) receptor and transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2), the entry receptor for the causative coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is co-express in the gastrointestinal tract, hepatocyte, and cholangiocytes similar to the respiratory mucosa. The presence of these receptors facilitates the entry into the tissue and causes direct viral tissue damage, which is a proposed mechanism of injury. Diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort are common gastrointestinal manifestations, whereas derangement of liver function tests is the most hepatic manifestation in COVID-19. In this article, we reviewed on SARS-CoV-2 disease COVID-19 regarding gastrointestinal, hepatic, and pancreatic manifestation, the mechanisms by which the virus may inflict damage, and their management perspective.

Synthesis and characterization of nanozeolite based composite fertilizer for sustainable release and use efficiency of nutrients

In this research work, we propose macronutrients incorporated slow-release based nano-fertilizer using nanozeolite as a carrier. A simple chemical approach was used to synthesis the proposed nanozeolite composite fertilizer (NZCF). To gain an insight into the properties, morphology and structure of the synthesized NZCF, it was further characterized by different techniques such as powder XRD, FT-IR, SEM, and TG/DTA. A considerable enhancement of the quality and the water retention capacity of the soil was observed as a result of applying the proposed NZCF when compared with a commercial fertilizer. Furthermore, the swelling ratio and the equilibrium water content of NZCF were compared to the commercial fertilizer and their effect on plant growth was observed. Slow-release studies were carried out for both NZCF and the commercial fertilizer. The results of these studies reveled that NZCF possessed a long-term release pattern of the macronutrients and that showed a great potential for promoting plant growth. Hence, the prepared nanocomposite fertilizer can be safely used as an environment-friendly source of nutrients to enhance plant growth.

High-Performance Phototransistors Based on MnPSe3 and Its Hybrid Structures with Au Nanoparticles

Layered metal thiophosphates with a general formula MPX₃ (M is a group VIIB or VIII element and X is a chalcogen) have emerged as a novel member in a two-dimensional (2D) family with fascinating physical and chemical properties. Herein, the photoelectric performance of the few-layer MnPSe₃ was studied for the first time. The multilayer MnPSe₃ shows p-type conductivity and its field-effect transistor delivers an ultralow dark current of about 0.1 pA. The photoswitching ratio reaches ∼10³ at a wavelength of 375 nm, superior to that of other thiophosphates. A responsivity and detectivity of 392.78 mA/W and 2.19 × 10⁹ Jones, respectively, have been demonstrated under irradiation of 375 nm laser with a power intensity of 0.1 mW/cm². In particular, the photocurrent can be remarkably increased up to 30 times by integrating a layer of Au nanoparticle array at the bottom of the MnPSe₃ layer. The metal-semiconductor interfacial electric field and the strain-induced flexoelectric polarization field caused by the underlying nanorugged Au nanoparticles are proposed to contribute together to the significant current improvement.

Comparison between Efficacy of Combined Use of Hyaluronidise and Triamcinolone versus Hyaluronidise, Triamcinolone Acetonide and Oral Colchicine in the Treatment of Oral Submucous Fibrosis

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a chronic complex potentially pre-malignant condition caused by chewing areca nut and other irritants. It is an insidious process characterized by Juxta-epithelial deposition of fibrous tissue in the oral cavity and pharynx. OSF is very common in Southeast Asia and also now a days increase in Europe and North America. The aim of this study to compare the effectiveness of intralesional injection of triamcinolone and hyalurunidase versus intralesional injection of triamcinolone plus injection hyalurunidase with oral colchicine. The study included 60 patients of clinically diagnosed case of oral submucous fibrosis. Patients were divided into two Groups A and B. Group A patients received combination intralesionsl injection of triamcinolone acetonide 10mg/ml in 1ml with injection hyalurunidase 1500IU in 2ml with injection 2% lidocaine 7ml. 15 days interval in 3 months and Group B received intralesional injection of triamcinolone acetonide 10mg/ml in 1ml with injection hyalurunidase 1500IU in 2ml with injection 2% lidocaine 7ml in each 15 days interval for 3 months with oral colchicine 0.5mg twice daily for 3 months. Diagnosis based on burning sensation of mouth, blanching of mucosa, ulceration in oral cavity and also reduced mouth opening. Follow up assessment was done at intervals 1st follow up on 21st days after starting of treatment then 2nd follow up after 3 months and last 3rd follow up after 6 months. Before starting of treatment all patients were properly explained about the study and took their written consent. Much more improvement occurred in Group B patients, reducing in burning sensation and also increases in opening of mouth. In both groups blanching mucosae were improved. Treatment regimen of Group B is more effective in increasing mouth opening and improves burning sensation of oral cavity. No side effects were seen in both groups' patients.

Timing of eating during transition impacts feedlot cattle diet and liveweight gain

The timing of eating, relative to when feed is offered, is affected by the social rank of feedlot cattle due to limited feed bunk space. As cattle can select feed based on dietary preference, the timing of eating for cattle in feedlot may be associated with the ingested diet composition. Our objectives were to determine the nutritive value and timing of feed ingested by 100 feedlot cattle during transition and the association of timing of eating with feeding behaviours and average daily gain (ADG). Cattle behaviour and timing of eating were determined on 100 feedlot cattle using accelerometer-based ear tag sensors from days 3 to 6 post feedlot induction (observation period), and the ongoing impact of this period on ADG was determined for the full feed period (75 days). To determine eating patterns at the time of feed offer, cattle were grouped according to the number of days they were recorded as eating within 1 h of feed being offered across 4 observation days, G⁰: not present across 4 days, G¹: present for 1 day, G²: 2 days, G³: 3 days and G⁴: present for each of the 4 days. Total mixed ration (TMR) samples were collected for nutritive value analysis from four locations along the feed bunk from the time feed was offered and at hourly intervals thereafter for 7 h each day during the observation period. The composition of feed in the bunk changed across the 7 h of measurement (P < 0.05). The DM and CP of feed increased from 65 to 70% and 15 to 16%, respectively, and the NDF decreased from 36 to 32%. Thus, the preferred TMR feed component was the fibrous dietary fraction. However, the overall composition of the ingested diet for 7 h post feeding was similar between groups. Cattle in G⁰ had reduced eating time (0.7 vs 4.8%; P < 0.001), rumination time (4.5 vs 19.5%; P < 0.001) and ADG (1.0 vs 1.3 kg/d; P < 0.05) across the study, as compared with cattle in G⁴. Offering a more fibrous ration during feedlot transition, and customised cattle segregation and/or customised feeding regimes based on sensor derived feeding behaviour profiles during acclimation to feedlot can optimise ADG, animal welfare and feedlot profit.

Frequency and Risk Factors of Diabetic Retinopathy among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Single-Center Study from Bangladesh

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most frequent microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). DR remains a leading cause of blindness, currently accounting for 4.8% of the world's 37 million blindness cases. DR is one of the critical preventable causes of blindness. In Bangladesh, the number of studies reporting the prevalence and risk factors of DR in type 2 DM (T2DM) is limited. We conducted this cross-sectional study in a tertiary hospital in Bangladesh from March 2017 to August 2019 among 200 patients with T2DM for the presence and severity of DR by using color fundus photography in a dilated pupil. The diagnosis and grading of DR were made using the Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) Chart. Out of 200 subjects with T2DM, 35.5% had DR; the frequencies of NPDR and PDR were 19.0% and 16.5%, respectively. The mean age, diabetes duration, FPG, HbA1c, TG, TC, LDL-C, and serum creatinine were statistically higher, and eGFR was lower in the study subjects with DR than those without DR; BMI and HDL-C were indifferent in the two groups. The frequencies of males, subjects having monthly income of 10,000 Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) or more, smokers, hypertensives, and subjects having uncontrolled diabetes (HbA1c ≥7%), were higher in the DR group than the no DR group. Higher age (≥50 years), higher monthly income (≥10,000 BDT), urban residence, smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, and high LDL-C (≥100mg/dL) were found to be independent risk factors of DR in the study subjects. A large-scale nationwide study is needed to find out the actual prevalence of DR in Bangladesh.

Cartilage Ossiculoplasty from Stapes to Tympanic Membrane in One-Stage Intact Canal Wall Tympanoplasty for Cholesteatoma

This prospective study was conducted at Department of ENT, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, a tertiary care center in Bangladesh January 2017 to December 2018 to report hearing results and post operative complications of cartilage interposition ossiculoplasty in one-stage intact canal wall (ICW) tympanoplasty for cholesteatoma where ossicular chain is eroded or has to be removed either partially or totally. Total 42 patients underwent Intact canal wall (ICW) tympanoplasty for cholesteatoma with at least intact stapes footplate and in conjunction, cartilage ossiculoplasty was done during the same procedure. Patients were followed up regularly at 1 week, 1 month, 3 month, 6 month and at 1 year as usual follow up protocol to note complications and hearing status in 1 year follow up. In intact stapes suprastructure group, in the preoperative period, the mean air conduction thresholds (AC), bone conduction threshold (BC) and air-bone gap (ABG) were 48.3db, 9.5db and 38.8db respectively. Postoperatively, with a mean follow-up of 12 months, AC, BC and ABG were 27.6db, 9.7db and 17.9db respectively. In missing stapes supra structuregroup, in the preoperative period, the mean air conduction thresholds (AC), Bone conduction threshold (BC) and air-bone gap (ABG) were 57.4db 13.5db and 43.9db respectively. Postoperatively, with a mean follow-up of 12 months, AC, BC and ABG, were 33.9db, 14.2db and 19.7db respectively. For management of cholesteatoma cases, cartilage ossiculoplasty can be done effectively in conjunction with of intact canal wall tympanoplasty in a single setting. Complications are a few and easily manageable. Hearing results are at least as good as with other prosthesis and helps in avoiding subsequent surgery, discomfort and cost to the patients.

Doppler Evaluation of Carotid Vessels in Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes considered as a compound of metabolic syndrome. It can cause both micro and macrovascular complications. Diabetes is a strong risk factor in the development of atherosclerosis and likewise carotid artery disease. Carotid artery stenosis may cause stroke. Doppler ultrasound is the most common imaging technique for the diagnosis of carotid disease. Objective of the study was to assess the percentage of atherosclerotic carotid disease in asymptomatic Type 2 diabetics (T2D) by Doppler sonography and to find out the association of different risk factors of diabetic patient with atherosclerosis. A cross sectional study was done. A total of 43 type 2 diabetic patients (27 male, 16 female) referred from the out patient department and admitted patients in Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH) during January 2017 to December 2017 for the purpose of evaluation of intima media thickness (IMT) and carotid artery stenosis by Duplex color Doppler ultrasonography examination were enrolled in this study. Patients with previous history of recent stroke or transient ischemic attack (<6 weeks), history of carotid surgery or cervical radiotherapy were excluded. Carotid artery disease was found 65.1% in asymptomatic type 2 diabetics. Among them increased IMT in 48.8% and carotid stenosis was present in 37.2% and >50% stenosis (Peak systolic velocity >125cm/sec) was present in 9.3%. Age >50% years, smoking, duration of DM >10 years, hypertension, history of ischaemic heart disease and history of diabetic retinopathy were found to be associated with carotid atherosclerosis as well as carotid stenosis. High percentage of carotid artery disease (65.1%) was found in asymptomatic type 2 diabetes mellitus. This result suggests the need for carotid Doppler evaluation of all Type 2 diabetics as a first measure of stroke prevention, with the hope that timely intervention might avert stroke and its accompanying disability.

Relation of Obesity with Breast Cancer among the Patients Attending at National Institute of Cancer Research & Hospital

Breast cancer among women is gradually increasing in Bangladesh day by day. A number of breast cancer related etiological factors identified as age, reproductive factors, menarche, menopausal status, life style, hormone replacement therapy, genetics and alcohol intake. Obesity is an important factor for developing breast cancer in different countries. Obesity is one of the modifiable factors. The aim of the study was to find out the factors which might be associated with obesity among female breast cancer patients in Bangladesh. It was a case-control study conducted at the Department of Medical Oncology, National Institute of Cancer Research & Hospital (NICRH), Dhaka, Bangladesh from August 2014 to July 2015. Ninety one case and equal numbers of age matched controls were included in the study. The mean age of the case was 42.99 (±9.24) years and that of the control was 44.11±8.97 years. Majority of patients i.e. 59.3% (n=54) in case group was in pre-menopausal state where as 52.7% (n=48) of respondents in control group were in menopausal state. Increased waist to hip ratio (>0.85) was associated with increased risk of breast cancer (OR: 8.1). This was also true for increased BMI of ≥25kg/m² (OR: 4.57), increased waist circumference (OR: 3.52) and ever OCP use (OR: 2.11). However, para >3, education and moderate to heavy work were found to be protective against breast cancer (OR: <1). In clinical setting waist-to-hip ratio, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) can be used effectively to identify women with an increased risk of breast cancer.