A novel flexible broad band UV-vis-NIR SnS photodetector with high photosensitivity and fast response time for scientific and industrial applications.

We report growth of quaternary Cu2 ZnSnS4 (CZTS) thin films prepared by the electrochemical deposition from salt precursors containing Cu (II), Zn (II) and Sn (IV) metals. The influence of different sulfurization times t (t = 75, 90, 105, and 120 min) on the structural, compositional, morphological, and optical properties, as well as on the electrical properties is studied. The films sulfurized 2 hours showed a prominent kesterite phase with a nearly stoichiometric composition. Samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and Raman and UV-VIS-NIR spectrometer at different stages of work. X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy analyses confirmed the formation of phase-pure CZTS films. (FESEM) shows that compact and dense morphology and enhanced photo-sensitivity. STEM - EDS elemental map of CZTS cross-section confirms homogeneous distribution. From optical study, energy gap was enlarged with a changed sulfurization times in the range of 1.37–1.47 eV.

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Ginger is a remedy known to possess a number of pharmacological properties. This study investigated efficacy of ginger pretreatment in alleviating acetaminophen-induced acute hepatotoxicity in rats. Rats were divided into six groups; negative control, acetaminophen (APAP) (600 mg/kg single intraperitoneal injection); vitamin E (75 mg/kg), ginger (100 mg/kg), vitamin E + APAP, and ginger + APAP. Administration of APAP elicited significant liver injury that was manifested by remarkable increase in plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), arginase activities, and total bilirubin concentration. Meanwhile, APAP significantly decreased plasma total proteins and albumin levels. APAP administration resulted in substantial increase in each of plasma triacylglycerols (TAGs), malondialdhyde (MDA) levels, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). However, ginger or vitamin E treatment prior to APAP showed significant hepatoprotective effect by lowering the hepatic marker enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP, and arginase) and total bilirubin in plasma. In addition, they remarkably ameliorated the APAP-induced oxidative stress by inhibiting lipid peroxidation (MDA). Pretreatment by ginger or vitamin E significantly restored TAGs, and total protein levels. Histopathological examination of APAP treated rats showed alterations in normal hepatic histoarchitecture, with necrosis and vacuolization of cells. These alterations were substantially decreased by ginger or vitamin E. Our results demonstrated that ginger can prevent hepatic injuries, alleviating oxidative stress in a manner comparable to that of vitamin E. Combination therapy of ginger and APAP is recommended especially in cases with hepatic disorders or when high doses of APAP are required.

Rosemary ( Rosmarinus officinalis; RM) and thyme ( Thymus vulgaris; TV) are used as remedies. We designed this work to investigate the preventive effect of aqueous extracts of RM or TV on the gentamicin (GM)-induced hepatotoxicity and abnormalities of lipid profile in rats. Both plant extracts exhibited an in vitro antioxidant activity as determined by the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assay. Radical scavenging activity for TV extract was 48.7% and for RM extract was 25.6%. Polyphenolic determination by high-performance liquid chromatography for both extracts revealed that catechin, coumarin, cinnamic acid and rutin were detected in both extracts. RM extract had higher values than TV extract in all except rutin. Ferulic acid and quercetin were also detected in TV extract and sinapic acid and oleuropein were detected in RM extract. In rats given GM intraperitoneally for 10 days and coadministered either RM extract or TV extract orally, both aqueous extracts demonstrated similar hepatoprotective effects manifested by approximate normalization of plasma liver enzymes (AST and ALT), bilirubin level and total protein concentration compared with the group given GM only. Abnormal lipid parameters and raised hydrogen peroxide levels were ameliorated by both extracts. Pancreatic lipase activity was markedly reduced by RM extract. Also, the atherogenic index value was significantly reduced by both extracts as compared to that of GM group. DNA fragmentation analysis confirmed tissue damage by GM and its amelioration by the extracts. These findings suggest that RM and TV extracts could be helpful in ameliorating some aspects of gentamicin toxicity.

The study aims to enhance the thermal and mechanical properties of epoxy composite materials. This is done based on combination of micron sized aluminium nitride (AlN) and hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) particles. A set of AlN/BN hybrid epoxy composites with filler content ranging from 35, 40, and 42 wt% was prepared by conventional casting method. The use of these hybrid fillers was found to be very effective in increasing the composite thermal conductivity due to synergetic connectivity offered by the fillers with different geometries; polyhedral AlN and hBN platelets. Maximum thermal conductivity of 0.57 W mK−1 was achieved for the formulation of AlN:BN = 2:1 at 42 wt% filler loading. Glass transition (Tg), coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), and modulus of the composites were measured experimentally. The integrated properties of AlN/BN epoxy composites are expected to enhance the heat dissipating capabilities in microelectronic industry. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E1372–E1380, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers

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Dietary antioxidants are widely distributed in various types of our food. They are strongly associated with reduced risk of many chronic diseases such as atherosclerosis, cancer, and Alzheimer’s diseases. They include vitamins such as vitamins A, E, C, and carotenoids. Also, some minerals like; zinc, manganese, copper, iron, and selenium are essential for the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Furthermore, dietary polyphenols and flavonoids are considered as potent antioxidant compounds. Vegetables, fruits, and edible herbs are the richest sources of such antioxidants. Antioxidants reduce oxidative stress, either directly by reducing reactive species or indirectly by enhancing the body antioxidant defense mechanisms in different ways. These may include upregulating gene expression of some antioxidant enzymes via a nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor2 pathway. Administration of a mixture of antioxidants is beneficial since they act synergistically in various phases. The aims of this review are to summarize the different antioxidants from dietary sources and their role in the prevention of different diseases.