This
work demonstrates the production of high-performing p-type
and n-type hybrid AgxTe/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiopene):polystyrene
sulfonic acid (PEDOT:PSS) thermoelectric materials from the same Te/PEDOT:PSS
parent structure during aqueous-based synthesis. All samples were
solution-processed and analyzed in thin-film architectures. We were
able to demonstrate a power factor of 44 μW m–1 K–2 for our highest-performing n-type material.
In addition, we were also able to realize a 68% improvement in the
power factor of our p-type compositions relative to the parent structure
through manipulation of the inorganic nanostructure composition. We
demonstrate control over the thermoelectric properties by varying
the stoichiometry of AgxTe nanoparticles in AgxTe/PEDOT:PSS hybrid materials via a topotactic chemical transformation
process at room temperature. This process offers a simple, low-temperature,
and cost-effective route toward the production of both efficient n-type
and p-type hybrid thermoelectric materials.
Critical care is underprioritized. A global call to action is needed to increase equitable access to care and the quality of care provided to critically ill patients. Current challenges to effective critical care in resource-constrained settings are many. Estimates of the burden of critical illness are extrapolated from common etiologies, but the true burden remains ill-defined. Measuring the burden of critical illness is epidemiologically challenging but is thought to be increasing. Resources, infrastructure, and training are inadequate. Millions die unnecessarily due to critical illness. Solutions start with the implementation of first-step, patient care fundamentals known as Essential Emergency and Critical Care. Such essential care stands to decrease critical-illness mortality, augment pandemic preparedness, decrease postoperative mortality, and decrease the need for advanced level care. The entire healthcare workforce must be trained in these fundamentals. Additionally, physician and nurse specialists trained in critical care are needed and must be retained as leaders of critical care initiatives, researchers, and teachers. Context-specific research is mandatory to ensure care is appropriate for the patient populations served, not just duplicated from high-resourced settings. Governments must increase healthcare spending and invest in capacity to treat critically ill patients. Advocacy at all levels is needed to achieve universal health coverage for critically ill patients.
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