Solar energy conversion using semiconductors to fabricate photovoltaic devices relies on efficient light absorption, charge separation of electron–hole pair carriers or excitons, and fast transport and charge extraction to counter recombination processes. Ferroelectric materials are able to host a permanent electrical polarization which provides control over electrical field distribution in bulk and interfacial regions.
Training and capacity building are long established critical components of global water, sanitation, and hygiene (WaSH) policies, strategies, and programs. Expanding capacity building support for WaSH in developing countries is one of the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals. There are many training evaluation methods and tools available. However, training evaluations in WaSH have been infrequent, have often not utilized these methods and tools, and have lacked rigor.
Energy insecurity is a multi-dimensional construct that describes the interplay between physical conditions of housing, household energy expenditures and energy-related coping strategies. The present study uses an adapted grounded theory approach based on in-depth interviews with 72 low-income families to advance the concept of energy insecurity. Study results illustrate the layered components of energy insecurity by providing rich and nuanced narratives of the lived experiences of affected households.
Global health threats such as the recent Ebola and Zika virus outbreaks require rapid and robust responses to prevent, reduce and recover from disease dispersion. As part of broader big data and digital humanitarianism discourses, there is an emerging interest in data produced through mobile phone communications for enhancing the data environment in such circumstances.
18th October 2016 was the 10th EU Anti-Trafficking Day, coinciding with the UK's Anti-Slavery Day. This article published on this day of awareness reflected on the considerations and opportunities for businesses regarding modern slavery, including the establishment of Alliance 8.7, focused on accelerating the work on SDG 8.7, which is to take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour, including recruitment and use of child soldiers, and by 2025 end child labour in all its forms.
Background Healthy life expectancy (HALE) and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) provide summary measures of health across geographies and time that can inform assessments of epidemiological patterns and health system performance, help to prioritise investments in research and development, and monitor progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We aimed to provide updated HALE and DALYs for geographies worldwide and evaluate how disease burden changes with development.
[Figure presented] Leif Hammarström is a professor of chemical physics at Uppsala University, Sweden. He is one of the leaders of the Swedish Consortium for Artificial Photosynthesis, founded in the mid-1990s. He is chair of the Swedish Solar Energy Platform and represents Uppsala University as a core member of the Solar Fuels Institute.
Focuses on homelessness from a public health perspective – its prevalence, its relationship to specific health conditions, and various interventions intended to ameliorate homelessness and the health problems with which it is associated.
This article ties to SDG 3. In this review, the impact of war-related trauma on the incidence of PTSD in civilian and military populations as well as differences associated to gender in the incidence and recovery from PTSD is discussed. In addition, the mutually influencing role of inflammation, genetic, and sex hormones in modulating the consequences derived from exposure to traumatic events are discussed in light of current evidence.
Mental ill health is the third biggest cause of absence in the workplace. The mental health equivalent of a physical first-aid course provides participants with the skills and confidence to recognise the signs and symptoms of common mental health issues and effectively guide a person towards the right support. By adpating this course, more efforts can be made to meet SDG 3.4 by utilising preventive methods and treatment to promote mental health and well-being.
