Highly oriented poly crystalline graphite (HOPG), boron-doped diamond (BDD), nanocrystalline diamond (NCD), ultra-nano-crystalline diamond (uNCD), fullerenes C60 and C70 and Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) surfaces are exposed to low pressure hydrogen plasma in a 13.56 MHz plasma reactor. Relative yields of surface produced Hions due to bombardment of positive ions from the plasma are measured by an energy analyzer cum quadrupole mass spectrometer. Irrespective of plasma conditions (0.2 and 2 Pa), HOPG surfaces show the highest yield at room temperature (RT), while at high temperature (HT), the highest yield (~ 5 times compared to HOPG surface at room temperature) is observed on BDD surfaces. The shapes of ion distribution functions (IDFs) are compared at RT and HT to demonstrate the mechanism of ion generation at the surface. Raman spectroscopy analyses of the plasma exposed samples reveal surface modifications influencing Hproduction yields, while further analyses strongly suggest that the hydrogen content of the material and the sp3/sp2 ratio are the key parameters in driving surface ionization efficiency of carbon materials under the chosen plasma conditions.

With the recent advances in the field of nanotechnology, measurement and manipulation requirements at the nanoscale have become more stringent than ever before. In atomic force microscopy, high-speed performance alone is not sufficient without considerations of other aspects of the measurement task, such as the feature aspect ratio, required range, or acceptable probe-sample interaction forces. In this paper, the authors discuss these requirements and the research directions that provide the highest potential in meeting them. The authors elaborate on the efforts toward the downsizing of self-sensed and self-actuated probes as well as on upscaling by active cantilever arrays. The authors present the fabrication process of active probes along with the tip customizations carried out targeting specific application fields. As promising application in scope of nanofabrication, field emission scanning probe lithography is introduced. The authors further discuss their control and design approach. Here, microactuators, e.g., multilayer microcantilevers, and macroactuators, e.g., flexure scanners, are combined in order to simultaneously meet both the range and speed requirements of a new generation of scanning probe microscopes.

Physiotherapy has recently become an essential part of enhanced recovery protocols after thoracic surgery. The evidence-based practice of physiotherapy is essential for the effective management of postoperative patients. Unfortunately, only a small body of literature has discussed the rationale of the physiotherapy interventions that are routinely implemented following thoracic surgery. Nonetheless, we can integrate the available knowledge into our practice until new evidence emerges. Therefore, in this review, the principles of physiotherapy after thoracic surgery are presented, along with a detailed description of physiotherapy interventions, with the goals of enhancing the knowledge and practical skills of physiotherapists in postoperative care units and helping them to re-evaluate and justify their traditional practices.

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