The demonstration of enhanced spatial control of nanosecond microwave plasmas generated by the time reversal plasma source is presented in this paper. This new microwave plasma source relies on the spatio-temporal control of the electric field inside an all-metal plasma reactor by modifying the waveform of a high power microwave signal. More specifically, it originally used the spatio-temporal focusing capabilities of the time reversal method to focus a high electric field in a small location. However, a parasitic microwave breakdown can still occur at sharp corners or wedges inside the cavity due to the local enhancement of the residual electric field during time reversal focusing. Thus, it is proposed to use the linear combination of configuration field method to improve field control inside the reactor. Its transient electric field shaping capabilities turn out to be a good candidate for the development of a low pressure microwave "plasma brush".
Summary The COVID‐19 pandemic had a major impact on people of all ages. Adolescents' exposure to online learning is linked to excessive screen time on digital devices, which leads to poor sleep quality. This study aimed to investigate the association between screen time on different electronic devices and sleep quality among adolescents in the United Arab Emirates. This study was based on a self‐reported questionnaire, which was administered online to school‐aged adolescents (aged 12–19 years). The multicomponent questionnaire collected information on sociodemographic characteristics, sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and screen time (minutes) on TV, TV‐connected devices, laptops, smartphones, and tablets on weekdays, weeknight, and weekends using the Screen Time Questionnaire (STQ). Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify factors correlated with poor sleep quality. A total of 1720 adolescents were recruited from private and public schools (mean age 14.6 ± 1.97 years). The mean PSQI score was 8.09 ± 3.37, and 74.3% of participants reported poor sleep (cutoff score >5). Mean scores were highest for the sleep latency (1.85 ± 0.97) and sleep disturbance (1.56 ± 0.62) domains. The highest STQ score was observed for smartphones, with a median screen time of 420 min on weekdays and 300 min on weekends. Screen time related to smartphones on weekends ( p = 0.003) and increased screen time in bed ( p < 0.001) were significantly associated with poor sleep. Our results confirmed the correlation between sleep and screen time in adolescents. The results may inform educational polices that target screen time and sleep among adolescents during and after the COVID‐19 pandemic.
The oral cavity is a complex ecosystem accommodating various microorganisms (e.g., bacteria and fungi). Various factors, such as diet change and poor oral hygiene, can change the composition of oral microbiota, resulting in the dysbiosis of the oral micro-environment and the emergence of pathogenic microorganisms, and consequently, oral infectious diseases. Systemic administration is frequently used for drug delivery in the treatment of diseases and is associated with the problems, such as drug resistance and dysbiosis. To overcome these challenges, oral drug delivery systems (DDS) have received considerable attention. In this literature review, the related articles are identified, and their findings, in terms of current therapeutic challenges and the applications of DDSs, especially nanoscopic DDSs, for the treatment of oral infectious diseases are highlighted. DDSs are also discussed in terms of structures and therapeutic agents (e.g., antibiotics, antifungals, antiviral, and ions) that they deliver. In addition, strategies (e.g., theranostics, hydrogel, microparticle, strips/fibers, and pH-sensitive nanoparticles), which can improve the treatment outcome of these diseases, are highlighted.
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