In this paper, the thermoelectric properties of n-type GaN and a 2D electron gas (2DEG) created from an AlGaN/GaN heterostructure are presented. Their thermoelectric properties are essential in order to optimise the thermoelectric devices they are used for, such as thermoelectric sensors, generators or coolers. In this study, Seebeck coefficients of À 162 lV/K and À 86 lV/K and power factor (rS 2) values of 0.56 mW/(m K 2) and 3.1 mW/(m K 2) were obtained for ntype GaN and the AlGaN/GaN heterostructure, respectively, at 430 K. Their Seebeck coefficient and resistivity were also measured over a number of temperature cycles, with no change in either of these measurements during the cycling, implying that these materials are thermoelectrically stable. Seebeck coefficients and thermoelectric properties of both materials remain stable throughout the temperature changes. These characteristics show the suitability of these materials for high performance thermoelectric sensors.

ObjectivesPalliative care needs to embrace research to guide service development and effective symptom management. Healthcare professionals often feel research is too burdensome for patients who have poor performance status or are near the end of life. Many studies exclude these groups from participating.We aimed to identify whether specialist palliative care inpatients would wish to take part in research and whether preference varies according to study design, demographics, diagnosis, performance status and prognosis.Methods100 inpatients in two National Health Service specialist palliative care units and one independent hospice in the Northeast of England completed a short questionnaire about preferences for involvement in research.Results92% of participants stated they were interested in being involved in research. This was mostly unaffected by age, diagnosis, prognosis, performance and socioeconomic status. Three-quarters were within the last 3 months of life. Simple questions or interviews were the preferred methodology, whereas only half of patients would want further investigations or additional medications and fewer still wanted to participate in online activities, lifestyle change or group activities.ConclusionsPalliative care inpatients welcome the opportunity to be involved in research and should not be excluded on the grounds of advanced disease, poor prognosis and low performance status.

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