A series of highly efficient quasi-solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) is prepared by harnessing the binary cation effect and positive effects of the selected performance enhancers of gel-polymer electrolytes.

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Introduction: Contaminated environment with canine parasitic eggs is the main source for toxocariasis and other geohelminth infections of humans. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors for intestinal parasitic infections in dogs and the degree of soil contamination with Toxocara eggs in Kandy and Gampaha districts in Sri Lanka. Methods: A total of 188 fecal samples from both stray and domestic owned dogs from Gampaha district and Kandy district were collected. In addition, soil samples were collected from home gardens and public places. Hypochlorite recovery technique and zinc sulfate floatation method were used to concentrate eggs in soil samples. Results: The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections of domestic and stray dogs in Gampaha district was 38.2% and 42.9%, respectively, while in Kandy district, it was 41.1% and 50%, respectively. Hookworms were the most common parasitic infection among domestic dogs (18.5%), while Toxocara spp. were the most common among stray dogs (17.2%). Intestinal parasitic infections were significantly more prevalent among female dogs than males. Age, deworming, immunization, immunization time, and living in rural areas were not significantly associated with intestinal parasitic infections in domestic dogs. A total of 4% and 4.5% soil samples were contaminated with Toxocara spp. eggs in Gampaha and Kandy districts, respectively. Conclusions: The higher prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in dogs could be a major public health issue. Implementations of programs to improve the awareness of parasitic infections among pet owners and control strategies need to decrease the risk of infections to both animal and human health.

Investigation and development of platinum free counter-electrodes are highly important in preparing low-cost Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs). In this study, low-cost graphite and TiO2 composite counter-electrodes are investigated along with photo-electrodes containing dye-photosensitized (N719) TiO2 multilayers (five, six, and seven layers).The highest DSSC efficiency is observed for the cells assembled using the counter-electrode that contains 80% of graphite and 20% TiO2, for all the multilayer photo-electrode series investigated. When comparing different series of multilayer photo-electrodes assembled with this optimized counter-electrode composition, the DSSC efficiency for the six-layer series is greater than the five and seven-layer electrodes. This best composition of electrodes optimizes the efficiency by fine-tuning between the charge carrier transport properties and catalytic activity of the electrode. The graphite content plays a significant role due to its catalycity. In 3 hours under irradiation, open-circuit voltage got reduced by 8.0%, while the current density and efficiency got improved by 43.2% and 7.0%, respectively, as observed for the cells with the optimum electrode combination. It can be determined that Graphite/TiO2 80%/20% counter-electrodes with sixlayer photoelectrodes optimize the performance of platinum free low-cost DSSCs.