The memory effect of a trilayer structure (rapid thermal oxide/Ge nanocrystals in SiO2/sputtered SiO2) was investigated via capacitance versus voltage (C–V) measurements. The Ge nanocrystals were synthesized by rapid thermal annealing of the cosputtered Ge+SiO2 films. The memory effect was manifested by the hysteresis in the C–V curve. Transmission electron microscope and C–V results indicated that the hysteresis was due to Ge nanocrystals in the middle layer of the trilayer structure.

a b s t r a c tBackground: Despite recommendations for influenza vaccination of people aged 65 and above, uptake rate of influenza vaccines remains low.This study aims to understand barriers and motivators behind older adult's decision on influenza vaccination. Methods: Face to face interviews with participants aged 65 and above were conducted and audio recorded in Geylang polyclinic in Singapore. Thematic content analysis was used to organise the data. Results: 15 older adults were interviewed, aged between 66 and 85 years old. 6 were vaccine refusers, 3 defaulters and 6 acceptors.A perceived lack of vulnerability, fear of side effects, and trivialisation of influenza were common reasons for not taking the vaccine. Encouragement from family and friends, travel and previous positive vaccination experiences were motivators for getting vaccinated. Healthcare workers played a role in influencing many of the participants' decision-making. Common misconceptions included vaccines considered as necessary only before travel and as a cure rather than prevention. Most participants exhibited ambivalence, giving reasons both for and against vaccine uptake. Discussion: Most older adults do not perceive influenza as a potentially serious disease nor trust in influenza vaccines' efficacy. Misconceptions played a significant role in vaccine decline. Novel findings include the importance of the family unit in decision making, prioritization of chronic health problems over vaccination and misconception that vaccines are only needed when travelling out of country. Healthcare workers and family members appear to be important influencers in the decision making of older adults and should be actively engaged in future health promotion initiatives.

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An experiment was carried out to study the effects of anaesthetics (2‐phenoxyethanol, quinaldine sulphate, metomedate and MS‐222) on water parameters during simulated air transport of platyfish. Xiphophorus maculatus (Günther). The platyfish were put in sealed plastic bags, one‐quarter full of water, to which a required amount of anaesthetic was added. The rest of the bag was filled with oxygen. The water in the bag was tested for pH. total ammonia and carbon dioxide at intervals of 4 and 8 h for a period of 48 h. Mortality rates within this period and the post‐packaging period were also noted. It was found that 2‐phertoxyethanol was most effective, followed by quinaldine sulphate, in decreasing the excretion of metabolic wastes by the fish. Metomidate had no effect in the control of waste production. MS‐222 reduced ammonia excretion but not carbon dioxide. None of the anaesthetics used had any effect on the pH of the water.