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Influence of 30 kilo-electron-volt (keV) Argon (Ar ^+ ) ions on optical and electrical properties of nickel nanowires (Ni-NWs) meshes is being reported. Ni-NWs are being exposed to 30 keV Argon (Ar ^+ ) ions at various beam fluencies. These fluencies of Ar ^+ ions are 7 × 10 ^14 ions cm ^−2 , 3 × 10 ^15 ions cm ^−2 and 3 × 10 ^16 ions cm ^−2 . After irradiation, Ni-NWs meshes were analyzed through transmission electron microscopy technique (TEM). The structural analysis has been done through X-ray diffraction technique. It is found from TEM results that atoms are sputtered out from surfaces of Ni-NWs due to collision cascade effect persistently and lead to reduce the diameters or thicknesses of Ni-NWs. X-ray diffraction results reveal that crystalline quality is reduced under Ar ^+ ions irradiation which may be due to defects induced in Ni-NWs as a result of collision cascade effect. The Ni-NWs meshes are characterized optically and electrically through UV–VIS spectroscopy and four probe techniques. The optical transparencies of Ni-NWs meshes are increasing with increase in beam fluence of Ar ^+ ions. The electrical conductivity of the mesh is decreased continuously with increment in beam fluence of Ar ^+ ions which might be due to production of defects in Ni-NWs. The tuning of optical transparency and electrical conductivity of Ni-NWs meshes is required for their application as successful transparent electrodes in optoelectronic nanodevices.

Adolescence is a transitional stage between puberty and maturity. Significant alterations in brain chemistry and hormone activity cause mood swings and other psychological and physical symptoms. On their journey to adolescence, adolescents deal with complex emotions, moral dilemmas, sexual concerns, identity crises and particular societal expectations related to their upbringing. Impulsivity in adolescents is frequent and causes multiple issues. Impulsivity often lead towards non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), which has devastating consequences, which are both physical and mental. Both impulsivity and NSSI have their roots in brain chemistry and its related functions. The aim of this special communication was to delve into brain chemistry through studying the function of neurotransmitters and brain areas in NSSI and impulsivity. Multiple papers were sought on the topic of neurochemistry and neuroanatomy. The results identified serotonin, dopamine and glutamate as the neurotransmitters responsible for NSSI and impulsivity. Dysregulation in these neurotransmitters lead to the presentation of NSSI and impulsivity. Other than the neurotransmitters, the brain areas identified were prefrontal cortex, medial prefrontal cortex and ventrolateral prefrontal cortex. The compiled results of this research would help individuals in understanding the neurotransmitters and the brain areas responsible. This would also help in generating awareness regarding the biological nature of the phenomenon as well, leading to less stigmatisation. The less stigmatisation towards these phenomena can help the affected individuals to seek help without any guilt or shame, along with support from society as well., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest: None., (© Penerbit Universiti Sains Malaysia, 2024.)

Objective: The present study attempted to explore the psychological experiences of experiential avoidance, thought suppression, meta-cognition, self-compassion and body-checking during two stages of maternity (pregnancy and postpartum) among women embracing maternity for the first time., Methods: The study used a cross sectional correlational design and enrolled 306 women participants who were in their third trimester of pregnancy or of postpartum (pregnant = 154 [50.3%]; postpartum = 152 [49.7%]) with ages ranging between 20 and 35 years (M = 26.62; SD = 2.19). The data was collected using the Brief Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire (BEAQ); Thought Control Questionnaire (TCQ); Metacognitions Questionnaire (MCQ); Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), and Body-checking Questionnaire (BCQ). Data was subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS version 21., Results: A significant positive association was observed between experiential avoidance, thought suppression, meta-cognition, and body-checking while self-compassion showed reverse association with these variables. The body-checking outcome was significantly negatively predicted by self-compassionate attitude and positively by thought suppression in both groups (i.e., pregnant and postpartum). The experiential avoidance positively predicted body-checking among women in post-partum group only. Moreover, a mediating association of experiential avoidance and a moderating effect of self-compassion (self-kindness and common humanity) and meta-cognition (positive beliefs about worry and need to control thought) were also observed to moderate between thought suppression and body-checking outcomes., Conclusion: The study concluded that experiential avoidance and thought suppression contribute in developing body-checking behaviors among women who are pregnant or at postpartum stage of maternity. In addition, self-compassion and meta-cognition moderate this association with self-compassion playing potential buffer., (© 2024 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics.)