Influence of annealing and processing conditions on nano-structured thin films of tungsten trioxide

Transition metal oxides represent a novel class of compounds which have attracted a considerable interest in the recent literature. Among these materials, tungsten trioxide has shown great potential due to photo-oxidation of water with visible light, high photocurrent with nano-crystals and good sensing properties towards several gases. The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of conditions of heat treatment on properties of WO3 thin films prepared by hermal evaporation under vacuum. Physico-chemical properties of WO3 thin layers for different heat processing conditions were determined by X-ray diffraction XRD, microprobe electronics and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).Optical measurement yieldedt ransmission and reflection measurements. The study of the physicochemical properties of thin layers of thermally post-treated tungsten trioxide showed that layers processed under vacuum have an unidentifiable structure than those annealed in air and crystallized under different crystallographic structures depending on processing temperature. Layers annealed in oxygen hadmonoclinic crystalline structures.It has been recorded that crystallinity and transmission of these films were drastically improved

Physical investigations on (In2S3)x(In2O3)y and In2S3-xSex thin films processed through In2S3 annealing in air and selenide atmosphere

In2S3-xSex and (In2S3)x(In2O3)y thin films have been prepared on glass substrates using appropriate heat treatments of In evaporatedt hin films. X-ray analysis shows that In thin films which were annealed under sulfur atmosphere at 350°C were mainly formed by In2S3. A heat treatment o fthis binary in air at 400°C during one hour leads to (In2S3)x(In2O3)y ternary material which has a tetragonal structure with a preferred orientation of the crystallites along the (109) direction. Similarly, a heat treatment of In2S3 in selenium atmosphere at 350°C during six hours leads to a new In2S3-xSex ternary material having tetragonal body centered structure with a preferred orientation of the crystallites along the (109) direction.Optical band gap,refractive index and extinction coefficient values of In2S3-xSex and (In2S3)x(In2O3)y thin films have been reached. Moreover, correlations between optical conductivity, XRD, AFM and Urbach energy of such ternary thin films have been discussed. Finally, the recorded formation disparity between the quaternary (In2S3)x(In2O3)y and ternary In2S3-xSex compounds has been discussed in terms of the Simha–Somcynsky and Lattice Compatibility theories

Indium free electrode, highly flexible, transparent and conductive for optoelectronic devices

WO3/Ag/WO3 multilayer structures were used as ITO free transparent electrode, transparent heat mirrors and transparent heaters. WO3/Ag/WO3 stacked layers were deposited by sequential sublimation, evaporation under vacuum. After optimization of Ag thickness (16 nm), they exhibit low sheet resistance (8 Ω/sq), high transmittance in the visible (TMax = 91.5%, averaged T400-700 = 80.6%) and high reflection in the near infrared and infrared regions. These values are optimal when it is used as transparent electrode but, as transparent heat mirrors 18 nm are better due to higher reflection in the NIR and IR. All these properties made possible to use them in different devices. When used as transparent anode in organic photovoltaic cells, they allow achieving performance similar to those obtained with ITO. Their transmission and reflection spectra show that they can also be employed as transparent heat mirrors. Similarly, studies dedicated to heating properties of the WO3/Ag/WO3 multilayer structures show that their performance are comparable to those obtained with another possible substituent to ITO, silver nanowires thin films

Diagnostic challenge for ovarian malignant melanoma in premenopausal women: Primary or metastatic?

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>In the ovary, metastatic malignant melanoma may be confused with primary malignant melanoma and presents a diagnosis challenge. Most cases are associated with disseminated diseases and poor prognosis. We present this case report of a metastatic ovarian malignant melanoma simulating primary ovarian cancer.</p> <p>Case report</p> <p>A 45-year-old premenopausal woman was incidentally found to have an abdominal mass, 3 years after removal of a cutaneous melanoma lesion. Ultrasound and CT scan revealed left two solid masses, which were found to be an ovarian tumor at laparotomy. Left oophorectomy was performed. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry showed melanoma metastasis to the ovary. Nine months later, the patient developed epilepsy and confusion. Magnetic Resonance Imaging showed unique Wright frontal lobe lesion. She underwent stereotactic radio surgery and dacarbazine monotherapy. For months later, the patient is died from disseminate disease progression.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Ovarian metastasis is an unusual presentation of cutaneous melanoma and the prognosis was dismal. As illustrated by this case report, a differential diagnosis of a metastatic malignant melanoma must be considered.</p

International Consensus Statement on Rhinology and Allergy: Rhinosinusitis

Background: The 5 years since the publication of the first International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Rhinosinusitis (ICAR‐RS) has witnessed foundational progress in our understanding and treatment of rhinologic disease. These advances are reflected within the more than 40 new topics covered within the ICAR‐RS‐2021 as well as updates to the original 140 topics. This executive summary consolidates the evidence‐based findings of the document. Methods: ICAR‐RS presents over 180 topics in the forms of evidence‐based reviews with recommendations (EBRRs), evidence‐based reviews, and literature reviews. The highest grade structured recommendations of the EBRR sections are summarized in this executive summary. Results: ICAR‐RS‐2021 covers 22 topics regarding the medical management of RS, which are grade A/B and are presented in the executive summary. Additionally, 4 topics regarding the surgical management of RS are grade A/B and are presented in the executive summary. Finally, a comprehensive evidence‐based management algorithm is provided. Conclusion: This ICAR‐RS‐2021 executive summary provides a compilation of the evidence‐based recommendations for medical and surgical treatment of the most common forms of RS

Improvement of the Electrical Properties of Layered Semiconductor Thin Films by Iodine Treatment

The conductivity of WSe$_{2}$, MoS$_{2}$, WS$_{2}$ thin films, obtained by solid state reaction between the metal and the chalcogen sequentially deposited, is controlled by grain boundary scattering mechanisms. A mild annealing treatment at 373 K for 1/2 h to 6 h under iodine atmosphere improves the conductivity of the films. In the case of WSe$_{2}$, which gives the better results, the room temperature conductivity can be multiplied by 25. if the conductivity is improved, its dependence with the temperature demonstrates that the conductivity process is still controlled by grain boundary model. Barrier height fluctuations at the grain boundary are introduced to have experimental and theoretical data fit together. After iodine treatment the mean barrier height has decreased and the homogeneity of the films is improved. These improvements are very promising for photovoltaic since it appears that iodine passivates defects at the grain boundaries

Structural and photoelectrical properties of sprayed beta-In2S3 thin films

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