A simulation study on the effect of sodium on grain boundary passivation in CIGS thin-film solar cells

3D numerical simulations of CIGS thin-film solar cells with different grain-boundary (GB) characteristics have been carried out in order to investigate the effect of defect properties and band edge shifts at GBs on the cell performance. Simulation results are compared with experimental data taken on cells with and without NaF post deposition treatment. GBs with different energy gaps and defect properties have been analyzed. Simulations support the idea that the detrimental effect of defective GBs on the cell performance might be reduced by a treatment with Na. The results of this study can help with the interpretation of experimental findings

Data acquisition process for an intelligent decision support in gynecology and obstetrics emergency triage

Manchester Triage System is a reliable system of triage in the emergency department of a hospital. This system when applied to a specific patients’ condition such the pregnancy has several limitations. To overcome those limitations an alternative triage IDSS was developed in the MJD. In this approach the knowledge was obtained directly from the doctors’ empirical and scientific experience to make the first version of decision models. Due to the particular gynecological and/or obstetrics requests other characteristics had been developed, namely a system that can increase patient safety for women in need of immediate care and help low-risk women avoid high-risk care, maximizing the use of resources. This paper presents the arrival flowchart, the associated decisions and the knowledge acquisition cycle. Results showed that this new approach enhances the efficiency and the safety through the appropriate use of resources and by assisting the right patient in the right place.The work of Filipe Portela was supported by the grant SFRH/BD/70156/2010 from FC