Preparation And Characterisation Of Zno Thin Films Deposited By SILAR Method

Zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films were grown on glass and copper substrates by the Successive Ionic Layer Adsorption and Reaction (SILAR) technique. ZnO films are obtained by successive immersion of a substrate in an aqueous solution containing: ZnSO4 with different molarities, 6ml/100ml 13.15 M aqueous ammonia solution and in deionised water heated at different temperatures. We studied the structural, morphological and optical properties with the deposition parameters (pH, bath temperature, number of cycles…) The structural, morphological surface and optical properties of the films have been studied by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and UV-VIS-spectrophotometer. Effects of experimental parameters and heat treatment on the structural and optical properties were discussed. The X-ray diffraction analysis shows that the films are polycrystalline with zincite hexagonal structure with the preferential orientation of (002) plan. The study of surface morphology reveals that deposited ZnO films take many shapes: nanorods, nanoprisms, flower-like, needles, spindles and hexagonal structures. Obtained ZnO films exhibit a high transmittance of 90% in visible band, and optical band gap of 3.27 eV.Zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films were grown on glass and copper substrates by the Successive Ionic Layer Adsorption and Reaction (SILAR) technique. ZnO films are obtained by successive immersion of a substrate in an aqueous solution containing: ZnSO4 with different molarities, 6ml/100ml 13.15 M aqueous ammonia solution and in deionised water heated at different temperatures. We studied the structural, morphological and optical properties with the deposition parameters (pH, bath temperature, number of cycles…) The structural, morphological surface and optical properties of the films have been studied by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and UV-VIS-spectrophotometer. Effects of experimental parameters and heat treatment on the structural and optical properties were discussed. The X-ray diffraction analysis shows that the films are polycrystalline with zincite hexagonal structure with the preferential orientation of (002) plan. The study of surface morphology reveals that deposited ZnO films take many shapes: nanorods, nanoprisms, flower-like, needles, spindles and hexagonal structures. Obtained ZnO films exhibit a high transmittance of 90% in visible band, and optical band gap of 3.27 eV

Structural, morphological and optical properties of In2S3 thin films obtained by SILAR method

[EN] In2S3 thin films have been elaborated onto glass substrate by SILAR method at room temperature using different immersion time in the solution of cation and anion and fixing the rinsing time. The film composition, morphology and structure were investigated using energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction techniques. Optical properties, such transmission and band gap have been also analyzed. The effects of annealing on the morphological structure thin films are also described. The x-rays diffraction spectra indicated that the formed compounds are β-In2S3 polycrystalline thin films with In6S7 as second phase in sample S1 and sample S2 and no another phase in sample 3. SEM revealed homogeneous and relatively uniform films and EDAX shows sample 3 with S/In=1.44. For sample 1 and sample 2, we noted an increase of band gap when rinsing time increases.Sall, T.; Raidou, A.; Elfarrass, S.; Hartiti, B.; Marí, B.; Qachaou, A.; Fahoume, M. (2014). Structural, morphological and optical properties of In2S3 thin films obtained by SILAR method. Optical and Quantum Electronics. 46(1):247-257. doi:10.1007/s11082-013-9786-xS247257461Bhira, L., Essaidi, H., Belgacem, S., Couturier, G., Salardenne, J., Barreau, N., Bernede, J.C.: Structural and photoelectrical properties of sprayed \upbeta β - $$\text{ In }_{2}\text{ S }_{3}$$ In 2 S 3 thin films. Phys. Status Solidi A. 181, 427–435 (2000)Castelo-Gonzalez, O.A., Santacruz-Ortega, H.C., Quevedo-Lopez, M.A., Sotelo-Lerma, M.: Synthesis and characterization of $$\text{ In }_{2}\text{ S }_{3 }$$ In 2 S 3 thin films deposited by chemical bath deposition on polyethylene naphthalate substrates. J. Electron. Mater. 41, 695–700 (2012)Gorge, J., Joseph, K.S., Pradeep, B., Palson, T.I.: Reactively evaporated films of indium sulphide. Phys. Stat. Sol. (a) 106, 123–131 (1988)Marí, B., Mollar, M., Soro, D., Henríquez, R., Schrebler, R., Gómez, H.: Electrodeposition of $$\text{ In }_{2}S_{3}$$ In 2 S 3 thin films onto FTO from DMSO solution. Int. J. Electrochem. Sci. 8, 3510–3523 (2013)Mathew, M., Gopinath, M., Sudha Kartha, C., Vijayakumar, K.P., Kashiwaba, Y.: Tin doping in spray pyrolysed indium sulfide thin films for solar cell applications. Sol. Energy 84, 888–897 (2010)Pathan, H.M., Lokhande, C.D., Kulkarni, S.S., Amalnerka, D.P., Seth, T., Han, S.-H.: Some studies on successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) grown indium sulphide thin films. Mater. Res. Bull. 40, 1018–1023 (2005)Ramya, K., Reddy, M.V., Ramakrishna Reddy, K.T.: Characterization of Thermally Evaporated $$\text{ In }_{2}\text{ S }_{3}$$ In 2 S 3 Films for Solar Cell Application. Hindawi Publishing Corporation, Conference Papers in Energy vol. 2013, pp. 1–4 (May 2013)Sall, T., Hartiti, B., Mari, B., Miquel, M., Laanab, L., Fahoume, M.: Elaboration and characterization of $$\text{ In }_{2}\text{ S }_{3 }$$ In 2 S 3 thin films by spray pyrolysis with [S]/[In]=3 ratio. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Conference (IRSEC) 2013 International, IEEE pp. 58–62 (2013)Turan, E., Zor, M., Kul, M., Aybek, A.S., Taskopru, T.: \upalpha α - $$\text{ In }_{2}\text{ S }_{3}$$ In 2 S 3 and \upbeta β - $$\text{ In }_{2}\text{ S }_{3}$$ In 2 S 3 phases produced by SILAR technique. Philos. Mag. 92, 1716–1726 (2012)Uplane, M.D., Pawar, S.H.: Effect of substrate temperature on transport and optical properties of sprayed $$\text{ Cd }_{1-\text{ x }} \text{ Zn }_{\text{ x }}$$ Cd 1 - x Zn x S films. Solid State Commun. 46, 847–850 (1983

Visual analytics for the exploration and assessment of segmentation errors

Several diagnostic and treatment procedures require the segmentation of anatomical structures from medical images. However, the automatic model-based methods that are often employed, may produce inaccurate segmentations. These, if used as input for diagnosis or treatment, can have detrimental effects for the patients. Currently, an analysis to predict which anatomic regions are more prone to inaccuracies, and to determine how to improve segmentation algorithms, cannot be performed. We propose a visual tool to enable experts, working on model-based segmentation algorithms, to explore and analyze the outcomes and errors of their methods. Our approach supports the exploration of errors in a cohort of pelvic organ segmentations, where the performance of an algorithm can be assessed. Also, it enables the detailed exploration and assessment of segmentation errors, in individual subjects. To the best of our knowledge, there is no other tool with comparable functionality. A usage scenario is employed to explore and illustrate the capabilities of our visual tool. To further assess the value of the proposed tool, we performed an evaluation with five segmentation experts. The evaluation participants confirmed the potential of the tool in providing new insight into their data and employed algorithms. They also gave feedback for future improvements

Effectiveness of high intensity interval training on cardiorespiratory fitness and endothelial function in type 2 diabetes: A systematic review

BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic syndrome characterized by insulin resistance and hyperglycemia that may lead to endothelial dysfunction, reduced functional capacity and exercise intolerance. Regular aerobic exercise has been promoted as the most beneficial non-pharmacological treatment of cardiovascular diseases. High intensity interval training (HIIT) seems to be superior than moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) in cardiovascular diseases by improving brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and cardiorespiratory fitness to a greater extent. However, the beneficial effects of HIIT in patients with T2DM still remain under investigation and number of studies is limited. AIM To evaluate the effectiveness of high intensity interval training on cardiorespiratory fitness and endothelial function in patients with T2DM. METHODS We performed a search on PubMed, PEDro and CINAHL databases, selecting papers published between December 2012 and December 2022 and identified published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the English language that included community or outpatient exercise training programs in patients with T2DM. RCTs were assessed for methodological rigor and risk of bias via the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro). The primary outcome was peak VO2 and the secondary outcome was endothelial function assessed either by FMD or other indices of microcirculation. RESULTS Twelve studies were included in our systematic review. The 12 RCTs resulted in 661 participants in total. HIIT was performed in 310 patients (46.8%), MICT to 271 and the rest 80 belonged to the control group. Peak VO2 increased in 10 out of 12 studies after HIIT. Ten studies compared HIIT with other exercise regimens (MICT or strength endurance) and 4 of them demonstrated additional beneficial effects of HIIT over MICT or other exercise regimens. Moreover, 4 studies explored the effects of HIIT on endothelial function and FMD in T2DM patients. In 2 of them, HIIT further improved endothelial function compared to MICT and/or the control group while in the rest 2 studies no differences between HIIT and MICT were observed. CONCLUSION Regular aerobic exercise training has beneficial effects on cardiorespiratory fitness and endothelial function in T2DM patients. HIIT may be superior by improving these parameters to a greater extent than MICT. © The Author(s) 2023. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved

Modalities of Exercise Training in Patients with Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support

The aim of this qualitative systematic review is to summarize and analyze the different modalities of exercise training and its potential effects in patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support. ECMO is an outbreaking, life-saving technology of the last decades which is being used as a gold standard treatment in patients with severe cardiac, respiratory or combined cardiorespiratory failure. Critically ill patients on ECMO very often present intensive care unit-acquired weakness (ICU-AW); thus, leading to decreased exercise capacity and increased mortality rates. Early mobilization and physical therapy have been proven to be safe and feasible in critically ill patients on ECMO, either as a bridge to lung/heart transplantation or as a bridge to recovery. Rehabilitation has beneficial effects from the early stages in the ICU, resulting in the prevention of ICU-AW, and a decrease in episodes of delirium, the duration of mechanical ventilation, ICU and hospital length of stay, and mortality rates. It also improves functional ability, exercise capacity, and quality of life. Rehabilitation requires a very careful, multi-disciplinary approach from a highly specialized team from different specialties. Initial risk assessment and screening, with appropriate physical therapy planning and exercise monitoring in patients receiving ECMO therapy are crucial factors for achieving treatment goals. However, more randomized controlled trials are required in order to establish more appropriate individualized exercise training protocols. © 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland

Visual analytics for the exploration and assessment of segmentation errors

Several diagnostic and treatment procedures require the segmentation of anatomical structures from medical images. However, the automatic model-based methods that are often employed, may produce inaccurate segmentations. These, if used as input for diagnosis or treatment, can have detrimental effects for the patients. Currently, an analysis to predict which anatomic regions are more prone to inaccuracies, and to determine how to improve segmentation algorithms, cannot be performed. We propose a visual tool to enable experts, working on model-based segmentation algorithms, to explore and analyze the outcomes and errors of their methods. Our approach supports the exploration of errors in a cohort of pelvic organ segmentations, where the performance of an algorithm can be assessed. Also, it enables the detailed exploration and assessment of segmentation errors, in individual subjects. To the best of our knowledge, there is no other tool with comparable functionality. A usage scenario is employed to explore and illustrate the capabilities of our visual tool. To further assess the value of the proposed tool, we performed an evaluation with five segmentation experts. The evaluation participants confirmed the potential of the tool in providing new insight into their data and employed algorithms. They also gave feedback for future improvements

Visual analytics for the exploration of multiparametric cancer imaging

Tumor tissue characterization can play an important role in the diagnosis and design of effective treatment strategies. In order to gather and combine the necessary tissue information, multi-modal imaging is used to derive a number of parameters indicative of tissue properties. The exploration and analysis of relationships between parameters and, especially, of differences among distinct intra-tumor regions is particularly interesting for clinical researchers to individualize tumor treatment. However, due to high data dimensionality and complexity, the current clinical workflow is time demanding and does not provide the necessary intra-tumor insight. We implemented a new application for the exploration of the relationships between parameters and heterogeneity within tumors. In our approach, we employ a well-known dimensionality reduction technique [5] to map the high-dimensional space of tissue properties into a 2D information space that can be interactively explored with integrated information visualization techniques. We conducted several usage scenarios with real-patient data, of which we present a case of advanced cervical cancer. First indications show that our application introduces new features and functionalities that are not available within the current clinical approach

Visual analytics for the exploration of tumor tissue characterization

Tumors are heterogeneous tissues consisting of multiple regions with distinct characteristics. Characterization of these intra-tumor regions can improve patient diagnosis and enable a better targeted treatment. Ideally, tissue characterization could be performed non-invasively, using medical imaging data, to derive per voxel a number of features, indicative of tissue properties. However, the high dimensionality and complexity of this imaging-derived feature space is prohibiting for easy exploration and analysis - especially when clinical researchers require to associate observations from the feature space to other reference data, e.g., features derived from histopathological data. Currently, the exploratory approach used in clinical research consists of juxtaposing these data, visually comparing them and mentally reconstructing their relationships. This is a time consuming and tedious process, from which it is difficult to obtain the required insight. We propose a visual tool for: (1) easy exploration and visual analysis of the feature space of imaging-derived tissue characteristics and (2) knowledge discovery and hypothesis generation and confirmation, with respect to reference data used in clinical research. We employ, as central view, a 2D embedding of the imaging-derived features. Multiple linked interactive views provide functionality for the exploration and analysis of the local structure of the feature space, enabling linking to patient anatomy and clinical reference data. We performed an initial evaluation with ten clinical researchers. All participants agreed that, unlike current practice, the proposed visual tool enables them to identify, explore and analyze heterogeneous intra-tumor regions and particularly, to generate and confirm hypotheses, with respect to clinical reference data

Uncertainty evaluation of image-based tumour control probability models in radiotherapy of prostate cancer using a visual analytic tool

Functional imaging techniques provide radiobiological information that can be included into tumour control probability (TCP) models to enable individualized outcome predictions in radiotherapy. However, functional imaging and the derived radiobiological information are influenced by uncertainties, translating into variations in individual TCP predictions. In this study we applied a previously developed analytical tool to quantify dose and TCP uncertainty bands when initial cell density is estimated from MRI-based apparent diffusion coefficient maps of eleven patients. TCP uncertainty bands of 16% were observed at patient level, while dose variations bands up to 8 Gy were found at voxel level for an iso-TCP approach.Comp Graphics & Visualisatio