Effects of Deposition Parameters on the Electrochemical Behaviour of ZnO Thin Film

In this work, the electrochemical deposition of zinc oxide (ZnO) thin film on indium tin oxide (ITO) glass substrate from aqueous zinc nitrate was studied. Among the deposition parameters employed were deposition temperature, deposition potential, and deposition time. The morphology of the ZnO thin film was studied via FESEM.The electrochemical behaviour of the deposited ZnO thin flim was studied via cyclic voltammetry (CV) experiments. The deposition parameters lead to significant influence on the morphology and electrochemical behaviour of the thin films. The coverage area of the nanorods increased with the increase of temperature. Irregular structures of ZnO were obtained at lower deposition temperature at 60 °C. However, as the temperature increased to 90 °C, hexagonal shaped nanorods could be observed. As for the deposition potential, as the potential becomes more negative, more nucleation centers are activated and the rods are more vertical. The surface coverage is small, and increases with the deposition time. The compactness of the ZnO deposited is the highest with hexagonal rods covering the substrate at higher deposition time. The optimum electrochemical behavior of ZnO modified electrode was obtained from the deposition temperature of 60 °C using a deposition potential of -0.9 V for 900 seconds

Safety of hospital discharge before return of bowel function after elective colorectal surgery

Background: Ileus is common after colorectal surgery and is associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications. Identifying features of normal bowel recovery and the appropriateness for hospital discharge is challenging. This study explored the safety of hospital discharge before the return of bowel function. Methods: A prospective, multicentre cohort study was undertaken across an international collaborative network. Adult patients undergoing elective colorectal resection between January and April 2018 were included. The main outcome of interest was readmission to hospital within 30 days of surgery. The impact of discharge timing according to the return of bowel function was explored using multivariable regression analysis. Other outcomes were postoperative complications within 30 days of surgery, measured using the Clavien\u2013Dindo classification system. Results: A total of 3288 patients were included in the analysis, of whom 301 (9\ub72 per cent) were discharged before the return of bowel function. The median duration of hospital stay for patients discharged before and after return of bowel function was 5 (i.q.r. 4\u20137) and 7 (6\u20138) days respectively (P < 0\ub7001). There were no significant differences in rates of readmission between these groups (6\ub76 versus 8\ub70 per cent; P = 0\ub7499), and this remained the case after multivariable adjustment for baseline differences (odds ratio 0\ub790, 95 per cent c.i. 0\ub755 to 1\ub746; P = 0\ub7659). Rates of postoperative complications were also similar in those discharged before versus after return of bowel function (minor: 34\ub77 versus 39\ub75 per cent; major 3\ub73 versus 3\ub74 per cent; P = 0\ub7110). Conclusion: Discharge before return of bowel function after elective colorectal surgery appears to be safe in appropriately selected patients