Rc Values Research Articles

Estimating the transpiration of kiwifruit using an optimized canopy resistance model based on the synthesis of sunlit and shaded leaves

Accurate estimation of transpiration (T) in kiwifruit trees is essential for effective irrigation and water management. Canopy resistance (rc) is crucial for estimating T, but existing models do not fully consider the unique canopy structure and microclimate variations in kiwifruit trees. This study established a rc estimation model based on a synthesis of sunlit and shaded leaves (SSL) and optimized it using Ant Colony Optimization (ACO), Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO), and Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA). Using the rc value inverted by the Penman-Monteith model as a standard, we compared the simulation accuracy of the SSL and Jarvis models to identify the optimal model for accurate T estimation under various data availability conditions. The results indicated significant physiological differences between sunlit and shaded leaves, with shaded leaves showing lower net photosynthetic rates and higher stomatal resistance. The optimization SSL model demonstrated improved accuracy over the Jarvis model. The simulation accuracy of the SSL model optimized by the WOA algorithm was the highest, yielding R2, RRMSE, and MAE of rc and T are 0.83, 0.12, 82.55 s m−1, and 0.81, 0.09, 0.23 mm d−1, respectively. In the Jarvis model with different restriction functions the highest accuracy for rc and T, achieved after optimizing by ACO algorithm, yielded R2, RRMSE, and MAE of 0.71, 0.33, 305.94 s m−1, and 0.72, 0.23, 0.65 mm d−1, respectively. Therefore, the SSL model can more accurately estimate the rc and T, and it provides a valuable way for scientific water use and precise irrigation in kiwifruit orchards.

Research on deterioration mechanism of graded gravel in high-speed railway subgrade layer based on machine vision

This study aims to investigate the macro-micro deterioration mechanism of graded gravel under cyclic loading, which is of great significance in revealing the generation mechanism of high-speed railway subgrade defects in service and guiding the subgrade reinforcement. Initially, a precise-rapid quantification method for particle shape based on machine vision was established. To further improve the existing traditional semantic segmentation model (U-Net), a novel semantic segmentation model named VGG16-UNet-CA was established, which incorporated the U-Net, VGG16 model, Bilinear interpolation, and Coordinate attention (CA). Moreover, the high-precision binary images obtained by the established model were imported into Open Source Computer Vision Library (OpenCV) to calculate the particle shape indicators rapidly. Additionally, the cyclic loading tests were carried out to characterize the macro deterioration of graded gravel based on the mechanical indicator dynamic stiffness K, and the key factor of deterioration was explored through the established machine vision method. Finally, biaxial compression models with different deterioration degree were established by Discrete Element Method (DEM) to explore the micro deterioration mechanism. It was found that the segmentation accuracy indicators F1-score, Mean Pixel Accuracy (MPA) and Mean Intersection over Union (MIoU) of VGG16-UNet-CA were 98.56 %, 97.89 % and 98.01 %, which were higher than U-Net, SegNet, PSPNet, and DeepLabv3+. During the cyclic loading, the changes of the equivalent particle diameter De and slenderness ratio Ei of coarse particles in three filler groups were not significant, while the average values of roundness Rc increased by 28 %, 31 % and 25 %, indicating that the coarse particle abrasion was the key factor of deterioration. In the DEM simulation, with the increase of Rc, the mechanical strength of graded gravel decreased and the micro indicators (e.g., sliding rate, strong force chains, and anisotropy parameter an) inside the fillers gradually decreased, while the particle rotation continuously increased. Consequently, the interlocking ability of coarse particles decreased, leading to the bearing capacity and structural stability of particle skeleton reduced. This study not only provides a novel approach to investigate the deterioration mechanism of graded gravel under cyclic loading, which contributes to revealing the generation mechanism of high-speed railway subgrade defects in service, but also provides theoretical support for subgrade reinforcement.

Utility of under-sampled scans with iterative reconstruction and high-frequency preserving transform for high spatial resolution magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography.

Under-sampled scans with iterative reconstruction and high-frequency preserving transform (Us-IRHF) can increase the acquisition speed without degrading the image quality by recovering image information from under-sampled data. We investigate the clinical applicability of high spatial resolution magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) images without extending the scanning time using Us-IRHF. A slit phantom was scanned with conventional- (without Us-IRHF), Us-IR- (without HF), and Us-IRHF scanning. The matrix size was 320 × 320 for Us-IR- and Us-IRHF- and 288 × 208 for conventional scanning. Modulation transfer function (MTF) focused on the 1.0 lp/cm gauge for each scanning was calculated. For clinical study we acquired respiratory-triggered 3D MRCP scans with and without Us-IRHF (U+-, U-MRCP) in 41 patients. The matrix size was 320 × 320 for U+- and 288 × 208 for U-MRCP. The acquisition time and the relative duct-to-periductal contrast ratios (RCs) for the right- and left intrahepatic bile-, the common bile-, and the main pancreatic duct were recorded. Visualization of each duct and overall image quality was scored on 5-point confidence scales. For visualization of each duct the score ranged from 1 (not visible) to 5 (visible with excellent details), for the image quality, it ranged from 1 (undiagnostic) to 5 (excellent). Superiority for the qualitative visualization score and non-inferiority for the RC values with prespecified margins were assessed. Phantom study showed that compared to the conventional- and Us-IR (without HF) images, the MTF for the Us-IRHF image revealed the highest response. For clinical study, the mean acquisition time was 161s for U+- and 165s for U-MRCP. For all ducts, the RC value of U+MRCP was non-inferior to U-MRCP and the qualitative visualization score assigned to U+MRCP was superior to U-MRCP. Us-IRHF improved the image quality of high spatial resolution MRCP without extending the scanning time.

Hydrodynamic Performance of Half Pipe Breakwaters Experimentally and Numerically

The main objective of constructing barriers is to safeguard harbours and shores from waves and sea currents. This paper aims at presenting a study on innovative and non-traditional alternatives to breakwaters, experimentally and numerically, to assess the hydrodynamic efficiency of the suggested models in order to choose the most appropriate one. Two models of semi-submersible-type breakwaters have been studied, in the form of a cross-section of a half pipe with an internal diameter and thickness of 30.00 and 1.00 cm, respectively. Model (a) is a circular half-pipe with an upward concave, whereas model (b) has a sideways concave towards the water. Several scenarios for the breakwaters suggested in this study have been simulated using FLOW 3D. The results indicate that the transmission coefficient (Tc), provided by model (b), is 3-7% lower than model (a), while the reflection coefficient (Rc) values for model (b) are 4-8% higher than model (a). The results show that model (b) has a 10% lower (Tc) at d/h = 0.80 compared to d/h = 0.60, while (Rc) is 8% higher at d/h = 0.80 than at d/h = 0.60 for the same model. The suggested breakwater reduces inclined waves' energy more quickly than perpendicular waves. Regarding the hydrodynamic performance, the proposed breakwater in model (b) is shown to be more efficient and effective than the breakwater in model (a), so it is recommended to use it due to its effectiveness in providing protection for coastal wave zones and benefiting from the energy of waves to generate electricity.

Designing a MXene-based heterostructure nanocomposite with extensive interfacing as ions exchange and controllable release inhibitors for intelligent coating

In this work, the surface of I–Ti3C2Tx MXene was modified by (MgAl-)LDH via coprecipitation followed by the introduction of BTA, forming the novel I–Ti3C2Tx@LDH/BTA (ITLB) heterostructure nanocomposites. ITLB acted as a pH-responsive nanocontainer to release benzotriazole (BTA) and adsorbed/captured Cl− ions by ion exchange. ITLB could be systematically arranged within an epoxy matrix, enhancing interface interaction and improving mechanical properties. The ITLB/EP coating exhibited excellent corrosion protection and self-healing performance. The impedance value of the intact ITLB/EP coating was 1011 Ω cm2, which was three orders of magnitude higher than that of EP, and presented the highest Rc and Rct values compared to other coatings throughout the immersion period. When defects in the ITLB/EP coating, ITLB underwent a rapid pH-response to localized corrosion to release BTA, forming a dense protective [BTA-Fe-BTA]n complex with Fe2+ and effectively preventing further corrosion. Thus, ITLB exhibited dual functionality as a nanocomposite corrosion inhibitor, providing both pH-response behavior and intelligent protection. This newly created 2D/2D heterostructure nanocomposite will provide the theoretical basis and technical support for the development of intelligent coatings.

Predictive value of remnant cholesterol for left ventricular hypertrophy and prognosis in hypertensive patients with heart failure: a prospective study

Background and AimRemnant cholesterol (RC) is substantially related to negative outcomes in cardiac patients. Patients with coexisting hypertension and heart failure (HF) often develop left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and have poor prognoses. This study investigated baseline RC levels and LV remodelling and patients’ prognoses.Methods and resultsSix hundred thirty consecutive individuals with hypertension and HF participated in this prospective trial from October 2018 to August 2020. Based on left ventricular mass index (LVMI), 560 those eligible were separated into LVH and non-LVH groups. Multiple linear regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves examined the RC and LV relationship. A Cox regression analysis was conducted to examine the predictive value of RC for clinical outcomes. The LVH group presented significantly elevated values of RC, triglyceride, and cholesterol and decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC). The optimal cutoff value for RC to predict LV remodelling was 0.49. The subjects were observed for a median of 58 months, and 104 participants met the primary endpoint. The risk models involving the two Cox models were adjusted to incorporate confounding factors, which revealed that those with elevated baseline levels of RC were more susceptible to cardiovascular mortality, as shown by an increased hazard ratio. (HR: 1.91, 95% CI: 1.62–2.26 vs. HR: 1.75, 95% CI: 1.43–2.16, P < 0.001).ConclusionsRC is linked to LV remodelling in patients with hypertensive HF, with LVH having greater RC values. Moreover, patients with hypertensive HF who had a higher RC suffered from an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality.Trial registrationNCT 03727828, 21 Oct 2018.

Remnant cholesterol is superior to other lipid-related parameters for the prediction of cardiometabolic disease risk in individuals with hypertension: The Kailuan study

BackgroundIt is uncertain which lipid-related parameter is most suitable for predicting the risk of cardiometabolic disease (CMD) in individuals with hypertension. AimsTo explore which lipid-related parameter is most suitable for predicting the risk of CMD. Methods and resultsWe studied 30,378 patients with hypertension who completed the 2006–2007 Kailuan health examination and followed up until December 31, 2021. In the constructed model, the utilities of lipid-related parameters for the prediction of CMD were compared using the C-index, NRI, and IDI. The best predictor (remnant cholesterol, RC) was identified and the participants were grouped according to RC quartile. Cox proportional hazard analysis was then used to evaluate the relationship between RC and the risk of CMD. During a median follow-up period of 14.7 years (IQR 5.3–15.1), 9502 (31.27 %) participants with hypertension developed CMD. The C-index, NRI, and IDI values for RC were higher than those for the other lipid parameters. After adjustment for multiple potential confounding factors, compared with the quartile (Q)1 RC group, the adjusted hazard ratios for CMD of the Q2–Q4 groups were 1.09 (1.03–1.16), 1.17 (1.11–1.24), and 1.25 (1.18–1.33) (P < 0.0001). Restrictive cubic spline analysis revealed dose-dependent relationships of lipid parameters with the risk of CMD. ConclusionsRC is superior to other lipid parameters for the prediction of the risk of CMD in individuals with hypertension. As the concentration of RC increases, the risk of CMD in such individuals also increases.

Dynamical behavior of a fractional-order epidemic model for investigating two fear effect functions

Using the Caputo operator, a model for a fractional-order epidemic is developed to investigate the fear effect in a pathogenic environment and vaccination procedure. First, we examine if the proposed model is positive. Next, based on the value of the control reproduction number Rc, we compute both the control reproduction and strength numbers and derive the stability criteria of the disease-free equilibrium. In fact, we use the comparison theorem to show that the disease-free equilibrium point is globally asymptotically stable whenever Rc<1. Next, we prove that the solutions of the fractional model exist and are unique. Finally, several numerical simulations are conducted to verify our theoretical results.

Enhancing corrosion resistance and self-healing of water-borne epoxy coatings using Ti3C2Tx-supported tannic acid on UIO-66-NH2

In this study, we developed a composite material comprising UIO-66-NH2 encapsulated tannic acid (TA) loaded on Ti3C2Tx to improve the corrosion resistance of water borne epoxy (WEP) coatings. The successful synthesis of the material was determined by FT-IR, XRD, XPS, EDS, TGA, SEM and TEM characterization. Furthermore, ultraviolet (UV)tests were conducted to evaluate the release rate of TA at varying pH levels, revealing a release rate of approximately 95 % at pH 2. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) results over 60 d indicated that the Rc value of TU-T/WEP remained unchanged at 3.934 × 108, demonstrating a two-order magnitude increase compared to those of pure epoxy coatings, attributed to the synergistic active and passive protection of TU-T materials. The self-healing ability of the TU-T/WEP coating was validated through manual scratch experiments. Additionally, the EIS test showed that the Rc value of TU-T/WEP coating increased to 3.5 × 105 after 72 h, representing a two-order magnitude increase over that of the WEP coating alone. This study introduces a novel approach using green tannic acid as a corrosion inhibitor and amino-functionalized Ti3C2Tx with UIO-66-NH2 to enhance corrosion resistance and self-healing aproperties of coatings.

The prognostic role of remnant cholesterol in Asian menopausal women received percutaneous coronary intervention with acute coronary syndrome

BackgroundRemnant cholesterol (RC) exert a significant influence on atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease development. However, the prognostic implications of RC in menopausal women received percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) who experiencing acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remain uncertain.MethodsRC was derived by subtracting the sum of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol from the total cholesterol. Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox regression analysis were employed for assessing the correlation between continuous RC levels and composite and individual adverse events in Q1-Q4 quartiles. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves, derived from Cox regression, were employed for analyzing the relationship between RC and both composite and individual adverse events.Results1505 consecutive menopausal women who underwent PCI and diagnosed with ACS were included. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated a progressive reduction in composite adverse event survival rates across the four groups, observed in both the general population and among diabetic individuals, as RC values increased (Log-rank P < 0.001). The analysis of multivariate Cox regression indicated RC remained independently associated with both composite and individual adverse events. ROC analysis showed that RC enhanced the area under the curve both in total and diabetic populations for composite adverse events.ConclusionAmong menopausal women diagnosed with ACS who underwent PCI, heightened levels of RC were found to be independently correlated with an increased occurrence of adverse events.

Bi-MoSe2 Contacts in the Ultraclean Limit: Closing the Theory-Experiment Loop.

Achieving robust electrical contacts is crucial for realizing the promise of monolayer 2D semiconductors such as semiconducting transition metal dichalcogenides (s-TMDs) in electronics. Despite recent breakthroughs, a gap remains between the experimental and theoretical understanding of metal-s-TMDs contacts. This study explores bismuth semimetal contacts to monolayer MoSe2, using a platform that minimizes experimental sources of uncertainty; we combine contact-front and contact-end measurements to measure key parameters like specific resistivity (ρc) and transfer length (Lt). We find that the resistivity of MoSe2 under the contacts is enhanced due to charge transfer that can be modeled using a self-consistent approach. In contrast, ab initio calculations of the interlayer charge transfer rate are inconsistent with the measured value of ρc, highlighting the need for new theoretical approaches.

Effect of O2/Ar ratio on the microstructure and tribological properties of Y2O3 films by multi-arc ion plating

Multi-Arc Ion Plating (MAIP) technology was used to deposit yttrium oxide (Y2O3) ceramic thin films on Al2O3 ceramics and silicon wafers. The effects of varying the O-to-Ar gas flow ratio (Rc: 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0) and the annealing conditions on the phase composition, microstructure, mechanical properties, and tribological performance of the Y2O3 films were assessed. The films deposited at Rc values of 1.0 and 1.5 consisted of a single cubic phase structure. In contrast, films deposited at Rc values of 0.5 and 2.0 contained a small monoclinic phase and the cubic phase structure. The film deposited at an Rc value of 1.0 (oxygen flow rate of 200 sccm) exhibited a dense microstructure, the best mechanical properties (hardness of 14.2 ± 0.191 GPa), and the lowest friction coefficient (0.142 ± 0.003). Furthermore, the colour of the film changed from grey-black to white after annealing at 800 °C for 6 h. The oxygen vacancy of the thin film increased, with improving crystallinity, decreasing hardness and elastic modulus, and increasing grain size, friction coefficient and wear rate. The film exhibited the best tribological properties at 25 °C.

Utilizing wasserstein generative adversarial networks for enhanced hyperspectral imaging: A novel approach to predict soluble sugar content in cherry tomatoes

The soluble sugar content of cherry tomatoes has a significant impact on their flavor, nutritional value, and physiological metabolism. Consequently, the development of a precise and sensitive high-spectral detection model for cherry tomato sweetness is essential for its industrial growth. However, challenges, such as the intricate nature of spectral features and low chemical content in samples, pose obstacles to this endeavor. In this study, the Wasserstein Generative Adversarial Network (WGAN) was employed to overcome these challenges and improve modeling fitting difficulties. After multiple iterations, WGAN successfully generated samples that closely resembled the original data. The results demonstrate that the performance of each model was significantly enhanced after the incorporation of the WGAN for auxiliary training. Notably, the improved dataset achieved Rc and Rp values of 0.8853 and 0.7719 for the CNN model, respectively. This study offers an innovative and efficient approach to detect soluble sugar content in cherry tomatoes and provides valuable insights into the application of artificial intelligence in the field of food and agricultural product detection.

Effect of crosslinking density on the self-healing and self-reporting properties of epoxy anti-corrosion coatings

This work developed a novel coating with self-healing and self-reporting performance by embedding polyurethane/poly-(urea-formaldehyde) (PU/UF) microcapsules in a shape memory epoxy polymer. 2’7’-Dichlorofluorescein (DCF) and linseed oil were applied as the coloring agent and healing agent, respectively, which are encapsulated into the PU/UF microcapsules (DL@PU/UF microcapsules) via a facile one-step method. To adjust the shape memory effect and the self-reporting performance of epoxy system, two kinds of curing agents (D230 and D400) were reacted with bisphenol A diglycidyl ether epoxy monomer to design a series of coating samples, finally the optimal coating system was selected by three indexes including barrier performance, residual amino content and coating hardness. When the composite coating was damaged, DCF can flow out of the broken microcapsules and react with the residual amino groups in the epoxy coating matrix, which can be recognized red signals in natural light and yellow fluorescent signals under ultraviolet light irradiation. More importantly, the excellent self-reporting property of the coating can be achieved on various metal substrates that broaden the application range of the coating. As for self-healing performance, the damaged coating can be healed quickly due to the shape memory effect of the coating as well as the filling of linseed oil in the scratched region. The Rct value of the healed coating containing 6 % DL@PU/UF microcapsules after immersing in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution for 5 days was more than 3 times that of the scratched coating, and the Rc value was about 16 times that of the scratched coating, indicating its corrosion protection performance. The novel coting not only achieve timely self-reporting ability of color and fluorescence, but also rapidly repair the coating damage, which is essential to practical applications.

Phthalate monoesters accumulation in residential indoor dust and influence factors

Phthalate monoesters (mPAEs) possess biological activity that matches or even exceeds that of their parent compounds, phthalate esters (PAEs), negatively impacting humans. Indoor dust is the main carrier of indoor pollutants. In this study, indoor dust samples were collected from 46 households in Changchun City, Jilin Province, in May 2019, and particulate and flocculent fibrous dust was used as the research target to analyze the concentration and compositional characteristics of mPAEs, primary metabolites of five significant PAEs. The influence of factors such as architectural features and living habits in residential areas on exposure to mPAEs was explored. Ten suspected enzyme genes along with two metabolic pathways with the ability to degrade PAEs were screened using PICRUSt2. The results showed that the total concentrations of the five mPAEs in the indoor dust samples were particulate dust (11.49–78.69 μg/g) and flocculent fibrous dust (21.61–72.63 μg/g), respectively. The molar concentration ratio (RC) of mPAEs to corresponding PAEs significantly differed among chemicals, with MMP/DMP and MEP/DEP sporting the highest RC values. Different bacterial types have shown distinct influences against mPAEs and PAEs. Enzyme function and metabolic pathway abundance had a significant effect on the concentration of some mPAEs, mPAEs are most likely derived from microbial degradation of PAEs.

Effect of ethanolysis on the structure evolution, pyrolysis kinetics, and volatile products of waste poplar sawdust

Ethanolysis had been the promising approach for the deoxygenation of waste poplar sawdust (WPS), and its effect of structure variation and pyrolysis behaviors on the WPS was investigated in present research. The decreasing of C–O chemical bonds and the increasing of C content was typical phenomenon during the ethanolysis of WPS. The pyrolysis behaviors of sample were performed by thermogravimetric analyzer at three different heating rates. The pyrolysis kinetics and thermodynamics of WPS, residue230 (R230), and residue260 (R260) were well determined on the basic of three model-free iso-conversional methods. Average activation energy derived from the Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS) method of R260 displayed the high value (445.06 kJ/mol), followed by 224.88 kJ/mol for R230, then 200.68 kJ/mol for WPS. Thermodynamics data suggested that R260 required more total energy consumption for the breakage of chemical bonds. Additionally, pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) results showed that the highest relative content of volatile products compound derived from the flash pyrolysis of R230 and R260 was 47.12 % (d-Allose) and 38.69 % (Phenols), respectively, and RC value of arenes significantly increased to 15.82 % after ethanolysis. The findings would significantly contribute to the valuable utilization of waste biomass and its residues.

Detection of Anthocyanins in Potatoes Using Micro-Hyperspectral Images Based on Convolutional Neural Networks.

The color potato has the function of both a food and vegetable. The color potato not only contains various amino acids and trace elements needed by the human body but also contains anthocyanins. Anthocyanins have many functions, such as antioxidation, inflammation inhibition, vision improvement, and cancer prevention, so colored potatoes are deeply loved by consumers and have good market prospects. However, at present, the detection of anthocyanin content in color potatoes mainly depends on chemical methods, which are time-consuming and laborious, so it is necessary to study a fast and accurate detection method. In this study, microscopic hyperspectral equipment was used to collect the spectral information of the outer skin and inner skin of potatoes. The original spectrum, pretreatment spectrum, and characteristic spectrum variables of the outer skin and inner skin were predicted by the convolution neural network (CNN) algorithm and partial least squares regression (PLS) algorithm, respectively, and the performance of the model was evaluated by the prediction set correlation coefficient (Rp), prediction set root mean square error (RMSEP), correction set correlation coefficient (Rc), correction set root mean square error (RMSEC), and residual prediction deviation (RPD). The results revealed that the inner skin Raw + CNN model constructed under raw spectral data is optimal with Rc = 0.9508, RMSEC = 0.0374%, Rp = 0.9461, RMSEP = 0.2361% and RPD = 4.4933. The inner skin Savitzky-Golay (SG) + Detrend (DET) + CNN model constructed from pre-processed spectral data is optimal with Rc = 0.9499, RMSEC = 0.0359%, Rp = 0.9439, RMSEP = 0.2384%, RPD = 4.6516. The inner skin DET + competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS) +CNN model constructed from the feature-based spectral data was optimal with Rc = 0.9527, RMSEC = 0.0708%, Rp = 0.9457, RMSEP = 0.2711%, and RPD = 4.1623. It can be seen that the Rp, RMSEP, Rc, RMSEC, and RPD values for modeling the spectral information of the inner skin were higher than those of the outer skin under the three different spectral data. The prediction accuracy of the model built by the CNN algorithm was better than the conventional algorithm PLS, the application of the CNN algorithm in inner skin can achieve accurate prediction of anthocyanin content in potato.

Insights into RC time curve fit analysis of pulmonary artery pressure decay

The notion of a constant relationship between resistance and capacitance (RC time) in the pulmonary circulation has been challenged by more recent research. The RC time can be obtained using either a simplified empirical approach or a semilogarithmic equation. Although direct curve-fit analysis is a feasible and ostensibly reference approach for RC analysis, it remains largely unexplored. We aimed to study the relationship between various RC methods in different states of pulmonary hemodynamics.Methods In total, 182 patients underwent clinically indicated right heart catheterization. The pressure curves were exported and processed using the MATLAB software. We calculated the RC time using the empirical method (RCEST), semilogarithmic approach (RCSL), and direct measurement of curve fit (RCFIT).Results Among 182 patients, 137 had pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease (PH-LHD), 35 had pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), and 10 demonstrated normal hemodynamics (non-PH). RCEST consistently overestimated the RCFIT and RCSL measurements by a mean of 75%. With all three methods, the RC values were longer in the PAH (RCFIT = 0.36 ± 0.14 s) than in the PH-LHD (0.27 ± 0.1 s) and non-PH (0.27 ± 0.09 s) groups (p < 0.001). Although the RCSL and RCFIT values were similar among the three subgroups, they exhibited broad limits of agreement. Finally, the RCEST demonstrated a strong discriminatory ability (AUC = 0.86, p < 0.001, CI = 0.79–0.93) in identifying PAH.Conclusion RC time in PAH patients was substantially prolonged compared to that in PH-LHD and non-PH patients. The use of the empirical formula yielded systematic RC overestimation. In contrast, the semilogarithmic analysis provided reliable RC estimates, particularly for group comparisons.

Effects on Metallization of n+-Poly-Si Layer for N-Type Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact Solar Cells.

Thin polysilicon (poly-Si)-based passivating contacts can reduce parasitic absorption and the cost of n-TOPCon solar cells. Herein, n+-poly-Si layers with thicknesses of 30~100 nm were fabricated by low-pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) to create passivating contacts. We investigated the effect of n+-poly-Si layer thickness on the microstructure of the metallization contact formation, passivation, and electronic performance of n-TOPCon solar cells. The thickness of the poly-Si layer significantly affected the passivation of metallization-induced recombination under the metal contact (J0,metal) and the contact resistivity (ρc) of the cells. However, it had a minimal impact on the short-circuit current density (Jsc), which was primarily associated with corroded silver (Ag) at depths of the n+-poly-Si layer exceeding 40 nm. We introduced a thin n+-poly-Si layer with a thickness of 70 nm and a surface concentration of 5 × 1020 atoms/cm3. This layer can meet the requirements for low J0,metal and ρc values, leading to an increase in conversion efficiency of 25.65%. This optimized process of depositing a phosphorus-doped poly-Si layer can be commercially applied in photovoltaics to reduce processing times and lower costs.

Chemical design of barium titanate thin films for nanophotonic devices

AbstractHigh‐performance electro‐optic (EO) materials greatly enhance modulators and switches in various photonic applications. We investigate the evolution of the tolerance factor (t) and EO coefficient (rc) in A‐site and B‐site doped BaTiO3 (BT) thin films. Our analysis reveals that cation transmutation has a remarkable impact on their dielectric constant, spontaneous polarization, optical band gap, and EO coefficient. Notably, Pb‐doped BT samples exhibit an even higher rc value of 336.5 pm/V, representing a nearly 60% increase compared to pure BT and approximately 11 times larger than that of LiNbO3. This substantial improvement in EO performance can be attributed to enhanced local structural heterogeneity resulting from cation dopants. Furthermore, infusing dopants in BT also result in good structural uniformity and reliable EO performances, regardless of temperature and frequency. Our study offers valuable insights into doping engineering for obtaining functional perovskite oxides, enabling the development of power‐efficient, ultra‐compact integrated nanophotonic devices.