WF Values Research Articles

BCZT/LSMO/BCZT sandwich film: Toward high-temperature energy storage capacitors

Ba0.85Ca0.15Zr0.1Ti0.9O3/La0.8Sr0.2MnO3/Ba0.85Ca0.15Zr0.1Ti0.9O3 (BCZT/LSMO/BCZT) sandwich thin film was deposited on Pt/TiO2/SiO2/Si substrate using sol-gel process. The dielectric properties displayed excellent thermal stability, with the temperature coefficient of capacitance TCC remaining within ± 10 % between -50 °C and 300 °C. The high-energy storage density Wrec of 11.8 J/cm3 observed in the sandwich thin film was nearly twice as high as that of the single BCZT thin film, with high efficiency η of 79 % and responsivity ξRT = Wrec /Eapp of 0.016 J/kV.cm2 under a weak electric field of 800 kV/cm. Furthermore, the stabilities of Wrec and η were observed over a wide temperature range. Interestingly, a high value of Wf = Wrec/(1-η) (> 60 J/cm3) from room temperature up to 300 °C was observed for BCZT/LSMO/BCZT thin film (three times higher than that of the single BCZT thin film), making the sandwich thin film promising candidate for high-temperature energy storage capacitors.

Validation of the area under the Watts factor curve during the voiding cycle as a novel parameter for diagnosing detrusor underactivity in females.

Detrusor underactivity (DU) is a common cause of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). To date, no consensus has been reached on the urodynamic criteria for defining DU. We previously proposed the area under the curve of the Watts factor (WF-AUC) as a new parameter for diagnosing DU. By comparing previously reported five criteria for DU and WF-AUC, we analyzed whether the WF-AUC could assess detrusor contraction in women with LUTS. Using urodynamic data of consecutive 77 women with LUTS, first, we classified DU based on previously reported five criteria. Second, we assessed the potential correlation between multiple parameters and WF-AUC. Third, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to determine the cutoff value of WF-AUC for diagnosing DU based on previously reported five criteria. Fourth, a linear regression analysis was conducted and compared using multiple criteria and female bladder outlet obstruction index (BOOIf). WF-AUC was positively correlated with the maximum values of WF, bladder contractility index (BCI), and projected isovolumetric pressure 1 (PIP1) with correlation coefficients of 0.63, 0.57, and 0.34, respectively. AUC for diagnosing DU based on previously reported five criteria ranging from 0.773 to 0.896 with different cutoff values of AUC-WF. The Spearman's correlation test revealed that BOOIf was significantly correlated with BCI, but not Wmax, PIP1 and WF-AUC. This study demonstrated the non-inferiority of the WF-AUC compared to previously reported criteria for defining DU. Depending on the cutoff value, the WF-AUC could appropriately evaluate women with DU, regardless of the presence of BOO.

Multicomponent hexaborides with low work functions by ultra-fast high temperature sintering

A reduction of the work function (Wf) in multicomponent hexaborides has been achieved by doping with highly electropositive Ba, which enhances electron emission. Single-phase bulk multicomponent polycrystalline hexaborides of La0.5Ba0.5B6, Ce0.5Ba0.5B6, and BaB6 powders were first synthesized and then densified by ultra-fast high temperature sintering. Using a total reaction and densification time of 6 min, a density of ∼90% theoretical was reached. The UHS sintering is a resistive heating technique, which enables a high heating rate (∼103–104 °C/min) to reach the synthesis/sintering temperature in a minute and facilitates in synthesizing single phase solid solution product very quickly (in 6 min). Measurements of Wf were carried out by Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy, yielding values of Wf = 2.05 ± 0.10 and 2.00 ± 0.10 for La0.5Ba0.5B6 and Ce0.5Ba0.5B6 respectively. These values of Wf are similar to those predicted by first-principles calculations. Ba-substitution is shown to be a general approach to reduce Wf (∼25%) in various multicomponent hexaborides.

Analisis Kinerja Layanan Bongkar Muat General Cargo Di Pelabuhan Cappa Ujung Parepare

The purpose of this research is to (1) determine the percentage of loading and unloading productivity at the Port of Cappa Ujung Parepare (2) to find out the criteria that have good performance in loading and unloading services at the Port of Cappa Ujung Parepare (3) to find out the criteria that are considered according to the interests of users Loading and unloading services at Cappa Ujung Parepare Port. The population in this study was 120 people, which is the number of respondents in this study related to loading and unloading service assessment performance and the interests of loading and unloading service users. The data collection techniques used were interviews and questionnaires. The data analysis technique in this research was carried out using the Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) Method and the IPA Analysis Method. The results of this study indicate that (1) The productivity of loading and unloading at the Cappa Ujung Parepare Port in 2021 will reach 5,137,823 Tons/M3 with the biggest achievement in December reaching 1,873% greater than the monthly target. The productivity of loading and unloading at Cappa Ujung Parepare Port in 2022 reached 6,944,242 tons/M3 with the biggest achievement in December reaching 2,510% greater than the monthly target (2) CSI calculation results of 77.64%. Thus, the level of customer satisfaction with loading and unloading services is in the satisfactory category. The highest WF value is shown at 10.42% on attribute 8 (safety in the port environment) which means that this attribute is considered the most important by customers in unloading services. The lowest WF value is shown at 9.69% on attribute 7 (clarity of information about loading and unloading) which means that this attribute is considered not too important by customers in loading and unloading services.

Evaluation of specific total work of fracture in polypropylene/ethylene‐propylene diene monomer nanocomposites based on various graphene derivatives: Optimization by response surface methodology technique and correlation with microstructure properties

AbstractThis study presents an experimental design approach for optimization and prediction of specific total work of fracture (wf) in polypropylene/ethylene‐propylene diene monomer (EPDM) nanocomposites based on disparate graphene derivatives including multilayer graphene, few‐layer graphene and graphene oxide. Box–Behnken design and response surface methodology (RSM) were exploited at three levels and four factors to construct a predictive mathematical model for the value of wf. The model predicted that the maximum value of wf (136.7 J/mm2) is achieved by applying dynamically vulcanized system at EPDM content and few‐layer graphene content of 20 wt% and of 0.5 wt%, respectively. In addition, by observing the fracture surfaces of specimens, a direct correlation between RSM predictions and morphology of nanocomposites was established. In this regard, transmission electron microscopy and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction analyses showed that by using few‐layer graphene, thanks to formation of an exfoliated structure, more energy for the failure of nanocomposites is required which substantiates the model predictions. Scanning electron microscopy observations depicted that the droplets diameter of homogeneous EPDM particle size plays a pivotal role in number of micro‐voids and nano‐voids, which consequently promotes the creation of fibril structure and eventually heightens nanocomposite resistance against the applied load. The optimum status of this phenomenon happens at 20 wt% of EPDM and as the model showed, the value of wf reaches the highest point at this EPDM content. Likewise, by applying dynamic vulcanization, as truly predicted by the model, the formation of multi fibrillar structure led to dissipation of extra energy in nanocomposites inducing a remarkable improvement in the value of wf.

Research of Quantized Current Effect with Work Function Variation in Tunnel-field Effect Transistor

In this paper, an investigation has been performed to analyze the relation between on-current (ISUBon/SUB) and gate work function variation (WFV) in the tunnel field-effect transistor (TFET) with help of technology computer-aided design (TCAD) simulation. Comparing the ISUBon/SUB of metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) and TFET, it is observed that the quantized current level of TFET is depending on channel bias conditions and width of channel. Therefore, we analyze this current quantization within three categorizations. Firstly, the ISUBon/SUB is quantized by applied level of high gate bias (VSUBGS/SUB). At high VSUBGS/SUB, the ISUBon /SUBis quantized well following gate WF value near the source-side because the tunnel barrier is made in the specific area by junction between gate and source. However, at low VSUBGS/SUB, a lot of current levels are confirmed because almost half of the channel is affected by WFV due to the large tunneling width. Secondly, the quantized ISUBon/SUB variation by WFV is also affected by level of VSUBDS/SUB. Because the influence of the channel potential is differed by induced electron density. Finally, the ISUBon/SUB is quantized by width of device. Because, considering metal grain size, the WF value near the source-side is determined only several levels. Then, related with the width, we quantitatively analyzed the quantization of ISUBon/SUB, and based on the probability of WFVs, it is confirmed that the phenomenon of current quantization in TFET is predictable.

A prospectus for thickness dependent electronic properties of two‐dimensional metals using density functional theory calculation

AbstractThe properties of elemental metals have long been known, but the effect of two dimensionality on their electronic properties remain unclear. Scrutiny of the facet and thickness dependent electronic properties of ultrathin two‐dimensional (2D) metal layers is therefore of profound interest. Herein, an attention has been devoted to investigate the electronic properties of one to four atom thick layers of 45 elemental metal along (100), (110), (001)/(111) facets using density functional theory calculations. The result unveils that except 2D buckled honeycomb (bHC) Bi all other metals retain their conducting behavior in layered form. However, the band opening was observed in 2D bHC Na and K upon using HSE06 method. It is interesting to mention that the Dirac cone was observed in the electronic band structure of bHC Rb and Cs. The calculated WF value for monolayers substantially varies when compared with their corresponding multilayer and bulk.

Sivas İlinde Buğday, Arpa, Şeker Pancarı ve Ayçiçeği Üretimi İçin Su Ayak İzinin Hesaplanması

Artan nüfus, küresel ısınma ve sanayileşme gibi nedenlerden dolayı mevcut su kaynakları her geçen gün hızla tükenmekte ve su ihtiyacı artmaktadır. Tüm dünyada suyun önemli bir miktarı tarımsal alanlarda kullanılmaktadır. Su kaynaklarının hızla tükenmesi sonucu önemi daha da artan suyun doğru kullanımı için “su ayak izi” (SA) kavramı son yıllarda gündeme gelmiştir. Su ayak izi bir ürünü üretmek için gerekli olan su miktarı olarak tanımlanmaktadır. Bu çalışmada 2020 yılı için Sivas ilinde üretilen buğday, arpa, şeker pancarı ve ayçiçeğinin su ayak izleri hesaplanmıştır. SA hesaplamaları ile suyun daha verimli ve doğru kullanımı sağlanabilir ve ürünlerin ne kadar suya ihtiyacı olduğu belirlenerek mevcut su durumuna göre ekim-dikim yapılarak su daha sürdürülebilir bir şekilde kullanılabilir. Yapılan çalışma sonucunda en büyük toplam SA değerine 4147 m3 ton-1 ile ayçiçeği, en küçük toplam SA değerine ise 113 m3 ton-1 ile şeker pancarı sahiptir. Buğday ve arpanın toplam SA büyüklükleri şeker pancarının toplam SA değerinden büyük olmasına rağmen mavi SA değerleri 0 olarak hesaplanmıştır. Bu da buğday ve arpa üretimi için yağış sularının yeterli olduğu anlamına gelmektedir.

Rational Design of Catalytic Surfaces for Fuel Cell Technologies by Selective Molecular Patterning

Current green technologies demand for deep and fundamental research. In this sense it has been reported that selective molecular patterning can be employed for the development of highly active electrocatalysts[1,2]. Pt is the most active single-component catalyst for many surface reactions and modifying it with other elements can improve its catalytic performance and stability.Here selective molecular patterning of Pt surfaces with adatoms of Bi and Te at coverages varying from 1/16 ML to 1/4 ML has been studied using DFT to explore changes in the electronic properties of both the adatom and Pt, the sum of which affects catalytic performance of the resulting system.The obtained results indicate that both adatoms are very stable on low-index platinum surfaces at all coverages. The work function of pristine Pt surfaces depends on the exposed plane, and decreases in order (111) > (100) > (110) [4]. In good agreement with experimental data [3] the presence of the adatoms lowers the work function and results in a new trend: (100) > (110) > (111). Further lowering of the model surfaces’ work function with increasing adatoms’ coverage (Table1) also agrees well with the tendencies observed in experimental study of Pt(111) interaction with Bi [3].Table 1. Adatom-Pt(111) WF values. Experimental data for Bi/Pt from ref. [3] is included as well System Coverage Δ WF / eV Experimental value Bi/Pt(111) 0.06 0.73 0.77 0.12 1.26 1.15 0.18 1.65 1.53 0.25 1.96 1.75 Te/Pt(111) 0.06 0.47 — 0.12 0.88 — 0.18 1.22 — 0.24 1.50 — Bi and Te adsorption leads to the charge transfer to the surfaces and the electron density, remaining on the adatoms, gets reorganized to assure the maximal distance from the neighboring Pt atoms, leading to the polarization of the adatom-Pt bond.The adatom-induced changes in the fundamental properties of platinum, such as work function and position of the d-band center, have been observed for both species on all studied surfaces. Even at low 1/16ML coverage Bi and Te not only may block active sites on platinum, but also have a more fundamental impact on its catalytic properties.

PSXIII-9 Effects of lipid and starch isoenergetic supplementation as mitigation techniques on water footprint and health of nursing Holstein calves

Abstract Water footprint (WF) of livestock can be manipulated to improve water use efficiency. The dynamics of water use by Holstein nursing bull calves (HBC) is not very well stablished. The physiological and anatomical status of HBC permits for precise-diet manipulation aiming to decreasing voluntary water intake (WI); however, WI mitigation raises concerns about potential adverse effects on hydration and health. The goals herein involve investigation of the effects of two isoenergetic supplements top-dressed on ad libitum non-medicated milk-replacer (MR) on health, hydration, and WF of HBC. A total of 23 HBC weighing 94.67 ± 12.07 kg, 2 months old, were distributed in a completely randomized design receiving one of three diets for 67 days: control (CON; n = 7) received MR only, the lipid (FAT; n = 8) received MR supplemented with fish oil (3%), and the carbohydrate (CHO; n = 8) received corn starch (7%). All animals were offered mineral mix and water ad libitum, and 120 g daily dried brewer’s spent grains. Data were analyzed with the GLMMIX procedure of SAS 9.4 with diets as fixed effect. The WF was significantly decreased for the CHO group (P < 0.01). When WF values were adjusted by cold carcass weight (CCW), the CHO and FAT groups displayed a 100 L decrease in WF values compared to the CON. Though statistically significant differences were observed for Neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, and their ratio (NLR, as well as for total protein and fecal fluidity score (P < 0.05), the observed ranges were within healthy thresholds for HBC. Skin hydration was assessed through use of a skin moisture meter which resulted in the CHO group having significantly higher skin capacitance of 5.30 compared to CON = 3.76, and FAT= 3.99. These results evidence the possibility of increasing water use efficiency with precision diet formulation without adverse health and hydration effects.

Hydroelectricity water footprint in Parana Hydrograph Region, Brazil

Abstract Brazil depends on hydroelectricity. Recently, concerns related to the water consumption by the hydropower plants (HPs) are increasing, mainly because of the severe droughts that have affected Parana Hydrograph Region (PHR). PHR accounts for more than 60% of the hydroelectricity produced in the country, being one of the most important in the world. This study aimed to evaluate Gross and Net Water Footprints (GWF and NWF) in 67 HPs installed in PHR that are belong to the Brazilian interconnected power generation and transmission system (SIN), focusing on a regional analyzes approach. We could observe that HPs with reservoirs for streamflow regularization presented the highest values of WF. HPs with a lake at a constant level (run-of-river scheme) showed the lowest WF values. A significant relationship between GWF and NWF and flooded area/installed power ratio (A/P) could be assessed by analyzing the HPs individually as well as in the basins. On average, NWF corresponded to 44.6% of the GWF, being below the average that has been estimated around the world. GWF and NWF of the hydroelectricity in PHR between 2002 and 2016 were, respectively, 25 and 11 m3 GJ−1, both lower than values estimated for other plants and regions in the world.

Investigation of the effect of water content on the mechanical behavior of track-bed materials under various coarse grain contents

In the French conventional railway track, an interlayer was created naturally through the interpenetration of ballast and subgrade under the effect of long-term train loading. Field investigation showed that the proportion of ballast grains decreased over depth in the interlayer. Moreover, the water content of interlayer soils varied depending on the weather conditions, which can strongly affect the mechanical behavior of interlayer soil. In this study, the effect of water content on the mechanical behavior of interlayer soils under various coarse grain contents was investigated by monotonic triaxial tests. Three water contents of fine soil (wf = 17.6%, 10.6%, and 7.0%), five volumetric coarse grain contents (fv = 0%, 10%, 20%, 35%, and 45%) and three confining pressures (σ3 = 30, 60 and 120 kPa) were considered. Results showed that a decrease of wf led to an increase of shear strength and soil stiffness due to the effect of suction, and to an increase of dilatancy due to the aggregation of fine soils. Moreover, the variations of maximum deviator stress qmax, Young’s modulus E0, dilatancy angle ψ and friction angle φ with fv followed a bi-linear pattern for the three σ3 values, defining a characteristic volumetric coarse grain content fv-cha value for a given wf value: fv-cha ≈ 25%, 29% and 33% for wf = 17.6%, 10.6% and 7.0%, respectively. The fv-cha corresponded to the transition from a structure dominated by fine soils to a structure dominated by coarse grains. The increase of fv-cha with the decrease of wf could be attributed to the swelling and shrinkage of fines. While drying from optimum water content of fines wopt-f = 13.7% to a lower wf value, more coarse grains were needed to constitute the global skeleton due to the increase of the global volume of macro-pores resulted from the shrinkage of fine soils. By contrast, while wetting from wopt-f = 13.7% to a higher wf value, since the global volume of macro-pores decreased due to the swelling of fine soils, less coarse grains were required to constitute the global skeleton.

The characterization of the cow-calf, stocker and feedlot cattle industry water footprint to assess the impact of livestock water use sustainability

AbstractPerception of freshwater use varies between nations and has led to concerns of how to evaluate water use for sustainable food production. The water footprint of beef cattle (WFB) is an important metric to determine current levels of freshwater use and to set sustainability goals. However, current WFBpublications provide broad WF values with inconsistent units preventing direct comparison of WFBmodels. The water footprint assessment (WFA) methodologies use static physio-enviro-managerial equations, rather than dynamic, which limits their ability to estimate cattle water use. This study aimed to advance current WFA methods for WFBestimation by formulating the WFA into a system dynamics methodology to adequately characterize the major phases of the beef cattle industry and provide a tool to identify high-leverage solutions for complex water use systems. Texas is one of the largest cattle producing areas in the United States, a significant water user. This geolocation is an ideal template for WFBestimation in other regions due to its diverse geography, management-cultures, climate and natural resources. The Texas Beef Water Footprint model comprised seven submodels (cattle population, growth, nutrition, forage, WFB, supply chain and regional water use; 1432 state variables). Calibration of our model replicated initial WFBvalues from an independent study by Chapagain and Hoekstra in 2003 (CH2003). This CH2003v.Texas production scenarios evaluated model parameters and assumptions and estimated a 41–66% WFBvariability. The current model provides an insightful tool to improve complex, unsustainable and inefficient water use systems.

Crop Water footprint estimation and modeling using an artificial neural network approach in the Nile Delta, Egypt

Modeling crop water use as a useful decision tool for agricultural policy decision-makers to improve water-use efficiency has been increasing. This study aimed to estimate, forecast, and model the green and blue water footprints (WFg and WFb, respectively) of maize by using an artificial neural network (ANN). Three Egyptian Nile Delta governorates were selected as major maize-producing sites: Ad Daqahliyah, Al Gharbiyah, and Ash Sharqiyah. The monthly data of minimum temperature (Tmin), maximum temperature (Tmax), precipitation (P), solar radiation (SR), soil moisture (SM), wind speed (WS), and vapor pressure deficit (VPD) data were obtained from open access data over the period from 2006 to 2016. The analyzed data were divided into two parts from 2006 to 2012 and from 2013 to 2016 for model training and testing, respectively. To predict WFb in the three governorates, the results show that the models with SR, humidity (H) and VPD; Tmean, crop coefficient (Kc), and H; and SM, WS, VPD, and Kc were the best ANNs with different hidden layers (5, 3), (2, 6) and (7, 3), respectively. Furthermore, the findings showed that the optimal ANN for forecasting WFg included Tmean, WS, and P; P, WS, VPD, and SR; WS, Tmax, and VPD with hidden neuron layers (7, 3), (7, 5) and (8, 5), respectively, for the three locations. The calculated WF values achieved a high statistical significant versus those simulated in the three sites with the lowest distributional variations, and the accuracy and coefficients of determination were close to 1. Moreover, for model testing, the findings indicated that the deviations between the actual and predicted WFs ranged from - 2.6 to 6.63 % and from - 2.4 to 3.16 % for the blue and green WFs, respectively. Thus, the developed models generated relatively better results and can help promote the decision-making process for both water managers and development planners.

Impact of the Metal-Gate Material Properties in FinFET (Versus FD-SOI MOSFET) on High- <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\kappa$ </tex-math> </inline-formula>/Metal-Gate Work-Function Variation

The 3-D technology computer-aided design simulations were performed with four metal-gate materials (i.e., titanium nitride, tungsten nitride, tantalum nitride, and molybdenum nitride) to quantitatively estimate the magnitude of work-function variation (WFV)-induced threshold-voltage variation (WFV-induced $\sigma {V}_{\mathrm{TH}}$ ) in high- $\kappa $ /metal-gate (HK/MG) MOSFETs [e.g., fin-shaped field-effect transistor (FinFET) and fully depleted silicon-on-insulator MOSFETs]. We found that the extended gate area effect in FinFETs extensively varied depending on the gate materials used. In order to substantially suppress the WFV-induced $\sigma {V}_{\mathrm{TH}}$ in HK/MG complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor technology, a new metal-gate material with the following characteristics should be developed: 1) higher standard deviation of probability for all grains and 2) lower standard deviation of WF values for all grains.

Electron Work Functions of (H K L)-Surfaces of W, Re, and Cu Crystals

AbstractWork function (WF) and some physicochemical data for several most prominent crystal planes of three metals of typical structures are calculated within the linear approximation employing the surface dipole and 2D gas models. “Composite” crystal of a homogeneous bulk phase and a thick surface composed of eight (h k l)-oriented facets with different unsaturated bonds is treated as a nine-phase nine-component system with two degrees of freedom. It contains the two-dimensional metal-lattice plasma of free electrons and the immobile atom-core network. For twenty four (h k l) surfaces, the WF and dipole barrier term, chemical and electrostatic potential levels, electron charge densities, surface dipole fields, and other parameters are calculated and tabularized. WF values obtained from the thermodynamics based formula are compared to the ones obtained from the quantum mechanics based formula, which shows good agreement with experiment and also reveals a specific deviation in the case of field emission method for the most packed plane. A set of accurate face dependent data can be of interest to electronics and materials science workers

Analytical solution of leachate flow to vertical wells in municipal solid waste landfills using a dual-porosity model

In this study, a flow model of leachate to vertical wells in municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills has been established using a dual-porosity model. The proposed model divides waste into fracture and matrix domains, the leachate in these two domains flows horizontally and vertically into a vertical well together, and mass exchange occurs between them. An analytical solution of leachate drawdown under vertical wells pumping at a constant rate is obtained through Laplace integral transformation and Separation of variables method. A sensitivity analysis indicates that the hydraulic characteristics of the fracture domain (i.e., kfr and μsf) have greater influence on leachate drawdown than that of the matrix domain (i.e., kmr and μsm). As the proportion of the fracture domain within the total domain, wf, increases, additional large pores are available for leachate flow, and leachate drawdown gradually decreased. As the anisotropy of hydraulic conductivity, kr/kz, increases, it becomes increasingly difficult for leachate to flow downward, and leachate drawdown gradually decreases. A case study of vertical well pumping tests at the Chang'an and Liming landfills indicated that the proposed model performed better than the Theis model in leachate drawdown estimation. The values of wf and kfr/kmr were set to be 0.45 and 500 for the MSW in the Chang'an and Liming landfills, respectively.

Effect of elevated temperature and carbon dioxide on maize genotypes health index

Reports on the adverse impacts of climate change on growth and productivity of crops due to elevated temperature and carbon dioxide concentration ([CO2]) is persistently raising the need for development of tools to assess response of crops to climate change factors. In the present study, Crop Health Index (CHI) was generated for response of maize genotypes under elevated temperature and [CO2]. Under field condition, in open top chambers PEHM 5 and CM 119 maize genotypes throughout their crop growth period were treated with two [CO2] levels: ambient (400 ppm) and elevated (550 ± 20 ppm) and three temperature levels: ambient, ambient +1.5 °C and ambient +3 °C. Response of maize genotypes to temperature and [CO2] was monitored through thirteen stress indicator parameters – morphological, physiological and biochemical at three growth stages – vegetative, tasselling and dent. Yield for both genotypes under each treatment was recorded at maturity. The data was used to delineate minimum dataset (MDS) responsive to combinations of temperature and [CO2] treatments through principal component analysis (PCA). Out of thirteen indicators, total dry biomass, total phenol content, relative leaf water content and photosynthetic rate was found to be having higher frequencies for MDS at all three stages. Parameters selected under MDS were transformed to get linear score (Si) using a linear scoring method and weighing factor (Wf) value. Then, average linear score (Si¯)[(Si)] and average weightage score (Wi¯) were used to generate CHI. Results indicated that CHI for maize genotypes under different treatments varied between 0.14–0.93. Average CHI under different treatment was significantly related with yield of PEHM 5 and CM 119 and R2 was 0.82 and 0.90, respectively. It was observed that increase in temperature had detrimental effect on CM 119 and PEHM 5 genotypes with minimum average CHI of 0.20 and 0.53, respectively. On the contrary, elevated [CO2] was found to be having amelioration effect on CM 119 and PEHM 5 genotypes to adverse effect of elevated temperature with highest average CHI of 0.46 and 0.75, respectively.

Validation of the 2012 Fukuoka Consensus Guideline for Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm of the Pancreas From a Single Institution Experience.

The 2012 Fukuoka consensus guideline has stratified the risks of malignant intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) of the pancreas into "high-risk stigmata" (HRS) and "worrisome feature" (WF). This study aimed to evaluate its clinical validity based on a single institution experience. Eighty-nine patients who underwent surgical resection with pathological diagnosis of IPMN were retrospectively studied. High-risk stigmata was significantly correlated with the prevalence of malignant IPMN as compared with WF. The positive predictive values of HRS and WF were 66.7% and 35.7% for branch duct IPMN and 80% and 38.1% for main duct IPMN, respectively. Univariate analysis indicated that all the factors in HRS and WF had statistical significance. Whereas multivariate analysis revealed only enhanced solid component (odds ratio [OR], 50.01; P = 0.008), presence of mural nodule (OR, 73.83; P < 0.001) and lymphadenopathy (OR, 20.85; P = 0.03) were independent predictors. Scoring HRS and WF by different numbers of positive factors resulted in improved predictive value. The area under the curve of HRS score was significantly lower than that of WF or HRS + WF score (0.680 vs 0.900 or 0.902, respectively; P < 0.001). As supplementary to the 2012 Fukuoka guideline, we suggest that calculating scores of WF and HRS may have superior diagnostic accuracy in predicting malignant IPMN.

Material- and process-effects on homogeneity and electric properties of transparent conducting films composed of hydrazine-reduced graphene oxide and/or silver nanowire

Photomicroscope observation of hydrazine-reduced graphene oxide (h-rGO) films indicates that the films prepared by spin-coating are more homogeneous than those prepared by dip-coating. Graphene oxide (GO) is apt to aggregate during the dipping process. Increasing rotation speed of the spin-coating decreased film thickness and increased surface resistant (Rs). Rs of small-sized h-rGO(BF1A) was smaller than that of large-sized h-rGO(NiSiNa). The h-rGO(NiSiNa) films prepared with a rotation number smaller than 2000rpm had wrinkles about 5nm in height and particles with about 15nm height. The rotation number of 3000rpm decreased the wrinkles and particles resulting in smaller Rs. Increasing the hydrazine-treatment temperature from 90 to 140°C caused the Rs values to decrease. Work-function values of h-rGO(NiSiNa) were 3.6–3.8eV; smaller than those of other h-rGOs. Larger ratio of pyrrolic nitrogen to oxygen-bound nitrogen gave smaller WF values. Silver nanowire (AgNW) films prepared by multiple spin-coating processes showed small Rs vales and small Rs deviations. Mechanical pressing at 100°C made the thickness of AgNW films equal to the AgNW diameter and decreased the Rs values. Polymer (Cytop) was coated on the AgNW films and the h-rGO/AgNW/Cytop transparent conducting film was peeled off. The arithmetic average roughness of the h-rGO surface was 1.2nm.