Search

Sol–gel-processed nickel oxide (NiOx) is a promising hole transport layer (HTL) for inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs) because of its excellent carrier transport properties, low costs, and high stability. Annealing temperature plays a vital role in the sol–gel process as different temperatures can alter the physicochemical properties of the materials. In the present study, we investigated the effect of annealing temperature on NiOx thin films prepared through sol–gel processing from predominantly used precursors: (1) nickel acetate tetrahydrate (Ni-ac) and (2) nickel acetylacetonate (Ni-acac). X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results revealed that the crystallinity and stoichiometry of both NiOx thin films improve with an increase in annealing temperature, indicating the formation of a standard Ni–O octahedral in a cubic rock NiO structure. Higher annealing temperatures have been shown to improve film optical transparency and electrical conductivity due to the complete decomposition of precursors and improved crystallinity. The device characterization has shown both films can work as an effective HTL for PSCs and showed the best device performance for films annealed at 400 °C. It is believed that this study can provide a basic understanding and strategy for developing highly efficient NiOx HTL in PSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a novel μ-hydroxo-bridged dinuclear macrocyclic zinc complex, {[Zn(C10H20N8)]2(OH)}(BF4)3. The structure was determined by X-ray crystallography: Monoclinic, C2/c, a = 25.4632(6), b = 10.9818(3), c = 15.7522(4) Å, Z = 8, R1 = 0.0233, wR2 = 0.0557, based on reflections I > 2σ(I). The complex was successfully reacted with graphene oxide to form a μ-hydroxo-bridged dinuclear macrocyclic Zn complex/reduced graphene oxide composite. To evenly disperse the Zn- and N-rich complex onto the surface of the reduced graphene oxide, and to enhance the electrocatalytic property of the graphene composites, a soluble molecular grafting method was used here. The graphene-based composites were applied as the counter electrodes (CEs) of dye-sensitized solar cells. Current density–voltage measurements revealed that the conversion efficiency of the GO/Zn (1 : 10) sample was 7.78%, which was better than that of Pt CE (7.49%). GO/Zn (1 : 10) CE exhibited the lowest impedance (RCE = 9.90 Ω), which was better than that of Pt CE (RCE = 66.1 Ω), showing that GO/Zn CEs can reduce the impedance at the CE/electrolyte interface. The proposed method is simple, and the composite materials can potentially replace conventional Pt, optimizing efficiency and reducing production cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nickel-doped FeS2/rGO composites were synthesized as multifunctional materials via a facile hydrothermal method. The synthesized materials were characterized with XRD, FESEM, XPS, and TEM-SAED for structural, morphological and chemical studies. To study their electrochemical properties, all the synthesized composites were subjected to cyclic voltammetry tests. The optimum composite revealed high catalytic activity with high peak current density, limiting current, and efficiency of 7.60% for DSSC, which surpassed that of a platinum-based counter electrode (6.69%). The efficiency of the DSSC was significantly supported by interfacial studies and electron lifetime studies, and it exhibited lower charge transfer resistance and higher electron lifetime, respectively. Moreover, the fabricated DSSCs with high efficiency were subjected to transient photo-response studies and showed a stable current response with multiple photo-ON and OFF cycles for a period of 600 s. To broaden the application of the synthesized material, it was used as an electrochemical sensor for the efficient sensing of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The sensing electrode was modified with the optimum Ni-doped FeS2/rGO composite, and voltammetric detection was carried out in the hydrogen peroxide concentration range of 4–100 μM. Thus, the synthesized material can be applied in DSSCs and as an electrochemical H2O2 sensor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrasound (US) has been found to rejuvenate and invigorate the hair follicles, increase the size of hair shafts, and promote new hair growth. Our present study found that dual-frequency US-mediated microbubble (MB) cavitation significantly enhanced minoxidil (Mx) delivery in both in vitro and in vivo models, while increasing the hair growth efficacy compared to single-frequency US sonication. The in vitro experiments showed that cavitation activity was enhanced more significantly during dual-frequency sonication than single-frequency sonication in higher concentration of MBs. The pigskin penetration depth in the group in which dual-frequency US was combined with MBs was 1.54 and 2.86 times greater than for single-frequency US combined with MBs and in the control group, respectively; the corresponding increases in the release rate of Mx at 18 hours in in vitro Franz-diffusion-cell experiments were 24.9% and 43.7%. During 21 days of treatment in C57BL/6J mice experiments, the growth rate at day 11 in the group in which dual-frequency US was combined with MBs increased by 2.07 times compared to single-frequency US combined with MBs. These results indicate that dual-frequency US-mediated MB cavitation can significantly increase both skin permeability and transdermal drug delivery. At the same US power density, hair growth was greater in the group with dual-frequency US plus MBs than in the group with single-frequency US plus MBs, without damaging the skin in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel dihydrophenazine‐based organic di‐anchoring dye DK‐11 was synthesized by utilizing a simple synthetic protocol. The dye was characterized by optical and electrochemical studies and used as a sensitizer for dye‐sensitized solar cell. The proposed butterfly structure was supported by IR experiments which ensured the binding of both carboxylic acid units on the semiconductor surface. Using the dye DK‐11, the device generated an efficiency of 5.07% with JSC, VOC, and FF values of 10.65 mA/cm2, 0.67 V, and 0.71, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a newly synthesized macrocyclic copper complex, [Cu(C10H20N8)(C4H8N4)](BF4)2, was used for a reaction with graphene oxide. Macrocyclic copper complex/graphene‐based composite materials were prepared and applied to the counter electrodes (CEs) of dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). As the level of the macrocyclic copper complex increased, the catalytic sites on the surface of the CE increased. The results showed that the device efficiency of the composite GO/Cu (1:10) CE was 7.61%, which was better than that of the Platinum (Pt) CE (7.04%). The device efficiency of the DSSC was enhanced effectively because the electrocatalytic activity of the CE was enhanced, and the interface impedance of the device was reduced. Therefore, the macrocyclic copper complex/graphene‐based composite materials may have the potential to replace traditional Pt to increase efficiency and reduce the fabrication cost of DSSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focused ultrasound phased array systems have attracted increased attention for brain therapy applications. However, such systems currently lack a direct and real-time method to intraoperatively monitor ultrasound pressure distribution for securing treatment. This study proposes a dual-mode ultrasound phased array system design to support transmit/receive operations for concurrent ultrasound exposure and backscattered focal beam reconstruction through a spherically focused ultrasound array. A 256-channel ultrasound transmission system was used to transmit focused ultrasonic energy (full 256 channels), with an extended implementation of multiple-channel receiving function (up to 64 channels) using the same 256-channel ultrasound array. A coherent backscatter-received beam formation algorithm was implemented to map the point spread function (PSF) and focal beam distribution under a free-field/transcranial environment setup, with the backscattering generated from a strong scatterer (a point reflector or a microbubble-perfused tube) or a weakly scattered tissue-mimicking graphite phantom. Our results showed that PSF and focal beam can be successfully reconstructed and visualized in free-field conditions and can also be transcranially reconstructed following skull-induced aberration correction. In vivo experiments were conducted to demonstrate its capability to preoperatively and semiquantitatively map a focal beam to guide blood–brain barrier opening. The proposed system may have potential for real-time guidance of ultrasound brain intervention, and may facilitate the design of a dual-mode ultrasound phased array for brain therapeutic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we demonstrated that platinum (Pt) counter electrodes (CEs) fabricated using electrochemical deposition and chemical reduction can replace conventional high-temperature thermally decomposed Pt electrodes. In this study, Pt electrodes were fabricated using thermal decomposition, electrochemical deposition, and chemical reduction, and the influence of the different Pt counter electrodes on the efficiency of the dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) was analyzed. The properties of the various Pt CEs were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), surface area analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and cyclic voltammetry (CV). DSSCs with various Pt CEs were characterized using current density-voltage (J-V), incident photo-current conversion efficiency (IPCE), and EIS measurements. The results show that the power conversion efficiencies of these three types of DSSC devices were between 7.43% and 7.72%. The DSSCs based on the Pt electrode fabricated through electrochemical deposition exhibited the optimal power conversion efficiency. Because the processes of electrochemical deposition and chemical reduction do not require high-temperature sintering, these two methods are suitable for the fabrication of Pt on flexible plastic substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper oxide (CuO) and CuO/graphene nanostructured thin films were used as counter electrodes (CEs) for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). CuO and CuO/graphene pastes were prepared and coated on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) glass substrates using a doctor-blade coating method. The substrates were then sintered at 350 °C for 30 min to form CuO and CuO/graphene nanostructures. The material properties of the CuO and CuO/graphene CEs were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, energy-dispersive spectrometer, thermogravimetric analysis instrument, X-ray diffractometer, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectrometer, ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer, and cyclic voltammetry instrument. The CuO and CuO/graphene CEs were used to fabricate DSSCs, and the device characteristics were analyzed using current density-voltage, incident photo-to-current conversion efficiency, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements. The results showed that when CuO and CuO/graphene were used as the CEs, the device conversion efficiencies were 2.73% and 3.40%, respectively. CuO is a favorable replacement for expensive platinum (Pt) because it features a simple fabrication process and is inexpensive and abundant. Furthermore, graphene, which exhibits high carrier mobility, may be added to enhance the electrical and catalytic abilities of CuO/graphene CEs. This is the first study to examine the use of CuO and CuO/graphene for developing Pt-free CEs in DSSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper systematically studies high-current-induced effects, hot-carrier effects, and self-heating effects in flexible low-temperature polycrystalline-silicon thin-film transistors fabricated on polyimide. By utilizing I – V and various-frequency C – V measurements, the exact location of defects generated by the self-heating effects can be clarified. The degradation mechanism is found to originate from asymmetric negative-bias temperature instability. After clarifying this mechanism, the self-heating effects were shown to be alleviated by manipulating the fabrication of the buffer layer, thereby improving heat dissipation capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The composition of buffer layer would be played a key role to affect the electrical performance and the reliability of the self-aligned top-gate a-IGZO TFTs. In this work, the threshold voltage shift (ΔVth) of the device could be less than ±1V under positive and negative bias thermal illumination stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thickness of buffer layers affects performance of flexible polycrystalline silicon thin film transistors (TFT). A thicker buffer SiO2 film demonstrates better endurance to thermal expansion stress from the polyimide substrate. However, the thickness of buffer SiO2 film would causes the variation of optimal excimer laser annealing (ELA) crystallization condition. In addition, the simulation results shows that the non-uniform stress in the gate insulator is more pronounced near the poly-silicon/gate insulator edge and at the two sides of the poly-silicon protrusion. It would affect the stability results and device performance. By optimization the process condition, the device would still have good device performance after operating under high temperature (60 □) and long period of time (500hrs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This letter investigates flexible polycrystalline silicon thin film transistor performance variation due to different buffer layer thicknesses. In flexible electronics, thermal expansion stress during device fabrication is inevitable. A thicker SiO2 buffer demonstrates better endurance to thermal expansion stress from the polyimide substrate during device annealing. However, if the SiO2 buffer thickness is above a critical point, its weak heat dissipation capability causes the optimal ELA crystallization condition to shift. A thermal expansion stress simulation and TEM photos were utilized to verify performance variation. Furthermore, a similar trend was observed in electrical characteristics after negative bias temperature instability. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A 5' plastic-based AMOLED panel with optimal structure and optical design was fabricated. The panel is designed to coincide the OLED/TFT layer with the neutral plane and limit the largest strain of the outmost part to be less than 1%. Its performance remained prominent after repeated rolled at 3mm radius. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High‐conductivity and highly electrochemically active poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) films with nanofibrillar, nanoporpous, and PEDOT‐richer surface structures are spontaneously induced by addition of highly polar, high‐boiling‐point co‐solvent and by repeated solution coating. They are useful as an the effective electrocatalytic layer or a dual‐function electrocatalytic/conductive layer in Pt‐free/fluorine‐doped tin oxide (FTO)‐free counter electrodes of dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) and have efficiencies similar to those using Pt/FTO‐containing counter electrodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two D-π-A′-A regioisomers (A-IDT-D and D-IDT-A) featuring 4,4′-di- p-tolyl-4 H-indeno[1,2- b]-thiophene as a π linker (π) between the diarylamino donor (D) and the pyrimidine-cyanoacrylic acid acceptor (A′-A) have been successfully synthesized and characterized as efficient sensitizers for the dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The different arrangements of the D and A′-A blocks on the unsymmetrical indenothiophene (IDT) core render the dipole of IDT being along (A-IDT-D) or opposite (D-IDT-A) to the direction of intramolecular (donor-to-acceptor) charge transfer, and thus induce variations in the physical properties. The experimental observations correlated well with the theoretical analyses, clearly revealing the trade-off between the molar extinction coefficient ( ε) and the S0→S1 transition energy. As a result, a superior ε value was observed for D-IDT-A, whereas a bathochromic shift in the absorption occurred in A-IDT-D. The larger ε value of D-IDT-A together with its more favorable energy level relative to TiO2 led to a higher power conversion efficiency of 7.41 % for the D-IDT-A-based DSSC, retaining approximately 95 % of the N719-based DSSC efficiency. This work manifests the clear structure-property relationship for the case of donor and acceptor components being connected by an unsymmetrical π linker and provides insights for molecular engineering of organic sensitizers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the effect of off-state stress on the LTPS TFTs on plastic substrates. In this study, by giving LTPS devices off-state bias stress one millisecond, it could get an excellent off-state current from 50 pA to 2pA when device operate at VGS=+7V, VDS=-5.1V. This could be attributed to electron trapping occur in gate insulator could reduce off-state electric field near to drain region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we report a one-step process for the preparation of NbSe2 nanosheets, nanorods and nanoparticles from pristine materials under the effects of shear and friction forces. Nevertheless, simple and facile methods for the large-scale syntheses of well-defined NbSe2 nanostructures in high yield have yet to be realized and that will have a great impact in a wide range of applications. For example, developing platinum (Pt)-free and highly efficient counter electrodes is meaningful and necessary for the cost reduction of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). By integrating this approach with a simple method of thin film preparation (spray coating) allowed us to prepare large-area, conductive, semitransparent flexible thin films of NbSe2. We have used microscopic and macroscopic methods to examine the morphologies, compositions, crystallinity, and electrical and optical properties of the converted NbSe2 nanostructures. DSSCs with NbSe2 nanosheet counter electrodes (CEs) achieved a conversion efficiency of 7.73%, superior to an efficiency of 7.01% for Pt-based CEs. Our NbSe2 nanostructure provides a cost-effective CE alternative to the noble metal Pt in DSSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A highly reliable ultra-high gas barrier (UGB) was developed and applied on the fabrication of 4.3-inch flexible AMOLED. The water vapor transmission rate of the UGB on flexible substrate could achieve ∼ 10−6 g/m2-day under a calcium test (60°C and 90%RH). In addition, a delamination method to remove the flexible AMOLED from the glass carrier was proposed where the mechanical strain during the delamination is controlled within 0.2%. With the incorporation of a metallic interlayer, the damage of TFT due to the electrostatic discharges from the delaminated surfaces can be prevented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzed variations of thermal properties that depend on the injection molding techniques during the blending of short glass fiber (SGF)- and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-reinforced polycarbonate (PC) composites. The proposed planning of blending experiments is using a d-optimal mixture design (DMD). The thermal conductivity and thermal expansion coefficient were selected for discussion. Nine experimental runs, based on a DMD method, utilized to train the back-propagation neural network (BPNN), and then the simulated annealing algorithm (SAA) approach is applied to search for an optimal mixture ratio setting. In addition, the result of BPNN integrating SAA was also compared with response surface methodology (RSM) approach. The results of confirmation experiment show that DMD, RSM, and BPNN integrating SAA method are effective tools for the optimization of reinforced process. Furthermore, analysis of variance and response surface graphs were applied to identify the effect of mixture ratio of SGF- and PTFE-reinforced PC composites for the thermal conductivity and thermal expansion coefficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of new porphyrins (LWP1–4) for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were prepared by attaching pyrene or a 4-dimethylaminophenyl group in combination with anthracene to modify the porphyrin core. Fundamental studies showed that incorporation of these moieties renders feasible tuning of spectral and redox properties of the porphyrins. Significantly, DSSCs adopting the LWP1 dye exhibit energy conversion up to 800 nm without compromising the overall efficiency. This achievement is attributed to the collective effects of the broadened and red-shifted IPCE spectra, elevated energy levels at the excited states of the dyes, suitable dye soaking processes, and suitable electron-donating substituents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An organic-inorganic hybrid film is deposited from O2/HMDSO plasma. The SiOSi/SiCH3 FTIR absorption ratio of this film increases with the process power and O2/HMDSO precursor flow ratio, resulting in a more inorganic-like film. This hybrid film is used as the gate dielectric of MgZnO TFTs. As the SiOSi/SiCH3 FTIR absorption ratio of the gate dielectric increases, the gate leakage current decreases, on/off current ratio increases, threshold voltage increases, and subthreshold swing increases. High SiCH3 bonding content in the gate dielectric improves TFT switching but deteriorates gate insulation, resulting in increased gate leakage current and decreased on/off current ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate an organic–inorganic-hybrid thin-film encapsulation technique for organic solar cells. The single-layer encapsulation thin film is deposited from a gas mixture of hexamethyldisiloxane and oxygen by plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition at room temperature. The encapsulation film contains organic and inorganic compounds: the inorganic compounds serve as the permeation barriers, and the organic compounds reduce defect propagation. An optical transmission of ⩾90% in the visible light region and a water vapour transmission rate of 3.6 × 10−6 g m−2 day are obtained for a 1.5 µm thick hybrid film. Efficiency decay is not observed in the inverted organic solar cell coated with this thin film after exposure to air for 3600 h; in contrast, the efficiency of the unencapsulated counterpart degrades rapidly and fails after exposure to air for 120 h. The obtained results show that this organic–inorganic-hybrid thin film is promising for the encapsulation of organic solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developments of backplane technologies, which are one of the challenging topics, toward the realization of flexible active matrix organic light-emitting diodes (AMOLEDs) are discussed in this paper. Plastic substrates including polyimide are considered as a good candidate for substrates of flexible AMOLEDs. The fabrication process flows based on plastic substrates are explained. Limited by the temperature that plastic substrates can sustain, TFT technologies with maximum processing temperature below 400 °C must be developed. Considering the stringent requirements of AMOLEDs, both oxide thin-film transistors (TFTs) and ultra-low-temperature poly-silicon TFTs (U-LTPS TFTs) are investigated. First, oxide TFTs with representative indium gallium zinc oxide channel layer are fabricated on polyimide substrates. The threshold voltage shifts under bias stress and under bending test are small. Thus, a 4.0-in. flexible AMOLED is demonstrated with indium gallium zinc oxide TFTs, showing good panel performance and flexibility. Further, the oxide TFTs based on indium tin zinc oxide channel layer with high mobility and good stability are discussed. The mobility can be higher than 20 cm2/Vs, and threshold voltage shifts under both voltage stress and current stress are almost negligible, proving the potential of oxide TFT technology. On the other hand, the U-LTPS TFTs are also developed. It is confirmed that dehydrogenation and dopant activation can be effectively performed at a temperature within 400 °C. The performance of U-LTPS TFTs on polyimide is compatible to those of TFTs on glass. Also, the performance of devices on polyimide can be kept intact after devices de-bonded from glass carrier. Finally, a 4.3-in. flexible AMOLED is also demonstrated with U-LTPS TFTs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzed variations of mechanical characteristics that depend on the injection molding techniques during the blending of short glass fiber and polytetrafluoroethylene reinforced polycarbonate composites. A hybrid method including back-propagation neural network (BPNN), genetic algorithm (GA), and response surface methodology (RSM) are proposed to determine an optimal parameter setting of the injection molding process. The specimens are prepared under different injection molding processing conditions based on a Taguchi orthogonal array table. The results of 18 experimental runs were utilized to train the BPNN predicting ultimate strength, flexural strength, and impact resistance. Simultaneously, the RSM and GA approaches were individually applied to search for an optimal setting. In addition, the analysis of variance was implemented to identify significant factors for the injection molding process parameters and the result of BPNN integrating GA was also compared with RSM approach. The results show that the RSM and BPNN/GA methods are both effective tools for the optimization of injection molding process parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which describes organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs) integrated with nanoparticle-based nanocomposite scattering layers for optical out-coupling enhancement. It is indicated that the use of nanocomposite internal scattering layers provides a convenient and effective approach for achieving large efficiency enhancement and improving viewing characteristics. It is concluded that the integration is attractive for various OLED applications and mass production.

Purpose – Current online testing often lacks credibility, integrity, and reliability, though many online tests are implemented. Online testing with face recognition is a relatively new form of web-based testing model in comparison to current testing. The purpose of this paper is to discuss implementation of face recognition technology to increase quiz efficacy and build credible online quiz systems. Design/methodology/approach – While existing models of web-based quiz systems are being improved, most current quiz models do not consider the function of fraud detection during a web-based quiz. Online testing credibility includes the perceptions of the student and teacher on how the site would meet their expectations and how believable the testing scores are. Findings – In a survey of faculty (25) and students (257) on online testing credibility, 80 percent of the teachers and 98 percent of the students doubt the score credibility of the current online testing system. After explaining and implementing face recognition system to the subjects, 74 percent of the teachers and 69 percent of the students positively believe the online testing result. According to hypothetical examination, face recognition, practicality, and interaction greatly shape users' opinions regarding online testing credibility. Originality/value – The most prominent finding in this paper is that face recognition technology positively improves the online testing credibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – Currently, there is a lack of a unified standard in testing an intrusion detection system (IDS). Thus, the purpose of this paper is to focus on testing of the completeness, accuracy, and capability of Snort and Snorting. Design/methodology/approach – The experimentation and evaluation of the technology in network IDS are discussed in this paper. The calculated data and significance of the result were analyzed to provide significant information for future IDS modification. Findings – The testing report is crucial in providing important theory and experiment significance for the future designing of a better IDS software and other detection system. Originality/value – The paper expresses the function and ability to evaluate the performance of Snort in many different perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to establish a product family that can satisfy various market needs and share design elements. Design/methodology/approach – The paper applies quality function development to understand the correlation between customer needs and product design. The priority sequence and correlation of these design elements will be determined using the interpretive structure model. Findings – This approach will reduce repeated design effort and reduce unnecessary cost and time. The designer can simultaneously and efficiently meet various market and customer needs. Originality/value – The company can open up more markets for greater profit and advantages. The paper uses "the market need and BIKE product redesign" as the example for the proposed approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A highly durable and foldable AMOLED display with a symmetric panel stacking (SPS) design and touch functionality was demonstrated to surpass 1 million folding cycles with no damage to the TFT, OLED and TFE layers. The S/N ratio of the touch function was improved using a metal mesh touch sensor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due-date performance (DDP) is a very important performance indicator for the companies. Thus, companies with a high hit rate would have greater competitive advantage; on the contrary, companies that delay customers' orders frequently would lose sales opportunities and reputations. Therefore, there were many academic studies and practical efforts to improve DDP in the past, but the problem of low hit rate still exists. In order to increase the hit rate, some companies have focused on reducing the variation, while others focus on production management, but is the real problem affecting the low rate variability or production management? This is indeed difficult to be validated through practice. Therefore, this study designed three scenarios, tested each scenario for 30 times, each test involved seven subjects. The tests were to provide counter-evidence in the Job Shop environment without variation. If the variation is the main factor of affecting hit rate, the rate at this time should be good; otherwise, the assumption that variation is the main cause is rebutted. The results demonstrated that production management planning is the main cause, and the method of enhancing the hit rate is obtained during the test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine overall customer satisfaction associated with medical service quality in Taiwan by integrated Kano's model and customer satisfaction index model. Another purpose was to confirmed nonlinear and asymmetric relationship of Customer Satisfaction and Quality Performance by the research outcome. By analyzing 1,100 patients or their family members, this study used the structural equation model (SEM) with AMOS software for data analysis. The results show that must-be attributes, one-dimensional attributes and attractive attributes had a direct effect on overall customer satisfaction, Surprisingly, overall customer satisfaction had positively influenced customer loyalty customer satisfaction had negatively influenced customer complaints. The study also found that customer complaints have direct effect on customer loyalty. Importantly, the study found out the must-be attributes, the attractive attributes and one-dimensional attributes increased, the level of overall customer satisfaction also increased. The customer satisfaction positively influences customer loyalty in medical service quality in Taiwan. The findings might reveal new insights for researchers dealing with quality of medical service and for hospital managers who devote resources exclusively to achieving highest possible levels of patient satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The issue of capacity constraint resources (CCR) or bottlenecks wandering in product mix decision by applying Theory of Constraints (TOC) management philosophy has been mentioned and demonstrated in several papers. In this study, the effect for prolonging the planning period (PPP) so as to stabilize the CCR is investigated. The results show that the effect for PPP alternative will be positive or negative which is depending on the environment condition. However, a majority cases which have positive effect for PPP alternative can be recognized prior knowing the marketing demand, which is significant in the real application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Video transmission effectiveness in the Ad Hoc network is becoming important recently, if different routing protocols are applied. Some researchers conclude that the reactive protocols are better for file transfer protocol (FTP) and constant bit rate (CBR) or hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) transmission in an Ad Hoc wireless network but the performance report of video transmission is not much. This study adopts Qualnet (Network Simulator) as a simulation tool for environmental designing and performance testing, and employs an experimental design with eight groups. Our experiment shows that: (1) The performance of AODV (reactive) protocol is better than DSDV, ZRP and DSR when the transmission load has only one video stream; (2) Proactive (DSDV) and Hybrid protocols (ZRP) are better for a smaller Ad Hoc network when it transmits a video stream with some applications (VoIP, FTP and CBR). We conclude that packet loss rate is sensitive to the quality of video transmission and it has negative relationship with Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR) value. In addition, our experiment also shows that PSNR is a simple Metric for the performance evaluation of video transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the flourish of today's supply chain, the traditional model of replenishment will cause accumulation of excessive inventory to the retailers and customers, or cause shortages and inability to meet the demands. To solve this problem, Theory of Constraints (TOC) proposed the replenishment model of demand-pull, combined with the establishment of factory-warehouse to achieve performance improvement. In the absence of empirical research, this study applied the Bean Game developed by Dr. Goldratt to design a supply chain system for different scenarios, in order to allow players and managers better understanding and supporting the TOC replenishment method through the operations of the game. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to probe into the influence of new product design and new product development process management on development performance. The research finding demonstrates that product design reveals positive and significant influence on new product development performance. Through statistical analysis, this study finds that companies in Taiwan value new product design. When companies value it more, they tend to have better new product development performance. With regard to the relation between new product development process management and new product development performance, the empirical results demonstrate that companies would pay more attention on new product development process management. With regard to new product idea and assessment, concept design and development, product function test and mass production in the market, through statistical analysis, this study finds that companies that value process management of new product development tend to have better new product development performance. As to the influence of new product design and new product process management on new product development performance, statistical analysis result demonstrates that the integration between new product design valued by companies in Taiwan and development process management would lead to significantly positive influence on new product development performance of the companies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Face the process yield rate improvements of motherboard, although general enterprises finish deployment goal of each functions by overall quality managements, through quality improvement methods, industry engineering methods, plan-do-check-act (PDCA) methods and other improvement solutions, but it is only can be improved partially and unable to enhance the yield rate of product to the target. It only can takes one step ahead to enhance the process yield rate of motherboard with six sigma (6 σ) overall DMAIC process and tactics. This research aimed to use six sigma quality improvement tactics by DMAIC systematic procedure and tactics, and find the key factors that effect to the process yield rate of surface mount technology. It also identified the keys input and process and output index to satisfy customer requirements and internal process index. The results showed that the major effective factors by fishbone and process failure modes and effects analysis (PFMEA). If the index of input and output that can be quantified, the optimum parameter can be found through design of experiment to ensure that the process is stable. If the factor of input and output that cannot be quantified, we found out the effective countermeasure by Mind_Mapping, make sure whole processes can be controlled stably, to reach the high product quality and enhance the customer satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The definition of cycle time is the time from the wafer start to the wafer output. It usually takes one or two months to get the product since customer decides to produce it. The cycle time is a critical factor for customer satisfaction because it represents the response time to the market. Long cycle time reflects the ineffective investment for the capital. The cycle time is very important for foundry because long cycle time will cause customer unsatisfied and the order loss. Consequently, all of the foundries put lots of human source in the cycle time improvement. Usually, we make decisions based on the experience in the cycle time management. We have no mechanism or theory for cycle time management. We do work-in-process (WIP) management based on turn rate and standard WIP (STD WIP) set by experiences. But the experience didn't mean the optimal solution, when the situation changed, the cycle time or the standard WIP will also be changed. The experience will not always be applicable. If we only have the experience and no mechanism, management will not be work out. After interview several foundry fab managers, all of the fab can't reflect the situation. That is, all of them will have an impact period after product mix or utilization varied. In this study, we want to develop a formula for standard WIP and use statistical process control (SPC) concept to set WIP upper/lower limit level. When WIP exceed the limit level, it will trigger action plans to compensate WIP Profile. If WIP Profile balances, we don't need too much WIP. So WIP level could be reduced and cycle time also could be reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the execution of National Health Insurance system in Taiwan, the competition of medical industry is becoming more and more severe. The ways the hospital operate knowledge management (KM) concept, combine current human resources and professional knowledge by information techniques and upgrade the competitiveness through reinvention of organizational culture have become the important issues. This research is based on the relationship between KM and organizational operation, integrates the characteristic of medical institutions and framework of medical knowledge cycle and starts the research subject by questionnaires from three dimensions: current situation of KM construction in medical organizations, executive effect of KM activities and the challenges faced by KM; subsequently, from qualitative interview, this research attempts to understand how a medical organization executes and adjusts in the consideration of theory and reality as well as quality and costs when actually operates the organization. This research accesses to KM system application of medical institutions and the empirical executive benefits and difficulties through questionnaires. The research results are as follows: (1) having initial understanding toward current KM establishment of medical institutions; (2) confirming the most important items of KM establishment of medical organizations; (3) understanding the most difficulty which the medical organizations encounter when executing KM; (4) establishing medical knowledge cycle figure of the hospitals receiving interviews. Through case interview, this research profoundly accessed to the actual operation of KM application of medical organizations. The target hospitals intended to try many medical KM measures; however, during to complicated hospital organizations and cultural characteristics, the promotion was not successful and the results were not apparent. The most difficulty was to change the employees' behavior. The targets believed that only the continuous promotion of KM can allow it to be an important aspect of organizational culture and the competitiveness could constant be upgraded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the influence of Taiwan's high-tech manufacturers' innovative strategy and innovation motivation concerning the implementation of innovative activities, as well as the influence of innovative activities implementation on business performance. The two intermediate variables, industry group and enterprise scale are also considered. Through a review of the relevant literature, a theoretical model of the influence relationship is developed, while an empirical analysis is simultaneously conducted on Taiwan's high-tech manufacturers. The research result shows that the internal driving force of innovative activities has a significant impact on the level of implementing technological innovative activities and cultural innovative activities. The external driving force of innovative activities has a significant impact on the level of implementing market innovative activities and management innovative activities. Companies adopting self-developed technology and purchased as well as self-developed technology strategies, perform better than those adopting purchased new technology or those with neither purchased nor self-developed technology strategies, at implementing technological innovative activities and cultural innovative activities. The level of implementing innovative activities has a significant influence on business performance (cost reduction and product/service differentiation). For the intermediate variables of "industry group" and "enterprise scale", it is proven in this study that they have no significant influence on the level of innovative activity implementation or business performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – Importance performance analysis (IPA) is a technique widely used to assist organisations in developing marketing strategies and improving products or service quality. Many scholars have revised IPA to augment its effectiveness. However, this involves some unknown problems that could lead organisations to make wrong decisions. This paper aims to look at this issue. Design/methodology/approach – As a solution, this paper introduces Taguchi's signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio approach to treat ordered categorical data in analysing customer satisfaction and integrates it with gap analysis (GA) through S/N ratio to develop a modified IPA model. A Taiwan air-conditioning manufacturer maintenance and repair service is illustrated to demonstrate the method. Findings – According to the test case, the modified IPA model obtained more reliable results than the traditional IPA method, considering the central tendency and variance from different customer perceptions. The proposed method can determine exact marketing strategies and improvement directions for product or service quality attributes, reduce variance and (or) move performance to the target value. Originality/value – This model overcomes the limitations of the traditional IPA model while retaining the merits of the traditional model. Using the modified IPA model an organisation can define its marketing strategies and take action to establish quality improvement activities. In other words, the organisation can avoid making wrong decisions when using the modified IPA model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-tech industry has been the principal economic source for Taiwan in recent years. The characteristics of high-tech industries in Taiwan are changeable product markets, short product life cycles and high company attrition rate. In the globalization trend, the high-tech industry has gradually increased corporate competitiveness and reached the goal of sustainable operations through knowledge management, knowledge sharing and new product research and development. Firms have aggressively strengthened and integrated their internal and external resources and enhanced knowledge sharing to increase industry operational performance. Effectively strengthening the knowledge management operation and performance evaluation of knowledge sharing in Taiwan's high-tech industry has become a critical issue. In the selection of knowledge sharing Key Performance Indicators (KPI), this research divided the knowledge sharing indicators into representative strategic indicators such as organizational knowledge learning, organizational knowledge resources, organizational information capacity and organizational knowledge performance through screening using Factor Analysis. The characteristics of the constructs were interdependent. This research calculated and adjusted the correlation among the key performance knowledge sharing indicators using ANP and determined the relative weight of knowledge sharing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]