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Abstract: In this work, an alternative approach for CIGS thin film growth has been tested, which is different from the common co-evaporation process. Such approach consists of sputtering deposition of the metal elements combined with selenium evaporation. This new and easily scalable procedure allows deposition time of the CIGS layer lower than 15minutes and can be easily applied not only on rigid but also on flexible substrates in a roll to roll configuration, matching industrial application requirements. The relationships between the growth parameters of such hybrid sputtering/evaporation method and the chemical-physical properties of the CIGS films and cells have been studied. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to compare the efficacy and morbidity of 2 minimally invasive procedures for stress urinary incontinence. STUDY DESIGN: This was a prospective randomized multicenter trial; 190 women with primary urodynamic stress incontinence were randomly assigned to tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) (n = 95) or intravaginal slingplasty (IVS) (n = 95). The primary and secondary outcome measures were rates of success and complications. SPSS software was used for data analysis. RESULTS: At 2 years 92 and 87 patients were available in the TVT and IVS group for outcomes analysis. Subjectively, 80 (87%) and 68 (78%) women were cured, respectively. Objectively, a 1-hour pad test was negative in 78 (85%) and 63 (72%) patients. Eight of the patients assigned to IVS (9%) had vaginal erosion/infection, compared with none in the TVT group (P < .01). CONCLUSION: Both procedures were effective for stress incontinence, but 9% of women treated with the IVS required removal of the tape for erosions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]