bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential of microbial endophytes to enhance the resistance to postharvest diseases of fruit and vegetables
Authors: Huang Xiaoqing , Ren Jie , Li Peihua , Feng Shun , Dong Pan , Ren Maozhi
Published: September 2020

Food loss of fruit and vegetables caused by postharvest diseases is a major issue worldwide. The method used to prevent and control postharvest diseases is usually to use chemical fungicides, but long‐term and large‐scale use will make the pathogens resistant and potentially have a negative impact on human health and the ecological environment. Therefore, finding a safe and effective biological control method instead of chemical control is a hot research topic in recent years. Endophytes, colonizing plants asymptomatically, can promote the growth of the hosts and enhance their resistance. The use of endophytes as biological control agents for postharvest diseases of fruit and vegetables has attracted increasing attention in the last 20 years. Compared with chemical control, endophytes have the advantages of being more environmentally friendly, sustainable, and safer. However, there are relatively few relevant studies, so herein we summarize the available literature. This review focuses mainly on the recent progress of using endophytes to enhance the resistance of postharvest fruit and vegetables to diseases, with the emphasis on the possible mechanisms and the potential applications. Furthermore, this article suggests future areas for study using antagonistic endophytes to prevent and control fruit and vegetable postharvest diseases: (i) screening more potential broad‐spectrum anti‐pathogen endophytes and their metabolic active substances by the method of macrogenomics; (ii) elucidating the underlining molecular mechanism among endophytes, harvested vegetables and fruit, pathogens, and microbial communities; (iii) needing more application research to overcome the difficulties of commercialization practice. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Hospital clinical staging accuracy for upper gastrointestinal malignancy
Authors: da Costa Wilson Luiz , Tran Cao Hop S. , Portuondo Jorge I. , Sada Yvonne H. , Massarweh Nader N.
Published: September 2020

Background

Decisions about multimodality treatment for upper gastrointestinal malignancies are largely predicted on clinical staging information. However, hospital‐level accuracy of clinical staging is currently unknown.

Methods

A national cohort study of patients with adenocarcinoma of the esophagus, stomach, or pancreas in the NCDB (2006–2015) who were treated with upfront resection. Hospital‐level staging accuracy (ascertained by comparing clinical stage to pathologic stage) was calculated. Within hospital correlation of staging accuracy across disease sites was evaluated using risk and reliability adjustment.

Results

Overall, 1246 hospitals were evaluated. Median hospital T‐staging accuracy was 77.5%, 73.7%, and 60.8% for esophageal, gastric, and pancreatic cancer, respectively. Median hospital N‐staging accuracy was 80.2%, 72.9%, and 61.8%, respectively. For T‐stage, over‐staging was most frequently observed in esophageal patients (11.2%) while under‐staging was most frequent in pancreatic patients (36.1%). For N‐stage, over‐staging was infrequent for all three, while under‐staging was most common in pancreatic patients (37.4%). Correlation across disease sites was weak for both T‐ (best observed, r = .34) and N‐stages (r = .30). When high volume hospitals were evaluated, correlation improved but accuracy rates were similar.

Conclusions

Despite the importance of clinical staging in multimodality treatment planning, hospitals inaccurately stage 20–40% of patients, with low correlation across disease sites.
Gender‐Based Pay Discrimination in Otolaryngology
Authors: Lindsay Robin
Published: September 2020

Male and female otolaryngologists all attend the same accredited medical schools, complete the same accredited residency programs, and take the same board certification exams; however, female otolaryngologist are paid 77 cents on the dollar compared to their male colleagues. Even after accounting for age, experience, faculty rank, research productivity, and clinical revenue, significant gender pay gaps exist across all professor levels. The goal of this review is to improve our understanding of how and why the gender pay gap and discrimination exists, the harm caused by tolerance of policies that perpetuate gender pay inequity, and what is and can be done to correct gender‐based pay gaps and discrimination. The review presents the current status of gender pay inequity in the United States and reports on how otolaryngology compares to other professions both within and outside of healthcare. The gender pay gap is shown to have a negative impact on economic growth, institutional reputation and financial success, retention and recruitment of faculty, and patient care. Many historically incorrect reasons used to explain the causes of the gender pay gap, including that women work less, have less research productivity, or produce lower‐quality care, have been be disproved by evaluation of current research. Potential causes of gender pay inequities, such as gender bias, organization culture, fear of retaliation, promotions inequalities, lack of transparency, and senior leadership not being held accountable for equity and diversity concerns, will be explored. Finally, examples of best practices to achieve pay equity will be presented. Laryngoscope, 131:989–995, 2021
Evaluating CO2 calculation error from organic alkalinity and pH measurement error in low ionic strength freshwaters
Authors: Liu Shaoda , Butman David E. , Raymond Peter A.
Published: September 2020

Dissolved CO2 concentration calculated from historical or in situ alkalinity and pH measurements according to carbonate equilibria is widely applied in freshwater CO2 studies yet there is long concern on systematic errors associated with the calculation. Correction of the CO2 calculation errors is however hampered by a lack of correct understandings of error sources and magnitudes. Here through reviewing literature quantification of the effect, we point out pH measured by commercial glass electrodes is not reliable and biased unidirectionally toward lower values by −0.14 ± 0.20 on average. This effect, together with high organic alkalinity, is responsible for unreliable CO2 calculations in low ionic strength freshwaters. Relying on a series of interdependencies between freshwater properties, the analysis further proposes a roadmap for correction of the errors. The method, when testing against a dataset of direct CO2 measurements, is proved effective at reducing CO2 calculation errors. The analysis represents a significant progress in freshwater CO2 studies based on carbonate equilibria and future applications of the method are advised to apply the corrections to freshwaters of <1000 μeq L−1 in total alkalinity.
The role of molybdate‐containing inhibitors in cases of stress corrosion cracking in closed water circuits
Authors: Allertshammer Wolfgang
Published: September 2020

In this study, three cases of damage to heating circuits are presented, in which damage was caused by intergranular stress corrosion cracking in an unalloyed steel. The results are compared with literature data. From this, it can be concluded that stress corrosion cracking has been triggered in all three cases by the addition of an inhibitor containing molybdate. The development of this form of corrosion is only possible under critical conditions.
Inference in nonorthogonal mixed models
Authors: Ferreira Dário , Ferreira Sandra S. , Nunes Célia , Mexia João T.
Published: September 2020

This paper presents an estimation method for the random effect parameters and the variance components in linear mixed models. These models may be orthogonal or nonorthogonal. In particular, least squares estimators and the corresponding confidence regions, based on the estimation of quantiles, are considered. As to the random effects parameters, it is only assumed that they have null mean vectors and distributions with known dispersion parameters and second order moments. So, it is not necessary that they are normally distributed. A numerical example considering the normal and the gamma distributions is included, where a comparison with the analysis of variance and a Bayesian estimation based method is provided.
Correcting and reweighting false label masks in brain tumor segmentation
Authors: Cheng Guohua , Ji Hongli , He Linyang
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Recently, brain tumor segmentation has made important progress. However, the quality of manual labels plays an important role in the performance, while in practice, it could vary greatly and in turn could substantially mislead the learning process and decrease the accuracy. We need to design a mechanism to combine label correction and sample reweighting to improve the effectiveness of brain tumor segmentation.

Methods

We propose a novel sample reweighting and label refinement method, and a novel three‐dimensional (3D) generative adversarial network (GAN) is introduced to combine these two models into an united framework.

Results

Extensive experiments on the BraTS19 dataset have demonstrated that our approach obtains competitive results when compared with other state‐of‐the‐art approaches when handling the false labels in brain tumor segmentation.

Conclusions

The 3D GAN‐based approach is an effective approach to handle false label masks by simultaneously applying label correction and sample reweighting. Our method is robust to variations in tumor shape and background clutter.
Carbon‐based terahertz absorbers: Materials, applications, and perspectives
Authors: Venkatachalam Srisaran , Zeranska‐Chudek Klaudia , Zdrojek Mariusz , Hourlier Djamila
Published: September 2020

Terahertz (THz) waves are nowadays used in a multitude of applications ranging from medicine, telecommunication, security surveillance, to fast sensing and imaging. Along with the most apparent aspects of the potential applications, there is also a flip side of the coin: the effects of unwanted electromagnetic pollution on various elements of the environment. Therefore, an effective shielding of THz radiation, preferably with an appreciable amount of absorption, is one of the milestones for the further development of terahertz technology. This review briefly outlines the main aspects of the area of research in terahertz absorbers, materials used, and their specific applications. Particular attention has been paid to the use of carbon‐based materials as terahertz absorbers, needed to fill the gap between the well‐known components across absorption coefficient 10–100 cm−1 for a refractive index 3–5. An example of such a class of materials is that of the organic or hybrid organic–inorganic polymers whose pyrolysis in an inert atmosphere gives black materials containing a residual free carbon phase. The carbon phase is a random network of covalent bonds in which carbon atoms are mainly in sp2 hybridization state. The absorption of THz radiation is strongly dependent on the state of arrangement of C‐sp2, the amount of carbon, and the graphitic carbon domain size.
Reproducing situationally triggered urgency incontinence in a controlled environment
Authors: Clarkson Becky D. , O′Connell Kathleen , Conklin Cynthia A.
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Patients with lower urinary tract symptoms often report urgency and incontinence episodes which are triggered by environmental scenarios, for example, “latch‐key incontinence.” To better understand the extent of this phenomenon, and how best to reduce its impact, we tested ways to recreate these situational cues in a controlled environment and obtain cue reactivity measures.

Methods

We developed a standardized set of urgency cue scenarios from interviews with sufferers of situational urgency urinary incontinence (UUI), personalized urgency, and safe cue sets consisting of photographs of specific locations, and measurements of cue reactivity during computer‐based presentation and urodynamic monitoring.

Results

Common urgency and safe cues were identified for the standardized cue set. Exposure to these standardized cues elicited change in bladder sensation in 7 of 12 participants. Participants created personalized cue sets with photographs depicting their own urgency triggering scenarios; exposure to personalized cue photos elicited change in sensation in 11 of 12 participants. In addition, personalized cues elicited measurable detrusor overactivity and leakage during urodynamic monitoring. Safe cues reduced bladder sensation in five participants.

Conclusion

We developed a computer‐based means of displaying cue photos which elicited cue reactivity from women suffering from situational urgency incontinence. Cue reactivity was increased by personalizing photos of cue scenarios and obtaining physiological measures from urodynamics. We have developed an appropriate way to test cue reactivity in women with situational UUI.
Graph theoretical approach for automated IP lifecycle management in telco networks
Authors: Duran Kübra , Karanlik Bahtiyar , Canberk Berk
Published: September 2020

IP address management (IPAM) systems are commonly used in the telecommunication industry to serve resource management for large‐scaled IP networks. In resource management, IPAM provides network operators a live IP lifecycle support with an easier use on IP inventory while providing the scaling and high performance. Throughout the management of IP lifecycle, having up‐to‐date topology information plays a key role because of the rapidly changing usage of the IP addresses. Furthermore, if the usage information which corresponds to data taken from the real topology for a specific block does not match with the information in planned state, there arises an anomaly situation. And if this anomaly is not taken under control, especially for the large‐scaled networks, it causes a considerable increase in the operational cost (OPEX) of the internet service providers (ISPs). Thus, keeping track of this resource and checking the anomaly cases make a smooth functioning process through the lifecycle of an IP block in telecom applications. However, the techniques used in traditional IPAMs are mostly not covering track of IP usage. For this purpose, we propose an attribute‐based IP management module (KIP), which consists of three engines by covering the three active states of the IP lifecycle. In this way, KIP serves efficient IP management with minimum traversal time, anomaly rate, and planning time. Compared to previous methods, our method has addressed three additional challenges that significantly impact an effective IP lifecycle management by regarding device‐specific information, such as connectivity, anomaly situation, and planning.
Individual versus companion visitors' willingness‐to‐pay for the theater tickets: The case of Perm opera
Authors: Shafranskaya Irina , Potapov Dmitriy , Ozhegov Evgeniy
Published: September 2020

Business‐like approaches are applied more and more widely in nonprofit organization contexts, and theaters are no exception. Revenue generation, customer segmentation, and personalized marketing are becoming the key managerial concerns. Our study focuses on two relevant aspects of theater attendees' behavior. We examine visitors' willingness‐to‐pay (WTP) for theater seats (to derive revenue drivers), and its difference between two segments – single and couple visitors (to uncover the social motivation effect). These aspects taken together have never been previously studied in the nonprofit marketing context. We model WTP using the actual purchase data from Perm Opera and Ballet Theatre in Russia. Unlike most marketing studies which use stated preference for WTP evaluation, we employ the revealed preference approach. The results verify that single and couple visitors may be treated as separate segments, allowing for personalized promotion and other marketing decisions.
Wilms tumor in Africa: A systematic review of management challenges and outcome in two decades (2000‐2019)
Authors: Ekenze Sebastian O. , Okafor Okechukwu C. , Obasi Akputa A. , Okafor David C. , Nnabugwu Ikenna I.
Published: September 2020

We performed a systematic review to highlight trends in management and outcome of Wilms tumor (WT) in Africa in the past two decades (2000‐2019). Twenty‐seven studies involving 2250 patients were analyzed. Overall, barring regional variations, 57.7% of the cases presented with advanced disease, 57.3% completed planned treatment, and survival was 56.5%. The publications in the two decades did not show significant differences in proportions of cases with advanced disease, completion of treatment rate, and cases lost to follow up. However, significantly more cases received preoperative chemotherapy, and survival improved in the last decade (2010‐2019) compared to the earlier decade (2000‐2009). Survival of WT in Africa might have improved in the last decade, but challenges of delayed presentation and abandonment of treatment have persisted. Measures that will encourage early access to expert care as well as improve on treatment compliance may further improve survival of WT in Africa.
Much is left unspoken: Self‐reports from families in pediatric oncology
Authors: Lövgren Malin , Udo Camilla , Alvariza Anette , Kreicbergs Ulrika
Published: September 2020

Background

Communication about illness‐related subjects is complex and difficult. To support entire families in pediatric oncology, health care professionals need to know what family members think, but leave unspoken. The aim of this study was to explore how families in pediatric oncology experienced illness‐related information and communication with professionals and within the family.

Procedure

A cross‐sectional web survey was used. Families were recruited from one pediatric oncology center in Sweden, 2‐3 months after diagnosis. One hundred eighteen family members (ill children, siblings, and parents) representing 27 families filled out age‐adapted surveys.

Results

Eighty‐six percent of the parents and 71% of the siblings reported that they had not received enough or any information about how the cancer and its treatment could affect the child's psychological health. The families reported that they did not dare ask professionals questions about psychosocial issues and future‐related subjects. Nor did they talk with one another, even though 55% of the parents and 24% of the children wanted to reveal more about how they felt to someone in the family. The parents reported the lowest family communication, and few families had all members reporting the same perception of family communication.

Conclusions

Much is still left unspoken in pediatric oncology and the needs of the families are prominent. Assessments of each family member's needs might form a basis for professionals to give each person adequate information and family support. An increased awareness in families about family members’ different needs might lead to mutual understanding.
Numerical and experimental investigation of the erosion of zirconia particulate‐reinforced epoxy matrix composites by angular silicon carbide particles
Authors: Arani Navid H. , Eghbal Majid , Nekahi Mohammad Mahdi , Papini Marcello
Published: September 2020

An smooth particle hydrodynamics/finite element (SPH/FEM) model was developed to simulate the erosion of zirconia particle‐reinforced epoxy composites, due to the overlapping impacts of angular particles at both perpendicular and oblique incidences. For each composite target, multiple sub‐volumes, each having their own random reinforcement distribution, were modeled. The reinforcements were assumed as noneroding and nondeforming and were distributed in the modeled sub‐volumes according to the random distributions measured in the actual samples. Erosion tests were performed to verify the numerical model, and it was found that the erosion rates of the zirconia‐reinforced composites were in all cases significantly lower than the neat epoxy. The experimentally‐observed erosion mechanisms were successfully simulated by the model, and the predicted erosion rates matched the measured ones to within 2% to 11%. It is anticipated that similar models can be used to predict erosion of other particulate composite systems whose reinforcement erosion and fracture is negligible compared to the matrix erosion.
Viscoelastic and mechanical characterization of graphene decorated with graphene quantum dots reinforced epoxy composites
Authors: George Manuel , Mohanty Akash
Published: September 2020

The article explores viscoelastic and mechanical property analysis of graphene decorated with graphene quantum dots (GDGQD) reinforced epoxy composite. Tensile, nanoindentation, and nano‐dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) tests were conducted on the composite with 0 to 1 wt% filler variation (an interval of 0.25 wt% maintained). The hardness and elastic modulus for two different loading conditions under a frequency range of 10 to 250 Hz were performed. The viscoelastic properties described through loss tangent and storage modulus graphically and the various factors such as modulus and depth of penetration were influenced by force frequency and mobility of the molecular chain. The results revealed the role of GDGQDs as filler material for enhancing the nanomechanical and tensile properties of the epoxy matrix. The differences in the properties can be ascribed to the filler interfacial bonding with the polymer matrix at the molecular level. The macro‐level properties like tensile properties following the same trend as that of the micro‐level properties like nano‐indentation and nano‐DMA results. Further, with the GDGQD aspect ratio, and assuming three‐dimensionally filled randomly orientation of filler, the Halpin‐Tsai model was satisfied with the experimental tensile modulus values.
Assessments of Sensorimotor Deficits Used in Randomized Clinical Trials With Individuals With Ankle Sprains and Chronic Ankle Instability: A Scoping Review
Authors: Nozu Shojiro , Takemura Masahiro , Sole Gisela
Published: September 2020

The main purpose of this scoping review was to summarize the most common tasks and outcome measures in randomized control trials (RCTs) used to assess sensorimotor function following ankle sprain and chronic ankle instability (CAI). We also aimed to summarize the description of inclusion criteria used in articles. We searched for RCTs published between 2008 and 2018 using the following databases: MEDLINE, PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science. Eligible studies included participants of either sex who had had at least one ankle sprain with/without subsequent CAI. All articles assessed sensorimotor function. The tasks, outcome measures, and inclusion criteria were categorized, and frequencies of use in each category were calculated. Of 272 publications, 31 met the eligibility criteria. The most common task was single‐limb stance (58% of 31). The most common outcome measure was the posterior‐medial reach distance of the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) (13 of 16 articles, 81%). Different inclusion criteria for a history of ankle sprains or CAI were used. A wide range of sensorimotor assessments and inclusion criteria was used among studies involving individuals with a history of ankle sprain with or without CAI, which could make it difficult to compare and generalize study results. This scoping review provides a baseline for planning future studies exploring outcome measures to assess sensorimotor function of individuals with a history of ankle sprain with or without CAI.
Pediatric psycho‐oncology in Russia: Caregiver mental health and sleep outcomes on the oncology wards
Authors: Burns Mary A. , Aralova Marina , Ellis Sarah J. , Aslanyan Karapet S. , Egorkina Taisia , Wakefield Claire E.
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Caregivers are at risk of poor sleep and elevated distress during their child's cancer treatment. Russia is currently underrepresented in the international psycho‐oncology field, with no identified psychosocial standards of care, and limited or inconsistent psychological service provision, particularly for caregivers. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Russian caregivers' psychological distress and identify factors associated with caregiver sleep duration when staying on the pediatric oncology ward.

Methods

We recruited 74 caregivers of children with cancer and 74 comparison caregivers in Rostov‐on‐Don, Russia. Participants completed a survey assessing clinical outcomes, sleep (St Mary's Hospital Sleep Questionnaire), and psychological distress (Depression Anxiety Stress Scales‐21 [DASS‐21]).

Results

Caregivers of children with cancer reported significantly higher scores for all DASS‐21 subscales and higher depression (48.6% vs. 24.6%), anxiety (47.3% vs. 12.3%), and stress (45.9% vs. 0%) scores from “moderate” to “extremely severe.” Caregivers of children with cancer reported significantly shorter sleep duration (5.82 vs. 7.49 h, t[143] = −6.22, p = 0.002), more night‐time awakenings (3.20 vs. 1.25, t[135] = 6.94, p < 0.001) and worse sleep quality (46.5% vs. 9.6%; x2[1] = 24.4, p < 0.001) than comparison caregivers. Caregivers with a higher total DASS‐21 score (B = −1.32, p = 0.032) and those who were closer to diagnosis (B = −1.53, p = 0.012) reported shorter sleep duration.

Conclusions

Russian caregivers of children with cancer experience high rates of psychological distress and poor sleep on the oncology ward. These findings provide an important target for future research and culturally relevant clinical interventions to improve caregivers' mental health and capacity for care.
Crystal Structure, Thermal Behavior and Detonation Characterization of Bis(3‐nitro‐1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐5‐yl)methane
Authors: Yan Biao , Li Hongya , Ma Haixia , Ma Yajun , Ma Xiangrong , Zhao Fengqi
Published: September 2020

Bis(3‐nitro‐1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐5‐yl)methane (BNTZM) was synthesized and the crystal structure was determined by X‐ray diffraction. It belongs to orthorhombic system with space group Fdd2. Its thermal behavior and non‐isothermal decomposition kinetics were studied with DSC and TG/DTG methods. The self‐accelerating decomposition temperature (TSADT), thermal ignition temperature (TTIT), and critical temperature of thermal explosion (Tb) are 540 K, 552 K, and 558 K, respectively. Its detonation velocity (D) and detonation pressure (P) were estimated using the nitrogen equivalent equation according to the experimental density. The above results of BNTZM were compared with those of Bis(5‐amino‐1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐yl)methane (BATZM) and 5,5'‐dinitroimino‐3,3’‐methylene‐1H‐1,2,4‐triazole (DNBTM), and the effect of amino, nitro and nitroimino group on them were discussed.
Structural characterization and computational analysis of PDZ domains in Monosiga brevicollis
Authors: Gao Melody , Mackley Iain G. P. , Mesbahi‐Vasey Samaneh , Bamonte Haley A. , Struyvenberg Sarah A. , Landolt Louisa , Pederson Nick J. , Williams Lucy I. , Bahl Christopher D. , Brooks Lionel , Amacher Jeanine F.
Published: September 2020

Identification of the molecular networks that facilitated the evolution of multicellular animals from their unicellular ancestors is a fundamental problem in evolutionary cellular biology. Choanoflagellates are recognized as the closest extant nonmetazoan ancestors to animals. These unicellular eukaryotes can adopt a multicellular‐like “rosette” state. Therefore, they are compelling models for the study of early multicellularity. Comparative studies revealed that a number of putative human orthologs are present in choanoflagellate genomes, suggesting that a subset of these genes were necessary for the emergence of multicellularity. However, previous work is largely based on sequence alignments alone, which does not confirm structural nor functional similarity. Here, we focus on the PDZ domain, a peptide‐binding domain which plays critical roles in myriad cellular signaling networks and which underwent a gene family expansion in metazoan lineages. Using a customized sequence similarity search algorithm, we identified 178 PDZ domains in the Monosiga brevicollis proteome. This includes 11 previously unidentified sequences, which we analyzed using Rosetta and homology modeling. To assess conservation of protein structure, we solved high‐resolution crystal structures of representative M. brevicollis PDZ domains that are homologous to human Dlg1 PDZ2, Dlg1 PDZ3, GIPC, and SHANK1 PDZ domains. To assess functional conservation, we calculated binding affinities for mbGIPC, mbSHANK1, mbSNX27, and mbDLG‐3 PDZ domains from M. brevicollis. Overall, we find that peptide selectivity is generally conserved between these two disparate organisms, with one possible exception, mbDLG‐3. Overall, our results provide novel insight into signaling pathways in a choanoflagellate model of primitive multicellularity.
High Contact Resistivity Enabling Low‐Energy Operation in Cr2Ge2Te6‐Based Phase‐Change Random Access Memory
Authors: Hatayama Shogo , Abe Yasunori , Ando Daisuke , Sutou Yuji
Published: September 2020

A phase‐change material (PCM) exhibiting a significant difference in resistance between the amorphous and crystalline phases can be used for phase‐change random access memory (PCRAM). Reduction of the energy to operate is one of the major challenges in PCRAM technology. One strategy for energy reduction is to increase the resistance of the memory device in the crystalline state of the PCM. Cr2Ge2Te6 (CrGT) shows p‐type semiconductor characteristics in both the amorphous and crystalline phases. A CrGT‐based memory device shows a contact resistance–dominant behavior, suggesting that the resistance of a CrGT‐based memory device can be increased by changing the electrode material. The contact resistivity (ρc) of a CrGT/electrode increases with a decrease in the work function of the electrode material in both amorphous and crystalline phases, as with general p‐type semiconductor materials. The highest ρc is observed for a LaB6 electrode. The resistance of the CrGT‐based device with a LaB6 electrode (LaB6 device) is three or four orders of magnitude greater than that of a device with a W electrode (W device). The LaB6 device is indicated to require much smaller operation energy than the W device.
Effects of glycerol and sorbitol on optical, mechanical, and gas barrier properties of potato peel‐based films
Authors: Miller Katharina , Silcher Cornelia , Lindner Martina , Schmid Markus
Published: September 2020

Potato peel is a by‐product of potato‐based food production and seen as a zero‐ or negative‐value waste of which millions of tons are produced every year. Previous studies showed that potato peel is a potential material for film development when plasticized with 10% to 50% glycerol (w/w potato peel). To further investigate potato peel as a film‐forming material, potato peel‐based films containing the plasticizer sorbitol were prepared and investigated on their physicochemical properties in addition to films containing glycerol. Due to sufficient producibility and handling of casted films in preliminary trials, potato peel‐based films containing 50%, 60%, or 70% glycerol (w/w potato peel) and films containing 90%, 100%, or 110% sorbitol (w/w potato peel) were prepared in this study. Generally, with increasing plasticizer concentration, water vapor and oxygen permeability of the films increased. Films containing glycerol showed higher water vapor and oxygen permeabilities than films containing sorbitol. Young's modulus, tensile strength, and elongation at break decreased with increasing sorbitol concentration, whereas no significant effect of plasticizer content on elongation at break was shown in films containing glycerol. Due to crystallization of films containing sorbitol as a plasticizer, potato peel‐based films containing 50% glycerol (w/w) were identified as the most promising films, characterized by a water vapor transmission rate of 268 g 100 μm m−2 d−1 and an oxygen permeability of 4 cm3 100 μm m−2 d−1 bar−1. Therefore, potato peel‐based cast films in this study showed comparable tensile properties with those of potato starch‐based films, comparable water vapor barrier with those of whey protein‐based films, and comparable oxygen barrier with those of polyamide films.
Room‐Temperature Skyrmion Thermopower in Fe3Sn2
Authors: Du Qianheng , Han Myung‐Geun , Liu Yu , Ren Weijun , Zhu Yimei , Petrovic Cedomir
Published: September 2020

We present the room‐temperature thermoelectric signature of skyrmion bubbles. This is observed in Fe3Sn2, a Kagome Dirac crystal with massive Dirac fermions that features a high‐temperature skyrmion phase. The room‐temperature skyrmion bubbles show magnetic‐field dependence of the wavevector whereas the thermopower is dominated by the electronic diffusion mechanism, allowing for the skyrmionic bubble detection. The results pave the way for future skyrmion‐based devices based on the manipulation of the thermal gradient.
Novel virtual reality based training system for fine motor skills: Towards developing a robotic surgery training system
Authors: Vasudevan Madhan Kumar , Isaac Joseph H. R. , Sadanand Venkatraman , Muniyandi Manivannan
Published: September 2020

Background

Training surgeons to use surgical robots are becoming part of surgical training curricula. We propose a novel method of training fine‐motor skills such as Microscopic Selection Task (MST) for robot‐assisted surgery using virtual reality (VR) with objective quantification of performance. We also introduce vibrotactile feedback (VTFB) to study its impact on training performance.

Methods

We use a VR‐based environment to perform MST with varying degrees of difficulties. Using a well‐known human–computer interaction paradigm and incorporating VTFB, we quantify the performance: speed, precision and accuracy.

Results

MST with VTFB showed statistically significant improvement in performance metrics leading to faster completion of MST with higher precision and accuracy compared to that without VTFB.

Discussion

The addition of VTFB to VR‐based training for robot‐assisted surgeries may improve performance outcomes in real robotic surgery. VTFB, along with proposed performance metrics, can be used in training curricula for robot‐assisted surgeries.
Does bacillus Calmette‐Guérin vaccine prevent herpes simplex virus recurrences? A systematic review
Authors: Pittet Laure F. , Curtis Nigel
Published: September 2020

Recurrent infections with herpes simplex virus (HSV) in the orofacial (cold sores), ocular or genital region are common and sometimes disabling, calling for an effective preventive intervention. The bacillus Calmette‐Guérin (BCG) vaccine has beneficial off‐target effects that might impact recurrence of HSV infections. In this systematic review, Medline, EMBASE, and PubMed were searched in June 2020; 16 articles were deemed relevant comprising eight animal and eight human studies (301 patients). In animals, BCG administration led to a 1.9 to 5.5‐fold increase in survival rate following HSV challenge (vaginal, corneal, or intraperitoneal inoculation). This beneficial effect was influenced by the dose of BCG (higher better), mode of administration (intradermal better than intraperitoneal), and the interval between vaccination and viral challenge (at least 6 days required). In nonrandomized human studies (that failed to control for a placebo effect), BCG vaccination appeared beneficial in 78% of adults with recurrent herpes genitalis or labialis, with 37% being recurrence‐free for an extended period, 41% experiencing less frequent or severe episodes, and only 22% reporting no change. This clinical benefit is consistent with the findings of immunological sub‐studies. In the two studies restricted to recurrent herpes labialis, 94% appeared to benefit from BCG. The one randomized controlled trial used an intervention in the control group that has immunomodulatory effects thus limiting interpretation. In conclusion, BCG vaccine is a potential, safe, affordable and readily available candidate intervention to decrease the high burden of disease associated with HSV infection and recurrences, but properly controlled randomized trials are required.
The complexity of respiratory disease associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection: From immunopathogenesis to respiratory therapy
Authors: Magno Falcão Luiz Fábio , da Silva Pontes Lucieny , Afonso da Silva Bruno Giovanni , Vieira da Silva Franco Karen Margarete , Araujo da Costa Luiz Adriano , Barbosa Rocha Rodrigo Santiago , Simões Quaresma Juarez Antônio
Published: September 2020

Covid‐19, a disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection, may present with polymorphic symptomatology and subclinical, neurological, gastrointestinal, dermatological, renal and severe acute respiratory manifestations. The diffuse alveolar damage caused by the disease presents with fibrin deposition, oedema, lymphocytic inflammatory infiltrate, destruction of epithelial cells, hyaline membrane formation and occasional angiogenesis formation of microthrombi. A common radiological finding is bilateral ground glass opacity, present even in mild cases. Severe cases occur mainly among the elderly and individuals with underlying comorbidities. Here, we provide an overview of the pathophysiology of the disease associated with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, interaction of the virus with the immune system, and subsequent dysfunctional immune response, essential for progression of Covid‐19. We also discuss the role of the nervous system as a possible aggravating agent of the respiratory condition and propose a protocol for airway management based on the pathophysiological and immunological characteristics of the disease. Finally, we highlight the implications of such approaches for future therapeutic intervention.
Analysis and design of event‐triggered control algorithms using hybrid systems tools
Authors: Chai Jun , Casau Pedro , Sanfelice Ricardo G.
Published: September 2020

This article proposes a general framework for analyzing continuous‐time systems controlled by event‐triggered algorithms. Closed‐loop systems resulting from using both static and dynamic output (or state) feedback laws that are implemented via asynchronous event‐triggered techniques are modeled as hybrid systems given in terms of hybrid inclusions. Using recently developed tools for robust stability, properties of the proposed models, including stability of compact sets, robustness, and Zeno behavior of solutions are addressed. The framework and results are illustrated by several event‐triggered strategies available in the literature, and observations about their key dynamical properties are made.
Leader‐following consensus of uncertain strict feedback multiagent systems subject to sensor and actuator attacks
Authors: Gao Rui , Huang Jiangshuai
Published: September 2020

This article addresses the leader‐follower consensus control of multiple uncertain strict‐feedback nonlinear systems subject to sensor and actuator attacks. The assumption on the simultaneity and uniformity of adversarial attacks in previous literature are no longer needed and a fully distributed adaptive control scheme is proposed, which does not depend on the original state information but on the disrupted state measurement. It is shown that the consensus errors of high‐order uncertain nonlinear multiagent systems are uniformly ultimate bounded in presence of cyberattacks. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme is verified by numerical examples.
Design and evaluation of a modular robotic plum harvesting system utilizing soft components
Authors: Brown Jasper , Sukkarieh Salah
Published: September 2020

The human labor required for tree crop harvesting is a major cost component in fruit production and is increasing. To address this, many existing research works have sought to demonstrate commercially viable robotic harvesting for tree crops, though successful commercial products resulting from these have been few and far between. Systems developed for specific crops such as sweet peppers or apples have shown promise, but the vast majority of cultivar types remain unaddressed, and developing a specific system for each one is inefficient. In this study, an easily modifiable development platform for robotic fruit harvesting is presented, this can be used to test specific design choices on different fruit and growing conditions. The system is evaluated in a commercial plum orchard, with no crop modifications. Both a hard and soft gripper are trialed, along with three object detector approaches and two picking motions. Some existing techniques are found to be counterproductive for plums, while soft robotics and persistent target tracking significantly improve performance. The best harvest success rate of 42%, was observed when using the soft gripper with complex motion. This is lower than expected based on prior testing with apples and indicates the difficulty in moving to new fruit types. Unique challenges specific to the plum type and growing style are examined in the context of system module design choices.
12‐4: 1000PPI LTPS OLED Display for VR Application
Authors: Yu Ziyang , Hu Ming , Wang Zhu , Liu Guo , Wang Bin , Jang Peter , Wang Dawei , Qiu Haijun
Published: September 2020

We developed 1000PPI OLED display based on LTPS to improve the RT and MPRT and solve the screen door effect. Different OLED pixel circuits including basic 3T1C and driving schemes consist of incessant and intermittent emission were compared and applied to achieve the key spec for VR applications. We studied the optical correction for Mura improvement and the driving TFT stabilization treatment for luminance depression optimization.
17‐1:Invited Paper:An Overview of Solutions for Achieving HDR LCDs
Authors: Su Jenn-Jia , Huang Hsueh-Ying , Kuo Han-Ping , Lee Ming-Hsien , Chen Chien-Wen , Liao Chien-Huang , Chang Kai-Chieh , Wu Yang-En , Liau Wei-Lung
Published: September 2020

This article introduces the solutions to improve LCD HDR performance. Backlight solutions including passive, active driving mini LED backlight and halo effects are studied. High cell transmittance and enhanced TFT device reliability for high brightness are discussed. Furthermore, the vivid image and high contrast can be kept in high ambient light by applying AUO A.R.T. technology.
20‐2: High Efficiency and Long Device Lifetime Green Organic Light Emitting Diodes using a Pt Complex
Authors: Lee Sunghun , Sim Myung Sun , Kwak Seung-Yeon , Koo Hyun , Kim Sangdong , Hong SeokHwan , Hwang Kyu Young , Yi Jeoungin , Park Sangho , Kwak YoonHyun , Choi Hyeonho , Lee Bang Lin , Kwon Ohyun , Choi Byoung ki , Kim Sung Han
Published: September 2020

A High‐performance top‐emitting green phosphorescent OLED with a long operational lifetime, an LT of 200% longer and with a high current efficiency, 118% higher than the devices with state‐of‐the art Ir complexes at the luminance of 15,000 cd m−2, was realized using a developed Pt complex and new hole transporting buffer and exciplex host materials. To the best of our knowledge, the current efficiency and lifetime of our achievements at this high luminance are more than 1.5 times higher and 100 times longer, respectively, than those of green phosphorescent OLEDs wit Pt complexes from literatures and materials companies in the world. This high current efficiency was achieved with higher horizontal transition dipole ratio, 86%, and short decay time, 2.4 μs, of our own developed Pt complex.
23‐1: Invited Paper: Essentials of MicroLED Display Production
Authors: Chaji Reza , Fathi Ehsan , Zamani Afshin
Published: September 2020

MicroLED technology has been inching forward toward some markets. However, to fully utilize the potential of microLED in major markets, several challenges need to be addressed. VueReal has been focused on developing practical solutions for these challenges associated with scaling of the microLED productions. These solutions address the high cost, low throughput, and low yield of microLED.
23‐5: Late‐News Paper: High‐Resolution Monolithic Micro‐LED Full‐color Micro‐display
Authors: Zhang Xu , Qi Longheng , Chong Wing Cheung , Li Peian , Lau Kei May
Published: September 2020

We report a manufacturing‐friendly fabrication process of high‐resolution monolithic micro‐LED full‐color micro‐displays. Starting with a 400 × 240 blue micro‐LED array monolithically fabricated using GaN‐on‐Si epilayers, the display area was exposed and bonded with a color conversion layer to realize full‐color micro‐display with a pixel density of 423 ppi.
24‐3: Complementary LTPO Technology, Pixel Circuits and Integrated Gate Drivers for AMOLED Displays Supporting Variable Refresh Rates
Authors: Luo Haojun , Wang Shaowen , Kang Jiahao , Wang Yu‐Min , Zhao Jigang , Tsong Tina , Lu Ping , Gupta Amit , Hu Wenbing , Wu Huanda , Zhang Shengwu , Kim Jiha , Chiu Chang Ming , Lee Bong‐Geum , Yuan Ze , Yu Xiaojun
Published: September 2020

A Complementary Low‐temperature Poly‐Crystalline Silicon and Oxide (LTPO) technology based on p‐type Low‐temperature Poly‐Crystalline Silicon (LTPS) and n‐type oxide Thin‐Film Transistors (TFTs) was developed and demonstrated. New pixel circuits and Gate‐on‐Array (GOA) circuits were designed and fabricated using this technology. By combining the superior driving capability of LTPS and ultra‐low leakage of oxide semiconductor, all the pixel circuits and GOA circuits can operate between 1 Hz and 120 Hz, which enables both high refresh rate and low standby power display applications.
24‐4: Distinguished Paper: High Refresh Rate and Low Power Consumption AMOLED Panel Using Top‐gate n‐Oxide and p‐LTPS TFTs
Authors: Yonebayashi Ryo , Tanaka Kohei , Okada Kuniaki , Yamamoto Kaoru , Yamamoto Keiichi , Uchida Seiichi , Aoki Tomohisa , Takeda Yujiro , Furukawa Hiroaki , Ito Kazuatsu , Katoh Hiromi , Nakamura Wataru
Published: September 2020

A Pixel Circuit and a Gate Driver on Array for light‐emitting display are presented. By simultaneously utilizing Top‐Gate n‐type Oxide and p‐type LTPS TFTs, the circuits provide high refresh rate and low power consumption. An AMOLED panel with proposed circuits is fabricated and driving at various refresh rate ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz could be achieved.
27‐2: Invited Paper: Soluble Small Molecules in Top Emission OLED Devices from Ink Jet Printing: Requirements and Performance Status
Authors: Meyer Sebastian , Stolz Sebastian , Hamburger Manuel , Tseng Hsin-Rong , Engel Miriam , Hayer Anna , Linge Rouven , Tierney Steven , Bernatz Georg , Anémian Rémi
Published: September 2020

Inkjet printing (IJP) is on the rise to become a competitive production technology for organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs). Recent progress in printing technology with drop volumes down to the pL regime as well as constant performance improvements from material point of view have opened the way towards IT displays. Here target resolutions are 250 ppi and beyond. For this purpose, small molecules are highly suitable due to their low impact on ink viscosity and excellent device performance. Their current performance status is reviewed based on bottom and top emission. For the latter, crucial factors for high performance like film uniformity and precise thickness control are discussed.
32‐3: AMOLED IR Drop Compensation for Channel Length Modulation
Authors: Yang Jun-Yu , Ma Wei-Jhe , Tsai Yung-Cheng , Pai Feng-Ting
Published: September 2020

This paper proposed a new approach to compensate IR‐Drop on AMOLED panel for CLM (channel length modulation). IR drop will cause the luminance non‐uniformity problem. Moreover, the interaction between IR‐Drop and CLM make the phenomenon worse. If we compensate IR‐Drop but ignore CLM, the color shift happened even though the brightness uniformity gets better. Therefore, CLM compensation value must be analyzed and applied to solve this problem. Experimental results show that our approach improve color shift and keep the brightness uniformity.