bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of polyimide curing on image sticking behaviors of flexible displays
Authors: Kim Hyojung , Park Jongwoo , Bak Sora , Park Jungmin , Byun Changwoo , Oh Changyong , Kim Bo Sung , Han Chanhee , Yoo Jongmin , Kim Dongbhin , Song Jangkun , Choi Pyungho , Choi Byoungdeog
Published: November 2021

Flexible displays on a polyimide (PI) substrate are widely regarded as a promising next-generation display technology due to their versatility in various applications. Among other bendable materials used as display panel substrates, PI is especially suitable for flexible displays for its high glass transition temperature and low coefficient of thermal expansion. PI cured under various temperatures (260 °C, 360 °C, and 460 °C) was implemented in metal–insulator–metal (MIM) capacitors, amorphous indium gallium zinc oxide (a-IGZO) thin-film transistors (TFT), and actual display panels to analyze device stability and panel product characteristics. Through electrical analysis of the MIM capacitor, it was confirmed that the charging effect in the PI substrates intensified as the PI curing temperature increased. The threshold voltage shift (ΔVth) of the samples was found to increase with rising curing temperature under negative bias temperature stress (NBTS) due to the charging effect. Our analyses also show that increasing ΔVth exacerbates the image sticking phenomenon observed in display panels. These findings ultimately present a direct correlation between the curing temperature of polyimide substrates and the panel image sticking phenomenon, which could provide an insight into the improvement of future PI-substrate-based displays.
Genomic analysis of a rare recurrent Listeria monocytogenes prosthetic joint infection indicates a protected niche within biofilm on prosthetic materials
Authors: Hutchins Chloe , Sayavedra Lizbeth , Diaz Maria , Gupta Puja , Tissingh Elizabeth , Elumogo Chiamaka , Nolan John , Charles Ian , Elumogo Ngozi , Narbad Arjan
Published: November 2021

Listeria monocytogenesis a rare cause of prosthetic joint infections (PJI). In this study, we describe a case of recurrentL. monocytogenesinfections, 39 months apart, following debridement and retention of a prosthetic hip. Despite numerous studies reporting persistentL. monocytogenesin human infections, the genomic and phenotypic changes that clinically relevant strains undergo in the host are poorly understood. Improved knowledge of how PJI occurs is needed to improve the management of prosthetic infections. We used a combination of long- and short-read sequencing to identify any potential genomic differences between twoL. monocytogenesisolates that occurred over 39-month incubation in the host. The isolates, QI0054 and QI0055, showed three single nucleotide polymorphisms and three insertions or deletions, suggesting that the recurrent infection was caused by the same strain. To identify potential differences in the capacity for persistence of these isolates, their biofilm-forming ability and potential to colonize prosthesis-relevant materials was investigated both in microtitre plates and on prosthetic material titanium, stainless steel 316 and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. Whilst theL. monocytogenesisolate from the most recent infection (QI0055) was able to form higher biofilm in microtitre plates, this did not lead to an increase in biomass on prosthetic joint materials compared to the initial isolate (QI0054). Both clinical isolates were able to form significantly more biofilm on the two metal prosthetic materials than on the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, in contrast to reference strain Scott A. Transcriptomics revealed 41 genes overexpressed in biofilm state and 643 in planktonic state. Moreover, genes with mutations were actively expressed in both isolates. We conclude the isolates are derived from the same strain and hypothesize thatL. monocytogenesformed biofilm on the prosthetic joint materials, with minimal exposure to stresses, which permitted their survival and growth.
Polarization-dependent optical responses in natural 2D layered mineral teallite
Authors: Tripathi Ravi P. N. , Yang Xiaodong , Gao Jie
Published: November 2021

Multi-element layered materials enable the use of stoichiometric variation to engineer their optical responses at subwavelength scale. In this regard, naturally occurring van der Waals minerals allow us to harness a wide range of chemical compositions, crystal structures and lattice symmetries for layered materials under atomically thin limit. Recently, one type of naturally occurring sulfide mineral, ternary teallite has attained significant interest in the context of thermoelectric, optoelectronic, and photovoltaic applications, but understanding of light-matter interactions in such ternary teallite crystals is scarcely available. Herein, polarization-dependent linear and nonlinear optical responses in mechanically exfoliated teallite crystals are investigated including anisotropic Raman modes, wavelength-dependent linear dichroism, optical band gap evolution, and anisotropic third-harmonic generation (THG). Furthermore, the third-order nonlinear susceptibility of teallite crystal is estimated using the thickness-dependent THG emission process. We anticipate that our findings will open the avenue to a better understanding of the tailored light-matter interactions in complex multi-element layered materials and their implications in optical sensors, frequency modulators, integrated photonic circuits, and other nonlinear signal processing applications.
Dibrominated addition and substitution of alkenes catalyzed by Mn2(CO)10
Authors: Song Xianheng , Meng Shanshui , Zhang Hong , Jiang Yi , Chan Albert S. C. , Zou Yong
Published: November 2021

Manganese-catalyzed radical dibrominated addition/substitution of alkenes using N-bromosuccinimide is disclosed in this study.
Data undersampling models for the efficient rule-based retrosynthetic planning
Authors: Park Min Sik , Lee Dongseon , Kwon Youngchun , Kim Eunji , Choi Youn-Suk
Published: November 2021

Undersampling models are suitable for large imbalanced datasets, improving the prediction of retrosynthetic templates for target molecules, saving time and computational resources required for training.
Decay of hydrogen bonding in mixtures of aliphatic heptanols and bistriflimide ionic liquids
Authors: Pokorný Václav , Štejfa Vojtěch , Růžička Květoslav , Červinka Ctirad
Published: November 2021

There is a distinct hierarchy of hydrogen bonding strength and stability among various constituent isomers of heptanol. The presence of aprotic ionic liquids affects hydrogen bonding similarly to a significant temperature increase. Decay of this hydrogen bonding propagates curious shapes due to the excess heat capacity of these mixtures.
The role of coordination strength in solid polymer electrolytes: compositional dependence of transference numbers in the poly(ε-caprolactone)–poly(trimethylene carbonate) system
Authors: Eriksson Therese , Mace Amber , Mindemark Jonas , Brandell Daniel
Published: November 2021

A linear dependence of the lithium transference number and the composition of the polyester–polycarbonate copolymer electrolyte host material was discovered, and the coordination properties causing the trend were investigated with DFT calculations.
Capturing ethylene glycol with dimethyl carbonate towards depolymerisation of polyethylene terephthalate at ambient temperature
Authors: Tanaka Shinji , Sato Junichi , Nakajima Yumiko
Published: November 2021

A strategy of capturing ethylene glycol with dimethyl carbonate in the catalytic methanolysis of polyethylene terephthalate enabled depolymerization at ambient temperature.
Visible-light-driven prompt and quantitative production of lactic acid from biomass sugars over a N-TiO2 photothermal catalyst
Authors: Cao Yingying , Chen Dandan , Meng Ye , Saravanamurugan Shunmugavel , Li Hu
Published: November 2021

Biomass sugars can be quantitatively upgraded to lactic acid in water over a visible-light-activated N-TiO2 photothermal catalyst under mild conditions (60 °C, 0.5–2 h).
From symmetrical tetrasulfides to trisulfide dioxides via photocatalysis
Authors: Gong Kai , Zhou Yilin , Jiang Xuefeng
Published: November 2021

A photocatalytic strategy for accessing trisulfides dioxides has been established. Flow-setup synthesis was achieved on the gram scale, indicating industrial potential.
pH-responsive hollow Fe–gallic acid coordination polymer for multimodal synergistic-therapy and MRI of cancer
Authors: Liu Congcong , Li Chengcheng , Jiang Sen , Zhang Cheng , Tian Yang
Published: November 2021

Tumor-microenvironment (TME) responsive nanostructures are attractive for drug delivery in clinical cancer treatment.
A core–shell superparamagnetic metal–organic framework: a recyclable and green catalyst for the synthesis of propargylamines
Authors: Arefi Elham , Khojastehnezhad Amir , Shiri Ali
Published: November 2021

This is the first report on the use of a magnetic metal–organic framework for the green synthesis of propargylamine derivatives.
Bimetallic Ag–Cu-trimesate metal–organic framework for hydrogen sulfide removal
Authors: Gupta Nishesh Kumar , Bae Jiyeol , Kim Kwang Soo
Published: November 2021

Bimetallic Ag-Cu-trimesate metal-organic framework was fabricated for H2S mineralization. The MOF was partially regenerated using H2O2 solution for five cycles.
Molecular conformational twist-controlled wide fluorescence tuning and white light emission in a single fluorophore via halochromism
Authors: Gayathri Parthasarathy , Nag Probal , Anand Neethu , Vennapusa Sivaranjana Reddy , Pannipara Mehboobali , Al-Sehemi Abdullah G. , Moon Dohyun , Anthony Savarimuthu Philip
Published: November 2021

Conformational differences-controlled fluorescence response of carbazole and triphenylamine appended cyano-pyridine donor–acceptor derivatives towards organic acids (TFA/PTSA).
Construction and performance of a simple and efficient g-C3N4 photocatalytic hydrogen production system
Authors: Xu Yun , Wang Xuewei , Zhu LingFeng , An Ran , Qi Zhulin , Wu Haisu , Miao Tifang , Li Longfeng , Fu Xianliang
Published: November 2021

This work proves that the reaction in weak alkaline solution is an effective and simple method to improve the activity of CN. In addition to NaOH, LiOH, KOH, Ca(OH)2 and Ba(OH)2 also have similar promoting effects.
Fabrication of BP2T functionalized graphene via non-covalent π–π stacking interactions for enhanced ammonia detection
Authors: Li Hu , Duan Tianbo , Sher Omer , Han Yuanyuan , Papadakis Raffaello , Grigoriev Anton , Ahuja Rajeev , Leifer Klaus
Published: November 2021

Non-covalent functionalization of graphene has been achieved by employing π–π stacking interactions, and it is promising for ammonia detection with greatly enhanced sensitivity.
Structural characterization, anti-inflammatory and glycosidase inhibitory activities of two new polysaccharides from the root of Pueraria lobata
Authors: Cai Jiale , Zhong Xiaoting , Liang Jiayin , Xu Can , Yu Huanzheng , Xian Minghua , Yan Chunyan , Wang Shumei
Published: November 2021

Through the extraction, isolation and purification of Pueraria lobata, we identified two new polysaccharides with molecular weights of 9.1 × 103 Da and 3.8 × 103 Da, and found that they have excellent anti-inflammatory and glycosidase inhibitory effects.
A new chemical compound with an unusual ratio of number of carbon and nitrogen atoms – C(N12): quantum-chemical modelling
Authors: Chachkov Denis V. , Mikhailov Oleg V.
Published: November 2021

The possibility of the existence of tetracyclic carbon–nitrogen compounds having the unusual carbon : nitrogen ratio 1 : 12, which is unknown for these elements at the present, was shown.
Correction: Effects of aluminum chloride and coenzyme Q10 on the molecular structure of lipids and the morphology of the brain hippocampus cells
Authors: Saeed Abdu , Qusti Safaa Y. , Almarwani Rawan Hamdan , Jambi Ebtihaj J. , Alshammari Eida M. , Qusty Naeem F. , Balgoon Maha J.
Published: November 2021

Correction for ‘Effects of aluminum chloride and coenzyme Q10 on the molecular structure of lipids and the morphology of the brain hippocampus cells’ by Abdu Saeed et al., RSC Adv., 2021, 11, 29925–29933, DOI: 10.1039/D1RA03786B.
Incorporating fluorescent nanomaterials in organically modified sol–gel materials – creating single composite optical pH sensors
Authors: Bartoš Dávid , Rewers Morten , Wang Lu , Sørensen Thomas Just
Published: November 2021

Optical sensors hold the promise of providing the coupling between the tangible and the digital world that we are currently experiencing with physical sensors.
Polymers in molten inorganic salt hydrate phase change materials: solubility and gelation
Authors: Rajagopalan Kartik Kumar , Karimineghlani Parvin , Zhu Xiuzhu , Shamberger Patrick J. , Sukhishvili Svetlana A.
Published: November 2021

Molten inorganic salt hydrates as unique solvents for polymers and the application of polymer gels for thermal energy storage are highlighted.
Flexible but robust Ti3C2Tx MXene/bamboo microfibril composite paper for high-performance wearable electronics
Authors: Zhu Wei-Bin , Yi Feng-Lian , Huang Pei , Zhang Hao , Tang Zhen-Hua , Fu Ya-Qin , Wang You-Yong , Huang Jun , Dong Guang-He , Li Yuan-Qing , Fu Shao-Yun
Published: November 2021

This work reports a flexible yet robust Ti3C2Tx MXene/bamboo microfibril (BF) composite paper via a simple vacuum filtration process.
Predicting intrinsic antiferromagnetic and ferroelastic MnF4 monolayer with controllable magnetization
Authors: Xu Shaowen , Jia Fanhao , Cheng Xuli , Ren Wei
Published: November 2021

MnF4 monolayer is predicted to an antiferromagnetic and ferroelastic material with magnetic anisotropy and magneto-elastic coupling, which can be effectively controlled by biaxial strain or carrier doping.
Live-cell visualization of cytochrome c: a tool to explore apoptosis
Authors: Pessoa João
Published: November 2021

Apoptosis dysfunction is associated with several malignancies, including cancer and autoimmune diseases. Apoptosis restoration could be an attractive therapeutic approach to those diseases. Mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization is regarded as the point of no return in the ‘classical’ apoptosis triggering pathway. Cytoplasmic release of cytochrome c (cyt c), a mitochondrial electron transporter, is a prominent indicator of such critical step. Therefore, visualizing cyt c efflux in living cells is a convenient approach to address apoptosis triggering and monitor performance of apoptosis restoration strategies. Recent years have been prolific in the development of biosensors to visualize cyt c mitochondrial efflux in living cells, by fluorescence microscopy. These biosensors specifically detect endogenous, untagged cyt c, while showing efficient cellular uptake and reduced cell toxicity. A common aspect is their fluorescence quenching in the absence or presence of bound cyt c, resulting in two main biosensor types: ‘turn ON’ and ‘turn OFF’. In some of these systems, fluorescence intensity of fluorophore-bound aptamers is enhanced upon cyt c binding. In others, cyt c binding to quantum dots quenches their fluorescence. In the present minireview, I describe these biosensors and briefly introduce some hypotheses that could be addressed using these novel tools.
Quantised control for local Mittag–Leffler stabilisation of fractional‐order neural networks with input saturation: A refined sector condition
Authors: Fan Yingjie , Huang Xia , Wang Zhen , Li Yuxia
Published: November 2021

This brief focuses on the local Mittag–Leffler stabilisation of fractional‐order neural networks via quantised control with input saturation. First, a refined sector condition is put forward, which can deal with the problem of the simultaneous existence of quantiser effect and actuator constraint. With the aid of refined sector condition, theoretical analysis on the local Mittag–Leffler stabilisation of the resulting closed‐loop systems is carried out by using some inequality techniques on Mittag–Leffler function and fractional‐order Lyapunov theory. In addition, two convex optimisation schemes are respectively developed to minimise the cost of actuators and to enlarge the admissible initial region. Finally, a three‐neurons fractional‐order neural networks is applied to illustrate the effectiveness of the derived results.
Comparative analysis of leakage current suppression capability of forward‐clamped and reverse‐clamped H10 three‐phase inverters
Authors: Ma Haixiao , Shao Pengcheng , Lan Zhaixing
Published: November 2021

Non‐isolated inverters have the disadvantage of large leakage current, which will damage the equipment and personal safety. In order to solve this problem, this paper proposes two H10 three‐phase inverter topologies named forward‐clamped and reverse‐clamped H10 inverters. Each of the topologies is composed of two DC bus switches, a clamping circuit and a traditional three‐phase inverter, but the clamping method of these two topologies is different. A general control strategy combining carrier modulation and logic operation for these two topologies are proposed. The control strategy allows the common‐mode voltage of these two topologies to vary between one third and two thirds of the DC bus voltage, but the frequency of the common‐mode voltage of the reverse‐clamped inverter is three times that of the forward‐clamped inverter. The loop impedance of the reverse‐clamped inverter increases significantly at high frequency, so the leakage current suppression capability is better. Simulation and experiment platforms of the inverter systems are built. The obtained results verify the correctness of the theoretical analysis.
A survey of Blockchain technologies applied to software‐defined networking: Research challenges and solutions
Authors: Nam Nguyen Hai , Anh Tran Hai , Fowler Scott , Souihi Sami
Published: November 2021

Software‐Defined Networking (SDN) brought a groundbreaking idea to facilitate network system management by decoupling and abstracting the Control plane and Data plane of traditional networks. The centralised control offers network administrators many benefits such as a global view of the network, programmability, dynamic updating of forwarding rules, and software‐based traffic analysis. The SDN architecture has been applied a lot in practice, and especially in Internet of Things (IoT) platforms. With the superiority of SDN, IoT devices can be managed and configured much more easily when combined. However, SDN also raises many challenges in terms of scalability, reliability, and security. Blockchain is another promising solution for secure information storage and transmission technology that operates without a centralised authority. Applying Blockchain technology into SDN can address some of the current issues of SDN by providing decentralised methods to authenticate exchanged network information. This study provides a comprehensive survey on Blockchain technologies applied to SDN in both security and non‐security fields. First, related studies and an overview of SDN and the background of Blockchain technology are presented. Then, the authors review how Blockchain technologies are applied in SDN from two perspectives: non‐security and security‐aware approaches. Finally, challenges and broader perspectives are discussed.
Fire Resistance Performance of Fiber Reinforced Geopolymer Concrete: Review
Authors: Alzeebaree Radhwan , Mawlod Arass Omer , Amen Dillshad K. , Younis Khaleel H. , Mohammedameen Alaa
Published: November 2021

Geopolymer is a relatively new substance that has sparked a surge of research into nearly every field of geopolymers in recent years. It's still on the verge of becoming a competitive OPC concrete alternative. Mechanical, hardness, and fire resistance properties of geopolymer are exceptional. There has been no/limited research on the effect of fiber integration on fire resistance of geopolymer concrete. In fire-exposed concrete, fiber can help to resist spalling. The goal of this study is to develop materials that exhibit eco-friendly properties and better fire-resistant behavior. Moreover, the combined effect of binder materials and different fibers on the fire resistance of geopolymer concretes. According to the findings, the fire resistance of fiber-reinforced geopolymer concretes increased in the order of carbon fiber-based GPC, micro-steel fiber-based GPC, hooked steel fiber-based GPC, and polypropylene fiber-based GPC. Furthermore, as compared to slag and metakaolin-based GPC, fly ash-based GPC has greater stability and fire resistance. Fiber-reinforced GPC can also be used as a sustainable and durable building material in various construction applications where high performance is needed.
Behavioral Investigation of Reinforced Concrete T-Beams with Distributed Reinforcement in the Tension Flange
Authors: Abbas Rafaa M. , Fadala Wesal A.
Published: November 2021

Current design codes and specifications allow for part of the bonded flexure tension reinforcement to be distributed over an effective flange width when the T-beams' flanges are in tension. This study presents an experimental and numerical investigation on the reinforced concrete flanged section's flexural behavior when reinforcement in the tension flange is laterally distributed. To achieve the goals of the study, numerical analysis using the finite element method was conducted on discretized flanged beam models validated via experimentally tested T-beam specimen. Parametric study was performed to investigate the effect of different parameters on the T-beams flexural behavior. The study revealed that a significant reduction in the beam flexural strength with increasing deflection is encountered as a sizable percentage of reinforcement is distributed over the wider flange width. The study recommended that not more than 33% of the tension reinforcement may be distributed over an effective flange width not wider than ℓn/10. This result confirms and agrees well the ACI 318 limit on the effective width to be less than ℓn/10.
Comparative Analysis of Feature Extraction and Pixel-based Classification of High-Resolution Satellite Images Using Geospatial Techniques
Authors: Musleh Alaa Adnan , Jaber Hussein Sabah
Published: November 2021

Two common techniques for classifying satellite imagery are pixel-based and Feature extraction image analysis methods. Typically, for agreements reached imaging, pixel-based analysis is used, whereas high-resolution imagery is suitable for Feature extraction analysis. However, In the classification of moderate images, image segmentation's ability depending on criteria such as shape, color, texture, and spatial features in Feature extraction image analysis implies it can perform better than pixel-based analysis. A comparative study of the two methods was performed using Sentinel-2 imagery from 18 May 2020 to categorize LU/LC in the City of Baghdad, Iraq. After calculating LU/LC for Baghdad images' capital, a supervised classification was performed using the two methods. The images used have been the support vector machines (SVM) and the maximum likelihood classification (MLC) for pixel-based method and Feature extraction method, which is available in ENVI and ArcGIS software packages, respectively. Land cover and land use classes included five Groups (vegetation area, asphalt road, soil area, water body, and built-up) was found that the Feature extraction methodology produced higher overall accuracy and Kappa index in the city of Baghdad image. The highest achieved accuracy for the Feature extraction technique was overall accuracy 95% with Kappa index 0.94 of SVM and overall accuracy of 92% with Kappa index 0.90 of MLC. In comparison, the highest accuracy for the pixel-based was overall accuracy 88% with Kappa index 0.84 of SVM and overall accuracy 86% with Kappa index 0.82 of MLC.
Registration of synchronous geomagnetic pulsations and proton aurora during the substorm on March 1, 2017
Authors: Varlamov Ilya , Parnikov Stanislav , Ievenko Igor , Baishev Dmitry , Shiokawa Kazuo
Published: November 2021

Data of synchronous geomagnetic pulsations and proton aurora registrations were analyzed during the substorm on March 1, 2017 at Zhigansk (L=4.5, induction magnetometer), Maimaga (L=4, all-sky imager and Yakutsk (L = 3.3, induction magnetometer) stations, simultaneously with satellite measurement of EMIC waves. Ground-based registration of proton aurora is very difficult due to the fact that their intensity is much lower than the aurora intensity caused by precipitations of electrons, but in the event of substorm activity at the zenith of Maimaga station, a narrow (1 degree in latitude) proton arc was observed. Irregular pulsations of the diminishing periods (IPDPs) in the range of Pc1 geomagnetic pulsations associated with the injection of energetic protons were recorded simultaneously at Zhigansk and Yakutsk stations. This is the first report when STEVE (Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement) was observed in the course of a substorm with the onset at 12:45 UT after the decay of Pc1-associated proton arc. It is shown that the proton arc and geomagnetic pulsations are a consequence of ion-cyclotron instability in the area of the outer plasmasphere overlapping by energetic protons.
The modes of magnetic field generation in a low-mode model of αΩ-dynamo with α-generator varying intensity regulated by a function with an alternating kernel
Authors: Sheremetyeva Olga V. , Godomskaya Anna N.
Published: November 2021

The low-mode model αΩ-dynamo is used in this paper to simulate the modes of magnetic field generation with insignificant changes in the velocity field of a viscous fluid. In the framework of those model the α-effect intensity is regulated by the process that is included in the magnetohydrodynamic system (MHD-system) as an additive correction as a functionalZ(t) depended on the magnetic field energy. Function that determines damped oscillations with variable damping frequency and constant damping coefficient, taken equal to one, is selected as kernelJ(t) of functionalZ(t). The research of the behavior of the magnetic field is carried out on large time scales, therefore, a rescaled and dimensionless MHD-system with the unit of time iquel the time of the magnetic field dissipation (104years) for numerical calculations is used. The control parameters of the system are the Reynolds number and the amplitude of the α-effect, that include information about the large-scale and turbulent generators, respectively. Numerical simulation of the magnetic field generation modes was carried out for the values of the damping coefficientb= 1 and frequencya= 0.1, 0.5, 1, 5, 10. According to the results of numerical simulation, an increase in the values of the damping frequency, when the damping coefficient is equal to one, is characterized by a decrease in the inhibitory effect of the processZ(t) on the α-effect and an increase in the region of divergence of the magnetic field on the phase plane of the control parameters. In a comparative analysis with the results of the authors’ work, where the change of the α-effect intensity was determined by the functionZ(t) with an exponential kernel and the same value of the damping coefficient, the following differences were noted: an increase in oscillations in both a magnetic and a velocity fields, the appearance of a chaotic regime of magnetic field generation at the value of the damping frequency equal to one, and also insignificant narrowing of the region of α-effect suppression at values of the damping frequency increasing to one.
The source parameters of earthquakes of Bishkek geodynamic proving ground (Northern Tien Shan)
Authors: Sycheva Naylya
Published: November 2021

Based on the method of polarity of signs of P-waves, the focal mechanisms of 1674 earthquakes with M ≥ 1.6, which occurred on the territory of the Bishkek geodynamic proving ground (BGPG) from 1994 to 2020, were determined. Some characteristics of the complete catalogue are presented. Quantitative distributions by the type of mechanisms and diagrams of azimuths of the main stress axes are constructed. A variety of focal mechanism of earthquake is observed, most of them are reverse fault, oblique reverse fault, and horizontal strike-slip fault. The compression axis for most of the events has a north-northwest direction and a sub-horizontal position. For 183, dynamic parameters (DP, source parameters) were obtained: spectral density Ω0, corner frequency f0, scalar seismic moment M0, source radius (Brune radius) r, and stress drop Δσ. The correlations between DP and energy characteristic (magnitude) and scalar seismic moment are investigated. The smallest correlation coefficient was obtained for stress drop.
Functional Threshold Power Estimated from a 20-minute Time-trial Test
is Warm-up-dependent
Authors: Tramontin Artur Ferreira , Borszcz Fernando Klitzke , Costa Vitor
Published: November 2021

This study investigated the influence of different warm-up protocols on
functional threshold power. Twenty-one trained cyclists
(˙VO2max=60.2±6.8 ml·kg−1·min−1)
performed an incremental test and four 20-min time trials preceded by different
warm-up protocols. Two warm-up protocols lasted 45 min, with a 5-min
time trial performed either 15 min (Traditional) or 25 min
(Reverse) before the 20-min time trial. The other two warm-up protocols lasted
25 min (High Revolutions-per minute) and 10 min (Self-selected),
including three fast accelerations and self-selected intensity, respectively.
The power outputs achieved during the 20-min time trial preceded by the
Traditional and Reverse warm-up protocols were significantly lower than the High
Revolutions-per-minute and Self-selected protocols (256±30;
257±30; 270±30; 270±30 W, respectively).
Participants chose a conservative pacing strategy at the onset (negative) for
the Traditional and Reverse but implemented a fast-start strategy (U-shaped) for
the High revolutions-per-minute and Self-selected warm-up protocols. In
conclusion, 20-min time-trial performance and pacing are affected by different
warm-ups. Consequently, the resultant functional threshold power may be
different depending on whether the original protocol with a 5-min time trial is
followed or not.
Effect of Air Tamponade among Patients with Epiretinal Membranes and Intraretinal Cystoid Changes Undergoing Vitrectomy with Membrane Peeling – A Prospective
Randomized Trial
Authors: Leisser Christoph , Ruiss Manuel , Pilwachs Caroline , Hienert Julius , Stjepanek Kristina , Findl Oliver
Published: November 2021

Background The effect of air tamponade among patients undergoing vitrectomy with membrane peeling for removal of epiretinal membranes (ERM) is controversially discussed. The aim of
the present study was to analyze differences in outcomes between air tamponade and balanced salt solution (BSS) in a study population with preoperative intraretinal cystoid changes.

Patients and Methods This randomized study included patients scheduled for pars plana vitrectomy with membrane peeling owing to ERM and intraretinal cystoid changes. Air tamponade or
BSS at the end of surgery was applied according to preoperative randomization. Optical coherence tomography and best-corrected distance visual acuity (DCVA) measurements were performed
before surgery, 5 days after surgery, and 3 months after surgery.

Results From 96 patients included, 85 eyes had full follow-up and could be included for analysis. Median improvement of DCVA was + 16 EDTRS letters (IQR: 8 to 22) among patients with
BSS, while it was + 13 EDTRS letters (IQR: 8 to 17) among patients with air tamponade. There was a trend for better improvement of DCVA when BSS was left at the end of surgery, compared to
air tamponade, but not reaching statistical significance.

Conclusions There were no statistically significant differences concerning resorption of preoperative intraretinal cystoid changes, improvement of visual acuity, and final DVCA
between air tamponade and BSS.
Solvent- and Metal-Controlled Regiodivergent Synthesis of Tri­fluoromethylated Pyrazol-3-yl- and Pyrazol-5-ylphosphonates
Authors: Mitrofanov Alexander Yu. , Beletskaya Irina P. , Bychkova Valentina A. , Kalugin Danila A.
Published: November 2021

Convenient approaches to the selective syntheses of trifluoro­methylated pyrazol-3-yl- and pyrazol-5-ylphosphonates have been developed based on solvent- and metal-controlled reaction of diethyl (4,4,4-trifluoro-3-oxobut-1-yn-1-yl)phosphonate and monosubstituted hydrazines.
Klinik Unternehmen: Auf-/Absteiger des Monats
Authors: Schmidt Hartmut
Published: November 2021

Börsenexperte Hartmut Schmidt analysiert für kma die Jahresabschlüsse ausgewählter Kliniken.
Lage der Medizintechnikbranche: Leichte Erholung nach dem ersten Corona-Krisenjahr
Authors: Hohnstein Aileen
Published: November 2021

Die Medizintechnikbranche in Deutschland befindet sich seit dem Beginn der Pandemie in einer schwierigen Lage, bestimmte Bereiche können aber wieder mit besseren Umsatzergebnissen als im Vorjahr rechnen. Die EU-Medizinprodukte-Verordnung stellt die MedTech-Unternehmen jedoch weiter vor Herausforderungen und wird als größte Entwicklungshürde wahrgenommen.
Strukturprüfungen: Bürokratischer Irrsinn mit Methode
Authors: Doelfs Guntram
Published: November 2021

Schwammig formulierte Vorgaben, Bürokratieexzesse, eigenwillige Interpretationen – die Strukturprüfungen durch die Medizinischen Dienste stehen seit Monaten in der Kritik. Im August reagierte das BMG und verlangte vom BfArM Konkretisierungen für auslegungsfähige Strukturmerkmale, um Rechtssicherheit zu schaffen. Die liegen nun vor – doch die grundsätzliche Kritik ebbt nicht ab.
Krankenhausalarm- und Einsatzpläne: Sensibilisiert für das Extreme
Authors: Kohrs Jens
Published: November 2021

Wenn es extrem kritisch wird, sollten gerade die Krankenhäuser verlässlich funktionieren. Egal ob Hochwasser, Stromausfall oder Terroranschlag – für derartige Situationen brauchen sie eine gute Alarmund Einsatzplanung. Bislang allerdings sehen Krisenmanager dabei noch viel Luft nach oben.
Klinik-Neubauprojekte: Bauen am Limit
Authors: Hofrichter Linus , Kirch Julia
Published: November 2021

Noch nie gab es so viele Neubauwettbewerbe in paralleler Bearbeitung wie in den letzten zwei Jahren. Was von Vorteil für Unternehmen und Bevölkerung ist, wirft Fragen auf. Kommen bei den zahlreichen Großprojekten die Kapazitäten der Planer und Bauindustrie, die ohnehin schon ausgelastet sind, an ihre Grenzen?
A cluster-based model of COVID-19 transmission dynamics
Authors: Shayak B. , Sharma Mohit M.
Published: November 2021

Many countries have manifested COVID-19 trajectories where extended periods of constant and low daily case rate suddenly transition to epidemic waves of considerable severity with no correspondingly drastic relaxation in preventive measures. Such solutions are outside the scope of classical epidemiological models. Here, we construct a deterministic, discrete-time, discrete-population mathematical model called cluster seeding and transmission model, which can explain these non-classical phenomena. Our key hypothesis is that with partial preventive measures in place, viral transmission occurs primarily within small, closed groups of family members and friends, which we label as clusters. Inter-cluster transmission is infrequent compared with intra-cluster transmission but it is the key to determining the course of the epidemic. If inter-cluster transmission is low enough, we see stable plateau solutions. Above a cutoff level, however, such transmission can destabilize a plateau into a huge wave even though its contribution to the population-averaged spreading rate still remains small. We call this the cryptogenic instability. We also find that stochastic effects when case counts are very low may result in a temporary and artificial suppression of an instability; we call this the critical mass effect. Both these phenomena are absent from conventional infectious disease models and militate against the successful management of the epidemic.
Aspects of strong electron–phonon coupling in superconductivity of compressed metal hydrides MH6 (M = Mg, Ca, Sc, Y) with Im-3m structure
Authors: Baňacký Pavol , Noga Jozef
Published: November 2021

Recently, YH6 was the first to be synthesized of the theoretically predicted stable compressed MH6 hydrides with bcc Im-3m crystal structures. Superconductivity of pressurized YH6 was confirmed, with a critical temperature (Tc) considerably lower than the value predicted by the Migdal–Eliashberg (ME) theory. Here, we present a theoretical re-investigation of the superconductivity of selected MH6 hydrides. Our results confirm that YH6 and ScH6 with Im-3m structure, at the requisite GPa pressures, are superconductors but with an anti-adiabatic character of the superconducting ground state and a multiple-gap structure in the one-particle spectrum. The transition into the superconducting state is driven by strong electron–phonon coupling with phonons of H atom vibrations. Based on the anti-adiabatic theory, the calculated critical temperature Tc in YH6 is ≈231 K, i.e., just ≈7 K higher than the experimental value. For ScH6, the calculated critical temperature is Tc ≈ 196 K. This value is 27 K higher than the former theoretical prediction. There are unexpected results for CaH6 and MgH6 in the Im-3m structure at necessary GPa pressures. The calculated band structures (BSs) indicate that in CaH6 and MgH6, the couplings to H stretching vibrations do not induce transitions into the superconducting anti-adiabatic state, and these hydrides remain stable in an adiabatic metal-like state, which contradicts former predictions of the ME theory. These discrepancies are discussed in association with the BS structures and the possible role of d-orbitals on the involved metals, in which we stress that the anti-adiabatic theory uses the BS topology and its stability as a key input.
Role of metal contacts on the electric and thermoelectric response of hBN/WSe2 based transistors
Authors: Timpa Salvatore , Rahimi Mehrdad , Rastikian Jacko , Suffit Stéphan , Mallet François , Lafarge Philippe , Barraud Clément , Della Rocca Maria Luisa
Published: November 2021

Transition metal dichalcogenides represent an emergent platform for energy conversion solutions at the nanoscale. The thermoelectric performances of devices based on two-dimensional materials rely not only on the electric and thermal properties of the used materials but also on device engineering. In actual devices, hybridization effects at the semiconductor/metal interface strongly affect the local band structure with important consequences on charge injection and thermoelectric response. Here, we investigate the role of different metal contacts (Ag, Pd, Co, Ti) on the electric and thermoelectric properties of hexagonal boron nitride-supported few layers WSe2 transistors. In our devices, we reveal a metal contact-dependent Seebeck response with high values of the Seebeck coefficient (S), up to ∼180μV/K, and power factors (PF=S2σ) as high as 2.4μW/cmK2 (Co), in agreement with the state-of-the-art. Metal electrodes for which weak interface hybridization is theoretically expected (Ag) show the lowest electrical conductivity and the highest Seebeck coefficient. On the opposite, for expected strong interface hybridization (Pd, Co, Ti), electrical conductivity increases and slightly reduced S values are measured. Our work unveils the importance of metal contacts engineering to optimize the thermoelectric performances of actual few layers transition metal dichalcogenides based transistors.
Thermoelectric behaviors of ZnO mesoporous thin films affected by strain induced from the different dopants radii (Al, Ga, and In)
Authors: Hong Min-Hee , Choi Haryeong , Kim Younghun , Shim Dong Il , Cho Hyung Hee , Park Hyung-Ho
Published: November 2021

This study considered effects from thermoelectric property changes due to mesoporous thin film ZnO lattice deformation through doping with various group III elements. The distorted hexagonal wurtzite structure occurred in the ZnO thin film due to ion size differences between Zn and other doping elements. These strains cause distortion, resulting in reduced mobility because they inhibit grain growth and reduce crystallinity. Al doping induced the largest strain since it represented the largest ionic radius difference from Zn, whereas strain differences between Ga and In doped ZnO were almost negligible. In is larger than Zn, whereas Al and Ga dopants have a smaller atomic radius. Thus, carrier concentration for the smaller ion was 18%–26% higher than for the larger ion, and electroconductivity and carrier concentration increased 2–3.5- and 5–10-fold, respectively, with increasing dopant concentration, regardless of the doping element. Ga was the best candidate among the group III elements for doping a ZnO thin film, achieving the highest power factor of 8.01 at 323 K. We verified that thermoelectric properties could be improved by controlling dopant concentration, being influenced from inducing crystal lattice deformation through ion radius differences between the dopant and Zn.
Thermal conductivity of α-U with point defects
Authors: Peng Jie , Deskins W. Ryan , Malakkal Linu , El-Azab Anter
Published: November 2021

We develop a theoretical model for thermal conductivity of α-U that combines density functional theory calculations and the coupled electron–phonon Boltzmann transport equation. The model incorporates both electron and phonon contributions to thermal conductivity and achieves good agreement with experimental data over a wide temperature range. The dominant scattering mechanism governing thermal transport in α-U at different temperatures is examined. By including phonon–defect and electron–defect scatterings in the model, we study the effect of point defects including U-vacancy, U-interstitial, and Zr-substitution on the thermal conductivity of α-U. The degradation of anisotropic thermal conductivity due to point defects as a function of defect concentration, defect type, and temperature is reported. This model provides insights into the impact of defects on both phonon and electron thermal transport. It will promote the fundamental understanding of thermal transport in α-U and provide a ground for investigation of coupled electron–phonon transport in metallic materials.
Lasing below 170 nm using an oscillator FEL
Authors: Wu Y. K. , Mikhailov S. , Yan J. , Wallace P. , Popov V. , Pentico M. , Swift G. , Ahmed M. W. , Kochanneck L. , Ehlers H. , Jensen L. O.
Published: November 2021

The short wavelength operation of free-electron laser (FEL) oscillators is limited by the availability of high-reflectivity, thermally stable, and radiation-resistant FEL mirrors in the vacuum UV (VUV) wavelength. We report our recent work to extend the shortest lasing wavelength of the oscillator FEL to 168.6 nm using a storage ring FEL. This progress has been made possible by developing a new FEL configuration with substantially reduced undulator harmonic radiation on the FEL mirror, a thermally stable FEL optical cavity, and a new type of high-reflectivity fluoride-based multilayer coating with a protective capping layer. Using these fluoride-based mirrors, we have demonstrated storage ring FEL lasing from 168.6 to 179.7 nm with excellent beam stability. Employing this VUV FEL in Compton scattering, we have produced the first 120 MeV gamma rays at the High Intensity Gamma-ray Source (HIGS). Operating the HIGS in this new high-energy region will create many new opportunities for photonuclear physics research, in particular, the low-energy quantum chromodynamics research.
Ultralow lattice thermal conductivity and high thermoelectric performance of penta-Sb2C monolayer: A first principles study
Authors: Liu Xin , Zhang Dingbo , Wang Hui , Chen Yuanzheng , Wang Hongyan , Ni Yuxiang
Published: November 2021

In this study, by utilizing the first-principles calculation coupled with the Boltzmann transport theory, we comprehensively study the thermoelectric (TE) properties of the Sb2C monolayer. The calculated results show that the Sb2C monolayer owns an inherent ultra-low lattice thermal conductivity of 0.88 W m−1 K−1 at 300 K, which originates from small phonon group velocities, large Grüneisen parameters, and short phonon lifetimes. The Sb2C monolayer also exhibits excellent electrical transport properties mainly due to the degeneration of the bottom conduction bands, which increases the Seebeck coefficient of the n-type doped samples and thus yields a larger power factor. Based on the extremely low lattice thermal conductivity and superior electrical transport performance, a large ZT value of 2.71 for the n-type doped Sb2C monolayer at 700 K is obtained. Our results quantify Sb2C monolayers as promising candidates for building outstanding thermoelectric devices.
Development of digitally processed DC reactive sputtering and its application to the synthesis of (Er0.1Y0.9)2SiO5 layered crystalline thin film
Authors: Isshiki Hideo , Tanaka Yasuhito , Kasumi Tomoki , Nakamura Ghent , Saisho Shinichiro
Published: November 2021

We have developed a digitally processed DC reactive sputtering (DPDRS) system that enables synthesis of arbitrarily designed atomically precise deposition of metal oxide compounds. Pulsed-DC sputtering employing a digital pulse pattern generator can perform the temporally alternating process of multiple metal sputtering and oxidation. High-speed switching of the pulsed-DC sputtering process driven by the digital signal processing was confirmed from time-resolved plasma emission spectroscopy. Metal sputtering, which was temporally separated from the oxidation process, resulted in a deposition rate higher than 1 μm/h. It was also found that the temporally separated radical oxidation at the deposited metal surface could control the oxidation process. The DPDRS was applied to layer-by-layer synthesis of (Er0.1Y0.9)2SiO5 (EYSO) films oriented to the ⟨100⟩ direction. The deposition rate for each metal target (Er and Y) was adjusted to 0.86 nm/cycle corresponding to a d-spacing of the (100) plane by changing independently the duty ratio of the base pulse for plasma generation. X-ray diffraction measurements indicated a formation of ⟨100⟩ highly oriented (Er0.1Y0.9)2SiO5 crystalline thin films. Photoluminescence spectra and the decay characteristics also showed synthesis of high crystalline quality EYSO films better than those obtained by pulsed laser deposition.
Ultrathin HfO2 passivated silicon photocathodes for efficient alkaline water splitting
Authors: Zhang Doudou , Liang Wensheng , Sharma Astha , Butson Joshua D. , Saraswathyvilasam Aswani Gopakumar , Beck Fiona J. , Catchpole Kylie R. , Karuturi Siva
Published: November 2021

HfO2 has many favorable characteristics for use in energy conversion devices including high thermodynamic stability, good chemical stability in corrosive electrolytes, high refractive index, and wide bandgap. Here, we report surface passivation of a c-Si photocathode by ultrathin HfO2 prepared using atomic layer deposition as an effective approach for enhancing its photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance. The effect of the thickness of HfO2, deposition temperature, and annealing in forming gas on the passivation performance are systematically investigated. We demonstrate that the Si photocathode with a p+/n/n+ structure decorated with a Ni3N/Ni cocatalyst and an HfO2 interlayer follows a metal–insulator–semiconductor mechanism with thicker HfO2 films proving detrimental to the PEC performance. The Si photocathode passivated with a 1 nm HfO2 layer exhibits an enhancement in the onset potential by 100 mV, an applied-bias photon-to-current efficiency of 9%, and improved operational stability. This work provides insights into the application of HfO2 as a passivating layer for Si photoelectrodes for solar hydrogen production.