bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
KREDITNI DERIVATI KAO FINANSIJSKE INOVACIJE NA TRŽIŠTU BOSNE I HERCEGOVINE
Authors: Grujić Miloš
Published: July 2021

Empirijska rasprava o efektima uvođenja finansijskih inovacija na finansijskim tržištima nikada ne jenjava. Uprkos širokoj upotrebi, ocjeni rejting agencija i velikom prometu, tržište kreditnih derivata se i dalje smatra novim i nedovoljno istraženim. S druge strane, jačanje finansijske krize iz 2008. godine se ne može u potpunosti pripisati upotrebi kreditnih derivata, iako su oni imali značajnu ulogu u širenju krize. Iako su Zakonom o tržištu kapitala predviđeni finansijski derivati, na tržištu kapitala u Bosni i Hercegovini oni još nisu korišteni. S tim u vezi, ozbiljni autoriteti u oblasti finansijskog menadžmenta zagovaraju upotrebu kreditnih derivata za transfer kreditnog rizika jer se tako mogu značajno smanjiti iznosi gubitaka u slučaju nastanka kreditnog događaja. Ova mogućnost dobija na značaju nakon šoka uzrokovanog pandemijom virusa korona. U radu ispitujemo hipotezu po kojoj postoji značajan prostor za inovacije na domaćem tržištu kapitala. Cilj rada je analizirati sve relevantne faktore koji utiču na nastanak i razvoj kreditnih derivata. U istraživanju su korištene metode analize, sinteze, dedukcije kao i odabrani alati poslovne i finansijske analize. Primarno su korišteni sekundarni izvori podataka, poput naučne i stručne literature, te javno dostupnih statističkih baza podataka. Zaključak pokazuje da je moguće i poželjno uvođenje kreditnih derivata na tržište te navodimo domete i ograničenja, ali i identifikujemo prepreke za uvođenje ovakvih inovacija.
Novel LOTUS-domain proteins are organizational hubs that recruit C. elegans Vasa to germ granules
Authors: Cipriani Patricia Giselle , Bay Olivia , Zinno John , Gutwein Michelle , Gan Hin Hark , Mayya Vinay K , Chung George , Chen Jia-Xuan , Fahs Hala , Guan Yu , Duchaine Thomas F , Selbach Matthias , Piano Fabio , Gunsalus Kristin C
Published: July 2021

We describe MIP-1 and MIP-2, novel paralogous C. elegans germ granule components that interact with the intrinsically disordered MEG-3 protein. These proteins promote P granule condensation, form granules independently of MEG-3 in the postembryonic germ line, and balance each other in regulating P granule growth and localization. MIP-1 and MIP-2 each contain two LOTUS domains and intrinsically disordered regions and form homo- and heterodimers. They bind and anchor the Vasa homolog GLH-1 within P granules and are jointly required for coalescence of MEG-3, GLH-1, and PGL proteins. Animals lacking MIP-1 and MIP-2 show temperature-sensitive embryonic lethality, sterility, and mortal germ lines. Germline phenotypes include defects in stem cell self-renewal, meiotic progression, and gamete differentiation. We propose that these proteins serve as scaffolds and organizing centers for ribonucleoprotein networks within P granules that help recruit and balance essential RNA processing machinery to regulate key developmental transitions in the germ line.
The coefficient of determination R-squared is more informative than SMAPE, MAE, MAPE, MSE and RMSE in regression analysis evaluation
Authors: Chicco Davide , Warrens Matthijs J. , Jurman Giuseppe
Published: July 2021

Regression analysis makes up a large part of supervised machine learning, and consists of the prediction of a continuous independent target from a set of other predictor variables. The difference between binary classification and regression is in the target range: in binary classification, the target can have only two values (usually encoded as 0 and 1), while in regression the target can have multiple values. Even if regression analysis has been employed in a huge number of machine learning studies, no consensus has been reached on a single, unified, standard metric to assess the results of the regression itself. Many studies employ the mean square error (MSE) and its rooted variant (RMSE), or the mean absolute error (MAE) and its percentage variant (MAPE). Although useful, these rates share a common drawback: since their values can range between zero and +infinity, a single value of them does not say much about the performance of the regression with respect to the distribution of the ground truth elements. In this study, we focus on two rates that actually generate a high score only if the majority of the elements of a ground truth group has been correctly predicted: the coefficient of determination (also known asR-squared orR2) and the symmetric mean absolute percentage error (SMAPE). After showing their mathematical properties, we report a comparison betweenR2and SMAPE in several use cases and in two real medical scenarios. Our results demonstrate that the coefficient of determination (R-squared) is more informative and truthful than SMAPE, and does not have the interpretability limitations of MSE, RMSE, MAE and MAPE. We therefore suggest the usage ofR-squared as standard metric to evaluate regression analyses in any scientific domain.
The effects of hip- and ankle-focused exercise intervention on dynamic knee valgus: a systematic review
Authors: Sahabuddin Farhah Nadhirah Aiman , Jamaludin Nazatul Izzati , Amir Nurul Hidayah , Shaharudin Shazlin
Published: July 2021

Background

A range of non-contact injuries such as anterior cruciate ligament tear, and patellofemoral pain syndrome are caused by disordered knee joint loading from excessive dynamic knee valgus (DKV). Previous systematic reviews showed that DKV could be modified through the influence of hip strength and ankle range of motion. Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review was to examine the effects of exercise intervention which involved either top-down or bottom-up kinetic chains on minimizing DKV in male and female adults and adolescents, with and without existing knee pain.

Methodology

Electronic searches were conducted in SAGE, Science Direct, SCOPUS, and Pubmed. The search strategy consisted of medical subject headings and free-text search keywords, synonyms and variations of ‘exercise intervention,’ ‘knee alignment,’ ‘dynamic knee valgus’, ‘knee abduction’ that were merged via the Boolean operator ‘AND’ and ‘OR’. The search was conducted on full-text journals that documented the impact of the exercise intervention program involving either the bottom-up or top-down DKV mechanism on the knee kinematics. Furthermore, exercise intervention in this review should last at least one week which included two or three sessions per week. This review also considered both men and women of all ages with a healthy or symptomatic knee problem. The risk of bias of the included studies was assessed by Cochrane risk assessment tool. The protocol of this review was registered at PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42021219121).

Results

Ten studies with a total of 423 participants (male = 22.7%, female = 77.3%; adults = 249, adolescents = 123; pre-adolescent = 51) met the inclusion criteria of this review. Seven studies showed the significant effects of the exercise intervention program (range from two weeks to ten weeks) on reducing DKV. The exercise training in these seven studies focused on muscle groups directly attached to the knee joint such as hamstrings and gastrocnemius. The remaining three studies did not show significant improvement in DKV after the exercise intervention (range between eight weeks to twelve weeks) probably because they focused on trunk and back muscles instead of muscles crossing the knee joint.

Conclusion

Exercises targeting specific knee-joint muscles, either from top-down or bottom-up kinetic chain, are likely to reduce DKV formation. These results may assist athletes and coaches to develop effective exercise program that could minimize DKV and ultimately prevent lower limb injuries.
El Derecho administrativo ante la jurisprudencia de la Corte Suprema, III: Líneas y vacilaciones durante 2020
Authors:   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Vergara Blanco Alejandro
Published: July 2021

Este texto es la continuación de trabajos anteriores sobre las líneas y vacilaciones de la jurisprudencia de la Corte Suprema en veinte temas relevantes de la praxis de derecho administrativo, el que ahora se actualiza para el año calendario 2020. Sintetiza y grafica el resultado de una investigación de un caudal de 329 sentencias de la Corte Suprema del año señalado. Su formato es sintético. Respecto de cada tema se señala: los hechos que dan origen a la conflictividad; la ratio iuris decidendi; gráficos en que queda en evidencia la conducta lineal o zigzagueante tanto de la Sala como de sus ministros y abogados integrantes; un análisis de tal comportamiento; y, un recuento exhaustivo de sentencias. El resultado es distinto al del primer y segundo estudio: si bien persisten algunas vacilaciones de la Corte Suprema, durante 2020 existe un aumento de temas con jurisprudencia uniforme. No obstante que se mantiene alguna conducta errática de algunos de sus ministros y abogados integrantes.
Técnicas y propuesta metodológica para el control de legalidad de los actos administrativos reglados y discrecionales
Authors:   Universidad de Concepción (Chile), Huepe Artigas Fabián
Published: July 2021

El presente trabajo propone un método práctico de control de legalidad de los actos administrativos a través de varios pasos, iniciando con la identificación y análisis de los elementos del acto administrativo, su cobertura normativa y la detección del vicio de ilegalidad del acto en relación con la norma jurídica infringida. Para ello, el autor acude a la técnica de control de los actos administrativos discrecionales, pero adaptándola para todo tipo de actos.
Supply Chain and Logistics of Fish: A Case Study of Jamalpur District Markets in Bangladesh
Authors: Haque Syed Ariful , Islam Md. Fakhrul , Rahman Mohammad Chhiddikur , Islam Md. Saiful , Rahman Md. Mokhlasur
Published: July 2021

Fishery sector plays a vital role in the socio-economic development of Bangladesh. In the fish economy of Bangladesh, one of the most flourishing traffic activities is fish marketing. This study was aimed to investigate the fish species availability, supply chain, quality loss, price behavior and constrains associated with fish marketing in order to provide better suggestion for efficient fish marketing in Jamalpur district of Bangladesh. Data were collected form Sadar upazila markets by using a structured interview schedule, focus group discussions (FGD) and key informant interviews (KII) with the stakeholders involved in supplying fish from farm to fork, such as- aratdars, retailers, and consumers during 2020-21. A total 78 fish species were found (72 Fresh water and 2 Marine water), among them 20 frequently, 17 less amount, 25 occasionally, and 16 species were rarely available in the market. It was estimated that 72% fish species were sourced from culture fishery whereas 28% were from capture fishery. About 91.5% fishes in Jamalpur markets were supplied locally, whereas rests were from other districts. The post-harvest quality losses of fish in the sampled markets were assessed which indicate that small indigenous species (SIS) spoiled quicker than medium to large sizes fishes due to different factors. The price behavior of the fish market influenced by the demand of the fish species, quality, size, catching sources (culture fishery or capture fishery) and the purchasing time (beginning, middle or last time of market). The study found positive correlation between the market price and fish quality. Several problems of fish market were identified resulting consumer dissatisfaction and financial losses for fish traders. Considering the importance of fish market to the economy, this study suggested to take necessary steps for establishing modern fish market to ensure the adequate quality maintenance of fish with efficient marketing.
Effect of Variety and Planting Arrangement on Weed Control and Yield Performance of Transplanted Aman Rice
Authors: Adhikary Vashkar , Hasan Mehedi , Fakir Ashraful Alam , Sultana Sonia , Rahman Md. Moshiur , Hasan Ahmed Khairul
Published: July 2021

An experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during June to November 2016 in order to find out the effect of variety and planting arrangement on weed control and yield performance of transplanted Aman rice. The experiment consisted of four varieties viz., Binadhan-7, Binadhan-12, Binadhan-17 and Binadhan-16 and five planting arrangement viz. 25cm × 20cm, 25cm × 15cm, 20cm × 20cm, 20cm × 15cm and 15cm × 15cm. The experiment was laid out in Split Plot Design with three replications. Results indicated that the highest weed density (90.93 m-2), weed biomass (131.87 gm-2), leaf chlorophyll content (SPAD value) (40.02), sterile spikelets panicle-1 (76.86) ,% sterility panicle-1 (28.66), grain yield (4.51 t ha-1) and straw yield (4.63 t ha-1) were obtained from Binadhan-17. The variety Binadhan-7 showed the best performance in respect of number of total tillers hill-1 (11.06), number of effective tillers hill-1 (10.12) compared to the other varieties used in the study. The highest leaf chlorophyll content (SPAD value) (36.48), plant height (99.72 cm), panicle length (22.03 cm), number of total tillers hill-1 (10.21) and number of effective tillers hill-1 (9.45) were found at 25 cm × 20 cm planting arrangement. The highest grain yield (4.31 t ha-1) was recorded from 20cm × 15cm planting arrangement. The interaction between variety and planting arrangement showed numerically higher grain yield (5.38 t ha-1) from Binadhan-7 at 20cm × 15cm planting arrangement, whereas the lowest grain yield (2.61 t ha-1) was achieved from the variety Binadhan-12 at 15cm × 15cm planting arrangement. It can be concluded that Binadhan-7 at 20cm × 15cm planting arrangement may be used for achieving the best yield with less weed interference in Aman season.
Prediction Bankruptcy of Retail Company: Based on Financial Ratios and Corporate Governance
Authors: Purwaningsih Sri
Published: July 2021

Aims: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of financial ratios and corporate governance on the dependent variable, namely financial distress. Financial distress is measured using the Altman Zscore approach in 1995.

Study Design: The design used in this research is causal research.

Place and Duration of Study: The object of this research is companies in the retail sector listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2017-2019. The research sample was 22 samples using the purposive sampling method. So the total data was 66 companies.

Methodology: The analytical method used is quantitative, namely the approach to data processing through statistical or mathematical methods collected from secondary data. It is hoped that the conclusions obtained in a study will be more measurable and comprehensive.

Results: The results obtained that the financial ratios proxied through the current ratio and debt-equity ratio influence predicting the bankruptcy of the company, while the Total Assets Turn Over variable, good corporate governance variables such as the number of independent commissioners and the frequency of audit committee meetings are not able to provide an influence in predicting corporate bankruptcy.
Effect of Heat Stress on the Relationship between SPAD and Chlorophyll Content in Indian Mustard Genotypes
Authors: Chugh Priya , Sharma Pushp
Published: July 2021

Aims: To find the relationship between the non-destructive and destructive methods for the evaluation of photosynthetic pigments under field condition concerning heat stress conditions.

Study Design:  The crop was sown in factorial randomized block design in three replication.

Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted during the (2016-2018) rabi crop season for two years. The crop was sown under timely and late sown condition in the research farm of Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana

Methodology: In the present investigation forty-nine advanced breeding lines of Indian mustard were sown under two planting conditions. The data recorded for photosynthetic pigments by calorimetric method by non-destructive methods at three crop stages i.e vegetative, flowering and siliquing.  The relationship between these parameters was carried out by correlation and regression analysis.

Results: Regression analysis indicated a non-linear relationship at vegetative stage under both sowing conditions, but at flowering stage, slope of the relationship increased with increasing SPAD and a linear relationship was observed (R2= 0.0362) as compared to vegetative stage. A significant and strong correlation was observed between total chlorophyll (siliquing stage) and SPAD value (flowering stage) in timely sown crop. Positive correlation existed between SPAD value and total chlorophyll at flowering stage and carotenoid content at siliquing stage.

Conclusion: The variation in the SPAD value and chlorophyll value is strongly related with the species, distribution of chlorophyll in leaf and hence chloroplast also. The lower value of regression coefficient and insignificant values of correlation might due to non-destructive SPAD values under field condition and sampling for calorimetric estimations.
Chemical and Biological Studies on the Goldenberry (Physalis peruviana L.) on Hyperglycemic Rats
Authors: Yousef Eman, A. , Boriy Esmail G. , Lotfy Lamiaa, M.
Published: July 2021

The aim this investigate was to see if the medicine goldenberry fruits (Physalis peruviana L.) could help lower blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglycerides. The results of the chemical composition of goldenberry fruits were found to be a high source of antioxidants and which contain a high level of hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemic such as phenolic compounds, ascorbic acid and ꞵ-carotenoid. The results showed that dried goldenberry fruits powder could be added to replace up to 5 and 10 % of hyperglycemic -diet respectively. Experimental hyperglycemic rats were fed for six weeks on diet contain dried goldenberry at extent 5% or 10% except normal control (G1) was fed on basal diet. Hyperglycemic rats fed on diets substituted in a part with 5% and10 % dried goldenberry the results showed that supplementing the hyperglycemic-producing diets with the additive goldenberry had significant decrease in serum glucose, lipid profile (cholesterols, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein LDL and very low density lipoprotein vLDL-cholesterol). Meanwhile, high density lipoprotein HDL cholesterol increased with all treatments, significant reduction in alanine aminotransferase ALT, aspartate aminotransferase AST, alkaline phosphatase ALP, and total bilirubin values, in respect to positive control were also observed.
Analysis of the Physicochemical Parameters and Microbiological Quality of Water Samples Obtained from Mbiaso River and Enang Stream in Ikot Ekpene Metropolis
Authors: Okokon Ekanem, Jonathan , Ime Akpan, Nyaknoabasi , Msubaritoma Zorbari, Glory
Published: July 2021

The physicochemical, microbiological and heavy metal studies of water samples obtained from Mbiaso River and Enang Stream were investigated. Water samples were collected from two locations with two sampling points from each location along the course of the water body based on their use by the community and analysed using standard procedures. The results obtained were compared with WHO standards for drinking and recreational water. Aside titratable acidity, titratable alkalinity and BOD, all other physicochemical parameters were within the permissible standards. All the heavy metals concentrations were above the permissible limits except for Lead (Pb) that ranged between 0.01mg/l to 0.05 mg/l for all the sampling points. All the water samples were found to harbor coliforms organisms in numbers greater than the required WHO standards for water except for Enang river that lacked the presence of Vibrio spp. The total viable counts for all the water samples were generally high exceeding the standard limit of 1.0 x 102 cfu/ml for water. The total heterotrophic bacteria count, total coliform count, faecal coliform count and total fungal count ranged between 1.9x104 - 52x104 cfu/ml, 2.3x104 -38 x104 cfu/ml, 1.7x104 - 30x104 cfu/ml and 2.5x104 - 5.3x104 cfu/ml respectively. The total salmonella-shigella counts and total staphylococcus counts were in the range of 0.2 x102-0.4 x102 cfu/ml and 0.3 x102 -0.6 x104 cfu/ml respectively. From the study, it is suggested that some regulations measures be put in place to control pollution of the water while the water be properly treated before use for domestic, potable or recreational purposes.
Hospital Based Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 and Clinico-Demographic Profile of COVID-19 Patients: A Study from a Tertiary Care Hospital of North India
Authors: Farhana Anjum , Khan Shoaib , Khan Reyaz , Amin Umara
Published: July 2021

Aims: To find out the prevalence, predominant risk factors and various clinico-demographic variables among patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 during the first year of the pandemic.

Study Design: Hospital based, cross sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Postgraduate department of Microbiology, Government Medical College, Srinagar, and associated hospitals, between March 2020 and March 2021.

Methodology: Individuals with acute respiratory infection (ILI and SARI), high risk contacts and asymptomatic close contacts of COVID-19 positive patients, hospitalized patients dated for surgeries, pregnant women near expected date of deliveries, travellers were screened. A confirmed case of Covid-19 was defined as a positive result on real-time RT-PCR assay of nasopharyngeal and or Oropharyngeal swab specimens. A total of 2,17,665 samples were collected and processed over a period of one year.

Results: Out of 2,17,665 samples, 61.3% were males and 38.7% were females, overall mean age was 34.3 years. 24,009 (11%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection, among them 63.5% were males while 36.5% were females, the mean age observed was 35.3 years. Highest positivity was observed in the age group of 30 – 39 years (22%), followed by 20 -29 years (20.4%), 12 (0.1%). Among positive cases, 19.4% had a history of contact with a lab confirmed case of SARS-CoV-2, 4.3% were HCW’s and 2.6% were pregnant females. 929 (3.9%) patients who tested positive had presented with SARI. Fever was the most common symptom (62%), followed by cough (41%) and fatigue was reported by 37% patients. Comorbidities were present in 23.2% patients, of which Hypertension 10.8% was the most common, followed by COPD 4.9% and Diabetes mellitus 4%.

Conclusion: As evident from our study, COVID-19 has a high positivity (11%) in our region, with males twice more likely susceptible than females. High percentages (62%) of people were symptomatic at presentation, while severe disease was seen in only 3.9% patients. Early aggressive testing is essential to decrease the morbidity and mortality rates associated with COVID-19.
Outcome and Associated Factors among Adult Tetanus Patients Admitted to Jimma University Medical Center: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Tekle Enisha , Mehertab Markos , Lamba Dheeraj , Moren Rebecca , Bagilkar Vinod V.
Published: July 2021

Background: Although, tetanus is a vaccine preventable disease mortality remains high. And despite the establishment of intensive care unit in Jimma University Medical Center the overall mortality reaches up to 40%. This study will question why the outcome of patients has not improved despite the improvement in the setup of ICU and tries to come up with possible associated factors that prognosticated the outcome.

Objective: The objective of this study will be to assess the outcome and factors associated with adult tetanus patients treated at JUMC, ICU from 1st Nov 2019 to 31st March 2021.

Methodology: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at JUMC on admitted patients with the diagnosis of tetanus. The study recruited all admitted patients from 1st Nov 2019 to 31st March 2021 at medical and surgical ICU. A structured checklist will be developed and the relevant information from the patients’ card will be entered in the structured checklist. Outcome will be defined as a binary variable (death, survival) independent variables will be examined for possible association with the dependent variable. Descriptive statistics like means, frequency and tabulations will be used.

Conclusion: Tetanus has high case fatality rate. Prevention of tetanus could have minimized the mortality. Delayed health care seeking by patients had determinant role for management outcome.
Specific Exercise for Spine can Improve Lumbar Spondylosis: A Case Report
Authors: Zade Ruchika , Sahu Priyanka , Shende Gunjan , Fating Tejaswini , Phansopkar Pratik
Published: July 2021

Background: At some stage in their lives, between 60-85% of adults suffer from low back pain (LBP). Fortunately, symptoms are mild and intermittent for the vast majority of people, with 90 percent subsidization within six weeks. An approximate 15-45 percent of the individuals affected by chronic back pain, defined as symptoms such as pain that last beyond 3 months. The effect on the livelihoods and economic results are significant for the minority with intractable symptoms. Considering the high incidence of low back pain, the diagnostic strategy and treatment options are complex and sometimes conflicting and within the general population. Rising the expense and inconsistency of management throughout the nation. In fact, this is because it is impossible for most patients to establish a particular etiology, with established axial spine-wide nociceptive pain generators identified.
Clinical Finding: Patient having complaint of pain in lower back region and Radiated in the posterior part of the thigh, as well as lower limb numbness. Morning stiffness was present. On examination active movement (Range of Motion) of lumbar flexion, lumbar Extension and lumbar lateral flexions lightly restricted and painful at the end of range of motion.
Diagnosis: MRI was done, it shows posterior annulus tear on the level of L4-L5, L4-L5 –Diffuse disc bulge with right-sided bulge subarticular is disc protrusion causing indentation on anterior thecal sac with moderate to severe narrowing of bilateral neural foramina with propensity toward right side with compression of traversing and exiting nerve roots.
Conclusion: This case report provides patient with inclusive recovery which helped her to relieve pain.
Population dynamics and comparative demographics in sympatric populations of the round‐leaved orchidsPlatanthera macrophyllaandP. orbiculata
Authors: Berry Eric J. , Cleavitt Natalie L.
Published: July 2021

Orchids (Orchidaceae) are a family of flowering plants with a high proportion of threatened taxa making them an important focus of plant conservation. Orchid conservation efforts are most effective when informed by reliable demographic research. We utilized transition matrix models to examine the population dynamics and demography within sympatric populations of a species pair of terrestrial round‐leaved orchids,Platanthera macrophyllaandP. orbiculata. The models were parameterized from a large data set spanning 9 years from field observations of over 1,000 orchids. Life table response experiments (LTRE) were used to identify which life history transitions, and which vital rates within those transitions, most contributed to observed differences between the two species and most contributed to interannual variation within each species. Results from mean transition matrices projected finite rates of population growth that were not significantly different between the two species, withP. macrophyllanear the replacement rate andP. orbiculatabelow it. LTRE revealed that the difference in population growth rates between the two species was mostly due to differences in fecundity (flowering adult to protocorm transition) driven by differences in fruit set and seed germination into protocorm, which were much greater forP. macrophylla. The two primary contributors to interannual variation in population growth rates for both orchids were adult survival and fruit set, respectively. These findings indicate that any environmental disturbances harming adult survival or fecundity will have a disproportionately negative effect on the orchid populations.
Fault diagnosis and fault‐tolerant control of uncertain network control systems
Authors: Gu Zhaoyu , Yao Lina
Published: July 2021

In this article, the equivalent control strategy based on Laplace transform is proposed for the problem of stochastic delay in networked control systems. The original system is transformed into an equivalent control system without random delay block by Laplace transform. Then, a new augmented variable and equivalent control system is introduced to construct an augmented system. An adaptive fault diagnosis observer is designed based on the augmented system. The adaptive turning rate of the observer is obtained by solving the corresponding linear matrix inequality. Based on the information of online fault diagnosis and state estimation, a fault‐tolerant controller based on PI control strategy is designed to compensate the fault. Finally, a model of the switched reluctance motor system is considered to show the effectiveness of this method.
Parallel Polar Dimers in the Columnar Self‐Assembly of Umbrella‐Shaped Subphthalocyanine Mesogens
Authors: Lehmann Matthias , Baumann Maximilian , Lambov Martin , Eremin Alexey
Published: July 2021

The self‐assembly of umbrella‐shaped mesogens is explored with subphthalocyanine cores and oligo(thienyl) arms with different lengths in the light of their application as light‐harvesting and photoconducting materials. While the shortest arm derivatives self‐assemble in a conventional columnar phase with a single mesogen as a repeating unit, the more extended derivatives generate dimers that pile up into liquid crystalline columns. In contrast to the antiparallel arrangement known from single crystals, the present mesogens align as parallel dimers in polar columnar phases as confirmed by X‐ray scattering, experimental densities, dielectric spectroscopy, second harmonic generation, alignment, and conductivity studies. UV–vis and fluorescence spectroscopies reveal a broad absorption in the visible range and only weak emission of the Q‐band. Thus, these light‐collecting molecules forming strongly polar columnar mesophases are attractive for application in the area of photoconductive materials.
Electrostatic Flocking of Insulative and Biodegradable Polymer Microfibers for Biomedical Applications
Authors: McCarthy Alec , John Johnson V. , Saldana Lorenzo , Wang Hongjun , Lagerstrom Matthew , Chen Shixuan , Su Yajuan , Kuss Mitchell , Duan Bin , Carlson Mark A. , Xie Jingwei
Published: July 2021

Electrostatic flocking, a textile engineering technique, uses Coulombic driving forces to propel conductive microfibers toward an adhesive‐coated substrate, leaving a forest of aligned fibers. Though an easy way to induce anisotropy along a surface, this technique is limited to microfibers capable of accumulating charge. This study reports a novel method, utilizing principles from the percolation theory to make electrically insulative polymeric microfibers flockable. A variety of well‐mixed, conductive materials are added to multiple insulative and biodegradable polymer microfibers during wet spinning, which enables nearly all types of polymer microfibers to accumulate sufficient charges required for flocking. Biphasic, biodegradable scaffolds are fabricated by flocking silver nanoparticle (AgNP)‐filled poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) microfibers onto substrates made from 3D printing, electrospinning, and thin‐film casting. The incorporation of AgNP into PCL fibers and use of chitosan‐based adhesive enables antimicrobial activity against methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The fabricated scaffolds demonstrate both favorable in vitro cell response and new tissue formation after subcutaneous implantation in rats, as evident by newly formed blood vessels and infiltrated cells. This technology opens the door for using previously unflockable polymer microfibers as surface modifiers or standalone structures in various engineering fields.
Grain‐Boundary Engineering of Monolayer MoS2 for Energy‐Efficient Lateral Synaptic Devices
Authors: Wang Xuewen , Wang Bolun , Zhang Qinghua , Sun Yufei , Wang Enze , Luo Hao , Wu Yonghuang , Gu Lin , Li Huanglong , Liu Kai
Published: July 2021

Synaptic devices based on 2D‐layered materials have emerged as high‐efficiency electronic synapses and neurons for neuromorphic computing. Lateral 2D synaptic devices have the advantages of multiple functionalities by responding to diverse stimuli, but they consume large amounts of energy, far more than the human brain. Moreover, current lateral devices employ several mechanisms based on conductive filaments and grain boundaries (GBs), but their formation is random and difficult to control, also hindering their practical applications. Here, four‐terminal, lateral synaptic devices with artificially engineered GBs are reported, which are made from monolayer MoS2. With lithography‐free, direct‐laser‐writing‐controlled MoS2/MoS2−xOδ GBs, such synaptic devices exhibit short‐term and long‐term plasticity characteristics that are responsive to electric and light stimulation simultaneously. This enables detailed simulations of biological learning and cognitive processes as well as image perception and processing. In particular, the device exhibits low energy consumption, similar to that of the human brain and much lower than those of other lateral 2D synaptic devices. This work provides an effective way to fabricate lateral synaptic devices for practical application development and sheds light on controllable electrical state switching for neuromorphic computing.
Tunable Structural Color Images by UV‐Patterned Conducting Polymer Nanofilms on Metal Surfaces
Authors: Chen Shangzhi , Rossi Stefano , Shanker Ravi , Cincotti Giancarlo , Gamage Sampath , Kühne Philipp , Stanishev Vallery , Engquist Isak , Berggren Magnus , Edberg Jesper , Darakchieva Vanya , Jonsson Magnus P.
Published: July 2021

Precise manipulation of light–matter interactions has enabled a wide variety of approaches to create bright and vivid structural colors. Techniques utilizing photonic crystals, Fabry–Pérot cavities, plasmonics, or high‐refractive‐index dielectric metasurfaces have been studied for applications ranging from optical coatings to reflective displays. However, complicated fabrication procedures for sub‐wavelength nanostructures, limited active areas, and inherent absence of tunability of these approaches impede their further development toward flexible, large‐scale, and switchable devices compatible with facile and cost‐effective production. Here, a novel method is presented to generate structural color images based on monochromic conducting polymer films prepared on metallic surfaces via vapor phase polymerization and ultraviolet (UV) light patterning. Varying the UV dose enables synergistic control of both nanoscale film thickness and polymer permittivity, which generates controllable structural colors from violet to red. Together with grayscale photomasks this enables facile fabrication of high‐resolution structural color images. Dynamic tuning of colored surfaces and images via electrochemical modulation of the polymer redox state is further demonstrated. The simple structure, facile fabrication, wide color gamut, and dynamic color tuning make this concept competitive for applications like multifunctional displays.
Effect of Solvent on the Interfacial Crystallinity in Sequentially Processed Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Ko Jongkuk , Kim Jaehoon , Song Hyung‐Jun , Park Yeseul , Kwak Jeonghun , Lee Changhee , Char Kookheon
Published: July 2021

It is important to specify and control factors that significantly affect the performance and stability of organic solar cells (OSCs). Bulk heterojunctions (BHJs) prepared by spin‐coating donor/acceptor mixtures form vertically and laterally complex nanostructures, making them difficult to specify and control. Herein, various solvent‐dissolved PTB7‐th/PC70BM‐based sequentially processed OSCs are demonstrated and their thin‐film properties in terms of interfacial crystallinity are compared. The crystallinity of the donor/acceptor interfaces and PC70BM over‐layers is effectively controlled by varying the boiling points of the PTB7‐th solvents in sequential processes. It is found that the structures of the PTB7‐th layers formed by solvents with lower boiling points, as well as the PC70BM over‐layers, have a higher degree of crystallinity, consequently improving the performance to a degree resembling that of BHJ cells. In addition, sequentially processed samples show much higher thermal stability than BHJ cells, which constitute a nano‐blend of donor and acceptor materials. When compared with BHJ cells, whose power conversion efficiency deteriorates within the initial 5 h of thermal treatment, all sequentially processed devices deposited by solvents with different boiling points show significant thermal stability. This work provides comprehensive insight into the interfacial crystallinity of sequentially processed OSCs in terms of efficiency and stability.
In‐Fiber Switchable Polarization Filter Based on Liquid Crystal Filled Hollow‐Filament Bragg Gratings
Authors: Rahnama Abdullah , Dadalyan Tigran , Mahmoud Aghdami Keivan , Galstian Tigran , Herman Peter R.
Published: July 2021

Femtosecond laser filaments are formed by surface aberration to open nano‐hole arrays, passing through the silica cladding and guiding core cross‐section of a standard telecommunication fiber. The hollow filament grating presents a strong capillarity effect to draw nematic liquid crystal (NLC) into homogeneous alignment with the cylindrical walls and presents a high birefringent response in the second‐order Bragg stopband. The NLC provides a strong extinction ratio of up to 20 dB over a ≈5 nm band with only a moderate insertion loss of <1 dB arising between the two polarization states of the shifted stopbands. The Bragg grating follows the thermo‐optic response of the NLC to further offer dynamic tuning and switching of the polarization extinction response without an increase in the insertion loss. The flexible laser writing enables tailoring of the Bragg spectral and polarization responses in the telecommunication C‐band.
Reconfigurable Parametric Amplifications of Spoof Surface Plasmons
Authors: Gao Xinxin , Zhang Jingjing , Luo Yu , Ma Qian , Bai Guo Dong , Zhang Hao Chi , Cui Tie Jun
Published: July 2021

Next‐generation inter‐chip communication requires ultrafast ultra‐compact interconnects. Designer plasmonics offers a possible route towards this goal. Further development of the plasmonic technique to circuit applications requires the direct amplification of plasmonic signals on a compact platform. However, significant signal distortions and limited operational speeds prevent the application of traditional MOS‐based amplifiers to plasmonics. Up to day, the amplification of surface plasmons without phase distortion has remained a scientific challenge. In this work, the concept of parametric amplification (PA) is transplanted to the plasmonics and is realized experimentally an ultrathin reconfigurable PA using a spoof surface plasmon polariton (SSPP) waveguide integrated with tunable and nonlinear varactors. The measured parametric gain in the experiment can reach up to 9.14 dB within a short nonlinear propagation length, for example, six SSPP wavelengths, in excellent agreement with the theoretical prediction. By tuning the bias voltage of varactors, the phase‐matching condition can be precisely controlled over a broad frequency band, enabling the authors to realize the multi‐frequency PA of plasmonic signals. Measured phase responses confirm that the plasmonic parametric amplifier can significantly suppress the signal distortions as compared with the traditional MOS‐based amplifier, which is a property highly desired for ultrafast wireless communication systems and integrated circuits.
Advanced High‐Voltage All‐Solid‐State Li‐Ion Batteries Enabled by a Dual‐Halogen Solid Electrolyte
Authors: Zhang Shumin , Zhao Feipeng , Wang Shuo , Liang Jianwen , Wang Jian , Wang Changhong , Zhang Hao , Adair Keegan , Li Weihan , Li Minsi , Duan Hui , Zhao Yang , Yu Ruizhi , Li Ruying , Huang Huan , Zhang Li , Zhao Shangqian , Lu Shigang , Sham Tsun‐Kong , Mo Yifei , Sun Xueliang
Published: July 2021

Solid‐state electrolytes (SEs) with high anodic (oxidation) stability are essential for achieving all‐solid‐state Li‐ion batteries (ASSLIBs) operating at high voltages. Until now, halide‐based SEs have been one of the most promising candidates due to their compatibility with cathodes and high ionic conductivity. However, the developed chloride and bromide SEs still show limited electrochemical stability that is inadequate for ultrahigh voltage operations. Herein, this challenge is addressed by designing a dual‐halogen Li‐ion conductor: Li3InCl4.8F1.2. F is demonstrated to selectively occupy a specific lattice site in a solid superionic conductor (Li3InCl6) to form a new dual‐halogen solid electrolyte (DHSE). With the incorporation of F, the Li3InCl4.8F1.2 DHSE becomes dense and maintains a room‐temperature ionic conductivity over 10−4 S cm−1. Moreover, the Li3InCl4.8F1.2 DHSE exhibits a practical anodic limit over 6 V (vs Li/Li+), which can enable high‐voltage ASSLIBs with decent cycling. Spectroscopic, computational, and electrochemical characterizations are combined to identify a rich F‐containing passivating cathode‐electrolyte interface (CEI) generated in situ, thus expanding the electrochemical window of Li3InCl4.8F1.2 DHSE and preventing the detrimental interfacial reactions at the cathode. This work provides a new design strategy for the fast Li‐ion conductors with high oxidation stability and shows great potential to high‐voltage ASSLIBs.
Integrating multiple inputs for soft red and white winter wheat
Authors: Steinke Kurt , Purucker Seth , Chilvers Martin
Published: July 2021

Michigan winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) growers continue to adopt intensive management strategies. However, instead of broadscale implementation of an entire collection of inputs simultaneously, practitioners question which inputs may better contribute to improved production. Studies evaluated soft winter wheat plant growth, grain yield, and expected economic net return for multiple agronomic and nutrient inputsacross varying production intensities. Field trials established in Richville and Lansing, MI, during 2017 and 2018 evaluated six agronomic inputs including: seeding rate, fungicide, plant growth regulator (PGR), autumn starter fertilizer, weekly nitrogen (N) applications, and a high N rate. Autumn‐applied starter fertilizer was the only individual input resulting in a consistent grain yield response. Removal of autumn starter fertilizer from high‐input (HI) management decreased grain yield an average of 1.6 Mg ha–1 while increasing grain yield 1.1 Mg ha–1 on average when added to low‐input (LI) management. Autumn starter fertilizer accounted for 71% of the grain yield difference between HI and LI. Although greater management intensity increased grain yield compared to LI management in 3 of 4 site‐years, expected net return was greater when utilizing LI management. Results suggest producers consider current soil, plant, and climate conditions at the time of application and across variabilities through the field as weather factors may control much of the uncertainty growers encounter when deliberating between individual or multiple input adoption.
Correlation and tolerance of garlic genotypes under nutrient stress conditions induced by organic farming
Authors: Zaki Haitham E. M. , Abdelrasheed Khaled G.
Published: July 2021

There is a growing interest in raising yields of organic farming to provide more nutritious food for a growing population. Garlic (Allium sativum L.) genotypes cultivated in a variety of environments therefore the yield of garlic can vary considerably between different regions of production. In this research, 21 garlic genotypes were evaluated for their tolerance to nutrient stress under the organic system. Nutrient stress was mediated by organic implementation where two nutrient sources were applied in a newly reclaimed soil; nutrient source‐A (plant‐derived compost) and B (plant–animal‐derived compost). Nutrient stress was adjusted in line with levels, A‐1 and B‐1 (100% N) and A‐2 and B‐2 (50% N). Significant differences were observed among garlic genotypes and white‐skin genotypes displayed a much greater tolerance for increasing stress level (A‐2 and B‐2) than colored‐skin genotypes. The principal component analysis showed that fresh and cured yields had the largest variances and ranged from 0.9803 to 5.036 t/feddan (fed.) and from 0.633 to 3.445 t/fed., respectively. Elwady and Clone‐5 provided the highest fresh yield (4.496 and 4.135 t/fed.) while the highest cured yield was produced from Clone‐5 and Clone‐22C (2.561 and 2.425 t/fed.). Elwady had the largest N use efficiency and Egyptian improved the agronomic efficiency of N. Elwady, Clone‐5, and Egyptian gave the highest stress tolerance indices. Cluster analysis clarified the genotype‐specific existence of nutritional stress. Cluster II was found to contain a group of genotypes, Elwady, Clone‐5, and Egyptian which closely developed high traits under stress conditions. This genotypes group is a good candidate for organic farming.
Vacuum Birefringence at the Gamma Factory
Authors: Karbstein Felix
Published: July 2021

The perspectives of studying vacuum birefringence at the Gamma Factory are explored. To this end, the parameter regime which can be reliably analyzed resorting to the leading contribution to the Heisenberg–Euler effective Lagrangian is assessed in detail. It is explicitly shown that—contrary to naive expectations—this approach allows for the accurate theoretical study of quantum vacuum signatures up to fairly large photon energies. The big advantage of this parameter regime is the possibility of studying the phenomenon in experimentally realistic, manifestly inhomogeneous pump and probe field configurations. Thereafter, two specific scenarios giving rise to a vacuum birefringence effect for traversing gamma probe photons are analyzed. In the first scenario the birefringence phenomenon is induced by a quasi‐constant static magnetic field. In the second case it is driven by a counter‐propagating high‐intensity laser field.
Improvement of interfacial interactions in CF/PEEK composites by an s‐PSF/graphene oxide compound sizing agent
Authors: Ren Tianning , Zhu Guangming , Hou Xiao , Li Ben , Hao Yujia
Published: July 2021

The interfacial interactions of carbon fiber (CF)‐reinforced polymer composites is a key factor affecting the overall performance of the material. In this work, we prepared a sulfonated poly(ether sulfone)–graphene oxide mixed sizing agent to modify the interface of CF/PEEK composites and improve the interfacial properties between the PEEK matrix and CF. Results showed that the mechanical and interfacial properties of CF/PEEK composites are improved by the sizing agent. Specifically, the flexural strength, flexural modulus and interlaminar shear strength of the materials reached 847.29 MPa, 63.77 GPa, and 73.17 MPa, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed markedly improved adhesion between the resin matrix and fibers. This work provides a simple and effective method for the preparation of high‐performance CF/PEEK composites, which can improve the performance of composites without degrading the mechanical property of pristine CF.