bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performing in bank means performing emotional labor: A case of front‐line female service providers in public sector banks
Authors: Hameed Filza , Anwar Muhammad Mudassar , Bashir Tayyaba , Qurrahtulain Khan , Iqbal Zafar
Published: September 2020

Emotions as well as emotional expressions are important for service‐providing organizations specifically banks. Service providers who give front‐line services in banks are required to regulate their emotional display for better service quality and bank image. In doing so, they engage in emotional labor either using surface acting and/or deep acting. Both sorts of acting that require effort consequently may lead to front‐line female service providers getting estranged from their work. In order to explore this imperative relationship, the current study investigated the effect of these emotional labor strategies on job disengagement. Front‐line female service providers were selected as sample and 262 responses were collected. The current study utilized quantitative research design, and data were collected using structured questionnaire in two time lags. The data analysis was carried out using Mplus. The study findings revealed contrary effects regarding the relationship between surface acting and job disengagement determining insignificant relationships. However, the negative connection between deep acting and job disengagement is confirmed. Both theoretical and practical implications of the study are also discussed.
Theexport‐ledgrowth in Malaysia: Does economic policy uncertainty and geopolitical risks matter?
Authors: Adedoyin Festus Fatai , Afolabi Joseph Olarewaju , Yalçiner Kürşat , Bekun Festus Victor
Published: September 2020

In spite of the fact that the connection between exports of goods and services and economic growth has for quite some time been talked about, the examination of the relationship in light of recent global events such as economic policy uncertainty and geopolitical risks is yet to be given the required attention. Various empirical researches have demonstrated that the export‐led growth hypothesis (ELGH) holds for singular nations in terms of overall economic development. However, this study re‐examines the ELGH with a special focus on the absolute and mediating impact of economic policy uncertainties and geopolitical risks. With data spanning the period 1980 to 2018. Empirical results from the Autoregressive distributed lag model and the error correction models suggest that for Malaysia, Economic Policy Uncertainty (EPU) exerts a negative impact on growth evens as its moderating impact on exports leads to negative economic growth. On the other hand, the impact of Geopolitical risk on growth is both negative and positive but insignificant in the short‐run and long‐run respectively. The study suggests the government of Malaysia works to ensure macroeconomic and political stability to achieve export‐driven growth in the country.
Stimuli‐responsive polyurethane bionanocomposites of poly(ethylene glycol)/poly(ε‐caprolactone) and [poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐grafted‐] cellulose nanocrystals
Authors: Ranjbar Hanieh Aghaiee , Nourany Mohammad , Mollavali Majid , Noormohammadi Fatemeh , Jafari Safora
Published: September 2020

In this study, in situ polyurethane (PU) bionanocomposites of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)/poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) polyols, bare cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and PCL‐grafted CNCs (G‐CNC) were synthesized with different contents of CNCs as cross‐linking agent to control the extent of phase separation. The effect of confining the chains between CNCs through urethane linkages and presence of PCL grafts on phase and crystallization behavior was evaluated. Crystallization and chemical networking were controlled to tune the shape fixity (SF) and recovery (SR) of the specimens, resulting in a SF of 100% for linear and PU nanocomposites of G‐CNC (0.5% and 1%) samples. The PU nanocomposite of G‐CNC (0.5%) was selected as the optimum sample with the highest SR of 100%. The effect of surface hydrophobicity on cellular behavior of Human Foreskin Fibroblast (as a normal cell) and HepG2 (as a cancerous cell) cells was evaluated. Cell adhesion analysis of the prepared samples indicated two different behaviors possibly due to the difference in the epigenetic nature of the cells and cellular integrin‐ based bonds showing a great potential for a variety of tissue engineering applications.
Neuro‐aesthetics and the iconography in photography
Authors: Jokeit Hennric , Blochwitz Daniel
Published: September 2020

Can neurosciences explain art? No, but it can help us to understand why some images are more memorable and, thus, more successful than others. This article aims to identify certain factors that may influence the artistic success of photographic images. These factors are discussed within the contexts of basic neuropsychological concepts, visual perception, and visual memory. A new computational and neuroscientifically based model, the predictive coding theory, provides a powerful framework for integrating social and individual factors that influence aesthetic experience and activity. A case study of Dorothea Lange's iconic photograph Migrant Mother demonstrates the importance of identifiable factors that influence and determine a photograph's potential success. We are convinced that a future systemic approach will enable the complementary integration of neuroscientific, perceptual, cognitive, emotional, and sociopsychological insights through the framework of predictive coding theory with socioscientific, art‐theoretical, and art‐historical as well as neuro‐ and behavioral‐economical models.
The angrier or the happier the more creative? The impact of anger and joy induction on creative problem‐solving and divergent thinking
Authors: Zhan Jun , Jiang Shuang , Luo Jing
Published: September 2020

In contrast to the conventional reasoning process that relies heavily on cognitive control, an individual's creativity may show an increasing trend when the cognitive control function is suppressed. A typical situation in which this occurs is low cognitive inhibition triggered by strong anger. In studies of the influence of anger on creativity, the creative tasks used were mostly divergent‐thinking tasks, and few studies have compared the impact of anger and joy on general thinking and creative thinking directly. In addition to using an Alternative‐Uses Task (AUT) that reflects divergent thinking, this study also adopted the matching routine and novel chunk‐decomposition tasks to evaluate general and novel problem‐solving, respectively. We also focused on the impact of angry and joy moods on creative tasks, comparing them with a control condition of neutral mood. The results revealed that the induction of an anger emotion promotes an individual's divergent thinking more than that of a joy emotion, and that both anger and joy are effective ways for creative problem‐solving. Furthermore, anger reduced the reaction time while joy increased the accuracy rate to facilitate the creative problem‐solving.
Is there a role for fetal interventions in gastroschisis management? – An updated comprehensive review
Authors: Willborg Brooke E. , Ibirogba Eniola R. , Trad Ayssa Teles Abrao , Sbragia Lourenço , Potter Dean , Ruano Rodrigo
Published: September 2020

We conducted a comprehensive evidence‐based review on the epidemiology and current standard of care of gastroschisis management as well as the pathophysiology, rationale and feasibility of fetal therapy as a viable alternative. Gastroschisis is a periumbilical abdominal wall defect characterized by abdominal viscera herniation in utero. It affects 4 in 10 000 live births, but the prevalence has steadily increased in recent years. Gastroschisis is typically diagnosed on routine second‐trimester ultrasound. The overall prognosis is favorable, but complex gastroschisis, which accounts for about 10% to 15% of cases, is associated with a higher mortality, significant disease burden and higher healthcare costs due to long‐ and short‐term complications. The current standard of care has yet to be established but generally involves continued fetal surveillance and multidisciplinary perinatal care. Postnatal surgical repair is achieved with primary closure, staged silo closure or sutureless repair. Experimental animal studies have demonstrated the feasibility of in utero closure, antiinflammatory therapy and prenatal regenerative therapy. However, reports of early preterm delivery and amnioinfusion trials have failed to show any benefit in humans. Further experimental studies and human trials are necessary to demonstrate the potential benefit of fetal therapy in gastroschisis.
Artificial placenta and womb technology: Past, current, and future challenges towards clinical translation
Authors: De Bie Felix R. , Davey Marcus G. , Larson Abby C. , Deprest Jan , Flake Alan W.
Published: September 2020

Extreme prematurity remains a major cause of neonatal mortality and severe long‐term morbidity. Current neonatal care is associated with significant morbidity due to iatrogenic injury and developmental immaturity of extreme premature infants. A more physiologic approach, replacing placental function and providing a womb‐like environment, is the foundational principle of artificial placenta (AP) and womb (AW) technology. The concept has been studied during the past 60 years with limited success. However, recent technological advancements and a greater emphasis on mimicking utero‐placental physiology have improved the success of experimental models, bringing the technology closer to clinical translation. Here, we review the rationale for and history of AP and AW technology, discuss the challenges that needed to be overcome, and compare recent successful models. We conclude by outlining some remaining challenges to be addressed on the path towards clinical translation and opportunities for future research.
Maximale Bildqualität aus Minikameras
Authors: Brückner Hans Josef , Blahnik Vladan , Teubner Ulrich
Published: September 2020

Smartphonekameras stellen wegen ihrer Kompaktheit hohe Anforderungen an Optik und Bildsensoren. Dies erfordert neue technologische Lösungen. Teil 1 dieser Serie aus zwei Folgen stellt die Optik vor. Dabei gibt die flache Bauweise von Smartphones den Kameraabmessungen enge Grenzen vor. Sie erlaubt Brennweiten von nur wenigen Millimetern, auch die Sensoren müssen entsprechend klein sein. Um trotzdem gute Abbildungsleistungen zu erzielen, werden die kleinen Objektive möglichst lichtstark ausgelegt. Bei der kleinen Bauform erhält man eine große Tiefenschärfe. Die kompakte Bauweise erfordert ausschließlich asphärische Linsen. Diese werden so in Kunststoff inklusive Fassungen gefertigt, dass die Objektive durch Aufeinanderstapeln herstellbar sind. Kurze Telebrennweiten lassen sich durch eine Periskopbauweise mit im Smartphonegehäuse quer liegendem Objektiv realisieren. Heutige Smartphones besitzen in der Regel mehrere Kameras mit unterschiedlichen Festbrennweiten vom Weitwinkel‐ bis in den Telebereich. Eine Software kombiniert diese zu optisch‐elektronischen Hybridzooms.
Zivil oder militärisch? Radioaktive Freisetzung aufgeklärt
Authors: Steinhauser Georg , Zok Dorian , Hopp Timo , Kleine Thorsten
Published: September 2020

Im Herbst 2017 meldeten europäische Messstationen eine Wolke aus Ruthenium‐106. Nach Auswertung tausender Messwerte von Luftfiltern [1] und unzähligen Stunden Rechenleistung für meteorologische Modellierungen [2] stand fest: Die Wolke kam wohl aus dem südlichen Ural. Dort liegt eine der größten Nuklear‐ und Wiederaufbereitungsanlagen der Welt: Majak. Doch Russland dementiert bis heute jegliche Verwicklung in diese beträchtliche Freisetzung von mindestens 250 TBq 106Ru. Um zu verstehen, was geschehen war, mussten wir ein neues Fachgebiet begründen: Radioökolgie mit stabilen (Ruthenium‐) Isotopen.
Sleep screening for cystic fibrosis patients: A survey of cystic fibrosis programs
Authors: Thomas Caroline S. , Brown Rebekah F.
Published: September 2020

Objective

The prevalence of sleep disorders in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) is unknown, and no standardized screening or treatment guidelines exist to address sleep disorders in CF. The objective of this study is to characterize current sleep screening practices in adult, pediatric, combined, and affiliate CF programs.

Methods

A survey was developed in Research Electronic Data Capture and distributed to program directors of accredited CF programs in the United States.

Results

Eighty‐eight program directors responded (36% adult, 43% pediatric, 16% combined, 3% affiliate, and 1% unidentified). Of the respondents, 68% were part of an academic institution, 24% were associated with an academic institution, and 8% were part of a community or private program. Program sizes ranged from less than 50 to more than 500 patients. Routine or informal sleep screening was not performed in 44% of adults, 29% of pediatricians, and 35% of combined and affiliate programs. Most programs (>80%) have access to otolaryngology and sleep medicine although not all of these programs refer patients for evaluation of sleep disorders. Most program directors (77%) perceive sleep disorders as a problem in CF and would recommend routine sleep screening. Possible barriers to sleep screening included clinic flow, screening fatigue, and lack of recommendations for sleep screening.

Conclusions

Formal sleep screening is inconsistent among CF care centers although most survey respondents would recommend the inclusion of screening in routine CF care. Future work is needed to further evaluate the impact of sleep disorders in CF and determine best practices for standardization of sleep screening and treatment.
Inter‐individual and inter‐regional variations in enteric drug metabolizing enzyme activities: Results with cryopreserved human intestinal mucosal epithelia (CHIM) from the small intestines of 14 donors
Authors: Li Albert P. , Ho Ming‐Chih D. , Alam Novera , Mitchell Walter , Wong Susan , Yan Zhengyin , Kenny Jane R. , E. C. A. Hop Cornelis
Published: September 2020

We have previously reported successful isolation and cryopreservation of human intestinal mucosa (CHIM) with retention of viability and drug metabolizing enzyme activities. Here we report the results of the quantification of drug metabolizing enzyme activities in CHIM from different regions of the small intestines from 14 individual donors. CHIM were isolated from the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum of 10 individuals, and from 10 consecutive 12‐inch segments starting from the pyloric sphincter of human small intestines from four additional individuals. P450 and non‐P450 drug metabolizing enzyme activities (CYP1A2, CYP2A6, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP2E1, CYP3A, UGT, SULT, FMO, MAO, AO, NAT1, and NAT2) were quantified via incubation with pathway‐selective substrates. Quantifiable activities were observed for all pathways except for CYP2A6. Comparison of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum in 10 donors shows jejunum had higher activities for CYP2C9, CYP3A, UGT, SULT, MAO, and NAT1. Further definition of regional variations with CHIM from ten 12‐inch segments of the proximal small intestine shows that the segments immediately after the first 12‐inch segment (duodenum) had the highest activity for most of the drug metabolizing enzymes but with substantial differences among the four donors. Our overall results demonstrate that there are substantial individual differences in drug metabolizing enzymes and that jejunum, especially the regions immediately after the duodenum, had the highest drug metabolizing enzyme activities.
The effect of pallet top deck stiffness on the compression strength of asymmetrically supported corrugated boxes
Authors: Quesenberry Chandler , Horvath Laszlo , Bouldin John , White Marshall S.
Published: September 2020

During unitized shipment, the components of unit loads are interacting with each other. During floor stacking of unit loads, the load on the top of the pallet causes the top deck of the pallet to bend, which creates an uneven top deck surface resulting in uneven or asymmetrical support of the corrugated boxes. This asymmetrical support could significantly affect the strength of the corrugated boxes, and it depends on the top deck stiffness of the pallet. This study is aimed at investigating how the variations of pallet top deck stiffness and the resulting asymmetric support affect corrugated box compression strength. The study used a scaled‐down unit load compression test on quarter‐scale pallet designs with different deckboard thicknesses using four different corrugated box designs. Pallet top deck stiffness was determined to have a significant effect on box compression strength. There was a 27%–37% increase in box compression strength for boxes supported by high‐stiffness pallets in comparison with low‐stiffness pallets. The fact that boxes were weaker on low‐stiffness pallets could be explained by the uneven pressure distribution between the pallet deck and bottom layer of boxes. Pressure data showed that a higher percentage of total pressure was located under the box sidewalls that were supported on the outside stringers of low‐stiffness pallets in comparison with high‐stiffness pallets. This was disproportionately loading one side of the box. Utilizing the effects of pallet top deck stiffness on box compression performance, a unit load cost analysis is presented showing that a stiffer pallet can be used to carry boxes with less board material; hence, it can reduce the total unit load packaging cost.
The catalytic performance of metal‐free defected carbon catalyst towards acetylene hydrochlorination revealed from first‐principles calculation
Authors: Ali Sajjad , Khan Muhammad Baber Azam , Khan Said Alam , Noora
Published: September 2020

Defected carbon materials as a metal‐free catalyst have shown superior stability and catalytic performance in the acetylene hydrochlorination reaction. Through density functional theory (DFT) calculations, for the first time, several different defected configurations comprising mono and divacancies and Stone Wales defect on single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have been used as a direct catalyst for acetylene hydrochlorination reaction. These defective sites on SWCNTs are the most active site for acetylene hydrochlorination reaction compare to pristine SWCNT. The different configurations of defects have different electronic structures, which specify that monovacancy defects have more states adjacent to the Fermi level. The reactant acetylene (C2H2) adsorbed strongly compared to hydrogen chloride (HCl) and expected to be the initial step of the reaction. Acetylene adsorbed strongly at monovacancy defected SWCNT compared to other investigated defects. Reaction pathway analysis revealed that mono‐ and divacancy defected SWCNTs have minimum energy barriers and show extraordinary performance toward acetylene hydrochlorination. This work suggests the potential of metal‐free defected carbon in catalyzing acetylene hydrochlorination and provides a solid base for future developments in acetylene hydrochlorination.
Indirect visual guided fracture reduction robot based on external markers
Authors: Fu Zhuoxin , Sun Hao , Dong Xinyu , Chen Jianwen , Rong Hongtao , Guo Yue , Lin Shengxin
Published: September 2020

Background

Traditional fracture reduction surgery cannot ensure the accuracy of the reduction while consuming the physical strength of the surgeon. Although monitoring the fracture reduction process through radiography can improve the accuracy of the reduction, it will bring radiation harm to both patients and surgeons.

Methods

We proposed a novel fracture reduction solution that parallel robot is used for fracture reduction surgery. The binocular camera indirectly obtains the position and posture of the fragment wrapped by the tissue by measuring the posture of the external markers. According to the clinical experience of fracture reduction, a path is designed for fracture reduction. Then using position‐based visual serving control the robot to fracture reduction surgery. The study is approved by the ethics committee of the Rehabilitation Hospital, National Research Center for Rehabilitation Technical Aids, Beijing, China.

Results

Ten virtual cases of fracture were used for fracture reduction experiments. The simulation and model bone experiments are designed respectively. In model bone experiments, the fragments are reduced without collision. The angulation error after the reduction of this method is 3.3° ± 1.8°, and the axial rotation error is 0.8° ± 0.3°, the transverse stagger error and the axial direction error after reduction is 2 ± 0.5 mm and 2.5 ± 1 mm. After the reduction surgery, the external fixator is used to assist the fixing, and the deformity will be completely corrected.

Conclusions

The solution can perform fracture reduction surgery with certain accuracy and effectively reduce the number of radiographic uses during surgery, and the collision between fragments is avoided during surgery.
SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in people living withHIV: a systematic review
Authors: Costenaro Paola , Minotti Chiara , Barbieri Elisa , Giaquinto Carlo , Donà Daniele
Published: September 2020

Background and setting

Little is known about SARS‐CoV‐2 impact on some vulnerable subgroups, such as people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). In our study we reviewed the current knowledge on SARS‐CoV‐2 cases in PLWHA.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted by searching the MEDLINE, EMBASE and Google Scholar databases. Studies reporting data on PLWHA affected by SARS‐CoV‐2 were considered for inclusion. The aim of this study was the systematic characterization of cases of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection among PLWHA, particularly focusing on age, clinical findings at diagnosis, radiological features, therapeutic management and clinical outcomes.

Results

Twenty three relevant articles were identified, which reported 164 adults with both HIV and SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Of those, the large majority were males (120/142, 84.5%), often with one or more comorbidities. Fifteen cases needed intensive care treatment and 16 died. For each group, respectively three patients had underlying comorbidities. There were no studies on children. The included studies were mostly retrospective or case series/reports (19 studies). The overall risk of bias was moderate, due to the study types and characteristics.

Conclusion

It is still unclear if HIV infection may influence SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and disease course, however some PLWHA and particularly males affected by ARV‐related complications may be at greater risk of severe Covid‐19 course.
Adaptive interpolating control for constrained systems with parametric uncertainty and disturbances
Authors: Zhang Sixing , Dai Li , Gao Yulong , Xia Yuanqing
Published: September 2020

An adaptive interpolating control (AIC) algorithm is proposed for constrained linear systems with parametric uncertainty and additive disturbance. This adaptive algorithm consists of an iterative set membership identification algorithm, which updates the uncertain parameter set at each time step, and an interpolating controller, which robustly stabilizes the uncertain system with state and input constraints. We prove that the AIC algorithm is recursively feasible and guarantees robust constraint satisfaction and robust asymptotic stability of the closed‐loop system in the presence of uncertainties. Moreover, we detail two possible extensions of the AIC algorithm: (a) persistent excitation conditions can be embedded into the AIC algorithm to accelerate the convergence of system parameters and (b) the combination of the AIC algorithm and aggressive learning is able to enlarge the size of the feasible region with every iteration by exploiting information from previous iterations. We illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms through comparisons with adaptive model predictive control and one example of mobile carrier robot.
On edge‐ordered Ramsey numbers
Authors: Fox Jacob , Li Ray
Published: September 2020

An edge‐ordered graph is a graph with a linear ordering of its edges. Two edge‐ordered graphs are equivalent if there is an isomorphism between them preserving the edge‐ordering. The edge‐ordered Ramsey number redge(H; q) of an edge‐ordered graph H is the smallest N such that there exists an edge‐ordered graph G on N vertices such that, for every q‐coloring of the edges of G, there is a monochromatic subgraph of G equivalent to H. Recently, Balko and Vizer proved that redge(H; q) exists, but their proof gave enormous upper bounds on these numbers. We give a new proof with a much better bound, showing there exists a constant c such that for every edge‐ordered graph H on n vertices. We also prove a polynomial bound for the edge‐ordered Ramsey number of graphs of bounded degeneracy. Finally, we prove a strengthening for graphs where every edge has a label and the labels do not necessarily have an ordering.
The tension between pattern‐seeking and mechanistic reasoning in explanation construction: A case from Chinese elementary science classroom
Authors: Tang Xiaowei , Elby Andrew , Hammer David
Published: September 2020

Through analysis of a classroom lesson led by a decorated teacher, we illustrate how instructional practices favor students seeking empirical patterns at the expense of using mechanistic reasoning. In the lesson, when students spontaneously come up with hypothetical mechanisms to explain why a light bulb in an electric circuit does or does not light, the teacher, following the guidance of standardized curricula, redirects them toward pattern‐seeking. We argue that this bias toward pattern‐seeking in Chinese national standards and curricula, along with ambiguity in those documents on what an “explanation” is, sits in tension with students' productive abilities and propensities for engaging in mechanistic explanation. In discussion, we extend the argument to show a less severe but similar bias toward pattern‐seeking in the United States' Next Generation Science Standards.
Increasing positive climate impact by combining anti‐consumption and consumption changes with impact investing
Authors: Claudelin Anna , Uusitalo Ville , Hintukainen Ilona , Kuokkanen Anna , Tertsunen Paavo , Leino Maija , Linnanen Lassi
Published: September 2020

Household consumption leads to global warming potential impacts, for example, via energy consumption, production processes, and transportation. About 72% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are related to household consumption. Some of this consumption is nonessential and could therefore be reduced, leading to decreased GHG emissions. There is, however, a risk of a rebound effect if money saved by reducing consumption is used or invested in a way that leads to GHG emissions elsewhere. Therefore, in efforts to further mitigate climate change via anti‐consumption behavior or changes in consumption, it should be ensured that money saved is impact invested in climate change mitigating actions, thus creating a secondary impact. Previous studies have not considered the need to account for this double impact dynamic in climate change mitigation. An approach to calculate potential for double impacts is developed in this work. The article also presents quantitative GHG emissions reduction potentials, for example, some anti‐consumption actions and consumption changes as well as for possible impact investments.
Promoting effective construction and demolition waste management towards sustainable development: A case study of Hong Kong
Authors: Wu Zezhou , Yu Ann T.W. , Poon Chi Sun
Published: September 2020

Construction and demolition (C&D) waste accounts for a large proportion of solid waste, thus effective C&D waste management is essential for promoting sustainable development. In Hong Kong, the government has promulgated a series of policies to encourage related stakeholders to implement effective C&D waste management. However, the overall status remains not satisfactory and has a great potential for further improvement. In this circumstance, the aim of this study is proposing solutions for further improvement of effective C&D waste management in Hong Kong. Based on a comprehensive content analysis of seven selected countries and two rounds of focus group meetings with local experienced professionals, prevailing C&D waste management policies and successful practices were identified and their feasibility of implementation in Hong Kong was discussed. Results revealed that non‐inert waste recycling is a key for improving the C&D waste management in Hong Kong to a higher level. A “3R + I” principle was suggested to be implemented in Hong Kong instead of the currently employed “3R” principle. Four solutions, namely promulgation of more specialized regulations, adoption of advanced recycling technologies, development of mature recycling markets, and implementation of high landfilling costs, were identified as the key directions for future improvement of C&D waste management in Hong Kong. The identified C&D waste management policies and the research methods used in this study can be employed in other countries or regions which are at different C&D waste management levels and economic status to form their own applicable policy framework.
Using the SHAPLEY value approach to variance decomposition in strategy research: Diversification, internationalization, and corporate group effects on affiliate profitability
Authors: Sharapov Dmitry , Kattuman Paul , Rodriguez Diego , Velazquez F. Javier
Published: September 2020

Research Summary

Variance decomposition methods allow strategy scholars to identify key sources of heterogeneity in firm performance. However, most extant approaches produce estimates that depend on the order in which sources are considered, the ways they are nested, and which sources are treated as fixed or random effects. In this paper, we propose the use of an axiomatically justified, unique, and effective solution to this limitation: the “Shapley Value” approach. We show its effectiveness compared to extant methods using both simulated and real data, and use it to explore how the importance of business group effects varies with group diversification and internationalization in a large, representative sample of European firms. We thus demonstrate the method's superior accuracy and its usefulness in asking and answering new questions.

Managerial Summary

A key contribution of strategic management research to managerial practice is identifying drivers of firm performance that operate at firm, corporation, industry, and national levels. A branch of this research measures the relative importance of factors at these different levels in producing variation in firm performance, thus helping top managers focus efforts on aspects of their businesses most likely to yield performance differences. However, estimates produced by extant methods are sensitive to method used, and to modeling choices made. This paper proposes the use of the “Shapley Value” approach, which is free from such sensitivity, shows its effectiveness compared to extant methods, and uses it to explore how the importance of factors at the level of the business group varies with group diversification and internationalization.
Efficient Polysulfide‐Based Nanotheranostics for Triple‐Negative Breast Cancer: Ratiometric Photoacoustics Monitored Tumor Microenvironment‐Initiated H2S Therapy
Authors: Li Jie , Li Xiang , Yuan Yan , Wang Qi , Xie Lisi , Dai Yunlu , Wang Wenjun , Li Lin , Lu Xiaomei , Fan Quli , Huang Wei
Published: September 2020

The incidence of triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is difficult to predict, and TNBC has a high mortality rate among women worldwide. In this study, a theranostics approach is developed for TNBC with ratiometric photoacoustic monitored thiol‐initiated hydrogen sulfide (H2S) therapy. The ratiometric photoacoustic (PA) probe (CY) with a thiol‐initiated H2S donor (PSD) to form a nanosystem (CY‐PSD nanoparticles) is integrated. In this theranostics approach, H2S generated from PSD is sensed by CY based on ratiometric PA signals, which simultaneously pinpoints the tumor region. Additionally, H2S is cytotoxic toward TNBC cells (MDA‐MB 231), showing a tumor inhibition rate of 63%. To further verify its pharmacological mechanism, proteomics analysis is performed on tumors treated with CY‐PSD nanoparticles. Cells are killed by the significant mitochondrial dysfunction via supressed energy supply and apoptosis initiation. Besides, the observed inhibition of oxidative stress also generates the cytotoxicity. Significant Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes Genomes pathways related to TNBC are found to be inhibited. This H2S theranostics approach updates the current anticancer therapies which brings promise for women suffering malignant breast cancer.
A Novel Hierarchical Nanostructure for Enhanced Optical Nonlinearity Based on Scattering Mechanism
Authors: Pang Chi , Li Rang , Li Ziqi , Dong Ningning , Ren Feng , Wang Jun , Chen Feng
Published: September 2020

Surface modification of nonlinear optical materials (NOMs) is widely applied to fabricate diverse photonic devices, such as frequency combs, modulators, and all‐optical switches. In this work, a double‐layer nanostructure with heterogeneous nanoparticles (NPs) is proposed to achieve enhanced third‐order optical nonlinearity of NOMs. The mechanism of modified optical nonlinearity is elucidated to be the scattering‐induced energy transfer between adjacent NPs layers. Based on the LiNbO3 platform, as a typical example, double layers of embedded Cu and Ag NPs are synthesized by sequential ion implantation, demonstrating twofold magnitude of near‐infrared enhancement factor and modulation depth in comparison with a single layer of Cu NPs. With the elastic collision model and thermolysis theory being considered, the shift of the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) peak reveals the formation mechanism of the double‐layer nanostructure. Utilizing the enhanced optical nonlinearity of LiNbO3 as modulators, a Q‐switched mode‐locked waveguide laser at 1 µm is achieved with shorter pulse duration. It suggests potential applications to improve the performance of nonlinear photonic devices by using double‐layer metallic nanostructures.
Functionalized Graphene@Gold Nanostar/Lipid for Pancreatic Cancer Gene and Photothermal Synergistic Therapy under Photoacoustic/Photothermal Imaging Dual‐Modal Guidance
Authors: Jia Xiuna , Xu Weiguo , Ye Zhikai , Wang Yuling , Dong Qing , Wang Erkang , Li Dan , Wang Jin
Published: September 2020

Nanomaterial‐based pancreatic cancer treatment has received widespread attention and rapid development in the past few years. The major challenges include the poor combination of diagnosis and therapy, the difficulty in targeting therapy from the root and the unsatisfactory antitumor efficiency, which is accompanied by a great risk of relapse and metastasis. In this work, a positively charged lipid bilayer membrane is coated on reduced graphene oxide@gold nanostar (rGO@AuNS) for photoacoustic/photothermal dual‐modal imaging‐guided gene/photothermal synergistic therapy of pancreatic cancer. In addition, the cross‐linking of folic acid on the surface of rGO@AuNS‐lipid can specifically bind after recognizing folic acid receptors on the surface of cancer cells, and greatly improve the targeting ability of the nanomaterial and the performance of imaging diagnosis by receptor‐mediated endocytosis. Moreover, the photothermal and gene (targeting G12V mutant K‐Ras gene) synergistic therapy shows outstanding anticancer efficacy for pancreatic cancer tumor bearing mice, and it is noteworthy that the treatment groups have anti‐liver metastasis of pancreatic cancer.
Sodiophilically Graded Gold Coating on Carbon Skeletons for Highly Stable Sodium Metal Anodes
Authors: Wu Junxiong , Zou Peichao , Ihsan‐Ul‐Haq Muhammad , Mubarak Nauman , Susca Alessandro , Li Baohua , Ciucci Francesco , Kim Jang‐Kyo
Published: September 2020

Metallic sodium (Na) is an appealing anode material for high‐energy Na batteries. However, Na metal suffers from low coulombic efficiencies and severe dendrite growth during plating/stripping cycles, causing short circuits. As an effective strategy to improve the deposition behavior of Na metal, a 3D carbon foam is developed that is sputter‐coated with gold nanoparticles (Au/CF), forming a functional gradient through its thickness. The highly porous Au/CF host is proven to have gradually varying sodiophilicity, which in turn facilitates initially preferential Na deposition on the gold‐rich, sodiophilic region in a “bottom‐up growth” mode, leading to uniform plating over the entire Au/CF host. This finding contrasts with dendrite formation in the pristine CF host, as proven by in situ microscopy. The Na‐predeposited Au/CF (Na@Au/CF) composite anode operates steadily for 1000 h at a low overpotential of ≈20 mV at 2 mA cm−2 in a symmetric cell. When the composite anode is coupled with a Na3V2(PO4)2F3 cathode, the full cell has a high capacity of 102.1 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles at 2 C. The sodiophilicity gradient design that is explored in this study offers new insight into developing porous Na metal hosts with highly stable plating/stripping performance for next‐generation Na batteries.
Nano Ball‐Milling Using Titania Nanoparticles to Anchor Cesium Lead Bromine Nanocrystals and Energy Transfer Characteristics in TiO2@CsPbBr3 Architecture
Authors: Liu Yufeng , Yang Yongge , Chen Peng , Shan Yufeng , Li Yang , Shi Jichao , Hou Jingshan , Zhang Na , Zhao Guoying , Xu Jiayue , Fang Yongzheng , Dai Ning
Published: September 2020

Recently, all‐inorganic halide perovskite (CsPbX3, (X = Cl, Br, and I)) nanocrystals (NCs) based hybrid architectures have attracted extensive attention owing to their distinct luminescence characteristics. However, due to stress and lattice mismatch, it is still a challenge to construct heterojunctions between perovskite NCs and the nanostructures with different lattice parameters and non‐cubic contour. In this work, a room temperature mechanochemical method is presented to construct TiO2@CsPbBr3 hybrid architectures, in which TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) with a hard lattice as nano “balls” mill off the angles and anchor to the CsPbBr3 NCs with a soft lattice. On the contrary, to ball‐mill without TiO2 or with conventional ceramics balls replacing TiO2, CsPbBr3 NCs still maintain cubic contour deriving from their cubic crystal structures. Moreover, the TiO2@CsPbBr3 architectures display distinct improvement of photoluminescence quantum yields and more excellent thermal stability in contrast with pristine CsPbBr3 owing to the passivation of surface defect, small surface area, and energy transfer from CsPbBr3 to TiO2. Meanwhile, there is distinct luminous decay characteristic under the radiation of UV and visible light due to the “on” and “off” TiO2 response. The method provides an alternative strategy to acquire other anchoring heterojunctions based on perovskite NCs for further regulating their luminescent characteristics.
Current perspectives on the software engineering process
Authors: Biró Miklós , Colomo‐Palacios Ricardo , Messnarz Richard
Published: September 2020

This volume comprises a selected set of high‐quality and extended articles of the 26th Systems, Software and Services Process Improvement (EuroSPI) Conference, held during September 18–20, 2019 in Edinburgh, UK. Conferences were held in Dublin (Ireland) in 1994, in Vienna (Austria) in 1995, in Brighton (UK) in 1996, in Budapest (Hungary) in 1997, in Gothenburg (Sweden) in 1998, in Pori (Finland) in 1999, in Copenhagen (Denmark) in 2000, in Limerick (Ireland) in 2001, in Nuremberg (Germany) in 2002, in Graz (Austria) in 2003, in Trondheim (Norway) in 2004, in Budapest (Hungary) in 2005, in Joensuu (Finland) in 2006, in Potsdam (Germany) in 2007, in Dublin (Ireland) in 2008, in Alcala (Spain) in 2009, in Grenoble (France) in 2010, in Roskilde (Denmark) in 2011, in Vienna (Austria) in 2012, in Dundalk (Ireland) in 2013, in Luxembourg in 2014, in Ankara (Turkey) in 2015, in Graz (Austria) in 2016, in Ostrava (Czech Republic) in 2017, in Bilbao (Spain) in 2018, and in Edinburgh (UK) in 2019.
Metal Halide Perovskite Nanocrystal Solar Cells: Progress and Challenges
Authors: Liu Chongming , Zeng Qingsen , Wei Haotong , Yu Yue , Zhao Yue , Feng Tanglue , Yang Bai
Published: September 2020

Perovskite nanocrystal (PNC) solar cells have attracted increasing interest in recent years because of their excellent optoelectronic properties and unique advantages, which distinguish them from conventional nanocrystals and their bulk counterparts. This emerging type of photovoltaic is promising but faces many challenges regarding commercialization. Therefore, a comprehensive review is presented on the recent progress and current challenges in PNC solar cells. It begins by reviewing the optoelectronic, unique properties of PNCs for photovoltaic devices. Then, the limiting factors on performance are detailed and analyzed with respect to the Shockley–Queisser limit, followed by a summary of effective strategies for efficiency improvement alongside other promising ideas. Finally, the present challenges are discussed toward high‐efficiency, stable, easy‐to‐process, and low‐cost, commercial, PNC photovoltaics. This review aims to attract further attention to the design and development of PNC solar cells, which will accelerate their progress.
Covalently Sandwiching MXene by Conjugated Microporous Polymers with Excellent Stability for Supercapacitors
Authors: Yang Weizu , Huang Bingyu , Li Longbin , Zhang Kaiyang , Li Yizhe , Huang Jun , Tang Xiannong , Hu Ting , Yuan Kai , Chen Yiwang
Published: September 2020

2D MXenes have attracted wide attention due to their unique chemical and physical properties. However, MXene nanosheets suffer from restacking and are susceptible to oxidation and consequently lose their functional properties which limits their applications. Thus, it is desirable to explore strategies to preserve MXene nanosheets and avoid oxidation. Herein, an effective strategy to produce MXene‐based conjugated microporous polymers (M‐CMPs) by covalently sandwiching MXene between CMPs using p‐iodophenyl functionalized MXene as templates is demonstrated. The as‐prepared M‐CMPs inherit the 2D architecture and high conductivity of MXene in terms of hierarchical porous structure and large specific surface area of CMPs. Moreover, the restacking and oxidation of MXene are simultaneously suppressed. Such advanced structural merits are critical for electrochemical energy storage. As‐proof‐of‐concept, the M‐CMPs are used as electrode materials for supercapacitors. As expected, with the improved structural advantages, M‐CMPs showcase superior capacitive performance than the MXene and CMPs counterparts. This work not only provides an opportunity for fabricating high performance MXene nanocomposites for energy storage/conversion but also has the potential to be generalized to resolve the challenges in the area of MXene engineering.
Efficient Na‐Ion Storage in 2D TiS2 Formed by a Vapor Phase Anion‐Exchange Process
Authors: Zhuo Sifei , Huang Gang , Lei Yongjiu , Wang Wenxi , Liu Zhixiong , Xu Xiangming , Yin Jian , Alshareef Husam N
Published: September 2020

Hierarchical nanocomposites that couple downsized 2D materials with carbonaceous functional supports are promising electrode materials for metal ion batteries. Herein, a honeycomb‐like Na‐ion battery (NIB) anode material, which comprises 2D downsized TiS2 nanocrystals uniformly dispersed in a 3D porous carbon honeycomb, is developed by a vapor phase anion‐exchange reaction of CS2 with a dual‐template of TiO2 sealing in hydrogen‐substituted graphdiyne (HsGDY). On the one hand, the 2D downsized TiS2 nanolayers offer much more accessible active sites for both Na+ storage and polysulfide trapping; on the other hand, the 3D porous hollow carbon nanoscale honeycomb not only provides numerous space‐confined nanorooms to reduce the stacking of the tiny 2D TiS2 nanolayers and suppress the dissolution of polysulfide, but also works as built‐in 3D conductive networks to support the electron/ion transfer and buffer the volume expansion during cycling. In light of this, such a hybrid 3D TiS2@carbon honeycomb achieves a high reversible capacity with high‐rate and long‐life performance for NIBs.
Reducing Open‐Circuit Voltage Deficit in Perovskite Solar Cells via Surface Passivation with Phenylhydroxylammonium Halide Salts
Authors: Yi Xiaohui , Mao Yichen , Zhang Lu , Zhuang Jing , Zhang Yanyan , Chen Ningli , Lin Tao , Wei Yuanzhi , Wang Fuyi , Wang Jizheng , Li Cheng
Published: September 2020

Suppressing non‐radiative recombination via passivating surface defects of perovskite films has demonstrated an excellent strategy for high‐performance perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, it is still hard to realize both high open‐circuit voltage (Voc) of >1.2 V and high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of >22%, because the optimized bandgap of perovskite films is less than 1.60 eV for efficient light harvesting and Voc deficit is generally unavoidable due to carriers recombination. Here, the surface of the perovskite film is treated with a series of phenylhydroxylammonium halide salts and it is found that all of them can remarkably prolong the carrier lifetime owing to their excellent capability of surface defects passivation. The best PSC with phenylbutylammonium bromide treatment realizes a PCE of 22.67% with a Voc of 1.216 V, corresponding to a small Voc deficit of ≈344 mV.
Promoting Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Reaction and Oxygen Evolution Reaction by Fields: Effects of Electric Field, Magnetic Field, Strain, and Light
Authors: Yao Jiandong , Huang Wenjing , Fang Wei , Kuang Min , Jia Ning , Ren Hao , Liu Daobin , Lv Chade , Liu Chuntai , Xu Jianwei , Yan Qingyu
Published: September 2020

Hydrogen fuel is considered as one of the most clean renewable resources, warranting it a primary alternative to fossil fuels for future energy supplies. Electrocatalytic water splitting is an eco‐friendly technique for high‐purity hydrogen production. However, the sluggish dynamics of its two half‐reactions, hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), are tough challenges impeding the practical application of this technology. In these years, external field‐assisted HER and OER have attracted extensive research interests. Herein, the effects of various fields, including electric field, magnetic field, strain, and light, on electrocatalytic HER and OER are systematically discussed. The focus is how to integrate the external fields with the electrocatalytic systems and the fundamentals of field promoted HER/OER activities. In the end, the key challenges facing this rapidly progressing research field are highlighted and possible strategies addressing them are indicated.
Advanced Materials Prepared via Metallic Reduction Reactions for Electrochemical Energy Storage
Authors: Zhang Jiaming , He Hanna , Tang Yougen , Ji Xiaobo , Wang Haiyan
Published: September 2020

Advanced materials with various micro‐/nanostructures have attracted plenty of attention in energy storage field over the past decades. Metallic reduction reactions (MRRs) possess the merits of low energy consumption, flexibility, convenience, and scalability, which have been considered as potential methods to acquire diverse micro‐/nanostructured materials. In this review, the latest progress of MRRs is systematically summed up, featuring the usage of metallic reductants (e.g., magnesium, aluminum, zinc, lithium) on synthesizing of advanced micro‐/nanostructured materials and their applications in various energy storage systems. The as‐obtained materials (e.g., carbon‐, silicon‐, germanium‐, antimony‐, and titanium‐based materials) can deliver various architectures, including solid spherical structures, hollow porous structures, core–shell structures, yolk–shell structures, core–satellite structures, and many kinds of 1D, 2D, 3D micro‐/nanostructures. Besides, the defect properties of materials can be well tuned via MRRs. The application progress of these materials as active electrodes, host materials, or functional interlayers for lithium ion batteries, lithium sulfur batteries, sodium ion batteries, or supercapacitors is reviewed. In the end, the strengths and insufficiencies of MRRs are discussed and the probable future research directions of MRRs are proposed.