bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Narrow Excitonic Lines in Core–Shell Nanorods With InGaN/GaN Quantum Wells Intersected by Basal Stacking Faults
Authors: Evropeitsev Evgeniy A. , Robin Yoann , Shubina Tatiana V. , Bae Si‐Young , Nitta Shugo , Kirilenko Demid A. , Davydov Valery Y. , Smirnov Alexandr N. , Toropov Alexey A. , Kushimoto Maki , Ivanov Sergey V. , Amano Hiroshi
Published: March 2019

Individual core–shell GaN nanorods (NRs) with InGaN quantum wells (QWs), lying in non‐polar, semi‐polar, and polar planes, are investigated by micro‐photoluminescence (μ‐PL) spectroscopy. Complementary transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies reveal the presence of basal stacking faults (BSFs), which intersect the QWs. Narrow peaks of excitonic emission were detected at the NR tips, where the BSFs can both cross the semi‐polar QWs and penetrate through the thick polar well. In the NRs without the polar wells, the peaks appear in the blue spectral range only, while in the NRs with such wells, the peaks also appear in the green spectral range. Polarization resolved μ‐PL measurements reveal the scattering of linear polarization degree among the narrow peaks, as well as among individual NRs, although the dominant polarization of the narrow lines was normal to the NR axis. In general, these findings are consistent with the origination of the narrow excitonic lines from the intersections of the BSFs with QWs of different types.
Global Quantum Discord in Transverse‐Field Ising Models on N × N Square Lattices
Authors: Sun Zhao‐Yu , Zhou Mu , Wang Mei , Fu Jin
Published: March 2019

Global quantum discord (GQD) in two‐dimensional (2D) transverse‐field Ising models on N × N square lattices at zero temperature and finite temperatures are studied. First, the GQD defined on the reduced density matrix of a 2 × 2 sub‐square in the center of the N × N lattices, with is studied. It is found that shows little size dependence in the strong‐field and weak‐field limit, and presents dramatic size dependence in the middle‐field region. The results are explained by short‐range correlations in non‐critical regions and long‐range correlations in critical regions of the models, respectively. Then the scaling behavior of the GQD of the ground states for the entire N × N squares is studied. It is found that contains a 1D contribution (corresponding to the side length of the squares) and a 2D contribution (corresponding to the area of the squares). Furthermore, the effect of thermodynamic fluctuations on GQD by investigating the thermal‐state GQD is considered. In high‐temperature regions, GQD is always destroyed by thermodynamic fluctuations for any strength of the magnetic field. However, in low‐temperature regions, some thermal enhancement of GQD under weak fields and some thermal robustness of GQD under strong fields is observed. The results are explained by the low‐lying energy states and the energy gap of the models.
Effect of Intense Laser Field in Gaussian Quantum Well With Position‐Dependent Effective Mass
Authors: Sari Hüseyin , Kasapoglu Esin , Sakiroglu Serpil , Sökmen Ismail , Duque Carlos A.
Published: March 2019

In this paper, the effects of the intense laser field (ILF) and position dependent mass (PDM) on the electronic structure in a Gaussian quantum well are theoretically deduced by using the diagonalization method for obtaining energy levels and corresponding wave functions. We find that, in the case of narrow PDM distribution, the dependence of the energy levels on the effective length of the electron mass distribution becomes more apparent, and the evolution of the dressed mass with ILF is significant. Given this feature, it is more meaningful to take into consideration the PDM of the electron in the low dimensional semiconductor heterostructures under the ILF.
Modulation of cerulein‐induced pancreatic inflammation by hydroalcoholic extract of curry leaf (Murraya koenigii)
Authors: Khurana Amit , Sikha Mary Swathi , Ramesh Kethavath , Venkatesh Pooladanda , Godugu Chandraiah
Published: March 2019

This study was performed to study the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of hydroalcoholic extract of curry leaf (CLE) rich in carbazole alkaloids, against LPS‐induced inflammation in Raw 264.7 macrophages and cerulein‐induced acute pancreatitis, respectively. CLE was characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Raw 264.7 cells were stimulated with LPS (2 μg/ml) and treated with CLE. The animals were treated with two doses of CLE (100 and 300 mg/kg). Plasma biochemistry, tissue lipid peroxidation, cytokines, and histological examination were evaluated. CLE was found to decently scavenge the activity of DPPH radical. It dose dependently suppressed nitrite production and oxidative stress in macrophages. CLE alleviated LPS‐induced inflammation in macrophages as evident from the results of various inflammatory cytokines (IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α). In vivo, CLE reduced cerulein‐induced pancreatic edema. CLE significantly abrogated the cerulein‐induced lipid peroxidation, nitrite, MPO, and GSH levels. The inflammatory cytokines and p65‐NFκB activity were significantly reduced by CLE. Mechanistically, CLE reduced the expression of NT, MPO, IL‐1β, ICAM‐1, and COX‐2, and increased the expression of Nrf2. It reduced distant organ damage markers as well. We report for the first time that CLE holds substantial potential for the prevention of acute pancreatitis.
Matrix‐assisted ionization mass spectrometry in targeted protein analysis – An initial evaluation
Authors: Skjærvø Øystein , Trimpin Sarah , Halvorsen Trine Grønhaug
Published: March 2019

Rationale

Matrix‐assisted ionization (MAI) is a relatively new ionization technique for analysis by mass spectrometry (MS). The technique is simple and has been shown to be less influenced by matrix effects than e.g. electrospray ionization (ESI). These features are of interest in the targeted analysis of proteins from biological samples.

Methods

Targeted protein determination by MAI‐MS was evaluated using a triple quadrupole mass analyzer equipped with a stripped nanoESI source in selected reaction monitoring (SRM) mode. The proteins were analyzed using the bottom‐up approach with stable isotopic labeled peptides as internal standards (IS). The MAI matrix was 3‐nitrobenzonitrile dissolved in acetonitrile. Aqueous sample and matrix solution were mixed in a 1:3 volume ratio. One microlitre of the dried matrix/analyte sample was introduced into the inlet of the mass spectrometer where ionization commences.

Results

SRM settings established for ESI‐SRM‐MS of the peptides here investigated were applicable in MAI‐SRM‐MS for all evaluated peptides except one that is poorly soluble in water. Addition of IS provided efficient correction at most levels (relative standard deviation (RSD) ≤28% (except lowest digest level), r2 ≥ 0.995). This was also true for the more complex biological matrices, diluted urine (1:1; RSD = 20% a synthetic peptide, NLLGLIEAK) and diluted digested serum (1:100; RSD = 7% digested cytochrome C). Biological matrix influenced the signal intensity unless sufficiently diluted.

Conclusions

The results demonstrate that MAI‐SRM‐MS has promising potential in targeted protein determination by the bottom‐up approach because of its simplicity, ease of use, and speed. However, more data is needed to confirm the results prior to application in a clinical setting.
Adaptive multivariable finite‐time continuous fault‐tolerant control of rigid spacecraft
Authors: Zhao Xinyi , Zong Qun , Tian Bailing , Shao Shikai , You Ming , Liu Wenjing
Published: March 2019

The problem of fault‐tolerant attitude tracking control for rigid spacecraft in the presence of inertia uncertainties, actuator faults, and external disturbances is investigated in this paper. A novel adaptive finite‐time continuous fault‐tolerant control strategy is developed by combining the fast nonsingular terminal sliding mode surface and the adaptive multivariable super‐twisting algorithm, which improves the robustness while preserving high accuracy and finite‐time convergence. The main features of the control strategy are the double‐layer adaptive algorithm based on equivalent control, which ensures nonoverestimation of the control gain and the continuous controller, which maintains better property of chattering reduction. Finally, the efficiency of the proposed controller is illustrated by numerical simulations.
A model‐based multithreshold method for subgroup identification
Authors: Wang Jingli , Li Jialiang , Li Yaguang , Wong Weng Kee
Published: March 2019

Thresholding variable plays a crucial role in subgroup identification for personalized medicine. Most existing partitioning methods split the sample based on one predictor variable. In this paper, we consider setting the splitting rule from a combination of multivariate predictors, such as the latent factors, principle components, and weighted sum of predictors. Such a subgrouping method may lead to more meaningful partitioning of the population than using a single variable. In addition, our method is based on a change point regression model and thus yields straight forward model‐based prediction results. After choosing a particular thresholding variable form, we apply a two‐stage multiple change point detection method to determine the subgroups and estimate the regression parameters. We show that our approach can produce two or more subgroups from the multiple change points and identify the true grouping with high probability. In addition, our estimation results enjoy oracle properties. We design a simulation study to compare performances of our proposed and existing methods and apply them to analyze data sets from a Scleroderma trial and a breast cancer study.
Measuring CEO personality: Developing, validating, and testing a linguistic tool
Authors: Harrison Joseph S. , Thurgood Gary R. , Boivie Steven , Pfarrer Michael D.
Published: March 2019

Research Summary

We introduce to the upper echelons literature a novel, linguistic measure of CEOs' Big Five personality traits that we specifically developed and validated using a sample of CEOs. We then provide a predictive test of the measure by applying it to a sample of more than 3,000 CEOs of S&P 1500 firms to explore the direct and interactive effects of CEOs' Big Five personality traits and firm performance on strategic change. Our validated, unobtrusive measure of CEOs' Big Five traits provides a strong foundation for future theory development on the firm‐level effects of CEOs' personality traits. Our specific findings also extend our understanding of how CEO personality influences firm‐level change and how both person and situation‐based factors interact to jointly influence firm strategy.

Managerial Summary

This paper introduces a language‐based tool we developed to measure the Big Five personality traits (i.e., openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism) of more than 3,000 CEOs of S&P 1500 firms. After describing our process to develop and validate the tool, we test it by examining how CEOs' Big Five traits influence strategic change, both in isolation and in combination with recent firm performance. Our results suggest that CEOs' personality traits have a meaningful impact on strategic change, but that the nature of these effects differs based on their firms' recent performance. Our tool also provides a strong basis for scholars seeking to measure the personality traits of large samples of public‐company executives.
Corporate social responsibility as a defense against knowledge spillovers: Evidence from the inevitable disclosure doctrine
Authors: Flammer Caroline , Kacperczyk Aleksandra
Published: March 2019

Research Summary

We examine whether companies respond to the threat of knowledge leakage by strategically increasing their engagement in corporate social responsibility (CSR). To obtain exogenous variation in the threat of knowledge leakage, we exploit a natural experiment provided by the rejection of the inevitable disclosure doctrine (IDD) by several U.S. states. Using a difference‐in‐differences methodology we find that, following the rejection of the IDD, companies significantly increase their CSR. Our proposed rationale is that CSR helps mitigate knowledge leakage by (i) reducing employees' propensity to join a rival firm, and (ii) reducing employees' propensity to disclose the firm's valuable knowledge even if they join a rival firm. Evidence from a laboratory experiment, an online experiment, and a survey of knowledge workers is supportive of these arguments.

Managerial Summary

We study the role of CSR in companies' response to the threat of knowledge leakage—a major managerial challenge that has important implications for firms' innovation and competitiveness. We use three different research designs (an analysis of companies' CSR policies in response to an increased threat of knowledge leakage; a survey of knowledge workers; and an experiment conducted both online and in a laboratory setting). The results show that CSR is perceived to mitigate the threat of knowledge leakage. In particular, (i) CSR reduces knowledge workers' propensity to join rival firms (i.e., they are less likely to “walk”) and, even if they do, (ii) CSR reduces their propensity to disclose the firm's valuable knowledge to their new employer (i.e., they are less likely to “talk”).
Contactless Electrical and Structural Characterization of Semiconductor Nanowires with Axially Modulated Doping Profiles
Authors: Yuan Wuhan , Tutuncuoglu Gozde , Mohabir Amar , Liu Liping , Feldman Leonard C. , Filler Michael A. , Shan Jerry W.
Published: March 2019

Efficient characterization of semiconductor nanowires having complex dopant profiles or heterostructures is critical to fully understand these materials and the devices built from them. Existing electrical characterization techniques are slow and laborious, particularly for multisegment nanowires, and impede the statistical understanding of highly variable samples. Here, it is shown that electro‐orientation spectroscopy (EOS)—a high‐throughput, noncontact method for statistically characterizing the electrical properties of entire nanowire ensembles—can determine the conductivity and dimensions of two distinct segments in individual Si nanowires with axially encoded dopant profiles. This analysis combines experimental measurements and computational simulations to determine the electrical conductivity of the nominally undoped segment of two‐segment Si nanowires, as well as the ratio of the segment lengths. The efficacy of this approach is demonstrated by comparing results generated by EOS with conventional four‐point‐probe measurements. This work provides new insights into the control and variability of semiconductor nanowires for electronic applications and is a critical first step toward the high‐throughput interrogation of complete nanowire‐based devices.
A Microfabricated Sandwiching Assay for Nanoliter and High‐Throughput Biomarker Screening
Authors: Bandaru Praveen , Chu Dafeng , Sun Wujin , Lasli Soufian , Zhao Chuanzhen , Hou Shuang , Zhang Shiming , Ni Jiahua , Cefaloni Giorgia , Ahadian Samad , Dokmeci Mehmet Remzi , Sengupta Shiladitya , Lee Junmin , Khademhosseini Ali
Published: March 2019

Cells secrete substances that are essential to the understanding of numerous immunological phenomena and are extensively used in clinical diagnoses. Countless techniques for screening of biomarker secretion in living cells have generated valuable information on cell function and physiology, but low volume and real‐time analysis is a bottleneck for a range of approaches. Here, a simple, highly sensitive assay using a high‐throughput micropillar and microwell array chip (MIMIC) platform is presented for monitoring of biomarkers secreted by cancer cells. The sensing element is a micropillar array that uses the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) mechanism to detect captured biomolecules. When integrated with a microwell array where few cells are localized, interleukin 8 (IL‐8) secretion can be monitored with nanoliter volume using multiple micropillar arrays. The trend of cell secretions measured using MIMICs matches the results from conventional ELISA well while it requires orders of magnitude less cells and volumes. Moreover, the proposed MIMIC is examined to be used as a drug screening platform by delivering drugs using micropillar arrays in combination with a microfluidic system and then detecting biomolecules from cells as exposed to drugs.
Low‐Cost, High‐Efficiency, and Efficiency Predictable Small Molecule Organic Dyes with Bis(4‐styryl)phenyl Amino Donor for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Ying Xintong , Liu Yifei , Ling Li , Xu Mengchen , Bao Benzhou , Bao Xin , Pang Aiying , Shao Guang , Zhang Yingjun , Fang Jing‐Kun
Published: March 2019

Three small molecule organic dyes (SMODs) with bis(4‐styryl)phenyl amino (BSPA) donor FWD4∼FWD6 are synthesized easily and applied as sensitizers for dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The dipole moments (µ) of FWD4∼FWD6 are calculated by using density functional theory (DFT) to be 7.49, 9.64, and 9.22 D, respectively. The DSSCs based on FWD4∼FWD6 exhibit high power conversion efficiencies (η) of 5.83%, 7.62%, and 7.39%, respectively. The linear regression equation η = 0.817 µ–0.370 is created with R2 = 0.999 that reveals the equation owned high accuracy. Highly reliable linear equations are also obtained under different fabrication conditions, which indicates that the power conversion efficiency tendency is influenced only by these dyes’ intrinsic property, the dipole moment. The excellent linear correlation between the dipole moment and power conversion efficiency indicates that it is very likely to predict the power conversion efficiency precisely by calculating the dipole moment, which gives a convenient way to connect the experimental results with theoretical calculations for dyes with similar molecular structures.
Left ventricular torsional mechanics in term fetuses and neonates
Authors: Patey O. , Carvalho J. S. , Thilaganathan B.
Published: March 2019

Objective

Left ventricular (LV) torsion is an important aspect of cardiac mechanics and is fundamental to normal ventricular function. The myocardial mechanics of the fetal heart and the changes that occur during the transition to the neonatal period have not been explored previously. The aim of this study was to evaluate perinatal changes in LV torsion and its relationship with myocardial function.

Methods

This was a prospective study of 36 women with an uncomplicated term pregnancy. Fetal and neonatal conventional, spectral tissue Doppler and two‐dimensional (2D) speckle tracking echocardiography were performed a few days before and within hours after delivery to measure cardiac indices including LV rotational parameters derived from short‐axis views at the base and apex of the heart. Linear regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between LV rotational parameters and cardiac geometric and functional indices in term fetuses and neonates. Perinatal changes in LV rotational parameters were assessed.

Results

There were three patterns of LV twist in term fetuses: those with reversed‐apex‐type LV twist had the lowest median values of LV torsion (0.1°/cm), with higher values (1.6°/cm) in those with infant‐type LV twist and the highest values (4.4°/cm) in those with adult‐type LV twist. LV torsion was associated significantly with cardiac geometric and functional indices. Perinatal evaluation revealed a significant increase in LV torsion following delivery in fetuses exhibiting reversed‐apex‐type LV twist (increase of 2.8°/cm, P = 0.009) and a significant decrease in those with adult‐type LV twist (decrease of 3.2°/cm, P = 0.008).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the feasibility of 2D speckle tracking imaging for accurate assessment of rotational cardiac parameters in term fetuses. There are unique perinatal patterns of LV twist that demonstrate different values of LV torsion, which was found to correlate with indices of ventricular geometry and myocardial function. Differences in patterns of LV twist may therefore reflect differences in compensatory myocardial adaptation to the physiological environment/loading conditions in late gestation in fetuses and postnatal cardiac adjustment to the acute loading changes that occur at delivery. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Sonographic markers of fetal adiposity and risk of Cesarean delivery
Authors: Hehir M. P. , Burke N. , Burke G. , Turner M. J. , Breathnach F. M. , Mcauliffe F. M. , Morrison J. J. , Dornan S. , Higgins J. , Cotter A. , Geary M. P. , Mcparland P. , Daly S. , Cody F. , Dicker P. , Tully E. , Malone F. D.
Published: March 2019

Objective

Increased fetal size is associated with shoulder dystocia during labor and subsequent need for assisted delivery. We sought to investigate if increased fetal adiposity diagnosed sonographically in late pregnancy is associated with increased risk of operative delivery.

Methods

This secondary analysis of the Genesis Study recruited 2392 nulliparous women with singleton pregnancy in cephalic presentation, in a prospective, multicenter study, to examine prenatal and intrapartum predictors of Cesarean delivery. Participants underwent ultrasound and clinical evaluation between 39 + 0 and 40 + 6 weeks' gestation. Data on fetal biometry were not revealed to patients or to their managing clinicians. A fetal adiposity composite of fetal thigh adiposity and fetal abdominal wall thickness was compiled for each infant in order to determine whether fetal adiposity > 90th centile was associated with an increased risk of Cesarean or operative vaginal delivery.

Results

After exclusions, data were available for 2330 patients. Patients with a fetal adiposity composite > 90th centile had a higher maternal body mass index (BMI) (25 ± 5 kg/m2 vs 24 ± 4 kg/m2; P = 0.005), birth weight (3872 ± 417 g vs 3585 ± 401 g; P < 0.0001) and rate of induction of labor (47% (108/232) vs 40% (834/2098); P = 0.048) than did those with an adiposity composite ≤ 90th centile. Fetuses with adiposity composite > 90th centile were more likely to require Cesarean delivery than were those with adiposity composite ≤ 90th centile (P < 0.0001). After adjusting for birth weight, maternal BMI and need for induction of labor, fetal adiposity > 90th centile remained a risk factor for Cesarean delivery (P < 0.0001). A fetal adiposity composite > 90th centile was more predictive of the need for unplanned Cesarean delivery than was an estimated fetal weight > 90th centile (odds ratio, 2.20 (95% CI, 1.65–2.94; P < 0.001) vs 1.74 (95% CI, 1.29–2.35; P < 0.001). Having an adiposity composite > 90th centile was not associated with an increased likelihood of operative vaginal delivery when compared with having an adiposity composite ≤ 90th centile (P = 0.37).

Conclusions

Fetuses with increased adipose deposition are more likely to require Cesarean delivery than are those without increased adiposity. Consideration should, therefore, be given to adding fetal thigh adiposity and abdominal wall thickness to fetal sonographic assessment in late pregnancy. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Ultrasonic treatment enhances sludge disintegration and degradation in a photosynthetic bacteria‐bioelectrochemical system
Authors: Wang Youzhao , Pan Yuan , Li Xianjin , Zhang Kuo , Zhu Tong
Published: March 2019

Excess sludge contains a large amount of organic matter, most of which is present in the form of bacteria and extracellular polymeric substances. In this study, a photosynthetic bioelectrochemical system (BES) combined with ultrasonic treatment (UT) was investigated to mineralize sludge. The sludge was disintegrated by the UT, and the supernatant separated from the treated sludge was further degraded through a bioelectrochemical system containing photosynthetic bacteria (PSB‐BES). The UT efficiency was enhanced by supernatant separation. The PSB‐BES method effectively improved the degradation of the soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD) from the supernatant. The SCOD and protein removal were increased 1.4 and 1.5 times, respectively, compared to BES without PSB. In addition, the effects of several key operating factors including illumination, voltage, and temperature were systematically investigated. This study provides a basis for further development of sludge mineralization processes.

Practitioner points

The sludge was disintegrated by the ultrasound treatment.

The supernatant separated from treated sludge was further degraded by a bioelectrochemical system combined with photosynthetic bacteria.

The ultrasonic treatment efficiency was enhanced by supernatant separation.

The PSB‐BES method effectively improved the soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD) degradation from the supernatant.

The effects of several key operating factors including light (dark–photo), voltage, and temperature were systematically investigated.
Prediction of global buckling loads of doubly symmetric pultruded FRP columns subjected to concentric compression
Authors: Zhan Yang , Wu Gang
Published: March 2019

This paper presents an improved closed‐form solution to determine the global buckling capacity of axially loaded pultruded fiber‐reinforced polymer (PFRP) columns with doubly symmetry cross sections based on the original solution recommended by Eurocode 3 (EC3). In this improved solution, a new closed‐form equation to determine the reduction factor for global buckling of doubly symmetric PFRP members under axial compression is developed, based on the Ayrton–Perry formula and observed initial out‐of‐straightness of PFRP members measured by other researchers. Recognizing that data on initial imperfections may be unavailable, a second new empirical closed‐form equation is derived to predict the global buckling loads of doubly symmetric PFRP columns based upon the experimental data. Validation of the two explicit solutions taking into account the influence of geometric imperfections of doubly symmetric PFRP shapes is performed by both comparison to experimental data and comparison with validated numerical simulations. In addition, compared with the five closed‐form solutions available in the literature, the two proposed solutions exhibit higher accuracy in predicting the global buckling capacity of concentrically loaded PFRP columns with doubly symmetry cross sections. Parametric studies are further conducted, and the influences of the main parameters on the performance of corresponding solutions are discussed. The two proposed solutions can facilitate the global buckling analysis and design of doubly symmetric PFRP columns under concentric compressive loading.
Responsible Data Science in a Dynamic World
Authors: van der Aalst Wil M. P.
Published: March 2019

Data science is changing our world in many different ways. Data and the associated data science innovations are changing everything: the way we work, the way we move, the way we interact, the way we care, the way we learn, and the way we socialize. As a result, many professions will cease to exist. For example, today’s call centers will disappear just like video rental shops disappeared. At the same time, new jobs, products, services, and opportunities emerge. Hence, it is important to understand the essence of data science. This extended abstract discusses the four essential elements of data science: “water” (availability, magnitude, and different forms of data), “fire” (irresponsible uses of data and threats related to fairness, accuracy, confidentiality, and transparency), “wind” (the way data science can be used to improve processes), and “earth” (the need for data science research and education). Next to providing an original view on data science, the abstract also highlights important next steps to ensure that data will not just change, but also improve our world.
IoT Enabled Process Innovation: Exploring Sensor-Based Digital Service Design Through an Information Requirements Framework
Authors: Carlén Niclas , Forsman August , Svensson Jesper , Sandberg Johan
Published: March 2019

Through digitisation of physical artefacts and environments, the Internet of Things carries vast potential for process innovation. However, navigation of the quickly evolving technological landscape and identification of emerging opportunities for value creation remains challenging. To this end, we combine existing frameworks on information requirements, IT capability, and business value of IT. We evaluate the usability of these frameworks for IoT enabled innovation in our analysis of two sensor-based process innovation projects. We investigate the fit between process characteristics and technological functionality, and the implications of this alignment. Our analysis demonstrates that the framework provides a practically useful and theoretically coherent conceptual device for analyzing process characteristics and digital options to innovate processes. Furthermore, we find that IoT sensors are well suited to address connectivity and uncertainty requirements. However, in order to leverage them to address high equivocality requirements designers need deep contextual understanding to align IoT capability with information requirements.
Working with IoT – A Case Study Detailing Workplace Digitalization Through IoT System Adoption
Authors: Mähler Viktor , Westergren Ulrika Holmström
Published: March 2019

As the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to grow in scope it is bound to pervade an increasing number of firms. To that end it becomes important to understand the challenges and opportunities associated with introducing IoT in the workplace. By studying IoT implementation and usage from the perspective of three different stakeholders cooperating around the same IoT system, we explore how the introduction of IoT in the workplace presents unique opportunities and challenges for both management and individual workers. We conclude that the identified opportunities expressed by the different stakeholders were increased productivity, the ability to monitor performance, and improved customer relations. Challenges encountered were increased stress among some workers and forming a shared understanding of the IoT system’s capabilities amongst different stakeholders.
The Outcomes of the Implementation of Internet of Things: A Public Value Perspective
Authors: Velsberg Ott
Published: March 2019

In recent years, Internet of Things (IoT) has gained presence in all areas of life. Whilst private sector is the forerunner in the adoption of these devices, public sector usage has been lagging. With the rise of smart initiatives, public organizations are increasingly implementing IoT. The necessity to know in which areas of public sector IoT has been implemented and what public value has been derived, has gained importance as reporting of the cost efficiency and benefits of these initiatives has gained attention. This paper seeks to determine the importance of IoT in the public sector from the perspective of public value. IoT implementation in Estonian municipalities was studied to provide concrete data on the use of IoT. Next to efficiency, which is a known goal of IT implementation, the research findings suggest that while IoT has generated public value, there has been a shift in value creation with other outcomes such as effectiveness, transparency and collaboration gaining increased presence. While IoT shows great promise for public value creation, more research is needed to study how public sector can leverage these devices to harvest more benefits than the simple automatization of work processes.
An Internet of Things (IoT) Model for Optimising Downtime Management: A Smart Lighting Case Study
Authors: Scholtz Brenda , Kapeso Mando , Van Belle Jean-Paul
Published: March 2019

In today’s global, competitive economy, downtime has been identified as a key performance indicator for field service organisations. The emergence of an Internet of Things (IoT) has brought new enhancement possibilities to various industries such as the manufacturing and field service industry. This paper provides a vision and motivation for using IoT in Field Service Management (FSM) in order to address data quality and service delivery issues. The theory of information quality was used to undergird the research and a model for the optimisation of downtime management in the field service industry using the IoT is proposed. The model was used to drive the design of a “proof of concept” prototype, the KapCha prototype. The paper also includes a report on an empirical study of the application of the proposed IoT model in FSM. The experiment findings showed that the prototype reduced the round trip delay time for sending and receiving data and was scalable. As a result, access to quality information supporting advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence was provided. Therefore, service technicians can be alerted more quickly as soon as any potential technical problems occur. In turn improved diagnostics and more efficient decision making can be achieved. The model and the lessons learned provide valuable guidance to other researchers and fill the gap in research of empirical studies conducted on IoT implementations.
Current advances in Hodgkin's lymphoma
Authors: Vadakara Joseph , Andrick Benjamin
Published: March 2019

Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a highly treatable malignancy. It has high cure rates yet there are many patients who relapse or are refractory to treatment. Traditionally, treatment has been with conventional chemotherapy; however, the development of brentuximab vedotin and immune checkpoint inhibitors has revolutionized the care of Hodgkin’s lymphoma. This is a review of the current advances in the management of Hodgkin’s lymphoma and a review of ongoing clinical trials in the field.
The Idealism and Pantheism of May Sinclair
Authors: THOMAS EMILY
Published: March 2019

During the early twentieth century, British novelist and philosopher May Sinclair published two book-length defenses of idealism. Although Sinclair is well known to literary scholars, she is little known to the history of philosophy. This paper provides the first substantial scholarship on Sinclair's philosophical views, focusing on her mature idealism. Although Sinclair is working within the larger British idealist tradition, her argument for Absolute idealism is unique, founded on Samuel Alexander's new realist beliefs about the reality of time. Her metaphysics takes idealism and pantheism in new directions and provides fresh insight into 1920s debates between British idealisms and realisms.
Healthcare-associated bloodstream infection trends under a provincial surveillance program
Authors: Fakih Iman , Fortin Élise , Smith Marc-André , Carignan Alex , Tremblay Claude , Villeneuve Jasmin , Moisan Danielle , Frenette Charles , Quach Caroline , Schmidt Alexandra M. ,   for SPIN-BACTOT
Published: March 2019

Objective:

BACTOT, Quebec’s healthcare-associated bloodstream infection (HABSI) surveillance program has been operating since 2007. In this study, we evaluated the changes in HABSI rates across 10 years of BACTOT surveillance under a Bayesian framework.

Design:

A retrospective, cohort study of eligible hospitals having participated in BACTOT for at least 3 years, regardless of their entry date. Multilevel Poisson regressions were fitted independently for cases of HABSI, catheter-associated bloodstream infections (CA-BSIs), non–catheter-associated primary BSIs (NCA-BSIs), and BSIs secondary to urinary tract infections (BSI-UTIs) as the outcome and log of patient days as the offset. The log of the mean Poisson rate was decomposed as the sum of a surveillance year effect, period effect, and hospital effect. The main estimate of interest was the cohort-level rate in years 2–10 of surveillance relative to year 1.

Results:

Overall, 17,479 cases and 33,029,870 patient days were recorded for the cohort of 77 hospitals. The pooled 10-year HABSI rate was 5.20 per 10,000 patient days (95% CI, 5.12–5.28). For HABSI, CA-BSI, and BSI-UTI, there was no difference between the estimated posterior rates of years 2–10 compared to year 1. The posterior means of the NCA-BSI rate ratios increased from the seventh year until the tenth year, when the rate was 29% (95% confidence interval, 1%–89%) higher than the first year rate.

Conclusions:

HABSI rates and those of the most frequent subtypes remained stable over the surveillance period. To achieve reductions in incidence, we recommend that more effort be expended in active interventions against HABSI alongside surveillance.
Health and economic burden of antimicrobial-resistant infections in Australian hospitals: a population-based model
Authors: Wozniak Teresa M. , Bailey Emily J. , Graves Nicholas
Published: March 2019

Objective:

To estimate the additional health and economic burden of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) infections in Australian hospitals.

Methods:

A simulation model based on existing evidence was developed to assess the additional mortality and costs of healthcare-associated AMR Escherichia coli (E. coli), Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecium, and Staphylococcus aureus infections.

Setting:

Australian public hospitals.

Findings:

Australian hospitals spent an additional AUD$5.8 million (95% uncertainty interval [UI], $2.2–$11.2 million) per year treating ceftriaxone-resistant E.coli bloodstream infections (BSI), and an estimated AUD$5.5 million per year (95% UI, $339,633–$22.7 million) treating MRSA patients. There are no reliable estimates of excess morbidity and mortality from AMR infections in sites other than the blood and in particular for highly prevalent AMR E. coli causing urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Conclusion:

The limited evidence-base of the health impact of resistant infection in UTIs limits economic studies estimating the overall burden of AMR. Such data are increasingly important and are urgently needed to support local clinical practice as well as national and global efforts to curb the spread of AMR.
Bilinear forms on potential spaces in the unit circle
Authors: Cascante Carme , Ortega Joaquín M.
Published: March 2019

In this paper we characterize the boundedness on the product of Sobolev spacesHs(𝕋) ×Hs(𝕋) on the unit circle 𝕋, of the bilinear form Λbwith symbolb∈Hs(𝕋) given by$${{\Lambda}_b} (\varphi, \psi): = \int_{\open T} {\left( {{{( - {\Delta })}^s} + I} \right)(\varphi \psi )(\eta )b(\eta ) {\rm d}\sigma (\eta ).}$$
Partisan Poll Watchers and Electoral Manipulation
Authors: ASCENCIO SERGIO J. , RUEDA MIGUEL R.
Published: March 2019

How do parties protect themselves from electoral manipulation? To answer this question, we study the drivers of polling station party representatives’ presence and their impact on electoral outcomes in an environment where electoral irregularities are common. Using election data from the Mexican Chamber of Deputies, we find a robust positive correlation between the presence of party representatives and that party’s vote share. The evidence suggests that this correlation can be attributed to party representatives influencing the electoral results. We also formulate a game theoretic model of the levels of representation chosen by parties in a given precinct and structurally estimate its parameters. We find that parties send their representatives where they expect their opponents to send their own. The finding suggests representatives play a primarily protective role, even when they are often involved in irregularities themselves.
Beneficial effects of green banana biomass consumption in patients with pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Costa Edna S. , França Carolina N. , Fonseca Francisco A. H. , Kato Juliana T. , Bianco Henrique T. , Freitas Thiago T. , Fonseca Henrique A. R. , Figueiredo Neto Antonio Martins , Izar Maria Cristina
Published: March 2019

Diabetes mellitus is a global epidemic, characterised as a heterogeneous group of metabolic disorders associated with high risk of CVD. Green banana biomass, which is composed of resistant starches (RS) and cannot be hydrolysed by amylases, delays gastric emptying and modulates insulin sensitivity, thus contributing to improve metabolic disorders. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of consumption of RS from green banana biomass on body composition, fasting plasma glucose, glycated Hb (HbA1c) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance in subjects with pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes on top of treatment. Middle-aged subjects (n113) of both sexes with pre-diabetes (HbA1c: 5·7–6·4 %) or diabetes (HbA1c ≥ 6·5 %) were randomised to receive nutritional support plus green banana biomass (40 g) (RS: approximately 4·5 g, G1,n62) or diet alone (G2,n51) for 24 weeks. Body composition, biochemical analyses and dietary intake were evaluated at the beginning and end of the study. In the experimental group (G1), consumption of RS was associated with reduction in HbA1c (P= 0·0001), fasting glucose (P= 0·021), diastolic blood pressure (P= 0·010), body weight (P= 0·002), BMI (P= 0·006), waist and hip circumferences (P< 0·01), fat mass percentage (P= 0·001) and increase in lean mass percentage (P= 0·011). In controls (G2), reductions were observed in waist and hip circumferences (P< 0·01), HbA1c (P= 0·002) and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (P= 0·020). In pre-diabetes or diabetes, non-significant differences were observed in the percentage reduction in HbA1c and fasting glucose in exploratory analyses. Our results indicate that the consumption of bioactive starches is a good dietary strategy to improve metabolic control and body composition.
Consistent improvements in soil biochemical properties and crop yields by organic fertilization for above-ground (rapeseed) and below-ground (sweet potato) crops
Authors: Li X. P. , Liu C. L. , Zhao H. , Gao F. , Ji G. N. , Hu F. , Li H. X.
Published: March 2019

Although application of organic fertilizers has become a recommended way for developing sustainable agriculture, it is still unclear whether above-ground and below-ground crops have similar responses to chemical fertilizers (CF) and organic manure (OM) under the same farming conditions. The current study investigated soil quality and crop yield response to fertilization of a double-cropping system with rapeseed (above-ground) and sweet potato (below-ground) in an infertile red soil for 2 years (2014–16). Three fertilizer treatments were compared, including CF, OM and organic manure plus chemical fertilizer (MCF). Organic fertilizers (OM and MCF) increased the yield of both above- and below-ground crops and improved soil biochemical properties significantly. The current study also found that soil-chemical properties were the most important and direct factors in increasing crop yields. Also, crop yield was affected indirectly by soil-biological properties, because no significant effects of soil-biological activities on yield were detected after controlling the positive effects of soil-chemical properties. Since organic fertilizers could not only increase crop yield, but also improve soil nutrients and microbial activities efficiently and continuously, OM application is a reliable agricultural practice for both above- and below-ground crops in the red soils of China.
Comparative analysis of conventional cold curettage versus endoscopic assisted coblation adenoidectomy
Authors: Bidaye R , Vaid N , Desarda K
Published: March 2019

Objective

To compare conventional cold curettage adenoidectomy with endoscopic assisted coblation adenoidectomy in terms of operative time, primary blood loss, post-operative residual tissue and post-operative pain.

Methods

This prospective non-randomised study was carried out on 60 patients aged 5–12 years. One group underwent conventional cold curettage adenoidectomy and the other underwent endoscopic assisted coblation adenoidectomy, with 30 patients per group.

Results

Mean operation duration was significantly higher for endoscopic assisted coblation adenoidectomy. Mean blood loss was 44.33 ml in conventional cold curettage adenoidectomy and 32.47 ml in endoscopic assisted coblation adenoidectomy. The pain grade was significantly lower in endoscopic assisted coblation adenoidectomy. Forty per cent of patients who underwent conventional cold curettage adenoidectomy had adenoid tissue post-surgery, while it was completely absent in endoscopic assisted coblation adenoidectomy patients.

Conclusion

Coblation adenoidectomy has significant advantages over conventional adenoidectomy in terms of reduced blood loss, no post-operative residual tissue and lower pain grade on day 1 after surgery.
‘LIKE A LILY AMONGST THE THORNS’: PATTERNS OF NOBLE POWER AND VIOLENCE BETWEEN FARNESE AND ORSINI, 1378–1447
Authors: Luiten Loek
Published: March 2019

Violence and peace-making in medieval Italy have often been analysed in urban environments. But what happened if two powerful baronial families clashed in the countryside? This paper, by looking at the feud between the Farnese and Orsini di Pitigliano during the Western Schism, illuminates various patterns of conflict and conciliation. Such conflicts witnessed the participation of relatives, allies, and subjects who shared in the sense of community and honour of their lords. The various motivations for actors to become involved on behalf of or in opposition to barons are analysed here in detail. The events of the Farnese–Orsini feud on the micro-level are linked to wider developments on the Italian peninsula and European politics. In the second part of this paper the successful conclusion of the feud is analysed in light of the return of the papacy to Rome. The meticulous detail in which the peace agreement was hammered out then provides further insight into the strategies employed by baronial families to maintain the peace. In all, this paper therefore contributes to the study of violence and peace-making as well as of the Italian nobility during the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries.
Overlapping neural systems underlying “incentive hope” and apprehension
Authors: Tops Mattie
Published: March 2019

Positioning “incentive hope” in a general model of behavioral control systems removes artificial boundaries between mechanisms of incentive motivation in foraging behavior and other functions of the striatum and connected systems. Specifically, incentive hope may involve mechanisms of anticipation of both reward and threat, explaining why anxious individuals show stronger potentiation of incentive motivation under conditions of reward uncertainty.
Beyond uncertainty: A broader scope for “incentive hope” mechanisms and its implications
Authors: Linkovski Omer , Weinbach Noam , Edelman Shimon , Feldman Marcus W. , Lotem Arnon , Kolodny Oren
Published: March 2019

We propose that food-related uncertainty is but one of multiple cues that predicts harsh conditions and may activate “incentive hope.” An evolutionarily adaptive response to these would have been to shift to a behavioral-metabolic phenotype geared toward facing hardship. In modernity, this phenotype may lead to pathologies such as obesity and hoarding. Our perspective suggests a novel therapeutic approach.
The value of uncertainty: An active inference perspective
Authors: Pezzulo Giovanni , Friston Karl J.
Published: March 2019

We discuss how uncertainty underwrites exploration and epistemic foraging from the perspective of active inference: a generic scheme that places pragmatic (utility maximization) and epistemic (uncertainty minimization) imperatives on an equal footing – as primary determinants of proximal behavior. This formulation contextualizes the complementary motivational incentives for reward-related stimuli and environmental uncertainty, offering a normative treatment of their trade-off.