bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Designing of near-infrared sensitive asymmetric small molecular donors for high-efficiency organic solar cells
Authors: Mehboob Muhammad Yasir , Khan Muhammad Usman , Hussain Riaz , Fatima Rafia , Irshad Zobia , Adnan Muhammad
Published: August 2020

Herein, we have designed four small molecular donors (SMDs) with Donor–Acceptor–Acceptor (D–Á–A) backbone having different acceptor units for highly efficient organic solar cells (OSCs). The specific molecular modeling has been made by replacing the additional acceptor unit (A) of recently synthesized TPA-DAA-MDN molecule (R) by employing different highly efficient acceptor units in order to improve the photovoltaic performances of the molecules. A theoretical approach (DFT and TD-DFT) has been applied to investigate the photophysical, opto-electronic and photovoltaic parameters of the designed molecules (DAA1–DAA4) and compared with the reference molecule (R). The red-shifting absorption of SMDs is the most important factor for highly efficient OSCs. Our all formulated molecules showed a red shifted absorption spectrum and also exhibit near IR sensitivity. Acceptor unit modification of R molecule causes reduction in HOMO-LUMO energy gap; therefore, all designed molecules offer better opto-electronic properties as compared to R molecule. A variety of certain critical factors essential for efficient SMDs like frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs), absorption maxima, dipole moment, exciton binding energy along with transition density matrix, excitation energy, open circuit voltages and charge mobilities of (DAA1–DAA4) and R have also been investigated. Generally, low values of reorganizational energy (hole and electron) offer high charge mobility and our all designed molecules are enriched in this aspect. High open circuit voltage values, low excitation energies, large dipole moment values indicate that our designed SMDs are suitable candidates for high-efficiency OSCs. Furthermore, conceptualized molecules are superior and thus are suggested to experimentalist for out-looking future progresses of highly efficient OSCs devices.
Arbitration quantum signature protocol based on XOR encryption
Authors: Zheng Xiao-Yi , Kuang Chang
Published: August 2020

Quantum signature is a branch of quantum cryptography that draws on the design ideas of classic digital signatures, and uses the basic principles of quantum mechanics to achieve the integrity, authenticity and nonrepudiation of quantum information. Among them, arbitration quantum signature (AQS) plays a very important role. In this paper, we proposed an AQS protocol based on XOR encryption. Unlike other protocols, a quantum one-time pad encryption method or chain-type CNOT encryption method is abandoned. The proposed protocol is designed based on the three-particle GHZ state combined with the idea of classical XOR encryption, with CNOT operations used to encrypt quantum messages and quantum signatures. A security analysis of the proposed protocol reveals that the proposed protocol can satisfy the AQS requirements of unforgeability and nonrepudiation.
Structural Shape Optimization By Coupled FE–MM and Swarm Intelligence-Based Algorithm
Authors: Rohit Gaurang R. , Prajapati Jagdish M. , Patel Vikram B.
Published: August 2020

This paper sets propelling a more current strategy for mechanical shape optimization by joining a coupled finite element (FE) method–meshfree method (MM) with swarm intelligence (SI)-based stochastic ‘zero-order’ search procedure. The arranged gathering massively fits as a structural shape optimization since MM is utilized here for structural examination shape analysis and to avoid a remeshing in view of fundamental mesh modification if there should be an occurrence of tremendous shape varieties, discontinuous secondary field variables across element boundaries, etc. while using FE. This is same as FE strategy that helps in beating the weaknesses of MM like high computational exertion and simplicity of forcing essential boundary conditions (EBCs). Populace-based stochastic optimization strategy, e.g., PSO abrogates computational burden, multifaceted nature and blunders aligned with structure affectability assessment Right now, plan limit portrayal Akima spline introduction has been considered on account of its improved persistence and smoothness over cubic spline. The convenience of present strategy, results got with current technique is contrasted and different strategies for past writing. The adequacy, legitimacy and execution of the present procedure are built up through mathematical instances of cantilever beam and fixed–fixed bar geometry for shape optimization with conduct limitations on displacement. For both these issues, h-refinement for opening issue geometry has been examined and furthermore impact of various design variables fit as a shape optimization has likewise been researched.
Theoretical kinetics and thermodynamics study: Peripheral substituent effects on the hydrolysis of verdoheme
Authors: Sarabi Shahriyar , Jamaat Parisa Rajabali , Djahaniani Hoorieh
Published: August 2020

The heme oxygenase (HO) enzyme is a free heme protein that binds to heme in the body. Heme acts as both a cofactor and a substrate in this enzyme. The catabolism of heme into biliverdin, monoxide carbon, and free-iron, catalyzed by heme oxygenase via three consecutive oxygenation steps, in which the heme group functions as the prosthetic group as well as the substrate. Investigations of the reactions of the peripheral substituent on the heme ring with 5-oxaporphyrin iron complexes (verdohemes) have been assumed to provide models and largely unknown for the primary step in the hydrolysis of verdohemes. In this work, a theoretical kinetics and thermodynamics study of the degradation reactions of verdohemes was performed, and calculations show that the [Formula: see text] in the hydrolysis of verdohemes with non-peripheral substituents is more negative than hydrolysis of verdohemes with peripheral substituents. In other words, the hydrolysis of verdohemes with non-peripheral substituents is more energy-efficient than verdohemes with a peripheral substituents. Equilibrium constant calculations show that hydrolysis of verdohemes with non-peripheral substituents is much faster than that of verdohemes with peripheral substituents, which is due to a more convenient nucleophilic attack on the cationic ring than the anionic ring. To acquire a good molecular understanding, peripheral substituent effects on the hydrolysis of verdoheme’s inhibitory role was studied using the DFT method.
HOW CAN THE LEAN STARTUP APPROACH IMPROVE THE INNOVATION PROCESS OF ESTABLISHED COMPANIES? AN EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH
Authors: SCHEUENSTUHL FELIX , BICAN PETER M. , BREM ALEXANDER
Published: August 2020

The Lean Startup approach and its related Minimum Viable Product thinking is one of the key trends not only in entrepreneurship, but also in more and more established companies. Before this background, this paper experimentally investigates whether and how the Lean Startup approach improves innovation processes in established companies. For this, the overall experiment had 23 participants, the outcome was then matched against a control group and evaluated through a survey with 146 representatives of the target group of the product. The results show that the Lean Startup approach outperforms the traditional approach and that this method improves the success rate of innovation ideas and thus supports the learning philosophy within established companies. Moreover, the experiment revealed a superior performance, especially relating to financial output. Based on these results, implications for research and companies are discussed, as well as limitations and further research suggestions.
COMPETITIVE POSITIONING AS ANTECEDENTS OF EXPLORATIVE AND EXPLOITATIVE TECHNOLOGICAL ACQUISITIONS: EVIDENCE FROM SEMICONDUCTOR INDUSTRY
Authors: NAKAGAWA KOICHI , NAKAYA MASAO
Published: August 2020

This research examines how competitive positioning influences target selection of corporate acquisitions. Nowadays, the technological acquisition is considered as an important method to access to novel technologies to the acquirer. While its effect on firm’s innovative performance has been examined, the factors preceeding of acquisition have been less examined. Therefore, we do not have sufficient understanding of under what conditions, what kind of company is acquired. We introduce the concept of exploration and exploitation to classify the fundamental types of technological acquisitions, and we introduce competitive positioning in strategic management studies as its determinants. Using the 2001–2013 data of semiconductor industry, we examined that a company was likely to acquire the other company for exploitative purpose when it was on the more attractive position, and a company was likely to acquire for explorative purpose when it was in the less attractive positioning.
Simulation of Seismic Wave Propagation in a Multicomponent Oil Deposit Model
Authors: Golubev Vasily , Shevchenko Alexey , Petrov Igor
Published: August 2020

A seismic survey is perhaps the most common geophysical technique used to locate potential oil and natural gas deposits in the geologic structures. Thanks to the rapid development of modern high-performance computing systems, the computer simulation technology plays a crucial role in processing the field data. The precision of the full-waveform inversion (FWI) essentially depends on the quality of the direct problem solver. This paper introduces a new approach to the numerical simulation of wave processes in complex heterogeneous media. The linear elasticity theory is applied to simulate the dynamic behavior of curvilinear geological layers. In contrast to the conventional approach, the producing oil formation is described in the frame of a porous fluid-filled model. It allows us to explicitly take into account the porosity, oil density, and other physical parameters. The method of setting the physically correct contact conditions between the reservoir and the geological massif based on the transport equation solution for Riemann invariants was successfully implemented. The grid-characteristic method, previously thoroughly verified on acoustic and elastic problems, was adopted. The explicit time-stepping procedure was derived for a two-dimensional case with a method of splitting along coordinate axes. This method guarantees the preservation of the scheme approximation order. The potential application of the new method to a complex model based on the data from the famous Russian oil deposit — the Bazhen Formation — is demonstrated. The seismic responses were registered on the wave fields and synthetic seismograms. The novelty of this paper relates to a uniform approach to the wave propagation simulation in the heterogeneous medium containing contacting subdomains with different rheology types.
Stochastic Response of a Coastal Cable-Stayed Bridge Subjected to Multi-Dimensional and Multi-Supported Earthquake and Waves
Authors: MENG SIBO , DING YANG
Published: August 2020

In this paper, a stochastic dynamic analysis method for cable-stayed bridges subjected to multi-dimensional and multi-supported earthquake and waves is established based on the pseudo-excitation method. The Monte Carlo method is used to analyze the influence of excitation nonlinearity on the bridge structure response, and the applicability of this method is verified. Stochastic response characteristic of coastal cable-stayed bridges subjected to multi-dimensional and multi-supported earthquake and waves is studied. The influence of water–structure interaction on the stochastic seismic response of main components of the cable-stayed bridge is described, and the influence of key parameters is analyzed. The results show that the influence of excitation nonlinearity on the response of the cable-stayed bridge can be neglected. A greater energy input caused by the rigid additional mass of the hydrodynamic pressure is the reason for the increasing of the seismic response. The influence of stochastic response of the underwater structure of the tower is changed with the site conditions. For the ground motion acceleration input energy being distributed in the high-frequency domain, the water–structure interaction has a greater effect on stochastic seismic response of the underwater structure of the tower. The influence of water–structure interaction on the stochastic seismic response of the underwater structure of the cable-stayed bridge increases with the increasing of the wave height and water depth.
Preconditioned gridless methods for solving three-dimensional Euler equations at low Mach numbers
Authors: Cao Cheng , Chen Hongquan , Zhang Jiale
Published: August 2020

In this paper, preconditioned gridless methods are developed for solving the three-dimensional (3D) Euler equations at low Mach numbers. The preconditioned system is obtained by multiplying a preconditioning matrix of the type of Weiss and Smith to the time derivative of the 3D Euler equations, which are discretized under the clouds of points distributed in the computational domain by using a gridless technique. The implementations of the preconditioned gridless methods are mainly based on the frame of the traditional gridless method without preconditioning, which may fail to have convergence for flow simulations at low Mach numbers, therefore the modifications corresponding to the affected terms of preconditioning are mainly addressed in the paper. An explicit four-stage Runge–Kutta scheme is first applied for time integration, and the lower-upper symmetric Gauss-Seidel (LU-SGS) algorithm is then introduced to form the implicit counterpart to have the further speed up of the convergence. Both the resulting explicit and implicit preconditioned gridless methods are validated by simulating flows over two academic bodies like sphere or hemispherical headform, and transonic and nearly incompressible flows over one aerodynamic ONERA M6 wing. The gridless clouds of both regular and irregular points are used in the simulations, which demonstrates the ability of the method presented for coping with flows over complicated aerodynamic geometries. Numerical results of surface pressure distributions agree well with available experimental data or simulated solutions in the literature. The numerical results also show that the preconditioned gridless methods presented still functions for compressible transonic flow simulations and additionally, for nearly incompressible flow simulations at low Mach numbers as well. The convergence of the implicit preconditioned gridless method, as expected, is much faster than its explicit counterpart.
Possible Retinal Impairment Secondary to Ritonavir Use in SARS-CoV-2 Patients: A Narrative Systematic Review
Authors: Cozzupoli Grazia Maria , Savastano Maria Cristina , Falsini Benedetto , Savastano Alfonso , Rizzo Stanislao
Published: August 2020

Some reports described a possible ritonavir-related retinal toxicity. The objective of this research was to review and analyze previous studies conducted on ritonavir administration and retinal impairment in a narrative synthesis. PubMed was used to perform a systematic review of ritonavir effects and retinal damage. All studies up to December 2019 were considered. Seven single cases and one case series, reporting a total of 10 patients affected by retinal changes secondary to long-term ritonavir treatment, were included in the review. Variable degrees of outer retina and retinal pigment epithelium changes were detected in most of the patients, with two patients showing macular telangiectasia, four patients presenting intraretinal crystal deposits, two patients disclosing a bull’s eye maculopathy, and two patients revealing midperipheral bone spicule-like pigment changes. In the present study, we hypothesized that the use of ritonavir in life-saving treatments of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pneumonia might expose these patients to the risk of developing a retinotoxicity. We aimed to alert ophthalmologists on the importance of recognizing ritonavir-induced retinal impairment in SARS-CoV-2 patients. These findings are the target for personalized medicine.
Easily Missed: A Case Series of New Heart Failure in Young Adults
Authors: Hall Eric J. , Menachem Jonathan , Stevenson Lynne Warner , Huston Jessica
Published: August 2020

Background. While uncommon, heart failure (HF) can present in young adults from a variety of causes. Identifying HF in a young patient presents many challenges, the foremost of which is recognition of the signs and symptoms of HF. Case Summary. We present four cases of new diagnosis of HF (due to familial cardiomyopathy, tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy, spontaneous coronary artery dissection, and peripartum cardiomyopathy) to highlight the range of etiologies and presentations requiring recognition in this patient population. Discussion. A high index of suspicion is needed to diagnose HF in young adults, who may not present with classic signs and symptoms. Young adults represent a unique patient population that differs from the older patients with HF. Young adults with newly diagnosed HF should be promptly referred to a center offering full diagnostic capabilities and advanced cardiac therapies.
Protestantismo misionero norteamericano en América Latina en el siglo XX
Authors: Fediakova Evguenia
Published: August 2020

La historia del cristianismo mundial es inseparable de la historia de las misiones. El hecho de ser cristiano contemplaba el deber del creyente de llevar el Evangelio a cada ser humano y a todas las naciones y pueblos del mundo. La expansión de la fe cristiana, la propagación de la cultura occidental en Asia, India, América Latina, eran en gran medida corolario de la labor misionera. En este sentido, la figura del misionero para la formación de la cultura religiosa no occidental redunda de una importancia primordial.

A partir de la presencia misionera, en Latinoamérica es posible observar los conflictos interculturales, las percepciones mutuas de un pueblo acerca del otro, la transformación de un mensaje religioso universal bajo la influencia de las culturas locales y de los cambios de identidad de pueblos latinoamericanos. Sin embargo, el protestantismo misionero se demostró perceptivo a los desafíos y particularidades de las naciones ‘receptoras’. Aun cuando los ‘importadores de Evangelio’ llegaban a terreno con esquemas preconcebidos, la realidad latinoamericana también influyó en ellos. Los problemas económicos, la situación de desigualdad y pobreza que agudizaban los conflictos políticos, tuvieron como consecuencia que la mayor parte de las misiones protestantes conservadoras se vio obligada a cambiar su antigua posición negativa en cuanto al Evangelio social y a aceptar la responsabilidad social de las misiones y del movimiento evangélico en general. El rechazo al mundo resultó insuficiente para contrarrestar la creciente popularidad del marxismo y la Teología de la Liberación, y debieron ser complementados con otras prácticas. Al mismo tiempo, el protestantismo norteamericano tuvo que adaptarse a la singular religiosidad latinoamericana y modificar sus estilos litúrgicos, la participación interna, y las relaciones entre los fieles y los pastores, con mayor emotividad y cercanía. De esta manera, los evangélicos latinoamericanos no eran ‘receptores pasivos’ de las doctrinas extranjeras, sino que protagonistas del proceso de construcción de su propia espiritualidad.
The PCAOB sanctions on the Brazilian auditing firms and the reaction of the Brazilian market - an event study
Authors: Vasconcelos Camila de Souza , Geron Cecília Moraes Santostaso , Vasconcelos Ana Lúcia Fontes de Souza
Published: August 2020

The objective of this work is to measure the financial effect reflected in the behavior of companies’ shares listed in the Brazilian capital market and audited by Big Four audit firms after public sanctions issued by PCAOB in the period from 2002 to 2017. To achieve this goal, the research methodology applied was the event study, based on historical closing prices of shares extracted by the Economática database. The results presented corroborate the semi-efficient hypothesis of the Brazilian market, since it was possible to observe that the company mentioned in the sanction issued by PCAOB and the companies listed in the IBOVESPA index and audited by BigFour audit firms, suffered abnormal returns following the publication of PCAOB censures in at least one of the periods analyzed for the events under study.
Improvement of Near-Infrared Persistent Luminescence in Lithium Substituted MgGa2O4:Cr3+ Nanocrystals
Authors: Xu Yue , Xue Cuiwei , Xue Shengnan , Zhu Qi
Published: August 2020

Near infrared (NIR) persistent phosphors can exhibit NIR emission for a long period of time after the remove of irradiation, and they have attracted much attention since the demonstration that NIR persistent luminescent nano-sized particles can be used for in vivo imaging. Here,
a new NIR persistent luminescence material of lithium substituted MgGa2O4:Cr3+ (termed as MGO:Cr3+, Li+) has been successfully synthesized by sol–gel processing. The MGO:Cr3+, Li+ mainly consists of ∼40–100
nm nanocrystals, which are of single crystalline with excellent crystallinity. Li+ ions occupying the tetrahedral sites (Mg site) does not significantly affect the crystal structure, but it induces a broader band gap. In the processing of substitution for the Mg2+ site
by Li+, oxygen vacancies appear that can efficiently store the excited electrons by UV light irradiation and contribute to the improved persistent luminescence. Mg vacancy arising from a higher calcination temperature tends to store visible light, which also contributes to the enhanced
afterglow intensity.
Characteristics of Surface Plasmon Polaritons in Magnetized Plasma Film Walled by Two Graphene Layers
Authors: Umair Muhammad , Azam Muhammad , Alkanhal Majeed A. S. , Ghaffar Abdul , Aladadi Yosef Taher , Khan Yasin
Published: August 2020

The theoretical analysis of surface plasmon polaritons in magnetized plasma film walled by two graphene layers is presented in this manuscript. The conductivity of graphene is calculated from the Kubo's formula. By tailoring the graphene conductivity, the propagation of Surface Plasmon
Polariton wave can be controlled. Under the certain boundary conditions Maxwell's Equations in differential form are used to solve the problem. For using these wave guides we also investigate factor of confinement and comparatively length of shorter propagation for parallel plate waveguide.
The effects of chemical potential (μ), plasma frequency (ωp), cyclotron frequency (ωc), relaxation time (τ), and number of layers of graphene (N) on the dispersion curve are investigated. The present work may have potential
applications in nano-waveguide designing and plasma optics technology in the gigahertz frequency range.
Computation Tree Logic Formula Model Checking Using DNA Computing
Authors: Han Ying-Jie , Wang Jian-Wei , Huang Chun , Zhou Qing-Lei
Published: August 2020

Computation tree logic model checking is a formal verification technology that can ensure the correctness of systems. The vast storage density of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) molecules and the massive parallelism of DNA computing offer new methods for computation tree logic model checking.
In this study, we propose a computation tree logic model checking method based on DNA computing. First, a system to-be-checked and a computation tree logic formula are encoded by single-stranded DNA molecules. Second, these singlestranded DNA molecules are mixed to spontaneously hybridize
and form partial or complete double-stranded molecules. Finally, a series of molecular manipulations are applied to detect the double-stranded molecules so that the result whether the system satisfies the computation tree logic formula is obtained. Biological simulations confirm the validity
of the new method.
ZnO Nanowalls/Si Substrate Heterojunction Assembly: Morphological, Optical and Electrical Properties
Authors: Al-Hadeethi Yas , Umar Ahmad , Al-Heniti Saleh H. , Raffah Bahaaudin M. , Badran Rashad I.
Published: August 2020

In this paper, a film of n-ZnO nanowalls was deposited over p-silicon (Si) substrate by thermally evaporating metallic zinc powder in oxygen gas environment. Several techniques were used to examine various properties of prepared ZnO nanowalls. The morphological study confirmed
that the grown ZnO film possesses nanowalls shaped morphologies containing three dimensional (3D) interconnected nanowalls forming large voids with irregular shapes. Interestingly, whole Si substrate was covered with nanowalls shaped morphologies. The structural characterizations examined
by x-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed that the deposited nanowalls possess wurtzite hexagonal crystal structure. The presence of a strong UV and suppressed green emissions at room-temperature photoluminescence (PL) spectrum exhibited good optical properties of the deposited nanowalls. The electrical
properties of the deposited n-ZnO nanowalls over p-silicon substrate assembly was examined in both forward and reverse bias conditions at room-temperature. The fabricated heterojunction device exhibits a standard rectifying behavior which manifests itself in an exponential increase
of the current with increase in voltage at forward bias condition. Also, it has a good quality factor similar to an ideal diode.
Stable CsPbX3@SiO2 Perovskite Quantum Dots for White-Light Emitting Diodes
Authors: Xu Jian , Zhang Hongxiang , Wu Chunxia , Dai Jun
Published: August 2020

In this article, we reported the synthesis method of stable CsPbX3@SiO2 quantum dots using cesium acetate instead of cesium carbonate. The results showed that CsPbX3@SiO2 presents good crystallinity and excellent luminescence properties. The
coating layer of SiO2 on the CsPbX3 quantum dots surface blocks the air and water contact and suppresses anion exchange between the quantum dots, which dramatically enhances the stability. White light-emitting diode devices are manufactured by integrating the green CsPbBr3@SiO2
quantum dots and red CsPbBr1 I2@SiO2 quantum dots on the blue GaN chips. The devices show stable white light emission with Commission Internationale de L'Eclairage color coordinates (0.3511, 0.3437), and the white light intensity keeps unchanged after continuously
working for 16 hours. The results indicate that CsPbX3@SiO2 quantum dots can be an ideal down-conversion fluorescent material for white light-emitting diode devices.
Direct Synthesis of MoSe2 Thin Films on SiO2/Si Using Selenization Process of Sputtered Molybdenum
Authors: Um Dae-Young , Nandi R. , Yang Jeong-Hun , Kim Jin-Soo , Kim Jong-Woong , Park Ji-Hyeon , Lee Cheul-Ro
Published: August 2020

Recently, molybdenum diselenide (MoSe2) has attracted nascent research attention for potential applications in electronic and optoelectronic devices due to its unique properties including tunable bandgap, strong photoluminescence and large exciton binding energy. However,
the synthesis of reproducible, controlled and large scale MoSe2 films is still a great challenge. Here, we have investigated the morphology, structure and crystalline quality of MoSe2 films synthesized by the selenization of Mo metal films. The Mo metal films of different
thicknesses were deposited at room temperature by direct current sputtering. Subsequently, MoSe2 films were prepared by selenization of sputtered Mo films at 550 °C for 20 minutes. The obtained MoSe2 films are polycrystalline with hexagonal crystal structure. The
crystalline quality of the MoSe2 films is improved with increase in the thickness of Mo metal films. The MoSe2 films are found to be n-type in nature and reasonably stoichiometric (Mo/Se ratio ∼1:1.9). This study provides an experimental demonstration of an
alternative cost-effective direct synthesis of MoSe2 films on SiO2/Si for the applications of semiconductor devices.
Field-Programmable Gate Array-Based Hardware Design of Optical Fiber Transducer Integrated Platform
Authors: Chu Kai-Chun , Chang Kuo-Chi , Wang Hsiao-Chuan , Lin Yuh-Chung , Hsu Tsui-Lien
Published: August 2020

This study focuses on the hardware architecture of a Raman scattering distributed optical fiber transducer platform, the principles of Raman scattering are analyzed, and the output 2 analog electrical signals are converted to digital signals at a 16-bit sampling rate by an Analog-to-Digital
Converter (ADC). The system is implemented based on the FPGA. The integrated circuit is responsible for controlling the data acquisition process. The differential amplifier circuit, FPGA peripheral circuit, and CPU subsystem circuit, which takes ARM as the core, are separately designed. The
composition of software includes a DDR2 (Double Data Rate 2) driver and central control logic. In this study, the optical fiber transducer platform has been tested. The CPU DDR2 is read/written by the test program respectively. According to the results, the program passes the read/write test.
The NAND FLASH is tested. The results show that this program returns all operations successfully. The timing tests of the DDR2 interface and data latching are conducted. The results show that the read/write operations ensure that the clock and data curves are aligned. Therefore, the optical
fiber transducer integrated platform designed in this study is effective.
Electrochemical Dechlorination of Triclosan on Palladium/Polypyrrole-Reduced Graphene Oxide/Foam Nickel Composite Electrode
Authors: Li Junjing , Qi Ziyan , Fang Leqi , Luan Cong , Li Juan , Wang Huan , Ma Chang , Zhang Zhaohui , Zhao Bin , Wang Liang , Cheng Xiuwen , Li Mingde , Li Chunyan , Zhang Hongwei
Published: August 2020

In this study, the electrochemical dechlorination of triclosan in aqueous solution on palladium/polypyrrolereduced graphene oxide/foamed nickel composite electrode (Pd/PPy-rGO/foam-Ni electrode) was investigated. The influences of the applied current, reaction temperature and the initial
concentration of triclosan solution on triclosan dechlorination efficiency were studied. The triclosan can be completely removed within 180 min under the conditions of the dechlorination current of 7 mA and dechlorination temperature of 40 °C when the initial concentration of triclosan
was 50 mg · L–1.
Enhanced Electrochemical Performances of Ni-Rich LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 Cathode Materials by Ti Doping or/and Al(OH)3 Coating
Authors: Han Un-Gi , Lee Yeon-Ju , Cho Gyu-Bong , Lim Su-Gun , Kim Ki-Won , Ahn Jou-Hyeon , Cho Kwon-Koo
Published: August 2020

To improve the electrochemical properties of Ni-rich LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 (LiNCA) cathode material, Ti doped or/and Al(OH)3 coated were by co-precipitation-assisted solid-phase and ball milling method was employed in this work.
The morphology, structure, and electrochemical performance of the cathode materials were evaluated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS), field emission transmission electron microscopy (FETEM) and electrochemical
techniques. Ti doping is introduced into the octahedral lattice space occupied by Li-ions to widen the Li layer spacing and thereby increase the lithium diffusion kinetics. The Al(OH)3 coating also formed a non-uniform layer on the outside of LiNCA, thereby inhibiting side reactions
between the electrode and the electrolyte. As a result, the LiNCA electrode showed a high initial discharge capacity of 167.4 mAh/g. However, after 100 cycles, it showed poor cycling stability of 41.7%. In contrast, Ti doped and Al(OH)3 coated LiNCA showed the best cycling stability
of 82.2% after 100 cycles.
Iron Disulfide Cathode Material Incorporated in Highly Ordered Mesoporous Carbon for Rechargeable Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Liu Ying , Heo Jungwon , Li Xueying , Sun Yuanzheng , Lee Younki , Lim Du-Hyun , Ahn Hyo-Jun , Cho Kwon-Koo , Yang Rong , Ahn Jou-Hyeon
Published: August 2020

A highly ordered mesoporous carbon@iron disulfide (CMK-5@FeS2) composite was prepared via an in-situ impregnation and sulfurization method. The CMK-5 matrix with excellent conductivity and high surface area not only formed a continuous conductive network to improve
the performance of the CMK-5@FeS2 composite, but also provided sufficient space to buffer the volume changes during cycling. The CMK-5@FeS2 cell exhibited excellent electrochemical performance. After 80 cycles, the CMK-5@FeS2 cell showed the discharge capacities
of 650 and 380 mAh g–1 at 2 C and 5 C, respectively. The excellent results show that CMK-5 with unique mesoporous structure can contribute to accelerating ion transfer in the electrode due to the easy accessibility of the electrolyte, which implies CMK-5@FeS2 composite
could be a promising cathode active material for rechargeable lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries.
Composite Enhancement Polyether-Ether-Ketone for Long Segmental Spinal Column Deformity Orthopedic Treatment
Authors: Mao Qingjun , Wang Jixiang , Song Xiaofeng , Pang Haipeng , Tao Yulin , Cai Jianping , Li Jie , Song Yuguang
Published: August 2020

Polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK) anterior intervertebral fusion combined with posterior long segment orthopedic surgery is a common method for the therapy of orthopedic deformity of the spine. PEEK material plays an important role in the effect of surgery. Graphene on copper substrate
was transferred to the surface of carbon-fiber reinforced polyether-ether-ketone (CFR-PEEK) material by ferric chloride (FeCl3) chemical erosion and physical adsorption, hence the compound enhancement polyether-ether-ketone (Ge-PEEK) was achieved. In terms of characterization, Raman
spectrometer was used to analyze the characteristics of the product generation, the scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to analyze the morphology of the product, and the hydrophilicity of the material was analyzed by the droplet contact Angle. From the perspective of intervertebral
fusion, Ge-PEEK material was used in the intervertebral fusion device to analyze the effect of the fusion device in the correction of spinal deformity, such as displacement, convex Angle, and collapse. In the characterization test, Raman spectrum analysis showed that Ge-PEEK material had the
characteristic peaks of graphene, and SEM analysis showed that CFR-PEEK material was covered on a large scale by graphene. In the droplet contact angle test, the contact angle of the graphene-modified CFR-PEEK material was significantly reduced (P < 0.05). The material had good hydrophilicity.
In the analysis of lumbar interfusion, the anterior intervertebral fusion rate based on Ge-PEEK material was 95.8% (P < 0.05), and the vertebral deposition rate based on Ge-PEEK fusion device was 7.2% (P < 0.05). At the same time, the distance between the leading edge of
the cone after operation and the last follow-up was compared, and it was found that the displacement distance of different segments was smaller (P < 0.05). This study proved that the proposed Ge-PEEK material was feasible for anterior intervertebral fusion in the correction of long-segment
spinal deformity.
Study on Rubberized Concrete-Filled Steel Tubular Stub Columns Under Axial Compression
Authors: Liu Yanhua , Tong Shiyu , Ren Qingxin
Published: August 2020

In order to study the behavior of rubberized concrete-filled steel tubular (RuCFST) stub columns, an innovative composite member with steel tube and concrete filled with rubber particles was made. Twenty-four RuCFST stub columns were tested, in which six conventional CFST stub columns
were prepared for comparison. The effects of changing rubber particle size (in the range of 1–2 mm and 2–5 mm) and rubber replacement ratio (0%, 10%, 20% replacement of sand) were made to discover the characteristics of the columns. The tested RuCFST stub columns displayed a local
buckling similar to the conventional CFST stub columns. The tested results are compared with the predicted results of finite element analysis and the existing codes of CFST. Generally, the agreement between the predictions and results are reasonable.
A Large-Flowrate On–Off Valve with Hollow Structure for High-Frequency Hydraulic Vibration and Impact System
Authors: Liu Shuo , Cai Yong , Jiang Kaiyou , Ji Daxiong
Published: August 2020

In high-frequency hydraulic vibration and impact systems, the high-speed reciprocating motion of the impact piston, as controlled by the main valve, transfers energy to the target. Therefore, the main valve must have a fast response speed and strong flow capacity. A novel two-stage
large-flowrate on–off valve is developed in this study. The first stage is a small-flowrate servo valve, and the second stage is a large-flowrate hydraulic control valve with a hollow spool. The hollow structure not only reduces the quality of the spool and improves the valve dynamic
characteristics but also improves the flow capacity and reduces the pressure drop at the valve port. A structural strength simulation is performed, and the deformation and stress of the spool are calculated. Then, the internal flow channel is extracted and the pressure drop characteristics
of valve are obtained by simulation. To obtain the dynamic characteristics of the valve, the control equations of the valve are established, and the simulation model is built in Simcenter Amesim software. Then, the structural parameters of the valve body are optimized in this model. Finally,
a prototype is developed for hydraulic vibration and impact systems. The experimental results show that the prototype works well, the opening time of the second-stage valve is within 6 ms, and the port pressure drop at a flow rate of 1000 L/min is only 30% of the conventional opening and closing
valve of the same diameter.
Design and Simulation of Micro Tactile Sensor for Stiffness Detection of Soft Tissue with Irregular Surface
Authors: Fouly Ahmed , FathEl-Bab Ahmed M. R. , Abouelsoud A. A. , Tsuchiya T. , Tabata O.
Published: August 2020

Tactile sensors become an essential part of many applications in our life. Integrating tactile sensors with surgical tools used in MIS is significant to compensate for the shortage of touch feeling of soft tissues and organs comparing with traditional surgeries. This paper presents
a detailed design of a micro tactile sensor for measuring the stiffness of soft tissue with an irregular surface. The sensor consists of five cantilever springs with different stiffness. A spring in the middle has a relatively low stiffness surrounded by 4 springs have relatively equal high
stiffness to compensate for the soft tissue contact error in the longitudinal and lateral directions. Sensor parameters are selected to ensure high sensitivity and linearity with taking into consideration the cross-talk effect among the sensor springs tips. A detailed design of the sensor
structure in the microscale is conducted based on some constraints related to MEMS fabrication. A finite element analysis (FEA) of the sensor structure is conducted to evaluate sensor structure performance using CoventorWare software. Then, an FEA for the piezo-resistors, as a signal transduction
method, is conducted which maps the sensor output to an electrical signal. The results prove that the sensor can differentiate among different soft-tissue stiffness within the selected range independent of the applied distance between the sensor and the tissue with an error below 3% even with
inclination angle between the sensor and the tissue ±3°. Furthermore, a linear performance has been achieved between the soft-tissue stiffness and the sensor output.
Effect of Nanostructure CdSe/CdS Dot-in-Rods Coated on Flexible Cellulosic Substrate to Improve Photoluminescence Potential of Conducting Fiber
Authors: Patra S. R. , Mallick B.
Published: August 2020

The work presented here, the flash synthesis of high photoluminescence of CdSe/CdS Dot-in-Rods was carried out by "high-temperature short-time" (HTST) processing technique of quantum yield being 77%. Upon characterization by transmission electron microscope (TEM), it is found to be
the dimensions of CdSe-CdS QDs to be rods (rod length rod diameter) of 27.8 × 3.4 nm. A layer of high luminescence CdSe/CdS Dot-in-Rods was grown on the surface of the touch sensitive natural Mimosa pudica (MP) natural conducting fiber by chemical dipping method. The composite CdSe/CdS
are made up of a CdSe spherical core (Dot) of average diameter about 2.9 nm embedded in a Rod of CdS shell. The well-oriented CdSe/CdS Dot-in-Rods nano-particle was observed to have an emission peak at 545 nm. The works suggest a sensing plate which enhances Photoluminescence potential of
conducting natural fiber.
Highly Sensitive Voltammetric Catechol Biosensor Based on Electroaddressing of Laccase Encapsulated in Modified Chitosan
Authors: Galai Hajer Chakroun , Rahmouni Nihed , Namour Philippe , Bonhomme Anne , Bessueille François , Hentati Salma Besbes , Jaffrezic-Renault Nicole
Published: August 2020

In this work, a new voltammetric biosensor, based on the encapsulation of laccase from Trametes versicolor in an electrodeposited nanocomposite film, was developed for the detection of catechol. The nanocomposite was composed of chitosan (CS) modified with trymiristine (Tr), both of
natural origin, to enhance its conductivity. FTIR and SEM studies were performed to characterize the modified chitosan film and the encapsulation of the enzyme. The analytical performance of the elaborated biosensor was determined through voltammetry detection of the produced quinone. Catechol
was detected in a linear range between 10–20 and 10–15 M and a sensitivity of 0.4667 mA/p [catechol] was found. The repeatability of this biosensor is good as its RSD is equal to 1.35% and it shows stability for four weeks. To test the functionality of the
developed biosensor, the total phenolic content of three samples of natural oils was determined and compared to a colorimetric test.
Tramadol, Methadone and Buprenorphine-AuNPs Kit Based on Chemometrics Tools and Software
Authors: Alizadeh Sakineh , Hasanzadeh Mahsa , Irandoost Ali
Published: August 2020

The SPR of the AuNPs, synthesized by the reduction of gold ion with citrate and modified with L-cysteine was used as a novel analytical method for the detection and determination of drugs and species based on aggregation of Au-nanoparticles. However, multivariate calibration modeling
of the SPR absorbance data by chemometrics method resulted in more accurate results out-comes so that the relative prediction errors were almost lower than 5%. In comparison with the available analytical methods for highly selective and sensitive ternary determination of tramadol, methadone
and buprenorphine the proposed method is in need of lower amounts of reagents. Through increasing the concentration of the Opiate and Fluent material, a visible color change of AuNPs from wine red to blue was observed so the obvious color change was easily noticeable by naked eyes. However,
multivariate calibration modelling and 3-d way methods that used for the SPR absorbance data by PARAFAC resulted in more accurate outcomes so that the software, as well as the chemometrics and the solvent kit, with great assurance our kit is unique. PARAFAC is a multi-way method originating
from psychometrics. Due to various reasons such as high computational power, awareness of the method and its possibilities, the increased complexity complication of the data dealt with in science and industry, is gaining more attention in chemometrics and associated areas.
An Innovative Synthesis of Spinel-Structured and Ferromagnetic Behaviour of Fe3O4 Nanoparticles Antibacterial and Catalytic Activity Evaluated in the Selective Oxidation
Authors: Ambika S. , Saravanan K.
Published: August 2020

Nanocrystalline Fe3O4 powder was produced via the organic combustion route using L-arginine for the first time as fuel. The prepared yields is considered through several investigates, such as, DRS, PL, XRD, SEM, TEM, EDS, and VSM. The current study existence limited
only toward the antimicrobial activity that the limit Fe3O4. The influences for catalytic performances were explained in factor, while the samples characterization was presented.
Race Impacts Outcomes of Patients With Firearm Injuries
Authors: Peluso Heather , Cull John D. , Abougergi Marwan S.
Published: August 2020

Background

To study the relationship between race and outcomes of patients with firearm injuries hospitalized in the United States.

Methods

The 2016 National Inpatient Sample was used. Patients were included if they had a principal diagnosis of firearm injury. Exclusion criteria were age <16 years and elective admissions. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes were morbidity (traumatic shock, prolonged mechanical ventilation, acute respiratory distress syndrome [ADRS], and ventilator-associated pneumonia [VAP]), and resource utilization (length of stay and total hospitalization charges and costs).

Results

The sample included 31 335 patients; 52% were Black and 29% were Caucasian. The mean age was 32 years and 88% were male. Black patients had lower odds of mortality (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 0.41 (95% CI: 0.32-0.53), P < .01). However, compared with Caucasians, Blacks had higher mean total hospitalization charges (adjusted mean difference (aMD) : $14 052 (CI: $1469-$26 635), P = .03) and costs (aMD: $3248 (CI: $654-$5842), P = .01) despite similar mean length of stay (aMD: 0.70 (CI: −0.05-1.45), P = .07). Both racial groups had similar rates of traumatic shock (aOR: 0.91 (0.72-1.15), P = .44), prolonged mechanical ventilation (aOR: 0.82 (0.63-1.09), P = .17), ARDS (aOR: 1.18 (0.45-3.07), P = .74) and VAP (aOR: 1.27 (0.47-3.41), P = .63).

Discussion

Black patients with firearm injuries had a lower adjusted odds of in-hospital mortality compared with other races. However, despite having a similar hospital length of stay and in-hospital morbidity, -Black patients had higher total hospitalization costs and charges.
Do Head-Mounted Augmented Reality Devices Affect Muscle Activity and Eye Strain of Utility Workers Who Do Procedural Work? Studies of Operators and Manhole Workers
Authors: Marklin Richard W. , Toll Ashley M. , Bauman Eric H. , Simmins John J. , LaDisa John F. , Cooper Robert
Published: August 2020

Objective

The objective was to determine the effect of two head-mounted display (HMD) augmented reality (AR) devices on muscle activity and eye strain of electric utility workers. The AR devices were the Microsoft HoloLens and RealWear HMT-1.

Background

The HoloLens is an optical see-through device. The HMT-1 has a small display that is mounted to the side of one eye of the user.

Method

Twelve power plant operators and 13 manhole workers conducted their normal procedural tasks on-site in three conditions: HoloLens, HMT-1, and “No AR” (regular method). Duration of test trials ranged up to 30 s for operators and up to 10 min for manhole workers. Mean and peak values of surface electromyographic (sEMG) signals from eight neck muscles were measured. A small eye camera measured blink rate of the right eye.

Results

In general, there were no differences in sEMG activity between the AR and “No AR” conditions for both groups of workers. For the manhole workers, the HoloLens blink rate was 8 to 11 blinks per min lower than the HMT-1 in two tasks and 6.5 fewer than “No AR” in one task. Subjective assessment of the two AR devices did not vary in general.

Conclusion

The decrease in blink rate with the HoloLens may expose utility manhole workers to risk of eye strain or dry-eye syndrome.

Application

HMD AR devices should be tested thoroughly with respect to risk of eye strain before deployment by manhole workers for long-duration procedural work.