bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Linking proactive personality to proactive customer-service performance: a moderated parallel mediation model
Authors: Peng Jui-Chen , Chen Chiu-Mei
Published: October 2023

Drawing on the job demands-resources model and positive organizational scholarship, this study examines proactive personality as an antecedent of frontline employees’ proactive customer-service performance (PCSP). It also investigates the potential mediating role of positive psychological states on the relation between proactive personality and PCSP and the potential moderating role of the service-failure recovery climate (SFRC) on the relation between proactive personality and positive psychological states. To test our hypotheses, we used a moderated parallel mediation model and data obtained from 62 branch managers and 358 frontline branch employees of three well-known appliance households and 3C (computers, communications, and consumer electronics) chain stores in Taiwan. The results of multiple-regression and SPSS PROCESS macro analyses indicate that proactive personality was positively related to manager-rated PCSP via employees’ work engagement and perceptions that their work was meaningful. Further, the positive relationship between proactive personality and PCSP through both work engagement and meaningful work perceptions was moderated by SFRC. These findings shed light on the effect of frontline employees’ proactive personality as a personal resource driving their PCSP; the roles of positive psychological states as mediators that help explain the potential intermediary mechanisms; and a boundary condition of SFRC that may weaken the positive relationship between employees’ proactive personality and psychological states. The implications, limitations, and future research directions are included.
Electrical characterization of an individual nanowire using flexible nanoprobes fabricated by atomic force microscopy-based manipulation
Authors: Wang Yilin , Wu Enxiu , Liu Jirui , Jia Mengke , Zhang Rui , Wu Sen
Published: October 2023

Nanowires have emerged as promising one-dimensional materials with which to construct various nanocircuits and nanosensors. However, measuring the electrical properties of individual nanowires directly remains challenging because of their small size, thereby hindering the comprehensive understanding of nanowire-based device performance. A crucial factor in achieving reliable electrical characterization is establishing well-determined contact conditions between the nanowire sample and the electrodes, which becomes particularly difficult for soft nanowires. Introduced here is a novel technique for measuring the conductivity of an individual nanowire with the aid of automated nanomanipulation using an atomic force microscope. In this method, two nanowire segments cut from the same silver nanowire are positioned onto a pair of gold electrodes, serving as flexible nanoprobes to establish controllable contact with the sample. By changing the contact points along the nanowire sample, conductivity measurements can be performed on different regions, thereby eliminating the influence of contact resistance by analyzing multiple current–voltage curves. Using this approach, the resistivity of a 100-nm-diameter silver nanowire is determined to be 3.49 × 10−8 Ω m.
Characterizing the thermoelectric cooling performance across a broad temperature range
Authors: Liang Kun , Yang Hengyu , Zhao Peng , Yin Li , Lin Chenhao , Wu Xiaotong , Sui Jiehe , Cao Feng , Zhang Qian , Mao Jun
Published: October 2023

Thermoelectric cooling plays an essential role in precisely controlling the temperature of electronics. Characterizing the performance of thermoelectric coolers (TECs) is of great significance for the development of advanced solid-state cooling devices. However, the existing setup for characterizing the cooling performance of TECs has mainly been limited to the near room temperature range. Herein, we report the development of a new setup that is capable of characterizing thermoelectric cooling performance across a broad temperature range (80–350 K). With precise and steady control of the hot-side temperature, measurements of the coefficient of performance and maximum temperature difference at room temperature have been conducted on commercial devices. By comparing the results with the commercial datasheet, it shows that our setup can accurately evaluate the cooling performance of thermoelectric devices. In addition, we further extend the characterization to different hot-side temperatures, e.g., 173, 325, and 350 K, thus demonstrating the capability of our setup for evaluating the thermoelectric performance across a broad temperature range.
Sloshing reduction in microgravity: Thermocapillary-based control and passive baffles
Authors: Peromingo C. , Gligor D. , Salgado Sánchez P. , Bello A. , Olfe K.
Published: October 2023

In this work, we numerically analyze different thermocapillary-based strategies for active control of sloshing in microgravity. The fluid system considered is an open rectangular container holding a L×H=30 × 15 mm2 volume of liquid. A classical controller is implemented to reduce the natural sloshing motion of the system, which is characterized by its decay time τd. The controller produces an output signal ΔT that is applied anti-symmetrically at the lateral walls of the container, driving thermocapillary flow. Its performance is characterized via the functional P=(1−λ) τ̂+λ κ̂, which allows for a trade-off between the damping of unwanted sloshing modes and the cost of implementing the control, with normalized decay time τ̂ and cost κ̂, and modulated by λ∈[0, 1]. We optimize P for discrete values of λ and determine the optimal performance envelope. The results show that thermocapillary controllers are generally able to reduce τd by a 50% factor, with reasonable cost and controller output. A novel strategy combining thermocapillary controllers and passive baffles is further proposed and assessed. On their own, passive baffles can reduce the natural decay time of sloshing by an 80% factor at zero cost. In addition, they significantly alleviate the thermal requirements associated with the control, while providing additional improvements in τd. Finally, the aforementioned strategies are tested against a reboosting maneuver of the International Space Station, showing their potential for sloshing reduction in microgravity.
Real-time topography inspection of DPPC monolayers using a surface-plasmon resonance sensor
Authors: Garcia-Ortiz Cesar E. , Cortes Rodolfo , Garcia-Gonzalez Alcione , Tellez-Limon Ricardo , Rodriguez-Cobos Amparo , Coello Victor
Published: October 2023

This paper presents an alternative optical characterization of biosensors based on supported lipid monolayers (SLMs). Developing these biosensors requires precise thickness characterization of the films to understand their structure and dynamics. This paper proposes an optical technique to measure the thickness, optical properties, and location of a dipalmitoyl-phosphatidylcholine (DPPC) SLM on top of a metallic thin film. DPPC SLMs are of interest for biosensing applications, such as detecting pulmonary-related infections like SARS-CoV-2, Avian Influenza, and the H1N1 influenza virus. The monolayer was fabricated using the Langmuir–Blodgett technique, and the experimental characterization consisted of measuring the surface-plasmon resonance angle in the Kretschmann configuration. This technique provides an alternative option for real-time visual inspection and determination of the location and shape of DPPC monolayers in large areas. Therefore, it offers a useful tool for further developing SLM-based biosensors.
Dynamics of droplets entering ultrasonic standing wave field at different angles
Authors: Zhang Yajie , Liu He , Yang Yajing , Wei Yanju , Baig Abdullah , Farooq Muhammad Shahid
Published: October 2023

We, herein, present dynamic behaviors of droplets entering an ultrasonic standing wave field (19 800 Hz) at different angles. In experiments, droplets’ motion is recorded by using a high-speed camera, and an in-house Python program is used to obtain droplet positions and morphological characteristics as functions of time. The experimental results indicate that when the sound intensity is lower than the instability intensity and higher than the levitation intensity, the vertically falling droplet will oscillate up and down based on the equilibrium position. Although the oscillation amplitude decays from 0.52Tl to 0.01Tl (Tl = λ/2, λ is the wavelength) under the action of viscous resistance, the oscillation frequency of the droplet remains unchanged. Meanwhile, as the droplet’s position oscillates, the acoustic radiation force on the droplet also periodically fluctuates, resulting in the acoustically forced oscillation of the droplet shape. In addition, when the droplet enters the sound field with a horizontal tilt angle θ of 15°, it undergoes a V-shaped translational motion, first descending and then ascending. As the sound pressure amplitude increases, the rebound position of the droplet advances. When the sound pressure amplitude reaches the instability value (7900 Pa), the droplet undergoes right-hand and left-hand disintegration during its descent and ascent, respectively. This instability is due to the acoustic radiation pressure distribution and the droplet’s V-shaped trajectory. This work comprehensively discussed the complex motion of moving droplets in the acoustic standing wave field, which may inspire revealing the spray motion in the liquid engine with high-intensity resonance.
Analytical solution to calendering in eccentric cylindrical coordinates
Authors: Poungthong P. , Kolitawong C. , Giacomin A. J.
Published: October 2023

Calendering is the process in which molten material is dragged through the nip region to produce a film or sheet. By nip region, we mean the area between two corotating rolls. Here, we analyze the calendering problem in eccentric cylindrical coordinates with the simplest fluid, Newtonian. We first assume the velocity profile as vθ(ξ,θ). We arrive at the analytical solution for the velocity profile and pressure distribution when the fluid passes between parallel rolls. We then get the flow rate (and, thus, the sheet thickness) by integrating the velocity profile between the parallel rolls. We include a worked example to teach how to use our main result.
Research on acidification and changes in mineral element concentrations in ferralsols from long-term tea plantations in Guizhou Province, China
Authors: Lin Shaoxia , Liu Xiaolan , Yan Qiuxiao , Wei Fuxiao , Wang Daoping
Published: October 2023

Aims This study aimed to investigate where acidification occurred in soil profiles of Guizhou tea gardens, and the influence of acidification on the availability of soil mineral elements in order to inform soil nutrient management and improvement practices in tea gardens. Methods The acidification characteristics were investigated in soils from plantations grown for various numbers of years and across different soil layer profiles. Moreover, the pH buffering capacities (pHBC) of soils were evaluated and changes of mineral elements’ contents due to soil acidification were explored. Key results With increased tea plantation age, the acidification rate of 0–20-cm soil layers reached 0.025 pH unit/year. Soil acidification extended from the surface layer downwards through profiles, while the pH of entire soil layers were <4.5 after 40 years of tea plantation. The pHBC of soils were <30 mmol/kg, remaining at a weak sensitive level. Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Mo, and B concentrations exhibited decreasing trends in soils, while As, Pb, Cr, and Cd exhibited enrichment at the surface. Tea plantation age and soil depth were significantly correlated with the available concentrations of soil mineral elements. Conclusions Soil acidification gradually increased downward from the surface and soil minerals were lost in acidic environments, while the acid buffering capacity was reduced. Implications These results suggest that organic fertilisers and trace elements should be supplemented as needed in the management of tea gardens to achieve long-term stability of quality and yields.
Exchanging words: Engaging the challenges of sharing qualitative research data
Authors: DuBois James M. , Mozersky Jessica , Parsons Meredith , Walsh Heidi A. , Friedrich Annie , Pienta Amy
Published: October 2023

In January 2023, a new NIH policy on data sharing went into effect. The policy applies to both quantitative and qualitative research (QR) data such as data from interviews or focus groups. QR data are often sensitive and difficult to deidentify, and thus have rarely been shared in the United States. Over the past 5 y, our research team has engaged stakeholders on QR data sharing, developed software to support data deidentification, produced guidance, and collaborated with the ICPSR data repository to pilot the deposit of 30 QR datasets. In this perspective article, we share important lessons learned by addressing eight clusters of questions on issues such as where, when, and what to share; how to deidentify data and support high-quality secondary use; budgeting for data sharing; and the permissions needed to share data. We also offer a brief assessment of the state of preparedness of data repositories, QR journals, and QR textbooks to support data sharing. While QR data sharing could yield important benefits to the research community, we quickly need to develop enforceable standards, expertise, and resources to support responsible QR data sharing. Absent these resources, we risk violating participant confidentiality and wasting a significant amount of time and funding on data that are not useful for either secondary use or data transparency and verification.
Identification of caries-active individuals in longitudinal data a methodological study using a national registry
Authors: Flink Håkan , Hedenbjörk-Lager Anders , Liljeström Simon , Nohlert Eva , Tegelberg Åke
Published: October 2023

Objective: The aim was to identify caries active individuals among adults by using a trajectory model of longitudinal data from the Swedish national registry (SKaPa) and comparing them with published data from the Dunedin cohort.
Materials and methods: Data from two different age groups (30- and 40-year-olds) followed for 10 years were retrieved from SKaPa and were compared with published longitudinal birth-cohort data from the Dunedin study. Using the trajectory model, the subjects were divided into three different trajectories according to their caries development over time (i.e. high, 15%; moderate, 45%; low, 40%).
Results: Caries experience, as measured by mean decayed, missing, and filled surfaces (DMFS) index, revealed significant differences among the three trajectories in both age groups. The patterns were similar to those observed in the Dunedin cohort. The mean increase in DMFS during the 10-year follow-up period from SKaPa was significantly higher for the high trajectories in both age groups compared with the moderate and low trajectories.
Conclusions: The method using three trajectories for presentation of caries experience over time, may be a useful tool to identify subjects with different disease activities. Identification of subjects in the high caries experience trajectory may increase the possibility to explore and evaluate more effective caries prevention for this group in the future.
Effects of premolar extraction and orthodontic treatment in adolescents - a retrospective cephalometric study
Authors: Ekstam Maria , Sonesson Mikael , Hellén-Halme Kristina
Published: October 2023

Objectives: To evaluate the cephalometric effects of premolar extraction on skeletal and dental parameters, and on the soft tissues, in patients subsequently treated with fixed appliances. Prevalence and severity of external apical root resorption due to premolar extraction were also examined.
Materials and methods: The dental records of 79 patients treated with fixed appliances were retrieved (groups: extraction, n = 19; non-extraction, n = 60). Pre- and post-treatment statuses of skeletal, dentoalveolar, and soft tissue variables were analyzed on lateral cephalograms to determine change. Periapical radiographs of the maxillary incisors were assessed for external apical root resorption using the Levander & Malmgren index. The t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, chi-squared test, and Kruskal-Wallis test were used to analyze the data. Significance was set at p < .05.
Results: Changes in the protrusion and proclination of the incisors and in lip position were significantly different between the groups. Prevalence of external apical root resorption in the two groups was similar.
Conclusions: Our findings suggest that extraction therapy affects dentoalveolar traits but not jaw position, nor the risk of root resorption, in patients treated with fixed appliances
Design of Sn-doped cadmium chalcogenide based monolayers for valleytronics properties
Authors: Chattopadhyay Sutapa , Kshirsagar Anjali
Published: October 2023

Valleytronics has emerged as an interesting field of research in two-dimensional (2D) systems and uses the valley index or valley pseudospin to encode information. Spin–orbit coupling (SOC) and inversion symmetry breaking lead to spin-splitting of bands near the valleys. This property has promising device applications. In order to find a new 2D material useful for valleytronics, we have designed hexagonal planar monolayers of cadmium chalcogenides (CdX, X = S, Se, Te) from the (111) surface of bulk CdX zinc blende structure. The structural, dynamic, mechanical and thermal stability of these structures is confirmed. A band structure study reveals valence band local maxima (valleys) at the K and K′ symmetry points. The application of SOC initiates spin-splitting in the valleys that lifts the energy degeneracy and shows strong valley–spin coupling. To initiate stronger SOC, we substituted two Cd atoms in the almost-planar monolayers with Sn atoms, which increases the spin-splitting significantly. Zeeman-type spin-splitting is observed in the valley region and Rashba spin-splitting is observed at the Γ point for Sn-doped CdSe and CdTe monolayers. Berry curvature values are higher in all the Sn-doped monolayers than in the pristine monolayers. These newly designed monolayers are thus found to be suitable for valleytronics applications. Sn-doped monolayers show band inversion deep in the valence and conduction bands between Sn s and p and X
p states but lack topological properties.
Asymmetric particle-antiparticle Dirac equation: first quantization
Authors: Rigolin Gustavo
Published: October 2023

We derive a Dirac-like equation, the asymmetric Dirac equation, where particles and antiparticles sharing the same wave number have different energies and momenta. We show that this equation is Lorentz covariant under proper Lorentz transformations (boosts and spatial rotations) and also determine the corresponding transformation law for its wave function. We obtain a formal connection between the asymmetric Dirac equation and the standard Dirac equation and we show that by properly adjusting the free parameters of the present wave equation we can make it reproduce the predictions of the usual Dirac equation. We show that the rest mass of a particle in the theoretical framework of the asymmetric Dirac equation is a function of a set of four parameters, which are relativistic invariants under proper Lorentz transformations. These four parameters are the analog to the mass that appears in the standard Dirac equation. We prove that in order to guarantee the covariance of the asymmetric Dirac equation under parity and time reversal operations (improper Lorentz transformations) as well as under the charge conjugation operation, these four parameters change sign in exactly the same way as the four components of a four-vector. The mass, though, being a function of the square of those parameters remains an invariant. We also extensively study the free particle plane wave solutions to the asymmetric Dirac equation and derive its energy, helicity, and spin projection operators as well as several Gordon’s identities. The hydrogen atom is solved in the present context after applying the minimal coupling prescription to the asymmetric Dirac equation, which also allows us to appropriately obtain its non-relativistic limit.
Band offsets and point-defect charges of the aluminum and hafnium oxides in contact with the Cu(In,Ga)Se2 chalcopyrite
Authors: Marinopoulos A G
Published: October 2023

Surface passivation of CuInSe2 (CIS) and related Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) chalcopyrite materials by depositing selected dielectric layers has been a major research activity aiming to reduce interface recombination and increase the electrical efficiency of chalcopyrite-based thin-film solar cells. The present study reports calculations based on density-functional theory and ab-initio thermodynamics that examine the origin of field-effect passivation from alumina and hafnia two wide-gap, predominantly ionic insulators that have exhibited promising passivation qualities in silicon-based microelectronics. The source of fixed charges within the bulk lattices of both oxides was studied by determining the thermodynamically most favorable charge states of their native defects within the admissible ranges of the metal and oxygen chemical potentials. An alignment of the electron bands based on the branch-point energies was performed in order to correctly place the defect charge-transition levels with respect to the band edges of the CIS and the CIGS materials. The trends and predictions of the sign of the fixed charges in either insulator were obtained as a function of temperature, oxygen partial pressure and Fermi-level position inside the band gaps of CIS and CIGS. The findings are discussed in connection with existing experimental studies that extracted the magnitude and polarity of the fixed charges of both alumina and hafnia by analyzing the electrical properties of the CIGS/insulator interfaces.
Numerical calculation of the turbulent flow past a surface mounted cube with assimilation of PIV data
Authors: Kellaris Konstantinos , Pallas Nikolaos Petros , Bouris Demetri
Published: October 2023

The application of Data Assimilation (DA) methods in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) problems is a concept actively being explored to couple CFD with Experimental Fluid Dynamics data. Here, Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) data are assimilated in an OpenFOAM based CFD solver to calculate the velocity and pressure fields of the turbulent flow past a surface mounted cube inside an atmospheric boundary layer for three planes belonging to the symmetry plane of the flow. At first, the SIMPLE algorithm is used to correct both pressure and velocity fields, with the PIV data used to formulate the initial and boundary conditions. The Reynolds stresses are calculated directly from the PIV data instead of using a turbulence model. Next, we use two implementations of the nudging method and two formulations of the Kalman Filter in order to assimilate the PIV data into the iterative SIMPLE procedure. A grid independence study is performed, and the performance of the different methods is assessed. The CFD predicted pressure field is in good agreement with pressure measurements on the cube surface. The results also show that the SIMPLE based correction step already leads to a significant reduction of both the mean and the variance of the continuity errors as well as the difference between the original PIV data and the resulting velocity fields. The application of the DA methods, particularly the KF, leads to minor further improvement of the results but does improve convergence of the CFD solver.
Design of crude oil water content measuring chip based on RF method
Authors: Sun Fangxia , Tang Shoulong
Published: October 2023

Based on the measurement principle of RF method, a crude oil moisture content detect chip is designed with 180 nm CMOS technology. All crude oil water content detect circuits are integrated on a chip for the first time. The chip can realize capacitance measurement in the range of 50–3000 pF, the maximum output current reaches 22 mA, and the maximum current span is less than 0.062 mA. The test results of the crude oil water content measurement system built based on the chip show that the water content test results have high linearity, with the maximum output current span of 1.09 mA. With the help of modern numerical calculation methods, the actual water content in crude oil can be accurately obtained by parameter calibration of the measured value. The inherent shortcomings of the detection circuit built with discrete components are solved, which means that the detection circuit of crude oil water content has fewer components, smaller size, and higher detection accuracy.
Machining mechanism of polycrystalline nickel-based alloy under ultrasonic elliptical vibration-assisted cutting
Authors: Nguyen Duy-Khanh , Fang Te-Hua , Cai Yue-Ru , Huang Ching-Chien
Published: October 2023

This work investigates the machining mechanism and deformation behavior of NiFeCo under conventional nanoscale cutting and ultrasonic elliptical vibration-assisted cutting (UEVC) through molecular dynamics simulation. The material removal process is considered in various vibration frequencies, amplitude ratios, and phase angles. In both cases, the highest shear strain, local stress, and temperature atoms are primarily located in the cutting area and chip volume, but the magnitudes are more significant under UEVC. The distribution analysis results of stacking fault and dislocation also show that grain boundaries strongly influence the deformation behavior and the local stress in the material. Moreover, in the cases of UEVC, the rise of vibration frequency and the decrease in amplitude ratio positively impact improving the material removal rate and reducing the average cutting force. Meanwhile, the change in phase angles affects only the timing of the peak in force value and has no significant effect on the resultant force and the cutting efficiency.
Demonstration of the threshold-switching memory devices using EMIm(AlCl3)Cl and ZnO for neuromorphic applications
Authors: Kim Dongshin , Kim Ik-Jyae , Lee Jang-Sik
Published: October 2023

The threshold-switching behaviors of the synapses lead to energy-efficient operation in the neural computing system. Here, we demonstrated the threshold-switching memory devices by inserting the ZnO layer into the ionic synaptic devices. The EMIm(AlCl3)Cl is utilized as the electrolyte because its conductance can be tuned by the charge states of the Al-based ions. The redox reactions of the Al ions in the electrolyte can lead to the analog resistive switching characteristics, such as excitatory postsynaptic current, paired-pulse facilitation, potentiation, and depression. By inserting the ZnO layer into the EMIm(AlCl3)-based ionic synaptic devices, the threshold switching behaviors are demonstrated. Using the resistivity difference between ZnO and EMIm(AlCl3)Cl, the analog resistive switching behaviors are tunned as the threshold-switching behaviors. The threshold-switching behaviors are achieved by applying the spike stimuli to the device. Demonstration of the threshold-switching behaviors of the ionic synaptic devices has a possibility to achieve high energy-efficiency for the ion-based artificial synapses.
Bifunctional electrocatalytic reduction performance of nitrogen containing biomass based nanoreactors loaded with Ni nanoparticles for oxygen and carbon dioxide
Authors: Yuan Junjie , Zou Jiayi , Wu Zhongqiu , Wang Zhaolong , Yang Zongli , Xu Hui
Published: October 2023

In the face of increasing energy demand, the approach of transformation that combines energy restructuring and environmental governance has become a popular research direction. As an important part of electrocatalytic reactions for gas molecules, reduction reactions of oxygen (ORR) and carbon dioxide (CO2RR) are very indispensable in the field of energy conversion and storage. However, the non-interchangeability and irreversibility of electrode materials have always been a challenge in electrocatalysis. Hereon, nickel and nitrogen decorated biomass carbon-based materials (Ni/N-BC) has been prepared by high temperature pyrolysis using agricultural waste straw as raw material. Surprisingly, it possesses abundant active sites and specific surface area as a bifunctional electrocatalyst for ORR and CO2RR. The three-dimensional porous cavity structure for the framework of biomass could not only provide a strong anchoring foundation for the active site, but also facilitate the transport and enrichment of reactants around the site. In addition, temperature modulation during the preparation process also optimizes the composition and structure of biomass carbon and nitrogen. Benefit from above structure and morphology advantages, Ni/N-BC-800 exhibits the superior electrocatalytic activity for both ORR and CO2RR simultaneously. More specifically, Ni/N-BC-800 exhibits satisfactory ORR activity in terms of initial potential and half wave potential, while also enables the production of CO under high selective. The research results provide ideas for the development and design of electrode materials and green electrocatalysts, and also expand new applications of agricultural waste in fields such as energy conversion, environmental protection, and resource utilization.
A self-powered intelligent integrated sensing system for sports skill monitoring
Authors: Zhang Mengqi , Sun Fengxin , Wen Yuzhang , Zheng Qinglan , Xie Zhenning , Liu Bing , Mao Yupeng
Published: October 2023

The use of green intelligent sensing systems which are based on triboelectric nanogenerators have sparked a surge of research in recent years. The development has made significant contributions to the field of promoting human health. However, the integration of an intelligent sensing system with multi-directional triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) remains challenges in the field of motion monitoring. To solve this research issue, this study designed a self-powered multifunctional fitness blanket (SF-MFB) which incorporates four TENGs, features multi-sensors and wireless motion monitoring capabilities. It presents a self-powered integrated sensing system which utilizes four TENG sensing units to monitor human motion. Each TENG sensing unit collects the mechanical energy generated during motion. The system is composed of SF-MFB, Bluetooth transmission terminal, and upper computer analysis terminal. Its main purpose is to wirelessly monitor and diagnose human sports skills and enables real-time human–computer interaction. The TENG integrated self-powered sensing system demonstrates practicality in sports skills monitoring, diagnosis, human–computer interaction and entertainment. This research introduces a novel approach for the application of TENG self-powered intelligent integrated sensing system in health promotion.
Quantitative analysis of circular dichroism at higher-order resonance of extrinsic plasmonic chiral nanostructures using multipole decomposition combined with the optical theorem
Authors: Zhu Guodong , Wei Haonan , Sun Zhiguang , Liu Jiayi , Wei Xinran , Liang Yuzhang , Peng Wei , Fang Yurui
Published: October 2023

Plasmonic chirality, which has garnered significant attention in recent years due to its ability to generate strong near-field enhancement and giant circular dichroism (CD). Currently, various theories have been proposed to explain plasmonic extrinsic chirality, however, a comprehensively quantitative explanation for the high-order optical response of extrinsic metamolecule has yet to be established. Herein, we present a concise and quantitative explanation of the giant high-order extrinsic CD of a plasmonic nanocrescent, which origins from multipole decomposition in combination with the optical theorem. Our findings indicate that the high-order resonance modes exhibit giant CD comparable to dipolar modes and can be conveniently applied to the chiral recognition of metamolecules. Furthermore, the nonradiative electric quadrupole resonance exhibits enormous electric field enhancement near metamolecule, which has great application potential in the fields of molecular recognition and sensing in the visible region.
Spanwise phase transition between pure modes A and B in a circular cylinder’s wake. Part II: spatiotemporal evolution of vorticity
Authors: Lin L M
Published: October 2023

Through direct numerical simulation, the transition from pure mode A to mode B in the near wake of a circular cylinder is studied without consideration of vortex dislocations. The Reynolds number

R
e

is calculated from 100 to 330 with a computational spanwise length of 4 diameters. In the present section, the spatiotemporal evolution of the vorticity and its sign are analyzed. The results show that mode B, as a kind of weak disturbed vorticity with opposite signs, actually appears partially on the rear surface of the cylinder and in the shear layers once Re exceeds 193. With increasing

R
e

, the vortex-shedding patterns in the near wake undergo the initial generation stage of mode B coupling with the fully developed pure mode A (

193
⩽
R
e
<
230

), the mode swapping or coexistence stage between modes A and B (

230
⩽

R
e

<
260
∼
265

), the self-adjustment stage of the nondimensional spanwise wavelength from 0.8 to 1 in dominant mode B (

260
∼
265
⩽

R
e

<
310

), and the full development stage of mode B (

R
e

⩾
310

). In particular, the spanwise phase transition initially occurs at a certain spanwise position in the initial generation stage where a part of mode A and a part of mode B with specific vorticity signs appear, e.g. the

Π
−

vortex in mode A and the

Π
+

vortex in mode B, in which

Π
−

and

Π
+

vortices are vortices with three vorticity components satisfying the vorticity sign law and shed from the upper and lower shear layers, respectively.
Mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties of hybrid kevlar/natural fiber composites
Authors: Murali B , Karthik K , Marotrao Sarange Shreepad , Laxmaiah G , Yadav Ajay Singh , Prasanth I S N V R , Abbas Mohamed
Published: October 2023

The current experiment aimed to identify the characteristics of composite materials enhanced with aloe vera, bamboo, palm, and kevlar fibres. Three different types of combinational fabrication—Type I (a blend of aloe vera and bamboo), Type II (a combination of bamboo and palm), and Type III—were carried out from all the other them (blend of palm and aloe vera). Analysis was done on the mechanical and dynamic-mechanical evaluation of biocomposites made spontaneously. Natural fibres used to produce hybrid composites were alkaline and treated in a 2.5 ml NaOH solution for 6 h at room temperature to get acceptable characteristics, then dried to remove the wax and oils on the natural fibre’s exterior surface. The effect of different stacking sequences on the mechanical and dynamic properties of manufactured composites has been investigated experimentally through ASTM standards. Impact, inter-delamination and double-shear tests are used to evaluate the mechanical properties; the failure mechanisms of the fabricated hybrid composites with various stacking sequences and testing conditions were investigated through the fractographs of SEM analysis. Type I S1 samples were found to display significant impact energy (10 Joules) as compared to other samples, and the break load of composite specimens was higher at 4.5 KN in S2 samples of type-III as compared to type-I and II, revealed Type-I samples with significant peak area of 0.492 delivered at 102.01 °C as compared to two types, Type-3 (Palmyra Palm + Aloe Vera) composite gave the best mechanical, dynamic properties.
Expert opinion based optimziation of CNC machining parameters for Al-CNT composites using fuzzy TOPSIS method
Authors: Nand Sachchida , Singh Manvandra K , Chimata Murali Krishna
Published: October 2023

Machinability of Al-CNT composites at optimum conditions of machining parameters saves a lot of time, improves quality of machined components at minimum possible cost of machining. In conventional methods, controlled experimentation is performed. In order to obtain best machining parameters, optimization methods are applied but they are inadequate in many situations. Hence, an attempt was made in this work to collect subjective data for response parameters such as, quality, cost, and time, from selected experts in this field for various combinations of input process parameters of CNC milling machine for the case of Al-CNT composites with high-speed steel as tool material. 27 sets of experiments were devised for various combinations of machining parameters systematically by taking cutting speed (in rpm), feed, step over ratio, and depth of cut each at 3 levels. Two experts were invited for collection of data for the response parameters and three experts were involved for giving weightages for the response parameters. Fuzzy trapezoidal membership functions were made use of, for representing fuzzy set and fuzzy Technique and TOPSIS method was applied for finding the best solution. Results revealed that best solution was obtained for a spindle speed of 3000 rpm, feed of 150 mm rev−1, step-over ratio of 0.5, and depth of cut of 0.2 mm.
Single-Institution Early Experience With a New, Smooth, Opaque, and Round Breast Implant Over a 2-Year Period
Authors: Ng Zhi Yang , Honeyman Calum , Shoaib Taimur
Published: October 2023

Background

The ideal breast implant does not exist and the choice of implant for breast augmentation is largely based on what surgeons think will be best for their patients.

Objectives

To evaluate the preliminary results of a new, smooth, round, and opaque breast implant (PERLE, GC Aesthetics; Dublin, Ireland) from a single-center UK aesthetic practice.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of all patients undergoing breast implant surgery with PERLE at the authors' center between January 2021 and December 2022. Outcomes data such as rates of capsular contracture, infection, revision surgery, and synchronous mastopexy were analyzed.

Results

Of the 385 patients identified, 374 (97.1%) had PERLE implants placed by 3 surgeons for primary (n = 290) and secondary breast augmentation (n = 21), and augmentation-mastopexy (n = 63). Capsular contracture occurred in no cases, infection in 1 (0.2%), and revision surgery in 21 patients (5%). The incision used was always submammary, unless a synchronous mastopexy was performed; implants were placed in the subglandular/subfascial plane in the majority of cases (85.3%), and the rest were dual plane (14.7%). Eight revisions were performed in patients undergoing breast augmentation (due to implant displacement in 6 patients, and hematoma and infection in 1 patient each). Fourteen revisions were performed in those undergoing augmentation-mastopexy. The average follow-up time was 18 months.

Conclusions

The authors' early, single-center experience with PERLE implants suggests a safety profile and overall complication rate that is comparable with other modern implants. They will continue to monitor the safety and effectiveness of PERLE and discuss the reasons and evolution in the choice of breast implant.

Level of Evidence: 4
Pelvic-girdle reconstruction with three-dimensional-printed endoprostheses after limb-salvage surgery for pelvic sarcomas: current landscape
Authors: Hu Xin , Lu Minxun , Zhang Yuqi , Li Zhuangzhuang , Wang Jie , Wang Yitian , Xing Zhengyi , Yang Xiao , Tu Chongqi , Min Li
Published: October 2023

Resection of pelvic bone tumors and the subsequent reconstruction of the pelvic girdle pose challenges due to complex anatomy, load-bearing demands, and significant defects. 3D-printed implants have revolutionized pelvic girdle reconstruction by offering customized solutions, porous surface structures for precise resection with custom guides, and improved integration. Many tertiary medical centers have adopted 3Dprinted hemipelvic endoprostheses, leading to enhanced outcomes. However, most studies are limited to single centers, with a small number of cases and short follow-up periods. Additionally, the design of these implants often relies heavily on individual experience, resulting in a lack of uniformity and significant variation. To provide a comprehensive assessment of this technology, we conducted an analysis of existing literature, encompassing tumor resection classification, various types of prosthesis design, reconstruction concepts, and post-reconstruction functional outcomes.
Phenotype and natural history of mitochondrial membrane protein-associated neurodegeneration
Authors: Iankova Vassilena , Sparber Peter , Rohani Mohammad , Dusek Petr , Büchner Boriana , Karin Ivan , Schneider Susanne A , Gorriz Juan M , Kmiec Tomasz , Klopstock Thomas
Published: October 2023

Mitochondrial membrane protein-associated neurodegeneration (MPAN) is an ultraorphan neurogenetic disease from the group of neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA) disorders. Here we report cross-sectional and longitudinal data to define the phenotype, to assess disease progression and to estimate sample sizes for clinical trials.

We enrolled patients with genetically confirmed MPAN from the Treat Iron-Related Childhood-Onset Neurodegeneration (TIRCON) registry and cohort study, and from additional sites. Linear mixed-effect modelling (LMEM) was used to calculate annual progression rates for the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), Barry–Albright Dystonia (BAD) scale, Schwab and England Activities of Daily Living (SE-ADL) scale and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL).

We investigated 85 MPAN patients cross-sectionally, with functional outcome data collected in 45. Median age at onset was 9 years and the median diagnostic delay was 5 years. The most common findings were gait disturbance (99%), pyramidal involvement (95%), dysarthria (90%), vision disturbances (82%), with all but dysarthria presenting early in the disease course. After 16 years with the disease, 50% of patients were wheelchair dependent. LMEM showed an annual progression rate of 4.5 points in total UPDRS. The total BAD scale score showed no significant progression over time. The SE-ADL scale and the patient- and parent-reported PedsQL showed a decline of 3.9%, 2.14 and 2.05 points, respectively. No patient subpopulations were identified based on longitudinal trajectories.

Our cross-sectional results define the order of onset and frequency of symptoms in MPAN, which will inform the diagnostic process, help to shorten diagnostic delay and aid in counselling patients, parents and caregivers. Our longitudinal findings define the natural history of MPAN, reveal the most responsive outcomes and highlight the need for an MPAN-specific rating approach. Our sample size estimations inform the design of upcoming clinical trials.
Heart rate variability and risk of agitation in Alzheimer’s disease: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study
Authors: Liu Kathy Y , Whitsel Eric A , Heiss Gerardo , Palta Priya , Reeves Suzanne , Lin Feng V , Mather Mara , Roiser Jonathan P , Howard Robert
Published: October 2023

Agitation in Alzheimer’s disease is common and may be related to impaired emotion regulation capacity. Heart rate variability, a proposed index of autonomic and emotion regulation neural network integrity, could be associated with agitation propensity in Alzheimer’s disease. We used the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study cohort data, collected over seven visits spanning over two decades, to investigate whether heart rate variability (change) was associated with agitation risk in individuals clinically diagnosed with dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease. Agitation (absence/presence) at Visit 5, the primary outcome, was based on the Neuropsychiatric Inventory agitation/aggression subscale, or a composite score comprising the total number of agitation/aggression, irritability, disinhibition and aberrant motor behaviour subscales present. Visit 1–5 heart rate variability measures were the log-transformed root mean square of successive differences in R–R intervals and standard deviation of normal-to-normal R–R intervals obtained from resting, supine, standard 12-lead ECGs. To aid interpretability, heart rate variability data were scaled such that model outputs were expressed for each 0.05 log-unit change in heart rate variability (which approximated to the observed difference in heart rate variability with every 5 years of age). Among 456 participants who had dementia, 120 were clinically classified to have dementia solely attributable to Alzheimer’s disease. This group showed a positive relationship between heart rate variability and agitation risk in regression models, which was strongest for measures of (potentially vagally mediated) heart rate variability change over the preceding two decades. Here, a 0.05 log-unit of heart rate variability change was associated with an up to 10-fold increase in the odds of agitation and around a half-unit increase in the composite agitation score. Associations persisted after controlling for participants’ cognitive status, heart rate (change), sociodemographic factors, co-morbidities and medications with autonomic effects. Further confirmatory studies, incorporating measures of emotion regulation, are needed to support heart rate variability indices as potential agitation propensity markers in Alzheimer’s disease and to explore underlying mechanisms as targets for treatment development.
Plasma levels of mannan-binding lectin-associated serine proteases are increased in type 1 diabetes patients with insulin resistance
Authors: Kietsiriroje Noppadol , Scott Georgia E , Ajjan Ramzi A , Brôz Jan , Schroeder Verena , Campbell Matthew D
Published: October 2023

Activation of the lectin pathway of the complement system, as demonstrated by elevated levels of mannan-binding lectin proteins (MBL), contributes to vascular pathology in type 1 diabetes (T1D). Vascular complications are greatest in T1D individuals with concomitant insulin resistance (IR), however, whether IR amplifies activiation of the lectin pathway in T1D is unknown. We pooled pretreatment data from two RCTs and performed a cross-sectional analysis on 46 T1D individuals. We employed estimated glucose disposal rate (eGDR), a validated IR surrogate with cut-points of: <5.1, 5.1–8.7, and > 8.7 mg/kg/min to determine IR status, with lower eGDR values conferring higher degrees of IR. Plasma levels of MBL-associated proteases (MASP-1, MASP-2, and MASP-3) and their regulatory protein MAp44 were compared among eGDR classifications. In a subset of 14 individuals, we assessed change in MASPs and MAp44 following improvement in IR. We found that MASP-1, MASP-2, MASP-3, and MAp44 levels increased in a stepwise fashion across eGDR thresholds with elevated MASPs and MAp44 levels conferring greater degrees of IR. In a subset of 14 patients, improvement in IR was associated with significant reductions in MASPs, but not MAp44, levels. In conclusion, IR in T1D amplifies levels of MASP-1/2/3 and their regulator MAp44, and improvement of IR normalizes MASP-1/2/3 levels. Given that elevated levels of these proteins contribute to vascular pathology, amplification of the lectin pathway of the complement system may offer mechanistic insight into the relationship between IR and vascular complications in T1D.
Political aspects of ‘buffer stock’ employment: a reconsideration
Authors: Setterfield Mark , Kriesler Peter , Halevi Joseph
Published: October 2023

Advocates of Job Guarantee (JG) or Employer of Last Resort (ELR) schemes have suggested that if the state provides ‘buffer stock’ employment to workers displaced from private employment, then full employment can be maintained over the course of the business cycle. Kalecki was sceptical about the prospects for maintaining full employment in capitalist economies, without fundamental institutional change that would alleviate certain political constraints. We argue that in and of themselves, JG/ELR schemes do not create the fundamental institutional change required to address Kalecki’s concerns and so ensure that full employment becomes achievable as a permanent state.