bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation of Electrothermal Characteristics of SSI-LEDs
Authors: Shukla Abhinav , Kuo Yue
Published: May 2020

The temperature distribution in nano-resistors based solid-state incandescent light emitting devices made from MOS capacitors with a high-k gate dielectric deposited on the p-type Si substrate is studied using finite element modeling. The results obtained are correlated with experimental data previously reported on the device. The physics-based mathematical formulation with governing equations was simulated using the COMSOL Multiphysics program. Temperatures within and around individual nano-resistors in different geometrical arrangements, distributions and sizes were calculated. The temperature distribution across the complete device under various boundary conditions was simulated and optimized based on the optical emission spectrum of the device.
Effect of Inductively Coupled Electro-Magnetic Field on Bottom Oxide Etch in a High Aspect Ratio Trench
Authors: Sardo Stefano , Palombizio Antonio , Mannarino Manuel , Redolfi Augusto , Haspeslagh Luc
Published: May 2020

CMOS optical sensors devices are becoming increasingly important and popular for many different applications. Some of these devices are fabricated starting from SOI (Silicon On Insulator) wafers and using semiconductor manufacturing techniques. A common feature of the CMOS sensors is the isolating trench that protects the device from electrical noise. We report on the multistep etch process development to fabricate trenches deeper than usual, in order to isolate the sensor also from stray light interference. We focus the attention on unexpected features that originated during the Buried Oxide (BOX) etch.
Process Dependent Optimization of Dielectric and Metal Stacks for Multilevel Resistive Random-Access Memory
Authors: Zhao Pengxiang , Misra Durga , Triyoso Dina , Kaushik Vidya , Tapily Kandabara , Clark Robert D. , Consiglio Steven , Wajda Cory S. , Leusink Gert J.
Published: May 2020

A HfO2/Al2O3 bilayer structure for a two-terminal ReRAM device with an intention of having multiple resistance states as a function of compliance current (CC) after forming was evaluated. A reduced power consumption was observed when the Al2O3 buffer layer was placed between the top electrode and the HfO2 layer as compared to when it is embedded between the HfO2 layer and the bottom electrode. Gradual resistance change capability was observed with varying CC. The switching power requirement increases even if the Al2O3 buffer layer thickness was decreased when the buffer layer was near the bottom electrode. It was demonstrated that by modifying the deposition process of the top metal layer the switching energy requirement can be altered.
Electromigration Study of Plasma Etched Copper Lines with Copper Oxide Capping Layers
Authors: Su Jia Quan , Kuo Yue
Published: May 2020

The electromigration failure phenomena of the plasma etched copper line with a copper oxide capping layer has been studied. The copper oxide prepared by the oxygen plasma oxidation method covers the entire copper stack. The failure of this kind of structure was determined from the resistance change with the stress time. The line temperature was calculated accordingly assuming the adiabatic condition, i.e., the dissipation of Joule heat to the glass substrate and environment was negligible. The surface color of the line changes with the stress time. The composition and color of the copper oxide passivation layer were characterized and correlated to the Joule heating. The color change can be an effective reference to predict the line failure location and time. In summary, the copper oxide passivation layer can be easily formed into the self-aligned structure and the line failure process can be detected from the color change.
(Invited) Differential Hall Effect Metrology (DHEM) Sub-Nm Profiling and Its Application to Dopant Activation in n-Type Ge
Authors: Ramesh Pranav , Saraswat Krishna C. , Joshi Abhijeet , Basol Bulent M , Wang Larry , Buyuklimanli Temel
Published: May 2020

Accurate characterization of dopant activation at the near-surface region is essential to understanding and developing doping schemes to achieve low contact resistance for Ge NMOS. Differential Hall Effect Metrology (DHEM) was employed to study dopant activation with sub-nm resolution on n-type Ge layers epitaxially grown on Si substrates. Two different capping layers, Al2O3 and SiO2, were deposited on Ge and the samples were implanted with Sb and P, then subsequently annealed. Carrier concentration depth profiles as measured by DHEM showed one order of magnitude higher dopant activation at the surface for the SiO2 capped samples. SIMS measurements indicated Al in-diffusion for the Al2O3 capped films, suggesting a highly defective Ge surface. This indicates that annealing is insufficient to repair damage caused by ion implantation, necessitating alternative approaches to achieve high dopant activation in n-type Ge.
BEOL Compatible High-Capacitance MIMCAP Structure Using a Novel High k Material
Authors: Jamison Paul C. , Massey John , Ando Takashi , Cartier Eduard A. , Jagannathan Hemanth , Chen P. J. , Liu Eric , Romero Alex , Naczas Sebastian , Narayanan Vijay , Pancharatnam Shanti , Restle Phillip , Rubin Joshua , Loubet Nicolas J , Choi Kisik
Published: May 2020

We demonstrate a MIM capacitor structure using ZrO2 for the dielectric layer. This exhibits a 25% capacitance increase with minimal leakage current increase compared to Hf based dielectrics, extending the usefulness of MIM on-chip decoupling capacitors. The MIM structure, suitable for BEOL processing is TiN/ZrO2/TiN combined with an anneal which is shown to improve the capacitance vs. leakage performance compared to doped and undoped HfO2 based control structures. GI-XRD measurements demonstrate that the capacitance increase corresponds with a phase transformation from amorphous to cubic phase, which is shown to have a dielectric constant (k) up to 35. Reliability models based on hard-breakdown (HBD) show that this structure exceeds the end-of-life targets.
(Invited) Quantum Multi-Body Interactions in Semiconducting WSe2 and C60-Graphene Hybrids for High-Performance Photodetectors
Authors: Kaul Anupama B , Bandyopadhyay Avra S , Jayanand Kishan
Published: May 2020

In this work we will discuss the use of a halide-assisted low-pressure chemical vapor deposition (HA-LPCVD) with NaCl to help facilitate the growth of monolayer WSe2 at low growth temperatures of ~ 750oC, which is lower than the typical temperatures needed with conventional CVD for realizing monolayer (1L) WSe2. Moreover, we experimentally probed the quantum multi-body interactions in 1L WSe2 ascribed to excitons, trions and other localized states by analyzing the temperature-dependent photoluminescence spectra. A 1L WSe2 based photodetector was fabricated using Al contacts, which shows a high photoresponsivity, and the interface state trap density (Dit) of the Al/WSe2 junction was computed to be extremely low. Hybrids of two-dimensional (2D) graphene with fullerene (C60) molecules were also fabricated using electrophoretic deposition, where the C60 clusters are electrically charged upon the application of an external bias in a polar solvent. A low energy shift in the Fermi level EF ~ 140 meV was calculated for the hybrids. When the hybrid devices were irradiated with a broadband white light source and a tunable laser source (with wavelength λ ranging from ~ 400-1100 nm), a strong photoresponse was evident, in contrast to the bare graphene devices which appeared unresponsive. We will discuss the strong photo-response of the C60-graphene hybrids reported here which we attribute to the doping enhancement arising in the graphene upon the adsorption of C60.
Mechanism of Reverse Leakage Current in Schottky Diode Fabricated on Large Bandgap Semiconductors like Ga2O3 or Diamond
Authors: Lau Wai Shing
Published: May 2020

One possible mechanism of reverse leakage current in Schottky diodes fabricated on large bandgap semiconductors like Ga2O3 or diamond is Schottky emission (image force barrier lowering) at the metal-semiconductor interface. Historically, there were 2 theories regarding the image force barrier lowering effect. The author’s new idea is that the older and almost forgotten Krömer’s theory can frequently give a much better fit to experimental data for large bandgap semiconductors like Ga2O3 or diamond Schottky diodes. It is possible to define an effective dielectric constant Keff in the reverse leakage current equation and quite frequently 1 ≥ Keff ≥ ¼ for some large bandgap semiconductors like Ga2O3 or diamond. Peripheral surface passivation is important.
(Invited) Junctionless Device Cross-Section: A Key Aspect for Overcoming Boltzmann Tyranny
Authors: Kranti Abhinav , Gupta Manish
Published: May 2020

In this work, we report on the significance of device cross-section of a 3-dimensional Junctionless transistor (JLT) to facilitate a sharp rise in drain current with a low value (< 10 mV/decade) of subthreshold swing (S
S). The analysis shows that apart from the usual device parameters such as gate length and drain voltage, the cross-section of a tri-gate JLT offers an additional degree of freedom to tune the extent of impact ionization in JLT. Results demonstrate that tri-gate JLT designed with lower aspect ratio (< 0.5) and wider film is most appropriate to overcome Boltzmann tyranny. The work highlights the usefulness of cross-sectional area for achieving sharp rise in drain current in JLT.
Discussion on the Figures of Merit of Identified Traps Located in the Si Film: Surface Versus Volume Trap Densities
Authors: Cretu Bogdan , Nafaa Beya , Simoen Eddy , Hellings Geert , Linten Dimitri , Claeys Cor
Published: May 2020

The aim of this work is a discussion on the figures of merit of identified traps located in the depletion zone (Si film) of advanced MOSFET devices. Two methodologies to estimate the volume trap densities are investigated, one using the relationship between the surface trap density and volume trap density and a second one based on the temperature evolution at fixed frequency of the generation-recombination plateau level associated to the same trap. By comparing the volume trap densities estimated using these two methods, the results are not agreeing with each other, suggesting that these methods can no longer be used with accuracy in multi-gate devices. Moreover, they may lead in certain cases to results physically not correct. Even about of the volume defects, the linear evolution between the plateau and the characteristic frequency of the generation-recombination contributions associated to the same trap give us the surface trap density without any additional assumption.
On the Correlation Between Static and Low-Frequency Noise Parameters of Vertical Nanowire nMOSFETs
Authors: Simoen Eddy , Chasin Adrian , Matagne Philippe , Rosseel Erik , Hikavyy Andriy Yakovitch , Loo Roger , Favia Paola , Bender Hugo , Vancoille Eric , Veloso Anabela
Published: May 2020

The low-frequency noise behavior of gate-all-around vertical nanowire silicon nMOSFETs is described and discussed with respect to the static device parameters, like the threshold voltage and the maximum transconductance. The spectra are dominated by 1/f noise at low frequencies, followed by white noise. The 1/f noise power spectral density at 10 Hz is correlated with the maximum transconductance and the threshold voltage. This is interpreted in terms of the diameter of the nanowires.
Electrical Behavior of Effects LCE and PAMDLE of the Ellipsoidal MOSFETs in a Huge Range of High Temperatures
Authors: Galembeck Egon henrique Salerno , Gimenez Salvador Pinillos
Published: May 2020

This paper presents the electrical behavior at high temperature-range of the effects presents in the non-standard gate layout style for MOSFETs, in which they are capable to boost the electrical performance in relation to the one standard rectangular MOSFET (RM) counterpart. These effects are named Longitudinal Corner Effect (LCE) and Parallel Connection of MOSFETs with Different Channel Lengths Effect (PAMDLE). In this study, we study the ellipsoidal layout style for MOSFET, taking into account the Bulk technology of CMOS CIs of 180nm from TSMC. This work is based on three-dimensional numerical simulations and we conclude that the LCE and PAMDLE effects are always actives in all temperatures studied (300K-573K) and, consequently, they are capable of boosting the EM electrical performance remarkably in comparison to the RM counterpart (83% for saturation drain current and 86% for the maximum transconductance), regarding that present the same gate areas and bias conditions for a temperature of 573K.
Influence of the Biomaterial Thickness in a Dielectrically Charged Modulated Fringing Field Bio-Tunnel-FET Device
Authors: Macambira Christian Nemeth , Agopian Paula Ghedini Der , Martino Joao Antonio
Published: May 2020

In this paper the influence of the biomaterial thickness (tBio) in a dielectrically charged modulated fringing field Bio-Tunnel FET is studied using TCAD simulation. The sensitivity of the biosensor TFET is observed in the ambipolar current region due to the variation of the dielectric permittivity and/or the presence of charges into the biomaterial. The results show that when tBio increases from 10 nm to 30 nm, the sensitivity increases up to 2 orders of magnitude. The presence of positive fixed charges into the biomaterial also increases the sensitivity more than 1 order of magnitude in the studied charge magnitude range.
Study of a Charge-Based Biosensor and Reconfigurability using BESOI MOSFET
Authors: Yojo Leonardo Shimizu , Rangel Ricardo Cardoso , Sasaki Katia Regina Akemi , Martino Joao Antonio
Published: May 2020

The Back Enhance (BE) SOI MOSFET is a device whose operation can be tuned by the back gate bias (VGB), i.e., it can act as an n- or p-type MOSFET if VGB is positive or negative enough, respectively. This characteristic was explored in the bio-sensing application, in which a charge-based sensor was studied through simulation. Physical dimensions (gate and underlap lengths, gate oxide, silicon and buried oxide thicknesses) were varied in order to determine the most sensitive case. The buried oxide thickness presented highest variation in the results, showing the importance of the substrate on its operation. The biomaterial charge concentration analysis showed a better sensitivity of the device for positive charges when biased as an n-type transistor, while the p-type bias presented better sensitivity to negative charges. Thus, the versatility of the BESOI MOSFET can be used as an advantage in the field of biosensors.
Gate Electrode Material Effect on Characteristics of Zirconium-Doped Hafnium Oxide High-k MOS Capacitors
Authors: Lin Wen-Shan , Liu Lingguang , Kuo Yue
Published: May 2020

Electrical properties of MOS capacitors made of Zr-doped hafnium oxide high-k gate dielectric with molybdenum and copper gate electrodes have been studied. Under the thermal annealing condition, the reaction between the gate electrode and gate dielectric is highly dependent on the electrode material. The C-V characteristics of the molybdenum gated capacitor are improved with the post metal annealing due to the reduction of defects. However, the copper gated capacitor deteriorated after the annealing step due to the diffusion of copper into the gate dielectric layer. Therefore, the metal gate material is critical to the electrical properties of the MOS capacitor with the high-k gate dielectric film.
Proton-Irradiation Influence on Current Mirror Circuit Using Verilog-A Approach Based on Experimental SOI FinFET Characteristics
Authors: de Sousa Bruna Ramos , Agopian Paula Ghedini Der , Martino Joao Antonio
Published: May 2020

In this work, a simple methodology is proposed to simulate the current mirror circuit based on the triple-gate SOI FinFET experimental data, called lookup table in Verilog-A. It was analyzed the reliability of the model, comparing between experimental and simulated data, with has proven to be reliable. It was also evaluated the performance of the transistor and as well the circuit regarding the efficiency and the gain, for p- and n-types, based on three different fin widths, before and after proton-irradiation.
Fabrication of Heavy Metal Ion FET Based Sensor for Detecting Arsenite
Authors: Tatavarthi Sai Sudheer , Wang Yu-Lin
Published: May 2020

Arsenic is one of the toxic chemical among heavy metals. It is mostly present in ground water at higher levels which leads to cancer and heart diseases. Arsenic occurs in two oxidation states, Arsenite (As (III)) and Arsenate (As (V)). As (III) is more toxic than As (V). The detection of arsenic ion in drinking water or in any liquid form of food can be done with several laboratory equipment’s such as ICP-MS. In this research, we developed a methodology by fabricating an extended gate chip FET sensor for detecting As (III) ions. Sodium Arsenite (NaAsO2) is the inorganic compound which is used for detection of As (III). The concentration range is from 10^-10 M to 10^-4 M. This sensor is easy to fabricate, smaller in size, high sensitivity and takes less time for detecting Arsenite comparable to several laboratory equipment’s. This FET based ion sensor has same detection limit comparable to ICP-MS and this sensor shows higher sensitivity than the Nernstian slope.
A Self Powered Solid-Liquid Contact Electrification Based Nanosensor for Chemically Enhanced Detection of Catechin
Authors: Chatterjee Subhodeep , Lin Zong-Hong
Published: May 2020

In this study, a self-powered triboelectric nanosensor (TENS) based on chemically enhanced solid-liquid contact electrification has been demonstrated. The TiO2 nanosheet (NS) arrays, grown by two step hydrothermal process is employed as solid triboelectric material. On the other side volatile organic solvent acetone is utilized as contact liquid to obtain higher triboelectric performance. The chemical modification of TiO2 NS surface with catechin promotes enhanced response voltage due to ligand to metal charge transfer complex between Ti molecules and enediol ligands of catechin, exhibiting 1 nM LOD and wide linear range (1 µM to 100 µM). The output voltage has been chemically enhanced 1.59 times for 10 mM catechin concentration. The study not only demonstrates a self-powered cost effective nanosensor but also explores the possibility to improve the electrical performance of solid-liquid based contact electrification through surface chemical environment engineering and utilizing volatile organic solvents as contact liquid.
Ultrasensitive and Label-Free Detection of Mercury Ions Using a Highly Efficient Solid-Liquid Triboelectric Nanosensor
Authors: Roy Barman Snigdha , Wu Hua-Shan , Lin Zong-Hong
Published: May 2020

The mercury pollution in the world have increased tremendously due to both natural and anthropogenic reasons. The mercury ions (Hg2+) after being released from the industrial wastes into the environment is transformed into the highly toxic form of methylmercury (CH3Hg+) by the microorganisms present, which further accumulates in the human body via drinking water and food, ultimately causing irreversible damage to reproductive, immune and nervous system. Currently, analytical tools such as ICPMS, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, AES etc are employed for detection of the Hg2+ions but their utility is overshadowed by certain limitations like complicated sample preparation steps, time-consuming protocol, non-portable nature, requirement of trained professionals etc. Therefore, in this work we propose a highly sensitive and selective sensing method for Hg2+ions using the concept of solid-liquid contact electrification. This triboelectric nanosensor was developed employing modified Copper(II) oxide nanowires (CuO NWs) as the solid-triboelectric layer and deionized water as the liquid-triboelectric layer. Due to the highly specific reaction between the modified CuO NWs surface and Hg2+ions, the as-developed sensor can detect the Hg2+ion concentrations as low as 0.1 nM with a good linear range of 1nM-10 μM. In addition, the unrivalledly flexible nanosensor is coupled with the robotic fingertips for highly automated on-site monitoring of Hg2+ions, making it possible to track the heavy metal pollution in inaccessible and remote locations. We believe that this work will be a stepping stone towards designing a reusable, portable, low-cost and stand-alone sensing systems.
Improvement in NO2 Gas Sensing Performance Using Igzo Film Sensor
Authors: Eadi Sunil Babu , Jeong Jun-Kyo , Song Hyeong-Sub , Lee Ga-Won , Lee Hi-Deok
Published: May 2020

In this study, Indium-Gallium-Zinc-Oxide (IGZO) films are grown using magnetron sputtering process for the detection NO2 gas. The IGZO films with a thickness of 50 nm were deposited on interdigitated electrode substrates using polycrystalline IGZO target (In2O3:Ga2O3:ZnO = 2:2:7 mol. %) target and annealed for 1 hr in O2 atmosphere at temperature 300, 400 and 500 °C respectively. The sensor characteristics were studied from room temperature to 250 °C working temperatures. The maximum sensor response (Rair/Rgas) of 33.6, 27.9, 11.3 and 5.53 were obtained for 100 ppm NO2 concentration at 250, 200, 150 and 100 °C operating temperature respectively for IGZO sample annealed at 300 °C. The selectivity of the sensor was examined with various gases.
Sputtered Thermoelectric Nanoparticles for an Ultra-Thin, Flexible and Cuttable Self-Powered Temperature Sensor
Authors: Lin Zong-Hong , Khan Imran
Published: May 2020

Inadequate energy for the growing population has been a major concern in the recent years. Though efforts are being made to alleviate this problem, the crisis still exists. For this reason, the focus of the scientific community is directed towards self-powered technology. As technology is getting smart, smart sensors are also gaining attention. Human beings are getting more and more concerned about their health and opt for the best personalized health care devices. Body temperature is a vital sign which reflects the health condition and thermoregulation in human beings. For continuous monitoring of body temperature, devices which are compact, lightweight and self-powered is therefore desirable. So, we design a highly flexible, ultra-thin and conformable temperature sensor which just uses heat from the body as a power source and senses the body temperature precisely. The sensor works on thermoelectric effect and can detect any surface temperature from room temperature to 100 ˚C and also room temperature to 0 ˚C. For a temperature gradient of 75 ˚C the sensor gives and output voltage of 0.4 mV and can even detect a human finger touch with an accurate body temperature. Such flexible and thin device can be used in day to day monitoring of human beings enabling it to be used as a wearable temperature sensor, hot or cold surface temperature measurement which may create injury if touched or as a biomedical device for the measurement of hyperthermia or even monitoring the health of pets.
Highly Efficient Aerobic Oxidation of Cyclohexene Catalyzed by Iron(III) Porphyrins in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Zhou Xian-Tai , Sun Mu-Zhao , Ji Hong-Bing
Published: May 2020

Efficient aerobic oxidation of cyclohexene to the corresponding products catalyzed by iron (III) porphyrins in supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) has been developed. Compared with the oxidation occurred in dichloroethane, the efficiency was improved significantly in scCO2, in which the cyclohexene conversion increased from 10.5% to 22.4%. Influence of various reaction parameters including catalyst, catalyst dosage, reaction temperature and pressure on the activity and selectivity were investigated in detail. Moreover, a plausible mechanism involving free radical and high-valence iron species was proposed.
Harmonic Analysis via an Integral Equation: An Application to Dengue Transmission
Authors: Meththananda R. G. U. I. , Ganegoda N. C. , Perera S. S. N.
Published: May 2020

A collection of oscillatory basis functions generated via an integral equation is investigated here. This is a new approach in the harmonic analysis as we are able to interpret phenomena with damping and amplifying oscillations other than classical Fourier-like periodic waves. The proposed technique is tested with a data set of dengue incidence, where different types of influences prevail. An intermediate transform supported by the Laplace transform is available. It facilitates parameter estimation and strengthens the extraction of hidden influencing accumulations. This mechanistic work can be extended as a tool in signal processing that encounters oscillatory and accumulated effects.
The Monotone Contraction Mapping Theorem
Authors: Gordon Joseph Frank
Published: May 2020

In this paper, the fixed-point theorem for monotone contraction mappings in the setting of a uniformly convex smooth Banach space is studied. This paper provides a version of the Banach fixed-point theorem in a complete metric space.
Weight Change and Its Association with Cardiometabolic Risk Markers in Overweight and Obese Women
Authors: Ahmad Zamri Liyana , Appannah Geeta , Zahari Sham Siti Yazmin , Mansor Fazliana , Ambak Rashidah , Mohd Nor Noor Safiza , Aris Tahir
Published: May 2020

Introduction. The effect of weight loss magnitude on cardiometabolic risk markers has been sparsely studied, particularly among overweight and obese women from low socioeconomic areas. Objectives. To examine the association of weight loss magnitude with changes in cardiometabolic risk markers in overweight and obese women from low socioeconomic areas engaged in a lifestyle intervention. Methods. Analyses were performed on 243 women (mean body mass index 31.27 ± 4.14 kg/m2) who completed a 12-month lifestyle intervention in low socioeconomic communities in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to compare changes of cardiometabolic risk factors across weight change categories (2% gain, ±2% maintain, >2 to <5% loss, and 5 to 20% loss) within intervention and control group. Results. A graded association for changes in waist circumference, fasting insulin, and total cholesterol (p=0.002, for all variables) across the weight change categories were observed within the intervention group at six months postintervention. Participants who lost 5 to 20% of weight had the greatest improvements in those risk markers (−5.67 cm CI: −7.98 to −3.36, −4.27 μU/mL CI: −7.35, −1.19, and −0.59 mmol/L CI: −.99, −0.19, respectively) compared to those who did not. Those who lost >2% to <5% weight reduced more waist circumference (−4.24 cm CI: −5.44 to −3.04) and fasting insulin (−0.36 μU/mL CI: −1.95 to 1.24) than those who maintained or gained weight. No significant association was detected in changes of risk markers across the weight change categories within the control group except for waist circumference and adiponectin. Conclusion. Weight loss of >2 to <5% obtained through lifestyle intervention may represent a reasonable initial weight loss target for women in the low socioeconomic community as it led to improvements in selected risk markers, particularly of diabetes risk.
New Iteration Scheme for Approximating a Common Fixed Point of a Finite Family of Mappings
Authors: Isiogugu F. O. , Izuchukwu C. , Okeke C. C.
Published: May 2020

We introduce a new algorithm (horizontal algorithm) in a real Hilbert space, for approximating a common fixed point of a finite family of mappings, without imposing on the finite family of the control sequences ςnin=1∞i=1N, the condition that ∑i=1Nςni=1, for each n≥1. Furthermore, under appropriate conditions, the horizontal algorithm converges both weakly and strongly to a common fixed point of a finite family of type-one demicontractive mappings. It is also applied to obtain some new algorithms for approximating a common solution of an equilibrium problem and the fixed point problem for a finite family of mappings. Our work is a contribution to ongoing research on iteration schemes for approximating a common solution of fixed point problems of a finite family of mappings and equilibrium problems.
Mesotherapy: From Historical Notes to Scientific Evidence and Future Prospects
Authors: Mammucari Massimo , Maggiori Enrica , Russo Domenico , Giorgio Chiara , Ronconi Gianpaolo , Ferrara Paola E , Canzona Flora , Antonaci Luciano , Violo Bartolomeo , Vellucci Renato , Mediati Domenico Rocco , Migliore Alberto , Massafra Umberto , Bifarini Barbara , Gori Fabio , di Carlo Massimo , Brauneis Stefano , Paolucci Teresa , Rocchi Piergiovanni , Cuguttu Anna , Di Marzo Raffaele , Bomprezzi Alessandro , Santini Stefania , Giardini Manuela , Catizzone Anna Rosa , Troili Fiammetta , Dorato Dario , Gallo Alessandra , Guglielmo Costanza , Natoli Silvia
Published: May 2020

Intradermal therapy, known as mesotherapy, is a technique used to inject a drug into the surface layer of the skin. In particular, it involves the use of a short needle to deposit the drug in the dermis. The intradermal microdeposit modulates the drug’s kinetics, slowing absorption and prolonging the local mechanism of action. It is successfully applied in the treatment of some forms of localized pain syndromes and other local clinical conditions. It could be suggested when a systemic drug-sparing effect is useful, when other therapies have failed (or cannot be used), and when it can synergize with other pharmacological or nonpharmacological therapies. Despite the lack of randomized clinical trials in some fields of application, a general consensus is also reached in nonpharmacological mechanism of action, the technique execution modalities, the scientific rationale to apply it in some indications, and the usefulness of the informed consent. The Italian Mesotherapy Society proposes this position paper to apply intradermal therapy based on scientific evidence and no longer on personal bias.
Sharp Bounds for Fractional Conjugate Hardy Operator on Higher-Dimensional Product Spaces
Authors: Wang Zequn , Wei Mingquan , He Qianjun , Yan Dunyan
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we obtain the sharp bound for fractional conjugate Hardy operator on higher-dimensional product spaces from L1ℝn1×⋯×ℝnm to the space wLQℝn1×⋯×ℝnm and Lpℝn1×⋯×ℝnm to the space Lqℝn1×⋯×ℝnm. More generally, the operator norm of the fractional Hardy operator on higher-dimensional product spaces from LPℝn1×⋯×ℝnm to LQIℝn1×⋯×ℝnm is obtained.
Research on Passenger Flow Assignment of High-Speed Trains Based on Personalized Itinerary Choice
Authors: Zheng Jinzi
Published: May 2020

Under the condition that ticket fare for high-speed train could fluctuate around a benchmark price in China, aimed at predicting how the passengers will distribute among different trains given a ticket fare, the passenger flow assignment method for high-speed trains is studied. Different from the classical researches on the passenger flow assignment, by introducing a variable that represents the value of time, this research allows passengers to make their personalized choice between the principles of time minimization and expense minimization, so as to demonstrate how the passengers holding different time values respond to each ticket fare scheme. An equilibrium passenger flow assignment model based on personalized choice is built and an improved Monte-Carlo random simulation algorithm is designed for solving the model. The actual ticket sale data for Beijing-Shanghai high-speed railway are used to verify the feasibility of the proposed model and algorithm. The passenger flow assignment results under various fare schemes show how the distribution of passenger flow changes with the adjustment of ticket fare.
Reducing Undernutrition through Counseling on Diversified Food Intake among Adult People Living with HIV on HAART, Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Tedla Weldegebrial Hayelom , Aregay Alemseged , Gebremariam Kidanu , Abrha Mulugeta Woldu , Weldearegay Haftom Gebrehiwot
Published: May 2020

Background. HIV/AIDS and malnutrition are interrelated and exacerbate one another in a vicious cycle. As HIV infection progresses it causes catabolic state and increases susceptibility to other infections, leading to progressive aggravation of undernutrition. However, data are lacking in Ethiopia on determinants of undernutrition among people living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy. Therefore, this study aimed to assess determinants of undernutrition among adult HIV/AIDS patients in Northern Ethiopia. Method. Facility-based unmatched case-control study was conducted among 324 randomly selected people living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy (ART). A structured and pretested interviewer questionnaire was used to collect data, while digital Seca weight and Seca measuring rod were used to measure weight and height, respectively. Logistic regression was used to identify independent factors of undernutrition, and p value <0.05 was declared for statistical significance. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 21™. Result. This study revealed that people of younger age and those on ART (AOR = 0.29 (95% CI: 0.10, 0.84)) had low risk of being undernourished. However, average individual monthly income (AOR = 2.61 (95% CI: 1.48, 4.61)), not receiving nutritional counseling during visits (AOR = 2.5 (95% CI: 1.52–3.89)), and low diet diversity (AOR = 10.55 (95% CI: 4.17, 26.73)) had higher odds of undernutrition among people living with HIV/AIDS. Conclusion. Age of patients, average monthly income, nutritional counseling during visits, and diet diversity were the independent factors of undernutrition. Counseling on well-timed and sufficient consumption of nutritious foods, economic strengthening, and livelihood activities is important. Future longitudinal study is necessary to elucidate the problem of undernutrition among people living with HIV/AIDS.
Cyclodextrin Prevents Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm via Activation of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Transcription Factor EB
Authors: Lu Haocheng , Sun Jinjian , Liang Wenying , Chang Ziyi , Rom Oren , Zhao Yang , Zhao Guizhen , Xiong Wenhao , Wang Huilun , Zhu Tianqing , Guo Yanhong , Chang Lin , Garcia-Barrio Minerva T. , Zhang Jifeng , Chen Y. Eugene , Fan Yanbo
Published: May 2020

Background:

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a severe aortic disease with a high mortality rate in the event of rupture. Pharmacological therapy is needed to inhibit AAA expansion and prevent aneurysm rupture. Transcription factor EB (TFEB), a master regulator of autophagy and lysosome biogenesis, is critical to maintain cell homeostasis. In this study, we aim to investigate the role of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) TFEB in the development of AAA and establish TFEB as a novel target to treat AAA.

Methods:

The expression of TFEB was measured in human and mouse aortic aneurysm samples. We used loss/gain-of-function approaches to understand the role of TFEB in VSMC survival and explored the underlying mechanisms through transcriptome and functional studies. Using VSMC-selective
Tfeb
knockout mice and different mouse AAA models, we determined the role of VSMC TFEB and a TFEB activator in AAA in vivo.

Results:

We found that TFEB is downregulated in both human and mouse aortic aneurysm lesions. TFEB potently inhibits apoptosis in VSMCs, and transcriptome analysis revealed that TFEB regulates apoptotic signaling pathways, especially apoptosis inhibitor B-cell lymphoma 2. B-cell lymphoma 2 is significantly upregulated by TFEB and is required for TFEB to inhibit VSMC apoptosis. We consistently observed that TFEB deficiency increases VSMC apoptosis and promotes AAA formation in different mouse AAA models. Furthermore, we demonstrated that 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin, a clinical agent used to enhance the solubility of drugs, activates TFEB and inhibits AAA formation and progression in mice. Last, we found that 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin inhibits AAA in a VSMC TFEB–dependent manner in mouse models.

Conclusions:

Our study demonstrated that TFEB protects against VSMC apoptosis and AAA. TFEB activation by 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin may be a promising therapeutic strategy for the prevention and treatment of AAA.
‘New Possibilities for Carrying out their Ministry to and for the Word of God’? The Roman Catholic Church as a Religious Organisation in Times of Deep Mediatisation
Authors: Radde-Antweiler Kerstin , Grünenthal Hannah
Published: May 2020

In this paper we look at mediatisation within the Roman Catholic Church. The article addresses the complex and diverse attitudes towards media in the church as an hierarchical organisation. Media-related, as well as other forms of communication were considered using the communicative figuration account in the qualitative analysis of the data. The analysis shows that the mediatisation amongst priests is generally low, although it increases in certain situations, such as within the committee structure of the organisation, to quite a high degree within lay groups. Our research suggests that there are opportunities for new participation in mediatisation, although the pace of innovation or datafication, for example, were not shown to be factors in this process.
The Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, Media Engagement and Public Benefit
Authors: Knowles Steve
Published: May 2020

This article examines the recent engagement with media by the closed Christian sect, the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church (pbcc). Historically the pbcc have been reluctant to engage with mainstream media, preferring instead to keep their own council. However, the rejection by the Charity Commission for England and Wales of an application by a pbcc trust for charitable status proved to be a catalyst for significant and sustained media engagement. The concept of mediatization is utilised as a meta-process to frame the way the pbcc engaged with media in order to demonstrate how they provide ‘public benefit’ to the wider community, which was crucial to the successful gaining of charitable status.
What Can “inclusion” Mean in the post-human Era?
Authors: Naraian Srikala
Published: May 2020

A humanist orientation has been foundational to recognizing the educational rights of students with disabilities and for ensuring access to mainstream schooling experiences. Humanism has also produced fissures within the scholarly community about what constitutes “best practices” for students with disabilities. This paper is a preliminary exploration of the affordances of posthumanism to deepen our understandings of inclusion. Weaving examples from schools, I examine posthumanist orientations that recognize material and non-material, human and non-human bodies as entangled in arrangements produced by/within particular relations with each other. I use data from schools to illustrate forms of reading stimulated by a posthumanist stance. I conclude with implications for the ethical commitments of inclusive education scholars and a call for becoming posthuman humans in our efforts to advance inclusion.
Advertisement call and diel pattern of Pseudis platensis (Anura, Hylidae, Pseudinae) in the Brazilian Pantanal and a bioacoustical comparison with Pseudis paradoxa
Authors: PÉREZ-GRANADOS CRISTIAN , SCHUCHMANN KARL-L. , MARQUES MARINEZ I.
Published: May 2020

Anuran advertisement calls are life history traits associated with sexual selection and reproduction, and they play an important role in premating isolation mechanisms between species. Comparative bioacoustical analyses of these calls can be useful for taxonomic purposes. Phylogenetic relationships within the genera Pseudis are controversial, especially those related to P. platensis, which is often considered a full species or a subspecies within P. paradoxa. The advertisement call of P. platensis has not been described in detail; therefore, call comparisons of these two conspecifics have not been possible. In this study, we describe the advertisement call and diel activity pattern of P. platensis in the Brazilian Pantanal and compare the calls of P. platensis and P. paradoxa to elucidate whether acoustical parameters may help resolve the present uncertain taxonomic treatment. The advertisement call of P. platensis lasted 0.21 ± 0.01 s and consisted of a short series of 8.05 ± 0.69 distinct pulses (9.34 ± 2.94 ms of pulse duration). The vocal activity of the species was largely restricted to a few hours after dusk (7 – 11 p.m.), which is inconsistent with the diurnal and nocturnal calling behavior described for other Pseudis congeners. The advertisement calls of P. platensis and P. paradoxa were similar in note duration, number of pulses per note and dominant frequency. The geographic variation of calls within species was similar to that found among species. This bioacoustical comparison does not provide new insights into whether P. platensis should be considered a distinct species.
A new species of the shrimp genus Typton Costa, 1844 (Malacostraca, Decapoda, Palaemonidae) from the Cabo Verde Archipelago
Authors: NEVES KEIDER
Published: May 2020

A new species of sponge-dwelling palaemonid shrimp of the genus Typton Costa, 1844 is described based on specimens collected in Enseada de Corais da Matiota, São Vicente Island, Cabo Verde. Typton anaramosae sp. nov., is the twentieth species known in this genus and is morphologically most similar to T. prionurus from the western Atlantic and T. granulosus and T. serratus from the eastern Pacific, all four sharing the serrated distal part of the outer margin of the uropodal exopod and the absence of a median tooth on the posterodorsal margin of the sixth pleonite. The more specific features, which distinguish the new species from its related congeners are discussed.
First East Asian record of the genus Alpagut (Hemiptera: Heteroptera:
Dipsocoridae), with description of a new species and a note on the metacoxal adhesive pad of Dipsocoridae
Authors: YAMADA KAZUTAKA , HAYASHI MASAMI
Published: May 2020

The genus Alpagut Kıyak, 1995, is recorded from East Asia for the first time based on the description of A. masakazui sp. nov. from Japan. Habitus images and illustrations of diagnostic features, including genitalia structures, are provided. The loculus capsulae of A. masakazui sp. nov. is discussed. The presence of a metacoxal adhesive pad is reconfirmed in Dipsocoridae along with a discussion of its morphology.
Investigation of the Electrochemical Behavior of p-Aminophenol at Various Conducting Polymers Electrodes
Authors: Erdoğdu Gamze , Karagözler A. Ersin
Published: May 2020

In this study, p-aminophenol (p-AP) was determined from commercial drug form based on electrochemical oxidation properties at various electrodes by voltammetric methods. Electrodes modified by the electrodeposition of conducting polymers such as poly(3-methylthiophene,
PMT), polypyrrole (PPY) and polyaniline (PAN) were used as chemical sensors for voltammetric analysis and flow injection detection of p-AP. The electrochemical behavior of p-AP at conducting polymer electrodes was compared and the effects on behavior of electrolyte type and its
pH and the film thickness were systematically examined. The results showed that the proposed modified surface catalyzes the oxidation of p-AP. Electrocatalytic efficiency decreases in order of PMT > PPY > PAN. Voltammetric peak positions were affected by the nature
of the electrolyte and its pH. Also, the effect of increasing film thickness was to observe increased peak heights for oxidation potential of p-AP. The best results for the determination of p -AP were obtained by DPV in Na2SO4 (pH 2.0) and PMT electrodes.
Polymer coated electrodes were also used in an amperometric detector for flow injection analysis of this compound. The responses of the polymer electrode were 5–15 times larger as compared to those of bare platinum. PMT showed improved performance as an amperometric detector for flow
injection analysis systems over other types of polymer electrodes. Detection limits as low as 1 nM were achieved using the PMT, compared to 1 μM using platinum electrodes.
Development of Piezoelectric One Port Contour-Mode Microelectromechanical System Resonator for Biomedical Mass/Pressure Sensing Application
Authors: Deshpande Prasanna P. , Pande Rajesh S.
Published: May 2020

This paper presents zinc oxide one port contour-mode machined resonator operated under global system for mobile communication range of frequency. TheS11 value of –38.57 dB at resonance frequency of 882 MHz in average was observed. The phase shift of the device
and voltage standing wave ratio were noted as 115° and 1.18 respectively, sufficiently adopted for radio frequency communication. The device has been optimized for 21 aluminum interdigited fingers patterned over zinc oxide thin film. Two electron beam and two optical lithography were processed
for fabricating the devices. Our findings are expected to provide effective approach for realizing efficient biocompatible detector for biomedical mass/pressure sensing application.
Biological Activity and Characterization of Green Synthesized Nickel Oxide Nanoparticles Derived from Sterculia foetida Leaf Extract
Authors: Subashini K. , Prakash S. , Sujatha V.
Published: May 2020

The catalytic, optical and thermal properties are based on the size of the nanoparticles. Nickel oxide nanoparticles have unique optical property and excellent antibacterial activity. The present study aims for the synthesis of Nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO NPs) using Sterculia
foetida (S. foetida) leaf extract as reducing agent by solution combustion method. The synthesized Nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO NPs) were confirmed by UV-Visible spectroscopy (UV) with the peak at 370 nm and at the temperature of 450 ± 10 °C, Fourier transform infrared
(FTIR) wavelength was observed at 1418 cm–1 1027 cm–1 shows C–O stretching vibration and at 507 cm–1 vibration of Ni–O bond found. Crystalline structure and the formation of monoclinic phase revealed by Powder X-ray diffraction
(PXRD) pattern, the percentage of nickel and oxygen of NiO NPs were confirmed with EDAX analysis. The Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Transmission electron microscope (TEM) images indicate the shape of Nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO NPs) with the size range of 10–51 nm. Staphylococcus
aureus (S. aureus) (Gram positive) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) (Gram negative) bacteria's were taken to study about antibacterial activity against the green synthesized Nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO NPs). The Nickel oxide nanoparticles have pharmaceutical and
other biomedical applications.
Modeling dielectric permittivity of polymer composites filled with transition metal dichalcogenide nanoparticles
Authors: Drozdov AD , Christiansen J deClaville
Published: May 2020

A model is developed for the dielectric permittivity of polymer nanocomposites reinforced with transition metal dichalcogenide fillers at microwave frequencies. The model takes into account aggregation of nanoparticles into clusters (that involve both filler and matrix components) and the aspect ratio of aggregates. The governing equations involve four material parameters that are found by matching observations on the real and imaginary parts of the dielectric permittivity of polymers reinforced with MoS2 and WS2 micro- and nanospheres, MoS2 nanosheets and nanoflowers, and composite heterostructures formed by MoS2 and MoS2-CoS2 nanoparticles with graphene and reduced graphene oxide. Good agreement is demonstrated between results of simulation and the experimental data at frequencies in the S, X, and Ku bands of the electromagnetic spectrum. It is shown that composite heterostructures have superior dielectric properties compared with those of neat transition metal dichalcogenide nanoparticles.
A New Instrument to Measure Prison Climate: The Psychometric Quality of the Prison Climate Questionnaire
Authors: Bosma Anouk Q. , van Ginneken Esther , Palmen Hanneke , Pasma Amanda J. , Beijersbergen Karin A. , Nieuwbeerta Paul
Published: May 2020

Various survey measures have been developed to assess prison climate. Because these instruments have shortcomings, the Prison Climate Questionnaire (PCQ) was developed to measure prison climate and its related domains across a broad prison population. In this article, the instrument and its psychometric qualities are presented. Results show that the PCQ’s factor structure, reliability, and validity were in all aspects satisfactory. It was concluded that the PCQ is a promising instrument that can be used to measure and monitor individuals’ perceptions on the quality of prison life.