bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flexible CMOS chip converted by a novel chip transformation process
Authors: Lai J. , Chandrasekaran S. T. , Sanyal A. , Seo J.‐H.
Published: October 2020

In this Letter, the authors report a flexible CMOS chip converted by a novel chip transformation process. To realise a truly flexible CMOS chip, a two‐step etching process was employed in the transformation process: (i) vapour etching to remove inter‐dielectric layers followed by polymer encapsulation and (ii) plasma etching to remove the substrate of the chip. The I–V results measured after the chip transformation process show a voltage variance of <0.8% compared to the rigid chip. The bending test also revealed very small changes (0.6%) under strain conditions. Their results offer a viable route to use the foundry‐fabricated CMOS chip for flexible chips; thus, a high‐performance flexible chip can be realised. This technology will enable us to utilise various foundry‐processed chips for future flexible applications such as health and environment monitoring, advanced mobile communication systems, and wearable electronics via a simple post‐transformation process.
Determination of vertex polynomials to analyse robust stability of control systems with interval parameters
Authors: Gayvoronskiy Sergey An , Ezangina Tatiana , Pushkarev Maxim , Khozhaev Ivan
Published: October 2020

The study describes the application of the root locus theory for a system whose characteristic polynomial has interval coefficients. For the proposed system, an interval extension of the basic angular equation of the root locus is performed. Upon the conditions for defining the robust oscillatory stability degree through a complex pole of the system, the double interval angular inequations are obtained. These inequations specify the range of the exit angles going out of the poles for all edge branches of the root locus. On the basis of the exit angles of edge branches going out of the real pole, the condition for determining the robust aperiodic stability degree is obtained. Moreover, an algorithm for finding the validation vertices of the polyhedron of coefficients is developed and some sets of vertex polynomials for low‐order systems are specified. The study also presents some numerical examples for analysing the robust stability degree in interval systems, which confirm our theoretical results. It is concluded that the determined validation vertices provide an optimal solution to the analysis of robust stability.
Sub‐optimal recursively feasible Linear Parameter‐Varying predictive algorithm for semi‐active suspension control
Authors: Morato Marcelo Menezes , Normey‐Rico Julio Elias , Sename Olivier
Published: October 2020

This study proposes an algorithm to enhance the comfort of passengers in a vehicle with semi‐active suspensions. The vertical dynamics of the car are represented through a quasi‐linear parameter‐varying (qLPV) model. The scheme resides in solving a set‐constrained model predictive control (MPC) problem, embedding a comfort performance index to the MPC optimisation function. Its sub‐optimality resides in the fact that the MPC is synthesised considering a frozen guess for the evolution of the qLPV scheduling parameters along the horizon. Assuming bounds on the variation rates of the qLPV scheduling parameters, the method enables a replacement of the original complex non‐linear optimisation by a much simpler quadratic program (QP). This QP uses a Lyapunov‐decreasing cost and set‐based terminal ingredients, which guarantee that the domain of attraction of the controller is enlarged and that recursive feasibility can be maintained. The study ends with successful realistic non‐linear simulations of a one‐fifth‐scaled car with electro‐rheological suspensions, for which the proposed method is tested and compared with other optimal controllers (Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) and linear MPC). The results illustrate the overall good operation of the vehicle; the comfort of the passengers is substantially improved, as measured through time‐ and frequency‐domain indexes.
DRO‐MPC‐based data‐driven approach to real‐time economic dispatch for islanded microgrids
Authors: Lyu Cheng , Jia Youwei , Xu Zhao
Published: October 2020

Rechargeable battery banks have been widely utilised in islanded microgrids as energy storage systems to complement the instant power imbalance in real‐time. However, the cycle degradation becomes an unavoidable concern of the battery energy storage systems (BESSs) in achieving microgrid economic dispatch (ED). In this study, a novel degradation cost model based on an online auction algorithm is proposed for real‐time management of BESS. To settle the intermittent distributed sources in real‐time operation, a Wasserstein ambiguity set is adopted to characterise the uncertainties. Meanwhile, the authors newly reformulate the real‐time microgrid ED as a two‐stage distributionally robust optimisation (DRO) problem. To improve the tractability and scalability of the DRO problem, a model predictive control (MPC)‐based data‐driven approach is proposed, in which a novel affine policy namely extended event‐wise affine adaption is properly employed. Through extensive case studies, the numerical results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
A topology of coupled inductor DC–DC converter with large conversion ratio and reduced voltage stress on semiconductors
Authors: Eskandarpour Azizkandi Mahmoodreza , Sedaghati Farzad , Babaei Ebrahim
Published: October 2020

This study presents a high boost DC–DC converter, integrates voltage multiplier cell, voltage lift capacitor, and coupled‐inductor techniques to achieve a high‐voltage gain. The proposed topology has the capability of extension without utilising any additional winding for a very large voltage conversion ratio. With utilising a passive clamp circuit and without requiring higher duty cycle values, the suggested converter obtains a large conversion ratio, low conduction losses, and reduced voltage stress of semiconductors with a steady value for the whole range of duty cycle. The converter operation principle is discussed and its steady‐state operation is analysed in detail. Also, theoretic efficiency calculation and design guidelines of the topology are explained. Then, the proposed DC–DC converter is compared with similar configurations to indicate its advantages. Eventually, the validity of theoretic analysis is verified using experimental measurement results of the implemented prototype with a power rating of 226 W.
Square‐root cubature Kalman filter‐based vector tracking algorithm in GPS signal harsh environments
Authors: Wang Huibin , Cheng Yongmei , Zhang Youmin
Published: October 2020

In a vector tracking loop (VTL) architecture, non‐linearities exist in discriminator functions and pseudo‐range/pseudo‐range rate measurement expressions. Generally, normalisation functions are used in discriminators to export the desired code phase or carrier frequency error and the extended Kalman filter is adopted to estimate receiver's states. This process could be accurate enough when the code phase or carrier frequency error approaches zero in the signal moderate environment but begins to distort due to non‐linearity when the tracking errors become large in harsh situations. This finally narrows the applicable range of VTL. To overcome this issue, a square‐root cubature Kalman filter (CKF)‐based VTL is designed in this study. The discriminator functions are employed directly as measurements of navigation filter, and the non‐linear expressions of discriminator functions in terms of the receiver's position, velocity, and time states are derived without normalisation. Then the CKF, which is competitive in high‐dimensional non‐linear systems, is employed in its square‐root version to estimate the position, velocity, acceleration, and time states of the receiver. Comparison trial results between traditional and proposed VTL illustrate that the proposed algorithm can not only keep a superior tracking accuracy but also improves the tracking stability of VTL in <20 dB‐Hz signal harsh circumstances.
Belbin team roles in a start-up team
Authors: Bednár Richard , Ljudvigová Ivana
Published: October 2020

Leadership in start-ups has its specific features, which are connected to a high uncertainty, moving of current boundaries, outstanding adaptability and perseverance of the founder. The main goal of this research paper was to identify the role of founders in successful start-ups. The purpose of this research is to determine whether there are certain common characteristics of successful entrepreneurs- start-up founders. In our analysis, we used the questionnaire- Belbin Full Individual Report. This questionnaire analyses and compares self-evaluation of an examined individual with 360-degree analysis of four members of his team. As a successful start-up we defined a company which fulfilled all of the following conditions: creates a unique scalable product/service, exists on the market 4 to 6 years and is achieving revenues in the amount of the third quartile (Q3) in its industry. To make the analysis comparable, analysed figures are only men. In our research we analysed nine founders and CEOs of start-ups base on a 360-degree evaluation- self-evaluation and evaluation of four members of the team. To view cumulative results, we have used the function boxplot.
Economic - cultural aspects of the situation arising from the worldwide spread of Covid - 19
Authors: Dubcová Gabriela , Pusztiová Lea
Published: October 2020

The ongoing situation with the new Covid-19 virus has hit a huge number of countries whose populations and economies are under a tough test. No one expected such a catastrophic scenario in 2020. Coronavirus is a major topic in the whole world as no other up to now. Individual countries have chosen various approaches to fight the virus. These approaches have been influenced by a number of factors that either make the situation better or worse. Timely response, strict measures, discipline of the population, political position of countries, access or ability to produce or provide medical protective equipment - being the most desirable and precious goods of today, represent the salient role in coping with the situation.
Sustainable human resource management in a time of global uncertainty
Authors: Dvorakova Zuzana
Published: October 2020

The paper characterizes the state-of-the-art knowledge of sustainable human resource management (HRM) based on on-the-desk analysis of articles in the Web of Science database published in the last two years in journals in Q1 and Q2. In the literature, sustainable HRM is considered an extension of strategic HRM with a focus on long-term human resource development, regeneration, and renewal. The current focus has been on economic, environmental aspects in HR processes, and it turns out that social sustainability remains on the edge of HR managers´ interests. The situation in the Czech environment illustrates two narrative cases from March and April 2020. It becomes a challenge for all actors in education to change their view of ways of education and to accept as a necessity to apply distance education on a mass scale.
Entrepreneur’s Experience as Business angels’ and Venture Capitalists’ Decision criteria
Authors: Hanák Robert
Published: October 2020

There are many business angels’ and venture capitalists’ decision criteria they apply when they are assessing business proposals of entrepreneurs asking for investment. Entrepreneur’s experience and experience of his/her team are considered as the most important of all criteria related to the entrepreneur. Using theoretical literature analysis we investigated experience as decision criteria used by business angels and venture capitalists and some limitation of their usage. We found that there are many types of experience available and identified several limitations for applying them in the decision process. In the empirical literature, there are discussed various types of experience such as professional experience, industry experience, managerial experience, leadership experience, domain-specific experience, entrepreneurial experience, start-up experience, international experience, work experience, track record and functional experience (production, marketing, financial etc.).
Practical usability of CAT Model – a case study
Authors: Hradílek Jaroslav
Published: October 2020

The average life span of an organization, irrespective of its size, is 12½ years. The majority of companies which get into a crisis find themselves in this situation because of internal factors. To survive in the evolving and more and more demanding environment, organisations have to focus on their internal processes, leadership and management. However, there is no reliable and easily usable tool or model evaluating such criteria of an organisation in place. Following the need to have a lean, yet reliable tool to evaluate a level of Leadership, Management Maturity and Culture a new Performance Model has been created. The CAT Model (acronym stands for Complex Assessment Tool) can be used to evaluate and assess its strong and weak sides using structured interviews. The usage of the tool proved useful, giving owners/management valuable feedback and areas with potential for improvement. This article describes its practical usability in an assessment carried out on a Czech company.
Dynamic Models of the Creative Industries’ Behaviour
Authors: Kozáková Mária , Krúpová Kristína
Published: October 2020

The aim of the paper is to analyse the models describing the development of the Creative Industries in Slovakia. Creative industries are described as the industrial components of the economy in which creativity is an input and content or intellectual property is the output. The creative industries have therefore appeared to be newly represented as a significant and rapidly growing set of industries; an important sector, in other words, for policy consideration. Based on the following findings, we can conclude that the second model is precisely predicting the relationship between the growth in the creative industries and in the aggregate economy in Slovakia. With improved cultural statistics, also a more developed and theoretically better founded analysis would be possible. We therefore see our article primarily as a much-needed step towards developing statistical tools in empirical cultural policy on a consistent basis.
Impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the automotive industry in Slovakia and selected countries
Authors: Kufelová Iveta , Raková Monika
Published: October 2020

The new coronavirus has far-reaching economic impacts all over the world and, due to the openness of the Slovak economy, it also has an impact on Slovak companies as well as car plants. Except that paralyzed European demand for vehicles, as well as the entire supply chain. The result was the fact that there was no one to make or something to make. And so the manufacturers, together with the suppliers, closed their productions for operational and hygienic reasons. However, this will have a very big impact on the economy as a whole, as the car industry is a fundamental pillar. The paper is pointed to highlight the current effects of the pandemic and measures in the automotive industry in Slovak republic and selected countries.
Influence of competitive advantage on competitive positioning of Silesian companies in 2019
Authors: Flak Olaf , Głód Grzegorz
Published: October 2020

Company competitiveness is still an important issue in management studies. It can be measured in several ways including competitive advantage and competitive positioning. The aim of the paper is to present the result of the annual research on company competitiveness conducted in Poland. The research question in this paper is: is there a relation between a certain type of competitive advantage and characteristics of a company competitive positioning? In the paper there is a description of the influence of competitive advantage on competitive positioning in six dimensions. Respondents in the research answered 45 questions in online survey at sensorium24.com (Company Competitiveness Barometer). 8 of the questions concerned the competitive advantage and 6 concerned the competitive positioning. There are a theoretical background of company competitiveness and phenomena which belongs to this general term – a competitive advantage and a competitive positioning, a methodology of research and results as well as conclusions.
Human Capital Costs in the Context of Coronavirus Crisis
Authors: Šagátová Slavka
Published: October 2020

Human capital is an important motor of business performance. In this context, the costs of human capital that the company spends in its efforts to ensure the development and achieve growth in its performance play an important role. However, in times of crisis and decline of production, labor costs that cannot be eliminated become unproductive. The sensitive area is especially area of the wage costs that the company has to pay to employees and thus they represent not only the loss for the company but also the cash outflow. The article maps the influence of this factor on individual branches of the Slovak economy. Using data on the volume of wages paid and estimates of scenarios for the possible development of the coronavirus crisis, it identifies the most vulnerable sectors in terms of unproductive labor costs.
Place and Role of Personnel Audit in Slovak companies in the Industrial Revolution Stage 4.0 and 5.0
Authors: Szarková Miroslava
Published: October 2020

The need to effectively use the intellectual and physical potential of human resources increased especially in the phase of the fourth industrial revolution 4.0 and the onset of the fifth industrial revolution 5.0. At these stages the quality of human resources as well as their effective management create a basis for the very existence of the company and at the same time represent a "hatchery" of employees for the future development and competitiveness of the company. In these developmental stages sophisticated information on human resources, their management and leadership as well as on possible reserves in personnel processes gain great importance. This information can be provided to corporate management by a personnel audit. Based on the results of primary and secondary research, the aim of the paper is to give an overview of the use of personnel audit in companies operating in the Slovak Republic. Keywords: personnel audit, human resources, human resources management, intellectual capital.
Basic economic indicators of book publishing
Authors: Tóth Miroslav , Tóthová Alena
Published: October 2020

The publishing activity and the publishing of books are part of the creative industry. A peculiarity of the book publishing industry is that it combines art, culture, business and technology. Although it creates less than 1% of job opportunities in Slovakia, it is linked to another 1% of co-workers. The importance of publishing books is also that it contributes to the employment of women and youth. In our paper we explore the book publishing industry. We find out the development of the number of enterprises, the development of the number of employees, basic economic indicators such as cash income, income, costs, profit, profitability. We follow these indicators across the book publishing industry. We examine the effectiveness of business activity by recalculating the above indicators per employee.
Environmental indicators
Authors: Vavrova Katarina
Published: October 2020

Environmental indicators currently are considered to be very important in achieving environmental policy objectives. The aim of the paper is to present the most important information on environmental indicators in the European Union. The environmental taxes are measured using indicators, reports and sets of indicators. The evaluation is based on the methodology of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the European Environment Agency (EEA). The methodology for assessing indicators examines the causal link between the current state of environmental taxes and current environmental trends. The effective introduction of environmental taxes based on an environmental strategy can ultimately lead to many desirable effects in European Union countries. Achieving environmental excellence should be a priority objective for both countries and companies, as the development and successful implementation of policies and environmental strategies is a key element of companies around the world.
Amputationen im Fußbereich – ein interdisziplinäres Update
Authors: Ernst Jennifer , Deryas Wahid F. , Burchhardt Helmut , Braatz Frank , Lehmann Wolfgang
Published: October 2020

Die aktuellen Amputationszahlen zeigen einen deutlichen Anstieg der Minoramputationen. Dies ist ein internationaler Trend und eine direkte Folge erfolgreicher Präventions- und Behandlungsstrategien für Diabetes und neuer Revaskularisierungsoptionen. Minoramputationen bleiben trotz moderner High-Tech-Prothesen aufgrund der erhaltenen Propriozeption der Fußsohle, des Längenerhalts der unteren Extremität, der biomechanischen Eigenschaften von Minoramputationen und der erhaltenen Autonomie des Patienten ein überlegenes Amputationsniveau gegenüber Majoramputationen. Kenntnisse über Minoramputationen und Kombinationsverfahren sind erforderlich, um die Länge der Extremität, die Fußsohle zu erhalten und dem betroffenen Patienten einen robusten und sensiblen Amputationsstumpf zu bieten.
Schwangerschaft und Geburt nach künstlicher Befruchtung
Authors: Weiß Alexander
Published: October 2020

Aufgrund verschiedener gesellschaftlicher Veränderungen nutzen zunehmend Frauen und Paare in Deutschland die Möglichkeit einer Kinderwunschbehandlung. Gleichzeitig wurden viele unterschiedliche Varianten künstlicher Befruchtung entwickelt oder verbessert. Der Artikel hinterfragt Chancen und Risiken der Methoden und zieht Schlussfolgerungen für die Praxis.
Schulterdystokie – Therapieplan für Hebammen
Authors: Harder Ulrike
Published: October 2020

Jede verzögerte Schultergeburt kann ein geburtshilfliches Team in Aufregung und Angst versetzen. Daher ist es wichtig, einen klaren Therapieplan zu haben und die wichtigsten Maßnahmen zu kennen, um im Ernstfall besonnen zu handeln. Seit 20 Jahren gibt Ulrike Harder regelmäßig praxisorientierte Fortbildungen für Hebammen und geburtshilfliche Klinik-Teams zum Thema Schulterdystokie. Die von ihr nachfolgend beschriebenen Maßnahmen haben sich bewährt – Erfahrungs- und Fallberichte der teilnehmenden Hebammen und Ärzte konnten der Autorin das bestätigen.
Reliability of Throwing Velocity during Non-specific and Specific Handball Throwing Tests
Authors: Rios Luis Javier Chirosa , Cuevas-Aburto Jesualdo , Martínez-García Dario , Ulloa-Diaz David , Ramírez Oscar Andres Andrades , Martin Isidoro Martinez , Ramos Amador García
Published: October 2020

Throwing velocity is one of the most important factors for scoring goals in handball. This study aimed to identify the type of throw and procedure for selecting the final test outcome that provide throwing velocity with the greatest reliability. Fifteen experienced handball players and 33 non-experienced participants were tested in two sessions. Each session consisted of 4 trials of 3 different throwing tests (unspecific, 7-meters, and 3-steps). The maximum value of 4 trials, average value of 4 trials, and average value of the 3 best trials were considered. Throwing velocity was highly reliable (coefficient of variation [CV]≤3.3%, intraclass correlation coefficient≥0.89) with the exception of the unspecific throw for the non-experienced group (CV≥5.9%, intraclass correlation coefficient≤0.56). The 3-steps throw (CV=1.7%) was more reliable than the 7-meters throw (CV=2.1%) (CVratio=1.19) and unspecific throw (CV = 3.8%) (CVratio=2.18), the 3 procedures provided a comparable reliability (CV range=2.4−2.6%; CVratio≤1.07), and the experienced group (CV=1.0%) presented a higher reliability than the non-experienced group (CV=4.0%) (CVratio=3.83). These results support the 3-steps throw to maximise the reliability of throwing velocity performance.
Die wirtschaftliche Belastung durch ANCA-assoziierte Vaskulitiden in Deutschland – eine Versorgungsdatenstudie
Authors: Hellmich Bernhard , Spearpoint Philip , Deichmann Angelika , Buchholz Ina , Schönermark Matthias P. , Rutherford Peter , Götte Dieter
Published: October 2020

Die wirtschaftliche Belastung durch ANCA-assoziierte Vaskulitiden (AAV), potenziell lebensbedrohliche Autoimmunerkrankungen, wurde mittels einer Versorgungsdatenanalyse untersucht.

In dieser retrospektiven Studie wurden anonymisierte, repräsentative Längsschnittdaten von gesetzlichen Krankenversicherungen bereitgestellt und Versorgungsaspekte von Patienten mit Granulomatose mit Polyangiitis (GPA) sowie mikroskopischer Polyangiitis (MPA) systematisch untersucht.

Eine hohe Hospitalisierungsrate und schwere begleitende Morbiditäten, insbesondere Nierenbeteiligungen, waren Haupttreiber für im Vergleich zur Allgemeinbevölkerung deutlich erhöhte Gesamtkosten für Patienten mit GPA oder MPA.

Die Versorgungsdatenanalyse bestätigt die hohen Kosten durch AAV für das deutsche Gesundheitssystem und beweist sich darüber hinaus als eine zuverlässige Methode.
Recent Advances in Luminescent Annulated Borepins, Silepins, and Phosphepins
Authors: Duan Zheng , Wang Lili , Ma Juan , Si Erbing
Published: October 2020

This review summarizes recent research on the molecular design, optical, and electronic properties of annulated borepins, silepins, and phosphepins, with emphasis on their structure–property relationships at the molecular level.

1 Introduction

2 Borepins

3 Silepins

4 Phosphepins

5 Summary and Outlook
A Three-Step Synthesis of 1,7-Diazaperylene and Derivatives
Authors: Langhals Heinz , Mayer Peter , Polborn Kurt , Reichherzer Susanne
Published: October 2020

1,7-Diazaperylene and various derivatives were synthesised in an upscaleable route from 1,5-diaminoanthraquinone and its Meerwein­ reaction with acrylonitrile and subsequent cyclisation with ammonia. The application of tert-butyl alcohol as the solvent led to a significant improvement in the Meerwein reaction.
Usability Evaluation of User Requirement–Based Teleconsultation Robots: A Preliminary Report from South Korea
Authors: Lee Hyeongsuk , Kim Jeongeun , Kim Sukwha , Kong Hyoun-Joong , Joo Hyunjin , Lee Dongkyun , Ryu Hyeongju
Published: October 2020

Background Telepresence robots used to deliver a point-of-care (POC) consultation system that may provide value to enable effective decision making by healthcare providers at care sites.

Objectives This study aimed to evaluate usability of teleconsultation robots, based on endusers' needs, that can improve acceptance in future robot applications.

Methods This is a single group postdesign study using mixed methods to assess the usability of teleconsultation robots using scenarios. To collect opinions from various departments, 15 nurses or physicians currently working at medical institutions in Korea were selected using purposive sampling. The usability evaluation was conducted on healthcare providers twice at the simulation center; the think-aloud method was used and surveys and interviews were conducted to identify problems or improvements that may arise from the use of robots in hospital settings.

Results The results showed that perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and satisfaction level each scored 4 points or higher out of 7 points, showing usability of midhigh level. Camera angle control and robot driving functions were the most difficult. Other basic robot user interface was shown to be relatively easy. There was no difference in usability depending on the characteristics of the evaluator. Some functions including user interface were modified based on the usability test.

Conclusion Using robots in health care institutions may support effective communication among healthcare providers, thus contributing to health care improvement.
Body Cathexis among Stroke Survivors: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Sadanandan Soumya , D’Silva Fatima , Renjith Vishnu
Published: October 2020

Background Stroke results in functional dependence and poor quality of life. Body cathexis is a measure of one’s perceived body image. Stroke survivors often experience stress, anxiety, and disturbances in body image.

Objectives The objective of the study was to explore the body cathexis of stroke survivors.

Materials and Methods The cross-sectional survey was conducted at two rural community settings of Kozhikode district, Kerala. Using a purposive sampling, 151 stroke survivors were recruited.

Results The mean age of the participants was 64.58 years. About 53.6% participants were males and majority of the participants had ischemic stroke (76.2%). About one-third of participants had moderately severe disability. Among the participants, the body cathexis scale (BCS) ranged from 176 to 202. The overall mean (standard deviation) BCS score was 190.09 (5.04). Satisfaction or dissatisfaction toward each body part was analyzed and found that significant areas of dissatisfaction were energy level (98%), wrist (88.1%), elimination (86.1%), fingers (76.2%), and arms (73.5%). The BCS scores compared with the sides of lesion, gender differences, and duration of stroke showed no significant differences in the mean (p>0.05).

Conclusions Stroke survivors are found to experience disturbances in body image. Low energy level, poor functioning of upper extremities, and disturbed elimination patterns add primarily to body image disturbances. Body cathexis does not differ with side of lesion, gender differences, and duration of stroke.
Effects of Bacterial Cellulose Nanocrystals on the Mechanical Properties of Resin-Modified Glass Ionomer Cements
Authors: Moradian Marzieh , Nosrat Abadi Mohsen , Jafarpour Dana , Saadat Maryam
Published: October 2020

Objectives The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of bacterial cellulose nanocrystals (BCNCs) on the mechanical properties of resin-modified glass ionomer cements (RMGICs) including compressive strength (CS), diametral tensile strength (DTS), and modulus of elasticity (E).

Materials and Methods BCNCs were incorporated into RMGIC at various concentrations (0.3, 0.5, and 1 wt%). Unmodified RMGIC was used as the control group. The specimens were stored in distilled water at 37°C for 24 hours. CS and DTS, as well as modulus of elasticity, were evaluated using a universal testing machine. The nanostructure of BCNCs was observed via field emission scanning electron microscopy.

Statistical Analysis One-way analysis of variance and post-hoc Tukey tests were used for data analysis. Level of significance was at p < 0.05.

Results The addition of BCNCs to RMGIC led to an increase in all of the tested mechanical properties compared with the control group, with a significant increase observed for 1 wt% BCNC. CS and DTS improved up to 23%, and modulus of elasticity increased by 44%.

Conclusions The addition of BCNCs to the RMGIC improved the mechanical properties, including CS, elastic modulus, and DTS. Thus, the newly developed RMGICs with BCNCs might represent an ideal and promising novel dental material in restorative dentistry.
Immune Thrombocytopenia Plasma-Derived Exosomes Impaired Megakaryocyte and Platelet Production through an Apoptosis Pathway
Authors: Miao Wenjing , Song Baoquan , Shi Bingyu , Wan Qi , Lv Quansheng , Chen Hanqing , Zhu Mingqing , Zhang Leisheng , Han Yue , Wu Depei
Published: October 2020

Reduced megakaryocyte (MK) apoptosis and insufficient platelet production play important roles in the pathogenesis of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). The contribution of plasma-derived exosomes to the decreased platelet count in ITP has not been entirely understood. Here, we found the percentage of apoptotic MKs in patients with ITP was significantly lower than those in healthy volunteers. In the presence of ITP plasma-derived exosomes (ITP-Exo), the apoptosis of MKs was reduced during the process of MK differentiation in vitro, which contributed to the reduced platelet production by Bcl-xL/caspase signaling. Furthermore, in vivo study demonstrated that ITP-Exo administration led to significantly delayed platelet recovery in mice after 3.5 Gy of irradiation. All these findings indicated that ITP-Exo, as a regulator of platelet production, impaired MK apoptosis and platelet production through Bcl-xL/caspase signaling, unveiling new mechanisms for reduced platelet count in ITP.
Clinical Evaluation of Gingival Thickness and Width according to Dental Arch and Location in Pigmented and Nonpigmented Gingiva
Authors: Saxena Divya , Mamen Rosheni A. , Jain Sanjeev , Pandav Gaurav , Aggarwal Riddhi , Jolly Shreanshi
Published: October 2020

Introduction The present study aimed to clinically evaluate and compare the variations in gingival thickness and width of keratinized gingiva according to the dental arch and location in pigmented and nonpigmented gingiva.

Materials and Methods A total of 240 sites from systemically healthy subjects were selected and divided into two groups; Group 1(pigmented gingiva) and group 2 (nonpigmented gingiva). After the initial visit of scaling and root planning, the gingival thickness was evaluated mid-buccally in the attached gingiva, that is, the center of the mucogingival junction and free gingival groove, and at the base of the interdental papilla. Similarly, the gingival width was measured as the distance from the gingival margin to the mucogingival junction. A single calibrated examiner recorded the measurements using the digital vernier caliper with a resolution of 0.01 mm.

Results Gingival thickness and width were found to be significantly higher in pigmented than nonpigmented gingiva. Also, the maxillary arch was found to have thicker and wider gingiva than the mandibular arch in both the groups. The gingival thickness was found to be maximum in central incisor and minimum in canine in both the groups. However, the width of keratinized gingiva was found to be maximum in lateral incisor in group 1 (pigmented) and central incisor in group 2 (nonpigmented) and minimum in canine in both the groups.

Conclusion A significant positive correlation in gingival thickness and width was observed according to dental arch and location in both pigmented and nonpigmented gingiva.
Concussion killjoys: CTE, violence and the brain’s becoming
Authors: Martin Aryn , McMillan Alasdair
Published: October 2020

CTE, or chronic traumatic encephalopathy, is caused by repetitive head trauma and detected by a distinctive stain for a protein called ‘tau’ in autopsied brain tissue. While the number of diagnosed patients is only in the hundreds, the cultural footprint of the disease in North America is huge, both because those diagnosed are often celebrity-athletes and because millions of children, adolescents and young men and women play collision sports like football and hockey. We argue that the widespread attention to CTE provides a useful wedge to crack open another, heretofore neglected public health concern: repetitive acts of violence in and around hypermasculine sports create subjects whose brains—and characters—are materially shaped by that violence. Brains change materially when delivering blows as well as receiving them, when participating in degrading hazing rituals as victim or assailant, when belittled or assaulted by a coach, when approaching an upcoming game riddled with fear. We adopt a biosocial model of the brain’s becoming to intervene in a linear discourse around CTE that medicalizes and oversimplifies violence, a story that prematurely dissects one slice of the problem from a noxious whole.
Coating titanium dioxide patterns on curved glass
Authors: Frank Jodi Ackerman
Published: October 2020

Researchers developed a liquid resist film that converts directly to titanium dioxide, eliminating the need for liftoff in double transfer nanoimprint lithography.
Generalized symmetries and conservation laws of (1 + 1)-dimensional Klein–Gordon equation
Authors: Opanasenko Stanislav , Popovych Roman O.
Published: October 2020

Using advantages of nonstandard computational techniques based on the light-cone variables, we explicitly find the algebra of generalized symmetries of the (1 + 1)-dimensional Klein–Gordon equation. This allows us to describe this algebra in terms of the universal enveloping algebra of the essential Lie invariance algebra of the Klein–Gordon equation. Then, we single out variational symmetries of the corresponding Lagrangian and compute the space of local conservation laws of this equation, which turns out to be generated, up to the action of generalized symmetries, by a single first-order conservation law. Moreover, for every conservation law, we find a conserved current of minimal order contained in this conservation law.
Realization of high thermoelectric power factor in Ta-doped ZnO by grain boundary engineering
Authors: R. Althaf , Ashok Anuradha M.
Published: October 2020

Electrical conductivity in nanostructured ZnO bulks is limited by the inherently low carrier mobility caused by the high density of grain boundaries and interfaces. In this study, Zn1−xTaxO (x = 0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03) with micro/nanoplatelet structures composed of nearly coherent dense grain boundaries with a low misorientation angle of ∼4° between the grains was successfully fabricated. Despite the presence of a significant amount of grain boundaries and interfaces in the sintered bulk material, a high carrier mobility (52.2 cm2 V−1 s−1) was obtained in the composition Zn0.99Ta0.01O, which is comparable to the value shown by ZnO single crystals and far higher than their ordinary nanostructured counterparts (<15 cm2 V−1 s−1). In addition, the distortion of the density of states increased effective mass induced by Ta 5d hybridization in ZnO caused a Seebeck coefficient of −290 μV K−1 at 1002 K resulting in a high power factor of 15.2 × 10−4 W m−1 K−2 at 1002 K.
Laser-induced synthetic aperture ultrasound imaging
Authors: Thompson David , Kruit Hindrik , Gasteau Damien , Manohar Srirang
Published: October 2020

This work concerns the development and testing of a setup that uses laser-induced ultrasound sources to achieve synthetic transmit aperture ultrasound imaging. The sources are created by sequentially firing 32 contiguous multi-mode optical fibers to illuminate an optically absorbing film with nanosecond-pulsed laser light. Ultrasound is generated by the photoacoustic effect and insonifies the sample under investigation. Ultrasound that has interacted with the sample is detected in reflection mode using a conventional ultrasound transducer array. We present a custom-developed optical fiber multiplexing setup that enables sequential firing of the optical fiber array and characterize the acoustic fields produced by the laser-induced approach using hydrophone measurements. The integrated setup is used to make images of wire phantoms. Following this, images are taken of a breast-mimicking phantom as well as the wrist of one of the authors. Imaging results from the new approach and from conventional ultrasound imaging are compared. The lateral and axial point-spread function values show broad agreement between the two approaches, whereas the phantom and in vivo images exhibit some differences in contrast values. This work is, to our knowledge, the first instance of laser-induced ultrasound synthetic transmit aperture imaging using a clinical ultrasound array.
Observing dynamic and static Rashba effects in a thin layer of 3D hybrid perovskite nanocrystals using transient absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Glinka Yuri D. , Cai Rui , Li Junzi , He Tingchao , Sun Xiao Wei
Published: October 2020

The dynamic and static Rashba effects in hybrid methylammonium (MA) lead halide perovskites have recently been theoretically predicted. However, only the static effect was experimentally confirmed so far. Here, we report on the dynamic (sub-picosecond/picosecond timescale) and static (nanosecond/microsecond timescale) Rashba effects observed in a fully encapsulated layer with various thicknesses (ranging from ∼40 nm to ∼100 nm) of ∼20-nm-sized 3D MAPbBr3 nanocrystals (NCs) using transient absorption (TA) spectroscopy. The effect appears as a splitting of the corresponding peaks in TA spectra. We argue that the physical reason for the Rashba effect to be observed is fundamentally determined by configurational entropy loss in NCs possessing a strong spin asymmetry. Specifically, owing to an enhanced flexibility of the NC lattice, a built-in electric field initially induced by an ultrashort (100 fs) pumping pulse through the photo-Dember effect and subsequently developed due to dynamic charge separation throughout NCs is able to initiate the order–disorder transition associated with the MA cation reorientations, the process that efficiently breaks structural inversion symmetry and hence induces the Rashba spin–orbit interaction. The dynamic Rashba effect is found to be strongly dependent on photoexcited carrier density (pumping power), whereas it weakens sharply upon increasing the NC layer thickness up to ∼80 nm due to the NC stacking effect. The integrated intensities of the corresponding spin-split subbands demonstrate a photon-helicity-dependent asymmetry, thus proving the Rashba-type spin-splitting. The magnitudes of the Rashba and Fröhlich polaron effects and the methods of controlling the dynamic Rashba effect are discussed.
The structural basis for an on–off switch controlling Gβγ-mediated inhibition of TRPM3 channels
Authors: Behrendt Marc , Gruss Fabian , Enzeroth Raissa , Dembla Sandeep , Zhao Siyuan , Crassous Pierre-Antoine , Mohr Florian , Nys Mieke , Louros Nikolaos , Gallardo Rodrigo , Zorzini Valentina , Wagner Doris , Economou Anastassios , Rousseau Frederic , Schymkowitz Joost , Philipp Stephan E. , Rohacs Tibor , Ulens Chris , Oberwinkler Johannes
Published: October 2020

Significance

µ-Opioid receptors, activated by endogenous peptides or opioid drugs such as morphine, dampen the activity of nociceptor cells that detect noxious stimuli and thereby reduce pain. These receptors achieve this clinically important action by inhibitory signaling with Gβγ proteins to ion channels. Here we study how precisely Gβγ proteins inhibit one particular pain-related ion channel, TRPM3. Using TRPM3 splice variants, we identify a short stretch of amino acids required for the inhibitory action of Gβγ. We then characterize the interacting surfaces on both proteins by using X-ray crystallography. Our in-depth characterization of this protein–protein interaction can serve as a basis to facilitate the development of novel pain-reducing drugs impinging upon the specific interface between Gβγ and TRPM3.
It all comes down to sex
Authors: Hellin Garcia Maria Jose
Published: October 2020

This chapter investigates how sex functions as
the main conductive thread in reggaeton musical discourse. By doing
so, it explores how metaphorical animalisation frames the male
perception of women. Following the Lakoffian conceptual basis
that people are animals, it shows how genders are perceived as predators
and prey and, subsequently, how this metaphorical animalisation conveys relations of power and control such as
domesticity, taming, submission, and servility. The analysis reveals
that whereas both are deliberately animalised, female animalisation
operates at the service of men. In this regard, women animalisation
is intrinsically related to being sexually objectified, dehumanised,
and even physically abused, with certain tints of sadomasochism. The
corpus analyses one hundred eighteen songs of twenty-five male
reggaeton singers. The analysis unveils that sexual desire,
pleasure, behaviour, and performance is intentionally
animal-rooted.
Zakat and Social Capital: Thoughts on Modernism, Postmodernism, and Faith
Authors: Tlemsan Issam , Matthews Robin
Published: October 2020

Islam has become a cause of Western anxiety, representing the Other and the Shadow. Raising the Shadow to consciousness by directing up communication is a matter of urgency. In Western socio-economic thought, the spiritual and secular are sharply separated, but in Islam they are indivisible.
The area of communication chosen in this study' involves religion and social capital. It is emphasized that there are relevant connections between the understanding of social capital and Zakat. These connections have the potential to provide a more in- depth understanding of the economic,
social, and spiritual implications of Zakat; most specifically, in the Western discourses. This paper out- lines the spirit of the tension between modernism, postmodernism, and Islam. The concept of social capital is delineated, and the main features of Zakat (almsgiving) in association with
social capital are summarized.
Kinetochore phosphatases suppress autonomous Polo-like kinase 1 activity to control the mitotic checkpoint
Authors: Cordeiro Marilia H. , Smith Richard J. , Saurin Adrian T.
Published: October 2020

Local phosphatase regulation is needed at kinetochores to silence the mitotic checkpoint (a.k.a. spindle assembly checkpoint [SAC]). A key event in this regard is the dephosphorylation of MELT repeats on KNL1, which removes SAC proteins from the kinetochore, including the BUB complex. We show here that PP1 and PP2A-B56 phosphatases are primarily required to remove Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) from the BUB complex, which can otherwise maintain MELT phosphorylation in an autocatalytic manner. This appears to be their principal role in the SAC because both phosphatases become redundant if PLK1 is inhibited or BUB–PLK1 interaction is prevented. Surprisingly, MELT dephosphorylation can occur normally under these conditions even when the levels or activities of PP1 and PP2A are strongly inhibited at kinetochores. Therefore, these data imply that kinetochore phosphatase regulation is critical for the SAC, but primarily to restrain and extinguish autonomous PLK1 activity. This is likely a conserved feature of the metazoan SAC, since the relevant PLK1 and PP2A-B56 binding motifs have coevolved in the same region on MADBUB homologues.
Canonical formulation for a non-relativistic spinning particle coupled to gravity
Authors: Banerjee Rabin , Mukherjee Pradip
Published: October 2020

We systematically derive an action for a nonrelativistic spinning particle in flat background and discuss its canonical formulation in both Lagrangian and Hamiltonian approaches. This action is taken as the starting point for deriving the corresponding action in a curved background. It is achieved by following our recently developed technique of localising the flat space Galilean symmetry (Banerjee et al 2014 Phys. Lett. B
737 369; Banerjee et al 2015 Phys. Rev. D
91 084021; Banerjee et al 2015 Class. Quantum Grav.
32 045010). The coupling of the spinning particle to a Newton–Cartan background is obtained naturally. The equation of motion is found to differ from the geodesic equation, in agreement with earlier findings. Results for both the flat space limit and the spinless theory (in curved background) are reproduced. Specifically, the geodesic equation is also obtained in the latter case.
Quasi-local Casimir energy and vacuum buoyancy in a weak gravitational field
Authors: Sorge Francesco
Published: October 2020

Casimir energy in presence of a weak gravitational field is discussed taking into account the issues related to energy and its conservation in a curved background. It is well-known that there are inherent difficulties in defining energy in general relativity, essentially due to its non-localizability. Using the concept of quasi-local mass and energy, it is shown that it is possible to attribute a Tolman mass to a massless scalar field confined to a Casimir cavity. Such non-local mass coincides—as expected—with the Casimir energy. The present approach offers an alternative derivation of the vacuum buoyancy force acting on a Casimir cavity, confirming the results presented by Calloni et al in a series of papers devoted to explore the possibility of experimentally weighting the Casimir vacuum (the so-called Archimedes experiment).