bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radiation Effects on 1.7kV Class 4H-SiC Power Devices: Development of Compact Simulation Models
Authors: Hazdra Pavel , Popelka Stanislav
Published: July 2019

Compact simulation models of two key silicon carbide power components, the Junction Barrier Schottky diode and the power MOSFET, which are taking into account the effect of irradiation by highenergy electrons, were developed. Two 1.7 kV class devices: the 14 A JBS diode C3D10170H and the 5 A SiC power MOSFETs C2M1000170D produced by Wolfspeed were irradiated by 4.5 MeV electrons in the dose range up to 2000 kGy. Electrical characteristics were measured prior to and after irradiation. Radiation defects were studied by deep level transient spectroscopy and the effect of irradiation on device characteristics was established. SPICE models taking into account the irradiation fluence were proposed and calibrated using the parameters extracted from experiment. Simulated characteristics show a very good agreement with reality.
Change in the Parameters of Electron-Irradiated 4H-SiC Schottky Diodes as a Function of the Time during Low-Temperature Isothermal Annealing
Authors: Korolkov Oleg , Kozlovski Vitalii V. , Lebedev Alexander A. , Toompuu Jana , Sleptsuk Natalja , Rang Toomas
Published: July 2019

In the present work, the kinetics of low-temperature annealing (400 °C) of 4H-SiC JBS diodes irradiated by electrons with an energy of 0.9 MeV and with a dose of 1E16 cm-2 was studied. The dynamics of changes in I-V, C-V characteristics, as well as DLTS spectra are shown. In the course of the work, a thermal cycling effect was discovered, i.e., effect of multiple rapid cooling to the temperature of liquid nitrogen and heating of the samples. As a result of thermal cycling, the barrier capacity increases and the on-resistance (Rs) decreases. In the DLTS spectrum, a level of - 0.38 eV appears, absent in the as-irradiated diodes.
Optimization of 1700V SiC MOSFET for Short Circuit Ruggedness
Authors: Bolotnikov Alexander , Losee Peter A. , Ghandi Reza , Halverson Adam , Stevanovic Ljubisa
Published: July 2019

This work focuses on the ruggedness aspect of SiC MOSFET technology discussing design advances to maximize SiC device benefits for industrial and transportation power conversion applications. These improvements were studied as a tradeoff between short circuit withstand time (τsc) and device on-state resistance (RDS(on)) at operating temperature (150°C) utilizing 1.7kV MOSFETs fabricated on 2.25x4.5mm2 die. Up to two times improvement in τsc with only 20% of RDS(on) increase was achieved for design with reduced source region doping.
Industrial and Body Diode Qualification of Gen-III Medium Voltage SiC MOSFETs: Challenges and Solutions
Authors: van Brunt Edward , O’Loughlin Michael , Burk Albert A. , Hull Brett , Ryu Sei Hyung , Richmond Jim , Khlebnikov Yuri , Balkas Elif , Gajewski Donald A. , Allen Scott , Palmour John W.
Published: July 2019

In this work, we report the results of industrial qualification tests run on medium voltage SiC MOSFETs rated for 3.3 kV/40 A and 10 kV/15 A. The JEDEC JESD47J.01 standard was used as a guideline to conduct HTRB (High Temperature, Reverse Bias), HTGB (High Temperature, Gate Bias), and TDDB (Time Dependent Dielectric Breakdown) tests. No devices were found to have failed the qualification tests, and long oxide lifetime was projected for constant operation under positive bias. This paper also reports for the first time the results of qualification testing of the MOSFET body diode on a large population of medium voltage SiC MOSFETs. Constant current stress at a current equal to the device forward rating was applied for 1000 hours. No degradation of any device parameter was observed for 3 lots of devices at both the 3.3 kV and 10 kV voltage rating.
SiC Power Devices for Applications in Hybrid and Electric Vehicles
Authors: Zabihi Nima , Mumtaz Asim , Logan Tom , Daranagama Thilini , McMahon Richard A.
Published: July 2019

Power electronic inverters and converters are an essential technology in the battery management and propulsion for Hybrid and Electric vehicles (HEVs). In order to improve competitiveness of HEVs there is a drive to improve the conversion efficiency of the power electronics. Using Silicon Carbide (SiC) power devices has been identified as a key enabler of future improvements in performance but it is essential to understand how these devices perform in an automotive context. Two similar half bridge circuits has been built using SiC MOSFETs, one with and the other without anti-parallel Schottky SiC diode. In this paper the power loss and efficiency of half-bridge has been compared as the dead-time is changed. Effect of changing dead-time on the converter are shown. The paper gives insight into these phenomena with additional experimental data supported by simulation. The implications for using SiC devices in both DC to DC and DC to AC converters are discussed.
Continuous Growth of Buffer/Drift Epitaxial Stack Based on 4H-SiC by Quick Change of N2 Flow Rate under High Growth Rate Condition
Authors: Daigo Yoshiaki , Ishiguro Akio , Ishii Shigeaki , Kobayashi Takehiko
Published: July 2019

N-type 4H-SiC homo-epitaxial films were grown under high growth rate condition by high speed wafer rotation vertical CVD tool, and dependence on N2 flow rate for in-wafer distribution of thickness and carrier concentration was investigated. By adjusting only the N2 flow rate from 0.33 to 130 sccm, average carrier concentration of the SiC film was controlled within a range from 3 x 1015 to 1 x 1018 cm-3, while maintaining good in-wafer uniformity less than ±7.0%. Average growth rate higher than 54 μm/h and in-wafer uniformity less than ±3.1% were maintained and no dependence for thickness distribution on N2 flow rate was observed. Buffer/drift epitaxial stack using quick change of N2 flow rate was fabricated, and the crystalline quality and steepness of N concentration at buffer/drift interface were also investigated. The epitaxial stack showed lower defect density compared with single drift layer and showed steep interface between buffer layer and drift layer.
Impact of Fiscal Policy on Economic Growth: A Comparison between Singapore and Sri Lanka
Authors: Sriyalatha M. A. K. , Torii Hiroshi
Published: July 2019

The purpose of this paper is to examine the long-term impacts of fiscal variables on economic growth in Singapore and Sri Lanka from 1972 to 2017. Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL)-ECM approach and some diagnostic and specification tests were employed to determine the impact of fiscal variables on economic growth on time series data. The results confirm that government expenditure, government revenue and investment expenditure positively and significantly affect in Singapore as well as Sri Lanka’s economic growth in the long run. This result is consistence with the theory of Keynesian views. Moreover, the Toda-Yamamoto’s Granger causality results reveal that there is bidirectional causality between inflation rate and economic growth in Singapore. Further, the results show that bidirectional causality relationship between investment expenditure and economic growth in Sri Lanka. Grounded on the premises that there are little or no studies on the impact of fiscal variables on Singapore and Sri Lankan economy with more recent data., this paper provides new evidence on the potential effect of fiscal variables on Singapore’s and Sri Lankan economic growth over the last four decades.
GNAQ Negatively Regulates Antiviral Innate Immune Responses in a Calcineurin-Dependent Manner
Authors: Wang Ning , Huang Hongjun , Xiong Qingqing , Chen Naiyang , Xi Nanxi , Wu Peilun , Liu Mingyao , Qian Min , Wang Qin , Du Bing
Published: July 2019

Although guanine nucleotide-binding protein (G protein)–coupled receptors (GPCRs) constitute the largest cell surface membrane receptor family and transduce thousands of extracellular signals into the cytoplasm, only four kinds of G protein α subunits (Gαs, Gαi/o, Gαq/11, and Gα12/13) are coupled to regulate cAMP or phosphatidylinositol signals. Growing evidence suggests that viruses tend to hijack GPCRs and harness their activated intracellular signaling pathways. Thus, understanding the roles of G protein signaling will further uncover the GPCR signaling pathways that are exploited by viruses. In this study, we demonstrate that the expression of GNAQ (Gq α subunit) was downregulated during viral infection and that small interfering RNA–mediated GNAQ knockdown protected host cells from both vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) and HSV type 1 infection. Meanwhile, VSV and HSV type 1 replication was reduced significantly in Gnaq-deficient macrophages. Accordingly, the VSV distribution in the liver, spleen, and lung was reduced in Gnaq-deficient mice during VSV infection, and Gnaq-deficient mice were much more resistant to VSV infection than wild-type mice. Mechanistically, GNAQ limits type I IFN production through the canonical PLC-β/Ca2+/CALNA signaling pathway, which has been demonstrated to dephosphorylate virus-activated TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1). Thus, our data demonstrate that GNAQ negatively regulates the antiviral innate immune responses in a calcineurin-dependent manner. These findings also provide insights into the function and cross-talk of the classic GPCR signaling pathway with antiviral innate immune responses and suggest a potential therapeutic role for GNAQ in controlling viral diseases.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Risk by Season Period and Competition Segment: An Analysis of National Collegiate Athletic Association Injury Surveillance Data
Authors: Anderson Travis , Wasserman Erin B. , Shultz Sandra J.
Published: July 2019

Context

Although fatigue has been implicated in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, few researchers have examined the timing of injury across a competitive sport season or within a competitive session to gain insight into the potential effects of fatigue on the incidence of ACL injury.

Objective

To identify the time segments across a competitive season or within an individual competition associated with the greatest ACL injury incidence.

Design

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods

Data from the National Collegiate Athletic Association Injury Surveillance Program for 2004–2005 through 2015–2016 for basketball, lacrosse, and soccer were analyzed. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) compared ACL injury rates by sport, sex, season segment, and competition period. Poisson regression was used to examine the associations between each of these categories and the incidence of ACL injury as well as interaction effects.

Results

During the early regular season, the incidence rate was elevated relative to the preseason (IRR = 1.86; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.27, 2.74), middle regular season (IRR = 1.48; 95% CI = 1.01, 2.15), late regular season (IRR = 1.56; 95% CI = 1.08, 2.27), and postseason (IRR = 2.20; 95% CI = 1.06, 4.56). A sport-by-season interaction indicated this effect was largely attributable to a higher incidence in the early season among lacrosse athletes. An interaction between season segment and competition period (P = .02) revealed a greater injury incidence before halftime in the early regular season (IRR = 0.38, 95% CI = 0.19, 0.76), but a greater incidence after halftime in the late regular season (IRR = 2.40, 95% CI = 1.15, 5.02). Fewer noncontact injuries occurred in soccer than in basketball or lacrosse.

Conclusions

The ACL injury incidence was higher in the early part of the regular season, particularly among lacrosse athletes. Although the injury incidences before and after halftime were similar, further analyses of player time and time of injury within each half are necessary. Coaches and practitioners should be cognizant of the elevated injury incidence during the early season among lacrosse athletes. Future authors should consider more specific analyses to further elucidate the potential role of fatigue development in exacerbating the incidence of ACL injury in collegiate athletes both within games and across the season.
Accounting for uncontrollable factors in executive incentive scheme designs
Authors: Dhliwayo Dumisani V. , Bussin Mark H.R.
Published: July 2019

Orientation: Classic agency theory posits that the impact of uncontrollable factors should be excluded from executive remuneration. Existing research, however, shows a departure from this theory.Research purpose: This study sought to determine the approaches organisations take and the reasons thereof to account for uncontrollable factors in the design of their executive incentive schemes.Motivation for the study: There is little research in South Africa on how organisations account for uncontrollable factors in the design of their incentive schemes.Research approach/design and method: An exploratory qualitative research using semi-structured interviews was conducted.Main findings: South African organisations are not strictly conforming to the classic agency theory prediction for uncontrollable factors as some allow the impact of uncontrollable factors to be included, and further, hybrid approaches may be applied.Practical/managerial implications: The menu of approaches presented will aid designers of incentive schemes to identify a tried and tested approach to adopt or improve their incentive-related policies.Contribution/value-add: An expanded list of uncontrollable factors identified from South Africa’s uniqueness is presented. Models for (1) accounting for uncontrollable factors in incentive schemes and (2) pay for individual performance versus firm performance dilemma are presented. These add to the body of existing literature.
Adrenal Vein Sampling: How I Do It
Authors: Valji Karim
Published: July 2019

Adrenal vein sampling (AVS) is an uncommonly performed interventional procedure. However, it is essential in the management of patients with primary aldosteronism and several other rare hormonal disorders. AVS can be technically challenging, largely from difficulty with right adrenal vein catheterization. Recently described technical modifications have improved the likelihood of successful sampling in every case. This paper highlights the author's approach to patient selection and step-by-step details of his technique.
How We Do It: Adrenal Biopsy and Ablation
Authors: Thabet Ashraf , Lahoud Rita , Shaqdan Khalid , Arellano Ronald S. , Uppot Raul N.
Published: July 2019

Adrenal lesions represent a heterogeneous group of neoplasms that may be benign or malignant. If imaging fails to exclude a lesion as definitely benign or if molecular profiling is required, percutaneous image-guided biopsy may be indicated. When an adrenal lesion requires surgical resection, some patients are found to be too high at surgical risk or some patients may refuse adrenalectomy. Image-guided percutaneous thermal ablation can be an effective alternative – radiofrequency, microwave, and cryoablation have all been described in literature for the successful treatment of adrenal tumors. In this article, technical and clinical factors that reduce the risk of complications, some unique to the adrenal gland, are discussed.
The Role of Previous Discourse in Identifying Public Textual Cyberbullying
Authors: Power Aurelia , Keane Anthony , Nolan Brian , O'Neill Brian
Published: July 2019

In this paper we investigate the contribution of previous discourse in identifying elements that are key to detecting public textual cyberbullying. Based on the analysis of our dataset, we first discuss the missing cyberbullying elements and the grammatical structures representative of discourse-dependent cyberbullying discourse. Then we identify four types of discourse dependent cyberbullying constructions: (1) fully inferable constructions, (2) personal marker and cyberbullying link inferable constructions, (3) dysphemistic element and cyberbullying link inferable constructions, and (4) dysphemistic element inferable constructions. Finally, we formalise a framework to resolve the missing cyberbullying elements that proposes several resolution algorithms. The resolution algorithms target the following discourse dependent message types: (1) polarity answers, (2) contradictory statements, (3) explicit ellipsis, (4) implicit affirmative answers, and (5) statements that use indefinite pronouns as placeholders for the

dysphemistic element.
¿Compliance o cumplimiento normativo? Estudio de corpus con fines profesionales y didácticos en la prensa española
Authors: Alcalde Peñalver Elena , Santamaría Urbieta Alexandra
Published: July 2019

The aim of this paper is to analyze the use of the term “compliance”, considered one of the most popular topics in the legal-economic field in 2017 and 2018 in the Spanish press to determine whether there is a preference for its use in English, for its translation into Spanish or for both options. A corpus methodology has been used to study the frequency of use of the term in two generalist newspapers (El País and La Vanguardia) and two specialized ones (Expansión and El Economista), during the period between January 2017 and October 2018. The results show a preference for the use of the term in English, although this trend is accentuated in the specialized press in comparison with the general press. From a terminological perspective this analysis helps develop training and the profession of the translator since it is a contribution for the acquisition of the lexical competence necessary for professional translation.
Development of a protocol for the auto-generation of explicit aqueous-phase oxidation schemes of organic compounds
Authors: Bräuer Peter , Mouchel-Vallon Camille , Tilgner Andreas , Mutzel Anke , Böge Olaf , Rodigast Maria , Poulain Laurent , van Pinxteren Dominik , Wolke Ralf , Aumont Bernard , Herrmann Hartmut
Published: July 2019

Abstract. This paper presents a new CAPRAM–GECKO-A protocol for mechanism
auto-generation of aqueous-phase organic processes. For the development,
kinetic data in the literature were reviewed and a database with 464
aqueous-phase reactions of the hydroxyl radical with organic compounds and
130 nitrate radical reactions with organic compounds has been compiled and
evaluated. Five different methods to predict aqueous-phase rate constants
have been evaluated with the help of the kinetics database: gas–aqueous
phase correlations, homologous series of various compound classes, radical
reactivity comparisons, Evans–Polanyi-type correlations, and
structure–activity relationships (SARs). The quality of these prediction
methods was tested as well as their suitability for automated mechanism
construction. Based on this evaluation, SARs form the basis of the new
CAPRAM–GECKO-A protocol. Evans–Polanyi-type correlations have been advanced
to consider all available H atoms in a molecule besides the H atoms with
only the weakest bond dissociation enthalpies (BDEs). The improved
Evans–Polanyi-type correlations are used to predict rate constants for
aqueous-phase NO3 and organic compounds reactions. Extensive tests have been performed on essential parameters and on highly uncertain parameters with limited experimental data. These sensitivity
studies led to further improvements in the new CAPRAM–GECKO-A protocol but
also showed current limitations. Biggest uncertainties were observed in
uptake processes and the estimation of Henry's law coefficients as well as
radical chemistry, in particular the degradation of alkoxy radicals.
Previous estimation methods showed several deficits, which impacted particle
growth. For further evaluation, a 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene oxidation experiment has
been performed in the aerosol chamber “Leipziger Aerosolkammer” (LEAK) at high relative humidity
conditions and compared to a multiphase mechanism using the Master Chemical Mechanism (MCMv3.2) in the
gas phase and using a methylglyoxal oxidation scheme of about 600 reactions
generated with the new CAPRAM–GECKO-A protocol in the aqueous phase. While
it was difficult to evaluate single particle constituents due to
concentrations close to the detection limits of the instruments applied, the
model studies showed the importance of aqueous-phase chemistry in respect to secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation and particle growth. The new protocol forms the basis for
further CAPRAM mechanism development towards a new version 4.0. Moreover, it
can be used as a supplementary tool for aerosol chambers to design and
analyse experiments of chemical complexity and help to understand them on a
molecular level.
A Global End-Member Approach to Derive aCDOM(440) from Near-Surface Optical Measurements
Authors: Hooker Stanford B. , Matsuoka Atsushi , Kudela Raphael M. , Yamashita Youhei , Suzuki Koji , Houskeeper Henry F.
Published: July 2019

Abstract. This study establishes an optical inversion scheme for deriving the absorption coefficient of colored (or chromophoric, depending on the literature) dissolved organic material (CDOM) at the 440 nm wavelength, which can be applied to global water masses with near-equal efficacy. The approach uses a ratio of diffuse attenuation coefficient spectral end members, i.e., a short and long wavelength pair. The global perspective is established by sampling "extremely" clear water plus a generalized extent in turbidity and optical properties that each span three decades of dynamic range. A unique data set was collected in oceanic, coastal, and inland waters (as shallow as 0.6 m) from the North Pacific Ocean, the Arctic Ocean, Hawaii, Japan, Puerto Rico, and the east and west coasts of the United States. The data were partitioned using subjective categorizations to define a validation quality subset of conservative water masses, i.e., the inflow and outflow of properties constrain the range in the gradient of a constituent, plus 15 subcategories of water masses that were not evolving conservatively. The dependence on subcategories was confirmed with an objective methodology based on cluster analysis techniques. The latter defined five distinct classes with validation quality data present in all classes, but which also decreased in percent composition as a function of increasing class number and optical complexity. Four different algorithms based on different validation quality end members were validated with accuracies of 1.–6.2 %, wherein pairs with the largest spectral span were most accurate. Although algorithm accuracy decreased with the inclusion of more subcategories containing non-conservative water masses, changes to the algorithm fit were small when a preponderance of subcategories were included. The high accuracy for all end-member algorithms was the result of data acquisition and data processing improvements, e.g., increased vertical sampling resolution to less than 1mm and a boundary constraint to mitigate wave focusing effects, respectively. An independent evaluation with a historical database confirmed the consistency of the algorithmic approach and its application to quality assurance, e.g., to flag data outside expected ranges, identify suspect spectra, and objectively determine the in-water extrapolation interval by converging agreement for all applicable end-member algorithms. The legacy data exhibit degraded performance (as 44 % uncertainty) due to a lack of high-quality near-surface observations, especially for clear waters wherein wave-focusing effects are problematic. The novel optical approach allows the in situ estimation of an in-water constituent in keeping with the accuracy obtained in the laboratory.
Vpliv kakovosti prostorskih podatkov na učinkovitost sistema obdavčenja nepremičnin: primer nadomestila za uporabo stavbnega zemljišča
Authors: STARČEK Simon , ŠUBIC KOVAČ Maruška
Published: July 2019

Prostorski podatki niso neposredno povezani le s prostorskim načrtovanjem, temveč z urejanjem prostora na splošno in s tem tudi s sistemom obdavčenja nepremičnin. Kakovost prostorskih podatkov vpliva na učinkovitost sistema obdavčenja nepremičnin, njegovo izdatnost, pravičnost in racionalnost. V članku je opredeljen metodološki pristop k analizi kakovosti prostorskih podatkovnih nizov zbirk podatkov, ki jih občine upravljajo za odmero nadomestila za uporabo stavbnega zemljišča. Za analizo kakovosti podatkov sta za raziskavo opredeljena in uporabljena prilagojena Jaccardov in Czekanowskijev koeficient, ki sta uporabna, kadar so razlike med primerjanima podatkoma manjše od 5 %. S tema koeficientoma se ugotovi raven ujemanja površin stavb in nezazidanega stavbnega zemljišča iz občinskih zbirk podatkov za odmero nadomestila za uporabo stavbnega zemljišča in iz registra nepremičnin. Na podlagi analize popolnosti, logične usklajenosti in tematske natančnosti občinskih zbirk podatkov za odmero nadomestila za uporabo stavbnega zemljišča je izvedena posodobitev občinskih zbirk podatkov. Analizirane so spremembe v občinski zbirki podatkov po posodobitvi, in sicer glede števila zavezancev za plačilo nadomestila za uporabo stavbnega zemljišča in odmere nadomestila za uporabo stavbnega zemljišča. Rezultati prve tovrstne raziskave so dobljeni na manjšem vzorcu, vendar je metodologija uporabna tudi za izvedbo analize na večjem vzorcu oziroma v vseh občinah v Sloveniji. Poleg tega je lahko v podporo strokovnjakom na občinah, prostorskim načrtovalcem in odločevalcem na področju davčne politike.
Residential location choices and the role of mobility, socioeconomics, and land use in Hafizabad, Pakistan
Authors: ASLAM Atif Bilal , MASOUMI Houshmand E. , NAEEM Nida , AHMAD Mohammad
Published: July 2019

Residential self-selection in developing countries and its relation to urban transportation are understudied and not fully understood. This knowledge gap is even greater in the case of small cities in the developing world. This study takes Hafizabad, Pakistan as a case study with the objective of providing data for future quantitative analyses about residential location choices in small cities on the Indian subcontinent. A sample of 365 residents was interviewed from four neighbourhoods with a combined population of 19,042. This resulted in individual and household response rates of 1.92% and 12.65% and confidence levels of ±5.08% and ±4.79% for individual and household questions. The results show that the most important factors influencing residents’ decisions about moving are availability of utilities/services and affordable prices. Factors related to transportation, accessibility, and social issues, such as proximity to work and relatives, come next. The role of transportation in residential location choices in Hafizabad is less important in comparison to high-income countries. This finding shows how urban form can shape residents’ travel behaviour and suggests that small cities are more compact and walkable because about 40% of job-related trips are made by walking. The results of this study will help inform relevant government organizations about how to effectively devise policies for small cities because policies grafted from large metropolises might not work well at a smaller scale.
Die bayerische Landtagswahl vom 14. Oktober 2018: Signal für nachhaltigen Wandel auch im Bund?
Authors: Schultze Rainer-Olaf
Published: July 2019

The outcome of the election marks a deep shift not only in Bavarian politics but also corresponds to Germany’s ongoing restructuring of its electorate and the changing configuration of its party system at large: (1) The two catch-all parties suffered dramatic losses of more than ten percentage points; the conservative CSU lost its parliamentary majority in the state legislature, tallying less than 40 percent, the social-democratic SPD even less than ten percent of the total vote . (2) The voting behaviour is characterised by high volatility and processes of polarisation, caused by growing cleavages between town and country, between the generational as well as religious divides and the ongoing occupational differentiation in the electorate . Ideologically, these divides correlate with liberal and cosmopolitan mind-sets and (post-)modern urban lifestyles, the main electoral base of the Green party, on the one hand versus the more conservative and traditional rural electorates on the other . Their influence on the newly formed coalition between the CSU and the “Free Voters” will be more pronounced, while the populist and in part anti-pluralist electorate rallies behind the right-wing AfD . (3) In Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria and Hesse, the Green party has now replaced the SPD as the main electoral contender of the Christian-democratic parties; it remains to be seen whether their electoral fortunes can be extended to the northern and eastern parts of the country in the near future .
INTERACTION IN ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAYS: THE CASE OF ENGAGEMENT
Authors: Shahriari Hesamoddin , Shadloo Farzaneh
Published: July 2019

Given the importance of interaction in academic discourse, researchers have investigated the use of stance and engagement markers in written academic texts. However, few of these studies have analyzed engagement features in a genre such as the argumentative essay. Employing Hyland’s (2001) engagement framework, this paper examined the use of five engagement markers in a corpus of argumentative essays written by EFL learners across three levels of essay quality. All features of engagement were manually coded and normalized and a one-way ANOVA was subsequently run for analyzing the frequency counts. The findings showed a disassociation between the presence of engagement markers and the overall quality of EFL learners’ essays. The current study offers insight into the interactional nature of argumentative essays. We conclude with a discussion of some of the implications so that educators may provide EFL learners with more adequate support in order to write in a more persuasive way.
Análise da produção científica com a temática inclusão no ensino superior: reflexões sobre artigos publicados no período de 2016 a novembro de 2018
Authors: Oliveira Jair De
Published: July 2019

Este estudo analisa a produção científica brasileira, no que tange à temática da inclusão no ensino superior. É uma pesquisa de origem bibliográfica, caracteriza-se como um estudo descritivo e qualitativo, a qual analisou 36 artigos, selecionados a partir de uma consulta online no site da Capes e do Google Acadêmico. Ao todo, obteve-se 975 publicações que correspondiam ao tema da inclusão no ensino superior, no entanto, de acordo com a metodologia adotada neste estudo, excluiu-se os artigos que não correspondiam com os critérios de seleção. Assim, a análise dos dados consiste na observação dos 36 artigos selecionados, desta forma direcionamos dois momentos deste estudo: i) primeiramente ocorreu a revisão sistemática dos estudos bibliométricos sobre a inclusão no ensino superior, com o objetivo de compor um conjunto de orientações para embasar a realização dessas pesquisas; na sequência ii) realizou-se uma pesquisa de revisão sistemática ou estudo bibliométrico sobre o tema. Essas duas modalidades compõem o grupo de pesquisa de mapeamento de campos do conhecimento e de avaliação de resultados obtidos por meio da pesquisa bibliográfica nos sites mencionados. Os resultados dessa etapa mostraram que a inclusão é um processo em construção e dependente do comprometimento dos professores envolvidos na formação inclusiva, assim o aperfeiçoamento profissional, como a formação continuada, são elementos fundamentais na capacitação dos professores e demais servidores, para que assim, de fato, ocorra a inclusão no meio universitário.
Embracing New Trends in Scholarly Communication: From Competency Requirements in the Workplace to LIS Curriculum Presence
Authors: Raju Jaya
Published: July 2019

INTRODUCTION Scholarly communication has undergone dramatic change in the digital era as a result of rapidly evolving digital technology. It is within this context of evolving scholarly communication that this paper reports on an inquiry into (1) the extent to which university libraries in South Africa are actively embracing new and emerging trends in scholarly communication; and (2), the extent to which LIS school curricula in South Africa are responding to new and emerging scholarly communication competencies required in university libraries. METHODS This qualitative study, located within an interpretivist epistemological worldview, was informed by the Operational Elements of Scientific Communication aspect of Khosrowjerdi’s (2011) Viable Scientific Communication Model. Data was collected using summative content analysis of university library job advertisements over a four-year period; South African university libraries’ organizational organograms; and course descriptions available on the websites of South Africa’s LIS schools. RESULTS & DISCUSSION A review of job advertisements and organograms shows that on the whole university libraries in South Africa are embracing the new and emerging trends in scholarly communication, but some university libraries are performing better than others in adopting emerging scholarly communication services such as RDM, digital humanities, or research landscape analysis. Course description analysis provides evidence that LIS schools’ curricula, as per global trend reported in the literature, do not seem to be keeping pace with developments in scholarly communication. CONCLUSION The ambivalent nature of an evolving scholarly communications field with unclear definitions and boundaries necessitates professional practitioners who are adaptable and open to change as well as an LIS education curriculum that is in constant review to seamlessly embrace an evolving field propelled by advancing digital technologies.
Effect of strong ground motion duration on the expected peak values of floor response spectra in elastic buildings
Authors: Kaneko Kensaku
Published: July 2019

Nonstructural components (eg, suspended ceilings, equipment, and piping systems) resonate with buildings and could suffer severe damage during strong earthquakes. The aim of the present study is to evaluate resonance properties based on the duration of ground motions for elastic nonstructural components. First, it is theoretically shown that the value of the dynamic amplification ratio (DAR) of nonstructural components can be bounded to a certain domain according to the extent of structural damping. Second, we propose a direct method for evaluating the expected value of the DAR, which does not require a time‐history analysis, using distinct dimensionless values related to structural properties and earthquake ground motions. Finally, the proposed estimation method is statistically verified based on time‐history analysis using thousands of recorded ground motions.
OTPs in NY to help study telemedicine to treat hepatitis C
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: July 2019

Seven opioid treatment programs (OTPs) at 12 locations in New York state will participate in a study that uses telemedicine to integrate the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). The goal is to achieve better outcomes by delivering HCV treatment on‐site via telemedicine, instead of referring out. It makes sense that this would be more effective than sending patients elsewhere, but the study needs to be done.
A Generic Coordination Assembly‐Enabled Nanocoating of Individual Tumor Cells for Personalized Immunotherapy
Authors: Wang Xiaoli , Chen Zuoguan , Zhang Chao , Zhang Chuangnian , Ma Guilei , Yang Jing , Wei Xiaoqing , Sun Hongfan
Published: July 2019

A generic and effective tumor cells encapsulation strategy enabled by metal–organic coordination is developed to prepare a vaccine for personalized immunotherapy. Specifically, an epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG)‐Al(III) coordination layer is in situ formed onto individual living cells in aqueous phase and the process can be completed within an hour. 98% of proteins in the cells are entrapped within the microparticles, which are endowed with high antigens loading capacity. The microparticles enhance the uptake efficiency of antigens, protect antigens from degradation in vivo, and delay the retention time of antigens in the lymph nodes. Moreover, dendritic cells (DCs) activation is triggered by the microparticles, and simultaneously, the expression of costimulation marker on DCs and the production of Th1‐related cytokines are significantly upregulated. Moreover, six kinds of tumor cells are utilized and successfully coated with the EGCG/Al(III) layer, suggesting the generalization of this strategy. More importantly, the microparticles exhibit a comparative antitumor effect with polyinosinic–polycytidylic acid (PolyI:C) in B16 pulmonary metastasis model. Overall, the encapsulation strategy enabled by metal–organic coordination can be potentially useful for personalized immunotherapy customized to individual patient's tumor cells.
Understanding the Potential of 2D Ga2O3 in Flexible Optoelectronic Devices: Impact of Uniaxial Strain and Electric Field
Authors: Guo Rui , Su Jie , Lin Zhenhua , Zhang Junjing , Qin Yu , Zhang Jincheng , Chang Jingjing , Hao Yue
Published: July 2019

The discovery of two‐dimensional (2D) Ga2O3 has provided an effective way to further tune the performance of β‐Ga2O3. Understanding the effects of strain and electric field (E‐field) on 2D Ga2O3 is helpful to explore the mechanism and potential application in the flexible device. Here, transport and optical properties of monolayer Ga2O3 under uniaxial strain and E‐field are investigated. An indirect‐to‐direct band‐gap‐transition occurs under uniaxial tension due to the different variation of π bonding at the valence bands. The band‐gap exhibits a parabolic variation character from compression to tension, and relates to the direction of uniaxial strain. Interestingly, the transport characters are sensitive to the direction of uniaxial strain, and both compression and tension along b direction enhance the mobility of monolayer Ga2O3, which is inconsistent with that of electron effective mass. The mobility of tensile monolayer Ga2O3 can be enlarged to 48368.14 cm2V−1s−1, different to that of 2D layered materials. Interestingly, the ultra‐visible absorption coefficients are just enhanced significantly by compression along c direction. Upon monolayer Ga2O3 undergoes large E‐field (>0.5 eV Å−1), the band‐gap and anisotropic transport property decreases and even vanishes. The results are useful to reveal the mechanisms and potential of 2D Ga2O3 in the flexible devices.
Highly Effective and Noninvasive Near‐Infrared Eradication of a Staphylococcus aureus Biofilm on Implants by a Photoresponsive Coating within 20 Min
Authors: Li Mu , Li Liqian , Su Kun , Liu Xiangmei , Zhang Tianjin , Liang Yanqin , Jing Doudou , Yang Xianjin , Zheng Dong , Cui Zhenduo , Li Zhaoyang , Zhu Shengli , Yeung Kelvin Wai Kwok , Zheng Yufeng , Wang Xianbao , Wu Shuilin
Published: July 2019

Biofilms have been related to the persistence of infections on medical implants, and these cannot be eradicated because of the resistance of biofilm structures. Therefore, a biocompatible phototherapeutic system is developed composed of MoS2, IR780 photosensitizer, and arginine–glycine–aspartic acid–cysteine (RGDC) to safely eradicate biofilms on titanium implants within 20 min. The magnetron‐sputtered MoS2 film possesses excellent photothermal properties, and IR780 can produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) with the irradiation of near‐infrared (NIR, λ = 700–1100 nm) light. Consequently, the combination of photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT), assisted by glutathione oxidation accelerated by NIR light, can provide synergistic and rapid killing of bacteria, i.e., 98.99 ± 0.42% eradication ratio against a Staphylococcus aureus biofilm in vivo within 20 min, which is much greater than that of PTT or PDT alone. With the assistance of ROS, the permeability of damaged bacterial membranes increases, and the damaged bacterial membranes become more sensitive to heat, thus accelerating the leakage of proteins from the bacteria. In addition, RGDC can provide excellent biosafety and osteoconductivity, which is confirmed by in vivo animal experiments.
Programmed Design of a Lithium–Sulfur Battery Cathode by Integrating Functional Units
Authors: Zeng Zhipeng , Li Wei , Wang Qiang , Liu Xingbo
Published: July 2019

Sulfur is considered to be one of the most promising cathode materials due to its high theoretical specific capacity and low cost. However, the insulating nature of sulfur and notorious “shuttle effect” of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) lead to severe loss of active sulfur, poor redox kinetics, and rapid capacity fade. Herein, a hierarchical electrode design is proposed to address these issues synchronously, which integrates multiple building blocks with specialized functions into an ensemble to construct a self‐supported versatile cathode for lithium–sulfur batteries. Nickel foam acts as a robust conductive scaffold. The heteroatom‐doped host carbon with desired lithiophilicity and electronic conductivity serving as a reservoir for loading sulfur can trap LiPSs and promote electron transfer to interfacial adsorbed LiPSs and Ni3S2 sites. The sulfurized carbon nanofiber forest can facilitate the Li‐ion and electron transport and retard the LiPSs diffusion as a barrier layer. Sulfiphilic Ni3S2 acts as both a chemical anchor with strong adsorption affinity to LiPSs and an efficient electrocatalyst for accelerating kinetics for redox conversion reactions. Synergistically, all functional units promote the lithium ion coupled electron transfer for binding and redox conversion of LiPSs, resulting in high reversible capacities, remarkable cycle stability, and excellent rate capability.
Increasing meal consumption in individuals with competing protective equipment
Authors: Fleck Chelsea R. , Bourret Jason C. , Lloveras Lindsay A.
Published: July 2019

Individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder may engage in self‐injurious behavior that can cause tissue damage. Protective equipment is sometimes used to decrease the severity of tissue damage when self‐injury occurs. However, wearing protective equipment may be incompatible with some forms of adaptive behavior, such as meal consumption. The purpose of the present analysis was to identify a treatment for increasing meal consumption in two adolescent males diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder who wore protective equipment that interfered with self‐feeding. Three interventions were evaluated: modifying the protective equipment, manipulating the reinforcing efficacy of the meal, and arranging additional positive reinforcement for meal consumption in the absence of protective equipment. Modifying protective equipment and manipulating the reinforcing efficacy of the meal were effective for both participants. Additional positive reinforcement was evaluated and effective for one participant.
Quality of life from a randomized trial of laparoscopic or open liver resection for colorectal liver metastases
Authors: Fretland Å A , Dagenborg V J , Waaler Bjørnelv G M , Aghayan D L , Kazaryan A M , Barkhatov L , Kristiansen R , Fagerland M W , Edwin B , Andersen M H
Published: July 2019

Background

Most treatments for cancer cause a decline in patients' health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Limiting this decline is a universal goal for healthcare providers. Using minimally invasive instead of open surgical techniques might be one way to achieve this. The aim of this study was to compare postoperative HRQoL after open and laparoscopic liver resection.

Methods

This was a predefined substudy of an RCT comparing open with laparoscopic liver resection. Patients with colorectal liver metastases were assigned randomly to open or laparoscopic parenchyma-sparing liver resection. HRQoL was assessed with the Short Form 36 questionnaire at baseline, and 1 and 4 months after surgery.

Results

A total of 280 patients were randomized, of whom 273 underwent surgery (129 laparoscopic, 144 open); 682 questionnaires (83.3 per cent) were available for analysis. One month after surgery, patients in the laparoscopic surgery group reported reduced scores in two HRQoL domains (physical functioning and role physical), whereas those in the open surgery group reported reduced scores in five domains (physical functioning, role physical, bodily pain, vitality and social functioning). Four months after surgery, HRQoL scores in the laparoscopic group had returned to preoperative levels, whereas patients in the open group reported reduced scores for two domains (role physical and general health). The between-group difference was statistically significant in favour of laparoscopy for four domains after 1 month (role physical, bodily pain, vitality and social functioning) and for one domain after 4 months (role physical).

Conclusion

Patients assigned to laparoscopic liver surgery reported better postoperative HRQoL than those assigned to open liver surgery. For role limitations caused by physical health problems, patients in the laparoscopic group reported better scores up to 4 months after surgery. Registration number: NCT01516710 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).
Transcranial Magnetic and Electrical Stimulation in Alzheimer's Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Rajji Tarek K.
Published: July 2019

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related dementia is an immense personal and public health burden. Available treatments have modest efficacy in reducing symptoms of AD and have no significant impact on the course of the illness. Moreover, attempts to discover novel treatments have to date failed. Noninvasive brain stimulation comprises a suite of interventions that are based on transcranial magnetic or electric stimulation of different brain regions. Promising findings are emerging from two forms of noninvasive brain stimulation: repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). Here, the results from the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed rTMS or tDCS in AD or in mild cognitive impairment, a clinical state that typically preceded AD, are reviewed. Overall, there are few RCTs, and most of them are limited by small sample sizes. Larger RCTs and additional research are needed to identify the best stimulation parameters for these two interventions.
Efficient Aluminum Catalysts for the Chemical Conversion of CO2 into Cyclic Carbonates at Room Temperature and Atmospheric CO2 Pressure
Authors: Kim Yoseph , Hyun Kyunglim , Ahn Duseong , Kim Ran , Park Myung Hwan , Kim Youngjo
Published: July 2019

A series of dimeric aluminum compounds [Al(OCMe2CH2N(R)CH2X)]2 [X=pyridin‐2‐yl, R=H (PyrH); X= pyridin‐2‐yl, R=Me (PyrMe); X=furan‐2‐yl, R=H (FurH); X= furan‐2‐yl, R=Me (FurMe); X=thiophen‐2‐yl, R=H (ThioH); X= thiophen‐2‐yl, R=Me (ThioMe)] containing heterocyclic pendant group attached to the nitrogen catalyze the coupling of CO2 with epoxides under ambient conditions. In a comparison of their catalytic activities with those of aluminum complexes without pendant groups at N [X=H, R=H (HH); X=H, R=Me (HMe)] or with non‐heterocyclic pendant groups [X=CH2CH2OMe, R=H (OMeH); X=CH2CH2NMe2, R=H (NMe2H); X=CH2CH2NMe2, R=Me (NMe2Me)], complexes containing heterocycles, in conjunction with (nBu)4NBr as a cocatalyst, show higher catalytic activities for the synthesis of cyclic carbonates under the same ambient conditions. The best catalyst system for this reaction is PyrH/(nBu)4NBr system, which gives a turnover number of 99 and a turnover frequency of 4.1 h−1, making it 14‐ and 20‐times more effective than HH/(nBu)4NBr and HMe/(nBu)4NBr, respectively. Although there are no direct interactions between the aluminum and the heteroatoms in the heterocyclic pendants, electronic effects combined with the increased local concentration of CO2 around the active centers influences the catalytic activity in the coupling of CO2 with epoxides. In addition, PyrH/(nBu)4NBr shows broad epoxide substrate scope and seven terminal epoxides and two internal epoxides undergo the designed reaction.