bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Design of efficient graphene plasmonic coupling circuits for THz applications
Authors: Amanatiadis Stamatis A. , Zygiridis Theodoros , Kantartzis Nikolaos V. 
Published: April 2020

Purpose
The coupling characteristics between adjacent circuits are crucial for their efficient design in terms of electromagnetic compatibility features. Specifically, either the wireless power transfer can be enhanced or the interference can be limited. This paper aims to the extraction of the coupling characteristics of surface plasmon polariton waves propagating onto graphene layers to facilitate the telecommunication system design for advanced THz applications.

Design/methodology/approach
The surface conductivity of graphene is described at the far-infrared spectrum and modelled accurately by means of a properly modified finite-difference time-domain) scheme. Then, a series of numerical simulations for different coupling setups is conducted to extract an accurate generalised parametric coupling model that is dependent explicitly on the fundamental propagation features of graphene.

Findings
The coupling coefficients of two basic waveguiding setups are examined thoroughly. The initial one includes two parallel graphene layers of infinite dimensions, and it is observed that the coupling is influenced via the ratio between their distances to the confinement of the surface wave. The second scenario is composed of graphene microstrips that are parallel to their small edge, namely, microstrip width. The extracted numerical results indicate that the coupling coefficient depends on the ratio between widths to wavelength.

Originality/value
The accurate extraction of the generalised coupling coefficients for graphene surface wave circuits is conducted in this work via an adjustable numerical technique for a novel family of plasmonic couplers. It is derived that only the fundamental propagation features of graphene, such as the wavelength and the confinement of the surface waves, have an effect on the coupling calculation, thus enabling a consistent electromagnetic compatibility study.
A novel forecast model based on CF-PSO-SVM approach for predicting the roll gap in acceleration and deceleration process
Authors: Hu Yunjian , Sun Jie , Peng Wen , Zhang Dianhua 
Published: April 2020

Purpose
In the cold rolling process, friction coefficient, oil film thickness and other factors vary dramatically with the change in the rolling speed, which seriously affects the strip thickness deviation. This paper aims to improve the strip control precision with the forecast roll gap model based on CF-PSO-SVM approach in the rolling process.

Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, a novel forecasting model of the roll gap based on support vector machine (SVM) optimized by particle swarm optimization with compression factor (CF-PSO) is proposed. Based on lots of online data, the roll gap models regressed by PSO-SVM, genetic algorithm (GA)-SVM and CF-PSO-SVM are obtained and verified through evaluating the performances with the decision coefficient (R2), mean absolute error and root mean square error. In addition, with the good forecasting performances of CF-PSO-SVM, a roll gap compensation model is studied.

Findings
The results indicate that the proposed CF-PSO-SVM has excellent learning regression ability compared with other optimization algorithms. Meanwhile, a roll gap compensation model based on the rolling speed and plastic coefficient is obtained, which has been proved validated in product.

Originality/value
In this paper, the SVM algorithm is combined with traditional rolling technology to solve the problems in actual production, which has great supporting significance for the improvement of production efficiency.
Parametric optimization of USM parameters by Taguchi and NSGA-II for the development of µ-channels on pure titanium
Authors: Gupta Rahul Dev , Gupta Pardeep , Khanna Rajesh 
Published: April 2020

PurposeThis paper consolidates and presents the results of a work conducted to fabricate micro-channels on titanium grade-2 material by ultrasonic machining process (USM). In this research, the effects of important USM parameters, namely, kind of abrasives and its size, concentration of slurry, USM power rating and feed rate, have been probed on micro-channels quality for average surface roughness and process throughput in the form of material removal rate.Design/methodology/approachMultiple micro-channels on commercially pure titanium (i.e. Ti grade-2) have been fabricated in a single pass by employing micro-tool based USM process. Taguchi-based L18 (mixed level) OA has been selected for experimental design. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) study and regression modeling have also been done. Non-Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA-II) has been used for process optimization to get optimum values of material removal rate (MRR) and surface roughness (SR).FindingsThe influence of important USM variables on SR and MRR have been investigated, and NSGA-II-based multi-response optimization has been done. The best surface roughness values obtained via NSGA-II solution for SiC and B4C are 0.354 µm and 1.303 µm, respectively. Scanned electron microscopic investigation proves the fabrication of micro-channels with smooth surfaces, and minimum burrs and other defects. The material removed from the surface was due to ductile fractures.Originality/valueMiniaturization is a modern trend these days to solve many precision, scientific and industrial problems. To manufacture precise micro-products, shapes and features, advanced and micro-machining processes can play a very prominent role. Micro-channels are typical micro-features required in micro-fluidic applications like micro heat exchangers and micro-pumps. Exhaustive review of existing research work indicated that precision micromachining of various materials can be effectively performed using USM, though not much work has been undertaken to explore the feasibility of multiple micro-channels in a single run using USM. The current work fulfills the gap, where multiple micro-channels on commercially pure titanium (i.e. Ti grade-2) have been fabricated in a single pass by employing micro-tool-based USM process.
Industry drivers of multinational companies’ externalization choice: a conceptual framework and application to Korea–China film co-productions
Authors: Moon Hwy-Chang , Yin Wenyan 
Published: April 2020

Purpose
This conceptual paper aims to explore under what conditions multinational companies (MNCs) are more likely to internationalize through externalization modes.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper complements previous studies by proposing three industry-specific factors that affect MNCs’ decision for externalization. It then applies this framework to the case of Korean MNCs’ strategic choice when entering the Chinese film market which is highly regulated by the government, to illustrate how such a framework works in practice.

Findings
This paper suggests that MNCs are more likely to choose externalization entry modes under the three industry conditions: when the business grows fast, when there are best practices of industry standard and when the business requires multi-competence. It also shows that the three conditions explain well the growing Korea–China co-productions in the Chinese film market.

Practical implications
This paper provides useful implications for the government’s regulatory effectiveness. The protectionist policies of the host government are valid only in an industry where the three conditions are met, as they increase the possibility of domestic firms’ participation by encouraging foreign MNCs to shift their entry mode from sole venture toward alliances with domestic firms.

Originality/value
This paper enriches the entry-mode research by indicating that MNCs’ externalization decisions need to consider these industry-specific factors. In addition, it also contributes to the understanding on why some countries maintain their high attractiveness for foreign MNCs, whereas other countries do not, given the similar level of restrictive government regulations.
When and why organizational cynicism leads to CWBs
Authors: Naseer Saima , Raja Usman , Syed Fauzia , Baig Muhammad Usman Anwar 
Published: April 2020

PurposeUsing conservation of resources theory (COR), the authors test the combined effects of cynicism and psychological capital on counterproductive work behaviors (CWBs) mediated through emotional exhaustion.Design/methodology/approachThe authors use a time-lagged independent source sample (N = 181) consisting of employee–peer dyads from service industry in Pakistan.FindingsModerated mediated regression analyses indicated that emotional exhaustion mediates the relationship between organizational cynicism and counterproductive work behaviors. Psychological capital moderates the relationship between organizational cynicism and emotional exhaustion such that organizational cynicism is positively related to exhaustion when psychological capital is low. Furthermore, conditional indirect effects show that emotional exhaustion mediates the relationship between organizational cynicism and counterproductive work behaviors only when employees' psychological capital is low.Originality/valueThe study suggests new mechanisms and boundary conditions through which cynicism triggers CWBs. The authors discuss the implications of the study’s findings and suggest possible directions for future research.
Landscape epidemiology of ash dieback
Authors: Grosdidier Marie , Scordia Thomas , Ioos Renaud , Marçais Benoit 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Ash dieback is induced by Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, an invasive pathogenic fungus. It is causing severe damage to European ash populations. However, the local environment, such as climate or site conditions, is known to affect ash dieback.

We studied the landscape epidemiology of the disease on a 22 km2 area in north‐eastern France at two stages of the invasion process using Bayesian spatio‐temporal models fitted with integrated nested Laplace approximation (INLA). Several features characterizing disease severity, crown dieback, frequency of collar canker and density of infected leaf debris in the litter were determined on a regular grid over a 3.5 × 6.5 km area. We first analysed the effect of landscape features on the disease establishment stage in 2012, 2 years after the first report of the disease in the area, and then on further disease development, in 2016–2018.

Landscape features had little impact on the disease at the establishment stage, but strongly determined its further development. Local fragmentation of tree cover was the most important factor, with trees that are isolated or in hedges far less affected than trees in a forest environment. We showed that they were subjected to different microclimates, with higher crown temperatures unfavourable to pathogen development. Low host density strongly reduced disease development. The presence of large ash populations in the vicinity affected local disease severity up to several hundred metres.

Synthesis. We showed that the landscape characteristics strongly affect the development and spread of ash dieback. The disease is far less severe in forest conditions when ash density is low or in open canopies such as hedges and isolated trees. Ash trees are often in these types of landscapes, which should strongly limit the overall impact of ash dieback.
Why do delays to diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer occur? A mixed methods study of insights from Australian clinicians
Authors: Malalasekera Ashanya , Dhillon Haryana M. , Shunmugasundaram Chindhu , Blinman Prunella L. , Kao Steven C. , Vardy Janette L. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAimsDelays in lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can impact survival. We explored reasons for delays experienced by patients with lung cancer to identify themes and strategies for improvement.MethodsWe used national timeframe recommendations and standardized definitions to identify General Practitioners and specialists caring for 34 patients who experienced delays in our previous Medicare data linkage study. Clinicians participated in a survey and interview, including qualitative (exploratory, open‐ended questions) and quantitative (rating scales) components. Exploratory content analysis, cross‐case triangulation, and descriptive statistics were performed. Krippendorff's coefficient was used to assess level of agreement between clinicians and patients, and among clinicians, on perceived delays.ResultsOverall, 27 out of 50 (54%) eligible clinicians participated (including 11 respiratory physicians and seven medical oncologists). Dominant themes for perceived causes of delay included referral barriers, limited General Practitioner (GP) awareness of subtle clinical presentations, insufficient radiology interpretation, and lack of cancer coordinators. “Unavoidable” delays may occur due to clinical circumstances. Awareness and uptake of referral and timeframe guidelines were low, with clinicians using professional networks over guidelines. There was no consistent agreement on perceived delays between patients and clinicians, and among clinicians (Krippendorff's coefficient .03 [P = .8]).ConclusionsStrategies for minimizing avoidable delays include efficient GP to specialist referral and more lung cancer coordinators to assist with patient expectations and waitlist management. Clinicians’ reliance on experience, rather than guidelines, indicates need to review guideline utility. Raising awareness of benchmarks and unavoidable barriers may recalibrate perceptions of “delays” to diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer.
TCRs with segment TRAV9‐2 or a CDR3 histidine are overrepresented among nickel‐specific CD4+ T cells
Authors: Aparicio‐Soto Marina , Riedel Franziska , Leddermann Melanie , Bacher Petra , Scheffold Alexander , Kuhl Heiner , Timmermann Bernd , Chudakov Dmitriy M. , Molin Sonja , Worm Margitta , Heine Guido , Thierse Hermann‐Josef , Luch Andreas , Siewert Katherina 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundNickel is the most frequent cause of T cell–mediated allergic contact dermatitis worldwide. In vitro, CD4+ T cells from all donors respond to nickel but the involved αβ T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire has not been comprehensively analyzed.MethodsWe introduce CD154 (CD40L) upregulation as a fast, unbiased, and quantitative method to detect nickel‐specific CD4+ T cells ex vivo in blood of clinically characterized allergic and non allergic donors. Naïve (CCR7+ CD45RA+) and memory (not naïve) CD154+ CD4+ T cells were analyzed by flow cytometry after 5 hours of stimulation with 200 µmol/L NiSO4., TCR α‐ and β‐chains of sorted nickel‐specific and control cells were studied by high‐throughput sequencing.ResultsStimulation of PBMCs with NiSO4induced CD154 expression on ~0.1% (mean) of naïve and memory CD4+ T cells. In allergic donors with recent positive patch test, memory frequencies further increased ~13‐fold and were associated with markers of in vivo activation. CD154 expression was TCR‐mediated since single clones could be specifically restimulated. Among nickel‐specific CD4+ T cells of allergic and non allergic donors, TCRs expressing the α‐chain segment TRAV9‐2 or a histidine in their α‐ or β‐chain complementarity determining region 3 (CDR3) were highly overrepresented.ConclusionsInduced CD154 expression represents a reliable method to study nickel‐specific CD4+ T cells. TCRs with particular features respond in all donors, while strongly increased blood frequencies indicate nickel allergy for some donors. Our approach may be extended to other contact allergens for the further development of diagnostic and predictive in vitro tests.
Impact of the 2016 ASE/EACVI Guidelines on diastolic function reporting in routine clinical practice
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Prabhakaran , Biederman Robert 
Published: April 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of 2016 ASE/EACVI guidelines on Diastolic Function (DF) reporting during routine clinical practice.MethodsTransthoracic echos performed 9 months before and 18 months after the 2016 guidelines (DF2016) were retrospectively analyzed.ResultsTwenty thousand eight hundred forty three echos performed between July 1, 2015, and September 30, 2017, were analyzed. Quarterly trends showed a stable proportion of normal DF (nDF), diastolic dysfunction (DD), indeterminate DF (DF‐I), and nonreported DF (DF‐NR) for 3 quarters preceding DF2016. After DF2016 release, reporting of DD decreased by 57% (P < .001), nDF increased by 76% (P < .001), DF‐NR increased by 266% (P < .001), and DF‐I did not change significantly (P = .40). Grade 1 DD decreased by 64% (P < .001), grade 2 DD decreased by 51% (P < .001), and grade 3 DD did not change significantly (P = .18). Provider level analysis showed increased heterogeneity in grade 1 DD reporting and decreased heterogeneity in DD grades 2 or higher, after DF2016. Systolic dysfunction reporting remained relatively stable (22%→21%→20%) compared to a significant decrease in isolated DD (35%→21%→10%).ConclusionThe 2016 guidelines update has impacted DF reporting patterns significantly. The likelihood of reporting DD decreased significantly, especially for grades 1 and 2. Inter‐provider heterogeneity in DF reporting improved for grades 2 and 3 but worsened for grade 1. There was more than threefold increase in failure to report DF, suggesting a decrease in provider confidence.
In vitro synergy of eugenol on the antifungal effects of voriconazole against Candida tropicalis and Candida krusei strains isolated from the genital tract of mares
Authors: Sharifzadeh Aghil , Shokri Hojjatollah 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundDue to the limited range of antifungals available to treat genital Candida infections and the emergence of resistant isolates, attention has focused on the antifungal potency of natural compounds with promising biological properties.ObjectivesTo examine whether eugenol synergises the in vitro efficacy of voriconazole against Candida strains isolated from the genital tract of mares.Study designIn vitro experiment.MethodsThe antifungal activity of eugenol and voriconazole was evaluated using the broth microdilution assay (CLSI‐ M27‐A3). Synergism of eugenol and voriconazole against genital Candida isolates was evaluated by the microdilution checkerboard method.ResultsMinimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for eugenol and voriconazole ranged from 400 to 800 µg/mL and 1 to 8 µg/mL, respectively, for C. tropicalis isolates, and from 200 to 400 µg/mL for eugenol and 2 to 16 µg/mL for voriconazole against C. krusei isolates. Eugenol decreased the arithmetic mean MIC for voriconazole against C. tropicalis and C. krusei isolates from 2.66 to 0.46 µg/mL and 7.77 to 0.41 µg/mL respectively. The fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) values for the eugenol‐voriconazole combination ranged from 0.25 to 0.88 and 0.19 to 0.63 for C. tropicalis and C. krusei isolates respectively. A synergistic effect of eugenol in combination with voriconazole was observed for 83.3% of C. tropicalis and 77.7% of C. krusei isolates. Antagonistic activity was not seen in any of the isolates tested.Main limitationsSince in vitro antifungal susceptibility tests are not systematic analyses, any selection bias could influence the results. In addition, in vitro susceptibility does not uniformly predict clinical success in vivo.ConclusionsEugenol showed fungistatic and fungicidal effects against genital Candida isolates and, in combination, synergised the antifungal effects of voriconazole. The eugenol‐voriconazole combination can lay the foundation for a therapeutic approach against isolates in which azole resistance has increased over time.
Influenza vaccine effectiveness among outpatients in the US Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness Network by study site 2011‐2016
Authors: Balasubramani Goundappa K. , Nowalk Mary Patricia , Sax Theresa M. , Suyama Joe , Bobyock Emily , Rinaldo Charles R. , Martin Emily T. , Monto Arnold S. , Jackson Michael L. , Gaglani Manjusha J. , Flannery Brendan , Chung Jessie R. , Zimmerman Richard K. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundInfluenza vaccination is recommended for all US residents aged ≥6 months. Vaccine effectiveness (VE) varies by age, circulating influenza strains, and the presence of high‐risk medical conditions. We examined site‐specific VE in the US Influenza VE Network, which evaluates annual influenza VE at ambulatory clinics in geographically diverse sites.MethodsAnalyses were conducted on 27 180 outpatients ≥6 months old presenting with an acute respiratory infection (ARI) with cough of ≤7‐day duration during the 2011‐2016 influenza seasons. A test‐negative design was used with vaccination status defined as receipt of ≥1 dose of any influenza vaccine according to medical records, registries, and/or self‐report. Influenza infection was determined by reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction. VE estimates were calculated using odds ratios from multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, time from illness onset to enrollment, high‐risk conditions, calendar time, and vaccination status‐site interaction.ResultsFor all sites combined, VE was statistically significant every season against all influenza and against the predominant circulating strains (VE = 19%‐50%) Few differences among four sites in the US Flu VE Network were evident in five seasons. However, in 2015‐16, overall VE in one site was 24% (95% CI = −4%‐44%), while VE in two other sites was significantly higher (61%, 95% CI = 49%‐71%; P = .002, and 53%, 95% CI = 33,67; P = .034).ConclusionWith few exceptions, site‐specific VE estimates aligned with each other and overall VE estimates. Observed VE may reflect inherent differences in community characteristics of the sites and highlights the importance of diverse settings for studying influenza vaccine effectiveness.
Experimental strategy to determine nitrogen catalytic behavior of high‐temperature woven ceramics
Authors: Meyers Jason M. , Owens Walten P. , Fletcher Douglas G. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractNew vehicle deceleration strategies have led to the development of deployable thermal protection systems with woven fabric outer layers that can withstand the harsh aerothermal environment of planetary entry. In this work, we present an experimental strategy for testing fabric samples and a method to determine nitrogen catalytic efficiency, γN, from two‐photon laser‐induced fluorescence measurements of recombining nitrogen atoms near the sample surface. Measurements were made on other silicon carbide materials to better understand the influence of the fabric structure and porosity on catalytic recombination. The three test materials studied were a monolithic α‐SiC, a CVD β‐SiC, and a single‐ply, Hi‐Nicalon β‐SiC fabric layup. Extracted catalytic efficiencies for atomic nitrogen recombination for monolithic α‐SiC, CVD β‐SiC, and single‐ply β‐SiC fabric are (6.18 ± 1.55) × 10−4 (at 1460 K), (3.59 ± 0.90) × 10−3 (at 1500 K), and (8.34 ± 2.19) × 10−4 (at 1675 K), respectively. This would categorize these materials as low‐catalytic materials for nitrogen atom recombination in this temperature range.