bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Saturable Absorption in 2D Nanomaterials and Related Photonic Devices
Authors: Wang Gaozhong , Baker‐Murray Aidan A. , Blau Werner J. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractWide‐spectral saturable absorption (SA) has been experimentally demonstrated in two‐dimensional (2D) nanomaterials with outstanding performance, such as low saturation intensity, deep modulation depth, and fast recovery time of excited carriers. Hence, 2D nanomaterials can be utilized as saturable absorbers for mode‐locking or Q‐switching to generate laser pulses with short duration and high repetition rate. Here, the SA properties of graphene, layered transition metal dichalcogenides, Group‐V elements, and other 2D nanomaterials are reviewed by summarizing their slow‐ or fast‐ saturable absorption behavior using the modified Frantz–Nodvik model or the steady‐state solution of Hercher's rate equations. The dependence of SA in 2D nanomaterials on excitation wavelength, linear absorption coefficient, and pulse duration is also explained. Finally, the applications of these 2D nanomaterials in a range of pulsed lasers are summarized.
Realization of Perovskite‐Nanowire‐Based Plasmonic Lasers Capable of Mode Modulation
Authors: Ren Kuankuan , Wang Jian , Chen Shaoqiang , Yang Qingxin , Tian Jiao , Yu Haichao , Sun Mingfei , Zhu Xiaojun , Yue Shizhong , Sun Yang , Liu Kong , Azam Muhammad , Wang Zhijie , Jin Peng , Qu Shengchun , Wang Zhanguo 
Published: June 2019

AbstractManipulating stimulated‐emission processes and overcoming the ohmic loss of metals in plasmonic lasers are of significance for the according applications in biological sensors, data storage, photolithography, and optical communications. Herein, through utilizing an electrochemical‐assisted growth method for high‐quality perovskite nanowires, plasmonic lasers based on the structure of metal/dielectric layer/perovskite nanowires are constructed. The plasmonic lasers demonstrate a threshold of 62 µJ cm−2, a high quality factor of Q ≈ 655, and a fast lasing decay time of 1.6 ps. Interestingly, the plasmonic lasers present an attractive capability in transformation from single mode to multiple modes just by adjusting the pumping energy. In addition to the broad stoichiometry‐dependent tunability of the perovskite materials, the proposed plasmonic lasers have great promise in real applications.
Modulation of Conformational Preferences of Heteroaromatic Ethers and Amides through Protonation and Ionization: Charge Effect
Authors: Dai Wenshuai , Zhang Zhe , Du Yikui 
Published: June 2019

AbstractMultiple approaches reveal the strong effects of a positive charge introduced by protonation or ionization on the conformation of o‐heteroaromatic ethers and amides. The ethers and amides containing an ortho‐N heteroatom are syn‐preferring while those containing an ortho‐O or ortho‐S heteroatom are mostly anti‐preferring. However, for all the monocyclic o‐heteroaromatic ethers and amides, the protonated ones are all anti‐preferring while the ionized ones are all syn‐preferring. Interestingly, although both the protonation and ionization introduce a positive charge, they have such different effects on molecular conformation, very informative for understanding the origin of conformational preferences. Detailed analysis shows that the population of the introduced positive charge dictates the conformational preferences via electrostatic and orbital interactions. Compared to ortho‐heteroatoms, meta‐heteroatoms have weaker effect on conformational preference. Achieved by complete inductive method, the regularity of conformational preferences and switching provides easy ways to modulate conformers (by pH or redox), and makes this kind of ether or amide bond a conformational hinge applicable to design of functional molecules (drugs and materials) and modulation of molecular biological processes.
Minimal structural perturbations for controllability of a networked system: Complexities and approximations
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Zhou Tong 
Published: June 2019

SummaryLink additions/deletions and actuator/sensor failures are common structural perturbations for real networked systems. In this paper, we consider three related problems on determining the minimal cost structural perturbations, including link additions, link deletions, and input deletions to make a networked system structurally controllable/uncontrollable, mainly focusing on their computational complexities and approximations. Formally, given a structured system, it is proven that (i) it is NP‐hard to add the minimal cost of links, including links among state variables (ie, state links) and links from the existing inputs to state variables (ie, input links), from a given set of links to make the system structurally controllable; (ii) it is NP‐hard to determine the minimal cost of links whose deletions deteriorate structural controllability of the system, even when the removable links are restricted in either the input links or the state links. It is also proven that determining the minimal cost of inputs whose deletions cause structural uncontrollability is strongly NP‐hard even with dedicated input structure. Furthermore, some fundamental approximation results for these problems are established. These results may serve an answer to the general hardness and approximability of optimally designing (modifying) a structurally controllable network topology and of measuring controllability robustness against link/input failures. Additionally, several polynomial‐time tractable cases of the aforementioned problems are also identified.
Small satellites and CubeSats: Survey of structures, architectures, and protocols
Authors: Davoli Franco , Kourogiorgas Charilaos , Marchese Mario , Panagopoulos Athanasios , Patrone Fabio 
Published: June 2019

SummaryThe space environment is still challenging but is becoming more and more attractive for an increasing number of entities. In the second half of the 20th century, a huge amount of funds was required to build satellites and gain access to space. Nowadays, it is no longer so. The advancement of technologies allows producing very small hardware components able to survive the strict conditions of the outer space. Consequently, small satellites can be designed for a wide set of missions keeping low design times, production costs, and deployment costs. One widely used type of small satellite is the CubeSat, whose different aspects are surveyed in the following: mission goals, hardware subsystems and components, possible network topologies, channel models, and suitable communication protocols. We also show some future challenges related to the employment of CubeSat networks.
Improving sustainable development and firm performance in emerging economies by implementing green supply chain activities
Authors: Jawaad Mehwish , Zafar Sohail 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe concept of green supply chain management (GrSCM) and sustainable development is still thought to be in the initial phases in the academic and research arena especially in Asian emerging economies. This study adopts a more holistic approach toward investigating the influential power of GrSCM on firm performance measures with a mediating role of investment recovery and competitiveness. The current study serves as an initiative to identify if the association between investment recovery and firm performance measures is mediated by competitiveness. Data were collected from 272, ISO (14001) certified textile firms based in Pakistan, and the theoretical model was assessed using partial least square structural equation modeling. Underpinning the resource dependence theory, the statistical results reveal that GrSCM practices positively impact firm performances whereas investment recovery acts as a strong mediator between intraorganizational green activities and company's performance.
Causal relationships between carbon dioxide emissions and economic factors: Evidence from China
Authors: Wang Mei Ling , Wang Wei , Du Shen Yue , Li Cun Fang , He Zhengxia 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThis study investigates the causal relationship between carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and economic factors in Chinese provinces. Then, this study undertakes a comparative analysis of the eastern, central, and western provinces using a vector autoregressive model and panel data for 1997–2015. The results show there is unidirectional causality from per capita gross domestic product (GDP) to CO2 emissions in eastern and central provinces. Meanwhile, there is unidirectional causality from CO2 emissions to GDP per capita in western provinces. There is unidirectional causality between CO2 emissions to foreign direct investment in central and western provinces but no impact in eastern provinces. However, there is unidirectional causality between CO2 emissions to export volume only in eastern provinces. Based on the results, this study concludes that to reduce CO2 emissions, China should not only implement strict laws and regulations but should also advocate green investment, technological innovation, development of a circular economy, and sustainable development.
Optimizing the Surface Properties of MgO Nanoparticles Towards the Transesterification of Glycerol to Glycerol Carbonate
Authors: Manikandan Marimuthu , Sangeetha Palanivelu 
Published: June 2019

AbstractMgO nanoparticles (NPs) were successfully fabricated by a facile, inexpensive and green synthesis protocol using soluble starch as a green bio‐template. The influence of calcination temperature on its textural properties and catalytic efficiency has been investigated in detail. The enhancement of MgO NPs crystallinity by increasing the calcination temperature is found from X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses. N2‐sorption studies and CO2‐temperature programmed desorption (TPD) measurements revealed that the MgO NPs calcined at 500 °C have superior textural properties and strong surface basicity. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis conferred that the MgO‐500 NPs furnished the optimized surface Lewis sites, consequently outperforms better transesterification activity. The fabricated MgO‐500 NPs exhibited an excellent catalytic activity towards the efficient conversion of glycerol to glycerol carbonate (GC) with more than 93% selectivity. The intelligibility of the adopted synthesis is eco‐benign and wide utility as a solid base catalyst for several organic transformations.
Fe‐doped CoNi0.5P Hierarchical Arrays as Efficient Bifunctional Electrocatalysts for Overall Water Splitting: Evolution of Morphology and Coordination of Catalytic Performance
Authors: Zhang Wenzhuo , Chen Guangyi , Zhao Jian , Liang Jicai , Liu Guangfei , Ji Baowei , Sun Lifeng 
Published: June 2019

AbstractDesign and synthesis of bifunctional electrocatalysts with high efficient and durability for electrolytic water splitting still remain an important matter for the research of renewable energy systems. Herein, a series of CoNi0.5FexP/CC (x=0, 0.08, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5) catalysts have been successfully prepared by a simple hydrothermal and phosphorization process, and directly used as bifunctional electrocatalysts for OER and HER. Benefiting from the suitable Fe element doping content and novel nanowire‐nanosheet co‐existent hierarchical nanostructure, the optimal CoNi0.5Fe0.125P/CC catalyst shows an outstanding bifunctional catalytic performance, with 344 mV low overpotential to reach at 100 mA cm−2 during OER process and 74 mV overpotential to reach at 10 mA cm−2 during HER process. The water electrolysis device employing CoNi0.5Fe0.125P/CC as cathode and anode at the same time, it only requires as low as 1.61 V of voltage to achieve the current density of 10 mA cm−2 in alkaline solution, implying a great practical application value of this novel hierarchical nanostructured material for overall water splitting.
Ring Opening Reaction of 3,4‐Dihydro‐2H‐1,3‐Benzoxazine with Amines at Room Temperature
Authors: Zong Jiapeng , Ran Qichao 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe ring‐opening reaction of p‐cresol‐based 1,3‐benzoxazine with amine at room temperature was investigated in different solvents. Results show that the reactions proceeded easily in protic solvents, but no reaction occurred in aprotic solvents. For different amines involved in the reactions, both primary and secondary amines can participate in the reaction with benzoxazine, while tertiary amines would hinder the progress of the nucleophilic reaction. The mechanism study demonstrated the feasibility of polymerization of the benzoxazine with amines at room temperature. Moreover, the crosslinking between bifunctional benzoxazine and diamine was realized at room temperature, and the polymer can be obtained.
Dark‐Exciton‐Mediated Fano Resonance from a Single Gold Nanostructure on Monolayer WS2 at Room Temperature
Authors: Wang Mingsong , Wu Zilong , Krasnok Alex , Zhang Tianyi , Liu Mingzu , Liu He , Scarabelli Leonardo , Fang Jie , Liz‐Marzán Luis M. , Terrones Mauricio , Alù Andrea , Zheng Yuebing 
Published: June 2019

AbstractStrong spatial confinement and highly reduced dielectric screening provide monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides with strong many‐body effects, thereby possessing optically forbidden excitonic states (i.e., dark excitons) at room temperature. Herein, the interaction of surface plasmons with dark excitons in hybrid systems consisting of stacked gold nanotriangles and monolayer WS2 is explored. A narrow Fano resonance is observed when the hybrid system is surrounded by water, and the narrowing of the spectral Fano linewidth is attributed to the plasmon‐enhanced decay of dark K‐K excitons. These results reveal that dark excitons in monolayer WS2 can strongly modify Fano resonances in hybrid plasmon–exciton systems and can be harnessed for novel optical sensors and active nanophotonic devices.
Long‐Range Ordered Crystals of 3D Inorganic–Organic Heterojunctions via Colloidal Lithography
Authors: Kandjani Ahmad Esmaielzadeh , Ramanathan Rajesh , Zabara Mahsa , Sabri Ylias M. , Bhargava Suresh K. , Bansal Vipul 
Published: June 2019

AbstractColloidal lithography (CL) has evolved as an alternative to conventional photo‐ and electron‐beam lithography to pattern surfaces with nanometer range resolution. As CL offers substrate‐independent precise positioning and patterning of nanomaterials as long‐range ordered crystals, this has seen new opportunities in optoelectronics. Herein, the scope of CL is expanded to fabricate for the first time, 3D organic–inorganic heterojunction photocatalysts with well‐controlled spacing and coverage density. To achieve this, monodisperse polystyrene (PS) beads of different sizes are used as colloidal masks on a ZnO substrate. Electron beam assisted silver deposition onto these PS masks, and subsequent removal of PS lead to the formation of patterns of silver nanostars on the ZnO thin film. The solid–vapor reaction of silver nanostars with a metal‐coordinating charge‐transfer complex of 7,7,8,8‐tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) allows spontaneous conversion of Ag nanostars to the large aspect ratio nanowires of metal–organic AgTCNQ semiconductors. This strategy, combining the strengths of CL with high electron affinity of TCNQ molecules allows facile fabrication of long‐range patterns of the heterojunctions of organic (AgTCNQ) and inorganic (ZnO) semiconductors. These surface‐supported 3D heterojunctions act as outstanding photocatalysts through their ability to efficiently separate the electron–hole pairs and thus increasing the electron–hole life times.
The Incorporation of Extracellular Vesicles from Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Into CD34+ Cells Increases Their Clonogenic Capacity and Bone Marrow Lodging Ability
Authors: Preciado Silvia , Muntión Sandra , Corchete Luis A. , Ramos Teresa L. , Torre Ana G. , Osugui Lika , Rico Ana , Espinosa-Lara Natalia , Gastaca Irene , Díez-Campelo María , Cañizo Consuelo , Sánchez-Guijo Fermín 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) may exert their functions by the release of extracellular vesicles (EV). Our aim was to analyze changes induced in CD34+ cells after the incorporation of MSC-EV. MSC-EV were characterized by flow cytometry (FC), Western blot, electron microscopy, and nanoparticle tracking analysis. EV incorporation into CD34+ cells was confirmed by FC and confocal microscopy, and then reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and arrays were performed in modified CD34+ cells. Apoptosis and cell cycle were also evaluated by FC, phosphorylation of signal activator of transcription 5 (STAT5) by WES Simple, and clonal growth by clonogenic assays. Human engraftment was analyzed 4 weeks after CD34+ cell transplantation in nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient mice. Our results showed that MSC-EV incorporation induced a downregulation of proapoptotic genes, an overexpression of genes involved in colony formation, and an activation of the Janus kinase (JAK)-STAT pathway in CD34+ cells. A significant decrease in apoptosis and an increased CD44 expression were confirmed by FC, and increased levels of phospho-STAT5 were confirmed by WES Simple in CD34+ cells with MSC-EV. In addition, these cells displayed a higher colony-forming unit granulocyte/macrophage clonogenic potential. Finally, the in vivo bone marrow lodging ability of human CD34+ cells with MSC-EV was significantly increased in the injected femurs. In summary, the incorporation of MSC-EV induces genomic and functional changes in CD34+ cells, increasing their clonogenic capacity and their bone marrow lodging ability. Stem Cells 2019;37:1357–1368
Optische Schnittstellen
Authors: Trützschler A. , Bartlitz C. , Kohl M. , Voigtländer C. , Lindner E. , Bergner K. , Flämmich M. , Bergner U. 
Published: June 2019

SummaryOptical interfaces: Viewing into the vacuumThe requirements concerning in‐vacuum process diagnostics are more and more challenging. On the one hand, the setup itself has to be decoupled from the process to avoid any external impact on the process. On the other hand, the process parameters have to be in‐situ characterized and controlled by an in‐vacuum monitoring system. In the vicinity of these two contradictive requirements optical fiber applications gain more and more impact, since optical fibers cover several advantages: high transmission signal, inherent immunity against external electromagnetic forces, high durability and high mechanical as well as optical flexibility. The focus of the contribution is a new in‐vacuum optical temperature sensor combined with high‐temperature fiber optical feedthroughs. The sensor based on fiber Bragg gratings (FBG) in the optical fiber, which are extremely sensitive to temperature variations. In a first case study, the application of FBG with the feedthrough as an in‐vacuum optical temperature sensor is demonstrated. Thus an optical fiber containing a bunch of several FBG becomes a compact, robust, and flexible in‐vacuum network of local temperature sensors. Each individual sensor captures temperature variations over a signal path that is several km long with a remarkable accuracy up to 0.1 K and with speed of light.
What impact does equity crowdfunding have on SME innovation and growth? An empirical study
Authors: Eldridge Derek , Nisar Tahir M. , Torchia Mariateresa 
Published: June 2019

AbstractWe examine the impact of equity crowdfunding on innovation and growth opportunity within small- and medium-sized enterprises. While previous studies have generally focused on the realm of crowdfunding and how it can close the financing gap for small firms, recent academic attention has turned toward assessing the outcome of equity crowdfunding, measured in terms of successes (or failures) in post-campaign firm financing. Using data from Fame BVD for small firms operating in the UK, we investigate whether equity crowdfunding can act as a catalyst for innovation and growth. The findings show that crowdfunding does not have a significant influence on innovation in small firms, thereby disproving the proposition that the use of crowdfunding leads to an increase in innovation. Nonetheless, crowdfunding does have an impact on the growth opportunity of small firms, with a strong positive correlation. Our further tests on return on assets models and propensity score and controlled firm-matching models show a positive impact of crowdfunding on small firms’ performance. We also discuss the implications of our findings for small firms’ use of equity crowdfunding for business growth opportunities.
Some Observations on Industrial Assurance
Authors: Rea C. H. E. 
Published: June 2019

The almost phenomenal advances that have recently been made in the business of industrial assurance have brought this branch of our provident system into a position of national importance. Ten years ago, the business of our industrial companies was, roughly speaking, as under:—whereas to-day it is, approximately,Beyond the business of these companies, a very large number of industrial assurance contracts exist in the societies, clubs, and various orders registered under the Friendly Societies Act of 1875.
The Problem of Copyhold Fine Enfranchisement
Authors: Mathews George S. 
Published: June 2019

The problem of estimating the lord's interest in a copyhold property which is subject to a fine on death and alienation, in other words, the enfranchisement value of such a property, has been a constant source of perplexity to Surveyors.Its chief difficulty arises from the fact that the contingency of alienation has to be taken into account, in addition to the contingency of death, which is alone involved in ordinary actuarial problems.
On the Value of the Option of Withdrawal in Deferred Annuity Contracts
Authors: Paterson W. B. 
Published: June 2019

The subject of this paper was suggested by a perusal of the correspondence in the 12th and 13th volumes of the Journal, in which several members of the Institute engaged, and which left the matter in an unsatisfactory position.Since that time no further notice of the subject appears to have been taken; but the publication of the last Government Annuity Tables renders further investigation of the subject possible.
Activation is not a panacea: active labour market policy, long-term unemployment and institutional complementarity
Authors: BENDA LUC , KOSTER FERRY , VAN DER VEEN ROMKE 
Published: June 2019

AbstractEvaluation studies of active labour market policy show different activation measures generate contradictory results. In the present study, we argue that these contradictory results are due to the fact that the outcomes of activation measures depend on other institutions. The outcome measure in this study is the long-term unemployment rate. Two labour market institutions are of special interest in this context: namely, employment protection and unemployment benefits. Both institutions, depending on their design, may either increase or decrease the effectiveness of active labour market policies in lowering long-term unemployment. Based on an analysis of macro-level data on 20 countries over a period of 16 years, our results show that employment protection strictness and unemployment benefit generosity interact with the way in which active labour market policies relate to long-term unemployment. Our results also indicate that, depending on the measure used, active labour market policies fit either in a flexible or in a coordinated labour market. This suggests that active labour market policies can adhere to both institutional logics, which are encapsulated in different types of measures.