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The Ensemble and mixture of expertise method is the most intuitive and simple way to improve performance in the field of recognition using convolutional neural networks (CNNs). However, Ensemble is difficult to apply in real-time operation applications because the amount of computational overhead and parameters increase in proportion to the number of models. In another, a mixture of expertise that extracts various expertise and combines it is cumbersome to apply because it requires a large change in the network. In this study, we propose Sequential Feature Filtering Classifier (FFC), a simple but effective classifier for CNNs. Using sequential LayerNorm and ReLU, FFC zeroes out low-activation units and preserves high-activation units. The sequential feature filtering process generates multiple features, which are transmitted to a shared classifier, yielding multiple outputs (multiple expertise). FFC can be applied to any CNN with a classifier and it significantly improves the performance with negligible overhead. In this study, the efficacy of FFC is validated extensively on various tasks—ImageNet-1K classification, MS COCO detection, Cityscapes segmentation, and HMDB51 action recognition. Moreover, it is empirically established that FFC can further improve performances using additional techniques, including attention modules. Code is available at https://github.com/seominseok0429/Sequential-Feature-Filtering-Classifier.

PURPOSE The implant-enhanced latissimus dorsi (LD) flap, or a hybrid LD flap, is widely used in certain indications, even though abdominal-based flaps are now considered the gold standard of autologous breast reconstruction. However, few articles distinguish the hybrid LD flap from traditional LD flaps, and not many articles have compared the surgical outcomes, with the abdominal-based flap procedure, especially in the area of immediate breast reconstruction. In addition, it is often overlooked that the reported esthetic comparisons are based on different populations and contralateral balancing procedures (CBPs). Thus, this study aimed to review the reconstruction outcomes and to compare the variable-matched esthetic outcomes between 2 groups. METHODS A retrospective review of patients who underwent immediate breast reconstruction with either a hybrid LD flap or an abdominal-based free flap and had completed at least 2 years of follow-up visits was carried out. The patient demographics, oncologic data, breast parameters, and postoperative outcomes were compared across the entire patient group. The body mass index (BMI)- and CBP-matched cohort was randomly selected and assessed using the Aesthetic Outcome parameter of the Aesthetic Item Scale. RESULT Thirty-eight hybrid LD flap and 51 abdominal-based free flap procedures were included. The hybrid LD group showed a shorter operation time (330 ± 260 minutes vs 550 ± 480 minutes, respectively; P < 0.01), and fewer patients in the hybrid LD group underwent additional revision surgeries (7 [18.4%] vs 20 [39.2%], respectively; P < 0.01). Other complication rates were not significantly different between groups. A BMI- and CBP-matched esthetic analysis revealed that the hybrid LD group showed superior results in symmetry (Mann-Whitney U test, P = 0.047). CONCLUSIONS The LD flap in combination with an implant remains a viable option in immediate breast reconstruction and had a similar complication profile while having a shorter operative time compared with the abdominal-based autologous breast reconstruction procedure. If properly used in certain populations, hybrid LD flaps may offer superior results regarding symmetry over the abdominal-based flap procedure.

As deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap surgery is gaining popularity, more patients including BRCA-positive patients need simultaneous laparoscopic surgery. We share our experience on a patient who underwent concurrent laparoscopic hysterectomy during flap elevation with a novel method. A patient diagnosed with a right breast cancer also required laparoscopic hysterectomy due to multiple uterine myoma. After perforator mapping was performed, flap elevation through external oblique fascia level was carried out first, sparing the periumbilical perforator and superficial inferior epigastric vein. Three ports were inserted for laparoscopy on posterior fascia level in the periumbilical area, left upper quadrant area and suprapubic area. The surgery was completed without any complication, gas leaks or vascular injury with the advantage of reduced risk of vascular damage and less surgical incision.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to empirically examine the inequality perpetuated through social categories in accessing the social capital generated through the microfinance interventions in India as the country has pronounced economic inequality by social categories like many developing stratified societies.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses survey data collected from 75 villages in rural India and tests whether the formation and maximization of social capital through self-help groups (SHGs) is dominated by social categories, e.g. high-caste groups, males and superior occupation classes. Using logistic regression framework, the study assesses the formation and maximization of social capital through multiple SHG membership.FindingsThe paper finds that the microfinance approach of empowering weaker sections is considerably limited in its success, in the sense that it provides them with the opportunity to the credit access and support through SHGs. But, the empirical model further indicates that social capital in form of these SHGs may fall prey to the dominant social categories, and thus, these institutions may potentially enhance inequality.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper is derived from the secondary data set, so it is unable to comment field reality qualitatively.Practical implicationsMicrofinance policy makers will have an improved understanding of inherent social inequalities while implementing group-based programs in socially stratified societies.Originality/valueSocial capital, if treated as an outcome accumulated in form of groups, provides with an important framework to assess the unequal access through the microfinance interventions. Overlooking the inherent unequal access will deceive the purpose of social justice in the group-based interventions. The microfinance and other welfare policies engaged in group formation and generating the social capital need to be more sensitive to the disadvantageous sections while focusing on multiple group access by disadvantaged social groups.

Selective periarterial sympathectomy in Raynaud phenomenon (RP) has not been adequately studied as there was no reliable method to evaluate outcomes. However, dynamic Doppler ultrasonography may have clinical value in the management and follow-up of patients with RP; but few reports describe using the device to assess surgical outcomes. Here, we report a case of successful digital sympathectomy in a single digit and the postoperative evaluation using ultrasonography. A 23-year-old patient with secondary RP underwent surgery targeting both common digital artery (ulnar side) and the proper digital artery (radial side). The procedure yielded immediate pain relief and the improvement of recurrent fingertip ulceration. The 1-year postoperative assessment with dynamic Doppler ultrasonography using a hockey-stick probe was performed with a cold provocation test and revealed peak systolic velocity improvement comparable to the nontreated ulnar side but prominent fibrosis on the radial aspect. We anticipate that Doppler ultrasonography may be an effective tool for the postoperative assessment of patients who underwent digital sympathectomy for treatment of RP.

Whilst copper and silver are the conductors of choice for myriad current and emerging applications, patterning these metals is a slow and costly process. We report the remarkable finding that an extremely thin (∼10 nm) printed layer of specific organofluorine compounds enables selective deposition of copper and silver vapour, with metal condensing only where the organofluorine layer is not. This unconventional approach is fast, inexpensive, avoids metal waste and the use of harmful chemical etchants, and leaves the metal surface uncontaminated. We have used this approach to fabricate thin films of these metals with 6 million apertures cm−2 and grids of ∼1 μm lines, through to 10 cm diameter apertures. We have also fabricated semi-transparent organic solar cells in which the top silver electrode is patterned with a dense array of 2 μm diameter apertures, which cannot be achieved by any other scalable means directly on an organic electronic device.

Smoke detection is very important for fire detection, because smoke usually occurs before a fire breaks out. Smoke has a variety of characteristics, such as color, shape, texture, and so on. Using these characteristics, there has been a lot of research on smoke detection based on image processing. However, smoke detection is still difficult, because these characteristics can change due to environmental factors, such as wind and lighting changes. So, in this paper, a new smoke detection method based on fire-starting regions is presented to reduce sensitivity to environmental factors. The proposed method consists of three main parts: i) generating a candidate smoke region, ii) fire starting?region detection, and iii) detecting smoke based on fire-starting regions and predicting the direction of smoke movement. As a result, the proposed smoke detection method is less sensitive to the motion of non-smoke objects (humans, shadows, vehicles, etc.) and can detect smoke quickly by determining the fire-starting region where the smoke is generated. The proposed detection method can be applied to a video surveillance system and a fire- and smoke-analysis system.

The causal attribution of performance has not been explicitly considered in the performance feedback literature, despite its potential value in learning from prior performance. In this study, we develop a theory concerning the attribution in learning from performance feedback and explore how the attribution of past alliance performance can influence a firm’s choice between future acquisitions and alliances. We also examine the mechanisms by which attribution manifests by exploring how three theoretical factors, known to influence attribution, can moderate the relationship - the diffusion of responsibility, the perceived capability of partners, and the ambiguity of performance information. We find strong evidence supporting our predictions. This study contributes to the performance feedback literature by integrating attribution with performance feedback theory. It also extends research on corporate strategy by providing a behavioral account of the choice between acquisitions and alliances.

We utilize a quasi-experimental setting that exogenously changes costs to acquire the targeted firm, which allows us to examine the relationship between the costs of acquisitions and decisions to pursue alliances. We find that firms with increased acquisition costs, due to the increased takeover protection, are more likely to experience alliances than their comparison group and that equity alliances are more likely to be adopted to substitute for acquisitions than non-equity alliances. Our post-hoc analyses also reveal that when the cost of acquisition increases, acquisitions indeed become less likely and that the sequential investment relationship of alliances and acquisitions becomes less likely. Finally, we show that following an increase in takeover protection, alliance performance decreases and acquisition premium increases.

Purpose This paper aims to explore trade policy measures taken in response to COVID-19 and analyses in detail their extent and nature. It assesses their compatibility with World Trade Organisation (WTO) agreements: specifically, whether they were necessary and justifiable efforts to protect the security and health of populations and asks how this widespread recourse to trade barriers may impact on international business? Design/methodology/approach This paper analyses an extensive database from the International Trade Centre of trade measures taken in response to COVID-19. It differentiates by type of country, nature and coverage of measures (imports or exports, type of product…). On the basis of existing jurisprudence, this paper analyses whether restrictive measures were likely to be judged legal under WTO rules. Findings This paper finds that, although the majority of trade measures are probably justifiable, there were nevertheless many measures whose coverage and/or nature was such that a justification under existing WTO exceptions is, at the very least, arguable. Such widespread and intense instigation of potentially WTO incompatible measures in such a short period of time undoubtedly undermines the global trade rules on which international business has relied for decades. Originality/value There is little existing analysis of the legality of measures taken under the security exceptions and no substantial analyses of the measures taken in response to COVID-19. Furthermore, little scholarly attention has been paid to the impacts on international business of the increasing use of WTO “exceptions” to justify trade measures to protect national industries and populations.

Objective To compare the reliability of the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) with the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) in evaluating thyroidectomy scars. Methods At 6 months after the operation, 112 patients who underwent thyroid surgery via collar neck incision were evaluated by two blinded plastic surgeons and two senior residents using the VSS and the observer component of the POSAS. In addition, the observer-reported VAS score and patient-reported Likert score were evaluated. Internal consistency, interobserver reliability, and correlations between the patient- and observer-reported outcomes were examined. Results The observer component of POSAS scores demonstrated higher internal consistency and interobserver reliability than the VSS. However, the correlations between the observer-reported VAS score and the patient-reported Likert score (0.450) and between the total sum of patient and observer component scores (0.551) were low to moderate. Conclusions The POSAS is more consistent over repeated measurements; accordingly, it may be considered a more objective and reliable scar assessment tool than the VSS. However, a clinician's perspective may not exactly match the patient's perception of the same scar.

The meter reading.system field has been researched from conventional methods centered on image processing technology to techniques based on learning methods such as machine learning or deep learning. The biggest problem for meter reading systems based on computer vision is difficulty in recognizing the various kinds of meters. In fact, there are more than five major manufacturers for the meters installed in Korea. There are different meter reading areas, ID regions, and number formats by version. Because of these problems, most of the meter reading is still done hands-on. In this paper, we present an automatic meter.reading system that can work simply and efficiently, compared to existing meter reading systems that need a skilled worker. Our meter reading system consists of three parts: i) detection of meter-reading and ID regions using You Only Look Once (YOLO), ii) digit segmentation for recognition, and iii) convolutional neural network (CNN)-based digit recognition. It is possible to robustly detect and recognize various meter types by using the method presented here. Therefore, it can provide an environment where gas meter checkers can work efficiently without inconvenient procedures.

Progranulin (PGRN) is a cysteine-rich secreted protein expressed in endothelial cells, immune cells, neurons, and adipocytes. It was first identified for its growth factor-like properties, being implicated in tissue remodeling, development, inflammation, and protein homeostasis. However, these findings are controversial, and the role of PGRN in liver disease remains unknown. In the current study, we examined the effect of PGRN in two different models of chronic liver disease, methionine‐choline‐deficient diet (MCD)-induced non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis. To induce long-term expression of PGRN, PGRN-expressing adenovirus was delivered via injection into the tibialis anterior. In the CCl4-induced fibrosis model, PGRN showed protective effects against hepatic injury, inflammation, and fibrosis via inhibition of nuclear transcription factor kappa B (NF-κB) phosphorylation. PGRN also decreased lipid accumulation and inhibited pro-inflammatory cytokine production and fibrosis in the MCD-induced NASH model. In vitro treatment of primary macrophages and Raw 264.7 cells with conditioned media from hepatocytes pre-treated with PGRN prior to stimulation with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α or palmitate decreased their expression of pro-inflammatory genes. Furthermore, PGRN suppressed inflammatory and fibrotic gene expression in a cell culture model of hepatocyte injury and primary stellate cell activation. These observations increase our understanding of the role of PGRN in liver injury and suggest PGRN delivery as a potential therapeutic strategy in chronic inflammatory liver disease.

Achieving well-defined multilayer structure is a key to improve device performance of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), especially in solution-processed OLEDs. Use of cross-linkable hole-transporting materials (HTMs) is therefore gaining much attention to achieve such multilayer structures. One of representative solution-processable HTM is TFB, poly[(9,9-dioctylfluorenyl-2,7-diyl)-co-(4,4'-(N-(4-sec-butylphenyl)diphenylamine)], but it does not have any cross-linkable units in its chemical structures. In this work, we performed basic physical characterization of a new cross-linkable HTM, HL-X026, and we also investigated its OLED characteristics. Actual solvent resistance by varying the thermal curing temperatures was measured. The thermally cross-linkable HL-X026 showed better device performances than simple TFB with higher luminance and efficiencies.

Fisheries subsidies norms and discussions at present are based on the subsidy framework under the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures. This approach is pertinent vis-à-vis various types of governmental subsidies provided to fisheries industries. It, however, fails to tackle illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, one of the core targets of the fisheries subsidies norms, because few governments ‘subsidize’ illegal activities such as IUU. As far as IUU fishing is concerned, the real challenge is not about subsidies but about how to enforce domestic laws and regulations to punish owners, operators, and fishermen engaged in such illegal activities. Future discussion of fisheries subsidies norms regarding IUU should reflect the law enforcement aspect in addition to the present subsidy aspect.

Celastrol, a pentacyclic triterpene, is the most potent antiobesity agent that has been reported thus far1. The mechanism of celastrol’s leptin-sensitizing and antiobesity effects has not yet been elucidated. In this study, we identified interleukin-1 receptor 1 (IL1R1) as a mediator of celastrol’s action by using temporally resolved analysis of the hypothalamic transcriptome in celastrol-treated DIO, lean, and db/db mice. We demonstrate that IL1R1-deficient mice are completely resistant to the effects of celastrol in leptin sensitization and treatment of obesity, diabetes, and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Thus, we conclude that IL1R1 is a gatekeeper for celastrol’s metabolic actions. IL1R1 is a gatekeeper for celastrol’s metabolic actions.

Background Thoracodorsal vessels (TDVs) and internal mammary vessels (IMVs) have both been widely employed as recipient vessels for use in free muscle-sparing transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (MS-TRAM) flaps. However, whether TDVs or IMVs are preferable as recipient vessels for autologous breast reconstruction with a free MS-TRAM flap remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes when TDVs were used as recipient vessels to those obtained when IMVs were used as recipient vessels for autologous breast reconstruction with a free MS-TRAM flap. Methods A retrospective matched-cohort study was performed. We retrospectively reviewed data collected from patients who underwent a free MS-TRAM flap for autologous breast reconstructions after mastectomy between March 2003 and June 2013. After a one-to-one matching using age, 100 autologous breast reconstructions were selected in this study. Of the 100 breast reconstructions, 50 flaps were anastomosed to TDVs and 50 to IMVs. Patient demographics and clinical outcomes including operation time, length of hospital stay, postoperative complications, and aesthetic score were compared between the two groups. Results No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in patient demographics and clinical outcomes, including the complication rates and aesthetic scores. There were no major complications such as total or partial flap loss in either group. Conclusions The results of our study demonstrate that both TDVs and IMVs were safe and efficient as recipient vessels in terms of the complication rates and aesthetic outcomes.

The aim of the present study was to re-visit the gingival dimension using digital scanning in a healthy Korean population. Forty-eight periodontally healthy volunteers (38 males and 10 females, mean age: 24.3 ± 2.2 years) were included. The mucogingival junction was highlighted using 2.5% diluted iodine solution. Then, the facial gingiva and mucosa of both jaws were digitally scanned using an intraoral digital scanner. Using computer software and periodontal probing, the heights and areas of keratinized gingiva (KG) and attached gingiva (AG) were measured. Similar distribution patterns in the gingival heights were noted in the maxilla and mandible. The maxilla showed substantially greater gingival values than the mandible. The heights of the KG and AG were notably smaller on the mandibular first premolar (2.37 mm and 1.07 mm, median value) and second molar (3.28 mm and 1.78 mm) than on the other teeth. The area of the KG was the largest in the canine (63.74 mm2 and 46.85 mm2) and first molar (64.14 mm2 and 58.82 mm2) in each jaw. Mandibular first and second molars, mandibular canine, and maxillary canine showed the highest value of the area under the receiver operation characteristics curve (&gt, 0.7) for differentiating between males and females. The gingival dimensions recorded using intraoral scanner demonstrated similar distribution patterns as in previous studies.

Background: Radial probe endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial lung biopsy (RP-EBUS-TBLB) is widely used for diagnosis of peripheral lung lesions (PLLs). To date, there have been no reports regarding the clinical outcomes of RP-EBUS-TBLB for PLLs in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Objectives: This study was performed between October 2017 and December 2019 to identify the safety and diagnostic performance of RP-EBUS-TBLB in IPF patients. Methods: Patients were divided into the usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) group (n = 39, 4%), the probable UIP group (n = 12, 1%), and the noninterstitial lung disease (non-ILD) group (n = 903, 95%). Results: The diagnostic yield was significantly lower in the UIP group than in the non-ILD group (62% vs. 76%; p = 0.042), but there were no significant differences between the UIP and probable UIP groups (62% vs. 83%; p = 0.293) or the probable UIP and non-ILD groups (83% vs. 76%; p = 0.741). Multivariate logistic analysis showed that the mean diameter of PLLs, positive bronchus sign on CT, and “within the lesion” status on EBUS were independently associated with success of the procedure. Especially, the presence of the UIP pattern on CT (OR, 0.385; 95% CI: 0.172–0.863; p = 0.020) was independently associated with failed diagnosis. Among patients with UIP, “within the lesion” status on EBUS (OR, 25.432; 95% CI: 2.321–278.666; p = 0.008) was shown to be a factor contributing to a successful diagnosis. Overall, there were no significant differences in complication rates among the 3 study groups. Conclusion: RP-EBUS-TBLB can be performed safely with an acceptable diagnostic yield, even in patients with IPF.

We analyse the risk and return relationship of firms sorted by environmental and social (ES) ratings. We document that ES ratings do not have a statistically significant relationship with either average stock returns or unconditional market risk measures. Firms with high ES ratings have significantly lower downside risk than firms with lower ES ratings. However, a two standard-deviation move across stocks on ES score results in a decrease in downside risk measuring only 4–8% of the underlying downside risk measure’s standard deviation. This decrease in downside risk for high ES firms can be partly attributed to the news sentiment about the firms and institutional trading. Our results suggest that ES investing may not be justified solely based on the risk-return relationship of ES firms.

Silver nanowire networks can offer exceptionally high performance as transparent electrodes for stretchable sensors, flexible optoelectronics, and energy harvesting devices. However, this type of electrode suffers from the triple drawbacks of complexity of fabrication, instability of the nanowire junctions, and high surface roughness, which limit electrode performance and utility. Here, a new concept in the fabrication of silver nanowire electrodes is reported that simultaneously addresses all three of these drawbacks, based on an electrospun nanofiber network and supporting substrate having silver vapor condensation coefficients of one and near‐zero, respectively. Consequently, when the whole substrate is exposed to silver vapor by simple thermal evaporation, metal selectively deposits onto the nanofiber network. The advantage of this approach is the simplicity, since there is no mask, chemical or dry metal etching step, or mesh transfer step. Additionally, the contact resistance between nanowires is zero and the surface roughness is sufficiently low for integration into organic photovoltaic devices. This new concept opens the door to continuous roll‐to‐roll fabrication of high‐performance fused silver nanowire electrodes for myriad potential applications.\ud \ud

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic relapsing disorder modulated by numerous factors. Recent failures of drugs targeting single factors suggest that multitargeting drugs could be useful for the treatment of IBD. Natural medicines may be an alternative option for the treatment of IBD, owing to the complex nature of the disease. However, most natural medicines have poor in vitro and in vivo translational potential because of inadequate pharmacokinetic study. KM1608, a mixture of the medicinal plants Aucklandia lappa, Terminalia chebula, and Zingiber officinale, was examined for its anti-colitis effects and biodistribution using bioimaging. Dehydrocostus lactone, as a marker compound, was analyzed to assess the biodistribution of KM1608. KM1608 significantly attenuated the disease activity of dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis in mice and suppressed inflammatory mediators such as myeloperoxidase, proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-&alpha, and IL-6), and the Th2-type cytokine IL-4 in the colon. Optical fluorescence imaging revealed that KM1608 was distributed in the intestinal area as a target organ. Collectively, our findings suggest that KM1608 is a potential therapeutic formulation for IBD.

Cancer cachexia is a highly debilitating condition characterized by weight loss and muscle wasting that contributes significantly to the morbidity and mortality of pancreatic cancer. The factors that induce cachexia in pancreatic cancer are largely unknown. We previously showed that pancreatic adenocarcinoma upregulated factor (PAUF) secreted by pancreatic cancer cells is responsible for tumor growth and metastasis. Here, we analyzed the relation between pancreatic cancer-derived PAUF and cancer cachexia in mice and its clinical significance. Body weight loss and muscle weight loss were significantly higher in mice with Panc-1/PAUF tumors than in those with Panc-1/Mock tumors. Direct administration of rPAUF to muscle recapitulated tumor-induced atrophy, and a PAUF-neutralizing antibody abrogated tumor-induced muscle wasting in Panc-1/PAUF tumor-bearing mice. C2C12 myotubes treated with rPAUF exhibited rapid inactivation of Akt-Foxo3a signaling, resulting in Atrogin1/MAFbx upregulation, myosin heavy chain loss, and muscle atrophy. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and body weight loss were significantly higher in pancreatic cancer patients with high PAUF expression than in those with low PAUF expression. Analysis of different pancreatic cancer datasets showed that PAUF expression was significantly higher in the pancreatic cancer group than in the nontumor group. Analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas data found associations between high PAUF expression or a high DNA copy number and poor overall survival. Our data identified tumor-secreted circulating PAUF as a key factor of cachexia, causing muscle wasting in mice. Neutralizing PAUF may be a useful therapeutic strategy for the treatment of pancreatic cancer-induced cachexia., Pancreatic cancer: Protein promotes cancer-related weight loss A protein involved in tumor growth is also a likely cause of weight loss during pancreatic cancer, and may be a useful target for prognosis and treatment. Pancreatic adenocarcinoma upregulated factor (PAUF) is secreted by pancreatic cancer cells and is also found in other cancers where significant weight loss occurs. Wonbeak Yoo, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, South Korea, and co-workers examined the role of PAUF in cancer-related weight loss in mice. Mice inoculated with PAUF-expressing cancer cells experienced weight loss despite no change in food consumption. PAUF increased muscle atrophy and triggered muscle wasting pathways. PAUF is routinely measured in cancer patients, and could therefore provide a convenient biomarker to inform treatment decisions. The researchers suggest that neutralising PAUF could be a valuable therapeutic option.

Driven by strong market demand, various research approaches for in-cell touch display implementation have been undertaken in recent years, with several being successfully delivered to the industry and market. As a result, in-cell touch-display solutions that offer low-profile formfactor, low module cost, and simplified supply chain have extensively replaced conventional add-on touch panels. Among these, in-cell touch liquid-crystal display (LCD) using segmented-VCOM electrodes, also known as advanced in-cell touch (AIT) LCD [1] running on touch-display-driver IC (TDD), has emerged as one of the best-performing solutions in the market.

The multilateral trading system is faltering. The WTO’s leadership is at its lowest point. There is no visible sign that this global hemorrhage will cease any time soon. This is not just about a surge of global protectionism. It is a serious blow to rule of law and global governance. For instance, demise of the multilateral trading system may delay, frustrate or even derail efforts to establish a multilateral system under rule of law in other sectors of the international community. Consider recent initiatives in the international investment sector. Discussions to pursue global competition regulation may become ever more elusive. New norms to cover artificial intelligence and digital economy may be another victim, all having seen the fall of a once-dominant global multilateral regime on trade. In a sense, global rule of law may fade and lose its relevance gradually. The WTO and its Members should be aware that what is at stake is not simply trade liberalization. It is the 73-year accumulation of global efforts to establish a truly multilateral system. The global trade regime with its multilateral structure is a vital asset of the global community. What is in danger is not merely goods or services trade—it is rather global governance based on rule of law.

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) require both high efficiency and good long-term stability if they are to be commercialized. It is crucial to finely optimize the energy level matching between the perovskites and hole-transporting materials to achieve better performance. Here, we synthesize a fluorene-terminated hole-transporting material with a fine-tuned energy level and a high glass transition temperature to ensure highly efficient and thermally stable PSCs. We use this material to fabricate photovoltaic devices with 23.2% efficiency (under reverse scanning) with a steady-state efficiency of 22.85% for small-area (~0.094 cm2) cells and 21.7% efficiency (under reverse scanning) for large-area (~1 cm2) cells. We also achieve certified efficiencies of 22.6% (small-area cells, ~0.094 cm2) and 20.9% (large-area, ~1 cm2). The resultant device shows better thermal stability than the device with spiro-OMeTAD, maintaining almost 95% of its initial performance for more than 500 h after thermal annealing at 60 °C. Interfacial losses between device layers play a key role in determining characteristics of solar cells. Jeon et al. address this in perovskite solar cells by synthesizing a hole-transporting layer that is better matched to the surrounding layers, and show high-efficiency and high-stability devices.

This paper presents a methodology for estimating the minimum design vapor pressure of prismatic pressure vessels for on-ship application. Engineering authorities guide the codes for a novel concept design such as a prismatic pressure vessel using a design by analysis (DBA). DBA methods enable high efficiency because they directly calculate the loads to avoid inherent conservativeness that exists in a design by rule (DBR). However, in DBA methods, the designer should conduct a finite element analysis (FEA) and evaluate the results iteratively to meet the design criteria. In this paper, we propose a new approach to estimating the minimum vapor pressure of a prismatic pressure vessel that follows the design philosophy of an IMO Type C independent tank. The procedure of the proposed method was demonstrated based on a case study. An FEA was also conducted for verification purposes. The results show that the proposed method can effectively estimate the required minimum shell thickness and designed vapor pressure without conducting an iterative FEA. In addition, minimization of the tank shell thickness is made possible because the proposed method directly calculates the crack propagation rate to avoid an unnecessary margin while satisfying the fatigue crack propagation criteria.

We report an influence of abnormal mixing effect of host systems having undesirable energy level and transport level in the emission layer (EML). Rather, we focused on their device performance and stability (e.g. driving lifetime) when it was prepared by solution-process. The resultant green phosphorescent organic light emitting diodes (s-OLEDs) showed reasonable device performance and interesting photo-physical properties, which revealed that we can achieve good performance if an appropriate compromise between the factors which govern a charge transport and an energy transfer processes can be realized albeit the EML has undesirable host systems with both bad energy level matching (e.g., HOMO, LUMO levels) and charge transport properties. In this study, a high performance of the s-OLEDs by controlling photo-physical pathways such as exciton quenching process (e.g. triplet-triplet annihilation). Besides, such kind of change in photo-physical pathway may be optimized by controlling the charge balance (i.e. carrier transport behaviour) where we intentionally selected N- and P-type host materials (denote NH and PH, respectively) with abnormal HOMO and LUMO energy levels.

Solution processing, especially printing of OLEDs is an issue of current research. Among various types of printing, nozzle printing does not require complicated experimental procedures, and therefo...

To investigate the effects of continuous systemic administration of esmolol on intraocular pressure (IOP) during laparoscopic and robotic surgeries for recto-sigmoid cancer in a steep Trendelenburg position.A total of 50 patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery in a steep Trendelenburg position were included. Patients in the esmolol (E) group received a 0.25 mg/kg IV loading dose of esmolol before anesthesia, followed by an infusion of 15 μg/kg/min throughout the operation. Patients in the saline (S) group were infused with the same volume of normal saline. IOP and ocular perfusion pressure were measured 16 times: before anesthetic induction (T1), before administration of the study drug (T2), after administration of anesthetic induction agents (T3), after tracheal intubation (T4), 1, 3, 5, and 10 minutes after tracheal intubation (T5-T8), immediately after intraperitoneal CO2 insufflation (T9), immediately after the steep Trendelenburg position (T10), 1, 2, and 4 hours after the steep Trendelenburg position (T11-T13), just before the supine position (T14), and 10 and 30 minutes after the supine position (T15, T16).The IOP increased markedly after adopting the steep Trendelenburg position, reaching 28.8±4.4 mm Hg in group S. The IOP at T13 in group S was ∼5.7 mm Hg higher than in group E. The IOP at T13 was ∼10.6 mm Hg higher than in T1 in group S, but only ∼4.4 mm Hg higher than in group E.Continuous systemic administration of esmolol can alleviate the increase in IOP during a sustained steep Trendelenburg position without adverse cardiovascular effects.

This paper proposes design principles of a new concept prismatic pressure vessel that is primarily constructed of plane surfaces. These principles were compared with those of conventional pressure vessel which is primarily constructed of revolutionary surfaces. Considering structural characteristics of prismatic pressure vessel, membrane force and bending moment were calculated individually. Formulas including maximum bending moment and membrane force effects were illustrated by applying Levy's method and superposition method. For total stress at the plate of the pressure vessel, membrane force effects obtained from the shear loads of adjacent plates were included to enable to get more accurate solutions. The proposed simplified formulas for prismatic pressure vessel were suggested so that they can be applied for all dimensions and thicknesses. Case studies were conducted to verify the formulas by comparing with FEM results. By providing an overview of the stress relations of a non-stiffened type prismatic pressure vessel, the design principle of a prismatic pressure vessel shows distinctive concept to the conventional cylindrical pressure vessel. The membrane force effect studied in this research will be useful in the design of larger pressure vessels that require stiffeners.

We synthesized a novel wide bandgap polymer, PDTFBT, forming a weak donor (WD)-weak acceptor (WA) structure for use in organic photodetectors (OPDs) and organic solar cells (OSCs). The fluorination in the D unit and the alkoxy substitution in the A unit induced WD and WA properties, respectively. The WD-WA structure of PDTFBT effectively broadened the bandgap compared to typical D-A structures, and the S-F and S-O dipole-dipole interactions induces a highly planar backbone structure with excellent π-π stacking in the vertical direction. In OPDs, conformationally less disordered PDTFBT polymer retained the constant responsivity and significantly improved the detectivity of PDTFBT:PC71BM devices even with a thick active layer of 470 nm, contrary to the variation in the responsivity of P3HT:PC61BM devices depending on the thickness. In OSCs, the deep HOMO energy level (−5.57 eV) of PDTFBT led to high Voc of 0.92 V in PDTFBT:PC71BM devices, which was 0.3 eV higher than that of P3HT:PC61BM devices (0.62 V), resulting in 1.8-fold enhanced power conversion efficiency. We demonstrated that the WD-WA structure with S-F and S-O interactions is highly promising strategy to make wide bandgap polymers for organic photodetectors and for the bottom cell of tandem architecture.

The role of a Ti nano-layer embedded in TaO x -based devices operating with conductive filaments consisting of oxygen vacancies was investigated. The Ti nano-layer was embedded in three different positions: the top interface (Au/TaO x ), bottom interface (TaO x /TiN), and both interfaces. The embedded Ti nano-layer serves as not only an oxygen reservoir but also a tunneling barrier in the case of the top interface. The position of the Ti nano-layer and its thickness play important roles in the resistive switching behaviors. In addition, the effect of the current compliance on the resistive switching behaviors was evaluated. The different resistive switching behaviors were investigated using current-voltage sweep measurements and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The non-linear behavior of the low resistance state could be controlled by the top interface and current compliance. The current of the high resistance state could be controlled by the bottom interface. It is noteworthy that only 1.5-nm-thick Ti nano-layer can adjust the non-linear behavior of the low resistance state at top interface and the current of the high resistance state at bottom interface.

We synthesized the conjugated polymers PT2OBT, PVT2OBT, and PFBT2OBT for use in organic photodetecting devices. An octyloxy benzothiadiazole (OBT) moiety was used as a weak electron-accepting building block in the polymer system to cause the dominant absorption in the green-light region via weakening the intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) interactions between adjacent electron-donating moieties. In particular, indirect X-ray detection using a scintillator requires a low leakage current; thus, we focused on designing a molecular structure that can enhance the detectivity. The difluorobenzene-incorporated PFBT2OBT polymer showed a strong edge-on orientation both in the pristine film and in the blend film; however, PT2OBT and PVT2OBT have no preferred molecular orientation in the blend film. In the edge-on structure, the alkyl side chains of PFBT2OBT align on the surface of the electrode, forming an insulating layer, which decreases the tunneling leakage current, whereas in the latter cases, the interface between the semiconducting polymer backbone and PC70BM can come into contact with the electrode, forming a pathway for the leakage current. Consequently, the PFBT2OBT:PC70BM devices showed promising detectivities of over 1013 Jones over a wide range of reverse biases of up to −2 V, resulting from their low dark current density of less than 2.3 × 10−9 A cm−2.

Lindera obtusiloba has been used in traditional herbal medicine for the treatment of blood stasis and inflammation. The leaves of Lindera obtusiloba have been reported to exhibit various physiological activities. However, there is little information available on their antiplatelet and antithrombotic activities. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of Lindera obtusiloba leaf extract (LLE) on platelet activities, coagulation and thromboembolism. In a platelet aggregation study, LLE significantly inhibited various agonist-induced platelet aggregations in vitro and ex vivo. Furthermore, LLE significantly inhibited collagen-induced thromboxane A2 (TXA2) production in rat platelets. In addition, oral administration of LLE was protective in a mouse model of pulmonary thromboembolism induced by intravenous injection of a mixture of collagen and epinephrine. Interestingly, LLE did not significantly alter prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). This study indicates that the antithrombotic effects of LLE might be due to its antiplatelet activities rather than anticoagulation. Taken together, these results suggest that LLE may be a candidate preventive and therapeutic agent in cardiovascular diseases associated with platelet hyperactivity.

It is widely considered that charge carrier extraction in bulk‐heterojunction organic photovoltaics (BHJ OPVs) is most efficient when the area of contact between the semiconductor layers and the electrodes is maximized and the electrodes are electrically homogeneous. Herein, it is shown that ≈99% of the electrode surface can in fact be insulating without degrading the efficiency of charge carrier extraction, provided the spacing of the conducting areas is less than or equal to twice the optimal thickness of the BHJ layer. This striking result is demonstrated for BHJ OPVs with both conventional and inverted device architectures using two different types of BHJ OPVs, namely, PCDTBT:PC70BM and the ternary blend PBDB‐T:ITIC‐m:PC70BM. This finding opens the door to the use of a large pallet of materials for optical spacers and charge transport layers, based on a low density of conducting particles embedded in a wide bandgap insulating matrix.