Innovation in Chinese Agribusinesses： Internal Resources and External Networks

The existing literature on innovation concentrates mostly on large industrial firms and high-technology industries, whereas, little attention has been given to agribusiness. Empirical evidence regarding the driving forces behind innovation in agribusinesses in developing countries, China in particular is scarce. This paper helps fill that void. It develops a framework in which innovation results from synergies between internal resources and external networks. This paper applies and tests the framework using 2003-2005 data from a panel survey of 32 leading agribusiness firms in Shandong Province, China. The empirical results indicate the importance of internal resources, external networks and the synergies between them. We find that R＆D expenditures and the number of technical employees are internal resources that are both important to product innovation. Surprisingly, management quality is negatively related to the possession of a unique technology and new products as a proportion of all products. It is possible that management quality is associated with more formalization and rigidity in decision-making, hindering creativity and lengthening the new product development cycle. In order to develop innovative products, our results suggest that investing in R＆D and hiring more technical staff may be more effective approaches than spending on managerial talent.

Effect of external magnetic field on the instability of THz plasma waves in nanoscale graphene field-effect transistors

The instability of plasma waves in the channel of field-effect transistors will cause the electromagnetic waves with THz frequency.Based on a self-consistent quantum hydrodynamic model,the instability of THz plasmas waves in the channel of graphene field-effect transistors has been investigated with external magnetic field and quantum effects.We analyzed the influence of weak magnetic fields,quantum effects,device size,and temperature on the instability of plasma waves under asymmetric boundary conditions numerically.The results show that the magnetic fields,quantum effects,and the thickness of the dielectric layer between the gate and the channel can increase the radiation frequency.Additionally,we observed that increase in temperature leads to a decrease in both oscillation frequency and instability increment.The numerical results and accompanying images obtained from our simulations provide support for the above conclusions.

Unraveling the efficacy network: A network meta-analysis of adjuvant external beam radiation therapy methods after hepatectomy

BACKGROUND Primary liver cancer is a malignant tumor with a high recurrence rate that significantly affects patient prognosis.Postoperative adjuvant external radiation therapy(RT)has been shown to effectively prevent recurrence after liver cancer resection.However,there are multiple RT techniques available,and the differ-ential effects of these techniques in preventing postoperative liver cancer re-currence require further investigation.AIM To assess the advantages and disadvantages of various adjuvant external RT methods after liver resection based on overall survival(OS)and disease-free survival(DFS)and to determine the optimal strategy.METHODS This study involved network meta-analyses and followed the PRISMA guidelines.The data of qualified studies published before July 10,2023,were collected from PubMed,Embase,the Web of Science,and the Cochrane Library.We included relevant studies on postoperative external beam RT after liver resection that had OS and DFS as the primary endpoints.The magnitudes of the effects were determined using risk ratios with 95%confidential intervals.The results were analyzed using R software and STATA software.RESULTS A total of 12 studies,including 1265 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)after liver resection,were included in this study.There was no significant heterogeneity in the direct paired comparisons,and there were no significant differences in the inclusion or exclusion criteria,intervention measures,or outcome indicators,meeting the assumptions of heterogeneity and transitivity.OS analysis revealed that patients who underwent stereotactic body radiotherapy(SBRT)after resection had longer OS than those who underwent intensity modulated radiotherapy(IMRT)or 3-dimensional conformal RT(3D-CRT).DFS analysis revealed that patients who underwent 3D-CRT after resection had the longest DFS.Patients who underwent IMRT after resection had longer OS than those who underwent 3D-CRT and longer DFS than those who underwent SBRT.CONCLUSION HCC patients who undergo liver cancer resection must consider distinct advantages and disadvantages when choosing between SBRT and 3D-CRT.IMRT,a RT technique that is associated with longer OS than 3D-CRT and longer DFS than SBRT,may be a preferred option.

Mechanical Performance of Bio-inspired Bidirectional Corrugated Sandwich Pressure Shell Under External Hydrostatic Pressure

This paper aims to enhance the compression capacity of underwater cylindrical shells by adopting the corrugated sandwich structure of cuttlebone.The cuttlebone suffers uniaxial external compression,while underwater cylindrical shells are in a biaxial compressive stress state.To suit the biaxial compressive stress state,a novel bidirectional corrugated sandwich structure is proposed to improve the bearing capacity of cylindrical shells.The static and buckling analysis for the sandwich shell and the unstiffened cylindrical shell with the same volume-weight ratio are studied by numerical simulation.It is indicated that the proposed sandwich shell can effectively reduce the ratio between circumferential and axial stress from 2 to 1.25 and improve the critical buckling load by about 1.63 times.Numerical simulation shows that optimizing and adjusting the structural parameters could significantly improve the advantage of the sandwich shell.Then,the hydrostatic pressure tests for shell models fabricated by 3D printing are carried out.According to the experimental results,the overall failure position of the sandwich shell is at the center part of the sandwich shell.It has been found the average critical load of the proposed sandwich shell models exceeds two times that of the unstiffened shell models.Hence,the proposed bio-inspired bidirectional corrugated sandwich structure can significantly enhance the pressure resistance capability of cylindrical shells.

Greatly Enhanced Methanol Oxidation Reaction of CoPt Truncated Octahedral Nanoparticles by External Magnetic Fields

Tunable behavior in electrocatalysis by external multifields,such as magnetic field,thermal field,and electric field,is the most promising strategy to expand the theory,design,and synthesis of state-of-the-art catalysts and the cell in the near future.Here,a systematic investigation for the effect of external magnetic field and thermal field on methanol oxidation reactions(MOR)in magnetic nanoparticles is reported.For Co_(42)Pt_(58)truncated octahedral nanoparticles(TONPs),the catalytic performance in MOR is greatly increased to the maximum of 14.1%by applying a magnetic field up to 3000 Oe,and it shows a monotonical increase with increasing working temperature.The magnetic enhanced effect is closely related to the Co content of Co_(x)Pt_(100-x)TONPs.Furthermore,the enhancement effect under a magnetic field is more obvious for Co_(42)Pt_(58)TONPs annealed at 650℃.First-principle calculation points out that the magnetic fields can facilitate the dehydrogenation of both methanol and water by suppression of entropy of the electron spin and lowering of the activation barrier,where OH_(ad)intermediates on Co sites play a more important role.The application of magnetic fields together with thermal fields in MOR provides a new prospect to manipulate the performance of direct methanol fuel cells,which will accelerate their potential applications.

The Mechanism Behind Urban Population Growth and Shrinkage from the Perspective of Urban Network Externalities

Urban shrinkage is a global phenomenon,and it will coexist with urban growth for many years.At the same time,the network connection between cities continuously improved due to the construction of the transportation and information networks.However,the relationship between urban network externalities and urban population growth/shrinkage remains unclear.Therefore,based on high-speed railway(HSR)flow data,a spatial econometric model is used to explore the mechanism behind urban population growth and shrinkage from the perspective of network externalities in China.The results indicate that:1)the urban network experiences a certain clubbing effect.Growing cities that are strongly connected are concentrated along China’s main railway lines and the southeastern coastal areas,while shrinking cities that are weakly connected are distributed at the periphery of the network.2)Moreover,the network externality disregards spatial distance and together with the agglomeration externality influences the growth and shrinking of cities.3)Urban economic development still promotes the development of Chinese cities.However,the improvement of the urban economy has a negative cross-regional spillover effect on neighboring cities due to urban competition.4)Lastly,Local spillovers of urban network externalities are positive,while cross-regional ones are negative.Consequently,the government needs to promote the construction of multi-dimensional network connections between cities to promote cities’sustainable development.This study reveals the relationship between urban network externalities and urban development,enriches the theories of network externalities and urban growth/shrinkage,and provides a reference for regional coordinated development.

Comparison of the effect of different external electrodes on discharge plasma-assisted diffusion flame stabilization

To optimize the design of plasma injectors,the influence of different external electrodes on plasma-assisted flame stabilization was assessed by using a nonequilibrium plasma injector flame control setup.The electrical characteristics of the injector,flame structure parameters,flame intensity,discharge power,and cost-to-effectiveness ratio under different external electrodes(four mesh electrodes and one copper foil electrode)were analyzed using electrical and optical methods.The results show that reducing the mesh size of the external electrode leads to a decrease in breakdown voltage.Compared with a ceramic dielectric barrier-based injector,an injector with a quartz dielectric barrier produces a higher breakdown voltage under the same conditions.For the same actuation voltage,the discharge current increases as the mesh size of the external electrode decreases,and combustion is enhanced by the discharge plasma;therefore,it is better to adopt a smaller mesh hole size to realize good flame stabilization under a lower actuation voltage.However,under the studied working conditions,reducing the mesh hole size of the external electrode increases the cost-to-effectiveness ratio of plasma injector-based flame stabilization.Thus,considering the cost-to-effectiveness ratio and the weight of the injector,an external electrode with a larger mesh hole size should be chosen,which contradicts the above rule.

Magneto-optical Kerr Effect of Mono-layer NiX_(2)(X=Cl,Br,I):A Density Functional Theory Study

The full-potential linearized augmented plane wave plus local orbital method is utilized for exploring the electronic,magnetic,and magneto-optical properties of the NiX_(2)(X=Cl,Br,and I)single layer.The first-principles calculation demonstrates that these compounds are ferromagnetic indirect semiconductors,and the energy band gaps of NiX_(2)for X=Cl,Br,and I are 3.888,3.134,and 2.157 eV,respectively.The magnetic moments of Ni atoms in NiX_(2)monolayer are 1.656,1.588,1.449μB,and their magneto-crystalline anisotropy energies are 0.167,0.029,0.090 meV,respectively.Based on the macro-linear response theory,we systematically studied the influences of the external magnetic field and out-of-plane strain on the magneto-optical Kerr effect(MOKE)spectrum of the NiX_(2)single layer.It is found that,when the external magnetic field is perpendicular to the sample plane,the value of the Kerr rotation angle reaches the maximum,and the single-layer NiI_(2)material has a Kerr rotation angle of 1.89°at the photon energy of 1.986 eV.Besides,the Kerr rotation spectrum of NiCl_(2)and NiBr_(2)monolayers redshift as the out-of-plane strain increases,while NiI_(2)monolayer blueshifts.Accurate computation of the MOKE spectrum of NiX_(2)materials provides an opportunity for applications of 2D magnetic material ranging from sensing to data storing.

Effects of vacancy and external electric field on the electronic properties of the MoSi_(2)N_(4)/graphene heterostructure

Recently,the newly synthesized septuple-atomic layer two-dimensional(2D)material MoSi_(2)N_(4)(MSN)has attracted attention worldwide.Our work delves into the effect of vacancies and external electric fields on the electronic properties of the MSN/graphene(Gr)heterostructure using first-principles calculation.We find that four types of defective structures,N-in,N-out,Si and Mo vacancy defects of monolayer MSN and MSN/Gr heterostructure are stable in air.Moreover,vacancy defects can effectively modulate the charge transfer at the interface of the MSN/Gr heterostructure as well as the work function of the pristine monolayer MSN and MSN/Gr heterostructure.Finally,the application of an external electric field enables the dynamic switching between n-type and p-type Schottky contacts.Our work may offer the possibility of exceeding the capabilities of conventional Schottky diodes based on MSN/Gr heterostructures.

An externally perceivable smart leaky-wave antenna based on spoof surface plasmon polaritons

Smart antennas have received great attention for their potentials to enable communication and perception functions at the same time.However,realizing the function synthesis remains an open challenge,and most existing system solutions are limited to narrow operating bands and high complexity and cost.Here,we propose an externally perceivable leakywave antenna(LWA)based on spoof surface plasmon polaritons(SSPPs),which can realize adaptive real-time switching between the“radiating”and“non-radiating”states and beam tracking at different frequencies.With the assistance of computer vision,the smart SSPP-LWA is able to detect the external target user or jammer,and intelligently track the target by self-adjusting the operating frequency.The proposed scheme helps to reduce the power consumption through dynamically controlling the radiating state of the antenna,and improve spectrum utilization and avoid spectrum conflicts through intelligently deciding the radiating frequency.On the other hand,it is also helpful for the physical layer communication security through switching the antenna working state according to the presence of the target and target beam tracking in real time.In addition,the proposed smart antenna can be generalized to other metamaterial systems and could be a candidate for synaesthesia integration in future smart antenna systems.

Effect of slow shot speed on externally solidified crystal,porosity and tensile property in a newly developed high-pressure die-cast Al-Si alloy

The effect of slow shot speed on externally solidified crystal(ESC),porosity and tensile property in a newly developed high-pressure die-cast Al-Si alloy was investigated by optical microscopy(OM),scanning electron microscopy(SEM)and laboratory computed tomography(CT).Results showed that the newly developed AlSi9MnMoV alloy exhibited improved mechanical properties when compared to the AlSi10MnMg alloy.The AlSi9MnMoV alloy,which was designed with trace multicomponent additions,displays a notable grain refining effect in comparison to the AlSi10MnMg alloy.Refining elements Ti,Zr,V,Nb,B promote heterogeneous nucleation and reduce the grain size of primaryα-Al.At a lower slow shot speed,the large ESCs are easier to form and gather,developing into the dendrite net and net-shrinkage.With an increase in slow shot speed,the size and number of ESCs and porosities significantly reduce.In addition,the distribution of ESCs is more dispersed and the net-shrinkage disappears.The tensile property is greatly improved by adopting a higher slow shot speed.The ultimate tensile strength is enhanced from 260.31 MPa to 290.31 MPa(increased by 11.52%),and the elongation is enhanced from 3.72%to 6.34%(increased by 70.52%).

Differential diagnosis of gastric submucosal masses and external pressure lesions

Lesions of the left triangular ligament of the liver are rare,and there are even fewer cases of vascular tumors misdiagnosed as gastrointestinal stromal tumors.We comment on the two cases reported in the article.The article did not include pictures of laparoscopic surgery,making it unconvincing.For gastric submucosal lesions,enhanced computed tomography venous phase imaging may be beneficial for differential diagnosis.Although endoscopic ultrasound is an effective tool for diagnosing submucosal lesions of the stomach,due to various factors,it cannot achieve an accurate diagnosis.During endoscopic examination,a more accurate diagnosis can be made depending on the personal experience of the operators.

Practical Use of the Subjective Mathematical Model of Bayes and Its External Validation in Dental Medicine & Dentistry

Objective: Our study aims to validate the subjective Bayes mathematical model using the mathematical model of logistic regression. Expert systems are being utilized increasingly in medical fields for the purposes of assisting diagnosis and treatment planning in Dentistry. Existing systems used few symptoms for dental diagnosis. In Dentistry, few symptoms are not enough for diagnosis. In this research, a conditional probability model (Bayes rule) was developed with increased number of symptoms associated with a disease for diagnosis. A test set of recurrent cases was then used to test the diagnostic capacity of the system. The generated diagnosis matched that of the human experts. The system was also tested for its capacity to handle uncommon dental diseases and the system portrayed useful potential. Method: The study used the Subjective Mathematical Bayes Model (SBM) approach and employed Logistic Regression Mathematical Model (LMR) techniques. The external validation of the subjective mathematical Bayes model (MSB) concerns the real cases of 625 patients who developed alveolar osteitis (OA). We propose strategies for reproducibility and reporting standards, outlining an updated WAMBS (when to Worry and how to Avoid the Misuse of Bayesian Statistics) checklist. Finally, we outline the impact of Bayesian analysis Logistic Regression Mathematical Model (LMR) techniques and on artificial intelligence, a major goal in the next decade. Results: The internal validation had identified seven (7) etiological factors of OA, which will be compared to the cases of MRL, for the external validation which retained six (6) etiological factors of OA. The experts in the internal validation of the MSB had generated 40 cases of OA and a COP of (0.5), which will be compared to the MRL that collected 625 real cases of OA to produce a Cop of (0.6) in the external validation, which discriminates between healthy patients (Se) and sick patients (Sp). Compared to real cases and the logistic regression model, the Bayesian model is efficient and its validity is established.

Evidence for the Reliability and Validity of the Arabic Version of the Student Risk Screening Scale for Internalizing and Externalizing Behaviors (SRSS-IE)

School-based universal screening for behavioral/emotional risk is a necessary first step to providing services in an educational setting for students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBDs). Psychometric properties are critical to making decisions about choosing a screening instrument. The purpose of the present study was to examine the psychometric properties of the student risk screening scale for internalizing and externalizing behaviors (SRSS-IE). Participants included 3145 students and their teachers. Item-level analyses of the current sample supported the retention of all items. The internal consistency of the SRSS items ranged from 0.83 to 0.85. Convergent validity between the SRSS-IE and a well-established screening tool, the strength and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ), was found for the total score (r = 0.70). Additionally, the results of this study demonstrate strong social validity, suggesting the SRSS-IE to be a useful and functional screening tool. We conclude that the SRSS-IE is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing the level of emotional and behavioral difficulties among elementary students.

The Effect of External Pressure on Mechanical Properties of Aquamarine Gemstone Using First Principles Studies

Aquamarine gemstones are popular jewelry in the gemstone trade and are currently one of the important products in the world market because of their economic value. Aquamarine is a Beryllium Aluminium Silicate with the chemical formula Be3Al2Si6O18 and crystallizes in the hexagonal system with space group P6/mcc (192), and Tanzania has wide deposits of aquamarine gemstones. The quality of gemstone depends on its characteristic properties, including electronic, optical, and mechanical properties. In the present study, the effect of external pressure on mechanical properties including independent elastic constants and other related parameters such as Bulk modulus, Shear modulus, Young modulus, Poisson’s ratio, and Compressibility were studied. Density Function Theory in the forcite module of the material studies software on the external pressure within the range of 0 - 200 GPa on the optimized structure at electrostatic, Van der Waals and Ewald terms were used in this study. The results reveal that the independent elastic constants are mechanically unstable at 50 - 120 Gpa and are stable at 0 - 40 GPa and above 120 GPa, with the average bulk modulus, shear modulus, young modulus, Poisson’s ratio of 2319.9447, 652.3058, 1789.2236, and 0.26 respectively with the compressibility of 0.059921/TPa, this indicates that aquamarine gemstones are stable against strain and strongly against shear stress but opposing shear deformation. These values are within other crystalline materials found in the literature. This provides technological backing for the comprehensive valuation of mechanical properties, quality, and stability of gemstones available in Tanzania.

Clinical study on the treatment of acute pancreatitis with external application of Yi-Dan Therapy based on the method of“stagnation requiring dispersion”:study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background:Acute pancreatitis is an unpredictable and potentially lethal disease,causing tremendous pain in patients.The initial treatment of acute pancreatitis in modern medicine is supportive,but it is generally ineffective in relieving abdominal pain and distension.Traditional Chinese medicine has been shown to be more effective in regulating the body’s homeostasis and reducing the clinical symptoms of pancreatitis.Yi-Dan ointment,derived from Dahuang-Mudan Decoction,is an effective external ointment for treating acute pancreatitis.The aim of this trial is to investigate the clinical efficacy of Yi-Dan ointment,providing a valuable complement to existing treatment options for pancreatitis.Methods:This is a randomized controlled clinical trial with two parallel groups.Patients in the control group were given basic treatment and nursing for 7 days;in the treatment group,Yi-Dan ointment was applied externally in addition to basic treatment and nursing.The main indicator is the overall efficacy,serum amylase,acute physiology and chronic health evaluationⅡscore,symptom score,inflammatory markers,and classification of computed tomography.Conclusion:The trial results will provide high-quality evidence for Yi-Dan ointment,and provide a complement to existing treatment options for pancreatitis.

Comparative Analysis of Statistical Thickness Models for the Determination of the External Specific Surface and the Surface of the Micropores of Materials: The Case of a Clay Concrete Stabilized Using Sugar Cane Molasses

In this work, four empirical models of statistical thickness, namely the models of Harkins and Jura, Hasley, Carbon Black and Jaroniec, were compared in order to determine the textural properties (external surface and surface of micropores) of a clay concrete without molasses and clay concretes stabilized with 8%, 12% and 16% molasses. The results obtained show that Hasley’s model can be used to obtain the external surfaces. However, it does not allow the surface of the micropores to be obtained, and is not suitable for the case of simple clay concrete (without molasses) and for clay concretes stabilized with molasses. The Carbon Black, Jaroniec and Harkins and Jura models can be used for clay concrete and stabilized clay concrete. However, the Carbon Black model is the most relevant for clay concrete and the Harkins and Jura model is for molasses-stabilized clay concrete. These last two models augur well for future research.

Exact Solutions of Forced Schrödinger Equation and How to Choose the External Forces

Schrödinger equations are very common equations in physics and mathematics for nonlinear physics to model the dynamics of wave propagation in waveguides such as power lines, atomic chains, optical fibers, and even in quantum mechanics. But all these equations are most often studied without worrying about what would happen if this equation were maintained, that is to say, had a second member synonymous with an external force. It is true that on a physical level, such equations can be considered as describing the generation of waves on a waveguide using an external force. However, the in-depth analysis of this aspect is not at the center of our reflection in this article, but for us, it is a question of proposing exact solutions to this type of equation and above all proposing the general form of the external force so that the obtaining exact solutions is possible.

Nonlinear Pushover Analysis of the Influences on RC Footing for the External Elevator Well

In contemporary society, reducing carbon dioxide emissions and achieving sustainable development are paramount goals. One effective approach is to preserve existing RC (Reinforced Concrete) buildings rather than demolishing them for new construction. However, a significant challenge arises from the lack of elevator designs in many of these existing RC buildings. Adding an external elevator becomes crucial to solving accessibility issues, enhancing property value, and satisfying modern residential buildings using convenient requirements. However, the structural performance of external elevator wells remains understudied. This research is designed by the actual external elevator project into existing RC buildings in Jinzhong Rd, Shanghai City. Specifically, this research examines five different external elevator wells under nonlinear pushover analysis, each varying in the height of the RC (Reinforced Concrete) footing. By analyzing plastic hinge states, performance points, capacity curves, spectrum curves, layer displacement, and drift ratio, this research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how these structures of the external elevator well respond to seismic events. The findings are expected to serve as a valuable reference for future external elevator projects, ensuring the external elevator designs meet the seismic requirements. By emphasizing seismic resistance in the design phase, the research aims to enhance the overall safety and longevity of external elevator systems integrated into existing RC buildings.

A Study on the Path of Promoting External Dissemination of Regional Culture with Translation Technology under the Background of New Quality Productivity

With the introduction of the concept of new quality productivity characterized by high technology,efficiency,and quality,various industries in China have ignited a high spirit of innovation and development.Against this background,this article analyzes the significance and current situation of the external dissemination of regional culture and combines the application of translation technology empowered by new quality productivity to explore a path suitable for the wider,more effective,and higher-quality external dissemination of regional culture.The aim is to provide practical experience for promoting the effective dissemination of regional culture in China to the world and better build a cultural power.