Good Signal Research Articles

FAKTOR-FAKTOR YANG MEMENGARUHI STRUKTUR MODAL PADA PERUSAHAAN SEKTOR INDUSTRI BARANG KONSUMSI

This study aimed to examine the influence of profitability, asset structure, and liquidity toward capital structure on consumer goods industry sector companies listed in the Indonesia Stock Exchange for the 2016-2020 period. Sample was selected by using simple random sampling method. The number of samples are 36 companies over the past five years, there are 180 samples. Data processing techniques using multiple regression analysis what helped by EViews 10 and Microsoft Excel 2013. The results of this study conclude that the profitability have no effect on capital structure. Asset structure have effect on capital structure positively and liquidity have effect on capital structure negatively. The implication of this study is the need to increase asset structure that will increase capital structure which will bring a good signal for investors.

In-situ elemental quantitative imaging in plant leaves by LA-ICP-MS with matrix-matching external calibration

Due to the enormous interest in plants related to bioscience, environmental and toxicological research, analytical methods are expected with the ability of getting information on elemental transfer, distribution and contents in plants. In this work, a mixture of gelatin (GA) and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) was prepared to simulate plant matrix, a method based on laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) with matrix-matching external calibration was proposed for direct quantification of multiple elements in plants. The composition of GA&HPMC substrate was optimized, such as the concentration of spiked nitric acid, the mass fraction of both GA and HPMC in the substrate and the mass ratio of GA: HPMC. After spiking elemental solution, coating the mixture onto a glass slide and drying overnight at room temperature, GA&HPMC substrate was obtained. The substrate obtained with GA: HPMC of 8: 2 was used to fabricate the standard series, which exhibited good elemental homogeneity and similar elemental signal intensities in LA-ICP-MS detection to that obtained for plant Certified Reference Material (CRM). CRMs of different plants including Citrus leaf (GBW10019), Tea (GBW07605), Beans (GBW10021) and Scallions (GBW10049) were further pressed into pellets and subjected to the proposed method, and the quantification accuracy was demonstrated. The limits of detections of this method were found to be 0.003 (Ce)-104 (Ca) μg g−1, with a wide linear range (0.01–10000 μg g−1) for 17 target elements. The application potential of the method was further demonstrated by performing elemental imaging in Trigonotis peduncularis leaves. Rapid in-situ quantitative imaging of Zn, Cu, Sr and Mn was achieved, and the elemental quantitative distributions were discussed. The constructed substrate helped direct elemental quantification in plants. It provided a powerful and efficient tool for the investigation of the distribution and transfer of elements in plants, favoring further exploration of elemental bioavailability, transport and toxicity mechanisms.

A case study on the changing pattern of monsoon rainfall duration and its amount during recent five decades in different agroclimatic zones of Punjab state of India

Rainfall is an important part of hydrological cycle and any alteration in its pattern influence water resources. In Punjab, the monsoon season of 77 days extending during three months July, August and September, receives rainfall at an average rate of 6 mm/day. In the present study, monsoon rainfall data for three parts of the state, viz., the north eastern region (1984-2020), Central plain region (1970-2020) and the south western region (1977-2020) of the state have been analyzed using non-parametric tests, i.e., descriptive statistics, trend analysis, Mann Kendall test and Sen’s slope. Though, the duration of the monsoon season has increased over the last two decades at 0.8 day/year, the rate of rainfall has decreased as rainfall has been less than normal during 17 of the past 20 years. The monsoon rainfall analysis for the five decades indicates a significant decrease in rainfall at 0.7 mm/year which has mainly been due to a decline in rainfall in the north eastern region. The Sen’s slope value of -4.77 (Ballowal) and -0.60 (Bathinda) indicate a decreasing trend of rainfall in the region. The decreasing trend in rainfall received during the July-August months with Sen’s slope values ranging between -0.04 to -2.50 and -0.24 to -3.14, indicates that the months which contribute 70 percent to total rainfall are not a good signal for the agriculture sector in the state.

Surface denitration structure on dynamic combustion performance and muzzle flame of mixed nitrate gun propellant

AbstractThe gun propellant is an inaccessible energy and fuel for projectile to achieve destructive capability in a weapon system. Nitrocellulose/nitroglycerine/triethylene glycol dinitrate(NC/NG/TEGDN) based gun propellant with higher energy level than single‐based gun propellant can meet the demands of modern warfare. Currently, deterring strategy is commonly used to improve the combustion progressivity of NC/NG/TEGDN based gun propellant, together with aggravating the harmful emission phenomena such as muzzle smoke and flame. Therefore, it is essential to design and fabricate NC/NG/TEGDN based gun propellant with both good combustion progressivity and low characteristic signal. In this work, a gradiently denitrated NC/NG/TEGDN based gun propellant was successfully prepared by denitration strategy, whose structure was confirmed by FT‐IR, Raman and SEM. Here, closed bomb vessel test and interior ballistic test were conducted. The results showed that the gradiently denitrated NC/NG/TEGDN based gun propellant exhibited better combustion progressivity and interior ballistic performance than raw gun propellant, and these properties can be controlled by modulating the degree of denitration. Meanwhile, the change laws of the muzzle smoke and flame of the gradiently denitrated NC/NG/TEGDN based gun propellant were investigated by the smoke box method and high‐speed photography. Furthermore, a lower characteristic signal for the gradiently denitrated NC/NG/TEGDN based gun propellant was found compared to the deterred gun propellant by theoretical calculations. This work provides a new idea for preparing and applying a gun propellant with excellent comprehensive performance, including high energy, good combustion progressivity and low characteristic signal.

Photoplethysmography signal quality assessment using attractor reconstruction analysis

The Photoplethysmography (PPG) has already proved its importance as an auxiliary vital signal measurement technique. The PPG is predominantly a quasi-periodic signal for small timescales. This property allows the reconstructing of a phase space and, therefore, the attractor of PPG segments which presents good insights on dynamics of physiological systems. However, the assessment of PPG waveforms is a difficult task due to motion artifacts, biological tissue differences and other sources of noise. In the same direction, protocols for PPG signals acquisition have its development in a slower step. To contribute against this scenario, this work proposes and describes a method using the attractor reconstruction analysis to provide a quality assessment of PPG signals. The method presented good results in classifying into good and bad quality PPG signals segments achieving F1-score of 97%. The method is totally analytical, thus, it is suitable for real-time applications. No training process is required, it is independent of the subject physiology and no calibration is needed.

Research on Crossing-Pipe Support Structure Defect Detection of EMAT-Excited CSH Wave

A circumferential shear horizontal (CSH) guide wave-detection method using a periodic permanent magnet electromagnetic acoustic transducer (PPM EMAT) was proposed to solve the defect detection located at the inside of the pipe welded by supporting structures. Firstly, a low-frequency CSH0 mode was selected to establish a three-dimensional equivalent model for the defect detection to cross the pipe support, and the ability of the CSH0 guided wave to propagate through the support and weld structure was analyzed. Then, an experiment was used for the further exploration of the influence of different sizes and types of defects on detection after using the support, as well as the ability of detection mechanism to cross different pipe structures. The results show that both the experiment and the simulation received a good detection signal at 3 mm crack defects, which proves that the method can detect the defects by crossing the welded supporting structure. At the same time, the support structure shows a greater impact on the detection of small defects than the welded structure. The research in this paper can provide ideas for guide wave detection across the support structure in the future.

Versatile flexible SERS substrate for in situ detection of contaminants in water and fruits based on Ag NPs decorated wrinkled PDMS film.

Flexible surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrate has attracted great attention due to its convenient sampling and on-site monitoring capability. However, it is still challenging to fabricate a versatile flexible SERS substrate, which can be used for in situ detection of analytes either in water or on irregular solid surfaces. Here, we report a flexible and transparent SERS substrate based on a wrinkled polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) film obtained by transferring corrugated structures on the aluminium/polystyrene bilayer film, onto which silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) are deposited by thermal evaporation. The as-fabricated SERS substrate exhibits a high enhancement factor (∼1.19×105), good signal uniformity (RSD of 6.27%), and excellent batch-to-batch reproducibility (RSD of 7.3%) for rhodamine 6 G. In addition, the Ag NPs@W-PDMS film can maintain high detection sensitivity even after mechanical deformations of bending or torsion for 100 cycles. More importantly, being flexible, transparent, and light, the Ag NPs@W-PDMS film can both float on the water surface and conformally contact with the curved surface for in situ detection. The malachite green in aqueous environment and on apple peel can be easily detected down to 10-6 M with a portable Raman spectrometer. Therefore, it is expected that such a versatile flexible SERS substrate has great potential in on-site, in situ contaminant monitoring for realistic applications.

ASSESSING THE QUALITY OF PHOTOPLETHYSMOGRAPHY SIGNALS FOR ARTERIAL PULSE WAVE SENSING

Objective: Cardiovascular health has an impact on the arterial blood pulse wave features, such as shape and speed. Photoplethysmography (PPG) allows measuring the light absorption variation in the skin due to the blood pulse wave. This study aims at collecting good quality PPG signals for pulse wave sensing. First, the signal quality must be accurately defined and quantified. Then, it must be assessed for several sensor locations during both rest and exercise. Design and method: Based on ECG peaks, the PPG signal is split into beats, which are then fitted to a 4-long piece-wise linear function. Beats are valid only if they follow a specific slope pattern (the second slope has the opposite sign to the other three), and if they have a dichrotic notch. The signal quality is then quantified by the percentage of valid beats. The initial cohort of the clinical trial (NCT05393401, approved by Human Research Review Board (CPP SM I) and Health French Ministry) includes five healthy subjects (1F/4M, age [37-60] years). Their brachial and radial arteries are located by ultrasound. Each subject is monitored with a multi-sensing homemade platform with PPG sensors and ECG; the distance between the LED and the photodiode is 9mm. Measurements are realized with sensors directly above the artery on the elbow, the wrist and the carotid, first at rest and then during a physical exercise. Results: Based on these preliminary results, the quality of PPG signals is best at the wrist whether at rest (48%) or exercise (44%). The second best option is the forearm and the worst is the carotid. The quality during exercise is similar, with a decrease of 4% at the wrist. Conclusions: The signal quality of PPG sensors is strongly impacted by the position along the arteries. The pressure applied on sensors and the extended arm posture also improve the signal quality. Further work should be undertaken to study the feasibility of pulse wave analysis for ambulatory blood pressure monitoring.

Climatically induced anomalies in tree-ring structure of Abies pindrow (Royal ex D. Don) and Taxus baccata (L.) growing in Hindu-Kush mountainous region of Pakistan

Dendroclimatic potential from Abies pindrow Royal ex D. Don. (fir) and Taxus baccata L. (yew) was investigated by developing four different types of tree-ring width chronologies (by ARSTAN program) in a mixed broadleaf forest of Kalam, KP, Pakistan. Firstly, measured tree-ring width series were cross-dated and identified the best and least (cross-matched with master plot) samples with the most applied Skeleton Plot Model (SPM) method alongside checking the quality through statistical program (COFECHA). Tree-ring attributes (age, growth rate and earlywood and latewood) were also measured with maximum age (677 years) was observed in fir plant and maximum growth rate (6.096 mm year−1) in yew plant with clear demarcations of earlywood and latewood formation. Yew trees were observed to be more sensitive species towards climatic variations (expressed population signal = 0.945, mean sensitivity = 0.321 and signal to noise ratio = 3.214) while fir trees were comparatively less affected by climatic alterations of the study site (expressed population signal = 0.954, mean sensitivity = 0.314 and signal to noise ratio = 2.453). Correlation between tree-ring series of T. baccata with the master series was found to be more significant as compared to A. pindrow after developing series plots of both the species by using package dplR in R. Potential ecological and anatomical explanations for these results were also discussed. Sensitivity of samples showed good climatic signals which are valuable for dendroclimatic growth response investigations leading to reconstruction of past climate as well as possible future climate predictions.

VISUAL ASSESSMENT OF KOROTKOFF SOUNDS FURTHER IMPROVES THE ACCURACY OF A VALIDATED PROFESSIONAL AUTOMATED AUSCULTATORY BLOOD PRESSURE MONITOR – INBODY BPBIO480KV

Objective: A novel automated auscultatory upper-arm cuff blood pressure (BP) monitor for office use (InBody BPBIO480KV, Seoul, S Korea) has been recently validated, which allows healthcare professionals to visually review the Korotkoff sounds curves generated for each BP reading. This study investigated whether this feature could further improve the accuracy of the device by identifying unreliable BP readings. Design and method: Three observers assessed independently the morphology of Korotkoff sound curves generated during a validation study according to the ISO 81060-2:2018 standard, and classified them as having good, fair, or poor signal quality (low signal amplitude or sound intensity, aberrant signal morphology, interference of background noise or other signal artifact, presence of auscultatory gap, or irregular rhythm), separately for the systolic and diastolic BP area. The observers were blinded to the automated and the reference BP measurement results. Disagreement among observers was resolved by a supervisor. Factors associated with poor quality signal were also investigated. Results: A total of 255 Korotkoff sound curves (test BP readings) by 85 participants (mean age 57.3±15.0 years, 53 men) were analyzed. For systolic BP, 82.0/12.2/7.5% were classified as good/fair/poor quality and for diastolic 76.9/12.2/11.0%. Inter-observer agreement in detecting poor quality curves was 84.7/83.1% (systolic/diastolic). Of poor quality curves 10.5/60.7% (systolic/diastolic) clustered in the same individuals. Young age and female sex increased the odds for poor quality signal. ISO validation Criterion 1 (mean BP difference ±SD) was satisfied for readings with good (0.1±4.9/0.3±3.8 mmHg, systolic/diastolic) and fair (-0.4±6.4/0.2±5.0) quality curves, good/fair quality curves (0.1±5.1/0.2±4.0 mmHg, systolic/diastolic), but not for those with poor quality signal (2.7±8.8/3.6±8.1 mmHg). In the ISO validation study, excluding readings with poor quality signal (systolic and/or diastolic area; 40 of 255) Criterion 1 was improved (0.2±4.9/0.2±3.9 mmHg versus 0.3±5.5/0.6±4.7 mmHg). Conclusions: The visual assessment of Korotkoff sounds generated by automated auscultatory BP measurement using the InBody BPBIO480KV professional office BP monitor is useful in identifying unreliable readings and further improves the device accuracy.

Defining and testing the value proposition of outside-in planning processes

Traditional planning processes are inside-out. The focus is on mining the patterns of orders and shipments and synchronising demand and supply based on enterprise data. The problem with this approach is with product proliferation and item complexity, demand latency increases, making the order signal out of step with the market by weeks and months. In addition, as supply chain leaders attempt to better align supply chains with markets in the face of months after months of disruption, historical patterns of orders and shipments are irrelevant. The reason is simple. In a volatile world, history is not a good signal to drive decisions. To find a solution, o9 Solutions and Supply Chain Insights partnered with a group of business leaders and academics to test the use of multiple streams of demand data and determine the value of using market, or channel, data versus driving demand off of order or shipment patterns. In this paper, we share insights and the journey. While the opportunity is tremendous and the value clear, the biggest issue for technologists and business leaders is unlearning conventional paradigms. As the use of market data makes many of the traditional planning assumptions obsolete. Here the reader will learn the lessons from the testing and gain insights to adapt their planning processes to be more outside-in.

A Car Logo Design-Inspired CPW-Fed Semitransparent Antenna for Vehicular Applications

In this paper, a quad-port multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) semitransparent antenna is designed for automotive applications. The transparent soda lime glass substrate is used in the prototype antenna for windshield applications, and the radiator is nontransparent copper metal. The unit cell radiator of the MIMO antenna is similar to the “NISSAN automobile-like” logo. The proposed MIMO antenna has a −10 dB impedance bandwidth of 3.4 to 11 GHz. The edge-to-edge distance between the elements in the MIMO configuration is 6 mm. The antenna elements are perpendicularly oriented to offer dual (horizontal and vertical) polarization, which aids in providing better isolation and good signal reception in all directions. The isolation between the resonating elements is greater than 15 dB without the use of any decoupling structure. The diversity metrics are examined in order to gain a better understanding of the MIMO antenna performance. The envelope correlation coefficient (ECC) is less than 0.01, diversity gain (DG) is greater than 9.98 dB, and the total active reflection coefficient (TARC) and channel capacity loss (CCL) are less than −10 dB and 0.07 bits/s/Hz, respectively. The quad-port MIMO antenna offers transparency of 52.26% over the entire area. The proposed antenna could be suitable for automotive applications such as intelligent transportation systems (ITS), vehicular communications, and the automatic vehicle identifier (AVI).

A novel chip-scale heterogeneous integration intelligent micro-system of short wave infrared imaging

In this paper, a novel heterogeneous integrated intelligent micro sensing system for short-wave infrared (SWIR) sensing and processing is proposed, which can detect and recognize objects based on image signals, and realize the complete function of “sensing-process-communication” at the chip scale. Here, we innovatively adopt chip scale heterogeneous integration (CSHI) to achieve high-density integration of sensor, analog and digital chips with different substrates and different process nodes by vertically interconnecting the 2.5 dimension (2.5 D) Through-Silicon Via (TSV) silicon interposer and 3 dimension (3D) high temperature co-fired ceramics (HTCC) ceramics. The short-wave infrared image detection and recognition system with high performance, small size and high reliability is realized on the premise of maintaining good interconnect power supply and signal integrity, and the feasibility of the proposed comprehensive approach is verified. Sensors, analog and digital chips of different substrates and process nodes are integrated into a micro-system at the chip level through this approach. The approach presented in this paper is an effective solution to realize intelligent sensing micro-system, which can effectively extend functions and improve integration level at the chip scale.

Continuous fetal cerebral blood flow monitoring during labor: A feasibility study

BackgroundCurrent methods for fetal surveillance during labor have significant limitations. Since continuous fetal cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) monitoring during labor may add valuable information about fetal well-being, we developed a new ultrasound system called VisiBeam. VisiBeam consists of a flat probe (diameter 11 mm) with a cylindric plane wave beam, a vacuum attachment (diameter 40 mm), a scanner, and a display. AimsTo assess the feasibility of VisiBeam for continuous fetal CBFV monitoring during labor, and to study changes in CBFV during uterine contractions. Study designDescriptive observational study. SubjectsTwenty-five healthy women in labor with a singleton fetus in cephalic presentation at term. A transducer was placed over a fontanelle and attached to the fetal head with vacuum suction. Outcome measuresAchievement of continuous good quality fetal CBFV measures, such as peak systolic velocity, time averaged maximum velocity and end diastolic velocity. Trend plots of velocity measures display changes in CBFV between and during uterine contractions. ResultsGood quality recordings during and between contractions were achieved in 16/25 fetuses. In twelve fetuses, CBFV measures were stable during uterine contractions. Four fetuses showed patterns of reduced CBFV velocity measures during contractions. ConclusionsContinuous fetal CBFV monitoring by VisiBeam was feasible in 64 % of the subjects during labor. The system displayed variations of fetal CBFV not available by today's monitoring techniques and motivates for further studies. However, improvement of the probe attachment is required to ensure good quality signal in a higher proportion of fetuses during labor.

Electrocardiographic predictors of atrial mechanical sensing in patients with leadless VDD pacemakers

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Leadless pacemakers (LP) capable of VDD function are a cornerstone of modern pacemaker therapy reducing complications in elderly patients while enabling atrioventricular synchrony through mechanical sensing of atrial contraction. Because mechanical sensing is less reliable than electrical sensing, the reliability of VDD function in LP varies. We evaluated the p-wave amplitude from patient ECGs as a predictor for successful VDD function in LP. Materials and methods Consecutive patients undergoing LP implantation capable of VDD function were included in this multi-center retrospective cohort study. As VDD function is mainly dependent on the A4 signal amplitude in the current generation of the device, ECG parameters pre-implantation were evaluated separately and in combination for association with A4 signal amplitude post-implantation. Results 122 Patients (mean age 81, female 44%, mean BMI 25.9 kg/m2) were included. Main indication for LP implantation was AV-Block (70%). BMI-adjusted P-wave amplitude demonstrated a statistically significant positive correlation with A4 signal amplitude in leads I, II, aVL, aVF, aVR, V1 and V2 (all p<0.05). A p-wave amplitude of at least 0.1mV had a specificity of 72% (95%-CI 50%-89%) for a good A4 signal. A sum of at least 0.2mV of p-wave amplitudes in V1 and aVL predicts a specificity of 83% (95%-CI 67-100%) for a good A4 signal. Conclusions P-wave amplitudes in selected ECG leads can predict A4 signal amplitude and therefore the reliability of VDD function in LP.

New generation of LCPM and left atrial strain: a promising predictor of atrio-ventricular synchrony in leadless pacemaker pacing

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Leadless cardiac pacemakers (LCPMs) are a new alternative to traditional transvenous pacemaker. They recently have evolved from a single chamber VVI-R pacemaker to devices that can provide atrio-ventricular synchrony (AVS) in patient with sinus rhythm through an 3-axis accelerometer, detecting atrial contractions. To date, Micra AV Transcatheter Pacing System (Medtronic) is the only LCPM on the market that provides AVS. Purpose Many efforts have been made to identify clinical predictors of a good A4 signal amplitude, that determines the ability of the Micra-AV to pace while maintaining AVS (1). Our exploratory study investigates the utility of Left Atrial strain (LAs) for this purpose. Methods Data was extracted from the Cardiac Interventional Registry implemented at our hospital and approved by local ethic committee. Six patients, implanted with Micra-AV (72±13 years), underwent to a complete echocardiography focused on left atrium (LA). Morphological (LA diameters, 2d LA volume and 2d LA area) and functional (EA ratio and LAs study) parameters were assessed. An echocardiography core laboratory studied LAs (Figure A), using a dedicated software (Philips, Epiq 7-Auto Strain Tomtec Application): LA Reservoir Strain (LAsr), LA Conduit Strain (LAscd) and LA Contraction Strain (LAsct) were measured (2). All patients after implantation had a complete electronic control of leadless pacemaker to assess A4 wave amplitude. Results We found that A4 wave amplitude was inversely correlated to 2D-LA volume (Spearman's coefficient rho=-0.96; p=0.003), while it was positively related to LAsr (rho=0.81; p=0.05) and LAsct absolute value (Figure B). In the last years, in addition to the traditional echocardiographic parameters, LA was studied with a new functional parameter, LAs (3). The MARVEL2 study showed that A4 amplitude is fundamental to ensure a high AVS percentage; it was directly related to a parameter defined generically "atrial strain" (4). It is known that LAs is a complex parameter that indicates how the left atrium works overall. Today, thanks to the technological developments of the new echocardiographic software, it can be evaluated more precisely in its components. According to our preliminary data the components that predict A4 amplitude are specifically LAsr and LAsct: we found higher value of A4 in patients that have grater absolute value of these LAs parameters. LAsr is related to the atrial filling and depends on atrial stiffness and fibrosis, LAsct is an indicator of LA ability to empty, thus contributing to the final stage of ventricular diastolic filling. These are simple measurable parameters of LA functional capacity and they seem capable of predicting the possibility of a good AVS in LCPM pacing. Conclusion Patient selection is crucial to obtain good clinical outcomes. In this context, echocardiographic parameters and particularly the LAs study look promising to make a correct choice.

FACTORS AFFECTING DIVIDEND POLICY ON LQ45 INDEX COMPANIES ON THE INDONESIA STOCK EXCHANGE

Dividends are one of the considerations in stock investment. The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of “Board Size, Board Independence, “Management Ownership”, Institutional Ownership, and “Collateral Assets” on the “Dividend Policy”. This study uses 17 samples of public companies that are part of the LQ45 Index with 84 data observation during 2016-2020. The sampling method used purposive sampling technique. data analysis using multiple regression analysis where data is processed using IBM SPP Statistic Version 25.0 software. The results show that “Management Ownership” and “Collateral Assets” have a positive and significant effect on “Dividend Policy”. Meanwhile, “Board Size”, “Board Independence”, and “Institutional Ownership” have no significant effect on “Dividend Policy”. The implication of this research is that there is a need for Institutional Ownership representatives on the company's “Board of Directors” in order to influence the companies’ “Dividend Policy” and provide a good signal for investors.

FACTORS AFFECTING DIVIDEND POLICY ON LQ45 INDEX COMPANIES ON THE INDONESIA STOCK EXCHANGE

Dividends are one of the considerations in stock investment. The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of “Board Size, Board Independence, “Management Ownership”, Institutional Ownership, and “Collateral Assets” on the “Dividend Policy”. This study uses 17 samples of public companies that are part of the LQ45 Index with 84 data observation during 2016-2020. The sampling method used purposive sampling technique. data analysis using multiple regression analysis where data is processed using IBM SPP Statistic Version 25.0 software. The results show that “Management Ownership” and “Collateral Assets” have a positive and significant effect on “Dividend Policy”. Meanwhile, “Board Size”, “Board Independence”, and “Institutional Ownership” have no significant effect on “Dividend Policy”. The implication of this research is that there is a need for Institutional Ownership representatives on the company's “Board of Directors” in order to influence the companies’ “Dividend Policy” and provide a good signal for investors.

A rapid polymerization of flexible wearable hydrogels sensors with excellent mechanical property, conductivity and frost resistance performance based on double autocatalytic system

Recently, wearable services that are flexible and based on conductive hydrogels have rapidly evolved and found numerous applications. These conductive hydrogels must possess remarkable mechanical strength, electrical conductivity, and sensing stability, while also being able to withstand low temperatures. However, creating hydrogels that meet all these requirements can be a lengthy and complicated process. Herein, we quickly (10 s) generated a double network conductive hydrogels (PHTF@DNH) using the double autocatalytic system consisting of TA (Tannic acid) and Fe3+. Due to the hydrogen bonding interactions between polyacrylamide (PAM), chitosan quaternary ammonium salt (HACC), TA, cross-linking of N, N′-methylene-bis-acrylamide (MBA), and ionic conduction of sodium citrate (Na3Cit), the hydrogel exhibit excellent tensile property (stress of 177.40 kPa, elongation at break of 788%), compressive performance (compressive strength of 1.1 MPa at 80% deformation), desirable toughness (702.60 kJ/m3), and exceptional cyclic compression and swelling properties. The hydrogel-based sensors show exceptional electrical conductivity (59.02 mS/cm), sensitivity (GF value of 1.13 at 100–550% strain), broad detection range and good signal stability. Even at −30 °C, the hydrogels still maintained stable. Eventually, it is harmless to human skin. We believe that the PHTF@DNH offer a new approach to the manufacture of sensitive wearable electronic devices.

Evaluation and Validation of Commercially Available Dopamine Transporter Antibodies

With a wide variety of dopamine transporter (DAT) antibodies available commercially, it is important to validate which antibodies provide sufficient immunodetection for reproducibility purpose and for accurate analysis of DAT levels and/or location. Commercially available DAT antibodies that are commonly used were tested in western blotting (WB) on wild-type (WT) and DAT-knock-out (DAT-KO) brain tissue and with immunohistology (IH) techniques against coronal slices of unilaterally lesioned 6-OHDA rats, in addition to wild-type and DAT-knock-out mice. DAT-KO mice and unilateral 6-OHDA lesions in rats were used as a negative control for DAT antibody specificity. Antibodies were tested at various concentrations and rated based on signal detection varying from no signal to optimal signal detection. Commonly used antibodies, including AB2231 and PT-22 524-1-AP, did not provide specific DAT signals in WB and IH. Although certain antibodies provided a good DAT signal, such as SC-32258, D6944, and MA5-24796, they also presented nonspecific bands in WB. Many DAT antibodies did not detect the DAT as advertised, and this characterization of DAT antibodies may provide a guide for immunodetection of DAT for molecular studies.