Superior Levels Research Articles

Investigating the effect of the social customer relationship management (CRM) on customers and financial performance

This research aims to investigate the effect of the social customer relationship management (CRM) process on achieving superior levels of costumers and financial performance. The object of this research is the Iraqi firms at the Iraqi environment market, while the subject is more than 200 respondents. Six variables from the research data were gathered through an instrument model invalid form that structured to be measured through reliable questionnaires. Statistical Analysis of the research data used partial least squares structural equation modeling with the significance in accordance with the output of SPSS 22.0. The findings indicate that the social CRM technologies of the firms improve the innovation activities on Both (services and products). This has a positive effect on the ability to achieve high performance through building customer-linking capabilities by adopting innovations, resulting in higher levels of efficiency. In exchange, higher levels of consumer contribution lead to having positive levels of customer and financial performance.

Under what conditions do governments collaborate? A qualitative comparative analysis of air pollution control in China

ABSTRACT Based on the collaborative governance framework, this paper proposes four starting conditions that affect the establishment of intergovernmental collaboration: power imbalance, resource imbalance, prehistory of collaboration and participation of superior levels of government. The interaction of these conditions is tested with collaborative practice among local governments in China to control air pollution. The qualitative comparative analysis results show that wheel-shaped, umbrella-shaped and fan-shaped modes promote collaboration. Non-participation of superior levels of government and strong–strong competition modes inhibit collaboration. External leadership and internal leadership play important roles in the initiation of interlocal collaboration.

Image Quality Improvement of Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Gradient Echo Magnetic Resonance Imaging by Iterative Denoising and Edge Enhancement.

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of a novel edge enhancement and iterative denoising algorithm in 1.5-T T1-weighted dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) gradient echo (GRE) magnetic resonance imaging of the abdomen on image quality, noise levels, diagnostic confidence, and lesion detectability. Fifty patients who underwent a clinically indicated magnetic resonance imaging with DCE imaging of the abdomen between June and August 2020 were included in this retrospective, monocentric, institutional review board-approved study. For DCE imaging, a series of 3 volume interpolated breath-hold examinations (VIBEs) was performed. The raw data of all DCE imaging studies were processed twice, once using standard reconstruction (DCES) and again using an edge enhancement and iterative denoising approach (DCEDE). All imaging studies were randomly reviewed by 2 radiologists independently regarding noise levels, arterial contrast, sharpness of vessels, overall image quality, and diagnostic confidence using a Likert scale ranging from 1 to 4, with 4 being the best. Furthermore, lesion detectability was evaluated using the same ranking system. All 50 imaging studies were successfully reconstructed with both methods. Interreader agreement (Cohen κ) was substantial to perfect for both readers. Arterial contrast and sharpness of vessels were rated superior by both readers with a median of 4 in DCEDE versus a median of 3 in DCES (P < 0.001). Furthermore, noise levels as well as overall image quality were rated higher with a median of 4 in DCEDE compared with a median of 3 in DCES (P < 0.001). Lesion detectability was evaluated to be superior in DCEDE with a median of 4 versus DCES with a median of 3 (P < 0.001). Consequently, diagnostic confidence was also rated to be superior in DCEDE with a median of 4 versus DCES with a median of 3 (P < 0.001). Iterative denoising and edge enhancement are feasible in DCE imaging of the abdomen providing superior arterial contrast, noise levels, and overall image quality. Furthermore, lesion detectability and diagnostic confidence were significantly improved using this novel reconstruction method. Further reduction of acquisition time might be possible via reduction of increased noise levels using this presented method.

Production of functional beer with the addition of probiotic: Saccharomyces boulardii

Industries have been investing in the development of functional products, such as the ones produced with probiotic microorganisms. The aim of this study was to develop a Pilsen-style beer with functional properties through the addition of the Saccharomyces boulardii probiotic. The beer was fermented with low-fermentation commercial yeast. The probiotic culture was added next, evaluating its probiotic potential. Microbiological, sensorial and physicochemical aspects were evaluated in the obtained products. The S. boulardii strain presented probiotic viability after the confirmation of the resistance to acid, bile salts and ethyl alcohol tests, maintaining superior levels of colony-forming to the indicated by the legislation during the 28 days storage. The beer with probiotic addition has not differed sensorially from the commercial beer concerning the aroma, flavor, general appearance and color. The results of sensorial, physicochemical and microbiological analysis showed the viability of the production of probiotic beer with the addition of S. boulardii.

Protective immune responses against Haemophilus influenzae type b elicited by a fully-liquid DTaP-IPV-Hib-HepB vaccine (VAXELIS™)

BackgroundDTaP-IPV-Hib-HepB is a fully-liquid, hexavalent combination vaccine (Vaxelis™) approved for vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, hepatitis B, and invasive disease due to Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). Hib capsular polysaccharide, polyribosylribitol phosphate (PRP), is conjugated to Neisseria meningitidis outer membrane protein complex (OMPC). Safety and immunogenicity of DTaP-IPV-Hib-HepB were evaluated in 6 Phase III clinical studies including > 5,200 children. Studies included vaccination schedules in the United States (2, 4, 6 months of age) and Europe (2, 3, 4, 12 months of age and 2,4,11–12 months of age). MethodsData pertaining to anti-PRP responses of DTaP-IPV-Hib-Hep B compared to control vaccines from 5 Phase III studies are summarized. ResultsPost-infant series, the percentage of participants that achieved protective antibody thresholds for PRP (anti-PRP titer ≥ 0.15 μg/mL and ≥ 1.0 μg/mL, respectively) were higher in DTaP-IPV-Hib-HepB recipients compared to recipients who received control vaccines. A high level of protective responses (96.6% at ≥ 0.15 μg/mL [95% CI:94.8, 97.9%]; 72.9% at ≥ 1.0 μg/mL [95% CI:69.2,76.4%]) were seen post-dose 2 of the 2 + 1 vaccination schedule and met superiority criteria over comparator, p-value < 0.001.In the same schedule, prior to administration of the toddler dose (in the second year of life), anti-PRP titers were higher in DTaP-IPV-Hib-HepB recipients (91.4% at ≥ 0.15 μg/mL; 46.8% at ≥ 1.0 μg/mL) as compared to recipients who received control vaccines (63.4% at ≥ 0.15 μg/mL; 17.1% at ≥ 1.0 μg/mL).One-month post-toddler dose, high levels of anti-PRP titers were achieved in both DTaP-IPV-Hib-HepB recipients (99.8% at ≥ 0.15 μg/mL; 96.6% at ≥ 1.0 μg/mL) and recipients who received control vaccines (99.5% at ≥ 0.15 μg/mL; 94.9% at ≥ 1.0 μg/mL). ConclusionsThese results support that DTaP-IPV-Hib-HepB induces a robust and sustained early Hib response. During the high-risk period for Hib disease after the infant vaccine and prior to the toddler dose; >90% of recipients maintained superior protective anti-PRP levels compared to control.

Recovery of 3D footwear impressions using a range of different techniques.

Three-dimensional (plastic) footwear impressions are frequently found at, or in the vicinity of a crime scene, and may provide a valuable form of evidence or intelligence. This paper compares the traditional methods of casting and/or two-dimensional photography with Structure from Motion (SfM) photogrammetry. We focus both on the recovery of class characteristics (sole pattern) and randomly acquired characteristics caused by damage. We examine how different recovery techniques influence visualization of outsole features and discuss what effect this may have on evidential value. Five shoes and their associated three-dimensional impressions made in both sand and soil were compared using a grid system and tread descriptors commonly used in the UK. We conclude that within the limitations of this study SfM photogrammetry allows superior levels of visualization of both class and randomly acquired characteristics, giving a better definition in detail in some instances. The use of SfM as a complementary approach can therefore lead to a potential increase in evidential value.

Diagnostic accuracy of clinical visualization and light-based tests in precancerous and cancerous lesions of the oral cavity and oropharynx: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Evaluate and compare the performance of autofluorescence, chemiluminescence, and clinical visual examination in the detection of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD), oral cancer (OC), and oropharyngeal cancer (OPC). A systematic review with meta-analysis based on diagnostic test studies. A literature search was carried out in the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases through August 30, 2020. For this review, the quality assessment tool of diagnostic precision studies (QUADAS-2) was used. Hierarchical regression models were used to estimate pooled diagnostic precision values in a random effects model. A total of 40 studies were identified for this review according to each test evaluated: 5.562 samples for autofluorescence, 1.353 samples for chemiluminescence, and 1.892 samples for clinical examination. The summary measures sensitivity and specificity of the clinical examination were 63% and 78%, respectively, AUC = 0.78 95% CI (0.74-0.81). In the autofluorescence test, these were 86% and 72%, respectively, AUC = 0.86 95% CI (0.83-0.89); and the chemiluminescent test were 67% and 48%, respectively, AUC = 0.59 95% CI (0.54-0.63) CONCLUSIONS: Autofluorescence devices displayed superior accuracy levels in the identification of premalignant lesions and early neoplastic changes compared to clinical examination and chemiluminescent test. Overall, biopsy remains the gold standard for the definitive diagnosis of OPMD, OC, and OPC. Light-based clinical methods such as autofluorescence and chemiluminescence techniques have been used in clinical diagnosis for the differentiation of OPMD and malignant and benign lesions; although detailed visual examination appears to be effective in identifying, previous systematic reviews have not evaluated a relevant number of studies and they did not evaluate the accuracy of the clinical examination.

Human papillomavirus infection among young men and women in Saudi Arabia: basic information, testing, and vaccination understanding

Background: Worldwide, human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are a common sexually transmitted disease. Among its variants, high-risk HPV (types 16, 18) are a significant cause for several genital cancers. There is scarcity of data from the Middle Eastern region regarding the understanding of young men and women toward HPV infection, HPV-related cancers, prevention and HPV vaccine. HPV infection contraction means are not advertised optimally in Saudi Arabia. Likewise, HPV vaccination is not commonly sought. Subjects and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study on young men and women enrolled in medical schools at different academic years from King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Demographics were collected; HPV general testing, and vaccination knowledge were assessed using a validated questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences, and a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Variables associated with excellent and poor knowledge of HPV, testing and vaccinations were evaluated. Results: Out of the 462 participants, 227 (49.13%) were male, the mean age of the cohort is 22.05 ± 1.526 years, 442 (95.7%) have previously heard of HPV, 323 (69.9%) of testing, and 324 (70.1%) of vaccination. Knowledge of all three sections was significantly associated with higher academic years, increasing age, and female gender. Conclusion: This study showed that the overall knowledge of young men and women in medical school regarding HPV is fair to average. Superior knowledge levels were associated with female gender, higher academic years, and older age. Familiarity with one aspect of HPV infection is associated with a better understanding of others.

Use of numerical method for optimization of granulometric curves in eco-efficient concrete

Concrete is the most used construction material and thus, being the cement a significant part of this material, it is also widely used around the world. Cement production is responsible for more than 5% of global CO2 emissions, which has been continuously increasing. A solution to reduce the cement content in concretes without loss of performance is thorough the particle packing optimization. This work uses practical numerical simulations through linear programming and the modified Andreasen & Andersen model to reduce the void content of aggregate mixtures and produce concretes with superior and intermediate packing levels. A broad range of distribution modulus “q” values were tested. Deviations between the particle size distribution (PSD) curves were calculated in each step of the process. In this study, mixtures with the smallest deviations – experimental PSD curves closer to the mathematical packing model – did not present the lowest void contents. The distribution modulus “q” directly affects the fine aggregate content in the mixtures: lower q values favors higher fine aggregate contents. For concrete granular skeletons composed by sand and gravel, there is a q value below which sand is the top deviation contributor and above which gravel is the top deviation contributor. Moreover, there is a limit to the distribution modulus after which the void content of aggregate skeletons tends to increase. In this study, that was 0.30. Concretes with superior packing (S concrete) and with the lowest distribution factor (q = 0.25) showed better performance in relation to the other studied concretes, with a higher compressive strength at 91 days and with a binder intensity around 6 at 28 days and below 5 at 91 days.

Effect of Tongue-Hold Swallow on Pharyngeal Contractile Properties in Healthy Individuals

Tongue-hold swallow (THS) is a swallow exercise in which an individual swallows saliva while holding the anterior portion of the tongue between the front teeth. The effect of THS on pharyngeal contractile vigor is still unclear. The purpose of this study was to quantify THS using high-resolution manometry with a contractile integral analysis. Twenty-two healthy participants performed three different saliva swallow tasks: normal swallow, weak THS (in which the tongue was protruded 1 cm outside the upper incisors), and strong THS (in which the tongue was protruded 2 cm outside the upper incisors). The participants repeated each task twice randomly. Pharyngeal and upper esophageal sphincter metrics, including the pharyngeal contractile integral, were analyzed. Both weak and strong THS enhanced the velopharyngeal contractile integral and peak pressure compared with normal swallow (P < 0.01). THS also prolonged mesopharyngeal contraction (P < 0.01). Holding the tongue anteriorly during swallow requires significant biomechanical changes to pharyngeal contractile properties at the superior and middle pharyngeal constrictor levels; thus, it may serve as a resistance exercise for the muscles that are involved in bolus propulsion.

Differential Impact of Education on Cognitive Performance in Neurological Patients with Progressive Cognitive Decline.

Education has a protective effect toward cognitive decline in advanced age and is an important factor contributing to cognitive reserve. To elucidate the interaction effect of education and global mental status on cognitive performance of older patients with progressive cognitive decline. This retrospective study included 1,392 patients. We performed moderation regressions to examine the interaction between education and global mental status (Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score) on performance in episodic memory, executive functions (EF), language, and constructional praxis tests. Significant interaction effects were further explored through separate linear regressions by MMSE level (inferior: ≤24; intermediate: 25-27; superior: 28-30). There was an interaction between MMSE and education for some but not all variables. At intermediate and superior MMSE levels, high-educated people had a clear advantage relative to low-educated people in verbal memory and EF tests. This advantage was not significant at an inferior MMSE level. In object naming, constructional praxis recall, and constructional praxis, high-educated people performed better than low-educated people, independently of MMSE level. Education has a differential effect on cognitive performance in patients with cognitive decline. While high education is not helpful for episodic memory and EF at low cognitive levels, it is still beneficial for retrieving words or other semantic knowledge. These findings suggest an interaction between global mental status and education on different cognitive domains and have strong clinical implications. Diagnostic judgments should be based on the knowledge of such interaction. This study highlights the beneficial but selective effects of high education.

The Notion of Woman as Symbol of Fidelity per Treatises of Fariduddin Attar

In the following article the fidelity of woman, daughter-in-law is expressed in the treatises of Fariduddin Attar: such as the leader, rational woman, tolerance, iman, purity and courage are reconsidered. The scholar substantiates the meaning of the contradictory views in the description of the symbolics of woman. The woman reaches the superior levels based on attention, esteem, training and respect, otherwise she leads many people to the ignorance. It is indicated that the fidelity is the best spiritual-ethical characteristics of human. The woman expressing the peculiarities such as iman, faith, gratitude, patience and firmness based on her fidelity can be sample for every person. The abstract focuses on the issues of fidelity of woman. The research is based on the comparative study of diverse sources. The aim of the study is to reveal the issues of fidelity in the early Islamic period.

Application of Six Sigma approach on hood outer panel to reduce the defect in painting peel off

Fact based problem solving using DMAIC approach has been presented in this paper for reducing defects in sheet metal painting peel off defect in an endeavor to approach six sigma quality level in a leading MNC auto manufacturer. DMAIC identifies, analyses, and eradicates the root cause of defects in the process and thereby helps to achieve superior levels of quality by means of improved productivity. The present research was conducted in the Stamping operation facility where the coils of sheet metals are manufactured into the hood outer panels of cars. Systematic application has enabled the issue on the supply chain quality to be resolved for the issue of paint peel off at OEM. Based on this study, it has been achieved that the hood panels proceeding to the Rework process and Body shop were significantly minimized. Post successful implementation of Six sigma - DMAIC in the assembly processes, number of defectives per month dipped from 230 to 54, which is a massive 85% reduction in defectives. From the results, it was found that rejection rate of the selected OEM is brought to 0.4% from 3%. The paper enables application of DMAIC throughout the supply chain successfully towards achieving zero defect.

Peri-Operative Pain Management for Cleft Lip Repair in Children, Bilateral Infraorbital Nerve Block Versus Combined Intravenous Fentanyl with Peri-Incisional Infiltration. A Randomized Comparative Study

Background: The good control of postoperative pain has an important impact on the patient as regards his general condition, wound healing and hospital stay. Regional nerve blocks and systemic analgesics especially opioids offered this control but with superiority of the regional block due to avoidance of the side effects of opioids. The assessment of pain in pediatrics is difficult, as they usually do not have the ability to describe their pain. Pediatric patients undergoing cleft lip repair can benefit from nerve blocks related to the lip. Different types of analgesia were described, such as bilateral infraorbital nerve block (IONB), pharmacological analgesics and surgical site infiltration. Objective: To compare the effect of bilateral infraorbital nerve block with conventional methods (IV fentanyl and peri-incisional infiltration) as a proper perioperative pain management in children undergoing cleft lip (CL) repair operation. Patients and Method: Seventy-six children, scheduled for cleft lip repair, were enrolled in this study in Cairo University Pediatric Hospital (Abu El Reesh). The patients were randomly assigned into two groups: Group infraorbital nerve block IONB (n=38): received bilateral infraorbital nerve block. Group conventional (n= 38): received IV fentanyl with surgical site infiltration. Patients in both groups received general anesthesia and our interventions were performed after induction of anesthesia and before skin incision. Results: This study demonstrated that the use of bilateral IONB in children undergoing cleft lip repair was accompanied by superior levels of intraoperative and postoperative analgesia as compared to the use of IV fentanyl with surgical site infiltration in the same population. This difference was evidenced by significantly less need for postoperative rescue analgesia as well as lower pain scores up to 24 hours postoperative in the IONB group. Conclusion: This study results indicate that bilateral ION block is simple, safe and technically easy to perform with good postoperative analgesia.

MODELING THE CONTRIBUTION OF DISTANCE EDUCATION TO STUDENTS’ PREPARATION FOR THE PROFESSIONS

There is an increasing interest in predicting the contribution level of open and distance learning to students’ career, in order to perceive the pathway for higher quality standards. For this purpose, Anadolu University Faculty of Open Education, which can be considered a leader in its field, to learners’ professions and their career goals, organized a research project in which a questionnaire was conducted involving approximately 17,000 associate and undergraduate students to build a database of responses. The data was used to determine the contribution level of the open education programs. The five ordered-level contributions were recorded to a response variable. Demographical, educational and economic variables were successfully used in mapping the categorical responses using the ordinal logistic regression analysis method (OLR). The results, unlike other studies, indicate that there is a positive relationship between family size and the contribution level of distance education on students’ preparation for the professions. In a novel way, the socioeconomic level of the students is considered in the OLR model as an economic factor. As a consequence, the students with moderate and higher socioeconomic levels demonstrated superior levels of contribution.

Analysis of the Variables Affecting the Incidence, Location, and Severity of Cage Subsidence Following Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Operation.

For surgical management of degenerative cervical spine disease with myeloradiculopathy, stand-alone cages are frequently used in 1- and 2-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) operations with a paucity of literature on factors influencing cage subsidence. The aim of this study was to analyze the variables affecting the incidence, location, and severity of cage subsidence. Retrospective review of prospectively collected data of 77 patients (95 levels) undergoing ACDF surgery was conducted. Variables analyzed were age, gender, sagittal alignment, maximum disc height (superior, inferior, and procedure levels), cage size, shape, location, degree of subsidence (minor <2 mm, mild 2-4 mm, moderate 5-7.5 mm, severe >7.5 mm) and location of subsidence. The incidence of cage subsidence was 34% (32 levels), and 91% were minor or mild. Significantly lower mean maximum height of the inferior disc compared to the nonsubsidence group (5.17 versus 5.96; P = 0.0025) was recorded. Significantly greater incidence of subsidence (40%) was recorded in patients with abnormal cervical spine alignment (focal or diffuse kyphosis) versus 18% with normal alignment (P = 0.02). Greater incidence of subsidence was recorded with more anterior positioned cages (52%; p=0.01). No statistical significance was found for age, gender, superior disc height, or cage shape/size. Greater incidence of cage subsidence is significantly associated with a lower maximum disc height of the disc below the operated level (<5.5 mm), abnormal sagittal alignment, and more anteriorly positioned cages. We found that the vast majority of cage subsidence was focal, minor to mild, without having any immediate or late clinical implications in terms of need for revision surgery.

Social service as glasshouses? On the use and consequences of the Open Comparison system in Swedish social services

AbstractPerformance measurement (PM) systems where local governments performance is exposed to public scrutiny have been demanded in many OECD (Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development) countries. The experiences from the Swedish Open Comparisons (OC) system have been highlighted as a particularly interesting case because it bears similarities with both Anglo‐Saxon countries concerning coverage, scope, and transparency, and also with Continental European countries concerning voluntarism, sanctions, and policy sensitivity. The aim of this article is to investigate how managers and senior officials within the Swedish social services use the OC‐system, how they perceive its consequences, and also to understand how their use can be explained.The study is based on concepts identified in previous research on use of performance information. The empirical investigation is based on a survey to 269 managers and senior officials in the social services in randomly selected municipalities.The analysis shows that the OC system is mainly used for reporting to superior levels, identifying needs for improvements, and for evaluating the developments over time. The use is to a high extent determined by if the OC system has a strong support from the local leadership structure, and also if the users perceive it as a reliable and mature system. The users’ perceived consequences of the system concern changed attitudes, forms of governance, and also concrete operational processes.

Application of a Novel Iterative Denoising and Image Enhancement Technique in T1-Weighted Precontrast and Postcontrast Gradient Echo Imaging of the Abdomen: Improvement of Image Quality and Diagnostic Confidence.

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of a novel iterative denoising and image enhancement technique in T1-weighted precontrast and postcontrast volume-interpolated breath-hold examination (VIBE) of the abdomen on image quality, noise levels, and diagnostic confidence without change of acquisition parameters. Fifty patients were included in this retrospective, monocentric, institutional review board-approved study after clinically indicated magnetic resonance imaging of the abdomen including T1-weighted precontrast and postcontrast imaging. After acquisition of the standard VIBE (VIBES), images were processed with a novel reconstruction algorithm using the same raw data as for VIBES, resulting in a denoised and enhanced dataset (VIBEDE). Two different radiologists evaluated both datasets in a randomized order regarding sharpness of organs as well as vessels, noise levels, artifacts, overall image quality, and diagnostic confidence using a Likert scale ranging from 1 to 4 with 4 being the best. Furthermore, in the presence of focal liver lesions, the largest lesion was measured in the postcontrast dataset, and lesion detectability was analyzed using a Likert scale (1-4). Precontrast and postcontrast sharpness of organs and sharpness of vessels were rated significantly superior by both readers in VIBEDE with a median of 4 (interquartile range, 0) compared with VIBES with a median of 3 (1) (all P's < 0.0001). Precontrast and postcontrast noise levels were also rated superior by both readers in VIBEDE with a median of 4 (0) compared with VIBES with a median of 3 (1) for precontrast and a median of 3 (0) (median of 3 [1] for reader 2) for postcontrast imaging (all P's < 0.0001).Overall image quality was also rated higher with a median of 4 (0) in VIBEDE versus 3 (1) in VIBES (P < 0.0001). Twenty-seven imaging studies contained liver lesions. There was no difference regarding the number and localization between the readers and between VIBES and VIBEDE. Lesion detectability was rated by both readers significantly better in VIBEDE with a median of 4 (0) compared with a median of 4 (1) for reader 1 and a median of 3 (1) for reader 2 (P = 0.001 for reader 1; P < 0.001 for reader 2). Consequently, diagnostic confidence was also significantly superior in VIBEDE versus VIBES with a median of 4 (0) for both (P = 0.001). Interreader agreement resulted in a Cohen κ of 0.76 for precontrast analysis as well as of 0.76 for postcontrast analysis. Application of a novel iterative denoising and image enhancement technique in T1-weighted VIBE precontrast and postcontrast imaging of the abdomen is feasible, providing superior image quality, noise levels, and diagnostic confidence.

Hybrids nanocomposites based on a polymer blend (linear low‐density polyethylene/poly(ethylene‐co‐methyl acrylate) and carbonaceous fillers (graphene and carbon nanotube)

AbstractInterfacial or separate phase location of carbonaceous nanofillers (graphene and carbon nanotubes) in polymer blends with co‐continuous phases can lead to double percolation behavior, significantly increasing rheological and electrical properties. The prediction of the morphology and the location of the nanofillers has been used as a tool to evaluate the proprieties of co‐continuous polymer blends. This work aims to highlight the superior conductivity levels achieved using a low amount of carbon‐based fillers, by the proper selection in a multiphase polymer matrix as a template for controlled dispersion and spatial distribution of the nanoparticles, offering a compromise between easy processability and enhanced performance. Here, two polymers (linear low‐density polyethylene [LLDPE] and ethylene‐co‐methylacrylate [EMA]) and their co‐continuous blend (LLDPE/EMA) were loaded with nanofillers (few‐layer graphene [FLG], few‐walled carbon nanotube [FWCNT]) via continuous melt mixing in twin‐screw extrusion, separate and simultaneously. It was observed that the addition of the nanofillers changed the co‐continuity of the blend, with the probable migration of the nanofillers from the EMA (hydrophilic) phase to the LLDPE (hydrophobic) phase. Rheological percolation occurred preferentially in blends containing FWCNT and FLG/FWCNT. Electrical conductivity was observed in all compositions, with higher electrical conductivity being noticed in hybrids.

Pulse shape discrimination and exploration of scintillation signals using convolutional neural networks

We demonstrate the use of a convolutional neural network to perform neutron-gamma pulse shape discrimination, where the only inputs to the network are the raw digitised silicon photomultiplier signals from a dual scintillator detector element made of 6Li F:ZnS(Ag) scintillator and PVT plastic. A realistic labelled dataset was created to train the network by exposing the detector to an AmBe source, and a data-driven method utilising a separate photomultiplier tube was used to assign labels to the recorded signals. This approach is compared to the charge integration and continuous wavelet transform methods and a simpler artificial neural net. It is found to provide superior levels of discrimination, achieving an area under the curve of 0.996 ± 0.003. We find that the neural network is capable of extracting interpretable features directly from the raw data. In addition, by visualising the high-dimensional representations of the network with the t-SNE algorithm, we discover that not only is this method robust to minor mislabeling of the training dataset but that it is possible to identify an underlying substructure within the signals that goes beyond the original labelling. This technique could be utilised to explore and cluster complex, raw detector data in a novel way that may reveal more insights than standard analysis methods.