Structures, electronic and thermodynamic properties of NiB2n (n=7-11) and their anions: A theoretical study

Based on the Crystal structure Analysis by Particle Swarm Optimization (CALYPSO) searching method and density functional theory (DFT), theoretical studies about structures, electronic and thermodynamic properties have been investigated systematically at the TPSSh/6-311+G(d) level for NiB2n0/- (n=7-11) clusters. Results found that the lowest energy structures possess a Ni atom-centered double ring tubular boron structures, NiB180/- except. Relative stabilities were analyzed via computing their vertical ionization potentials (VIP), vertical electronic affinity (VEA), adiabatic electronic affinity (AEA), HOMO-LUMO gaps and hardness. The infrared spectra, Raman spectra and photoelectron spectra were computationally simulated to facilitate their experimental characterizations. At last, aromatic properties (Nucleus independent chemical shift) and thermodynamic properties (enthalpy and entropy) with temperature were discussed in detailed for studied systems.

Natural frequency modulation of a kinematically redundant planar parallel robot

When a parallel robot is equipped with kinematic redundancy, it has sufficient capabilities of natural frequency modulation through adjusting geometric configuration. To reduce resonance of a mechanism, this paper investigates the natural frequency modulation of a kinematically redundant planar parallel robot. A double-threshold searching method is proposed for controlling the inverse kinematics solution and keeping the natural frequencies away from the excitation frequency. The effectiveness of modulating the natural frequencies is demonstrated by comparing it with a non-modulation method. The simulation results indicate that, in all directions, the responses are coupled, and every order should be taken into consideration during natural frequency modulation. Compared to the non-modulation method, the proposed method can reduce the resonance amplitude to a certain extent, and the effect of vibration suppression is remarkable.

Through-Floor Vital Sign Searching for Trapped Person Using Wireless-Netted UWB Radars

In personnel rescue applications, considerable attention has been paid to the positioning method of living persons. Especially, the effective vital sign searching is urgently required. This work presents an effective multiple-observation-points-based vital sign searching method for trapped persons using wireless-netted ultra-wideband (UWB) radars. Controlled by a wireless network, four UWB radars are connected to form a group. Based on that, we design an optimized searching path strategy and the corresponding vital sign searching procedure. The simulated result illustrates the proposed vital sign searching strategy on the spatial locations of the trapped person. Finally, the proof-of-principle through-floor experiment was also carried out, verifying the performance of this proposed vital sign searching algorithm.

Business Model Canvas and Energy Enterprises

So far, little is known about the Business Model Canvas development in the energy sector. In this paper, we fill this knowledge gap and modify the Business Model Canvas. Based on the cause–effect analysis combined with the literature searching method, we suggest that Osterwalder’s Canvas for energy enterprise should be modified because the available Canvas adaptations cannot fully capture the energy enterprise’s business model or realise its business operations combined with the public interest. We propose a new original Canvas adaptation by adding two crucial blocks representing the mission, energy accountability, and impact on stakeholders in the Business Model Canvas. The findings make two main contributions. First, they contribute to developing entrepreneurship theory. We formulate an original definition of a business model, first showing the limitations of current definitions. We verify Chesbrough’s functions of business models. Second, compared to earlier business model frameworks, the new model clearly points out that accountability in firms’ everyday businesses is at the core of business development. Moreover, this article formulates future research avenues in the energy sector and provides a helpful planning tool for practitioners.

1303 Obesity: A Growing Concern in Gynaecological Surgery

Introduction Obesity is becoming a major concern in healthcare. The rise in obesity has now reached alarming levels. Obesity is driven by the economic growth, unbalanced diet, and a sedentary lifestyle. Obesity has played a disastrous role in the health of many but significantly has had a detrimental health effect among girls and women. This review focuses on the effect of obesity on various aspects of women’s health including prognosis after gynaecological surgery. Method The search engine used for this literature review was Ovid MEDLINE. Only studies reported in English have been included in this review. The snowball and citation searching method was used to find further relevant articles. Results Various genetic components have been identified to increase the risk of obesity which is further exacerbated with the current obesogenic environment. Women with a BMI≥35 had longer surgeries and an increased rate of severe postoperative adverse events. Additionally, women with a higher BMI had an increased risk of cervical cancer due to under-diagnosis of cervical precancerous lesions, though obesity did not directly alter the association between preoperative biopsy and final tumour grade. Conclusions Despite increased awareness, obesity is still a major contributor of mortality and morbidity. Women in particular are facing severe consequences of the obesogenic environment. In women obesity not only increases their risk of developing gynaecological conditions but also adversely affects prognosis after surgical treatment. In the face of an obesogenic environment, it is important to sought out potential ways to reduce the risk of surgical complications in obese patients.

Internet of Things and Other E-Solutions in Supply Chain Management May Generate Threats in the Energy Sector—The Quest for Preventive Measures

Energy firms are the beneficiaries and initiators of innovation, and energy investments are a crucial area of business activity that is specially protected in any country. This is no wonder, as energy security is the basis for the functioning of states and economies. The Internet of Things and Big Data create both new challenges and new threats. This study aimed to identify the potential threats and determine preventive measures, as well as to establish the agile principles related to energy firms’ logistics. The method of the narrative summary in combination with the literature searching method was used. Two conclusions emerged: first, research serves to develop the discipline of management science; second, the identification of risks associated with innovation serves practitioners. In addition, the study defined further research directions.