Choice preferences for the compromise option are one common way to make decisions which has received a great deal of research attention to seek a richer understanding of consumers' product choices. ...Prior research has focused on investigating the various factors underlying the compromise choice. Given that the literature on cognitive style provides considerable evidence of how a holistic‐analytic thinking style influences consumers' decision‐making processes, this article applies an individual‐differences perspective to examine the influence of consumers' situationally activated styles of thinking on their choice of compromise option. We conduct two separate experimental studies in Korea and in France, as representatives of holistic‐and analytic‐thinking culture, respectively, and identify whether priming consumers to think either holistically or analytically induces the shift in their thinking tendencies and consequently in their choice behavior. The results demonstrate a significant interaction between consumers' culture and the priming condition; French consumers have a greater tendency to select compromise option in holistic‐prime condition, while Korean consumers have a lower tendency to select compromise option in analytic‐prime condition. Contributing to literature not only on compromise choice, but also on priming effects of thinking style, the findings provide useful managerial insights into implementing effective global strategies for compromise‐option product ranges.
Abstract
Bioresorbable bioelectronics, with their natural degradation properties, hold significant potential to eliminate the need for surgical removal. Despite notable achievements, two major ...challenges hinder their practical application in medical settings. First, they necessitate sustainable energy solutions with biodegradable components via biosafe powering mechanisms. More importantly, reliability in their function is undermined by unpredictable device lifetimes due to the complex polymer degradation kinetics. Here, we propose an on-demand bioresorbable neurostimulator to address these issues, thus allowing for clinical operations to be manipulated using biosafe ultrasound sources. Our ultrasound-mediated transient mechanism enables (1) electrical stimulation through transcutaneous ultrasound-driven triboelectricity and (2) rapid device elimination using high-intensity ultrasound without adverse health effects. Furthermore, we perform neurophysiological analyses to show that our neurostimulator provides therapeutic benefits for both compression peripheral nerve injury and hereditary peripheral neuropathy. We anticipate that the on-demand bioresorbable neurostimulator will prove useful in the development of medical implants to treat peripheral neuropathy.
Diabetes mellitus is a common metabolic disorder. Among various complications, diabetic neuropathy and peripheral vascular disorders are closely associated with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). Lower ...extremity ulcers and amputations are ongoing problems among individuals with diabetes. There are several classification systems for DFUs; however, no prognostic system has to date been accepted as the gold standard or the optimum prediction tool for amputations. A retrospective study was designed. Demographic data and baseline laboratory data were gathered and scored or evaluated using five representative DFU classification systems. These included (i) the diabetic ulcer severity score (DUSS); (ii) University of Texas (UT) diabetic wound classification; (iii) Meggitt–Wagner classification; (iv) depth of the ulcer, extent of bacterial colonisation, phase of ulcer and association aetiology (DEPA) scoring system; and (v) site, ischaemia, neuropathy, bacterial infection and depth (SINBAD) score. Finally, a statistical analysis was performed. A total of 137 patients were included in this study. During the follow‐up, DFU had healed in 51·1% of subjects and 48·9% of the individuals underwent lower extremity amputations (LEAs). In a univariable logistic regression analysis, history of previous DFU, hypertension, neuropathy, haemoglobin, C‐reactive protein (CRP) and ankle‐brachial index (ABI) showed a statistically significant difference between the healed group and the LEA group. Moreover, the stages, grades or overall prognostic ability of all five classifications were highly associated with the overall occurrence of LEA. On multivariable logistic regression analysis of the risk of LEA, all classifications showed a significant positive trend with an increased number of amputations. All the five classification systems exhibited high sensitivity, specificity, classification accuracy, positive predictive, negative predictive and area under the curve (AUC) values. They showed substantial accuracy and their main variables were associated with LEA occurrence. The Wagner and UT systems, although they are relatively simple to assess, were better predictors of LEA.
In this Review, memristors are examined from the frameworks of both von Neumann and neuromorphic computing architectures. For the former, a new logic computational process based on the material ...implication is discussed. It consists of several memristors which play roles of combined logic processor and memory, called stateful logic circuit. In this circuit configuration, the logic process flows primarily along a time dimension, whereas in current von Neumann computers it occurs along a spatial dimension. In the stateful logic computation scheme, the energy required for the data transfer between the logic and memory chips can be saved. The non‐volatile memory in this circuit also saves the energy required for the data refresh. Neuromorphic (cognitive) computing refers to a computing paradigm that mimics the human brain. Currently, the neuromorphic or cognitive computing mainly relies on the software emulation of several brain functionalities, such as image and voice recognition utilizing the recently highlighted deep learning algorithm. However, the human brain typically consumes ≈10–20 Watts for selected “human‐like” tasks, which can be currently mimicked by a supercomputer with power consumption of several tens of kilo‐ to megawatts. Therefore, hardware implementation of such brain functionality must be eventually sought for power‐efficient computation. Several fundamental ideas for utilizing the memristors and their recent progresses in these regards are reviewed. Finally, material and processing issues are dealt with, which is followed by the conclusion and outlook of the field. These technical improvements will substantially decrease the energy consumption for futuristic information technology.
Fundamental innovations in computing systems and material and fabrication technologies are reviewed, for solving problems, particularly those related to energy consumption due to the formidable increase in digital computing systems. A fundamental shift in the paradigm from von Neumann computing to neuromorphic computing (which is the most probable realization of cognitive computing) is discussed with a focus on the active and wide use of memristors.
Self‐powered electrical bandages (SEBs), integrated with wearable energy harvesters, can provide an effective and autonomous electrical stimulation (ES) solution for rapid and scarless wound healing. ...A continuously operating, wireless, and applicable‐to‐comprehensive‐wound ES device is essential for the quick restoration of wounds and convenience. This work illustrates a SEB powered by body‐coupled energy harvesting. The SEB continuously treats the wound with 60‐Hz sinusoidal electrical potential gained from the coupling of the human body and ambient electrical waves. It is demonstrated that enough level of electrical potential can be applied to the wound, further enhanced by strong capacitive coupling arising from the use of high‐permittivity poly(vinylidene fluoride‐trifluoroethylene):CaCu3Ti4O12 (P(VDF‐TrFE):CCTO) nanocomposite. The potential clinical efficacy of the SEB is illustrated by preclinical analysis of human fibroblasts and mouse wound model, thus confirming the successful expedition of wound recovery. This work suggests a new class of wearable devices to provide ES events and its potential for extension to other conventional wound care materials and device technology.
An innovative SEB based on high‐permittivity P(VDF‐TrFE) nanocomposites is designed to provide autonomous and effective electrical treatment that accelerates wound healing by leveraging body‐coupled energy harvesting from ambient 60‐Hz EM waves. Combining human‐centered energy solution and flexible, skin‐conformable design, this work suggests the potential of the SEB as a straightforward, convenient, and practical wound care apparatus.
The causal link between consumer cultural styles of self-concept and cognition has received little attention in means-end research. This article aims to fill this gap in the literature by ...demonstrating that the effect of self-concept on the number of cognitive linkages that consumers consider in food consumption (breakfast cereal, fruit juice, and prepared meals) is due to the activation of different cognitive styles. Notably, the results from experimental studies conducted using two cultural settings (France and Korea) and cross-cultural multilevel analysis (within-culture and within-priming group variations) suggest that consumers' inconsistent self-concept leads to the most effective shifts toward more or less complex means-end structures. Finally, we discuss the theoretically-based and practitioner-relevant implications of our cultural priming findings.
High-Speed and Low-Energy Nitride Memristors Choi, Byung Joon; Torrezan, Antonio C.; Strachan, John Paul ...
Advanced functional materials,
August 2, 2016, Letnik:
26, Številka:
29
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
High‐performance memristors based on AlN films have been demonstrated, which exhibit ultrafast ON/OFF switching times (≈85 ps for microdevices with waveguide) and relatively low switching current ...(≈15 μA for 50 nm devices). Physical characterizations are carried out to understand the device switching mechanism, and rationalize speed and energy performance. The formation of an Al‐rich conduction channel through the AlN layer is revealed. The motion of positively charged nitrogen vacancies is likely responsible for the observed switching.
Ultrafast switching of an AlN memristor: ON switching is acheived using an 85 ps positive voltage pulse, and OFF switching using an 85 ps negative voltage pulse on the Al electrode of a Pt/AlN/Al memristor stack. A relatively low switching current (≈15 μA for 50 nm devices) has also been demonstrated in these memristors based on AlN films. The formation of an Al‐rich conduction channel through the AlN layer is revealed.
Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate biologic function of bone morphorgenic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) immobilized on the heparin-grafted Ti surface. Ti surfaces were first modified by ...3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (ATPES), followed by grafting of heparin. BMP-2 was then immobilized on the heparin-grafted Ti surfaces. Pristine Ti and functionalized Ti surfaces were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), measurement of water contact angles, and protein adsorption. The biological activity of MG-63 cells on pristine and functionalized Ti surfaces was investigated by cell proliferation assays, measurement of alkaline phosphate (ALP) activity, and determination of calcium deposition. Anti-inflammatory effects were assessed by RT-PCR to measure the transcript levels of IL-6 and TNF-α. XPS revealed that heparin and BMP-2 were successfully grafted and immobilized on the Ti surfaces, respectively. In addition, Ti surfaces with BMP-2 immobilized were more hydrophilic than pristine Ti. Furthermore, BMP-2 immobilized Ti promoted significantly higher ALP activity and calcium deposition by MG-63 cells than pristine Ti. The inflammatory response was also decreased when cells were grown on heparin-grafted, BMP-2-immobilized Ti surfaces. The results of this study suggest that by grafting heparin and immobilizing BMP-2 on Ti surfaces, inflammation can be inhibited and osteoblast function promoted.
Resistive random access memory (RRAM) has been developed as a next-generation nonvolatile memory because of its fast operation speed, low power consumption, high density, and simple structure. ...Non-oxide materials such as AlN-based RRAM also exhibit low operation energy and large on/off ratios. However, AlN-based RRAM may deteriorate upon oxidation when exposed to air/moisture. In addition, chemical reactivity between the electrode and the switching layer material affects device stability. In this study, four kinds of top electrode materials (Al, Ti, TiN, and Pt) were used in an AlN/TiN stack and a water-resistant encapsulation layer was used to prevent the degradation of AlN-based RRAM. The electrical properties of the device were measured at weekly intervals for 7 weeks. The devices containing Al and Ti top electrodes showed degradation of resistance states despite being encapsulated in a thin Al2O3 layer. In contrast, the devices with TiN and Pt electrodes maintained their resistance states and switching properties regardless of the encapsulation layer. These trends in degradation can be explained by the electrode and AlN reactivity with moisture based on fundamental thermodynamics.
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