Anomalous in-plane magneto-optical anisotropy of self-assembled quantum dots

We report on a complex nontrivial behavior of the optical anisotropy of quantum dots that is induced by a magnetic field in the plane of the sample. We find that the optical axis either rotates in the opposite direction to that of the magnetic field or remains fixed to a given crystalline direction. A theoretical analysis based on the exciton pseudospin Hamiltonian unambiguously demonstrates that these effects are induced by isotropic and anisotropic contributions to the heavy-hole Zeeman term, respectively. The latter is shown to be compensated by a built-in uniaxial anisotropy in a magnetic field B_c = 0.4 T, resulting in an optical response typical for symmetric quantum dots.Comment: 5 pages, 3 figure

The paradox of supplier development in technology-based luxury supply chains

PurposeThis paper aims to examine how collaborative supplier development (SD) activities, supplier capabilities and buyer-supplier relationship interrelate in technology-based, luxury product business contexts characterized by small volumes, difficult targets and resource constraints relative to those targets.Design/methodology/approachUsing inductive case research method, the authors investigate multiple embedded cases involving six dyadic buyer-supplier relationships of two luxury product manufacturers in the motorcycle and automotive industries. Each dyad represents an important sub-system for which the buying firm committed significant SD efforts to help the supplier successfully achieve difficult targets.FindingsThe analysis reveals how paradoxical tensions might emerge as the firms engage in successful SD activities, which could lead to decreasing relationship commitment ultimately resulting in the termination of the relationship. The authors utilize the "value co-creation and value capture" paradox framework to understand the SD and relationship dynamic and characterize it as developing-leveraging paradox to explain its dualities, i.e. commitment-based SD efforts (increasing value co-creation), and unilateral leveraging of the newly acquired capabilities (increasing value capture) by both the buyer and the supplier. Overemphasis on value capture by one of the exchange partners spurs a detrimental vicious cycle leading to the decline of the relationship.Research limitations/implicationsThe study explains the paradoxical dynamics that may emerge in SD activities of innovative, technologically complex, luxury product firms. The findings contribute to the SD literature by highlighting how learnings from SD activities could contribute to the dark sides of buyer-supplier relationship. The technologically complex, luxury product contextual characteristics of the study may limit the generalizability of the study findings.Originality/valueThe study provides novel insights into the emergence and management of paradoxes in buyer-supplier relationships, in terms of virtuous and vicious dynamics of developing-leveraging

Complexity of a Discrete-Time Predator-Prey Model Involving Prey Refuge Proportional to Predator

In this paper, a discrete-time predator-prey model involving prey refuge proportional to predator density is studied. It is assumed that the rate at which prey moves to the refuge is proportional to the predator density. The fixed points, their local stability, and the existence of Neimark-Sacker bifurcation are investigated. At last, the numerical simulations consisting of bifurcation diagrams, phase portraits, and time-series are given to support analytical findings. The occurrence of chaotic solutions are also presented by showing the Lyapunov exponent while some parameters are varied

A quasi-experimental intervention to assess the effectiveness of a physician-delivered tobacco cessation intervention in India: A detailed study protocol

INTRODUCTION: Tobacco cessation is the most important, cost-effective preventive maintenance that clinicians can offer study participants who use tobacco. There is lack of preparedness among primary care physicians in delivering cessation interventions. There are also limited studies which record the effectiveness of cessation interventions in the Indian context. This study is designed to evaluate the effectiveness of brief and intensive tobacco cessation interventions delivered by trained primary care providers in two states of India. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A quasi-experimental study design has been adopted for the study with around 20 primary care practices, selected from four districts of two states in India (Odisha and Rajasthan). Brief (3A) and Intensive tobacco (5A) cessation intervention services will be provided to two groups of tobacco users, respectively. Both groups will be followed up for 6 months to determine the effectiveness of the cessation interventions. The cost-effectiveness of the services will also be documented at the end of the study. The entire study will be completed in 24 months, of which the final 6 months will be reserved for study participant follow-up and quit rate evaluation. When comparing the two groups, differences between proportions will be assessed by chi-square test and differences between means with t-test. The conventional significance level of 0.05 will be used in all analyses in order to reject the null hypothesis of no difference between groups. We will use difference-in-differences methods to assess the impact of the interventions on physicians' behavior to deliver tobacco cessation in their clinical practice. CONCLUSION: The study is in participant recruitment phase

Performance Outcomes of Test-Driven Development: An Experimental Investigation

Despite the growing popularity of test-driven development (TDD), there is no empirical confirmation of the benefits that this contemporary practice confers on its users. Prior research findings on its efficacy have largely been inconclusive. We conducted a laboratory experiment to assess the impact of TDD on software quality and task satisfaction. Additionally, we investigated the productivity aspect of TDD as compared to the traditional test-last method of software development. Results indicate that software quality and task satisfaction are significantly improved when TDD is used. Despite the additional requirements of testing, TDD is not more resource intensive than the test-last method. We also examined TDD’s impact on learning post hoc and discuss the implications of our findings and directions for future research

POST COVID PNEUMONIA: MODERN THERAPEUTIC APPROACH BY PULMONARY DRUG DELIVERY DEVICE

Streptococcus pneumonia (also known as pneumococcal) is a commensal that colonizes the upper respiratory tract and a pathogen that causes intrusive illnesses like otitis media, pneumonia, sepsis, and meningitis. In India, the Invasive Bacterial Infection Surveillance (IBIS) organization and South Asian Pneumococcal Alliance (SAPNA) have been associated with assortment of significant information in regards to serotype dissemination and antimicrobial obstruction of pneumococcal diseases for over 12 years. COVID 19 Patients are much more prone towards this infection, if untreated at appropriate time. So development of New Device are immense Important which contributes rapid and Proper Drug Delivery to lungs. Research must be carried out in the field of Novel Drug Delivery System for target delivery of Drugs like Antibiotic, Bronchodiator and Corticosteroid to Respiratory Tract. The present Review article focus Different grade of Pneumococcal Infection and Infection associated with Post COVID Condition. The article also highlights new devices which helpful for Pulmonary drug delivery which is vital during COVID Associated Pneumococcal Infection