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In this study, a two-layered thin-film structure consisting of a dispersed nanoscaled Ag2O phase and SnO2 layer (SA) and a mono-composite film layer (CSA) consisting of a nanoscale Ag2O phase in the SnO2 matrix are designed and fabricated for NO2 gas sensor applications. Two-layered and mono-layered SnO2–Ag2O composite thin films were synthesized using two-step SnO2 and Ag2O sputtering processes and Ag2O/SnO2 co-sputtering approach, respectively. In NO2 gas-sensing measurement results, both SA and CSA thin films that functionalized with an appropriate Ag2O content exhibit enhanced gas-sensing responses toward low-concentration NO2 gas in comparison with that of pristine SnO2 thin film. In particular, a gas sensor made from the mono-composite SnO2–Ag2O layer demonstrates apparently higher NO2 gas-sensing performance than that of double-layered SnO2–Ag2O thin-film sensor. This is attributed to substantially numerous p–n junctions of Ag2O/SnO2 formed in the top region of the SnO2 matrix. The gas-sensing response of the optimal sample (CSA270) toward 10 ppm NO2 gas is 5.91, and the response/recovery speeds in a single cycle dynamic response plot are 28 s/168 s toward 10 ppm NO2, respectively. Such a p–n thin-film configuration is beneficial to induce large electric resistance variation before and after the introduction of NO2 target gas during gas-sensing tests. The experimental results herein demonstrate that the gas-sensing performance of p–n oxide composite thin films can be tuned via the appropriate design of composite thin-film configuration.

The Chinese version of the Family-Professional Partnership Scale (FPPS-C) measures satisfaction with mutually established parent-professional partnerships. This study aimed to evaluate the measurement properties of the FPPS-C Family and Professional Versions. The participants comprised 167 parents who had a child enrolled in an early intervention program, and 200 early intervention professionals in Taiwan. Structural validity, internal consistency, test--retest reliability, and construct validity were examined. The Family Version denoted a single-dimensional scale with high internal consistency (alpha = 0.99) and adequate test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.54). The Professional Version showed a three-factor structure with moderate to adequate internal consistency (alpha = 0.64-0.90) and test--retest reliabilities (ICC = 0.60-0.77). Construct validity was evidenced through positive associations between parental and professional perceptions on partnerships and to family-centered service provision. The FPPS-C is a reliable and valid measure, and the study findings can influence research initiatives and practices that aim to ameliorate the provision of family-centered services by early intervention programs.

(1) Background: We aimed to evaluate the risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation in lung cancer patients treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), particularly in those with resolved HBV infection. (2) Methods: In this retrospective hospital-based cohort study, we screened all lung cancer patients with positive hepatitis B core antibodies (anti-HBc) receiving systemic antineoplastic treatment during the period from January 2011 to December 2020. Cumulative incidences of HBV reactivation, and their hazard ratios (HRs), were evaluated after adjusting patient mortality as a competing risk. (3) Results: Among 1960 anti-HBc-positive patients receiving systemic therapy, 366 were HBsAg-positive and 1594 were HBsAg-negative. In HBsAg-positive patients without prophylactic NUC, 3-year cumulative incidences of HBV reactivation were similar between patients receiving chemotherapy and patients receiving TKI (15.0%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0–31.2% vs. 21.2%, 95% CI: 10.8–31.7%; p = 0.680). Likewise, 3-year cumulative incidences of HBV-related hepatitis were similar between the two groups (chemotherapy vs. TKI: 15.0%, 95% CI: 0–31.2% vs. 9.3%, 95% CI: 2.8–15.7%; p = 0.441). In 521 HBsAg-negative TKI users, the 3-year cumulative incidence of HBV reactivation was only 0.6% (95% CI: 0.0–1.9%). From multivariable regression analysis, we found that the only independent risk factor for HBV reactivation in TKI users was HBsAg positivity (HR 53.8, 95% CI: 7.0–412.9; p < 0.001). (4) Conclusion: Due to high risks of HBV reactivation in HBsAg-positive TKI users, NUC prophylaxis can be considered. However, in patients with resolved HBV infection, such risks are lower, and therefore regular monitoring is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Purpose--The purpose of this paper is to emphasize that procedural justice has a contribution to parent-subsidiary links within multinational enterprises (MNEs). Design/methodology/approach--A mailed survey is adopted in this study. [...]

Byline: Yu-Wei. Hsu, Hung-Wen. Kao, Guan-Yu. Lin, Chun-Hao. Lai, Jiunn-Tay. Lee A 49-year old woman presented with chronic headache for more than 10 years and progressive, newly developing left lower [...]

Fuzzy time-series models have been widely applied due to their ability to handle nonlinear data directly and because no rigid assumptions for the data are needed. In addition, many such models have been shown to provide better forecasting results than their conventional counterparts. However, since most of these models require complicated matrix computations, this paper proposes the adoption of a multivariate heuristic function that can be integrated with univariate fuzzy time-series models into multivariate models. Such a multivariate heuristic function can easily be extended and integrated with various univariate models. Furthermore, the integrated model can handle multiple variables to improve forecasting results and, at the same time, avoid complicated computations due to the inclusion of multiple variables. Index Terms--Financial data processing, forecasting, fuzzy systems.