University of Konstanz
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Silicon-based MEMS/NEMS empowered by graphene : a scheme for large tunability and functionality
No full textIntegration of graphene in silicon-based micro-/nanoelectromechanical systems (MEMS/NEMS) marries the robustness of silicon-based materials with the exceptional physical properties of graphene, drastically enhancing the system’s regulation performance which now is key for many advanced applications in nanotechnology. Here, we experimentally demonstrate and theoretically analyze a powerful on-chip integration principle consisting of a hybrid graphene/silicon nitride membrane with metallic leads on top that enables an extremely large static and dynamic parameter regulation. When a static voltage is applied to the leads of the integrated structure, a spatially confined localized electrothermomechanical (ETM) effect results in ultra-wide frequency tuning, deformation (buckling transition) and regulation of the mechanical properties. Moreover, by injecting an alternating voltage to the leads, we can excite the resonator vibrating even far beyond its linear regime without a complex and space consuming actuation system. Our results prove that the scheme provides a compact integrated system possessing mechanical robustness, high controllability, and fast response. It not only expands the limit of the application range of MEMS/NEMS devices, but also enables the further miniaturization of the device.publishe
Automated integration of multi-slice spatial transcriptomics data in 2D and 3D using VR-Omics
No full textThe field of spatial transcriptomics is rapidly evolving, with increasing sample complexity, resolution, and tissue size. Yet the field lacks comprehensive and intuitive solutions for automated integration and analysis of multi-slice data in either co-planar (2D) or stacked (3D) formation. To address this, we develop VR-Omics, a free, platform-agnostic software that provides end-to-end automated processing of multi-slice data through a biologist-friendly interface. Benchmarking against existing methods demonstrates VR-Omics’ unique strengths to perform comprehensive end-to-end analysis of multi-slice stacked data. Through co-planar slice analysis, VR-Omics uncovers previously undetected, dysregulated metabolic networks within rare pediatric cardiac rhabdomyomas, demonstrating its potential for biological discoveries.publishe
Spoiled Rotten? : LMXSC Motivates Greater Supervisor-Directed Deviance in Individuals Who Were Overindulged as Children
No full textRecent work has demonstrated that perceiving oneself as being treated better by one’s leader compared to one’s coworkers’ treatment by the same leader (i.e., leader-member exchange social comparison; LMXSC) can motivate aggressive behavior towards one’s colleagues. Extending these findings, the current paper argues that high LMXSC employees can also be motivated to show aggressive behavior towards their leader, depending on their early experiences with authority figures (i.e., parents/guardians). Using both experimental and time-lagged field study designs, this study demonstrates that LMXSC elicits hubristic pride which, in turn, motivates supervisor-directed deviance in subordinates who were overindulged by their parents/guardians as children. These findings challenge the assumption that high LMXSC employees reciprocate their leaders’ positive treatment by revealing when and why they can be motivated to demonstrate aggressive and deviant leader-directed behavior.publishe
Digital Transformation of Vocational Schools in Switzerland : The Importance of Innovative School Management Behavior
No full textDue to their close connection to the working world, digital transformation is particularly important for vocational schools. To ensure the sustainable integration of digital media into everyday school life, a holistic school improvement approach is necessary. In this context, school leadership plays a key role as the initiator and driver of relevant development processes. This study first examines the current development state of the digital transformation in vocational schools in Switzerland. Building on this, it investigates whether there are relations between the digital status quo and innovative school leadership practices. The data were collected in spring 2023 and the sample consists of 320 school management members from 135 vocational schools. The findings indicate that the digital development status of vocational schools in Switzerland is generally assessed positively. Based on the assessments of their schools’ digital development status, three distinct profiles of school management members emerge: those perceiving their schools as digitally advanced, digitally average, or having digital development potential. Innovative leadership practices are more common among school management members who perceive their schools as more digitally advanced. The study also reveals differences between language regions and financial resources depending on the stage of digitalization-related development. The results highlight the crucial role of school leadership in promoting digital transformation. Finally, education policy measures—such as language-region-specific support programs—are discussed.publishe
Variation diminution and intervals of sign regular matrices
No full textA sign regular matrix is a matrix having the property that its non-zero minors of all orders have, for each order, an identical sign. Such matrices arise in a wide range of applications. In this paper, intervals of real matrices with respect to the usual entry-wise partial ordering are considered. Using variation diminution, it is shown that all matrices in such an interval are sign-regular with the same signature of their minors if a specified finite set of element matrices in the interval has this property.publishe
Perovskite Thin Films Solar Cells : The Gas Quenching Method
No full textPerovskite solar cells (PSCs) are emerging as a promising technology for next-generation solar energy due to their high efficiency and cost-effectiveness. A critical step in the production of PSCs is the deposition of the perovskite absorber layer, the quality of which has a direct impact on the performance of device. Traditionally, quenching with an antisolvent is the main technique for the crystallization of perovskite film. However, gas quenching, an alternative approach in which pressurized gases (typically N2) are used to supersaturate the perovskite precursor solution, has shown significant advantages. In contrast to quenching with antisolvents, gas quenching is more environmentally friendly, reduces chemical consumption, improves reproducibility, and offers better scalability for large-scale production. This review examines recent advances in gas quenching to produce high-quality perovskite films and compares the results with those achieved with antisolvent quenching. We highlight the performance benefits, environmental impact, and commercial scalability of gas quenching, and emphasize its potential to become the preferred method for industrial PSC production.publishe
The Hidden Values of Resisting Temptation : Effort, Meaning, and Self-Knowledge
No full textSelf-control is generally regarded as a valuable capacity. However, the value of directly resisting temptations (a central part of our commonsense notion of self-control) has recently come under attack. Directly resisting temptations – as opposed to avoiding them – has been claimed to have several drawbacks, such as being an inefficient way of dealing with temptations, not contributing to an agent’s well-being, or even causing harmful “mental fragmentation.” In fact, some claim that most or all of the values of self-control can be achieved, not by struggling to directly resist temptations, but rather by steering clear of them. In this paper, we seek to push back against this trend. We argue that there are specific values attached to directly resisting temptations that cannot be secured by avoiding them. Drawing on recent psychological evidence, we suggest that a significant part of the value of ‘direct resistance’ is grounded in the fact that it involves the exertion of effort. Due to this feature, we contend, directly resisting temptations can both make our activities feel more meaningful and provide us with a valuable form of self-knowledge.publishe
