bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long Waves and Commercialization of Technological Development in Russia in the Context of Globalization: Institutional Approach
Authors: Rumyantseva Svetlana , Korostyshevskaya Elena , Alpatov Gennady
Published: January 2021

Research background: The paper presents literature analysis and review on the considered problem.

Purpose of the article: This paper is devoted to researching the effect a phase of the long wave has on technological development commercialization (TDC) in Russia taking into account the trend which has been found for tuning a public-private partnership institution into the triple helix mechanism.

Methods: The modern phase of the long wave has been assessed empirically and statistically. The study is based on previously achieved empirical results (by some authors) in studying propensity of economic agents in Russia to introduce basic innovations and the TDC. Authors used general scientific methods of analysis and synthesis.

Findings & Value added: In the phase of the global long wave recession, the national innovation system formed in Russia turned out to be an organizational and institutional innovation timely arranged. Nevertheless, institutional barriers have remained for the TDC. The program of implementing the scientific and technological priorities in Russia is rather scarcely effective because of institutional factors.
Under the current conditions of the global long wave depression, which began in 2020 and, according to our estimates, is to last until 2025, it seems essential to provide a set of such institutional arrangements as organizational, motivational, and coordinating ones that would contribute to the development of public-private partnership instruments and the triple helix. In modern condition it includes such instruments of TDC as development of competence-centers, Foresight, promotion for Startups and so on.
The Systematic Use of Corporate Social Responsibility by Small Companies
Authors: Simonova Stanislava , Vrabcova Kristyna
Published: January 2021

Research background: The responsibility of organizations towards their surroundings and society is a long-term strategic goal, which is supported by various projects and concepts, at the national, and global levels. The conception of sustainable development represents a model of society development, where economic and social development should be in line with the preservation of natural values for present and future generations.

Purpose of the article: The concept of Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a voluntary commitment of an organization that wants to behave responsibly towards its surroundings. The concept is generally understood as a strategic initiative and it is applied mainly by large companies. Small and medium-sized companies are rather not interested in the concept, they are afraid of the burden for the company. The paper focuses on the potential of systematic use of the CSR concept by small organizations.

Methods: The survey was conducted in selected small organizations. The degree of acquaintance with the principles of the concept and especially with the possibilities of the concept was determined, the current state was analyzed and activities for implementation were proposed, and indicators for long-term monitoring were proposed.

Findings & Value added: CSR concept encourages the company to make a positive impact on the environment. Small organizations often apply some of its principles, unknowingly by their natural responsible behavior. However, a systems-conscious approach is important. Small businesses can use the potential of the concept and implement its principles for the benefit of themselves and their surroundings.
Diversification of the economy in the context of globalization (case of Azerbaijan)
Authors: Ahmadova Esmira , Hamidova Lala , Hajiyeva Leyla
Published: January 2021

Research background:Azerbaijan, as a country with rich mineral resources, faces macroeconomic difficulties due to income instability. In 2011-2013, during the period of high world oil prices, Azerbaijan began to diversify the economy and develop the non-oil sector at the expense of oil and gas export revenues. The need to diversify the economy and export has become especially important in the conditions of increased global competition and the integration of the national economy into the world economy.

Purpose of the article:The aim of the issue is assessment and study the characteristics of diversification of the economy of Azerbaijan, analyze the dependence of the country’s economic development on the degree of diversification of its economy and exports, assess the level of economic diversification of the country.

Methods:To measure the level of diversification, we used indicators such as Herfindahl-Hirschmann export diversification index, and industry concentration in GDP. The originality and value of the research lies in revelation a number of indicators specific to the Azerbaijani economy that affect economic growth based on correlation-regression analysis and other econometric methods. According to econometric characteristics, the resulting model is adequate and confirms the empirical findings

Findings & Value added: The results of the study showed that deeper diversification of the economy is required. To overcome oil dependence and conduct effective economic diversification, it is necessary to develop processing industries, expand the accessibility of small and medium enterprises to financial resources, and stimulate foreign investment in the non-oil sector.
Impact of the Working Conditions on Health and Selected Job-related Diseases. An International Comparison
Authors: Hrehova Daniela , Ziaran Pavel
Published: January 2021

Research background: The labor markets in the European countries are largely converging under the common platform of the EU legislation. However, the specific labor conditions across the countries still pertain, thus influencing the state of health differently across the countries.

Purpose of the article: The article has for objective to reveal the relations between labor conditions (job satisfactions, opportunity to develop, recognition for work, salary adequacy, freedom of decision-making, job stress and social support), on one hand, and the self-perceived state of health, number of chronic diseases and the occurrence of the selected job-related diseases (peptic ulcer, hypertension, heart attack), on the other. The comparison is carried out in the light of the cross-country comparison.

Methods: Sample consists of the employed and economically active employees, aged 50+, originating from 16 EU countries, Switzerland and Israel (N = 16 713 participants, females 53%). The data are provided by the EU Share database (Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe). We use ranking of countries by means (self-perceived state of health, number of chronic diseases) and the non-parametric regression analysis.

Findings & Value added: All analyzed working conditions generate statistically significant relations with the self-perceived state of health at the all countries level. However, at the level of individual countries the patterns differ considerably (what rises methodological concerns on different country samples). As regards the specific diseases, considered as work-related: peptic ulcer is associated with all the working conditions analyzed, hypertension associates with four working factors and heart-attack with three. Findings bring important implications for the HR managers and relevant policy-makers.
Possibilities of using innovative urban design approaches for economic regional development
Authors: Jankura Richard , Soltes Viktor
Published: January 2021

Research background: Globalization affects the daily lives of every individual, and therefore of the society in which he lives. In the coming years, almost 80% of the population will live in cities, which will have an impact on the socio-economic development of cities. These facts can lead to a deterioration of the security situation. Therefore, cities focused on the design of urban development, and thus on the elimination of undesirable factors.

Purpose of the article: Cities around the world began to attend with architectural modifications of spaces, which could positively influence socio-economic factors. Changing the environment can reduce crime in localities. The purpose of the article is to analyze the impact of selected approaches on the quality of citizens’ life and to point out the possibilities of crime prevention through environmental design.

Methods: Solution that deals with influencing the urban environment is the CPTED method. This approach focuses on the urban space and the principles of the fight against crime. The article describes the principles of CPTED application in urban space, and ways of its possible use. The methods of economic analysis and mathematical statistics will also evaluate the economic impacts on the budget of the entity using the approach.

Findings & Value added: Due to globalization, built-up areas in cities are expanding. These changes have implications for socio-economic factors. The findings can be used in the design of new as well as existing urban spaces by public administration entities (especially regional and local governments), but also by private developers.
Globalization or glocalization - global trends, local effects of territorial reforms
Authors: Kachniarz Marian
Published: January 2021

Research background:The globalization processes are not only of an economic and cultural nature - but they also unify trends in the organization and management of administration, including at the local level. The idea of economization of administration was promoted in the broad stream of reforms described as New Public Management. It was often expressed as a postulate of the territorial reorganization of local governments. The reforms of these structures, motivated by the economies of scale, were to lead to the elimination of their allegedly too fragmented nature.

Purpose of the article:The questions about the global scale and effectiveness of these reforms resulted in the objectives of the study, which were formulated as follows:

- identification of the scope and scale of territorial reforms and assessment of their global character;

- evaluation of the real impact of these reforms in terms of economies of scale.

Methods:Methodologically, the work is the critical meta-analysis of the research results of consolidation reforms from many countries of the world.

Findings & Value added: The results lead to the conclusion that consolidation is a global trend. However, they do not unequivocally confirm the successes in achieving economies of scale in the provision of public services. The added value of this research is to draw attention to the fact that uncritical implementation of global trends does not automatically bring the assumed effects. It is necessary to apply in practice glocalization, i.e. critical adaptation of global solutions to local institutional conditions.
Analysis of the Development of the Industrial Sector in the Context of Global Transformation of Economic Processes
Authors: Klevtsova Maria , Vertakova Yulia , Polozhentseva Yulia
Published: January 2021

Research background:In the modern world the rate of global transformation of economic processes is constantly increasing, while stimulating the growth of industrial production in the countries of the world. The industrial sector plays an important role in achieving stable growth in national wealth indicators, as well as in ensuring national security. Accelerating the pace of industrial development, especially high-tech, contributes to an increase in employment and the transition to a balanced economic development of the country.

Purpose of the article:The main purpose of the publication is to study the current state and structural transformations in industry in the world economy, to analyze the level and dynamics of the main indicators of industrial development.

Methods:Using statistical analysis of time series and dynamics indicators, the authors have evaluated the development trends of the industrial sector, based on the methods of scientific knowledge, a comparative analysis of the systematic results of development indices characterizing the functioning of industry around the world.

Findings & Value added:A statistical analysis of the development of the industrial sector in the context of globalization allows the authors to determine the exact number of enterprises, the costs of the industry and their income, as well as the contribution made to the development of both region and the country as a whole. In this research the authors have considered the main economic indicators of industrial development in the world. The authors have systematized the main measures aimed at the development of the industrial sector.
Countering Economic Crime in The Context of Globalization
Authors: Markina Svetlana , Artemov Roman , Nosachevskaya Ekaterina , Panskov Vladimir
Published: January 2021

Research background: The criminalization of public relations in the context of economic globalization is one of the hallmarks of modernity. The study of world, Russian and regional trends and patterns of economic crime and its conditionality by globalization processes in the world are of particular relevance. The transformation of national crime into transnational international forms in the context of globalization of political, economic, information and communication processes is an integral part of globalization. And this reality confronts science with the need to develop measures to combat economic crime.

Purpose of the article: the formation of an effective mechanism to prevent the spread and combat economic criminal activity.

Methods: methods of expert assessments, macroeconomic assessments, methods of classification, grouping, economic and statistical analysis, methods of criminological forecasting.

Findings & Value added: The proposed mechanism for preventing the spread and combating economic criminal activity will make it possible to make full use of preventive opportunities, timely and adequately respond to administrative and other offenses, to fully use administrative and legal means of influencing criminogenic factors and measures provided for by criminal procedure and other legislation ... In order to improve methods for assessing the effectiveness of internal affairs bodies in countering economic crimes, a model is proposed for assessing the results of the activities of territorial bodies of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, aimed at reflecting the activities of internal affairs bodies and individual employees by assessing the degree of achievement of their tasks. The introduction of the designated criteria and indicators of the effectiveness of the internal affairs bodies within the framework of the proposed model will make it possible to bring the existing system of assessing the activities of the internal affairs bodies closer to the goal of reforming the internal affairs bodies - focusing on public opinion and evaluation by the main consumer of law enforcement services - society.
Georgian Labour Market during the Coronavirus Pandemic
Authors: Paresashvili Nino , Abesadze Nino , Kinkladze Rusudan , Chitaladze Ketevan , Edzgveradze Teona
Published: January 2021

Research background: The paper analyzes and assesses the current situation in the Georgian labor market in the conditions of the pandemic. The article discusses the current, post pandemic state of the labour market in Georgia and the outcomes, impacts of Covid-19 on socio-economic situation.

Purpose of the article: According to the present situation, it is necessary to create institutions and mechanisms that will ultimately provide the public as well as private sectors with highly qualified workforce, increase the efficiency of organizations and at the same time reduce unemployment. Since the progress of the labour market hinges crucially on higher education systems, it is necessary for educational organizations to take decisions and specific actions in accordance with the challenges of the global environment. One of the main priorities of the “Georgia 2020” strategy is the development of human capital.

Methods: In the article the above-mentioned issues are discussed based on the statistical analysis which describes the challenges in almost every direction. There are revealed the results of the Coronavirus Pandemic. It is very interesting to picture the comparison between the previous and post pandemic situation in Georgia.

Findings & Value added: It is necessary to prepare training courses and specialists according to the current requirements of the labour market. Moreover, specific steps and recommendations are given in the article which are needed to be taken into consideration by the Government of Georgia.
Globalization and Income Inequality: Comparative Analysis of the European Countries
Authors: Atanasova Irina , Tsvetkov Tsvetomir
Published: January 2021

Research background: The globalization of the European countries within the EU and the Eurozone is primarily economic and is expressed by the free trade and the movement of capital and labour, which determines the incomes and the GDP. Globalization and its impact on inequality is becoming an essential and problematic issue, especially in the context of on-going economic integration processes between the countries in Europe, which seek to converge their economic, social and political systems in the Euro area. The process of inequality has become even more relevant in the context of globalization.

Purpose of the article: The paper aims to examine the impact of globalization on the inequality in the developed and the emerging economies in Europe.

Methods: On the basis of an econometric assessment, a comparative analysis of the effect of globalization on the inequality in the developed European countries and the emerging countries is carried out.

Findings & Value added: The paper analyses the essential aspects and the effects of the income inequality dynamics, both horizontally and vertically. It also addresses the question of whether the effect of globalization on the economic growth and the inequality is the same for the developing and the developed countries, respectively. Based on the research, seven important conclusions are reached.
E-government in the Era of Globalization and the Health Crisis caused by the Covid-19 Pandemic, between Standards and Innovation
Authors: Burlacu Sorin , Patarlageanu Simona Roxana , Diaconu Amelia , Ciobanu Ghenadie
Published: January 2021

Research background:E-government has started from the challenges of new technologies by providing e-services to its citizens and has expanded today in more and more fields, including communication with citizens, budget management, macroeconomic forecasts, etc. If we accept the definition according to which eGovernment (or e-government) is an applicability of information technology for the provision of administrative services, information exchange, communication transactions, integration of various electronic systems and autonomous services between government and citizen (G2C), government and business environment (G2B), government and government (G2G) as well as for the processes and interactions of administrative staff in the entire infrastructure of the administration, and through e-government, government services are available to citizens in a convenient, efficient and transparent way, then we will accept and the conclusions of the same research that considers that in e-government there are no identifiable barriers.

Purpose of the article:Through this paper we aim to highlight the current economic realities and how some governments have understood to use technology during the pandemic.

Methods:The research methodology is based on documentary analysis. The bibliographic study, the secondary analysis of the data, the observation and the analysis complete the documentary analysis and allowed us to obtain some conclusive results.

Findings & Value added:The pandemic health crisis has further pushed the limits of technology, which has been transformed into a true universal panacea for solving relatively vital economic activities for a national economy in a global context. A first finding was that the pandemic accelerated the need for digital governance. However, the modalities of action remain open.
Globalization and its Impacts on Communication in Self-Government
Authors: Labudová Lenka , Jánošová Denisa
Published: January 2021

Research background: Globalization has significantly affected the way a territory communicates its offer. Only public administration, which is innovative and at the same time effective in its activities, can adapt and respond to the ever-changing conditions and requirements of today’s society and its members. Innovation and its activities, research and development are the result of proliferation and they are considered to be the driving force behind the growth of the economy, in the form of new knowledge. Those regions that have spent more money and effort on innovation activities in the past are now at a more advanced level. These are the main reasons to focus on this topic and bring the results of our research.

Purpose of the article: The aim of the article is to present the findings which show the level of communication between the municipality and the public and the possibilities of using communication tools towards their more effective usage.

Methods: It presents the results of a questionnaire survey realized at the level of local governments in the Trnava region. The results of the questionnaire survey with a description and explanation are shown graphically. The offices we asked were the following: Trnava City Office, Trnava Self-Governing Region Office, Trnava District Office.
Findings and value added: The article presents the findings of a survey that was carried out for the purpose of the dissertation which deals with regional marketing communications. The outcome of the survey specified the direction of the main research in our dissertation.
The Use of a Six-Level Model of Business Development in Practice
Authors: Micieta Branislav , Binasova Vladimira , Kasajova Marta , Gabajova Gabriela , Furmannova Beata
Published: January 2021

Research background:Globalization processes bring many advantages and disadvantages within the economic, political, social as well as ecological environment. The economic advantages come mainly from the possibility of finding cheaper production inputs, which results in better competitiveness of companies and the supply of goods at lower prices.

Purpose of the article:In order to obtain a comprehensive view of the company’s development, it is appropriate to use a model of six levels of company development, which allows for a good structuring of general and specific conditions of company development.

Methods:The paper deals with the analysis of individual levels of business development, which are described in more detail in the introduction, which was carried out through a questionnaire, observation, personal interviews, etc. It also contains suggestions for improvements where industrial engineering methods are used. The benefits of the following study may include the analysis of individual levels in practice, the design of the use of a six-level model at various levels of business development, increasing the abilities and skills of individual operators by introducing a substitution matrix that will include individual operators in the cells.

Findings & Value added:Another benefit is an increase in motivation for employees, which will affect the work performance and quality of finished products using a new incentive system with various rewards. The information obtained about customers through the implementation of the CRM system provides all the information from the beginning of communication with the customers themselves and improved the clarity of the activities of individual employees.
Does Performing Different Resistance Exercises for the Same Muscle Group Induce Non-homogeneous Hypertrophy?
Authors: Costa Bruna Daniella de Vasconcelos , Kassiano Witalo , Nunes João Pedro , Kunevaliki Gabriel , Castro-E-Souza Pâmela , Rodacki Andre , Cyrino Letícia Trindade , Cyrino Edilson S. , Fortes Leonardo de Sousa
Published: January 2021

The study aimed to compare the effect of performing the same or different exercises for a muscle group on resistance training (RT) sessions on muscle hypertrophy at different sites along muscle length. Twenty-two detrained men (23.3±4.1 years) were randomly allocated to the following groups: a group that performed the same exercises in all training sessions (N-VAR=11) or one that varied the exercises for the same muscle groups (VAR=11). All were submitted to 3 weekly sessions for nine weeks. Muscle thickness was assessed at the proximal, middle, and distal sites of the lateral and anterior thigh, elbow flexors, and extensors by B-mode ultrasound. The VAR group significantly increased all the sites analyzed (P<0.05). Furthermore, the proximal site of the lateral thigh showed a larger relative increase when compared to the middle site (P<0.05). In contrast, the N-VAR group were not revealed significant improvements only for the middle site of the lateral thigh and the proximal site of the elbow flexors (P>0.05). Our results suggest that to perform different resistance exercises can induce hypertrophy of all sites assessed in detrained young men.
Perioperative Anaphylaxie – alte Zöpfe und Neues zu den Auslösern
Authors: Bayerl C.
Published: January 2021

Perioperative Anaphylaxien werden mit mindestens 1:6000 angegeben. Neue Kenntnisse der Pathophysiologie der anaphylaktischen Reaktionen beziehen die Auslösung über das Mastzell-related G-Protein und die Komplementaktivierungs-abhängige Pseudoallergie mit ein. Neu beschriebene Auslöser sind das Chlorhexidin oder Gelatine-Produkte, eingesetzt zur Blutstillung oder blaue Farbstoffe zur intraoperativen Markierung. Wachsamkeit ist in Hinblick auf biphasische Reaktionen geboten. Propofol darf mittlerweile bei Ei- und Sojaallergikern eingesetzt werden.
Pregabalinmissbrauch und -Abhängigkeit in verschiedenen europäischen Ländern im Hinblick auf deren Substitutionspolitik
Authors: Kuhn Dominique , Müller Thomas Jörg , Mutschler Jochen
Published: January 2021

Einleitung, Fragestellung Pregabalin wurde erstmalig im Jahr 2004 für die Behandlung von peripheren neuropathischen Schmerzen und fokalen epileptischen Anfällen, mit oder ohne sekundäre Generalisierung, zugelassen. Die Verschreibungshäufigkeit nahm seit der Zulassung stark zu. In den Anfängen wurde die Problematik des Missbrauchs und der Abhängigkeitsgefährdung von Pregabalin nur wenig Beachtung geschenkt, erst in den letzten Jahren nahm der Umfang an Veröffentlichungen zu dieser Problematik deutlich zu. Diese Übersichtsarbeit befasst sich mit diesen Risikofaktoren und Risikogruppen des Pregabalinmissbrauchs und der Pregabalinabhängigkeit in unterschiedlichen europäischen Ländern sowie deren Drogenpolitik.

Resultate Der Missbrauch und die Abhängigkeit von Pregabalin haben seit der Markteinführung stark zugenommen. Es zeigte sich, dass ein solitärer Missbrauch von Pregabalin selten ist. Meist wird Pregabalin mit anderen Substanzen kombiniert, was auch ein Prädiktor für den Missbrauch von Pregabalin ist. Die Gründe für die nicht verschriebene Einnahme von Pregabalin sind unterschiedlich; es wird einerseits zur Steigerung der psychotropen Wirkung, andererseits zur Linderung der Entzugssymptome eingesetzt. Der Beikonsum von Pregabalin ist nicht ungefährlich, er führt zu tödlichen Überdosierungen oder einem Anstieg der Gesamtmortalität bei zusätzlicher Gabe von Pregabalin zu Methadon. Des Weiteren konnte in Schweden bei 28% der tödlichen Intoxikationen von Drogenabhängigen Pregabalin nachgewiesen werden. Es sind vor allem junge Personen betroffen. In Ländern mit restriktiven Substitutionsprogrammen konnte der Missbrauch von Pregabalin nachgewiesen werden, während in Ländern mit liberaler Drogenpolitik kein Missbrauch festgestellt werden konnte. Die Datenlage in der Schweiz mit einem liberalen Substitutionsprogramm beruht jedoch nur auf einer einzigen Studie, weshalb der Pregabalinkonsum in liberalen Substitutionsprogrammen nicht abschließend geklärt werden kann.

Schlussfolgerungen Es scheint einen Zusammenhang zwischen der Drogenpolitik des Landes und der illegalen Einnahme von Pregabalin bei Personen in einem Substitutionsprogramm zu geben. Des Weiteren gibt es Risikofaktoren und Risikogruppen für die Abhängigkeit und den Missbrauch von Pregabalin.
A Comparison of Two Models Predicting the Presence of Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome
Authors: Vignaud Emeline , Menu Pierre , Eude Yannick , Maugars Yves , Dauty Marc , Fouasson-Chailloux Alban
Published: January 2021

Clinical history and physical examination are usually not sufficient to diagnose leg chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS). Two predictive clinical models have been proposed. The first model by De Bruijn et al. is displayed as a nomogram that predicts the probability of CECS according to a risk score. The second model by Fouasson-Chailloux et al. combines two signs (post-effort muscle hardness on palpation or hernia). To evaluate those models, we performed a prospective study on patients who were referred for possible CECS. 201 patients underwent intra-compartmental pressure at 1-min post-exercise (CECS if ≥ 30 mmHg) – 115 had CECS. For the De Bruijn et al. model, the risk score was 7.5±2.2 in the CECS group and 4.6±1.7 in the non-CECS group (p<0.001) with an area under the ROC curve of 0.85. The model accuracy was 80% with a sensitivity of 82% and a specificity of 78%. Concerning Fouasson-Chailloux et al. model, the accuracy was 86%; the sensitivity and the specificity were 75 and 98%, respectively. The De Bruijn et al. model was a good collective model but less efficient in individual application. In patients having both muscle hardness and hernia, we could clinically make the diagnosis of CECS.
A Magnetically Recyclable Palladium-Catalyzed Formylation of Aryl Iodides with Formic Acid as CO Source: A Practical Access to Aromatic Aldehydes
Authors: Cai Mingzhong , You Shengyong , Zhang Rongli
Published: January 2021

A magnetically recyclable palladium-catalyzed formylation of aryl iodides under CO gas-free conditions has been developed by using a bidentate phosphine ligand-modified magnetic nanoparticles-anchored­ palladium(II) complex [2P-Fe3O4@SiO2-Pd(OAc)2] as catalyst, yielding a wide variety of aromatic aldehydes in moderate to excellent yields. Here, formic acid was employed as both the CO source and the hydrogen donor with iodine and PPh3 as the activators. This immobilized palladium catalyst can be obtained via a simple preparative procedure and can be facilely recovered simply by using an external magnetic field, and reused at least 9 times without any apparent loss of catalytic activity.
Soft x-ray spectroscopies in liquids and at solid–liquid interface at BACH beamline at Elettra
Authors: Nappini S. , D’Amario L. , Favaro M. , Dal Zilio S. , Salvador F. , Betz-Güttner E. , Fondacaro A. , Píš I. , Romanzin L. , Gambitta A. , Bondino F. , Lazzarino M. , Magnano E.
Published: January 2021

The beamline for advanced dichroism of the Istituto Officina dei Materiali-Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, operating at the Elettra synchrotron in Trieste (Italy), works in the extreme ultraviolet–soft x-ray photon energy range with selectable light polarization, high energy resolution, brilliance, and time resolution. The beamline offers a multi-technique approach for the investigation of the electronic, chemical, structural, magnetic, and dynamical properties of materials. Recently, one of the three end stations has been dedicated to experiments based on electron transfer processes at the solid/liquid interfaces and during photocatalytic or electrochemical reactions. Suitable cells to perform soft x-ray spectroscopy in the presence of liquids and reagent gases at ambient pressure were developed. Here, we present two types of static cells working in transmission or in fluorescence yield and an electrochemical flow cell that allows us to carry out cyclic voltammetry in situ and electrodeposition on a working electrode and to study chemical reactions under operando conditions. Examples of x-ray absorption spectroscopy measurements performed under ambient conditions and during electrochemical experiments in liquids are presented.
Comparison of turbine blade film cooling efficiency between PSP and TLC techniques in a stationary wind tunnel
Authors: He Xiaojian , Li Haiwang , Zhao Guoqin , You Ruquan
Published: January 2021

In general, pressure sensitive paint (PSP) and thermochromic liquid crystal (TLC) are used to indicate film cooling efficiency. However, due to the mechanisms of PSP and TLC being different, their results are not consistent in some cases. Thus, analyzing the divergence between these two measurement methods is essential. In this paper, a comparison of measured film cooling efficiency distribution between PSP and TLC has been made on the same wind tunnel; the effect of heat conduction on film cooling was analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. Sixteen cases were analyzed in which the mainstream Reynolds number was 35 000, 45 000, and 57 000; the blowing ratio was 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0; and the density ratio was 0.91 and 1.44. We found that both PSP and TLC results exihibit an optimum blowing ratio under the condition of small and medium mainstream Reynolds numbers, but the measured film cooling efficiency is slightly different. Differences between PSP and TLC results were caused by the heat conduction of the substantial region. At the same time, a high mainstream Reynolds number and a high blowing ratio would boost heat conduction. Furthermore, in cases of high mainstream Reynolds number and low blowing ratio, the effect of heat conduction decreased obviously. When the blowing ratio is small as 0.5 and N2 acts as a coolant, PSP and TLC results match well, showing that in cases of low blowing ratio and low density ratio, the effect of heat conduction can be ignored.
Rare-earth-free ferrimagnetic Mn4N sub-20 nm thin films as potential high-temperature spintronic material
Authors: Zhou W. , Ma C. T. , Hartnett T. Q. , Balachandran P. V. , Poon S. J.
Published: January 2021

Ferrimagnetic alloy thin films that exhibit perpendicular (out-of-plane) magnetic anisotropy (PMA) with low saturation magnetization, such as GdCo and Mn4N, were predicted to be favorable for hosting small Néel skyrmions for room temperature applications. Due to the exponential decay of interfacial Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction and the limited range of spin–orbit torques, which can be used to drive skyrmion motion, the thickness of the ferrimagnetic layer has to be small, preferably under 20 nm. While there are examples of sub-20 nm, rare earth-transition metal (RE-TM), ferrimagnetic thin films fabricated by sputter deposition, to date, rare-earth-free sub-20 nm Mn4N films with PMA have only been reported to be achieved by molecular beam epitaxy, which is not suitable for massive production. Here, we report the epitaxial growth of sub-20 nm Mn4N films with PMA at 400 °C–450 °C substrate temperatures on MgO substrates by reactive sputtering. The Mn4N films were achieved by reducing the surface roughness of MgO substrate through a high-temperature vacuum annealing process. The optimal films showed low saturation magnetization (Ms = 43 emu/cc), low magnetic anisotropy energy (0.7 Merg/cc), and a remanent magnetization to saturation magnetization ratio (Mr/Ms) near 1 at room temperature. Preliminary ab initio density functional theory calculations have confirmed the ferrimagnetic ground state of Mn4N grown on MgO. The magnetic properties, along with the high thermal stability of Mn4N thin films in comparison with RE-TM thin films, provide the platform for future studies of practical skyrmion-based spintronic materials.
Enhancement of ovonic threshold switching characteristics using nanometer-scale virtual electrode formed within ultrathin hafnium dioxide interlayer
Authors: Lee Jangseop , Lee Sangmin , Hwang Hyunsang
Published: January 2021

Herein, we investigate the effect of the active switching area on the electrical characteristics of an ovonic threshold switching (OTS) device. The active switching area was scaled-down below the conventional lithography limit by utilizing a nanometer-scale virtual electrode formed by the controlled breakdown of an ultrathin HfO2 interlayer. Improved switching characteristics were observed when the effective diameter of the virtual electrode was ∼6 nm. The bulk leakage current was blocked, which led to a reduction in the off-current by approximately two orders of magnitude. Furthermore, an improvement in the uniformity of the threshold voltage was observed. Our results showed that the optimal confinement of the active switching area is the key to achieve excellent performance, high reliability, and high tunability in an OTS device.
Thermal conduction in two-dimensional complex plasma layers
Authors: Khrapak Sergey A.
Published: January 2021

A simple vibrational model of heat transfer in two-dimensional (2D) fluids relates the heat conductivity coefficient to the longitudinal and transverse sound velocities, specific heat, and mean interatomic separation. This model is demonstrated not to contradict the available experimental and numerical data on heat transfer in 2D complex plasma layers. Additionally, the heat conductivity coefficient of a 2D one-component plasma with a logarithmic interaction is evaluated.
First use of a microchip-automated nest box
Authors: Watson Shania J. , Hoy Julia M. , Edwards Megan C. , Murray Peter J.
Published: January 2021

Microchip-automated devices have the potential to provide individual free-living animals with safe nesting areas and act as a method of targeted food delivery, while excluding competitors and predators. Wildlife have been successfully trained to use such devices in captivity but never in the wild. Bringing animals into captivity may not always be feasible or appropriate due to the high cost, likely increased stress on the animals, and potential biosecurity risk. Therefore to demonstrate proof of concept that wildlife could be trained in situ to use commercially available microchip-automated devices, a brush-tailed phascogale in the wild was exposed to a microchip-automated door attached to a nest box. The phascogale was successfully trained within 15 days to use the microchip-automated door.
Microplastic fibre releases from industrial wastewater effluent: a textile wet-processing mill in China
Authors: Chan Carmen K. M. , Park Curie , Chan King Ming , Mak Daniel C. W. , Fang James K. H. , Mitrano Denise M.
Published: January 2021

Environmental context Microplastic fibres (MPFs) released from textiles are routinely found throughout the environment as an indicator of human impacts. The presence of MPFs in industrial wastewater effluents shows that attention should be placed not only on domestic release but also on the upstream processes of textile production. In the context of global MPF release, the ability to target and treat industrial effluents may significantly reduce a potentially major point source. Abstract Microplastic fibres (MPFs) released from textiles are routinely found throughout the environment indicating human impacts on natural systems. The most common release pathway to the environment investigated are domestic textile laundering, transport through and retention in municipal wastewater treatment plants and subsequent application of processed sludge onto agricultural fields as soil amendment. A less-studied but potentially equally relevant source is releases further upstream in the textile production chain such as industrial wastewater effluents from textile processing mills. In this context, industrial wastewater from a typical textile wet-processing mill in China was sampled to estimate MPF release. Effluent was sampled and MPF fibre number and length were quantified by stereomicroscope. An average of 361.6 ± 24.5 MPFs L−1 was identified in the mill effluent. MPF length was highly variable, yet 92 % of all fibres were shorter than 1000 µm. Additionally, the sampling strategy was used to identify the optimal volume necessary to adequately subsample the effluent. We found that total fibre counts were linearly correlated with sample volumes between 1 and 10 L, but a sampling volume of 5 L is suggested for good reproducibility, low standard deviation and ease of working volume. The significant abundance of MPFs in the industrial wastewater effluent emphasises that not only should attention be placed on domestic releases, but the production stage of textiles can also be responsible for MPF pollution. The ability to target and treat industrial effluents may significantly reduce a potentially major point source.
Horticultural biosecurity.
Authors: Morgan Lynette
Published: January 2021

Horticultural biosecurity is a term used to describe regulations and processes set in place to protect countries, regions or individual production properties against the introduction and spread of new pests and diseases. A further objective of biosecurity measures is to effectively identify and prevent the spread (preferably eliminate) of any outbreak of alien pests and diseases before they become widely established in a new environment. Effective biosecurity aims to protect the economy, environment and community from the negative impacts of inadvertent or deliberate introductions of new plant pests and diseases. FAO has determined that biosecurity is a term that encompasses policy and regulation to protect agriculture, food and the environment from biological risk (FAO, 2003). Plant pests are organisms that can cause considerable damage to horticultural crops, reduce yields and quality, affect trade and market access and significantly increase production costs. Biosecurity has become an increasingly important topic at both a grower and at a national and international level. As globalisation and world trade has rapidly increased, fresh produce is routinely shipped from the production site large distances to distant markets. Furthermore, new pest and pathogens may be spread through natural dispersal (such as wind or water), or through everyday activities including travel and tourism, imports and exports of non-horticultural goods, mail and freight systems, on machinery, as seed contaminants, and via many other forms of introduction. This opens numerous avenues for the transfer of crop pests and pathogens to new regions and into new environments where native and other local species as well as horticultural plants can be negatively affected.
Dependence of thick filament structure in relaxed mammalian skeletal muscle on temperature and interfilament spacing
Authors: Caremani Marco , Fusi Luca , Linari Marco , Reconditi Massimo , Piazzesi Gabriella , Irving Thomas C. , Narayanan Theyencheri , Irving Malcolm , Lombardi Vincenzo , Brunello Elisabetta
Published: January 2021

Contraction of skeletal muscle is regulated by structural changes in both actin-containing thin filaments and myosin-containing thick filaments, but myosin-based regulation is unlikely to be preserved after thick filament isolation, and its structural basis remains poorly characterized. Here, we describe the periodic features of the thick filament structure in situ by high-resolution small-angle x-ray diffraction and interference. We used both relaxed demembranated fibers and resting intact muscle preparations to assess whether thick filament regulation is preserved in demembranated fibers, which have been widely used for previous studies. We show that the thick filaments in both preparations exhibit two closely spaced axial periodicities, 43.1 nm and 45.5 nm, at near-physiological temperature. The shorter periodicity matches that of the myosin helix, and x-ray interference between the two arrays of myosin in the bipolar filament shows that all zones of the filament follow this periodicity. The 45.5-nm repeat has no helical component and originates from myosin layers closer to the filament midpoint associated with the titin super-repeat in that region. Cooling relaxed or resting muscle, which partially mimics the effects of calcium activation on thick filament structure, disrupts the helical order of the myosin motors, and they move out from the filament backbone. Compression of the filament lattice of demembranated fibers by 5% Dextran, which restores interfilament spacing to that in intact muscle, stabilizes the higher-temperature structure. The axial periodicity of the filament backbone increases on cooling, but in lattice-compressed fibers the periodicity of the myosin heads does not follow the extension of the backbone. Thick filament structure in lattice-compressed demembranated fibers at near-physiological temperature is similar to that in intact resting muscle, suggesting that the native structure of the thick filament is largely preserved after demembranation in these conditions, although not in the conditions used for most previous studies with this preparation.
Calibration of reference solar cells at standard test conditions
Authors: Winter S , Kröger I , Friedrich D , Morozova S , Lee D -H , Yoo J -K , Huang X , Wang P -H , Chen C -W , Tsai Min-An , Limin X , Yandong L , Kück S
Published: January 2021

Main text

The EURAMET.PR-S5 intercomparison of the short circuit current of reference solar cells at standard test conditions was carried out as star type comparison. In total 6 participants with seven facilities took part, 1 from Europe (PTB/Germany with two facilities: the established DSR facility as pilot lab and the new Laser-DSR facility as participant) and 5 outside Europe (NIM/China, VNIIOFI/Russia, KRISS/South Korea, A-STAR/Singapore, ITRI/Chinese Taipei). Therefore, this comparison can be considered as a worldwide one as all NMIs world-wide that had built up facilities for the primary ISTC-calibration of reference solar cells when the measurements started, participated.

For the calculation of the reference value of the supplementary comparison no participant had to be excluded and the used weighted mean with cut-off has been supported by all participants.

The unilateral Degrees of Equivalence (DoE) calculated for each participant are fully 100 % consistent with their standard uncertainties. The largest En-value is 0.61 and therefore significant smaller than 1. The chi-square test is fully satisfied with 2.09 < χ2(5) = 11.07. Thus, the DSR method is highly suitable for the calibration of reference solar cells according to the short circuit current at standard test conditions.

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCPR, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Comparison BIPM.RI(I)-K6 of the standards for absorbed dose to water of the LNE-LNHB, France and the BIPM in accelerator photon beams
Authors: Kessler C , Burns D T , Roger P , Delaunay F , Donois M , Rapp B
Published: January 2021

Main text

A key comparison has been made between the absorbed dose to water standards of the Laboratoire National Henri Becquerel (LNE-LNHB), France and the BIPM in accelerator photon beams. The results show the standards to be in agreement within the standard uncertainty of the comparison of 5.9 parts in 103. The results are analysed and presented in terms of degrees of equivalence, suitable for entry in the BIPM key comparison database.

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCRI, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).