bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Green logistics tools applied in selected companies in the Czech Republic: a survey
Authors: Chocholáč Jan , Vančurová Šárka , Míka Michal
Published: December 2021

Research background:The issue of green logistics is a very current topic not only from a scientific point of view but also from the point of view of business practice. The pressure to reduce negative environmental, social and economic impacts presents new challenges and pressures for companies, which will become more important in the coming years. This manuscript deals with green logistics tools applied in selected companies in the Czech Republic. The manuscript strictly focuses on the view of companies on green logistics and its tools, as well as on barriers and drivers for the implementation of green logistics. The aim of the article is to identify the attitude of selected companies in the Czech Republic to green logistics, to analyse barriers and drivers in the implementation of green logistics and to analyse the applied activities of green logistics and the reasons for their application.

Purpose of the article:The main aim of the article is to identify the attitude of selected companies in the Czech Republic to green logistics and green logistics tools, to analyse barriers and drivers in the implementation of green logistics and to analyse the applied activities of green logistics and the reasons for their application. Finally, the results of this research are compared and discussed with the results of a study conducted in the Slovak Republic.

Methods:To conduct the research, we have used computer-assisted web interviewing with selected Czech companies’ representatives.

Findings & Value added:The results show that green logistics is very popular for companies. At the same time, barriers (most often financial) were identified, but also drivers and reasons for the implementation of green logistics tools. Comparing the results with the research conducted in the Slovak Republic, it can be stated that the results of both surveys were very similar, i.e. the location of the company in the Czech Republic or Slovakia does not affect the view of green logistics and its tools.
Globalization of mortgage-backed securities market in Russia: Legal impact on transaction economy
Authors: Almosov Alexander , Brekhova Yulia , Bondareva Svetlana , Sevostyanova Sofya
Published: December 2021

Research background: The exponential growth of mortgage lending has taken on increasing importance in development of securitization activities market for mortgage assets throughout the world. The difficulty of comparing mortgage-backed securities of different countries explained by varying national legal features is the reason why there is no international market for such securities. Since 2014, the mortgage securities market has entered the stage of nationalization; as a result, it slowed down and lost the necessary infrastructure, including its legal components. Since securitization of mortgage loans first originated and became common in developed economies, it is of interest to compare Russian and international experience of legal regulation of each transaction stage.

Purpose of the article: The purpose of this paper is to analyze legal regulation features of mortgage securitization in different countries and their impact on economic characteristics of securities in order to develop a globalization strategy for this market.

Methods: The study is based on open data from Russian, European, American, England Central Banks and uses methods of structural, statistical, dynamic analyses and abstraction which made it possible to form holistic and substantiated conclusions.

Findings & Value added: As a result of research activities, key features of legal regulation of mortgage securitization transaction have been identified. Based on these findings, a strategy for globalization of mortgage securities market was proposed. It contributes to international cooperation development in the field of long-term projects financing, including support measures of mortgage lenders.
Current state of accounting in Slovak Republic in the conditions of globalization
Authors: Rebetak Filip , Bartosova Viera
Published: December 2021

Research background: Globalization currently impacts every aspect of economic life. Accounting and the law that govern it are no exceptions. The interconnectedness of companies across state boundaries brings with itself challenges to the accounting practices around the world. The globalization in the world of accounting is represented with the movement for harmonization of accounting practices around the world. International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) are a vehicle for that harmonization. Slovak Republic also allows companies to publish their financial statements in accordance with the IFRS standards. Therefore, it is important to study them and their effect on Slovak accounting law and practice.

Purpose of the article: In this article, we will look at the accounting harmonization that resulted from the globalization of the world economy and the impact it had on accounting in the Slovak Republic. We will also look closer at International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) in Slovak Republic – their use, regulations governing them and potential implications for future.

Methods: We use the methods of analysis and synthesis of current literature and law concerning the regulation of accounting in Slovakia with the focus on the impact of globalization on it. We then analysed the current state of use of International Financial Reporting Standards in Slovakia.

Findings & Value added: We found a high level of accounting harmonization with the European Union.
The ongoing globalization needs real and substantial reform of the United Nations
Authors: Soltes Dusan
Published: December 2021

Research background: This paper has been prepared as a result of our ongoing research on various aspects of ongoing globalization and regional integration and as a power point presentation has been presented at the recent ACUNS – Academic Council on the United Nations International Conference that has been carried out as a virtual event I June 2021.

Purpose of the article: The main purpose of this paper is to present our proposal for the reform of the United nations system in order it could better be serving to the contemporary globalized and regionally integrated world now consisting of 193 member states in difference to only 51 original founding members of the United Nations in 1945.

Methods: As for the applied methodology we have used the critical analysis of the existing UN system to identifying its strong and weak characteristics and on the basis of that to formulate some recommendation in order to adjust the overall UN system to the real needs of the current globalized world being dominated by the ongoing regional integrations, multinational corporations, various political and security structures and last and not least the UN has to return back to the full respect towards the first sentence of its Charter i.e.: “WE the peoples of the UN…”

Findings & Value added: In view of this, we could state that the results of our research as formulated in the part 3 of this paper could be considered as our proposal for adjusting the current UN system and all its various specialized agencies to the real needs of the contemporary globalized world in such a way like reforming the UN Security Council, the UN General assembly as a kind of the global Parliament, selection and election of the UN secretary General, revitalization of the activity of the UN regional economic commissions, etc.
Competition in the global arms trade markets and its consequences
Authors: Tulyakova Irina , Dengov Victor , Gregova Elena
Published: December 2021

Research background: The global arms markets are constantly fiercely competitive. Over the past period, new important trends have emerged in these markets, and the role of some countries is changing. This requires analytical reflection in order to assess the prospects for Russian arms exports. The authors have repeatedly addressed the topic of Russian arms exports and the place of Russia in the global arms and military equipment trade markets.

Purpose of the article: The main purpose of the study is to analyze the current state of the global AME markets in individual segments, compare the positions of its main participants and assess the prospects for Russia's presence in these markets in the future.

Methods: Generalizations of the research are based on the processing and systematization of data obtained from available information sources. By analyzing the statistics, the authors were able to deduce the trends of the current moment and determine the prospects.

Findings & Value added: Analysis of the positions of individual "players" in these markets and the trends identified allowed the authors to make an educated guess about how events might develop in the future. Despite all the changes taking place in the global arms and military equipment markets, Russia has good prospects for maintaining and strengthening its positions in certain areas.
Vehicle accident frequencies on the example of Poland and Slovakia in 2010-2020
Authors: Frej Damian , Jaśkiewicz Marek
Published: December 2021

Research background:The article presents a general description of the safety problem in Polish and Slovak road transport in 2010-2020. Poland and Slovakia, as neighboring countries of the European Union, are connected with each other by the trade route (Baltic-Adriatic). Moreover, it should be noted that in 2019, the trade turnover between Poland and Slovakia amounted to EUR 10.35 billion. Poland is the third largest trade partner of Slovakia. The energy and automotive industries are among the most promising commercial areas of these countries. The downward trend in the number of accidents and fatalities shows Slovakia and Poland at the same level of safety.

Purpose of the article:The main aim of the article is to discuss the topic of road accidents in Poland and Slovakia, taking into account the perspectives of "Vision Zero". Because both Poland and Slovakia, along with other European Union Member States, are required to reduce the number of road fatalities by 2030 and eliminate them completely by 2050.

Methods:The article presents a statistical analysis of road accidents in Poland and Slovakia in 2010-2020. Based on statistical data, a road accident forecast for 2020-2030 has been prepared.

Findings & Value added:Forecasts for the number of people killed in road accidents estimate that in 2030 29 people per million inhabitants will die on Polish roads, while 27 people per million inhabitants will die on Slovak roads.
Analysis of road tax in the international context
Authors: Poliaková Adela , Frajtová Michalíková Katarína
Published: December 2021

Research background: Reducing the costs of transport companies is a permanent and important task for the sustainability of the company's development. The operation of transport companies brings externalities, which ultimately burden the company, which creates pressure to eliminate them by those who cause them. This pressure increases costs for transport companies, so they often try to avoid responsibility for environmental pollution. The European Union supports the creation of legislative instruments that would favor transport companies that give preference to greener and more fuel-efficient vehicles when operating. However, the modernization of the vehicle fleet also brings with it increased costs for investments in fixed assets.

Purpose of the article: The aim of this article is to analyze the real tax burdens in the individual Member States and to point out that rates within the European Union are not uniform and represent a space for speculative behavior by transport operators. At the same time, it should be pointed out that the motivation of carriers to reduce transport externalities is insufficient if Member States are left a large margin of manipulation.

Methods: We obtained data on road tax rates from the laws in individual countries. We used Scania truck data to analyze the impact of rates.

Findings & Value added: When creating the price, it is necessary to consider all costs related to the implementation of transport. One of these costs is the motor vehicle tax. This tax represents a fixed cost for the carrier, which burdens the vehicle regardless of whether the vehicle is in operation or in technical readiness. We found that the adjustment of road tax resp. motor vehicle taxes has significant shortcomings in the EU. Not only do some countries do not favor the use of clean vehicles, but tax rates also vary greatly from one Member State to another.
A Review of Remote Intracerebral Hemorrhage after Chronic Subdural Hematoma Evacuation
Authors: Umana Giuseppe Emmanuele , Salvati Maurizio , Fricia Marco , Passanisi Maurizio , Corbino Leonardo , Cicero Salvatore , Nicoletti Giovanni Federico , Tomasi Santino Ottavio , Winkler Peter A , Scalia Gianluca
Published: December 2021

Background Remote intracerebral hemorrhage (RICH) is a severe complication following chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) drainage, and only case reports and small case series have been reported to date. The authors present an emblematic patient affected by RICH following cSDH drainage. A systematic review of the literature on diagnosis and management of patients affected by RICH following cSDH evacuation has also been performed.

Methods A literature search according to the PRISMA statement was conducted using PubMed and Scopus databases with the following Mesh terms: [(remote) AND (intracerebral hemorrhage or cerebral hematoma or cerebral infarction or cerebellar hemorrhage or cerebellar hematoma or cerebellar infarction) AND (chronic subdural hematoma)].

Results The literature search yielded 35 results, and 25 articles met our inclusion criteria: 22 articles were case reports and 3 were case series including three to six patients. Overall, 37 patients were included in the study. Age was reported in all 37 patients, 26 males (70.3%) and 11 females (29.7%), with a male-to-female ratio of 2.4:1. The mean age at diagnosis was 64.6 years (range: 0.25–86 years). Only in 5 cases (13.5%) did the ICH occur contralaterally to the previously drained cSDH. The rapidity of drainage can lead to several types of intracranial hemorrhages, caused by a too rapid change in the cerebral blood flow (CBF) and/or tears of bridging veins. The average time interval between cSDH drainage and neurologic deterioration was 71.05 hours (range: 0–192 hours).

Conclusions RICH following cSDH represents a rare occurrence and a serious complication, associated with elevated morbidity. Careful monitoring of drain speed after cSDH evacuation surgery is recommended, and minimally invasive techniques such as twist drill craniostomy are suggested, especially for massive cSDHs.
Opposition in Japan to the Olympics during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Kato Takumi
Published: December 2021

Little is known about the responses of citizens toward sporting mega-events held during a period of extended disasters, such as the 2020 Olympics held during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to clarify the factors affecting citizens’ attitudes by testing the following hypotheses: the perception of high cost, the burden on medical institutions, and high risk of infectious disease spread negatively affect attitudes, while the perception of pandemic countermeasures, economic benefits, and athletes positively affect attitudes. Based on an online survey of 800 citizens before the 2020 Olympics, the hypotheses were tested using logistic regression models with the extracted factors as the explanatory variables and the attitude toward the Olympics as the objective variable. The test results confirm the factors lineated by the hypotheses, except for the perception of high cost. The fear of a healthcare system collapse from the medical burden of dealing with an outbreak has an especially strong negative effect on the attitude toward the Olympics. These results have important implications for city governments and municipalities and suggest that they should not underestimate citizens’ perceptions and attitudes when organizing mega-events and formulating proper communication. Further, the results may offer insights for the smooth strategic planning of large-scale events during unprecedented disasters.
Energy-harvesting characteristics of flapping wings with the free-surface effect
Authors: Zhu Bing , Cheng Wenhao , Geng Jingyan , Zhang Junwei
Published: December 2021

Flapping-wing devices working in an energy-harvesting mode have the advantage of environmental adaptation. To analyze the energy-extraction characteristics of a flapping wing with the free-surface effect, transient-numerical studies were carried out based on the homogeneous two-phase volume-of-flow model, the shear stress transport k–ω turbulence model, and dynamic-grid technology. These studies took into consideration the influences of the dimensionless submergence depth Sd along with the Froude number Fr. The following results were obtained. (1) In the subcritical condition of Fr < 1, there was a critical hydrofoil submergence depth. When it was greater than this critical value, the existence of the free surface was able to promote the energy-extraction efficiency. On the contrary, the closer the flapping wing was to the free surface, the lower its energy-harvesting efficiency was. (2) When the hydrofoil submergence depth was small, the energy-harvesting efficiency first increased and then decreased with the increase in Fr. Furthermore, the smaller Sd was, the faster the energy-extraction efficiency of the flapping wing decreased. While Sd was large, for example Sd > 9, the energy-extraction efficiency first increased and then gradually approached the unbounded-flow condition as Fr increased, but it was always lower than the unbounded-flow case. (3) Compared with the case of unbounded flow, the existence of the free surface affected the motion of the leading-edge vortex, thereby changing the magnitude and direction of the lift force and pitch moment. The relative position of the free-surface wave crest to the wing also affected the pressure distribution around the flapping-wing surface, which in turn affected the energy-harvesting properties. Additionally, Fr affected the formation and shedding of the vortex around the flapping wing, and the movement synchronization between the leading-edge vortex and the flapping wing was extremely important to the energy-harvesting performance.
Power and energy constrained battery operating regimes: Effect of temporal resolution on peak shaving by battery energy storage systems
Authors: Liu Shiyi , Silwal Sushil , Kleissl Jan
Published: December 2021

Battery energy storage systems (BESSs) are often used for demand charge reduction through monthly peak shaving. However, during economic analysis in the feasibility stage, BESSs are often sized, and BESS revenue is quantified based on 1 h load and/or solar output data for one year. To quantify the error in the demand charge from coarse-resolution modeling, the effect of two temporal resolutions, 15 min and 1 h, on peak load reduction is compared across a battery rating space defined by the power capacity and energy capacity. A linear program of the system optimizes the peak of the net load and the associated demand charge assuming perfect forecasts. Based on the 15 min load profile of a particular day, a critical power (CP) and critical energy (CE) can be defined, yielding a critical point in the power-energy space. Based on the difference of demand charge (DoDC) across the two load profiles at different temporal resolutions for a real building, the battery rating space is divided into three different regions: oversized region, power-constrained region, and energy-constrained region, which are separated by CP and CE. The DoDC in the power-constrained and energy-constrained regions is explained by time averaging effects and the load sequence at high resolutions. In the power-constrained region of the battery rating space, the difference between the original 15 min peak and the 1 h average peak persists in the optimized net load until the battery power capacity is sufficiently large. In the energy-constrained region, averaging may change the peak period duration, which depends on the sub-hourly sequence of the original load data. Through artificial load data and reordering of real load data, we demonstrate that the sequence effect causes energy-constrained batteries to underestimate peak shaving and demand charge reduction. Demand charge savings were especially sensitive to the BESS power capacity: for a ≈50 kW load, demand charge errors were up to $53 for power-constrained batteries and were an order of magnitude smaller for energy constrained batteries. The power capacity of the battery should be carefully considered when interpreting results from optimizations at low resolutions.
Temperature sensitivity analysis on mass-spring potential with electrostatic frequency reduction for lunar seismometers
Authors: de Paula L. A. N. , Paik H. J. , Schmerr N. C. , Erwin A. , Chui T. C. P. , Hahn I. , Williamson P. R.
Published: December 2021

A broadband seismometer has been identified as an important scientific instrument that can be deployed on the surface of Earth’s Moon in the near future. To achieve the goals of the International Lunar Network, this next generation of seismometers is required to achieve at least 2 × 10−10 ms−2 Hz−1/2 at 1 mHz, which are several orders of magnitude more sensitive at the same frequency than the ones deployed during the Apollo program; their goal is to capture the lunar seismic noise floor, observe the lunar normal modes, and record distant teleseisms from all over the Moon. The Electrostatic Frequency Reduction (EFR) technique has been employed in a seismometer design in our laboratory and can enhance the Moonquake measurement sensitivity covering a longer period down to 1 mHz. EFR has advantages over the traditional frequency reduction techniques since it can be autonomously tuned and lowers the resonance frequency without modifying the mechanical design of a capacitive readout seismometer, an approach desirable for spaceflight-qualified instrumentation. A drawback is that we have also found that the EFR as well as other frequency reduction techniques amplify the temperature sensitivity of a seismometer beyond the limit of a conventional temperature control system. Here, we describe quantitatively and analytically the temperature dependence of a spring suspended mass model of a seismometer and provide practical solutions to minimize the thermal effects on a lunar seismometer using the EFR technique. By choosing the materials for the seismometer housing and the spring suspension that could balance the shear modulus and thermal expansion coefficients, one could mitigate the thermal sensitivity of the seismometer using the EFR technique. These modifications allow us to approach the stringent requirements for instrument self-noise necessary for the science objective.
Numerical simulation of the wake instabilities of a propeller
Authors: Wang Lianzhou , Wu Tiecheng , Gong Jie , Yang Yiren
Published: December 2021

Propeller wake instability mechanisms are investigated using the improved detached-eddy and large-eddy simulation approaches under heavy loading condition. Simulations involving a rotating propeller are performed using a dynamic overset technique in order to compare experimental propeller loads and phase-averaged flow fields and validate the modeling approach and grid system. Analysis of the three-dimensional vortical structures, out-of-plane vorticity, velocity components, Reynolds stresses, and kinetic energy power spectral density reveal the flow physics that drive the tip vortex instability process. The present study extends knowledge of propeller wake instability inception mechanisms under heavy loading conditions. It also helps to promote further understanding of propeller wake dynamics and provides a reference for the assessment of turbulence modeling approaches used to study propeller wake instability.
Eu's generalized hydrodynamics with its derived constitutive model: Comparison to Grad's method and linear stability analysis
Authors: Jiang Zhongzheng , Zhao Wenwen , Chen Weifang , Yuan Zhenyu
Published: December 2021

Recently, the generalized hydrodynamic equations (GHE) and nonlinear coupled constitutive relation (NCCR) model have been successfully utilized for the practical application in stable numerical computations of the non-equilibrium flows. However, their stability property has never been studied theoretically, and the inherent connection with classical Grad's moment still remains unclear. In order to clarify these issues, Eu's method, including the modeling of the non-equilibrium distribution function and the cumulant expansion for collision terms, is revisited to derive the modified moment system. A comparison of Eu's moment method with existing Grad's is presented in detail from the perspectives of distribution function and closure theory. The original infinite system of Eu's distribution function is first truncated into a finite system with 13 moments. Then through our attempt of Taylor expanding the truncated distribution function, a connection between Eu's distribution and Maxwellian and Grad's is established. Subsequently, a truncated closure method is conducted to clarify the relation between Eu's moment and Grad's moment equations. Finally, linear stability analysis of GHE and NCCR model is performed in one-dimensional and multi-dimensional processes, which shows that the equations are unconditionally stable for all wavenumbers and frequencies in the equilibrium rest state (ui0=0) and uniform-moving state (ui0≠0). The linear stability of GHE and NCCR model assures their numerical stability in the multi-dimensional computations, which can be deemed as one of the major benefits of Eu's theory.
Thin THz QCL active regions for improved continuous-wave operating temperature
Authors: Curwen Christopher A. , Addamane Sadhvikas J. , Reno John L. , Shahili Mohammad , Kawamura Jonathan H. , Briggs Ryan M. , Karasik Boris S. , Williams Benjamin S.
Published: December 2021

We compare the performance of 10 and 5 μm thick metal–metal waveguide terahertz quantum-cascade laser ridges operating around 2.7 THz and based on a 4-well phonon depopulation active region design. Thanks to reduced heat dissipation and lower thermal resistance, the 5 μm thick material shows an 18 K increase in continuous wave operating temperature compared to the 10 μm material, despite a lower maximum pulsed-mode operating temperature and a larger input power density. A maximum continuous wave operating temperature of 129 K is achieved using the 5 μm thick material and a 15 μm wide ridge waveguide, which lased up to 155 K in the pulsed mode. The use of thin active regions is likely to become increasingly important to address the increasing input power density of emerging 2- and 3-well active region designs that show the highest pulsed operating temperatures.
Multiphase flow simulation of water entry of a structure with complex geometry using a three-dimensional parallel compressible model
Authors: Zheng Kaiyuan , Zhao Xizeng
Published: December 2021

Three-dimensional water entry of a structure with complex geometry is investigated by a parallel compressible model. The projection method is adopted for the present high-order difference model. The convection term is discretized by a constrained interpolation profile method. The free surface is captured by a tangent of hyperbola for interface capturing with slope weighting scheme. The compressible multiphase model is realized by supplementing the equation of state. It can automatically handle compressible and incompressible areas, which considers the mixing compressibility effect. The benchmarks are the water entry of a sphere, water entry of a horizontal cylinder, and water entry of the single skeg and twin skeg. Special attention of this study is focused on the parallelism algorithm, compressibility effect, and the application of the asymmetric water entry of the skeg. Furthermore, the displacement, velocity, and acceleration of the structure can be accurately predicted. The highly nonlinear free surface can be simulated with fairly good accuracy. Air pocket and secondary impact can be reproduced well. The accurate numerical prediction of the impact load with the compressibility of asymmetric water entry of the structure with complex geometry is vital for the design of the structure and the safety of the passengers. These are the further development of the present model and help us understand the short and destructive slamming process.
Transport of Gas Molecules within a Vacuum System
Authors: Gessert Timothy A.
Published: December 2021

For nearly all vacuum systems and vacuum processes, gas molecules must move from a vacuum chamber toward a vacuum pump. This movement is influenced not only by the size of the vacuum pump, but also by the pressure of the gas molecules and the type of obstacles encountered in the molecule's flow path. This chapter provides visualizations of how molecules flow through various parts of a vacuum chamber as a function of pressure, and presents the formula needed to mathematically describe these flows for typical components used in most vacuum systems.
Complications of Real Life—Sources of Gases in a Vacuum Chamber
Authors: Gessert Timothy A.
Published: December 2021

As discussed in Chap. 5, the volume gas contained within a vacuum chamber following exposure to atmosphere can be removed relatively quickly with proper selection of pumps and connecting tubes. Following this initial stage of evacuation, even a properly designed vacuum system will spend considerably more time evacuating the chamber to the lower pressures required to initiate many vacuum processes. This second stage of pumping is much slower, because the rate of molecule removal from the vacuum chamber becomes increasingly less dependent on the particular pumping system design, and increasingly more dependent on the rate that gas is released from the internal surfaces within the vacuum chamber. This chapter is intended to provide a more detailed understanding of how gas molecules are first attached to, and later released from, the internal surfaces of the vacuum chamber. Guidance and examples are also provided that allow for some simple estimates to establish important parameters such as ultimate chamber pressure and rate of pressure rise.
Typical High-Vacuum Pumps Used in Vacuum Technology
Authors: Gessert Timothy A.
Published: December 2021

At the heart of a high-vacuum pumping system is the high-vacuum pump. This chapter provides information necessary for selection, operation, and general maintenance of these critical vacuum-system components. Unlike the low-vacuum pumps described in Chap. 8 that rely on the mechanism of positive displacement to yield pressure reduction, high-vacuum pumps generally rely on the pumping mechanisms of either momentum transfer or capture. To be effective, momentum transfer requires well-considered control of rapidly moving molecules or surfaces, while capture requires equally well-considered control of surface conditions—such as temperature, adsorption processes, and/or chemical reactivity. This chapter will discuss how these controls are implemented, how different gas molecules respond to these mechanical or surface conditions, and what general maintenance is required to maintain optimum life expectancy for high-vacuum pumps.
Typical Vacuum Materials and Joining Processes
Authors: Gessert Timothy A.
Published: December 2021

The success of vacuum technology depends in no small way on the availability of a large body of well-understood materials and joining processes. The following chapter reviews some of the most important of these with the intent of providing the vacuum technologist with an understanding of why particular materials and processes are chosen for certain vacuum applications. A brief review of permanent joining (e.g., welding, brazing, etc.) for vacuum technology is next described. The chapter concludes with a review of some of the most common demountable flanges used in vacuum technology, with guidance of when certain flange types are generally chosen, and how to effectively use these flanges to provide reproducible and leak tight vacuum seals.
Selection Guidance for Vacuum Components
Authors: Gessert Timothy A.
Published: December 2021

In addition to the vacuum components already discussed, a complete vacuum system capable of performing a typical vacuum process requires additional components such as chambers, valves, and feedthroughs. This chapter overviews these components, and identifies how the vacuum pressure regions, process considerations, and materials parameters discussed in earlier chapters must be carefully considered when selecting these remaining components. The chapter concludes with a brief overview of the much broader topic of effluent treatment, and suggests how the design of proper treatment systems can require nearly as much consideration as the design of processes that occur within the vacuum chamber.
Two-Dimensional Layered Perovskites for Photonic Devices
Authors: Krahne Roman
Published: December 2021

This chapter describes the recent progress on two-dimensional layered perovskites with a focus on their optical properties and potential for photonic device applications. First, their architecture of alternating organic and inorganic layers is introduced, and the possible structures such as Ruddlesden–Popper or Dion–Jacobson phases are presented, together with different material compositions in terms of organic components and single or double perovskite structures. Sections 9.3 and 9.4 discuss the main features of their vibrational and optical properties, and how these are interlinked in such heterostructures where soft and typically isolating organic layers alternate with more rigid and semiconducting inorganic layers. Here, one focus is on the self-trapped excitons that can form in such structures with a soft lattice, the other on nonlinear properties, such as lasing and strong light–matter coupling. Section 9.5 reviews the dual emission of corrugated two-dimensional perovskites as white-light sources with tunable chromaticity, gives examples on how the emission can be tuned statically by applying external pressure dynamically on ultrafast timescales by high fluency optical pumping, and shows the recent advances toward Pb-free structures by using double perovskite architectures. The chapter concludes with an outlook on the perspectives and possible future developments in this field.
Modeling Methods for Plasmonic Effects in Halide Perovskite Based Systems for Photonics Applications
Authors: Manzhos Sergei , Giorgi Giacomo , Lüder Johann , Ihara Manabu
Published: December 2021

Plasmonic effects such as plasmonic field enhancement have the potential to boost the performance of perovskite-based photonic devices including light-emitting diodes and lasers. A detailed understanding of the properties of the used materials is essential and can be obtained from computational modeling of such effects which is an important foundation for designing high-performance devices. As the length scales of plasmonic nanostructures that can be employed in these applications range from a couple nanometers to hundreds of nanometers, a range of simulation techniques and theoretical frameworks have to be employed, from classical electrodynamics to ab initio, time-dependent density functional theory based methods that can directly model quantum effects. We describe methods with examples of applications to perovskite-based photonic devices, where applicable. We also introduce perspective methods which have significant potential in perovskite photonics, including time-dependent orbital-free density functional and data-driven approaches.
Comparison of gastrointestinal transit times in stabled Thoroughbred horses fed freshly cut pasture and three conserved forage-based diets
Authors: Fernandes Karlette A. , Rogers Chris W. , Gee Erica K. , Fitch Gareth , Bolwell Charlotte F. , Kittelmann Sandra , Bermingham Emma N. , Thomas David G.
Published: December 2021

Context The type of forage offered to horses varies in physical form, moisture content and nutrient quality, and these variables could affect the intake, passage rate and digestibility of the forage consumed. Aims To investigate the changes in passage rate of digesta through the gastrointestinal tract in horses fed four different forage-based diets (diet effect). Methods Thoroughbred mares (n = 6) were stabled in loose boxes for 6 weeks. During Weeks 1, 3 and 5 (washout periods), all horses were fed freshly cut pasture, either in restricted quantities (Week 1) or ad libitum (Weeks 3 and 5). Using a 3 × 3 Latin square design during Weeks 2, 4 and 6, each pair of horses was abruptly transitioned to one of three conserved forage-based diets (chopped ensiled forage fed exclusively or with oats, or perennial ryegrass hay with oats) fed ad libitum. At the beginning of each week, indigestible polyethylene markers (n = 200) were administered to the horses via a nasogastric tube, followed immediately by transition to the new diet. Key results There was a significant diet effect on the daily dry-matter intake of feed (P < 0.0001), percentage of time spent eating (P < 0.001), frequency of voiding faeces (P < 0.05) and quantity of faeces voided (P < 0.0001). There was a significant horse effect on the daily dry-matter intake of feed (P < 0.0001) and quantity of faeces voided (P < 0.0001), but no differences in the percentage of time spent eating or the frequency of voiding faeces. There were significant diet and horse effects on the time to recovery of the first marker in the faeces (P < 0.01 and P < 0.01 respectively) and the mean retention time of markers in the gastrointestinal tract (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001 respectively). Mean retention time was negatively correlated with feed intake and quantity of faeces voided (r2 = –0.51 and r2 = –0.64 respectively). Conclusions Longer mean retention time was associated with a greater fibre content in the diet and a restricted feed supply, thus supporting the hypothesis that horses alter mean retention time on the basis of a nutrient absorption optimisation model. Implications Feed composition, but also the quantities offered, may alter measurement of apparent feed digestibility in horses.
Modelling the potential role of saliva use during masturbation in the transmission of
Authors: Xu Xianglong , Chow Eric P. F. , Ong Jason J. , Shen Mingwang , Wang Chongjian , Hocking Jane S. , Fairley Christopher K. , Zhang Lei
Published: December 2021

Background Neisseria gonorrhoeae can be cultured from saliva in men with pharyngeal gonorrhoea and could theoretically be transmitted from the pharynx to the urethra when saliva is used as a lubricant for masturbation. In this work, we proposed that saliva use during masturbation may be a potential transmission route of gonorrhoea. Methods We analysed the transmission of Neisseria gonorrhoeae at the oropharynx, urethra and anorectum with mathematical models among men who have sex with men using data from six different studies. Model 1 included transmission routes (oral sex, anal sex, rimming, kissing, and three sequential sex practices). In Model 2, we added saliva use during solo masturbation and mutual masturbation to model 1. Results Model 2 could replicate single site infection at the oropharynx, urethra and anorectum and multi-site infection across six different datasets. However, the calibration of Model 2 was not significantly different from Model 1 across four datasets. Model 2 generated an incidence of gonorrhoea from masturbation of between 5.2% (95% CI: 3.2–10.1) to 10.6% (95% CI: 5.8–17.3) across six data sets. Model 2 also estimated that about one in four cases of urethral gonorrhoea might arise from solo masturbation and mutual masturbation. Conclusions Our models raise the possibility that saliva use during masturbation may play a role in transmitting gonorrhoea. This is an important area to explore because it contributes to the knowledge base about gonorrhoea transmission.
Diagnostic concordance between Amsel’s criteria and the Nugent scoring method in the assessment of bacterial vaginosis
Authors: Challa Apoorva , Sood Seema , Kachhawa Garima , Upadhyay Ashish Datt , Dwivedi Sada Nand , Gupta Somesh
Published: December 2021

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is diagnosed by the microbiological Nugent scoring method or clinical Amsel’s criteria. Assessment of 404 vaginal samples (293 women) identified 110 (27.2%), 108 (26.7%) and 161 (39.9%) samples to be BV-positive using Nugent’s method, standard Amsel’s criteria and simplified Amsel’s criteria respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and kappa statistic (κ) for standard and simplified Amsel’s criteria were 71.8% (95% CI = 62.4–80.0), 90.1% (95% CI = 62.4–86.1), 0.62 (95% CI = 0.53–0.72) and 88.2% (95% CI = 80.6–93.6), 78.2% (95% CI = 73.1–82.8), 0.58 (95% CI = 0.49–0.67), respectively. A combination of vaginal pH and clue cells exhibited the highest concordance (κ = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.54–0.74) with Nugent’s method and may be used for simplified BV diagnosis.
Turning ghosts into dragons: improving camera monitoring outcomes for a cryptic low-density Komodo dragon population in eastern Indonesia
Authors: Purwandana Deni , Ariefiandy Achmad , Azmi Muhammad , Nasu Sanggar A. , Sahudin  , Dos Andreas A. , Jessop Tim S.
Published: December 2021

Abstract Context Detection probability is a key attribute influencing population-level wildlife estimates necessary for conservation inference. Increasingly, camera traps are used to monitor threatened reptile populations and communities. Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) populations have been previously monitored using camera traps; however, considerations for improving detection probability estimates for very low-density populations have not been well investigated. Aims Here we compare the effects of baited versus non-baited camera monitoring protocols to influence Komodo dragon detection and occupancy estimates alongside monitoring survey design and cost considerations for ongoing population monitoring within the Wae Wuul Nature Reserve on Flores Island, Indonesia. Methods Twenty-six camera monitoring stations (CMS) were deployed throughout the study area with a minimum of 400 m among CMS to achieve independent sampling units. Each CMS was randomly assigned as a baited or non-baited camera monitoring station and deployed for 6 or 30 daily sampling events. Key results Baited camera monitoring produced higher site occupancy estimates with reduced variance. Komodo dragon detection probability estimates were 0.15 ± 0.092–0.22 (95% CI), 0.01 ± 0.001–0.03, and 0.03 ± 0.01–0.04 for baited (6 daily survey sampling events), unbaited (6 daily survey sampling events) and long-unbaited (30 daily survey sampling events) sampling durations respectively. Additionally, the provision of baited lures at cameras had additional benefits for Komodo detection, survey design and sampling effort costs. Conclusions Our study indicated that baited cameras provide the most effective monitoring method to survey low-density Komodo dragon populations in protected areas on Flores. Implications We believe our monitoring approach now lends itself to evaluating population responses to ecological and anthropogenic factors, hence informing conservation efforts in this nature reserve.
Cell-type–specific neuromodulation guides synaptic credit assignment in a spiking neural network
Authors: Liu Yuhan Helena , Smith Stephen , Mihalas Stefan , Shea-Brown Eric , Sümbül Uygar
Published: December 2021

Significance

Synaptic connectivity provides the foundation for our present understanding of neuronal network function, but static connectivity cannot explain learning and memory. We propose a computational role for the diversity of cortical neuronal types and their associated cell-type–specific neuromodulators in improving the efficiency of synaptic weight adjustments for task learning in neuronal networks.
Effects of task complexity on L2 suggestions
Authors: Márquez Daniel , Barón Júlia
Published: December 2021

This exploratory study aims at determining whether increased task complexity affects performance of second language (L2) pragmatics. 34 Spanish learners of English as a foreign language (EFL) undertook simple and complex interactive tasks targeting the speech act of suggesting. Although previous analyses of learner-learner interaction have demonstrated that increasing the cognitive load of a task may affect the number of speech acts in conversation, not enough evidence to support this premise was found. In addition, the assessment of suggestions as provided by native speakers of American English shows that increased task complexity along number of elements, social distance, and degree of imposition is likely to promote accuracy and complexity of pragmatic moves without making L2 learners trade off either accuracy or complexity. Pedagogical implications in the fields of L2 pragmatics and task-based language teaching (TBLT) are further discussed.
Matter coupling in minimal massive 3D gravity and spinor-matter interactions in exterior algebra formalism
Authors: Cebeci Hakan
Published: December 2021

In this work, by employing the exterior algebra formalism, we study the matter coupling in minimal massive 3D gravity (MMG) by first considering that the matter Lagrangian is connection-independent and then considering that the matter coupling is connection-dependent. The matter coupling in MMG has been previously investigated in the work Arvanitakis et al (2014 Class. Quantum Grav.
31 235012) in tensorial notation where the matter Lagrangian is considered to be connection-independent. In the first part of the present paper, we revisit the connection-independent matter coupling by using the language of differential forms. We derive the MMG field equation and construct the related source two-form. We also obtain the consistency relation within this formalism. Next, we examine the case where the matter Lagrangian is connection-dependent. In particular, we concentrate on the spinor-matter coupling and obtain the MMG field equation by explicitly constructing the source term. We also get the consistency relation that the source term should satisfy in order that spinor-matter coupled MMG equation be consistent.
Precise wavelength determination of the 4s24p 2P3/2–2P1/2 transition in Mo11+ and Ru13+ ions
Authors: Li Yajing , Wang Yintao , Fan Junyu , Si Ran , Li Jiguang , Zhang Mingwu , Huang Liangyu , Xiao Jun , Zou Yaming , Wei Baoren , Yao Ke
Published: December 2021

The 4s24p 2P3/2–2P1/2 magnetic dipole transition in Ga-like ions is interested in developing of high precise highly charged ion clock (Yu and Sahoo 2019 Phys. Rev. A 99 022513). In this work, we present direct observations of the transition in Mo11+ and Ru13+ ions at an electron beam ion trap. Internal and external calibration methods are used for determining the wavelength of the Mo11+ and Ru13+ lines, respectively. Both measurements reach precision levels of a few ppm. Compared with the available values, the current results significantly improve the experimental uncertainty.
Placement of a fast ion loss detector array for neutral beam injected particles in Wendelstein 7-X
Authors: Kulla D , Lazerson S , Günter S , Hirsch M , Hartmann D , McNeely P , Rust N , Wolf R C
Published: December 2021

In light of measuring the fast ionized particle confinement in the stellarator Wendelstein 7-X, particles generated by the neutral beam injection system are simulated to determine the placement of an array of Faraday-cup fast ion loss detectors. This array is important due to the localization of the loss pattern, which changes drastically with experimental parameters. The Monte Carlo codes BEAMS3D and ASCOT5 are used for the simulations, following the particles from injection to wall collision. Different magnetic configurations and plasma pressures are investigated in this manner, and a configuration suitable for measuring the loss fraction is found. It qualitatively reproduces the global losses, is installable in locations of current carbon wall-tiles and the individual detector output appears well-suited for experimental purposes.