bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management employees working conditions for sustainable development in era of globalization
Authors: Sukalova Viera
Published: December 2021

Research background: Human resources today are well the most important and valuable resource of a company, and therefore it is very important that the company constantly deals with the field of working conditions. Working conditions represent a convex set of conditions, factors and other elements affecting the worker who performs the assigned work tasks for the employer and significantly affect his productivity, well-being, health and loyalty to the employer. Currently, the field of working conditions has been hit hard by the Covid 19 pandemic. The company's goal in the field of working conditions should be to create the best possible working conditions that will provide employees with a suitable and quality working environment, damage to health at work and benefits to increase their comfort.

Purpose of the article: The aim of our article is to analyse the legal aspects of labour protection and working conditions in EU and Slovakia and to document on the Case study current problems of work management and also the impact of Covid 19 on employees’ working conditions.

Methods: Analysis, Synthesis, Case study, Questionnaire

We analyzed the current legislation of the EU and Slovakia in the field of occupational safety and working conditions, and on the example of a case study and the use of a questionnaire survey, we identified problems in this area.

Findings & Value added: Identification of current problem areas in the management of working conditions and design of a system solution for sustainable development.
State regulation of the art market: global trends, experience of various countries and prerequisites for regional economic growth
Authors: Koltsova Anna , Pashkus Vadim , Pashkus Natalia , Pashkus Margarita
Published: December 2021

Background of Research: In a global economy, where individual regions, cities and countries cannot demonstrate their uniqueness and attractiveness, the presence of a developed art market on their territory can contribute to the growth of their competitiveness. A well-developed art market is highly profitable itself and it has a strong impact on the intangible companies, cities and countries involved in deals, tradesmen or organizers and hosting global art events. As a result, the global attractiveness of economic entities, their products and services increases significantly.

Purpose of the article: In this article, the problem of finding effective measures of state regulation of the market. and prerequisites for regional economic growth.

Methods: The paper presents a comparative analysis of measures of state regulation of works of art, applied in different countries, used econometric methods and methods of matrix hierarchical analysis.

Findings & Value added: With the help of econometric dependencies, the indirect influence of the high activity of the country’s art market and its turnover on the growth of the country’s GDP through both direct financial influence and additional qualitative dependencies is substantiated. Regularities of the influence of a developed art market on the brand of the territory and the region to which it belongs are obtained, which allows us to propose a mechanism for the formation of a positive image of the city, region and country in the global economy, as well as the development of the attributes of its cultural brand.
Problems of ensuring the competitiveness of the region in the conditions of COVID-19
Authors: Pashkus Vadim , Volkova Anna , Maltseva Yulia
Published: December 2021

Research background: In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and its global consequences, a fundamentally different economic environment arises, which requires the use of new approaches to the formation of the economic policy of the region and the identification of new ways to ensure the global competitiveness of the region. Territories are beginning to compete for previously unclaimed resources, as well as use new methods of promotion and positioning.

Purpose of the article: The purpose of this work is to identify new economic conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences, as well as to assess the impact of these conditions on the effectiveness of the economic policy of the region and the applied promotion and positioning strategy.

Methods: The methods of this study are determined by the increasing level of uncertainty of regional development processes, which requires the adaptation of analysis tools. The work uses matrix and hierarchical research methods that allow for a qualitative analysis of problem situations.

Findings & Value added: The research carried out made it possible to identify and systematize the main characteristics of the new economic environment and assess its impact on the applied development strategy of the region, which guarantees a higher probability of achieving strategic competitiveness. The novelty of the study lies also in the recognition of the mobilization effect of “forced digitalization”, while in the context of a pandemic, this mobilization was based on stable (stereotypical) interaction practices.
The methodology of BSC system in strategic management of non-profit organization in the globalization process
Authors: Kicová Eva , Poniščiaková Oľga
Published: December 2021

Research background: If globalization presents really a new and not reversible process that creates a more homogenous world, strategies of enterprises should appropriate to this phenomenon, too. European legislation has significantly contributed to the creation of the mutual market and increasing freedom of movement of services within the European Union. This paper examines the issue of using the BSC system methodology in the strategic management of a selected non-profit organization. The aim is to explain the importance and essence of the BSC system methodology in the strategic management of a non-profit organization, to analyse the application and knowledge of the BSC system methodology in practice of selected organizations in Slovakia and apply the essence of the method in strategic management of selected non-profit organizations. The non-profit organizations are an important part of the public sector, which in the form of various activities, in particular the providing of various services, performs tasks related to addressing manifestations of market imbalances. In contrast to the “traditional” business sector (profit sector), the task of the non-profit sector is not to generate profit but to provide consumer tasks.

Purpose of the article: The objective of the article is to clarify and present the specifics of functioning and management of non-profit organizations in the conditions of the Slovak Republic.

Methods: During the elaboration of the paper, the methods of compilation of analysis, synthesis and description were used on the basis of the search of the relevant literature. Part of the paper is a survey, which we conducted through a questionnaire on a selected sample of non-profit organizations in the Slovak Republic.

Findings & Value added: The results of the survey we have transported into general practice recommendations for non-profit organizations to improve their operating in the conditions of Slovakia while accepting the process of globalization.
Analysis of the top companies’ performances in the different sustainability rankings
Authors: Profiroiu Marius Constantin , Gole Iulian , Rădulescu Carmen Valentina
Published: December 2021

Research background: Since the end of COP 21 in Paris 2015 and even before, there is a huge interest for big companies to see their names at the top of the different ranking, as sustainability leaders. It is not only a matter of pride but also a business interest to promote sustainability values. The countries engage themselves to reduce global warming but this can only be done by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Multinationals companies are in the position to bring a huge contribution to this objective. In this paper, we will try to evaluate different rankings done by various organisations, different companies that are in top positions in order to understand the real advancement.

Purpose of the article: We want to see what is similar but also what differentiates one company from another. We will also analyse what the main key performance indicators are, used in to assess the evolution over time and how the companies are communicating their progress. We want to demonstrate if there is any common ground among different rankings or if there are huge differences in terms of results.

Methods: Using descriptive and comparative analysis we demonstrate that different companies are entitled as champions of different rankings, using different metrics.

Findings & Value added: In a global world, we can see that there is an important commercial interest of companies to appear in front of clients and investors as upholders of sustainability. Showing off a label of sustainability leader can help in doing business but it is not always corresponding with reality.
Gender inequality on the labour market in the Czech Republic
Authors: Vesela Kamila , Krizek David
Published: December 2021

Research background: Even though we live in the 21st century, where society is no longer expected to treat women and men differently, the reality is unfortunately different. Gender differences can be observed in virtually every country in the world. In some aspects of gender inequality, the Czech Republic is doing relatively well, for example, in terms of equal access to education, but in other areas it is doing much worse. In the Czech Republic, gender inequality is manifested in particular in the gender pay gap and on the labour market situation, where female unemployment is higher than male unemployment.

Purpose of the article: This article analyses gender inequality in the Czech Republic on the labour market. The aim of this article is to evaluate the state, development and estimate the future direction of the labour market with an emphasis on gender inequality.

Methods:Using time-series analysis of the number of applicants at the labour offices, it assesses the status and development of gender inequality in the labour market. The analysis also includes a prediction of future developments, where the author seeks an answer to the question whether the gender gap in this area is decreasing or increasing over time.

Findings & Value added:The analysis showed a persistent trend of higher unemployment among women compared to men. However, this gap is decreasing in the long term.
Country selection and aid allocation: A case of the Czech Republic
Authors: Dufková Gabriela
Published: December 2021

Research background: Donors provide development aid from various reasons: while some of them might give aid based on the recipient´s needs, some countries pursue their own agendas with their development programmes. Visegrad Group countries are mostly considered as egoistic donors that try to support security in the East European region and promote their trade.

Purpose of the article: This article draws back on the existing literature that focused on the motives behind the Czech development aid and examines influence of both egoistic and altruistic variables to determine which of these variables are important for the selection of countries to the aid portfolio and the allocation of aid funds. The researched variables are: number of asylum seekers, debt to the Czech Republic, Czech exports, unemployment in the developing countries, political and civil rights, and enrolment to the secondary education.

Methods: Probit-tobit analysis and a generalized linear model are employed in this paper.

Findings & Value added: The results suggest that egoistic economic motives (debt and Czech exports) are important factors for both country selection and aid allocation, while the number of asylum seekers affects only the aid allocation. As per the altruistic reasons, the country selection depends on the unemployment rates, political and civil rights and the enrolment to secondary education. The aid allocation depends also on the unemployment rates, political and civil rights, and the ratio of girls enrolled to the secondary education.
Voluntary national SDG reviews as a new reporting institution in a globalized society
Authors: Andrew V. Novikov , Vladimir Sh. Urazgaliev , Galina A. Menshikova , Alexander N. Soshnev
Published: December 2021

Research background:Having recognized the SDGs as the most important direction of globalization processes’ implementation, we point out that assessing the results of world progress in this direction is important both in terms of assessing its dynamics and as a new technology of global governance. Assessment (both as an institution and as a management technology) is a new type of analytical and coordination interactions between countries, which is just beginning to emerge.

Purpose of the article:The publication has three goals. The first is to present Voluntary national SDG reviews (VNRs) as an emerging institution for assessing and managing of global development. The second is to describe methodological approaches of their assessment, presenting them as a continuous improvement of methodology and methods that reflect new requirements for the VNRs analyses. The third is to assess the VNR of the RF (Russian Federation) - 2020, taking into account official and unofficial judgments, views from within and external experts.

Methods:The publication as a whole follows an institutional approach. It provides a comparative generalization of methodological approaches to the VNRs assessment, presents expert judgments that allow to outline the compliance of VNR RF-2020 with the new valuation principles

Findings & Value added::The publication will present a general scheme of VNR institutional understanding, a comparative analysis of traditional and new methodologies for their assessment and will propose systematic (comprehensive) assessment of VNR RF-2020.
The global drone market: main development trends
Authors: Kapustina Larisa , Izakova Natalia , Makovkina Elizaveta , Khmelkov Michail
Published: December 2021

Research background: Many countries of the world announced increasing the use of drones for civil and military purposes. An important feature of the drone market is that it is an “ecosystem”“, which includes software developers, integrators, component manufacturers, etc. By 2025, the capacity of the global unmanned aerial vehicle market will grow by 3 times.

Purpose of the article: The aim of the study is to identify current trends in the development of the global market of unmanned aerial vehicles for commercial use.

Methods: A significant part of the necessary statistical data is closed for public access, due to the fact that most of the UAVs produced are part of the military-industrial complex or “dual-use” goods. Only 23.6% of all UAVs produced can be classified as civilian or commercial products. Market development trends using economic statistic methods were determined based on the data of the reports “The Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in International Trade and their Regulation”, Drone Industry Insights, the analytical agency Mordor Intelligence, “Global Drone Regulations Database”.

Findings & Value added: The USA, China and France are the leaders in the production of commercial and consumer drones. The rating of drone manufacturers is led by: DJI (China), SenseFly / Parrot SA (France), Yuneec (China), 3D Robotics (USA). The largest purchases are made by the USA, China, Russia, Great Britain, Australia, France, Saudi Arabia, India and South Korea. Significant growth in the use of drones is expected in medicine, logistics and delivery.
Features of Logistics Development in the BRICS countries
Authors: Nekhoroshkov Vladimir , Aroshidze Alyona , Majercak Peter , Kurenkov Peter
Published: December 2021

Research background: Brazil, Russia, India, China, as well as South Africa (BRICS) have such economic potential that, according to the expert community, by 2050 they may become the dominant economies of the world. The aim of the scientific contribution is to analyze the BRICS countries about Logistics Performance Index (LPI).

Purpose of the article: Using the diagnostic matrix method, the analysis of the logistics development of the BRICS countries according to the estimates presented above makes it possible to characterize them according to each criterion, as well as to form a general characteristic. In addition, it is necessary to calculate the delta of the indicator for each criterion for each country for the selected study period.

Methods: We suggest using the Logistics Performance Index (LPI) and Emerging Market Logistics Index (EMLI) ratings as an information base for analyzing the logistics development of the BRICS countries. The LPI rating is calculated every two years by the World Bank, which, together with the University of Turku, developed it in 2007.

Findings & Value added: As the analysis has shown, even within the framework of integration groups, such as the BRICS, the level of logistics development is quite different. The undisputed leader according to LPI is China, which bypasses other countries of the grouping not only in terms of the level of infrastructure development, in which some of the world's largest financial investments are made, but also in the quality of logistics services, customs and border clearance, organization of international transport, cargo tracking. timeliness of their delivery.
Diagnose eines Zentralarterienverschlusses (ZAV) ohne Funduskopie
Authors: Schultheiß Maximilian , Steinhorst Nils Alexander , Dippel Susanne , Spitzer Martin S. , Poli Sven , Feltgen Nicolas
Published: December 2021

Der retinale Zentralarterienverschluss stellt mangels etablierter evidenzbasierter Therapie eine der wenigen bisher ungelösten ophthalmologischen Probleme dar. Ein vielversprechender
kurativer Ansatz ist die intravenöse Fibrinolyse mit dem Ziel der raschen Wiederherstellung der retinalen Perfusion. Die aktuelle Studienlage empfiehlt eine Therapieeinleitung innerhalb von
4,5 h. Dieses Fenster wird aufgrund von Verzögerungen in der Diagnostik (z. B. der Zeitverlust bis zur augenärztlichen Untersuchung) und der anschließenden Prozessierung der Patienten
(Weiterleitung in ein spezialisiertes Zentrum) häufig verpasst. In dieser Arbeit stellen die Autoren ein differenzialdiagnostisches Hilfsmittel in Form eines Frage- und Untersuchungsbogens
vor, mit dessen Hilfe die Zeit bis zur möglichen Therapieeinleitung deutlich verkürzt werden könnte.
Assessment of Tear Film Anomalies in Childhood Obesity
Authors: Bayat Alper Halil , Aydemir Emre , Aydemir Gozde Aksoy , Gencer Hasim
Published: December 2021

Purpose To determine if childhood obesity has an effect on the ocular surface and tear film of children who are afflicted.

Methods Patients who had childhood obesity, 85 eyes, and patients who were healthy, 75 eyes, were enrolled in this prospective and comparative study. The tear film breakup time
(TF-BUT), tear meniscus area and height (TMA and TMH) values, Schirmer test scores, and ocular surface disease index (OSDI) scores were obtained for all participants.

Results The TMH, TMA, TF-BUT, and Schirmer test results were statistically significantly lower in the obesity group (p < 0.001 for all). The children with obesity and insulin
resistance had lower TMH, TMA, TF-BUT, and Schirmer test results when compared to the children without insulin resistance (p < 0.05 for all). The body mass index was found to be
correlated with the TMH, TMA, TF-BUT, and Schirmer test results (p < 0.001 for all).

Conclusion Children with obesity had lower TMA, TMH, TF-BUT, and Schirmer test results than healthy subjects. When insulin resistance was added to obesity, these values were even
lower.
Spontaneous Intraparenchymal Hemorrhage in Patients with COVID-19: A Prospective Study and Literature Review
Authors: Ebrahimi Hannan , Digaleh Hadi , Pour-Rashidi Ahmad , Kazemi Vahid , Hadadi Azar , Nasseri Shahin , Mirzaii Farshid , Mortazavi Abolghasem , Amirjamshidi Abbas
Published: December 2021

Introduction Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a devastating pandemic that may also affect the nervous system. One of its neurological manifestations is intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Data about pure spontaneous intraparenchymal hemorrhage related to COVID-19 is scarce. In this study, we present some patients with COVID-19 disease who also had spontaneous intraparenchymal hemorrhage along with a review of the literature.

Methods This single-center prospective study was done among 2,862 patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) between March 1 and November 1, 2020. Out of 2,862 patients with SARS-CoV-2, 14 patients with neurological manifestations were assessed with a noncontrast brain computed tomography scan. Seven patients with spontaneous intraparenchymal hemorrhage were enrolled.

Results All seven patients were male, with a mean age of 60.8 years old. Six patients (85.7%) only had minimal symptoms of COVID-19 without significant respiratory distress. The level of consciousness in two patients (28.5%) was less than eight, according to the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). Hypertension (71.4%) was the most common risk factor in their past medical history. The mean volume of hematoma was 41cc. Four patients died during hospitalization, and the others were discharged with a mean hospital stay of 42.6 days. All patients with GCS less than 11 died.

Conclusion It concluded that ICH patients with COVID-19 are related to higher blood volume, cortical and subcortical location of hemorrhage, higher fatality rate, and younger age that is different to spontaneous ICH in general population. We recommend more specific neuroimaging in patients with COVID 19 such as brain magnetic resonance imaging concomitant with vascular studies in future. The impact of COVID-19 on mortality rate is not clear because of limited epidemiologic studies, but identifying the causal relationship between COVID-19 and ICH requires further clinical and laboratory studies.
CT Appearances in Treated Abdominal Tuberculosis: A Radiologist's Dilemma
Authors: Rathi Vinita , Yadav Varun , Deep Bonny S. , Bhatt Shuchi , Giri Subhash
Published: December 2021

Objective To study the CT appearances of the abdomen after completion of antitubercular therapy (ATT) in adult patients.

Methods Multidetector CT scan abdomen was done in 20 adults within 1 month of completing ATT. CT appearances were compared with pretreatment scans which were available in 7 cases.

Results We found that residual ileocecal wall thickening and enhancement was significant (p < 0.05) after treatment in cases of ileocecal tuberculosis (TB). Mild decrease in wall thickness and diameter of the involved dilated small bowel loops was seen. Numerous large, matted nodes with necrosis persisted in the mesentery and retroperitoneum in treated TB, but reduction in the size of nodes was appreciated.

Conclusion Our results help to fill the vacuum in the database of CT appearances in treated abdominal TB. Persistence of bowel changes and lymph nodes should not be mistaken for recurrence of TB or residual disease.
A Rare Case of Complex Hernia Causing Urethral Obstruction
Authors: Agrawal Vivek , Bagla Chinmay
Published: December 2021

Abdominal wall hernias rarely cause obstruction of the urinary tract. We present the case of a patient undergoing regular smooth dilatations for urethral stricture since 8 years who developed right inguinoscrotal swelling and narrowing of urinary stream since 2 years of age. There was a growing difficulty in dilatation due to path distortion of urethra by the hernia. He had a history of open suprapubic cystostomy (SPC) 8 years ago. The patient refused surgery till he landed with an inability to pass dilators and difficulty in passing urine. He was taken up for right inguinal exploration with internal optic urethrotomy (IOU). Intraoperatively, he was found to have right inguinal hernia with incisional hernia at the site of SPC which was repaired and a cystoscopy revealed urethral deviation with anterior urethral stricture for which IOU was done. Postoperatively, the patient's urethral tract straightened and his urinary complaints resolved. A complex hernia can cause urethral deviation and obstruction due to pressure effects of its contents and should be repaired at an early stage.
Surgical Treatment of Multilevel Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: Open-Door Laminoplasty and Fixation via Unilateral Approach. A Feasibility Study
Authors: Schmeiser Gregor , Bergmann Janina Isabel , Papavero Luca , Kothe Ralph
Published: December 2021

Objective We compared open-door laminoplasty via a unilateral approach and additional unilateral lateral mass screw fixation (uLP) with laminectomy and bilateral lateral mass screw fixation (LC) in the surgical treatment of multilevel degenerative cervical myelopathy (mDCM).

Methods A retrospective cohort analysis of 46 prospectively enrolled patients (23 uLP and 23 LC). The minimum follow-up was 1 year. Neck and arm pains were evaluated with visual analog scales and disability with the Neck Disability Index (NDI). Myelopathy was rated with the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) score. Cervical sagittal parameters were measured on plain and functional X-ray films with a specific software. The statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Fusion was defined as <2 degrees of intersegmental motion on flexion/extension radiographs.

Results The two groups were similar in age and comorbidities. The mean operation time and the mean hospital stay were shorter in the uLP group (p = 0.015). The intraoperative blood loss did not exceed 200 mL in both groups. At follow-up, the groups showed comparable clinical outcome data. The sagittal profile did not deteriorate in either group. Fusion rates were 67% in the uLP group and 92% in the LC group. No infections occurred in either group. In the LC group, one patient developed a transient C5 palsy. Revision surgery was required for a malpositioned screw (LC) and for one implant failure (uLP).

Conclusion Laminoplasty and unilateral fixation via a unilateral approach achieved comparable clinical and radiologic results with laminectomy and bilateral fixation, despite a lower fusion rate. However, the surgical traumatization was less.
Minimally Invasive Surgical Technique for the Management of Giant Dumbbell Spinal Schwannoma
Authors: Poblete Jose , Martinez Anda Jaime Jesus , Mendoza Angel Asdrubal Rebollar , Torales Jorge , Somma Alberto Di , Torne Ramon , Fuster Salvador , Enseñat Joaquim
Published: December 2021

Background Completely extradural spinal schwannomas have a unique morphology (dumbbell tumors) with an intra- and extraspinal component. When they compromise two contiguous vertebral bodies or have an extraspinal extension >2.5 cm, they are classified as giant spinal schwannomas. The aim of this study is to present our experience in the surgical management of completely extradural giant spinal schwannomas with a minimally invasive approach.

Methods This study is a case series of patients treated at the Neurosurgery Department of the University Clinical and Provincial Hospital of Barcelona, Spain, between January 2016 and December 2019.

Results Fifteen patients met the inclusion criteria, with thoracic and lumbar spines being the most frequent locations. All patients underwent surgical treatment, with a mini-open interlaminar and far-lateral technique. Total gross resection was accomplished in all patients and spine instrumentation was not necessary.

Conclusions Microsurgery is the treatment of choice for spinal schwannomas, and gross total resection with low morbidity must be the surgical goal. Mini-open interlaminar and far-lateral access is a valid surgical option, with low morbidity in experienced hands, and there is no need for spinal instrumentation.
Revisiting Provider Role in Patient Use of Online Medical Records
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Surma , Basak Ramsankar , Khairat Saif , Carney Timothy J.
Published: December 2021

Objectives Provider encouragement for patient use of online medical record (OMR) systems is poorly understood. The study examines temporal trends and predictors of provider encouragement and the effects of encouragement on OMR use.

Methods Health Information National Trends Survey administered in 2017 and 2020 were used. Subjects were 18 to 75 years old with access to the Internet or smart devices. From 2017 and 2020, 2,558 and 3,058 subjects were included, respectively.

Results In 2020, 52.8% reported receiving provider encouragement within the last year for OMR use compared with 41.3% in 2017 (p < 0.001). For respondents with chronic diseases (such as diabetes, hypertension, heart, or lung diseases [CVMD]), encouragement increased from 45.5 to 57.2% (p < 0.001). Sociodemographic determinants and clinical attributes (e.g., provider office visits, cancer history, or CVMDs) significantly (p < 0.05) predicted encouragement. Among CVMD subjects, gender and visit frequency were significant predictors. OMR use within a year grew recently (73.3% in 2020 vs. 60.6% in 2017, p = 0.002) among CVMD subjects reporting encouragement. Provider encouragement was associated (p < 0.05) with secure communication and viewing results using OMRs controlling for other predictors in the overall cohort and among CVMD subjects.

Conclusion Many respondents reported not receiving provider encouragement for OMR use. These subjects represent millions of U.S. adults, including those participating during the pandemic, with CVMDs or cancer history. Encouragement rates grew over time and was associated with demographic or disease attributes and with OMR use. Future research should assess the optimality of encouragement. Resources enabling provider encouragement should continue and help prevent disparity in health technology use.
Expanding the momentum field of view in angle-resolved photoemission systems with hemispherical analyzers
Authors: Gauthier Nicolas , Sobota Jonathan A. , Pfau Heike , Gauthier Alexandre , Soifer Hadas , Bachmann Maja D. , Fisher Ian R. , Shen Zhi-Xun , Kirchmann Patrick S.
Published: December 2021

In photoelectron spectroscopy, the measured electron momentum range is intrinsically related to the excitation photon energy. Low photon energies <10 eV are commonly encountered in laser-based photoemission and lead to a momentum range that is smaller than the Brillouin zones of most materials. This can become a limiting factor when studying condensed matter with laser-based photoemission. An additional restriction is introduced by widely used hemispherical analyzers that record only electrons photoemitted in a solid angle set by the aperture size at the analyzer entrance. Here, we present an upgrade to increase the effective solid angle that is measured with a hemispherical analyzer. We achieve this by accelerating the photoelectrons toward the analyzer with an electric field that is generated by a bias voltage on the sample. Our experimental geometry is comparable to a parallel plate capacitor, and therefore, we approximate the electric field to be uniform along the photoelectron trajectory. With this assumption, we developed an analytic, parameter-free model that relates the measured angles to the electron momenta in the solid and verify its validity by comparing with experimental results on the charge density wave material TbTe3. By providing a larger field of view in momentum space, our approach using a bias potential considerably expands the flexibility of laser-based photoemission setups.
Terahertz scattering-type near-field microscopy quantitatively determines the conductivity and charge carrier density of optically doped and impurity-doped silicon
Authors: Wiecha Matthias M. , Kapoor Rohit , Roskos Hartmut G.
Published: December 2021

A terahertz scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscope is used for nano-scale non-invasive conductivity measurements on bulk silicon samples. We first investigate the case where the density of charge carriers is determined by optical interband excitation. We show that the amplitude and phase of the near-field signal are reproduced by simulations based on an established near-field interaction model, which takes the Drude conductivity, ambipolar carrier diffusion, and known recombination properties of photo-excited carrier pairs in Si into account. This study is then extended to impurity-doped Si. We demonstrate that the phase of the near-field signal, which can easily be measured in absolute terms, allows us to quantitatively determine the conductivity of the specimens, from which the carrier density is derived based on the known carrier momentum relaxation time. A measurement at a single properly chosen terahertz frequency is sufficient. The technique proposed here holds promise for the spatially resolved quantitative characterization of micro- and nanoelectronic materials and devices.
Pressure Measurement in Vacuum Technology
Authors: Gessert Timothy A.
Published: December 2021

This chapter describes the design and operation of typical total-pressure gauges presently used in vacuum technology in fields related to material science and semiconductor research and production. This chapter begins with discussion that helps identify and appreciate the difference between measurement accuracy, precision, and long-term reproducibility as related to vacuum gauges. The remaining sections of the chapter describes design and operation of manometers, thermal gauges, and ion gauges. The chapter concludes with a brief review of partial pressure gauges, that are also known in vacuum technology as residual gas analyzers, or RGAs.
The Role of Carbon Allotrope-Based Charge Transport Layers in Enhancing the Performance of Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Benetti Daniele , Rosei Federico
Published: December 2021

Third generation solar cells, such as organic photovoltaics, dye-sensitized solar cells, and most recently perovskite solar cells (PSCs), have emerged as low-cost solutions compared with commercial silicon-based technologies.

The main drawbacks toward the commercialization of PSCs are the long-term stability of the devices, and the use of expensive materials, such as noble metals, and polymers that limit scale-up. Some commonly used charge transport materials have a detrimental effect on the perovskite layer, which increase the degradation of the perovskite under UV radiation, thermal stress, or in the presence of moisture.

To improve performance and reduce cost, the incorporation of new materials and processing techniques are being actively pursued. Carbonaceous materials have been proposed for such purposes, owing to their exceptional electrical, optical, thermal, and mechanical properties.

The synergy between the properties of metal halide perovskite semiconductors and carbon allotropes has recently been revealed and has contributed toward the realization of PSCs with impressive efficiencies and operational stability.

In this chapter, we first briefly introduce the different structures of carbon allotropes, then we describe how these materials can be integrated in different charge transport layers used in PSCs, highlighting their roles in enhancing performance and stability.
Charge Transport Layers in Halide Perovskite Photonic Devices
Authors: Righetto Marcello , Cacialli Franco
Published: December 2021

The recent success of halide perovskite devices is closely tied with the optimization of charge transport layers. By building also on the knowledge accumulated in the development of organic optoelectronics, the science of transport layers has evolved and adapted to the peculiarities of perovskite-based devices. Here, we review the current understanding of transport layers for halide perovskite photonics, and we distil the optimization strategies. First, we illustrate typical architectures of the most popular perovskite devices: solar cells and light-emitting diodes. Second, we describe the interplay between the energetics of these layers and the dynamics of carriers and ions. The discussion focuses on band alignment and energy barriers with a view to understanding and controlling charge dynamics, both within these layers and at their interfaces with the perovskites, placing emphasis on charge accumulation, trapping, and injection/extraction. Third, we address the complex “chemical landscape” for transport layers by illustrating problems and opportunities connected with the reactivity of interfaces (e.g., interlayer chemistry, passivation, and stability). The chapter concludes with a discussion of the open challenges (e.g., hysteresis, operational stability, blue light emission) and potential promise of halide perovskite devices, all of which can still greatly benefit from further advances in the science and engineering of transport layers.
The hippocampal formation and action at a distance
Authors: Nadel Lynn
Published: December 2021

Significance

This article proposes an overarching hypothesis about the function of the hippocampal formation, namely, that it enables organisms to bridge significant spatial and temporal gaps in experience and is thereby deeply involved in aspects of spatial cognition, event segmentation, and memory. This brain system enables organisms to go beyond the here and now, utilizing prior experience to plan current and future behavior.
The Long road to TBLT
Authors: Norris John M.
Published: December 2021

Michael H. Long was one of the earliest proponents of task-based language teaching, and his groundbreaking work on
multiple dimensions of the proposal helped establish TBLT as a fertile locus for innovation at the intersection of research and
practice. His work on TBLT over four decades led the way to robust research programs on syllabus design, needs analysis,
methodological principles for teaching, pedagogic procedures including focus on form and negative feedback, task-based assessment,
and program evaluation, among others. This article provides a review of some of Long’s major contributions to TBLT, addressing not
only the theoretical and empirical aspects of his work but also the implementation of his ideas in practice and a few associated
challenges.
Isotropic quantitative differential phase contrast imaging techniques: a review
Authors: Vyas Sunil , Li An-Cin , Lin Yu-Hsiang , Yeh J Andrew , Luo Yuan
Published: December 2021

Optical phase shifts generated by the spatial variation of refractive index and thickness inside the transparent samples can be determined by intensity measurements through quantitative phase contrast imaging. In this review, we focus on isotropic quantitative differential phase contrast microscopy (qDPC), which is a non-interferometric quantitative phase imaging technique that belongs to the class of deterministic phase retrieval from intensity. The qDPC is based on the principle of the weak object transfer function together with the first-order Born approximation in a partially coherent illumination system and wide-field detection, which offers multiple advantages. We review basic principles, imaging systems, and demonstrate examples of DPC imaging for biomedical applications. In addition to the previous work, we present the latest results for isotropic phase contrast enhancements using a deep learning model. We implemented a supervised learning approach with the U-net model to reduce the number of measurements required for multi-axis measurements associated with the isotropic phase transfer function. We show that a well-designed and trained neural network provides a fast and efficient way to predict quantitative phase maps for live cells, which can help in determining morphological parameters of cells for detailed study. The prospects of deep learning in quantitative phase microscopy, particularly for isotropic quantitative phase estimation, are discussed.
Learning a compass spin model with neural network quantum states
Authors: Zou Eric , Long Erik , Zhao Erhai
Published: December 2021

Neural network quantum states provide a novel representation of the many-body states of interacting quantum systems and open up a promising route to solve frustrated quantum spin models that evade other numerical approaches. Yet its capacity to describe complex magnetic orders with large unit cells has not been demonstrated, and its performance in a rugged energy landscape has been questioned. Here we apply restricted Boltzmann machines (RBMs) and stochastic gradient descent to seek the ground states of a compass spin model on the honeycomb lattice, which unifies the Kitaev model, Ising model and the quantum 120° model with a single tuning parameter. We report calculation results on the variational energy, order parameters and correlation functions. The phase diagram obtained is in good agreement with the predictions of tensor network ansatz, demonstrating the capacity of RBMs in learning the ground states of frustrated quantum spin Hamiltonians. The limitations of the calculation are discussed. A few strategies are outlined to address some of the challenges in machine learning frustrated quantum magnets.
Correlations in twisted double-layer graphene with virtual photons in a microcavity
Authors: Arreyes Facundo , Escudero Federico , Ardenghi Juan Sebastián
Published: December 2021

We analyze the entanglement generation of a system composed of two decoupled rotated graphene layers inside a planar microcavity. By considering the electromagnetic field of the cavity in the vacuum state and using time-dependent perturbation theory it is possible to obtain the range of geometric parameters at which the quantum states of electrons in different layers are entangled. By employing the negativity measure, correlations between layers are obtained for time scales smaller than the light-crossing time of the layers. It is shown that the negativity measure is modulated by the rotation angle between layers, allowing manipulation of X states. Finally, an experimental protocol is analyzed in order to detect non-causal effects between layers, by allowing back-voltage switching functions in the two layers with supports that do not overlap in time. By turning off the second-back voltage at a time smaller than the light-crossing time, it is possible to obtain correlations between layers through the independent interaction with virtual photons. The exchange of virtual photons implies that the propagator can be nonzero outside the light cone and this non-causal propagation can create entangled quantum states.
Novel Janus group III chalcogenide monolayers Al2XY2 (X/Y = S, Se, Te): first-principles insight onto the structural, electronic, and transport properties
Authors: Vu Tuan V , Hieu Nguyen N
Published: December 2021

Motivated by the recent successful synthesis of 2D quintuple-layer atomic materials, for the first time, we design and investigate the electronic and transport properties of Janus Al2XY2 (X/Y = S, Se, Te; X ≠ Y) monolayers by using the density functional theory. Our calculations demonstrate that most of the models of Al2XY2 (except for Al2STe2 monolayer) are dynamically and mechanically stable. By using the hybrid functional, all models of Al2XY2 are semiconductors with an indirect bandgap. Meanwhile, Al2TeS2 monolayer is found to be metal at the Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof level. Due to the vertical asymmetry structure, an intrinsic built-in electric field exists in the Al2XY2 and leads to a difference in the vacuum levels between the two sides of the monolayers. Carrier mobilities of Al2XY2 monolayers are high directional anisotropic due to the anisotropy of their deformation potential constant. Al2XY2 monolayers exhibit high electron mobility, particularly, the electron mobility of Al2SeS2 exceeds 1 × 104 cm2 V−1 s−1, suggesting that they are suitable for applications in nanometer-sized electronic devices.
The effect of passive lower limb training on heart rate asymmetry
Authors: Shi Ping , Li Anan , Wu Liang , Yu Hongliu
Published: December 2021

Objective. Heart rate asymmetry (HRA) is an approach for quantitatively assessing the uneven distribution of heart rate accelerations and decelerations for sinus rhythm. We aimed to investigate whether automatic regulation led to HRA alternation during passive lower limb training. Approach. Thirty healthy participants were recruited in this study. The protocol included a baseline (Pre-E) and three passive lower limb training trials (E1, E2 and E3) with a randomized order. Several variance-based HRA variables were established. Heart rate variability (HRV) parameters, i.e. mean RR, SDNN, RMSSD, LF (n.u.), HF (n.u.) and VLF (ms2), and HRA variables, i.e. SD1a, SD1d, SD2a, SD2d, SDNNa and SDNNd, were calculated by using 5 min RR time series, as well as the normalized HRA variables, i.e. C1a, C1d, C2a, C2d, Ca and Cd. Main results. Our results showed that the performance of HRA was distinguished. The normalized HRA was observed with significant changes in E1, E2 and E3 compared to Pre -E. Moreover, parts of non-normalized HRA variables correlated with HRV parameters, which indicated that HRA might benefit in assessing cardiovascular modulation in passive lower limb training. Significance. In summary, this study suggested that passive training led to significant HRA alternation and the application of HRA gave us the possibility for autonomic assessment.
Buckling of elastic fibers in a shear flow
Authors: Słowicka Agnieszka M , Xue Nan , Sznajder Paweł , Nunes Janine K , Stone Howard A , Ekiel-Jeżewska Maria L
Published: December 2021

Three-dimensional dynamics of flexible fibers in shear flow are studied numerically, with a qualitative comparison to experiments. Initially, the fibers are straight, with different orientations with respect to the flow. By changing the rotation speed of a shear rheometer, we change the ratio A of bending to shear forces. We observe fibers in the flow-vorticity plane, which gives insight into the motion out of the shear plane. The numerical simulations of moderately flexible fibers show that they rotate along effective Jeffery orbits, and therefore the fiber orientation rapidly becomes very close to the flow-vorticity plane, on average close to the flow direction, and the fiber remains in an almost straight configuration for a long time. This ‘ordering’ of fibers is temporary since they alternately bend and straighten while tumbling. We observe numerically and experimentally that if the fibers are initially in the compressional region of the shear flow, they can undergo compressional buckling, with a pronounced deformation of shape along their whole length during a short time, which is in contrast to the typical local bending that originates over a long time from the fiber ends. We identify differences between local and compressional bending and discuss their competition, which depends on the initial orientation of the fiber and the bending stiffness ratio A. There are two main finding. First, the compressional buckling is limited to a certain small range of the initial orientations, excluding those from the flow-vorticity plane. Second, since fibers straighten in the flow-vorticity plane while tumbling, the compressional buckling is transient—it does not appear for times longer than 1/4 of the Jeffery period. For larger times, bending of fibers is always driven by their ends.
Effect of slip boundary condition and non-newtonian rheology of lubricants on the dynamic characteristics of finite hydrodynamic journal bearing
Authors: Arif Mohammad , Kango Saurabh , Shukla Dinesh Kumar
Published: December 2021

In the present study, the influence of various slip zone locations on the dynamic stability of finite hydrodynamic journal bearing lubricated with non-Newtonian and Newtonian lubricants has been investigated. Linearized equation of motion with free vibration of rigid rotor has been used to find the optimum location of the slip region with maximum stability margin limit. It has been observed that bearing with interface of slip and no-slip region near the upstream side of minimum film-thickness location is effective in improving the direct and cross stiffness coefficient, critical mass parameter, and critical whirling speed. The magnitude of dynamic performance parameters with slip effect is highly dependent on the rheology of lubricant. Shear-thinning lubricants combined with slip boundary condition shows higher dynamic stability as compared to the Newtonian lubricants under the conventional boundary condition. For all considered rheology of lubricants, the dynamic stability of bearing with slip effect is improving by increasing the eccentricity ratio.