A post deposition annealing approach for organic residue control in TiO2 and its impact on Sb2Se3 TiO2 device performance

We report a systematic investigation on the influence of two step post deposition treatments PDTs on TiO2 buffer layers deposited by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis USP for emerging Sb2Se3 photovoltaics. Air annealing is a typical method for recrystallizing chemically deposited TiO2 films. However, organic residues such as carbon species from a precursor solution based on titanium tetraisopropoxide and acetylacetone may still remain on the TiO2 surface, therefore requiring an additional annealing step. We demonstrate that vacuum annealing can be a suitable technological approach to decrease the concentration of carbon species in TiO2 films. Vacuum annealing was performed at temperatures at 160 450 C prior to the 450 C air annealing step. It was found that vacuum annealing at 160 C followed by subsequent air annealing led to better device performance. This was explained by achieving an optimal balance between the removal of carbon content during vacuum annealing and the active recrystallization of TiO2 during air annealing. The decrease of carbon concentration by employing the two step approach was supported by changes in the lattice parameters of TiO2 and proven by X ray photoelectron spectroscopy XPS . The given study provides experimental evidence on how nanoscale carbon species in the TiO2 heterojunction partner layer of a Sb2Se3 solar cell can affect the device s performance. By this approach, we generate complementary insights on how the quality of the main interface has an impact and can take a key role despite the optimized Sb2Se3 grain structure and orientatio

A review of the off-label use of selamectin (Stronghold®/Revolution®) in dogs and cats

Since its introduction approximately seven years ago, selamectin (Stronghold®/Revolution®, Pfizer Inc.) has been used off-label to treat a number of ecto- and endoparasite conditions in dogs and cats. It has been used as a successful prophylactic against Dirofilaria repens and as a treatment for Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in cats. It has also been used to treat notoedric mange, infestation with the nasal mite Pneumonyssoides caninum, Cheyletiella spp. and Neotrombicula autumnalis infestations and larval Cordylobia anthropophaga infection. However, to date attempts to treat generalised canine demodicosis have not been successful. In all cases, treatment was apparently well tolerated by the host

Is it really all about money? A study on incentives in elite team sports

Research question: A key task for sports managers of elite sports clubs is to create an ideal environment that enables athletes to perform at their best. Therefore, we investigate the relationship among monetary incentives, organizational support, and athletic performance in elite team sports. Research methods: This study is the first in sports management to calculate the relative effects of non-monetary incentives of organizational support and monetary incentives on individual performance through job satisfaction. Furthermore, we apply an innovative measurement approach of player performance by using individual performance ratings of coaches. We collect questionnaires from 315 athletes and 34 coaches of 19 professional football, ice hockey, and handball clubs in Germany. Results and findings: Two variables of organizational support—namely, integration of family and private problem support—show strong positive effects on athletes’ job satisfaction. Whereas prior studies have focused mainly on monetary incentives, this study reveals a strong relevance of organizational support. Furthermore, the results confirm a strong relationship between player satisfaction and individual performance. Implications: Sports managers need to recognize the relevance of non-monetary incentives of organizational support and integrate them into their management repertoire to improve job satisfaction and, consequently, facilitate top performance of their players. Further research should focus on the effects of non-monetary incentives and other aspects of organizational support. In addition, researchers should use individual performance ratings of coaches, rather than other measures, to evaluate player performance because of their expertise and superior background information