Topological domain states and magnetoelectric properties in multiferroic nanostructures

Multiferroic nanostructures have been attracting tremendous attention over the past decade, due to their rich cross-coupling effects and prospective electronic applications. In particular, the emergence of some exotic phenomena in size-confined multiferroic systems, including topological domain states such as vortices, center domains, and skyrmion bubble domains, has opened a new avenue to a number of intriguing physical properties and functionalities, and thus underpins a wide range of applications in future nanoelectronic devices. It is also highly appreciated that nano-domain engineering provides a pathway to control the magnetoelectric properties, which is promising for future energy-efficient spintronic devices. In recent years, this field, still in its infancy, has witnessed a rapid development and a number of challenges too. In this article, we shall review the recent advances in the emergent domain-related exotic phenomena in multiferroic nanostructures. Specific attention is paid to the topological domain structures and related novel physical behaviors as well as the electric-field-driven magnetic switching via domain engineering. This review will end with a discussion of future challenges and potential directions.     

Control of locomotion in expert gymnasts in the absence of vision

The main aim of this study was to determine how gymnasts are affected by the removal of vision when executing simple moves. A secondary aim was to establish whether crucial sensory cues exist for blindfolded gymnasts. Eight expert gymnasts were asked to maintain a straight displacement during three types of blindfolded locomotion: walking, steering a wheelchair and verbally ordering a second person pushing their wheelchair. In the first two conditions, active displacement made proprioceptive cues available to update the body trajectory. In the last condition, however, proprioceptive cues were greatly reduced, since the gymnasts displaced passively. The performance of the gymnasts was compared to that of eight experts in other non-gymnastic sports (control group). The results showed that the participants veered in all conditions. However, except in the verbal condition, the gymnasts departed less from linearity than the controls. We conclude that: (1) even for a simple motor task, gymnasts' performance is altered by eliminating vision; (2) compared with other sportsmen and women, gymnasts are better able to deal with the absence of vision when proprioceptive cues are available. These findings suggest two possible explanations: (1) gymnasts are more able to 'pick up' crucial information and (2) a gymnast's proprioceptive system is more sensitive.     

Do eco-innovations harm productivity growth through crowding out? Results of an extended CDM model for Italy

This paper discusses the results for Italy of a CDM model (Crepon et al., 1998) further extended with the objective of evaluating drivers and productivity effects of environmental innovations. The particular nature of environmental innovations, especially as regards the need of government intervention to create market opportunities, is likely to affect the way through which they are pursued (innovation equation within the CDM model) and their effect on productivity (productivity equation).