bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent advances in thermosetting polyimides
Authors: Stenzenberger Horst
Published: April 2007

Addition type imide resins are finding increased use as matrix resins for advanced composites. Many different chemical approaches have been used to synthesize imide resins which are easy to process (similar to epoxies) but higher in temperature resistance. This paper outlines recent advances in thermosetting imide resin chemistry; however, only those concepts which have been accepted by the industry and the most promising research concepts are discussed, such as:

endomethylenetetrahydrophthalimides

acetylene terminated polyimides

bismaleimides

benzocyclobutenes.

Of these, the bismaleimides are easiest to process. When used in combination with comonomers such as bisallylphenyl compounds, bis‐o‐(propenylphenoxy)‐benzophenones, benzocyclobutenes, etc., their toughness can be improved significantly to make them prime candidates as matrices for advanced composites and adhesives.
Water diffusion into rubber modified bismaleimide compositions
Authors: Tod David A. , Shaw Stephen J.
Published: April 2007

There has been considerable research into high temperature polymers in recent years and many novel systems have been synthesised. The requirements of high temperature resistance, resistance to moisture, and mechanical strength vie with each other in the selection of materials. In the defence field there are many applications for high temperature polymers, one of which is as high temperature adhesives. A particular problem with adhesives for defence use is that they need to withstand wide operating extremes both of temperature and humidity. A particular class of material that is suitable for high temperature adhesive application is the bismaleimides. The thermal resistance and strength of these materials has been established in previous studies. However, the effect of moisture upon these compositions has not been addressed. This paper covers aspects of diffusion of water into bismaleimide resin systems and is part of an ongoing research programme into high temperature polymers.
Conformational transition of poly(N‐vinylpyrrolidone) in aqueous solution of sodium decyl sulphate
Authors: de Sá Teresa García López
Published: April 2007

The intrinsic viscosity of four poly(N‐vinylpyrrolidone) fractions in the molecular weight range from 2.75 × 104 to 3.5 × 105 was measured in a cosolvent mixture of water/sodium decyl sulphate with different sodium decyl sulphate concentrations below its critical micellar concentration. Measurements were made in the temperature range 25−40°C.

The value of the a and K parameters of the Mark‐Houwink‐Sakurada equation were determined. The values obtained for a were in general high, as expected for good solvents. Using the Stockmayer‐Fixman equation with the data, Kθ and B, i.e. the short and long range interaction parameters respectively, were calculated, which showed the existence of a conformational change at 12.3 mM sodium decyl sulphate concentration, at all temperatures.

The polymer‐solvent interaction parameter X for the fraction of molar mass 3.5 × 105 was also determined.
Slow‐release fertilisers based on natural rubber
Authors: Hepburn Claude , Arizal Ridha
Published: April 2007

It is estimated that only between 30‐70% of the fertiliser applied in agriculture is used for plant nutrition, the rest is carried away by ground water or lost through nitrification‐denitrification. Apart from the economic loss due to wastage, severe environmental problems arise due to increasing nitrate concentrations in public drinking water. The research reports a method of binding the fertiliser urea into natural rubber thus forming a matrix of rubber encapsulated fertiliser. A special ‘split‐feeding’ mixing technique is necessary for a good product; also found important were mixing and vulcanisation temperatures with the optimum being in the 70−82°C range and 95°C respectively.
Polycarbonate adsorption on platinum: Thermal curing effects
Authors: Van Mark M. R. De , Guethon J. A. , Pasarin G.
Published: April 2007

Adsorption of polycarbonate (I) from dilute chloroform solution on to ‘clean’ platinum flags was investigated through the use of Iodide‐125 radio tracer. Coverage versus concentration plots produced a logarithmic dependence of coverage on polymer concentration. A new method for clinging solvent removal was employed which increased the reproducibility of the coating. Both the effect of molecular weight and thermal stability of the polymer were investigated.
Thermotropic liquid crystalline main‐chain polyamides containing diaza‐18‐crown‐6‐ether units
Authors: Cowie John M. G. , Wu Hak H.
Published: April 2007

Polymers incorporating conventional mesogens and diazo‐18‐crown‐6‐ether were prepared. The crown ether unit seems to be too flexible and only weak liquid crystal character can be observed by optical microscopy except when the mesogen is terphenyl. These liquid crystalline characteristics disappeared when the polymers were complexed with potassium ions.
Recent advances in secondary lon mass spectrometry (SIMS) for polymer surface analysis
Authors: Briggs David
Published: April 2007

Since the first tentative applications of SIMS to study polymer surfaces around 1980 the field has developed very rapidly. The important experimental parameters which allow true ‘static’ SIMS analysis of polymers are now well established following systematic studies of ion beam damage cross‐sections and the methodology of surface potential control is sufficiently understood to allow both positive and negative ion spectra to be routinely obtained from highly insulating materials.

The principal advantage of SIMS over X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS or ESCA) comes from the molecular specificity inherent in a mass spectrometric technique. Several classes of polymers have been studied to establish fragmentation processes; in the case of acrylic polymers these studies have been extensive and detailed. From the technological point‐of‐view it is the ability to identify ‘small’ organic molecules on polymer surfaces which is most exploited. The information depth in typical systems has been established by correlation with angle‐resolved XPS studies to be ∼ å, this degree of surface sensitivity allows bulk‐surface segregation effects in block copolymers to be followed as exemplified by studies of segmented poly (ether urethanes). Use can also be made of the isotope specificity of SIMS in derivatisation schemes or in polymerisation mechanism studies. Quantification of SIMS intensity data is now being explored. In the case of random methacrylate copolymers quantitative information on sequence statistics has been obtained.

SIMS also has the potential for high spatial resolution analysis. The problems associated with unacceptable damage rates when working with sub‐micron focussed beams have been studied and this has led to the development of the time‐of‐flight (TOF) imaging SIMS instrument. TOF SIMS is capable of accessing a mass range of an order of magnitude greater than the conventional quadrupole instrument and the application of both imaging and non‐imaging TOF instrumentation to polymer surface analysis has recently commenced.
Application of raman microscopy to the analysis of high modulus polymer fibres and composites
Authors: Young Robert J. , Day Richard J.
Published: April 2007

Raman microscopy has been used to study the deformation of carbon fibres and an experimental grade carbon‐fibre/PEEK composite prepreg. It has been found that the peak position of the Raman‐active bands in the fibres are sensitive to the level of applied strain. Examination of the peak positions from the carbon fibres near the surface of the prepreg shows that the fibres are subjected to a residual compressive strain. The application of a tensile stress to the composite causes the fibre strain to become tensile although significant scatter is found in the measurements. The scatter is thought to be due to variations in the local carbon‐fibre strain at the 1 μm level. It is demonstrated that residual compressive strain is expected from differential shrinkage between the fibres and matrix on cooling the composite from the processing temperature to room temperature.
Pyrolysis‐GLC applied to composition analysis, general characterisation and the detailed specification of polymers
Authors: Hammond Timothy , Lehrle Roy S.
Published: April 2007

Since its inception in the late 1950s, pyrolysis gas‐liquid chromatography has rapidly become an important tool for the polymer chemist. Applications range from polymer characterisation to the elucidation of polymer degradation mechanism. Typical analytical applications include the characterisation of complex polymer mixtures, the assessment of copolymer composition and microstructure, structural analysis and the assignment of polymer tacticity. Recent advances in the technique are reviewed and examples of results are given.

Most current GLC equipment is perfectly adequate for polymer/copolymer analysis provided that certain basic requirements are satisfied. For polymer characterisation, furnace and Curie‐Point methods are not the most appropriate and even simple filament methods are preferable to these. Refined filament techniques are the most suitable methods for studying degradation kinetics, and can provide a highly precise specification of polymer structure.

For example, studies on the dependence of the specific rate of pyrolysis can distinguish anionic and free‐radical polymers. Analysis of the energetics of the degradation may indicate the activation energy for end initiation; this may be compared with bond‐strengths of possible end‐group structures. A similar process can be used to elucidate the nature of possible ‘weak‐links’ within the polymer backbone. The effects of polymer modification, for example oxidation, may also be assessed. Examples are quoted for these situations and the requirements of the technique are stressed.
Coupled column chromatography for copolymer characterisation
Authors: Dawkins John V. , Montenegro Ana M. C.
Published: April 2007

Coupled column chromatography has been performed with two chromatographic systems in which fractions from a size exclusion column are injected into a second column where retention is determined by non‐exclusion mechanisms. This has been accomplished by directing the eluent from the first column system through the injection valve of the second column system. The first column system contained crosslinked polystyrene gel with the eluent tetrahydrofuran as good solvent. The second column system contained crosslinked polystyrene gel (or crosslinked polyacrylamide gel) with a mobile phase consisting of a solvent/non‐solvent mixture which is a poor solvent promoting non‐exclusion mechanisms for statistical copolymers of styrene and n‐butyl methacrylate. Separations dependent on copolymer composition as a function of the non‐solvent component in the mobile phase and the polarity of the stationary phase in the second column system have been accomplished by isocratic elutions.
Mass spectral studies of some epoxy resin precursors
Authors: Crossland The Late Barbara , Lau Chung H. , Hodd Kenneth A. , Wright Walter W.
Published: April 2007

The mass spectra were determined of three epoxy resin precursors: N,N‐bis‐(2,3‐epoxypropyl)‐N′,N′‐dimethyl‐4,4′‐diaminodiphenylenemethane (G2A); N,N′‐bis‐(2,3‐epoxypropyl)‐N,N′‐dimethyl‐4,4′‐diaminodiphenylene methane (G2S); and N′,N′,N′,N′‐tetrakis‐(2,3‐epoxypropyl)‐4,4′‐diaminodiphenylene methane (TGDDM); and of three related model compounds: N,N‐dimethylaniline (DMA); N‐methyl‐N‐glycidylaniline (MGA) and N,N‐digrycidylaniline (DGA). The results helped to confirm the structure of the resin precursors and are intended to pave the way for subsequent thermal degradation studies of cured resin samples. Despite the similarity in chemical structure of the compounds studied there are quite large differences in the mass spectral results obtained.
A kinetic study of acetoxylation of benzyl chloride—a model of activated allylic chlorides in PVC—using a crown ether complex
Authors: Naqvi M. K. , Lewis J. , Park G. S.
Published: April 2007

Benzyl chloride has been used in a kinetic study of chlorine replacement by acetoxy groups to model the behaviour of allylic chlorine during the acetoxylation of poly(vinyl chloride). Chlorine substitution was carried out in tetrahydrofuran at 30°C using a potassium acetate‐crown ether complex with methanol to ensure homogeneous solution. The process followed an SN2 mechanism. The orders of reaction with respect to benzyl chloride and potassium acetate were close to one, and the second order velocity constant was 4.2 x 10−5 litre mol−1 s−1 when the molar ratio of crown ether to potassium acetate was approximately unity. Higher ratios caused a slight increase in rate constant. Substitution was followed by NMR spectroscopy which also revealed a proton exchange between methanol and acetate anion with an equilibrium constant 9.4 x 10−2. This observation has suggested an explanation for the effect of some free‐radical inhibitors on the rate of acetoxylation of poly(vinyl chloride) by potassium acetate in the presence of crown ether.
Investigation of an indirect GC method for the determination of water content of rubbers
Authors: Burfield David R. , Eng Aik‐Hwee , Loi Patrick S. T.
Published: April 2007

A method is proposed for the determination of low levels of moisture in rubbers and other soluble polymers. The material for analysis is dissolved in an appropriate solvent and triethylaluminium is added to react with the water contained in the sample. The liberated ethane is analysed by a simple GC technique. The method is calibrated using an internal standard and by addition of known amounts of water. A series of natural and synthetic rubbers dried under varying conditions were found to have water contents in the range 0.01‐2% w/w. Removal of proteinaceous material from natural rubber reduces the equilibrium water content of the stored rubber. Active hydrogen impurities in the rubbers are shown to interfere with the determination and consequently the observed water content must be assumed to represent the upper limit of water unless such impurities are known to be absent, or present only in negligible amounts.
Photoresponsive optically active polymers—a review
Authors: Ciardelli Francesco , Pieroni Osvaldo , Fissi Adriano , Carlini Carlo , Altomare Angelina
Published: April 2007

Photoresponsive macromolecules are of interest both as novel organic materials for applications in photodevices and as models for photomodulated biological processes. The presence in polymer chains of photosensitive groups and of chiral groups capable of inducing optical activity into the polymer is very useful for the analysis of photomodulated structural variations and allows storage of the light effect in the form of chiral information. Polypeptides bearing photochromic groups in the side chains are very convenient as the chiroptical properties of the peptide chromophore can be correlated to the backbone conformation. Thus polymers of L‐aspartic acid, L‐glutamic acid and L‐lysine with azobenzene or stilbene groups attached covalently to the side chains are discussed in terms of photoinduced conformational changes and chiroptical information storage in the spectral region of the peptide and of the photoresponsive chromophore. Optically active photochromic macromolecules with hydrocarbon backbone, such as copolymers of (—)‐menthyl acrylate with vinyl or acryloyl derivatives of azobenzene, stilbene and indolinospirobenzopyran, also show in some cases photodependence of chiroptical properties with evidence of at least local conformational changes as a consequence of light irradiation which can be used for chiral information.
Effects of lonenes on structure and catalytic activity of cobaltphthalocyanine, part 4. Reaction mechanism and immobilization of the catalyst on latex particles
Authors: Van Herk Alex M. , Van Streun Karel H. , Van Welzen Joke , German Anton L.
Published: April 2007

The catalytic oxidation of 2‐mercaptoethanol was investigated kinetically for the system cobalt(II)phthalocyanine‐tetra (sodium sulphonate) in the presence of poly(quaternary ammonium salts) at pH = 8.85. From a comparison with other kinetic data a reaction mechanism could be proposed in which the specific effects of the polyelectrolyte become manifest. The effect of ionic strength on the catalytic activity was also studied.

The soluble catalytic system was immobilized on latex particles by using a polymeric soap containing quaternary ammonium groups. The latex particles with the ammonium groups at the surface were used to bond the cobalt catalyst by ionogenic interaction. Using this latex supported polymeric catalyst the activity of its homogeneous counterpart could be maintained while at the same time immobilization was accomplished.
Surface analysis and adhesion properties of coalesced latex films
Authors: Zhao Cheng‐Le , Holl Yves , Pith Tha , Lambla Morand
Published: April 2007

The surface composition of films obtained from acrylic latexes (45 wt% MMA, 55 wt% BuA) stabilized by two anionic surfactants (either sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) or sodium dodecyl diphenyl ether disulphonate (SDED) has been studied by attenuated total reflection with Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). The results of this surface analysis are summarized and used to interpret adhesion properties of the films on glass substrate. Adhesion properties were derived from peeling tests. In the case of SDED, the peel strength increases with surfactant surface concentration. This is due to strong polar interactions between the hydrophilic part of the surfactant and the polar groups of the glass surface and to the anchorage of the hydrophobic part of the surfactant in the copolymer matrix. In the case of SDS, the peel strength decreases with increasing surfactant surface concentration. The same polar interactions as with SDED exist, but the SDS layer at the interface is very thick. It forms what is called a ‘weak boundary layer’ in which rupture propagates easily.
Photopolymerization of N, N‐Didodecyl‐ N‐methyl‐N‐ethylmethacrylate ammonium chloride, a reverse micelle forming surfactant
Authors: Voortmans Gilbert , Jackers Carine , De Schryver Frans
Published: April 2007

A detailed study of the photopolymerization of N,N‐didodecylmethylethylmethacrylate ammonium chloride, a reverse micelle forming surfactant, is presented. The polymerization was photochemically initiated at 350 nm using AIBN and p‐AIBN as initiators. However, the polymerization could also be initiated through direct excitation of the methacrylate group. High rates of polymerization resulted because of the organization of the monomer in reverse micellar assemblies. The molecular weights of the polymer decrease with increasing initiator concentration and are always larger than the molecular weight of the reverse micelle.

The properties of the monomeric reverse micellar system are compared with those of the polymeric system and show that the dynamic character of the reverse micellar system can be lowered upon polymerization. The properties of the polymeric aggregates, however, differ if a given amount of water is solubilized before or after polymerization. The mean aggregation number of the monomeric and polymeric aggregates as well as the aggregation behaviour of both systems are compared. This comparison suggests that a polymeric aggregate consists of more than one polymer chain.
Advances in room temperature curing adhesives and sealants—a review
Authors: Melody David P.
Published: April 2007

Room temperature curing adhesives and sealants, defined here as those which cure without a mixing process under the influence of substrates or environmentally available reagents such as daylight, oxygen or moisture, include polyurethane, silicone, anaerobic adhesives, cyanoacrylate and certain acrylic types.

Advances in cure chemistry, built‐in adhesion promotion, and in formulating techniques have created the scope for significant new properties within all the mentioned systems. In addition, development of resins having two (or more) different functionalities, which respond to substrate and or atmospheric cure agents, has created the potential to achieve new advanced performance levels. Examples of these include compositions which give light curing through acrylic functions while having RTV (room temperature vulcanising) silicone resin chemistry polymerising under the influence of atmospheric moisture. The properties can be tailored by molecular design, formulation and choice of cure accelerators.
Torsional braid analysis of the cure of some tetra‐N‐glycidyl‐4,4′‐diaminodiphenylmethane systems
Authors: Hill S. M. , Wright W. W.
Published: April 2007

Torsional braid analysis has been used to study the curing reaction of some resin systems based upon tetraglycidyldiaminodiphenylmethane. TBA gives isothermal times to gelation and vitrification and hence the processing window for the particular systems studied at any intermediate isothermal temperature. The activation energies for the processes involved were also derived allowing extrapolation outside the range of the experiments.
Proton spin‐lattice and spin‐spin relaxation times in annealed poly(ethylene terephthalate)
Authors: Tanaka Hiroshi
Published: April 2007

Proton spin‐lattice, T1, and spin‐spin, T2, relaxation times of poly(ethylene terephthalate) film annealed at various temperatures were measured using a broad line pulse spectrometer. The value of T1 is closely related to the crystallinity of the sample and only one T1 was observed for each sample, indicating that the spin diffusion is effectively operating. Even in the amorphous sample there are some nuclear spins, the motion of which is strongly restricted.
Effect of molecular weight on the mechanical properties of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
Authors: Włochowicz Andrzej , Ṡacigała Ryszard
Published: April 2007

Molecular weight has a considerable influence on the mechanical properties and density of polytetrafluoroethylene. Empirical equations have been found relating tensile properties and density to the number‐average molecular weight.
Reframing teaching and learning: Lessons from learning communities for student affairs
Authors: Ellertson Shari , Thoennes Karla V.
Published: April 2007

In this chapter, the authors consider various teaching roles that student affairs professionals may fulfill in learning communities, as well as the potential professional development that results from involvement.
The many hats of teaching in small colleges: The seamless web of student and academic affairs
Authors: Degen Greta , Sheldahl Erin
Published: April 2007

Unique opportunities exist on small campuses for all professionals to interact without boundaries. The traditional boundaries of classroom learning and student life cease to exist; student life professionals often function as teachers, and academic affairs professionals are encouraged to support students outside the classroom. This partnership creates many student‐focused learning situations that blur the lines between student affairs and academic affairs.
Articulation, communication, dissemination: Sharing your experiences with others
Authors: Moore Emily L. , Blake J. Herman
Published: April 2007

Student affairs professionals are part of a great transformation in higher education—dynamic programs that promote student learning in classroom and cocurricular settings. They can share their experiences with others, but as they become “scholarly practitioners” they can also create valuable knowledge and understanding for colleges and universities.
Law and industrial buyer‐seller relationships: The privatization of a Mexican State‐Owned steel company
Authors: Husted Bryan W.
Published: April 2007

This article examines the impact of privatization on the purchasing practice of a state‐owned steel company in Mexico. It looks first at the changes in the law which affect the relationships of state‐owned enterprises with their suppliers. It then presents possible implications of these legal changes for buyer‐seller relationships drawn from transaction‐cost and institutional theory. Finally, it compares the predicted and actual impact of privatization and draws some preliminary conclusions. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
One Germany … but is there a common German consumer? east‐west differences for marketers to consider
Authors: Johnson Denise M. , Johnson Scott D.
Published: April 2007

The socialization process into the East German culture has created a lasting impression on millions of former East Germans which will not be erased easily by the turn of political climate or financial gain. Despite a reunited Germany, consumers in what was once East Germany are different in many regards from consumers in what was once West Germany. The results of an empirical study comparing former East and West Germans suggest that consumers socialized in the East have different attitudes toward information sources, advertising, pricing and product quality, as well as differing abilities in evaluating products when compared to those socialized in the West. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
ASEAN's role in Japan's economic policy in East Asia
Authors: Choi Chong Ju
Published: April 2007

Although Japan's economic and trade policy with the United States and Europe has been widely researched in such works as Tyson (1992), relatively less research has been done on Japan's recent trade and economic policies towards other East Asian countries such as Korea and Taiwan. Since the mid‐1980s, because of rising labor costs and appreciation of the Japanese yen, Japan has increased manufacturing production in ASEAN countries such as Thailand and Malaysia. The purpose of this short article is to discuss Japan's increased economic focus in Asia, and implications for East Asian countries such as Korea and Taiwan. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
International reciprocal service agreements: An analysis of the international long distance service industryz
Authors: Kashlak Roger J. , Chandran Rajan
Published: April 2007

International Reciprocal Service Agreements exist between entities of two countries and provide a bi‐directional service between those countries. Strategic implications arise at the organization‐specific profitability level and at national balance of payments level. Using data from the United States' International Telecommunications Industry, the uniqueness of these reciprocal alliances is explored, an alarming negative economic trend for the U.S. is noted. A typology for analyzing the dual challenge of firm profitability and national service deficit is proposed. Some strategic prescriptions are also provided. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Results of the contract responsibility system in the people's republic of China: An analysis of two state enterprises
Authors: Maschmeyer Richard A. , Ji‐Liang Yang
Published: April 2007

In the People's Republic of China (PRC) market oriented reforms have resulted in several initiatives that promote entrepreneurial activities within state enterprises. One of these is the Contract Responsibility System (CRS) which provides the financial structure for allocating the profits of state enterprises between the government and the enterprises. The objective of the CRS is to increase the profits of state enterprises by transforming them into self‐supporting economic cells. It is the purpose of this study to examine the operation of the CRS. This study profiles two state enterprises operating under the CRS and discusses the reasons for their success or failure. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
How can Eastern Europe help American manufacturers?
Authors: Raiszadeh Farhad M. E. , Helms Marilyn M. , Varner Michael C.
Published: April 2007

The end of the Soviet Union and the creation of the Commonwealth of Independent States will definitely increase Western involvement in the former East Bloc countries. Recent emphasis has been placed on either developing Eastern markets or using inexpensive human capital to manufacture goods to be sold in the West. A third option does exist: the use of Eastern knowledge and technology in the West. Application of this knowledge and technology, currently not feasible in the former East Bloc because of a deficient infrastructure and lack of incentives, could be practical in the fertile environment of the West. Western firms are advised to catch up with their Japanese competitors in taking advantage of the low‐risk opportunities that the break up of the Soviet Union has made available. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
American and European expatriate managers: An empirical investigation
Authors: Culpan Refik , Culpan Oya
Published: April 2007

This article compares American and European expatriate managers' backgrounds, job satisfaction, and perception of local work and cultural environment in Turkey in reference to their adaptation to the host country and their job performance. It reports that the sample managers demonstrate differences in all these dimensions. Therefore multinational companies are recommended to develop human resources policies in choosing expatriate managers most likely to adapt to work and host country environments by paying attention to managerial qualifications and local conditions. They should also train and prepare both expatriate and local managers to ensure smooth relationships between two groups. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Soviet all‐union enterprises as new multinationals of the CIS
Authors: Filatotchev Igor , Buck Trevor , Wright Mike
Published: April 2007

This paper examines the restructuring of the former Soviet economy provoked by the break‐up of the USSR and the creation of the Commonwealth of Independent States. Particular attention is devoted to the changes taking place in the former All‐Union enterprises that have now essentially become new multinationals. The pressures influencing the two parallel developments of internalization and divestment are examined and illustrated using two case studies. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A Canadian perspective on NAFTA
Authors: Rugman Alan M.
Published: April 2007

Although most analysis of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has focused on the bilateral relationship between Mexico and the United States this article concentrates on the larger trading and investment linkages of Canada and the United States. From a Canadian perspective the NAFTA is an extension of (and improvement upon) the Canada–U.S. Free Trade Agreement (FTA) of 1989. The FTA introduced new dispute settlement mechanisms that Canada views as essential to partially offset U.S. administered protection. The new rules‐based system of the FTA is also the basis for the NAFTA, and it has been extended from the trade law regime to cover foreign investment disputes. All three parties in NAFTA will benefit from a rules‐based system rather than the power‐based system that permits U.S. producer interests to exploit the size asymmetries between the large triad market of the United States and the smaller open trading economies of Mexico and Canada. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
What Is happening to middle managers in Europe? problems and promises associated with their changing roles and responsibilities
Authors: Dopson Sue , Stewart Rosemary
Published: April 2007

Few people have anything encouraging to say about middle management: past, present, or future. The picture of middle management that comes from many articles and from the business press is predominantly a gloomy one. Most writers portray the middle manager as a frustrated, disillusioned individual caught in the middle of a hierarchy, impotent, and with no real hope of career progression. In this article, these predictions are discussed and compared with a recent study of middle management in Europe that suggests a different picture. The authors have been participating in a six‐country Western European study, initiated and partially funded by the European Foundation for Living and Working conditions, which has been examining the nature of the changes affecting middle management jobs and careers and middle managers' reactions to such changes. Specifically, the study sought to examine the nature of the changes affecting middle management jobs and careers and middle managers' reactions to these changes in six countries: U.K., Germany, Italy, France, Denmark, and The Netherlands. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Consumer ethnocentrism in a developing economy: A preliminary investigation
Authors: Festervand Troy A. , Sokoya Sesan Kim
Published: April 2007

The attitudes of consumers from a developing economy toward ethnocentrism were assessed in this exploratory study of 123 respondents from Nigeria. The results indicate that consumers hold varying views of ethnocentric behavior. While recognizing the possibility of negative economic consequences for the importing nation, consumers are reluctant to endorse strong measures against imports. This is especially true for products that may be difficult to produce locally or those that offer a distinctly higher level of quality. Contrastingly, consumers appear to support public activity that encourages a spirit of international business cooperation. An exporting nation's social, political, and religious philosophies appear to have minimal impact upon the demand for its products. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Strategy profiles of indigenous MNEs from the NIEs: The case of South Korea and Taiwan
Authors: Li Peter Ping
Published: April 2007

Despite the argument for stateless firms and global strategy, few deny the existing heterogeneities between nations. However, the linkages between national context, corporate strategy, and market performance have not been adequately studied. This study integrates the fragmented, discipline‐based literature of international business, cross‐cultural management, organization theory, and strategic management to construct a framework for strategic management of multinational enterprises (MNEs), and explores the linkages between national context, corporate strategy, and market performance among the leading computer MNEs from South Korea and Taiwan. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Organizations as learning systems: The case of the Japanese automobile manufacturing industry
Authors: Coates Norman
Published: April 2007

This study sought to apply frameworks of organizational learning to companies in the Japanese automobile manufacturing industry and, in the process, to ascertain if Japanese automobile companies exhibit characteristics of high‐ versus low‐learning organizations. Of particular interest are the effects of Japanese culture on organizational behavior. A basis for empirical testing of concepts of organizational learning to establish an explanation as to why some companies are more effective in succeeding in the global market according to accepted measures of success is provided. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Cultural differences in Germany and Australia
Authors: Kramer Hugh E. , Herbig Paul A.
Published: April 2007

This article discusses examples of cultural differences between the German and Australian cultures, their implications in the marketing and business decision making function, and provides recommendations for successful business conduct between Germans and Australians. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The European way to lean management
Authors: Hinterhuber Hans H.
Published: April 2007

Lean management is an integrated set of attitudes and decision and action methods with which a firm can achieve sustainable competitive advantages and increase its value in a turbulent environment. In 1992 lean management became a major priority for top management in German and Austrian firms. The article is written from the standpoint of strategic management and presents preliminary lessons to be learned from the experience in progress in leading European firms. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The search for external strategic information: An examination of Nigerian executives
Authors: Sawyerr Olukemi O.
Published: April 2007

This study examines how executives of manufacturing firms in Nigeria obtain information needed for the operation of their firms. The results of this study show that Nigerian executives collect information from economic and political/legal sources in contrast to U.S. managers who rely on customer/market information. The results also indicate that Nigerian executives use internal sources, both personal and impersonal, more frequently than external sources. Their U.S. counterparts, however, have a preference for external and personal sources of information. The correlation between scanning frequency and performance was not significant for the Nigerian sample. The findings indicate that international executives preparing to operate in Nigeria, or possibly other developing countries, should anticipate difficulties in obtaining information necessary for their business and should seek creative means to obtain such information. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
International strategies of service MNCs in the Asia‐Pacific region
Authors: Li Jiatao
Published: April 2007

Foreign direct investment (FDI) in services has been growing rapidly in the developing countries of the Asia‐Pacific region. In this study we explore the level and distribution of service FDI in the Asia‐Pacific region by examining both country‐level aggregate data and firm‐level data. Using data in 180 large multinational corporations in 10 service industries over the 1980–1986 period, we construct a logistic regression model to examine the effects of client‐following strategy, cultural difference, oligopolistic reaction, firm size, and international experience on the international expansion strategies of service MNCs in the region. Differences in the international strategies are analyzed and policy implications are discussed. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Leader power and subordinates' organizational commitment and effectiveness: Test of a theory in a developing country
Authors: Rahim M. Afzalur , Khan Abbas Ali , Uddin Syed Jamal
Published: April 2007

This study tested the relationships of bases of leader power (coercive, reward, legitimate, expert, and referent) to subordinates' organizational commitment and of power bases and commitment to subordinates' effectiveness (performance, conformance, dependability, and personal adjustment). Two hundred fifty employees and their supervisors from three banks in Bangladesh were individually interviewed to fill out the Rahim Leader Power Inventory, Organizational Commitment Questionnaire, and Minnesota Satisfactoriness Scales, to measure power, commitment, and effectiveness, respectively. Two stepwise hierarchical regression analyses showed that legitimate and expert power bases were positively associated with commitment. Coercive power was negatively associated with effectiveness and expert power was positively associated with the same. Implications of the findings for international managers working in developing countries are discussed. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Toward lean management? international transferability of Japanese management strategies to Australia
Authors: Shadur Mark A. , Bamber Greg J.
Published: April 2007

There has been growing international interest in the “lean production” notion with present Japanese car plants as the paragon of this work system. Yet despite its Japanese origins many commentators have taken for granted that this Japanese notion can readily be transferred to other contexts and that it is a preferable alternative to Fordist mass production. Lean management involves continuous improvement, just‐in‐time techniques, total quality management, and team based work organization. These techniques have led to demonstrable major improvements in the efficiency of manufacturing enterprises in Southeast Asia, Japan, Europe, and the U.S., as shown by numerous studies. However, there has been little research on the possible transferability of such Japanese management strategies to Australia, which does not have a reputation for having highly committed workers or compliant unions. Therefore, the introduction of lean management in Australia deserves examination. After summarizing the context of the Australian car industry and the literature on lean production, we report on our study of a major car plant, which is based on interviews, observation, and a survey of employees. We were fortunate in having a high degree of cooperation from the company, unions, and government, because this independent study was initiated jointly by these three parties, which is relatively unusual for such research. Although we report several criticisms of lean production, we conclude that, especially when coupled with industry restructuring, lean production can potentially contribute to a substantial improvement in manufacturing competitiveness. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Economic consequences of alternative medication strategies in first episode non-affective psychosis
Authors: Stant A.D. , TenVergert E.M. , Wunderink L. , Nienhuis F.J. , Wiersma D.
Published: April 2007

Background

Maintenance treatment appears to be successful in preventing relapses in first episode psychosis, but is also associated with side effects. Guided discontinuation strategy is a less intrusive intervention, but may lead to more relapses. In the current economic evaluation, costs and health outcomes of discontinuation strategy will be compared with the results of maintenance treatment in patients with remitted first episode psychosis.

Method

The study was designed as a randomised clinical trial. In total 128 patients were prospectively followed for 18 months after six months of stable remission. The economic evaluation was conducted from a societal perspective. Quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) were used as primary health outcome in the economic evaluation. Relapse rates were assessed in addition to various other secondary outcomes.

Results

There were no relevant differences in mean costs between groups during the study. Total costs were largely influenced by costs related to admissions to psychiatric hospitals. No differences between groups were found for QALY results.

Conclusions

There were no indications that either of the examined interventions is superior to the other in terms of costs or QALY results. Additional results indicated that the relapse rate in discontinuation strategy was twice as high, but without an increase in hospital admissions or negative consequences on other clinical outcomes. For a minority of remitted first episode patients, guided discontinuation strategy may offer a feasible alternative to maintenance treatment.
Promotion of mindfulness in psychotherapists in training: Preliminary study
Authors: Grepmair Ludwig , Mitterlehner Ferdinand , Loew Thomas , Nickel Marius
Published: April 2007

This study examined whether the promotion of mindfulness in psychotherapists in training can influence the treatment results of their patients. The therapeutic course and treatment results of 196 inpatients, who were treated during a nine week period by nine psychotherapists in training, were compared: in the first phase of the study, the treatment group without (CG, historical control group, n = 55), and in the second phase the treatment group with, (MFG, n = 58) therapists who were currently practicing Zen meditation. The results of treatment were examined (according to the intent-to-treat principle) with the Session Questionnaire for General and Differential Individual Psychotherapy (STEP), the Questionnaire of Changes in Experience and Behaviour (VEV) and the Symptom Checklist (SCL-90-R), and showed significantly better results in the MFG.
Sex and region difference of the expression of ERK in prenatal stress offspring hippocampus
Authors: Cai Qing , Zhu Zhongliang , Huang Shuyun , Li Hui , Fan Xiaoli , Jia Ning , Zhang Boli , Song Liang , Li Qinghong , Liu Jiankang
Published: April 2007

Prenatal stress is known to cause neuronal loss and oxidative damage in the hippocampus of offspring rats. The underlying molecular mechanism has not been fully understood. The extracellularsignal‐regulated kinase (ERK1/2) is recruited when the brain undergoes synaptic plasticity and remodeling. In the present study, we used Western blotting and immunohistochemistry techniques to examine the effects of prenatal restraint stress (PNS) on the expression of phosphorylated ERK (p‐ERK) and total ERK. Pregnant rats in the PNS group were exposed to restraint stress on day 14–20 of pregnancy three times daily for 45 min. One‐month‐old offspring rats were used in this experiment. PNS treatment increased the expression of p‐ERK2 compared to that in the control female offspring rats and total ERK2 in female offspring hippocampus compared with that of control group. No significant changes in the amounts of total ERK1 of prenatally offspring hippocampus were observed in both genders compared with control animals. ERK immunodensity was significantly increased in PNS groups in CA3 field in male offspring hippocampus compared with control animals. ERK optical density was significantly increased in PNS female offspring hippocampus CA1, CA3 and CA4 region. However, ERK optical density was not significantly different between male control and PNS groups in CA1, CA4 fields and DG in offspring hippocampus. These findings suggest the sex and region‐dependent effects of prenatal stress on the expression of ERK in offspring hippocampus. ERK expression changes induced by prenatal stress may contribute to hippocampus synaptic plasticity changes of the offspring.
Ten years of GOME/ERS2 total ozone data—The new GOME data processor (GDP) version 4: 2. Ground‐based validation and comparisons with TOMS V7/V8
Authors: Balis D. , Lambert J.‐C. , Van Roozendael M. , Spurr R. , Loyola D. , Livschitz Y. , Valks P. , Amiridis V. , Gerard P. , Granville J. , Zehner C.
Published: April 2007

The atmospheric chemistry instrument Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment (GOME) was launched in April 1995 on the ERS‐2 platform. The GOME data processor (GDP) operational retrieval algorithm has produced total ozone columns since July 1995. With a data record of over ten years, GOME has become important for ozone trend analysis. In 2004, GDP was upgraded to version 4.0, a new validation was performed, and the entire GOME data record was reprocessed. In the preceding paper (Van Roozendael et al., 2006), the GDP 4.0 algorithm was described. In this paper, we deal with geophysical validation of the GDP 4.0 algorithm and the retrieved ozone products. We present results of a validation exercise involving comparisons of GDP 4.0 total ozone with the Network for Detection of Stratospheric Change (NDSC) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO)/Global Atmospheric Watch (GAW) ground‐based networks. We compare these results with similar validations of earlier GDP ozone products. We also present ground‐based validation of TOMS versions 7 and 8 total ozone products, and we contrast these with GDP 4.0 values. On a global basis, GDP 4.0 total ozone results lie between −1% and +1.5% of ground‐based values for solar zenith angles less than 70°; accuracy is now comparable to that obtainable from ground‐based stations. At higher solar zenith angles in polar regions, larger discrepancies of up to +5% are found; in these regimes, errors on both satellite and ground‐based measurements are higher. The validation also showed marked improvement in TOMS total ozone performance for the version 8 algorithm.
Long‐range correlations in daily relative humidity fluctuations: A new index to characterize the climate regions over China
Authors: Chen Xi , Lin Guangxing , Fu Zuntao
Published: April 2007

Daily relative humidity anomaly records of 73 stations over China have been analyzed by the method of Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (DFA for short). It is obvious that the relative humidity fluctuations take different statistical behavior from other meteorological quantities and it is found their average scaling exponent is higher than that of the temperature fluctuations. When the scaling exponents obtained from the DFA is plotted versus the standard deviation of the relative humidity fluctuations, no obvious correlation or patch behavior can be found over different areas and climate regions. So the product of the scaling exponent and the standard deviation of the same record is proposed to form a new climate region classifying index.