bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alginate polyelectrolyte lonotropic gels. XIII geometrical aspects for chelation in metal alginate complexes related to their physico‐chemical properties
Authors: Hassan Refat M.
Published: April 2007

Electrical conductance measurements showed that monovalent, trivalent and tetravalent metal alginate complexes possess electrical conductivities in the order of semiconductors, whereas divalent and hexavalent metal alginate electrical conductivities lic in the range of insulators. X‐Ray diffraction indicated that these metal alginate complexes are amorphous in nature. Two geometrical structures for chelation between the functional groups and the interdiffused metal ions have been suggested: a non‐planar geometrical structure for the mono‐, tri‐ and tetravalent metal alginates, and a planar geometry for the divalent and hexavalent metal alginates.
Particulate composites from epoxy resin and fly‐ash for the confinement of medium and low level radwastes
Authors: Rinaldi G. , Rossi D.
Published: April 2007

Water resistance of particulate fly‐ash‐epoxide composites, cured at low temperature by means of synthetic polyalkylenepolenepolyaminophenolic products, was tested at room temperature. Siliceous fly‐ash (20% w/w) as filler reduces water penetration into the matrices, while saturation with water does not strongly affect the properties of the composites. The low value of the water diffusion coefficient through the material and the high mechanical properties of the particulate composites suggest further experimentation for its application in the confinement of low and medium activity nuclear wastes or of toxic chemical wastes.
N,N′‐Methylenebisacrylamide polymerization initiated by Ce(IV)—Malic acid redox system—A kinetic study
Authors: Das Rima , Behari Kunj , Agrawal Uma
Published: April 2007

Free‐radical‐initiated linear cyclopolymerization of a symmetrical non‐conjugated divinyl monomer, viz. N,N'‐methylenebisacrylamide, was carried out using cerium sulphate as initiator and malic acid as activator, in an inert atmosphere at 25 ± 0.1°C. A gel‐free polymer was formed under the experimental conditions. The order with respect to malic acid and monomer was found to be 1 and 2, respectively. The rate of polymerization was found to be inversely proportional to the concentration of Ce(IV). The overall energy of activation was found to be 25.5 kJ mol−1. An intramolecular cyclization prior to propagation is proposed in formulating a suitable mechanism to explain the kinetic results.
Polymer surface modification due to excimer laser radiation—Chemical and physical changes in the surface structure of poly(ethylene terephthalate)
Authors: Watanabe Hirosuke , Takata Tadahiko , Tsuge Masuo
Published: April 2007

The effects on chemical and physical properties of PET (poly(ethylene terephthalate)) film surfaces as a result of microstructuring induced by KrF‐laser (248 nm) radiation were investigated. On irradiation, the properties of film surfaces changed in proportion to radiation flux intensity. Close to threshold values, bulbous swellings appeared on the surface, which showed hydrophilic properties. At the threshold and above, regular rippling was seen, and the surface showed hydrophobic properties. Excimer laser irradiation induced chemical modification of the surface, decrease in the O/C ratio, dissociation of ester binding and amorphism as observed by X‐ray‐induced photoelectron spectroscopic and Fourier‐transform infrared analysis.
Studies on the kinetics of radical initiated photocopolymerisation of di(vinyl 2‐hydroxy propanoate) ether of bisphenol‐A and monomers
Authors: Chandra R. , Soni R. K. , Murthy S. S.
Published: April 2007

Di(vinyl 2‐hydroxy propanoate)ether of bisphenol‐A (DEBA) was prepared by reacting diglycidyl ether of bisphenol‐A (DGEBPA) with acrylic acid using triphenyl phosphine as catalyst. Divinylester monomer was copolymerised with four different monomers, viz. methyl methacrylate (MMA), n‐butyl acrylate (BA), vinyl acetate (VAc) and acrylic acid (AA), using benzoin as photoinitiator. The kinetics of radical initiated photocopolymerisation were studied by differential photocalorimeter (DPC). The thermogram data obtained from DPC were used to calculate kinetic parameters, order of the reaction (n), independent order to encompass autocatalytic reaction (m) and the apparent rate constant (k) for the copolymerisation at different temperatures for each monomer. A change in the kinetic model from autocatalytic to Nth order was observed with increase in the fraction of conversion. A comparison of rate of conversion for copolymerisation with different monomers reveals that acrylic acid has a tendency to undergo faster copolymerisation whereas methyl methacrylate has relatively less tendency to copolymerise with DEBA.
The intrinsic viscosity of poly(acrylic acid) and partially neutralized poly(acrylic acid) by isoionic dilution
Authors: Staikos Georges , Bokias Georges
Published: April 2007

The isoionic dilution method has been used to measure the intrinsic viscosity, [η], of a poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) sample as a function of neutralization degree, i, at low ionic strength, I = 1.0 × 10. The results obtained for the counterion activity are in close agreement with Manning's theory for counterion condensation. The influence of the ionic strength, I, on [η] and on the Huggins coefficient, k', was also examined and the exponents of the scaling laws relating these two parameters with I were found.
Raman spectroscopic analysis of the microstructures of butadiene—Acrylonitrile copolymers
Authors: Edwards H. G. M. , Johnson A. F. , Lewis I. R. , Cowie J. M. G.
Published: April 2007

A quantitative Raman spectroscopic study has been made for the first time of the polybutadiene microstructures of a number of copolymers of butadiene and acrylonitrile and a comparison made with IR studies of these copolymers. The intensities of the v(C°C) and the v(CN) bands have also been used to determine the amount of each monomer in the copolymer.
Free radical copolymerization in the presence of lewis acids. II. Alternating copolymerization of styrene with butyl acrylate in the presence of SnCl4
Authors: Yuan Yumin , Song Hong , Xu Guojin
Published: April 2007

The mechanism of alternating copolymerization of butyl acrylate (BA) with styrene (St) in the presence of SnCl4, photo‐initiated by Mn2(CO)10‐CCl4, has been investigated. The results show that the rate of copolymerization is proportional to [BA‐SnCl4] [St]0, which is in agreement with the cross‐propagation mechanism. The apparent rate constant, which can be conveniently obtained by measuring the rate of polymerization as a function of [SnCl4], is found to be 3.25 × 10−1. Alternating copolymers are obtained over a wide range of reactant composition. The solvent effect shows that the reaction in tetrachloro‐ethylene (TCE) is more advantageous to alternation than is that in toluene (TOL). 13C‐NMR spectrum confirms that the copolymers obtained have strict alternating structure.
Solvatochromic properties of long alkyl chain π* indicators: comparison of N,N‐dialkyl‐4‐nitroanilines and alkyl 4‐nitrophenyl ethers
Authors: Helburn R. , Bartoli M. , Pohaku K. , Maxka J. , Compton D. , Creedon B. , Stimpson C.
Published: April 2007

Hydrophobic forms of the N,N‐dialkyl‐4‐nitroaniline (DNAP) (p‐O2NC6H4NR2) (1a–f) and alkyl‐4‐nitrophenyl ether (p‐O2NC6H4OR) (2a–c) solvatochromic π* indicators have been characterized and compared with respect to: (a) solvatochromic bandshape, (b) sensitivity expressed as −s, (${\rm d}\bar v_{\max } $/dπ *), and (c) trends in −s with increasing length of alkyl chain(s) on the probe molecule. Octyl 4‐nitrophenyl ether (p‐O2NC6H4OC8H17) (2b) and decyl 4‐nitrophenyl ether (p‐O2N C6H4 OC10H21) (2c) were synthesized and their solvatochromic UV/Vis absorption bands were found to maintain a Gausso‐Lorentzian bandshape for the indicators in non‐polar and alkyl substituted aromatic solvents, for example, hexane(s) and mesitylene. Corresponding absorption bands for 1a–f display increasing deviation from a Gausso‐Lorentzian shape in the same solvents as the alkyl chains on the indicator are increased in length all the way to C10 and C12, for example, N,N‐didecyl‐4‐nitroaniline (p‐O2NC6H4N (C10H21)2) and N,N‐didodecyl‐4‐nitroaniline (p‐O2NC6H4N (C12H25)2) (1d–f). A plot of −s versus Cn follows a 1st order decay for the DNAP indicators but is linear for the alkyl 4‐nitrophenyl ethers. A discussion of how the long alkyl chains on the two types of indicators affect the orientation and overlap of n and π* orbitals, and resulting solvatochromic bands is presented. For DNAP, overextending the alkyl chains to obtain greater hydrophobic character may cause the alkane component to dominate solute‐solvation processes at the expense of the probe's fundamental solvatochromic character. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Depolymerization kinetics of di(4‐tert‐butyl cyclohexyl) itaconate and Mark‐Houwink‐Kuhn‐Sakurada parameters of di(4‐tert‐butyl cyclohexyl) itaconate and di‐n‐butyl itaconate
Authors: Szablan Zachary , Huaming Ming , Adler Martina , Stenzel Martina H. , Davis Thomas P. , Barner‐Kowollik Christopher
Published: April 2007

Multipulse pulsed laser polymerization coupled with size exclusion chromatography (MP‐PLP‐SEC) has been employed to study the depropagation kinetics of the sterically demanding 1,1‐disubstituted monomer di(4‐tert‐butylcyclohexyl) itaconate (DBCHI). The effective rate coefficient of propagation, k, was determined for a solution of monomer in anisole at concentrations, c, 0.72 and 0.88 mol L−1 in the temperature range 0 ≤ T ≤ 70 °C. The resulting Arrhenius plot (i.e., ln k vs. 1/RT) displayed a subtle curvature in the higher temperature regime and was analyzed in the linear part to yield the activation parameters of the forward reaction. In the temperature region where no depropagation was observed (0 ≤ T ≤ 50 °C), the following Arrhenius parameters for kp were obtained (DBCHI, Ep = 35.5 ± 1.2 kJ mol−1, ln Ap = 14.8 ± 0.5 L mol−1 s−1). In addition, the k data was analyzed in the depropagatation regime for DBCHI, resulting in estimates for the associated entropy (−ΔS = 150 J mol−1 K−1) of polymerization. With decreasing monomer concentration and increasing temperature, it is increasingly more difficult to obtain well structured molecular weight distributions. The Mark Houwink Kuhn Sakurada (MHKS) parameters for di‐n‐butyl itaconate (DBI) and DBCHI were determined using a triple detection GPC system incorporating online viscometry and multi‐angle laser light scattering in THF at 40 °C. The MHKS for poly‐DBI and poly‐DBCHI in the molecular weight range 35–256 kDa and 36.5–250 kDa, respectively, were determined to be KDBI = 24.9 (103 mL g−1), αDBI = 0.58, KDBCHI = 12.8 (103 mL g−1), and αDBCHI = 0.63. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 1931–1943, 2007
Synthesis and electrochromism of novel organosoluble polyarylates bearing triphenylamine moieties
Authors: Liou Guey‐Sheng , Chang Cha‐Wen , Huang Huang‐Ming , Hsiao Sheng‐Huei
Published: April 2007

A series of novel aromatic polyarylates with triphenylamine units in the main chain and as the pendent group were prepared from the dicarboxylic acid monomer, N,N‐bis(4‐carboxyphenyl)‐N′, N′‐diphenyl‐1,4‐phenylenediamine (1), and various bisphenols. These polyarylates were amorphous and readily soluble in common organic solvents. They had excellent levels of thermal stability associated with moderately high Tg values (182–263 °C). These polymers exhibited strong UV–vis absorption bands at 357–360 nm in toluene solution and the photoluminescence spectra showed maximum bands around 493–503 nm in the green region. The hole‐transporting and electrochromic properties were examined by electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical methods. Cyclic voltammograms of the polyarylates exhibited two reversible oxidation redox couples in acetonitrile solution at Eonset 0.77–0.79 V and 1.12–1.14 V, respectively. The typical polymer 3b film revealed good stability of electrochromic characteristics, with color change from colorless to green and blue at applied potentials ranging from 0.00 to 1.24 V. These anodically polymeric electrochromic materials not only showed excellent reversible electrochromic stability with good green coloration efficiency (CE = 159 cm2/C) and blue coloration efficiency (CE = 154 cm2/C) but also exhibited high contrast of optical transmittance change (ΔT%), 54% in 895 nm for green color and up to 84% in 595 nm for blue color. After over 100 cyclic switches, the polymer films still exhibited excellent stability of electrochromic characteristics. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 2004–2014, 2007
Helping Her Heal: a pilot study of an educational counseling intervention for spouses of women with breast cancer
Authors: Lewis Frances Marcus , Cochrane Barbara B. , Fletcher Kristin A. , Zahlis Ellen H. , Shands Mary Ellen , Gralow Julie R. , Wu Salene M. , Schmitz KrisAnn
Published: April 2007

Breast cancer is known to cause substantial anxiety, depressed mood, and diminished marital functioning in the diagnosed woman's spouse. Despite the scope and magnitude of these issues, few intervention studies have included spouses or addressed the causes of their lower functioning. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the short‐term impact of a 5‐session, clinic‐based, educational counseling intervention for spouses whose wife was recently diagnosed with early stage breast cancer. The goals of the intervention were to enhance spouses' skills and confidence to communicate and interpersonally support his wife about the breast cancer as well as improve spouses' self‐care, depressed mood, anxiety, and marital adjustment. Pre–post‐test results obtained from 20 spouses from valid and reliable standardized questionnaires showed significant improvements in spouses' depressed mood, anxiety, skills, self‐confidence, and self‐care. Confidential post‐intervention interviews with spouses and wives included detailed examples of positive changes in the spouse's communication and support to his wife about the breast cancer, diminished tension in the spouse, and improved quality in the couple's relationship. Further evaluation of the Helping Her Heal Program is warranted within a clinical trial. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigation of the Decomposition Mechanism and Thermal Stability of Nitrocellulose/Nitroglycerine Based Propellants by Electron Spin Resonance
Authors: Chin Anton , Ellison Daniel S. , Poehlein Sara K. , Ahn Myong K.
Published: April 2007

Nitrocellulose based (NC) and nitroglycerin based (NG) propellants often have a fixed acid and water content during the manufacturing time. After manufacture, the quantity and ratio of acid/water will continue to vary depending upon the conditions of storage and operation. The level of variation depends on many factors such as loading density, temperature, volume of ullage and sealing condition of the containing cartridge, just to name a few. As described in this paper and other literature, the degradation mechanisms and aging processes of NC/NG based propellants are extremely complicated. This paper describes the details of the application of Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) to study if the free‐radical mechanism is involved in the decomposition of nitrocellulose and nitroglycerin. Due to the high free‐radical intensity possessed by the propellant composition, we believe that a π complex intermediate may be formed between DPA and NG and/or NC. The formation of a π complex intermediate is not preferred because it may enhance the rate of decomposition of nitrate esters.
Triphenylamine – a ‘New’ Stabilizer for Nitrocellulose Based Propellants – Part I: Chemical Stability Studies
Authors: Wilker Stephan , Heeb Gerhard , Vogelsanger Beat , Petržílek Jan , Skládal Jan
Published: April 2007

Triphenylamine (TPA) was used for the first time in France in 1937 as a stabilizer for propellants. The stability of those samples was described as ‘good’. Around 1950 an American group produced TPA stabilized propellants and investigated the decomposition mechanism. Apart from one single experiment in the 1970s no further attempts were made to take TPA as a stabilizer for propellants.
A New Method for Determining Gas Phase Heat of Formation of Aromatic Energetic Compounds
Authors: Keshavarz Mohammad H. , Tehrani Masoud K.
Published: April 2007

A new correlation is introduced for desk calculation of gas phase heat of formation of aromatic energetic compounds that contain the elements of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen. Predicted gas phase heats of formation for 26 energetic compounds have a root mean square of deviation from experiment of 20.67 kJ/mol, which is in good agreement with respect to measured values of oxygen‐lean and oxygen‐rich aromatic energetic compounds.
Molecular definitions of fatty acid hydroxylases in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Rupasinghe Sangeewa G. , Duan Hui , Schuler Mary A.
Published: April 2007

Towards defining the function of Arabidopsis thaliana fatty acid hydroxylases, five members of the CYP86A subfamily have been heterologously expressed in baculovirus‐infected Sf9 cells and tested for their ability to bind a range of fatty acids including unsubstituted (lauric acid (C12:0) and oleic acid (C18:1)) and oxygenated (9,10‐epoxystearic acid and 9,10‐dihydroxystearic acid). Comparison between these five P450s at constant P450 content over a range of concentrations for individual fatty acids indicates that binding of different fatty acids to CYP86A2 always results in a higher proportion of high spin state heme than binding titrations conducted with CYP86A1 or CYP86A4. In comparison to these three, CYP86A7 and CYP86A8 produce extremely low proportions of high spin state heme even with the most effectively bound fatty acids. In addition to their previously demonstrated lauric acid hydroxylase activities, all CYP86A proteins are capable of hydroxylating oleic acid but not oxygenated 9,10‐epoxystearic acid. Homology models have been built for these five enzymes that metabolize unsubstituted fatty acids and sometimes bind oxygenated fatty acids. Comparison of the substrate binding modes and predicted substrate access channels indicate that all use channel pw2a consistent with the crystal structures and models of other fatty acid‐metabolizing P450s in bacteria and mammals. Among these P450s, those that bind internally oxygenated fatty acids contain polar residues in their substrate binding cavity that help stabilize these charged/polar groups within their largely hydrophobic catalytic site. Proteins 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A “moving metal mechanism” for substrate cleavage by the DNA repair endonuclease APE‐1
Authors: Oezguen Numan , Schein Catherine H. , Peddi Srinivasa R. , Power Trevor D. , Izumi Tadahide , Braun Werner
Published: April 2007

Apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease (APE‐1) is essential for base excision repair (BER) of damaged DNA. Here molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of APE1 complexed with cleaved and uncleaved damaged DNA were used to determine the role and position of the metal ion(s) in the active site before and after DNA cleavage. The simulations started from an energy minimized wild‐type structure of the metal‐free APE1/damaged‐DNA complex (1DE8). A grid search with one Mg2+ ion located two low energy clusters of Mg2+ consistent with the experimentally determined metal ion positions. At the start of the longer MD simulations, Mg2+ ions were placed at different positions as seen in the crystal structures and the movement of the ion was followed over the course of the trajectory. Our analysis suggests a “moving metal mechanism” in which one Mg2+ ion moves from the B‐ (more buried) to the A‐site during substrate cleavage. The anticipated inversion of the phosphate oxygens occurs during the in‐line cleavage reaction. Experimental results, which show competition between Ca2+ and Mg2+ for catalyzing the reaction, and high concentrations of Mg2+ are inihibitory, indicate that both sites cannot be simultaneously occupied for maximal activity. Proteins 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sb‐treatment effect of GaAs substrate on Sb‐doped Cd1–xMnxTe growth by MOVPE
Authors: Goto Hideo , Tahashi Masahiro , Ido Toshiyuki
Published: April 2007

Sb‐doped Cd1–x Mnx Te was successfully grown on (100)GaAs substrate by metal‐organic vapor phase epitaxy under atmospheric pressure by Sb‐treatment of the GaAs substrate prior to the growth. The Sb‐treatment of GaAs substrate creates a GaSb layer on the GaAs substrate, which relaxes the lattice misfit between the GaAs substrate and the Sb‐doped Cd1–x Mnx Te. The best FWHM of (400) diffraction of Sb‐doped Cd1–x Mnx Te was 580 seconds, where the TESb supply rate of the Sb‐treatment was 2.2 μmol/min. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
X‐ray characterisation of a bulk ZnO crystal
Authors: Shalimov A. , Paszkowicz W. , Grasza K. , Skupiński P. , Mycielski A. , Bak‐Misiuk J.
Published: April 2007

Extensive studies of physical properties and growth process of ZnO crystals are motivated by unique electrical and optical properties of this material. In the present work, the defect‐structure characteristics of a bulk zinc oxide crystal grown by Contactless Chemical‐Vapour‐Transport method are studied. The macromosaic spread is found to be of the order of 1°. The values of lattice parameters and axial ratio in the main part of the crystal perfectly agree with literature data. Changes of the colour observed along the crystal correlates with intentional vapour pressure variation during the growth. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Semi‐insulating (Cd,Mn)Te:V crystals: Electrical contacts
Authors: Witkowska‐Baran M. , Mycielski A. , Szadkowski A. J. , Łusakowska E. , Domu‐khovski V. , Jakieła R. , Witkowska B. , Kaliszek W.
Published: April 2007

The high‐resistivity (Cd,Mn)Te is believed to be suitable to succesfully replace the commonly used (Cd,Zn)Te system as a material for manufacturing large‐area X‐ and γ‐ray detectors. The purpose of our study was to elaborate a method of preparing high quality (Cd,Mn)Te crystal plates as well as a technique of producing good electrical contacts to that material. (Cd,Mn)Te was grown using the Bridgman method. The crystals were doped with vanadium to the level of 1016 cm−3. The crystals are twinned in the (111) plane, but by slicing the crystal parallel to the twinning plane we obtained monocrystalline plates of large area (e.g. 30 × 30 mm2), which is essential for application purposes. Proper annealing of those plates in cadmium vapours allowed us to reduce the number of cadmium vacancies forming during the growth process. Due to the vanadium dopant acting as a compensating centre we obtained a semi‐insulating material. In order to obtain good contacts to the (Cd,Mn)Te plates we used the method proposed initially for CdTe by Rioux et al. The ZnTe:Sb layers (∼1 μm thick) were grown on the epi‐ready (Cd,Mn)Te:V plates by the MBE technique. The grown layers were p‐type and formed a good electrical contact to the crystal plates. Finally – a standard technique was used to cover the ZnTe layer by a metal layer. The contacts formed on (111) surfaces of (Cd,Mn)Te were studied. We believe that the contacts to the (111) surface are important for applications. In the paper we describe techniques of preparing electrical contacts and results of their characterization. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Towards intra‐operative computerized planning of prostate cryosurgery
Authors: Tanaka Daigo , Shimada Kenji , Rossi Michael R. , Rabin Yoed
Published: April 2007

Background

As part of ongoing efforts to develop computerized planning tools for cryosurgery, the current study provides a comparison between two recently developed methods for planning, known as bubble packing and force‐field analogy.

Methods

For the purpose of comparison, four 3D prostate models were reconstructed from ultrasound imaging. The quality of planning for each method was evaluated based on bioheat transfer simulations.

Results

Both methods are shown to be robust planning tools in 3D. Typical results show at least 75% of the target region volume having temperatures below a target temperature isotherm for planning. While the force‐field analogy method yields superior planning results, it comes at the expense of an order of magnitude longer run time, with only moderate improvement.

Conclusions

Due to time constraints in a clinical setup, bubble packing alone may be considered adequate for computerized planning. Furthermore, only bubble packing is demonstrated to be adequate for intra‐operative planning. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Export controls: Providing security in a volatile environment
Authors: Czinkota Michael R. , Dichtl Erwin
Published: April 2007

Major changes in the world economy such as the demise of the Communist bloc, the increased foreign availability of high technology products, and the rapid dissemination of information and innovation, have resulted in a decrease in support for export controls by the policy and business communities. Nevertheless, export controls continue to constitute an important policy arrow in the quiver of national foreign policy instruments. The foundation of a new, multilateral export control regime is discussed, with major emphasis placed on the development of strong national security controls and the structuring of a foreign policy control system that can be brought to bear expeditiously without imposing an undue competitive burden on businesses. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Marketing aspects of environmental practices of multinational enterprises in host countries: A Brazilian case study
Authors: de Carvalho Frederico A. , Guedes Ana Lucia M. , de A. Faria Alexandre
Published: April 2007

This article investigates both the marketing and the production activities of a multinational enterprise (MNE) operating in the Brazilian chemical industry. The case chosen illustrates how the MNE has managed to adapt or to upgrade some of its main policies, programs, production activities, and products in conformity with both its long‐term strategic positioning and the host country's environmental regulatory policy. The company established two effective environmental programs that deserve mention. One of the programs has been set up to generate receipts through the provision of environmental services for a price. The other one pursued systematic procedures to better serve clients through customized applications of waste reduction practices. The latter reveals how proactive companies may profit from effectively envisaging the whole product cycle along their value chain. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
From reform to neo‐regulation: An assessment of recent political/economic developments in Nigeria
Authors: Mimiko Nahzeem Oluwafemi
Published: April 2007

The Nigerian political economy was placed on the path of economic and political liberalization from the mid‐1980s. About a decade later, both processes had experienced great reversals. This article examines the social forces that are arrayed against the reform processes. It focuses on recent political and economic developments in Nigeria with a view to understanding the nature of the emerging business environment for the purpose of potential investors, international managers, aid agencies, and donor countries in Africa's most populous country. While noting the inevitability of a modicum of regulation in the nation's economic adjustment program, this study contends that the regulatory measures contained in the 1994 budget prepared by the new military junta in Nigeria is stifling investment, and can neither lay the basis for the recovery of, nor engender sustainable development in the nation's economy. A more appropriate management of the exchange and interest rate regimes, and the democratization of the political processes as the minimum prerequisite for stability, growth, and development in the Nigerian political economy is recommended. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Death of the “organization man”: Temporal relations in strategic alliances
Authors: Shenkar Oded , Ellis Shmuel
Published: April 2007

Environment is shifting the power balance between the organization and its members, providing the individual with the power to bargain with the organization. The present article explores the sources and consequences of this change for the individuals who are members of strategic alliances as well as for the organizations they are affiliated with. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Critical success factors in Japanese consumer products market: Guidance for foreign MNCs
Authors: Reid David Mchardy
Published: April 2007

This article reports on empirical research that was performed in Japan with foreign multinational corporations in the consumer products industry. It identifies some critical success factors and pitfalls for developing a business position in the Japanese market, and presents evidence based on the experience of foreign companies that have successfully developed, in some cases leadership, positions in the Japanese consumer products market. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Brazilian emerging multinationals: A conduit for export of technology
Authors: de Gouvea Neto Raul
Published: April 2007

Exports of technology by newly industrializing countries are an important development in the global economy. Foreign direct investment is one dimension of these technological trends. Multinational companies from Brazil, South Korea, India, Mexico, and other countries are currently operating in several markets around the globe. In the case of Brazil, exports of technology constitute an important step toward further diversification of exports and gains in global competitiveness. This article shows that Brazilian multinationals have engaged in the exportation of indigenous technology in areas where the level of sophistication is relatively high, encompassing a number of diverse industries, and showing a tendency to invest beyond its regional boundaries. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Financial performance comparison between international joint ventures and wholly foreign‐owned enterprises in China
Authors: Luo Yadong , Chen Min
Published: April 2007

International joint ventures (IJVs) and wholly foreign‐owned enterprises (WFOEs) are the two major competing modes of Chinese market entry for foreign investors. However, the financial performance of and relative financial efficacy between the two modes have not been researched. The present study utilizes firmspecific financial data and examines financial ratios and characteristics of IJVs and WFOEs in the current Chinese financial environment. Results of this study reveal that the WFOE is superior to the IJV in terms of asset efficiency, financial risk aversion, and export growth whereas the IJV outperforms the WFOE with respect to local market growth and environment adaptation. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Accounting in Hungary: Do we speak the same language?
Authors: Ogilby Suzanne M. , Sauls Eugene
Published: April 2007

Accounting in Hungary has undergone significant reforms in recent years. Modeled after European Accounting rules and International Accounting standards, the Hungarian Rules of Law in Force have brought accounting practices in line with west European standards. This article compares the Hungarian Law of accounting to US accounting standards. Those differences that may affect the decisions of an executive working within the international arena are highlighted. Although minor differences exist, mainly in disclosure requirements, US investors, creditors, and managers may be assured comparable information is available for analyses. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The shape of post‐bubble Japanese business: Preparing for growth in the new millennium
Authors: Aggarwal Raj
Published: April 2007

The Japanese economy, the second largest in the world and the lead economy in fast growing Asia, was in a major and structural recession in the first half of the 1990s. Changes necessary for Japan to renew its economic growth must reflect not only the effects of the post‐bubble recession of the early 1990s, but also the end of the cold war and the new social values, demographics, and politics in Japan. This article is an analytical review of postwar economic growth in Japan that led to the early 1990s recession, and an assessment of the shape of post‐bubble Japanese business as it prepares for growth in the new millennium, and the implications of these changes on Japanese and non‐Japanese firms.
Japanese marketing in the post‐bubble era
Authors: Johansson Johny K. , Hirano Masaaki
Published: April 2007

This article analyzes recent changes in marketing practices in Japan against the background of the recession and the high yen rate of the early 1990s. Based on direct observation, press reports, and interviews with experts, the study describes the changing situation in the Japanese market and shows how new opportunities for Western companies are opening up. The longer term implications of the home market changes for Japanese companies' competitiveness abroad are also discussed.
Restructuring Japanese business through Kyosei: Capitalizing on international strategic alliances at the consumer level
Authors: Simonin Bernard L. , Ruth Julie A.
Published: April 2007

Japan of the post‐bubble era is the object of much reflection and speculation pertaining to risutora or restructuring of the economy. This study provides a novel, analytical perspective on the fundamental issues involved in the shift of momentum that characterizes Japanese business and economic restructuring. After examining the economic and corporate dimensions of the transitional forces that shape Japan's restructuring process, this study focuses on two powerful, yet often ignored, agents of change: the emergence of a new class of collaborative mandates, kyosei, and the rise of consumer power. The study further emphasizes the importance of planning and managing corporate‐level restructuring activities with the interests of end users in mind, by empirically demonstrating the significance of strategic alliances, as a corporate restructuring option, on consumers. The results show that consumers' impression of alliances with Japanese firms have a strong effect on future attitudes toward each partnering brand. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Opportunistic tendencies in IJVS with the Japanese: The effects of culture, shared decision making, and relationship age
Authors: Johnson Jean L. , Cullen John B. , Sakano Tomoaki
Published: April 2007

This study investigated how partners' self‐reported opportunism and shared decision making varied by culture in international joint ventures (IJVs) with the Japanese. Data were gathered by a mail survey of senior officials in IJVs located in 11 host countries. Significant differences were found between partners from Western cultures and the Japanese, but not between other Asians and the Japanese. Indirect effects suggest that shared decision making neutralizes cultural tendencies toward opportunism. Results indicated that opportunistic tendencies did not diminish as the IJV relationship aged, and that shared decision making did diminish as the relationship aged.
Linking JIT strategies and control systems: A comparison of the United States and Japan
Authors: Daniel Shirley J. , Reitsperger Wolf D.
Published: April 2007

Potential blows to US competitiveness by Japanese manufacturers have been instrumental in stimulating interest in the development of manufacturing strategy theory and its importance at the level of competitive strategy. Unfortunately, little substantial empirical research effort has attempted to measure manufacturing strategy and to explore its potential linkages with management control systems in the United States and Japan. This study expands the empirical data base available on this topic by exploring the adoption of just‐in‐time strategies, and the use of management control systems associated with the implementation of inventory reduction and flexibility initiatives in the United States and Japan.
Has Japan entered a new era of financial constraints?
Authors: Brunner Allan D. , Kamin Steven B.
Published: April 2007

The collapse of Japanese asset prices in the early 1990s‐which weakened the balance‐sheet positions of banks, firms, and households‐has led some observers to suggest that “balance‐sheet problems” may have contributed to the recent economic downturn and may impede a recovery. In this article, we conclude that balance‐sheet problems did not and will not play a significant role in depressing the Japanese economy. First, while asset prices appear to have some explanatory power in loan demand and supply relationships, we find that asset price shocks in the 1990s had little effect on borrowing and lending, other than through traditional wealth effects on aggregate demand. Second, we find little evidence that bank lending was tighter than usual compared to downturns of the 1990–1993 magnitude. Finally, we find some puzzling evidence that borrowers lowered their appetite for loans, even after accounting for sharp declines in aggregate demand and asset prices.
Global strategy as a factor in Japanese success
Authors: Yip George S.
Published: April 2007

This article argues that the use of globally integrated strategy provides an additional explanation for Japanese success. Furthermore, this explanation links directly to many of the accepted factors that result in competitive superiority for Japanese companies. The article elaborates on different aspects of global strategy and contrasts typical Japanese and American approaches, and provides some empirical evidence on these differences. Japanese companies' success in post‐bubble reconstruction will require a reemphasis on such strategies.
Global strategies of European firms
Authors: Boettcher Roland , Welge Martin K.
Published: April 2007

In this research four internationally operating business units of European multinational corporations are studied from a global strategy content perspective. In opposition to large parts of the existing global strategy literature, the observed pattern of strategic behavior exclusively related to neither prevailing generic strategies nor to any of the different content‐oriented approaches to global strategy. Based on the empirical evidence, a taxonomy of four types of global strategies is identified. The taxonomy proposes to distinguish global strategies along two key dimensions: internal source of competitive advantage generation (upstream, downstream) and external focus of competitive advantage exploitation (country centered, country transcending).
The fit between Russian culture and compensation
Authors: Puffer Sheila M. , Shekshnia Stanislav V.
Published: April 2007

Western firms that depend on Russian nationals to help operate their businesses in Russia need to find effective ways of designing compensation packages to attract, motivate, and reward these valuable employees. This article proposes that several important aspects of Russian culture should be taken into account. An overview of Russian culture and a discussion of the way it was embedded in compensation systems during the Communist period are presented as background, using Hofstede's five dimensions of culture as a framework. Two surveys of Western firms' compensation policies for Russian nationals are then discussed in light of Russian culture. The article concludes with culturally based guidelines to assist Western firms in developing effective compensation plans for Russian employees.
Intellectual property rights and trade expansion
Authors: Sood James , Miller Ginne Lea
Published: April 2007

With the passing of the North American Free Trade Agreement, it is expected that there will be increasing interest in expanding this association throughout the Western hemisphere. One of the major obstacles to this expansion, however, is the relative lack of protection for patents, copyrights, and trademarks in some of the Caribbean and Latin American countries. By means of a survey of the Executive Directors of the American Chambers of Commerce in these countries, the study attempts to determine whether the countries would be willing to provide reasonable protection for intellectual property rights in return for acceptance into the enlarged free trade area. The response of the Executive Directors indicates that there is a reasonable probability that many of these countries would indeed strengthen their intellectual property protection for this trade opportunity.
The expatriate myth: Cross‐cultural perceptions of expatriate managers
Authors: Hailey John
Published: April 2007

Expatriate managers work alongside increasingly sophisticated and experienced local managers in many parts of the world, yet few researchers have examined the dynamics of the relationship between expatriates and local managers, or the attitude of local staff to their expatriate colleagues. This article seeks to redress this by reviewing existing research, and by drawing on the perceptions of Singaporean managers, highlights the tensions between local and expatriate managers and reflects some of the issues faced by multinationals who continue to employ expatriates in countries where there is sufficient indigenous management talent.
Trends in international business thought and literature: Traversing the path to insolvency: Lessons from an international alliance in management education
Authors: Aram John D. , Weiss Ira R. , Clarke Ruth
Published: April 2007

In 1988 the Madrid Business School (MBS) was created through a cooperative agreement between a small entrepreneurial firm in Madrid, Spain, and a large public institution of higher education in the United States. By mid‐1994 MBS was financially insolvent and had closed. Discussion of this case focuses on two questions: first, could the American partner have taken any actions to increase the likelihood of MBS as a viable institution? Second, what constitutes a strategic approach to international cooperative agreements? Both issues offer lessons for entering into and participating in international cooperative agreements in higher education.
Economic performance over time: Does porter's diamond hold at the national level?
Authors: Grein Andreas F. , Craig C. Samuel
Published: April 2007

This research examines the conditions that contribute to the performance of countries and their industries in international markets. Building on Porter's dynamic diamond, 1960 and 1985 data on 49 countries are used to develop country‐level factors related to national economic performance. Three factors were identified: infrastructure/demand, competitive investment, and education. The analysis considers how these factors are related to gross domestic product, net exports, and foreign direct investment. It also assesses changes over time and differences between industrialized and developing countries. The relationships between the three factors and GDP were substantially the same for both industrialized and developing countries, but not for net exports and foreign direct investment. These findings suggest that the relationships between the factors and national performance have changed over time and that there are important differences between developing and industrialized countries.
Regional cooperation and growth in Southern Africa
Authors: Wright Stephen
Published: April 2007

Regional cooperation has flourished in many areas of the world and has helped boost economic production and provide greater competitiveness in the globalized market. Following the dramatic changes in South Africa, the Southern African region is considered the most likely in the African continent to develop a common market, promote cooperation, and enhance trade and business opportunities. This article focuses upon the prospects for the Southern African market and compares it briefly against the performance of other African regions. A conclusion is reached pointing to cautious optimism about Southern African prospects.
Key success factors for Russian‐foreign joint ventures
Authors: Fey Carl F.
Published: April 2007

This article identifies key success factors (KSFs) for Russian‐foreign joint ventures. Based on case studies of two successful and two unsuccessful Russian‐foreign joint ventures, four KSFs are identified. The presence of the four KSFs is then assessed in a sample of 30 Russian‐foreign joint ventures. To assess the generalizability of the KSFs, discriminant analysis is then applied to the 30 joint ventures to differentiate between successful and unsuccessful joint ventures. The results show that the KSFs can explain 83.3 percent of the variance in the performance of joint ventures in the sample.
Changes of control and business reengineering in Russian privatized companies
Authors: Gurkov Igor
Published: April 2007

The success of societal transformation in Russia depends on the ingenuity of Russian managers to link the legacy of the communist regime and the national patterns of industrial organization with the prerequisites of a modern economy. This article reports on a study of management in organizational transformation for 20 privatized industrial companies in Russia and describes the changes in their control structures and strategies. Organizational and economic factors determining the establishing of specific control arrangements and their impact on business reengineering are analyzed by synthesis of surveys and case studies. Implications for western partners and suggestions for further research are drawn.
Trends in international business thought and literature: Parallels between the east and the west: The teachings of ancient Chinese philosophers and the echoes from western management theorists
Authors: Lui Alice Y. L.
Published: April 2007

This article aims to bridge the gap between an oriental culture and a western approach to management concepts and practice with a view to exploring a culturally fit style of management for China. Comparisons are drawn between the teachings of early Chinese philosophers and scholars with those of their western counterparts. It is envisaged that hidden links may be eventually found so that management as a universal concept with cultural variations may be the trend in the nineties and beyond.
Made in America? us steelmaking in the 1990s: An American resurgence?
Authors: Moore Michael
Published: April 2007

This article examines the improved competitiveness of the U.S. carbon steel industry, a sector that has suffered extreme economic difficulty over the last three decades. The article argues that despite the lack of a coherent national steel policy, the US steel industry has significantly increased its competitiveness relative to foreign steel competitors. Four reasons stand out. First and foremost, domestic minimills have provided intense competition for the domestic integrated sector. Secondly, the falling value of the dollar has improved the international position of all US steel firms. Thirdly, US labor costs have been reduced sharply, both through wage concessions by the United Steelworkers and massive layoffs. Finally, joint ventures with Japanese firms have provided traditional firms with cash and new technical innovations.
Made in America? sustaining a competitive presence in the commercial class aircraft industry in the 1990s
Authors: Golich Vicki L.
Published: April 2007

The United States has dominated the global commercial class aircraft industry for decades. The sector has been considered strategic because of its contribution to both the economic base and the military needs of a country. Government intervention has been a hallmark of the industry almost since its inception. Changes in industry dynamics triggered, in part, by foreign and domestic public policies‐both directly and indirectly aimed at this sector– have lead to the proliferation of internationalized production structures, replacing the traditional domestic structures of the past. Global outsourcing, transnational joint ventures, and foreign investment have contributed to the globalization of the industry.