bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hybrid method coupling AIS and zeroth order deterministic search
Authors: Canova A. , Freschi F. , Repetto M.
Published: July 2005

Purpose

The paper presents an hybrid optimization technique which couples the artificial immune system (AIS) algorithm with a zeroth order deterministic method.

Design/methodology/approach

AIS has been developed to tackle multi‐modal optimization problems and it has shown a great ability to explore the objective function space. The algorithm is subdivided into two phases: an outer and an inner cycle. The outer cycle is devoted to the exploration of the space while the inner is a local exploration of the objective function. The new hybrid method proposes to replace the local search by a zeroth order deterministic search to speed up the overall convergence.

Findings

Results on two multi‐modal analytical objective functions show an increase of speed of the new procedure with respect to the standard AIS. The method is also tested on the TEAM 22 numerical problem and some a posteriori techniques for the analysis of multimodal blind objective functions are discussed.

Originality/value

The new Multimodal optimization algorithm has allowed to explore thoroughly feasibility space giving rise to a partition of the whole space, the use of hybrid technique increases the performances of standard AIS increasing the convergence to the optimal points.
Identifying material properties of a dielectric motor
Authors: Di Barba P. , Mognaschi E.R. , Mognaschi M.E. , Savini A.
Published: July 2005

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to define a methodology for identifying the electric conductivity and permittivity of lossy dielectric materials employed in a class of small dielectric motors, knowing the motor torque. Reference is made to data measured on an existing prototype.

Design/methodology/approach

The motor operates because of the interaction between a rotating electric field, generated by a three‐phase system of electrodes, and the charge density induced at the surface of the rotor, which lags with respect to the field. The stator and the rotor are hollow cylinders made of dielectric materials. A finite‐element model of the motor has been developed. For a given set of material properties, the time‐averaged value of starting torque acting on the rotor is evaluated by means of the Maxwell stress tensor.

Findings

A family of curves of starting torque vs conductivity for different values of rotor permittivity are obtained. Each curve is well approximated by a Lorentz distribution.

Originality/value

A field model of the motor was exploited to estimate the conductivity that gives rise to a prescribed value of the starting torque. The solution of the underlying inverse problem, which is ill‐posed, can give an helpful insight for maximizing the torque.
An improved technique for interface shape identification in magnetic fluid dynamics
Authors: Brauer Hartmut , Ziolkowski Marek , Kuilekov Milko
Published: July 2005

Purpose

The interface between two conducting fluids in a magnetic fluid dynamics (MFD) problem was identified by means of external magnetic field measurements. Genetic algorithms (GA) were applied to solve the inverse problem.The principal component analysis (PCA) was used to speed up the process of interface reconstruction.

Design/methodology/approach

With respect to the experimental results we have designed a general technique for mode identification and/or interface reconstruction. Two main procedures are available to solve the inverse problem, the full interface reconstruction and the principle component analysis (PCA) mode. In the case of full reconstruction, it can be decided whether an algorithm for fast identification of the dominant modes applying a FFT module should be performed or not. The full interface reconstruction applies stochastic optimization methods ((GA) or evolution strategies (ES)) for the estimation of the interface shape characteristics. The main goal of the PCA mode is to find the dominant mode of the interface shape and its amplitude. The PCA mode is realized by means of stochastic optimization methods (GA, ES) and a simple direct searching (DS) using the golden section technique.

Findings

PCA with GA procedure enables the identification of the dominant mode of the interface shape between two conducting fluids with sufficient accuracy for simulated magnetic fields. Time of identification is strongly reduced due to a redefinition of the genotype representations in the PCA mode. Accuracy of reconstruction depends on the noise level, i.e. signal to noise ratio and a geometrical model used in the reconstruction phase. The correlation between the noise level and values of cost function for identified modes has been found if a proper geometry modelling is applied.

Originality/value

The paper describes a new, fast technique for solving an inverse field problem of a MFD problem where the interface between two conducting fluids has to be identified using a magnetic field tomography measuring system.
A circuital formulation for direct electrical resistive tomography problems
Authors: Ferraioli F. , Formisano A. , Martone R.
Published: July 2005

Purpose

Electrical resistive tomography (ERT) is a non‐destructive testing technique based upon the reconstruction of the electrical conductivity profile inside a body from measurement made on its boundary. In the literature about the inverse problems the ERT is considered still challenging being both non‐linear, ill‐posed and very limited in resolution. Purpose of the paper is to assess the performances of an approach exploiting the circuital behaviour of a particular class of problems, highlighting its advantages in terms of simplicity and reduction of the computer burden.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, an electrical property of a particular class of problems is pointed out; the same property is used to formulate in terms of a circuital model the ERT problem. The proposed methodology consists basically of combining properly simplified data previously evaluated and collected. The overall procedure is presented with reference to an underground structure diagnostics problem.

Findings

The effectiveness of the proposed approach has been evaluated quantitatively by comparing the simplified procedure results with the ones obtained by performing fully 3D FEM analysis.

Originality/value

The consistently low errors obtained state the convenience of the method also taking into account that the reconstruction process consists merely in post‐processing previously collected data.
Shape and material optimization using gradient methods and the adjoint problem in time and frequency domain
Authors: Halleröd Tomas , Ericsson David , Bondeson Anders
Published: July 2005

Purpose

Shape and material parameters have major influence on the performance of electromagnetic components. Optimization of these parameters is therefore vital in electromagnetic design. Reduction of the radar cross section (RCS) for aircraft and frequency selective surfaces are two well known examples. Shape and materials optimization is performed for different scatterers in 2D.

Design/methodology/approach

Continuum design sensitivities for microwave problems are applied for the gradient‐based optimization of scatterers' shape and material parameters. The goal function is chosen to be an average of the monostatic RCS for a sector of incident angles over a frequency band. Numerical tests are presented for 2D scatterers and, specifically, a perfectly electrically conducting scatterer and an absorber on the front edge of an airplane wing are considered. The results are compared with theoretical findings and results in the open literature.

Findings

It is demonstrated that a dense frequency sampling of the goal function over a wide frequency band relaxes the requirements on the angular resolution. The broad band requirements on the RCS also avoids corrugations without the resorting to regularization methods and penalty terms added to the goal function. The optimization algorithm refines, in a small number of iterations, the initial geometry of the scatterer to an optimized design with strongly reduced RCS.

Originality/value

Shape and material parameters have major influence on the performance of electromagnetic components. Optimization of these parameters for scatterers demonstrates that a densely evaluated goal function over a broad frequency band has the advantages of: lowering the requirements on angular resolution; avoiding corrugations; and regularizing the problem by the broad frequency band requirements which often are naturally included in the performance specification of electromagnetic devices.
Assessing the human element in service personality formation: personality congruency and the Five Factor Model
Authors: Harris Eric G. , Fleming David E.
Published: July 2005

Purpose

This purpose of this paper is to explore the role of service personality in services marketing and service marketing communications. Central to the study is the influence of perceived customer‐service personality congruency on service outcomes. The causal ordering of perceived customer‐service personality congruency, service perceptions, and service outcomes, is considered. The study also explores the ability of the Five Factor Model traits to explain additional variance in perceived personality congruency beyond the Brand Personality Scale.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical data were gathered via survey administration from 200 customers and 132 employees of a major banking institution. Hierarchical regression analysis and t‐tests were performed to analyze the data.

Research limitations/implications

The findings suggest that service personality assessments should include measures of the human personality and that perspectives from both employees and customers should be included in service personality assessment.

Practical implications

Managers gain much by considering the service personality construct and its influence on service perceptions. Employees directly influence customer perceptions of the firm, and managers should therefore be aware of the types of messages that employees send regarding the service. Human resource departments therefore play central roles in the management of service personality, and employee selection devices are especially important when considering which employees may best fit within the desired service personality.

Originality/value

The value of this paper lies in its ability to delineate more clearly the effects of perceived customer‐service personality congruency and the role that the Five Factor Model traits play in perceived service performance.
Loyalty programs and a sense of community
Authors: Rosenbaum Mark S. , Ostrom Amy L. , Kuntze Ronald
Published: July 2005

Purpose

Previous research has explored the impact of customer participation in organizational‐sponsored loyalty programs on customer loyalty; however, the findings are mixed. Other research, outside the loyalty program literature, reveals that customers who socially interact with other customers, via participation in brand communities, often exhibit an intense loyalty to the sponsoring brands. Proposes to investigate the following questions: “Can loyalty programs be differentiated based on whether or not members perceive a sense of community?”; and “Does a perception of a sense of community impact member loyalty to sponsoring organizations?”

Design/methodology/approach

Q‐technique factor analysis is utilized analyzing statements from loyalty program participants. Principal component factor and cluster analyses confirm a two‐tiered classification schema distinguishing loyalty programs based on perceptions of communal benefits. Differences between the two factors are explored. A survey developed from the Q‐sort analysis was then administered to 153 loyalty program participants, providing evidence that consumers are more loyal to communal programs.

Findings

Loyalty programs can be distinguished based on the sense of community which members perceive. Furthermore, consumers are more loyal to communal programs than to programs that simply use financial incentives. Communal programs elicit stronger emotional connections and participants are significantly less predisposed to competitor switching.

Originality/value

This study integrates the theory of sense of community into the marketing literature, also offering researchers a nine‐item, unidimensional scale to measure the construct within the context of loyalty programs. Confusion in the literature regarding the efficacy of loyalty programs is diminished by showing a positive relationship between loyalty and a member's perceptions of community.
The cost of excellence
Authors: Michael Steve O.
Published: July 2005

Purpose

To examine the relationship between financial resources and variables associated with institutional rankings in the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

Pearson product moment correlation coefficient was used to investigate the relationship between endowment funds and variables associated with rankings as determined by the U.S. News & World Report.

Findings

College costs continue to increase faster than per capita income. Institutions are relying more on endowment funds to meet their needs. Endowment was positively associated with almost all the variables used for ranking top national doctoral universities with the largest endowment amounts. When endowment per student was used, the association became even stronger with these ranking variables. Endowment was weakly associated with almost all the variables used for ranking top national doctoral universities with the lowest endowment amounts. Relationships of endowment and ranking variables were stronger at medical research schools, business schools, and weaker at engineering schools.

Originality/value

Higher education administrators must realize that these variables are cost‐inducing factors that cannot be fully satisfied. Unbridled pursuit of ranking variables will increase cost without commensurate increase in educational quality. Therefore, leaders must decide what rankings their resources allow and what position within the ranks is acceptable to them. Ranking agencies interested in quality should realize that money plays a significant role in how an institution is ranked. Therefore, institutions should be grouped according to the available resources before comparative analysis of ranking variables is made.
Operationalization of strategic change in continuing education
Authors: Wong Evia O.W.
Published: July 2005

Purpose

Hong Kong continuing education has encountered vigorous change in recent years. It is not limited to the mode of teaching and learning. Changing government policies, fund cutting to the higher education system and the entry of overseas university degrees increase the intensity of competition in the environment to an extraordinary extent. There is a large increase in demand upon internal capabilities of both the continuing education institutions and their leaders to confront the challenging conditions. Aims to examine this situation.

Design/methodology/approach

The alignment theory emphasizing strategic fit among the four elements – market competitiveness, business strategy, organizational culture, and leadership style – stresses the significance of matching the four elements within the same logic which are defined as “production”, “administration”, “development”, and “integration”. Strategic fit of four elements within the same logic enhances the organization's performance level. However, the phenomenon is limited in its way of operation. The researcher substitutes the phenomenon with an operationalization model of strategy fitting the four elements within the same logic by attempting an intensive case study of the strategic change process brought forward by the leader of the Built Environment Unit (BEU) of the School of Professional and Continuing Education of the University of Hong Kong.

Findings

The research concludes with a strategic change model of the BEU which emphasizes continuous learning, affection, participation and understanding. The model is built on a groundwork comprising academic identity building and culture management. Its concrete block structure is made up of contextualization in the aspects of program diversification, progression ladders and professional recognition. The whole work is reinforced by Built Environment Sustainability Symposia and a Qualifications Framework to confirm the loyalty of their students.

Originality/value

The model can be referred to as a framework by continuing education institution leaders who cope with similar market‐changing conditions.
Bridging the research‐practice gap: barriers and facilitators to research use among school principals from England and Israel
Authors: Hemsley‐Brown Jane , Oplatka Izhar
Published: July 2005

Purpose

When managers are faced with making a decision about what to do in a particular situation, do they base that decision on findings from research? This research paper seeks to report on qualitative and quantitative research which examined school principals' perceptions of barriers to the use of research.

Design/methodology/approach

To facilitate a comparison the qualitative and quantitative study was conducted simultaneously in two countries, i.e. England and Israel, using individual and group interviews, and the Barriers Scale survey instrument.

Findings

The results of tests indicated that factors associated with the research itself (e.g. relevance and access), were significant barriers to research use for principals from both countries (compared with factors associated with the setting, the presentation of research, and the individual).

Research limitations/implications

The authors acknowledge some limitations with respect to equivalence across cultures, particularly functional and contextual (e.g. political) equivalence.

Practical implications

The paper concludes that multiple strategies would be required to address a number of issues related to the dissemination of research and ways of addressing the gap between the aims of researchers, and the needs and expectations of practitioners.

Originality/value

The topic is timely, and a comparative approach is particularly useful in any social area, especially in public school management.
Productivity of voluntary organizations: the case of Counseling Services for the Elderly (CSE) of the National Insurance Institute (NII) in Israel
Authors: Vitner Gad , Shalom Vera , Yodfat Avital
Published: July 2005

Purpose

To review the voluntary operations of Counseling Services for the Elderly, which has operated since 1972 under the National Insurance Institute of the State of Israel.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper considers the elderly population and its characteristics and the gradual development of the volunteering counseling services. The characteristics of the volunteers and their motivation in this work are also discussed. The training that volunteers undergo is constantly being updated and upgraded, and details are provided that cover home visits, consultations and special projects.

Findings

Currently, Counseling Services for the Elderly operates 4,278 volunteers in 21 branches across the country, supporting thousands of the elderly on a relatively low budget of less than $3 million for 2003.

Originality/value

The paper presents a unique voluntary service that is fully integrated into national welfare for the elderly. The service meets the objectives of assistance to the elderly while helping to maintain and develop the quality of life of the volunteer.
Presencing identity: organizational change and immaterial labor
Authors: Iedema Rick , Rhodes Carl , Scheeres Hermine
Published: July 2005

Purpose

To examine Hardt and Negri's discussions of immaterial labor in relation to personal identity and sociality at work in a context of the postmodernization of the global economy.

Design/methodology/approach

Hardt and Negri's discussions of immaterial labor are reviewed in relation to their implications for social interaction and identity at work. Heidegger's idea of “presencing” is then used to examine the dynamic emergence of identity as an effect of the “affectualization” of work.

Findings

Global trends towards an informationalized economy have profound implications for identity at work in that the dynamics of identity are foregrounded and managerial and organizational power structures that seek to define an essential worker identity are destabilized.

Research limitations/implications

Suggests that research into identity at work should include a focus on the immaterial dimensions of work and should consider the implications of this for the dynamic emergence of identity and for future forms of organization and management.

Practical implications

Suggests that the emergence of immaterial labor might provide increasing, albeit complex and contested, opportunities for worker participation; this is on what management relies, and what at the same time has the potential of undermining the legitimacy of management.

Originality/value

Provides an innovative way of examining the dynamics of identity in contemporary organizations.
The “HRM project” and managerialism
Authors: Mueller Frank , Carter Chris
Published: July 2005

Purpose

This paper aims to present a detailed examination of the relationship and debate between realist understandings of HRM, on the one hand, and discourse‐based notions of HRM, on the other. The objective is to provide a basis for a possible debate between these, seemingly contradictory, perspectives.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper argues that these perspectives can be integrated if one adopts a perspective that overcomes this dualism by thinking of HRM as a “project” where speech acts and non‐linguistic forms of action are seen as interdependent. The paper uses interview extracts in order to illustrate how the HRM Project gets constituted but also resisted in the context of a post‐privatisation electricity company.

Findings

This paper is predicated on the notion that the discourse of HRM is closely intertwined with the shift in power relations between employers, managers, employees and trade unions from the early 1980s onwards. In order to capture the broader context of the discourse it is suggested that the notion of an “HRM Project” includes not only language but also practices, boundary‐spanning linkages, and external agents such as regulators and financial institutions.

Originality/value

Builds on the notion of discourse as a strategic resource.
An examination of restaurant loyalty programs: what kinds of rewards do customers prefer?
Authors: Jang Dongsuk , Mattila Anna S.
Published: July 2005

Purpose

This study aims to investigate customer preferences towards loyalty reward programs in the restaurant industry. Willingness to join such programs and expected benefits are also examined.

Design/methodology/approach

Focus group interviews followed by a survey methodology were used to test the research questions. The study sample included participants in a popular arts festival in Pennsylvania, USA and restaurant patrons in Las Vegas, USA.

Findings

A vast majority of study respondents favored immediate, necessary, and monetary gratification. These results were consistent across restaurant types (fast‐food versus casual dining). Although savings was the most sought‐after benefit, intangible benefits such as quality and convenience also received high ratings. Casual dining customers, in particular, seemed to be highly motivated by exploration and entertainment‐type benefits.

Research limitations/implications

Future research should investigate the optimal level or combination of rewards. In addition, other types of restaurants (e.g. fine dining) might require different types of reward schemes.

Practical implications

The findings of this study suggest that restaurant operators in the casual dining and fast‐food segments should consider employing immediate, necessary, and monetary rewards as opposed to points‐system, luxury, and non‐monetary rewards. In terms of motivation to join loyalty reward programs, the study results indicate that casual dining patrons are looking for exciting and entertaining rewards in addition to mere cost savings.

Originality/value

This paper helps restaurant managers to better understand customer preferences for loyalty reward programs and to realize the value of targeted rewards.
A review of economic value drivers in convention and meeting management research
Authors: Jae Lee Myong , Back Ki‐Joon
Published: July 2005

Purpose

Proposes to review convention and meeting management articles published in the hospitality and tourism literature.

Design/methodology/approach

Uses content analysis of 147 articles published in hospitality and tourism journals for the 14 years from 1990 to 2003.

Findings

Identifies five core research themes, i.e. economic impact of conventions, site selection, meeting participation processes, destination marketing, and advances in technology.

Originality/value

Offers the first thematic view of convention and meeting management issues, derived from the literature.
Motivation for behavior change in patients with chest pain
Authors: Williams Geoffrey C. , Gagné Marylène , Mushlin Alvin I. , Deci Edward L.
Published: July 2005

Purpose

To assess the effect of diagnostic testing for coronary artery disease (CAD) on motivation for change, and on lifestyle change for patients with chest pain.

Design/methodology/approach

This observational study followed patients with chest pain suggestive of CAD for three years. Constructs of autonomous and controlled motivation for lifestyle change, autonomous orientation, and autonomy support from self‐determination theory were assessed. Self‐reported tobacco use, physical activity, and diet were assessed at baseline and three years later. Physician rating of pre‐ and post‐test probability of CAD were also assessed. CAD diagnosis was established after three years.

Findings

Physicians' autonomy‐supportive style and patients' autonomous orientations both predicted greater patient autonomous motivation, which in turn predicted improved diet, more exercise, and marginally less smoking. High probability of CAD also led patients to become more autonomously motivated for lifestyle change.

Research limitations/implications

The observational nature of the study and the self‐report measures of health behaviors preclude causal conclusions from this study. Findings from this study suggest that patient motivation and risk behavior are affected by results of cardiac testing, by physicians' support of autonomy, and by patients' personalities.

Practical implications

Physicians may be effective in motivating behavior change around time of testing for CAD.

Originality/value

The self‐determination theory model for health behavior change accounted for change in patient health risk behavior change around the time of testing for CAD. Physicians and researchers might use these results to design and test interventions for practitioners to effectively motivate behavior change around the time of medical tests.
Games by degrees: playing with programs
Authors: Davidson Drew
Published: July 2005

Purpose

Seeks to explores the idea of career‐focused, vocational higher education and give an overview of the current offerings of degrees, programs and majors that focus on games, simulations and interactive media.

Design/methodology/approach

Provides an overview of educational courses supplied by various institutions which are capitalising on student and industry demand by offering officially accredited degrees in the study of games.

Findings

Students benefit most from the developing educational trend, and it makes economic sense for institutions to update their offerings to allow pedagogy to improve as the concept of what is involved in higher education expands.

Originality/value

Explores specifically how institutions are capitalizing on student and industry demand by offering officially accredited degrees in the study of games.
Weblogs: learning in public
Authors: Walker Jill
Published: July 2005

Purpose

Seeks to exemplify and discuss how students’ use of weblogs can prepare them for a networked world where writing has consequences outside grades.

Design/methodology/approach

Experiences using weblogs with university students are critically discussed with reference to related theoretical and practice‐based work.

Findings

While many students were wary at first, the experience of writing in public provided an important learning opportunity, and many of the most skeptical became enthusiastic and proficient webloggers during the course of the semester.

Research limitations/implications

The empirical data are from a single course and therefore limited.

Practical implications

Students should practice writing in public and on the network, yet ethical issues must be considered.

Originality/value

An increasing number of teachers and professors are using weblogs with students. In addition to a critical discussion of the ethics and pedagogical value of weblogging, this paper gives educators specific advice on how to encourage students to use their weblogs actively and productively.
Diving into Peter Plantec's brave new world of virtual humans
Authors: Crosbie William W.
Published: July 2005

Purpose

To review Peter Plantec's book Virtual Humans: A Build it Yourself Kit.

Design/methodology/approach

This book is meant to be read by one willing to actively engage with the technologies that Plantec introduces. While the technology that enables virtual agents is stable, many agents are annoyingly non‐humanlike in their interactions. Plantec encourages his readers to enter the world of virtual humans by providing the resources and coaching necessary to create a digital agent. He challenges the reader to throw off the notion that she is creating a technical implementation, a piece of software, and instead persuades her to approach the task as a scriptwriter would in creating a character.

Findings

Only through the application of artifice can developers hope to create deeply engaging virtual humans with recognizable, engaging personalities. But once people start to believe in their virtual companions, where might it lead them as a society?

Originality/value

Provides information about virtual humans.
SMES' internationalization: firms and managerial factors
Authors: Suárez‐Ortega Sonia M. , Álamo‐Vera Francisca R.
Published: July 2005

Purpose

To examine the particular organizational and managerial determinants of the different aspects of a firm's export development process: intention, propensity, and intensity.

Design/methodology/approach

The study analysed firms' resources and capabilities, managerial characteristics, and managerial attitude and perceptions in a sample of 286 firms in the Spanish wine industry. Statistical analyses using SPSS were carried out to confirm or reject eight hypotheses.

Findings

Results confirmed that factors influencing export involvement are not the same along the process of export development.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to one context, and it is static (cross‐sectional) in nature.

Practical implications

Implications not only for practitioners (especially, managers), but also for policy makers, are discussed.

Originality/value

First, the research has been conducted in Spain, a country for which export development process has not been widely studied. Second, three aspects of export development have been analysed at the same time: intention, propensity, and intensity. And third, the effect of industry‐specific characteristics on internal export factors has been isolated through the selection of one industry in one country for the empirical research.
A longitudinal study of entrepreneurial firms opportunity recognition and product development management strategies
Authors: Schwartz Robert G. , Teach Richard D. , Birch Nancy J.
Published: July 2005

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to analyze both the opportunity recognition and product development management processes not only among technology firms, but among non‐technology firms as well at two points in time, 1998 and 2003.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study included two data sets: a 1998 survey of technology‐based and non‐technology firms located in US incubators; and a new 2003 study of technology and non‐technology based firms in the Inland Northwest. All respondents indicated they considered themselves entrepreneurs.

Findings

Findings suggest that the opportunity recognition process changed between 1998 and 2003. Some of the authors' prior work suggested that the process, at least for technology‐based firms, had been similar between 1989 and 1998. Industry changes over time, perhaps different firm types, and insufficient data could be rational reasons for the changes. Thus, as far as the opportunity recognition process then, there is evidence that suggests that the process is different for manufacturing and non‐manufacturing firms.

Practical implications

The study of management and marketing processes should be performed by industry or business type over time. The researcher should consider that if the opportunity recognition or product development management processes reflect the changing nature of entrepreneurship over time, then characterizing those processes as constant models is inappropriate.

Originality/value

The overall results are consistent with other research studies and serve to further substantiate the use of single industry data. An “equation of state” for an opportunity recognition model or a product development management model is suggested by the empirical results reported on in the current paper as well as the diversity of other researchers' work.
Tolerance and analgesic efficacy of a new i.v. paracetamol solution in children after inguinal hernia repair
Authors: MURAT I. , BAUJARD C. , FOUSSAT C. , GUYOT E. , PETEL H. , ROD B. , RICARD C.
Published: July 2005

Background : A new intravenous (i.v.) formulation of paracetamol and propacetamol (prodrug of paracetamol) were compared to determine tolerance and relative analgesic efficacy during the first 6 h after inguinal hernia repair performed under general anesthesia combined with ilioinguinal block in children.

Methods : A total of 183 ASA I or II in‐patients, aged 1–12 years, admitted for unilateral inguinal hernia repair were randomized to receive in a double‐blind design either i.v. paracetamol 15 mg·kg−1 (n = 95) or propacetamol 30 mg·kg−1 (n = 88) for postoperative pain relief as soon as pain intensity was greater than 30 on a 100 mm visual analog scale. All patients were evaluated for efficacy and tolerance. Efficacy was evaluated between 15 min and 6 h after the start of the 15 min infusion.

Results : The most frequently reported adverse event was injection site pain, which was significantly reduced in the new formulation group (i.v. paracetamol 14.7% vs propacetamol 33.0% of children, P = 0.005). No significant difference was obtained between treatments on pain relief (PR), pain intensity difference (PAID) from baseline, and objective pain scale intensity difference (OPSD). Also, treatment effects did not differ significantly for maximum values and weighted sums of PR, PAID (investigator and child rated), OPSD, time to first request for rescue medication, proportion of children requesting rescue medication, and investigators’ global treatment satisfaction.

Conclusion : A single infusion of i.v. paracetamol 15 mg·kg−1 produced analgesia similar to a single infusion of propacetamol 30 mg·kg−1 following inguinal hernia repair in children. Paracetamol i.v. 15 mg·kg−1 was better tolerated at the injection site than propacetamol.
Pilot study of neuraxial imaging by ultrasound in infants and children1
Authors: MARHOFER PETER , BÖSENBERG ADRIAN , SITZWOHL CHRISTIAN , WILLSCHKE HARALD , WANZEL OLIVER , KAPRAL STEPHAN
Published: July 2005

Background : Ultrasonography is becoming an important adjunct in regional anesthesia. Epidural anesthesia may pose significant challenges in infants and children because of difficulties in identifying the epidural space. In addition, epidural catheters are sometimes difficult to advance. The present study was performed to evaluate an optimal ultrasound technique for direct visualization of neuraxial structures in children.

Methods : A total of 32 infants and children scheduled for minor surgery were prospectively included in a high‐resolution ultrasound study. Scans were performed using either a sector or linear probe and views from a longitudinal paramedian, median and transversal angle at lumbar and thoracic levels of the spinal cord were analyzed.

Results : In all children investigated, the linear probe generated better images than the sector probe. Of the various scanning perspectives, the paramedian longitudinal approach offered the best views at both cord levels. Broken down by age groups, the best visibility was clearly obtained in neonates up to 3 months of age (P < 0.0001 Vs all other age groups). In older children, the quality of ultrasound decreased in an age‐dependent manner.

Conclusions : Paramedian longitudinal scans with linear probes are the most favorable method of imaging neuraxial anatomy at lumbar and thoracic cord levels in infants and children, with the best results in neonates up to 3 months of age. Based on these results, and using real time imaging, a practical technique for ultrasound‐guided epidural anesthesia for neonates and infants at lumbar and thoracic levels of the spinal cord is planned.
Root fracture in immature anterior teeth followed for 15 years
Authors: Itoh T. , Kojima Y. , Nishioka T. , Maki K. , Kimura M.
Published: July 2005

Abstract –  We report a case of injury to an immature tooth, observed over a period of 15 years. In 1987, a 9‐year‐old boy fell down in a schoolyard. The right central incisor demonstrated palato‐version and radiographic observations revealed that the roots of both central incisors were incomplete. Further, a root fracture in the apical region of the central incisors was observed. During the first treatment visit, the right central incisor was repositioned and both teeth splinted. After confirming that the line of fracture was aligned, the fixation was continued for 2 months. The teeth were examined periodically for the next 15 years. Both teeth had favorable outcomes with continued root development of both the apical and coronal segments with good apposition of the fracture lines.
A Representation of Anisotropic Creep Damage in Fiber Reinforced Composites
Authors: Robinson D. N. , Binienda W. K.
Published: July 2005

A creep damage model is presented that allows for anisotropic distributions of damage in composite materials. An earlier model by the writers allowed for anisotropic damage growth rate but, based on a scalar state variable, failed to account for anisotropic distributions of damage. A vectorial state variable is introduced that allows a representation of anisotropic damage distribution. As in earlier work, a fundamental assumption is that the principally damaging stress components are tensile traction and longitudinal shear at the fiber/matrix interface. Application of the creep damage model is made to calculations involving homogenously stressed composite elements under transverse tensile and longitudinal shear stress and to cross plied thin-walled tubes under tension/torsion. Although the emphasis is phenomenological, with focus on a mathematical structure for representing anisotropic distributions of damage, a meaningful creep damage model must rest on fundamental material science and microstructural examination. Verification experiments involving tension/torsion testing of thin-walled composite tubes together with detailed microstructural examination are discussed and outlined.
Transmission of Elastic Stress Through Circular and Elliptic Cross Sections of Microstructural Elements Embedded in a Matrix Material
Authors: Kennefick C. M.
Published: July 2005

With the use of contact stress theory and complex variable methods in two dimensions, the transmission of a compressive stress through a circular cross section of a small material particle is calculated in the infinite plane of material below the circular cross section. The circular cross section of the particle is embedded in and completely bonded to an infinite plane of matrix material. It is shown that part of the stress is transmitted with a dependence of 1∕r, where r is a radial coordinate. Additionally, the stress is calculated in two dimensions for the interior of an ellipse that could model a cross section of a grain or particle. The boundary of the ellipse is loaded with the stress holding an elliptic kernel in place in an elastic matrix material after the kernel has undergone a small rotation under an applied tensile load. The resulting stresses are shown in contour plots for elliptic cross sections of varying shapes and orientations.
Dynamic Fluid-Structure Interaction Analysis Using Boundary Finite Element Method–Finite Element Method
Authors: Fan S. C. , Li S. M. , Yu G. Y.
Published: July 2005

In this paper, the boundary finite element method (BFEM) is applied to dynamic fluid-structure interaction problems. The BFEM is employed to model the infinite fluid medium, while the structure is modeled by the finite element method (FEM). The relationship between the fluid pressure and the fluid velocity corresponding to the scattered wave is derived from the acoustic modeling. The BFEM is suitable for both finite and infinite domains, and it has advantages over other numerical methods. The resulting system of equations is symmetric and has no singularity problems. Two numerical examples are presented to validate the accuracy and efficiency of BFEM-FEM coupling for fluid-structure interaction problems.
Selective growth of Zn- and O-polar ZnO layers by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Minegishi Tsutomu , Yoo JungHoon , Suzuki Hideyuki , Vashaei Zahra , Inaba Katsuhiko , Shim Keesam , Yao Takafumi
Published: July 2005

The polarity of ZnO films grown on MgO∕c-Al2O3 templates are successfully controlled by only varying MgO buffer layer thickness. The crystal structure of the MgO buffer on c-Al2O3 is of wurtzite (WZ), when the MgO buffer thickness is less than 2.7nm. As the MgO layer thickness exceeds, the crystal structure of MgO changes to rock salt (RS) structure. A ZnO layer grown on WZ-MgO results in O-polar ZnO, while the polarity of the ZnO layer grown on RS-MgO changes to Zn polar. Possible atomic configurations of the ZnO∕MgO∕Al2O3 interface structure are suggested.
Mn doping and p-type conductivity in zinc-blende GaMnN layers grown by molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Novikov S. V. , Edmonds K. W. , Zhao L. X. , Giddings A. D. , Wang K. Y. , Campion R. P. , Staddon C. R. , Fay M. W. , Han Y. , Brown P. D. , Sawicki M. , Gallagher B. L. , Foxon C. T.
Published: July 2005

Mn-doped cubic GaN films were grown by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy on GaAs (001) substrates. There was a strong influence of the Ga:N ratio on the Mn incorporation and a dramatic increase in the Mn concentration was observed for the layers grown under N-rich conditions. Hall-effect measurements unambiguously showed that the GaMnN samples had strong p-type conductivity. For both N-rich and Ga-rich growth conditions a bulk hole density of about 1018cm−3 was achieved with a corresponding mobility of >300cm2V−1s−1. This compares very favorably with other values reported for p doping of cubic GaN doped with C, suggesting that Mn may be a very suitable dopant for GaN-based electronic structures. The apparent values of ionization energy for Mn were around 50 meV, which is much shallower than for C or Mg in cubic GaN. In addition to a small high temperature ferromagnetic signal, a ferromagnetic correlation was detected among the remaining Mn ions at low temperatures, which is assigned to the onset of hole-mediated ferromagnetism in cubic GaMnN.
Inert gas maintenance for molecular-beam epitaxy systems
Authors: Oye Michael M. , Ahn J. , Cao C. , Chen H. , Fordyce W. , Gazula D. , Govindaraju S. , Hurst J. B. , Lipson S. , Lu D. , Reifsnider J. M. , Shchekin O. , Sidhu R. , Sun X. , Deppe D. G. , Holmes A. L. , Mattord Terry J.
Published: July 2005

Molecular-beam epitaxy (MBE) most often involves the use of highly toxic and combustible materials, which may subject maintenance personnel to increased health risks. In our efforts to reduce these hazards, we describe the use of inert gas maintenance equipment and procedures that can be employed during the opening of MBE growth chambers. Our operations involve the use of nitrogen-purged glovebags that are sealed over the open port of the growth chamber, wherein applicable tasks are performed through appropriate gloveports of the glovebag. We also describe the associated equipment utilized inside of the glovebags, which aid in the removal of the substrate manipulator and effusion cells. The benefits of reducing the exposure of air to the growth chamber are observed after a bakeout of 145h, wherein the AsO partial pressure within the growth chamber was a factor of 10 lower due to our inert gas maintenance procedures than without. The use of these glovebags allows us to both terminate our bakeout approximately 72h earlier and to experience nearly a 35% improvement in the photoluminescence intensity therefrom.
Lateral templating of self-organized ripple morphologies during focused ion beam milling of Ge
Authors: Ichim Stefan , Aziz Michael J.
Published: July 2005

We report the use of the boundary between ion irradiated and unirradiated regions to template the lateral self-organization of nanoscale ripplelike morphological features that spontaneously evolve during uniform ion irradiation. Using uniform rastering of a 30keV Ga+ focused ion beam, up to eight periods of ripples have been templated to follow the boundary under the set of conditions explored. We report the dependence of the range of lateral templating on incident angle, ion dose, and boundary inclination with respect to the projected ion beam direction. We show that the ripple organization is influenced by a down-step as well as by an up-step in the surface morphology.
GaAs buffer layer morphology and lateral distributions of InGaAs quantum dots
Authors: Roshko A. , Harvey T. E. , Lehman S. Y. , Mirin R. P. , Bertness K. A. , Hyland B. L.
Published: July 2005

Atomic force microscopy was used to study the morphology of GaAs buffer layers and the density and height distributions of self-assembled InGaAs quantum dots (QDs) grown on these buffers by molecular-beam epitaxy. The surface roughness and terrace size of 500nm thick buffers were found to be independent of substrate preparation technique, but did vary depending on whether the buffers were grown either continuously, with a pulsed start, or with a final anneal. A short anneal at the QD growth temperature increased both the size of the surface features and the height of mounds on the buffer grown with a pulsed start. The variations in dot distributions on these three buffer types were similar, indicating that the length of step edges does not determine the density of QDs. The standard deviation in dot density was found to vary from 16 to 28% of the average dot density across the central 26×26mm2 region of the 5cm wafers. The standard deviation in dot height was 10% or less of the average height. An inverse relationship was found between the dot height and density distributions, suggesting that a uniform amount of QD material was deposited on the wafers, but that the nucleation of the dots was nonuniform.
High-performance 30-period quantum-dot infrared photodetector
Authors: Chou Shu-Ting , Lin Shih-Yen , Hsiao Ru-Shang , Chi Jim-Yong , Wang Jyh-Shyang , Wu Meng-Chyi , Chen Jenn-Fang
Published: July 2005

In this article, quantum-dot infrared photodetectors (QDIPs) with 10- and 30-period InAs∕GaAs quantum-dot structures are investigated. High responsivity of 2.37A∕W and detectivity of 2.48×1010cmHz1∕2∕W for 30-period QDIPs under 10K are observed at −2.7 and 1.2V, respectively. Almost symmetric photocurrents and dark currents under positive and negative biases are observed for both devices, which indicate a minor influence of the wetting layer on the performance of QDIPs. Lower dark current and increased photocurrent for the 30-period QDIPs would predict a better performance for devices with over a 30-period QD structure.