bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance improvements of the hydrophobic and the dielectric properties of parylene C
Authors: Kahouli A. , Sylvestre A. , Laithier J.-F.
Published: October 2013

The increase in the hydrophobicity at the same time as the reduction in the dielectric properties of an insulating material are the main factors necessary to improve the signal response of the electrowetting-on-dielectric and the organic field effect transistor electronic devices. Oxygen (O2) and fluorine (CF4) plasma treatments on 3.7 μm thicknesses-parylene C were carried out to understand the surface hydrophobicity character and their effect on the dielectric properties of the material. Fast hydrophobic recovery was observable during the first day after the O2 treatment due to the reorientation of the polar polymer end chains to the bulk of parylene C. CF4 plasma treatments reveal a noticeably increase of the hydrophobicity as the treatment time increases. Energy dispersive X-ray and Fourier transform infrared analyses have confirmed an increase in the number of fluorine containing CFx bonds where 1 ≤ x ≤ 3 after fluorine plasma treatments and after aging. The PPX C film treated with CF4 plasma at 500 W for 30 min indicated the best hydrophobic character and the best dielectric properties due to the highest loading fluorine content in our experimental conditions.
Stability of a moving radial liquid sheet: Time-dependent equations
Authors: Tirumkudulu Mahesh S. , Paramati Manjula
Published: October 2013

We study the stability of a radial liquid sheet produced by head-on impingement of two equal laminar liquid jets. Linear stability equations are derived from the inviscid flow equations for a radially expanding sheet that govern the time-dependent evolution of the two liquid interfaces. The analysis accounts for the varying liquid sheet thickness while the inertial effects due to the surrounding gas phase are ignored. The analysis results in stability equations for the sinuous and the varicose modes of sheet deformation that are decoupled at the lowest order of approximation. When the sheet is excited at a fixed frequency, a small sinuous displacement introduced at the point of impingement grows as it is convected downstream suggesting that the sheet is unstable at all Weber numbers (We ≡ ρlU2h/σ) in the absence of the gas phase. Here, ρl is the density of the liquid, U is the speed of the liquid jet, h is the local sheet thickness, and σ is the surface tension. The sinuous disturbance diverges at We = 2 which sets the size of the sheet, in agreement with the results of Taylor [“The dynamics of thin sheets of fluid. III. Disintegration of fluid sheets,” Proc. R. Soc. London, Ser. A 253, 313 (1959)]. Asymptotic analysis of the sinuous mode for all frequencies shows that the disturbance amplitude diverges inversely with the distance from the edge of the sheet. The varicose waves, on the other hand, are neutrally stable at all frequencies and are convected at the speed of the liquid jet.
Invited Article: Indenter materials for high temperature nanoindentation
Authors: Wheeler J. M. , Michler J.
Published: October 2013

As nanoindentation at high temperatures becomes increasingly popular, a review of indenter materials for usage at high temperatures is instructive for identifying appropriate indenter-sample materials combinations to prevent indenter loss or failure due to chemical reactions or wear during indentation. This is an important consideration for nanoindentation as extremely small volumes of reacted indenter material will have a significant effect on measurements. The high temperature hardness, elastic modulus, thermal properties, and chemical reactivities of diamond, boron carbide, silicon carbide, tungsten carbide, cubic boron nitride, and sapphire are discussed. Diamond and boron carbide show the best elevated temperature hardness, while tungsten carbide demonstrates the lowest chemical reactivity with the widest array of elements.
Mixtures of functionalized colloids on substrates
Authors: Dias C. S. , Araújo N. A. M. , Telo da Gama M. M.
Published: October 2013

Patchy particles are a class of colloids with functionalized surfaces. Through surface functionalization, the strength and directionality of the colloidal interactions are tunable allowing control over coordination of the particle. Exquisite equilibrium phase diagrams of mixtures of coordination two and three have been reported. However, the kinetics of self-organization and the feasibility of the predicted structures are still largely unexplored. Here, we study the irreversible aggregation of these mixtures on a substrate, for different fractions of two-patch particles. Two mechanisms of mass transport are compared: diffusion and advection. In the diffusive case, an optimal fraction is found that maximizes the density of the aggregate. By contrast, for advective transport, the density decreases monotonically with the fraction of two-patch colloids, in line with the behavior of the liquid density on the spinodal of the equilibrium phase diagram.
On-the-fly semiclassical study of internal conversion rates of formaldehyde
Authors: Ianconescu Reuven , Tatchen Jörg , Pollak Eli
Published: October 2013

Internal conversion is an inherently quantum mechanical process. To date, “ab initio” computation of internal conversion rates was limited to harmonic based approximations. These are questionable since the typical transition to the ground electronic state occurs at energies which are far from the harmonic limit. It is thus of interest to study the applicability of the Semiclassical Initial Value Representation (SCIVR) approach which is in principle amenable to “on the fly” studies even with “many” degrees of freedom. In this work we apply the Herman-Kluk-SCIVR methodology to compute the internal conversion rates for formaldehyde for a variety of initial vibronic states. The SCIVR computation gives reasonable agreement with experiment, while the harmonic approximation typically gives rates that are too high.
Nonstatistical dynamics on potentials exhibiting reaction path bifurcations and valley-ridge inflection points
Authors: Collins Peter , Carpenter Barry K. , Ezra Gregory S. , Wiggins Stephen
Published: October 2013

We study reaction dynamics on a model potential energy surface exhibiting post-transition state bifurcation in the vicinity of a valley ridge inflection (VRI) point. We compute fractional yields of products reached after the VRI region is traversed, both with and without dissipation. It is found that apparently minor variations in the potential lead to significant changes in the reaction dynamics. Moreover, when dissipative effects are incorporated, the product ratio depends in a complicated and highly non-monotonic fashion on the dissipation parameter. Dynamics in the vicinity of the VRI point itself play essentially no role in determining the product ratio, except in the highly dissipative regime.
Kerr electro-optic field mapping study of the effect of charge injection on the impulse breakdown strength of transformer oil
Authors: Zhang X. , Zahn M.
Published: October 2013

The smart use of charge injection to improve breakdown strength in transformer oil is demonstrated in this paper. Hypothetically, bipolar homo-charge injection with reduced electric field at both electrodes may allow higher voltage operation without insulation failure, since electrical breakdown usually initiates at the electrode-dielectric interfaces. To find experimental evidence, the applicability and limitation of the hypothesis is first analyzed. Impulse breakdown tests and Kerr electro-optic field mapping measurements are then conducted with different combinations of parallel-plate aluminum and brass electrodes stressed by millisecond duration impulse. It is found that the breakdown voltage of brass anode and aluminum cathode is ∼50% higher than that of aluminum anode and brass cathode. This can be explained by charge injection patterns from Kerr measurements under a lower voltage, where aluminum and brass electrodes inject negative and positive charges, respectively. This work provides a feasible approach to investigating the effect of electrode material on breakdown strength.
Precise control of photoluminescence enhancement and quenching of semiconductor quantum dots using localized surface plasmons in metal nanoparticles
Authors: Kim DaeGwi , Yokota Hiroki , Taniguchi Taichi , Nakayama Masaaki
Published: October 2013

Photoluminescence (PL) enhancement and quenching using localized surface plasmons in metal nanoparticles (NPs) are important factors to control optical properties of semiconductor quantum dots (QDs). However, the PL enhancement and quenching have not been simultaneously observed in previous works, which lead to the situation that the mechanisms for controlling the enhancement and quenching are still controversial. In this work, we have investigated the PL properties in bilayer structures consisting of Au NPs and CdSe QDs in order to realize the precise control of the PL enhancement and quenching of the QDs. It was demonstrated that both the separation distance between Au NPs and CdSe QDs and the surface density of Au NPs in the bilayer structure are key factors for controlling the balance between the PL enhancement and quenching. The experimental results were quantitatively analyzed, taking account of the energy transfer from CdSe QDs to Au NPs and local electric field effects due to Au NPs.
Heteroepitaxial growth and surface structure of L1-MnGa(111) ultra-thin films on GaN(0001)
Authors: Mandru Andrada-Oana , Garcia Diaz Reyes , Wang Kangkang , Cooper Kevin , Haider Muhammad , Ingram David C. , Takeuchi Noboru , Smith Arthur R.
Published: October 2013

L10-structured MnGa(111) ultra-thin films were heteroepitaxially grown on GaN(0001) under lightly Mn-rich conditions using molecular beam epitaxy. Room-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) investigations reveal smooth terraces and angular step edges, with the surface structure consisting primarily of a 2 × 2 reconstruction along with small patches of 1 × 2. Theoretical calculations were carried out using density functional theory, and the simulated STM images were calculated using the Tersoff-Hamman approximation, revealing that a stoichiometric 1 × 2 and a Mn-rich 2 × 2 surface structure give the best agreement with the observed experimental images.
Magnetostructural transformation and magnetocaloric effect in MnNiGe1-xGax alloys
Authors: Zhang C. L. , Han Z. D. , Qian B. , Shi H. F. , Zhu C. , Chen J. , Wang T. Z.
Published: October 2013

The magnetostructural transformations and magnetocaloric effect have been investigated in MnNiGe1−xGax alloys. Substitution of Ga for Ge induced the contraction of the lattice and the stabilization of the high-temperature hexagonal phase. Magnetostructural transformations between antiferromagnetic orthorhombic phases and ferromagnetic hexagonal phases were realized in the Ga-doped MnNiGe alloys. Large and positive magnetic entropy changes were observed under relatively low magnetic field.
Comparison of direct and indirect positron-generation by an ultra-intense femtosecond laser
Authors: Yan Yonghong , Zhang Bo , Wu Yuchi , Dong Kegong , Yao Zeen , Gu Yuqiu
Published: October 2013

An extensive comparison of the properties of positron beams produced by an ultra-intense femtosecond laser in direct and indirect schemes has been performed with two-dimensional particle-in-cell and Monte Carlo simulations. It is shown that the positron beam generated in the indirect scheme has a higher yield (1010), a higher temperature (28.8 MeV), a shorter pulse duration (5 ps), and a smaller divergence (8°) than in the direct case (109 yield, 4.4 MeV temperature, 40 ps pulse duration, and 60° divergence). In addition, it was found that the positron/gamma ratio in the indirect scheme is one order of magnitude higher than that in the direct one, which represents a higher signal/noise ratio in positron detection. Nevertheless, the direct generation method still has its own unique advantage, the so-called target normal sheath acceleration, which can result in quasi-monoenergetic positron beams that may serve in some specialized applications.
Reduction and transition in thermal activation for charge transport through electrolyte-gated polythiophene thin films with high hole densities
Authors: Lee Jiyoul , Cho Boeun , Won Chung Jong , Sung Kang Moon
Published: October 2013

We investigate the activation energy for electrical charge transport through a polythiophene thin film. The results are particularly obtained under high hole density (5.9 × 1020 holes/cm3) through electrolyte-gating and are compared with previous results attained from the same polymer film but with low induced carrier densities. Comparative analyses show that introducing high hole densities into the polymer results in (i) suppression of the transport activation energy and (ii) reduction of the temperature that yields transition in the activation energy. These results are explained based on the formation of bipolaron states, which are generated at such high hole densities.
Communication: H-atom reactivity as a function of temperature in solid parahydrogen: The H + N2O reaction
Authors: Mutunga Fredrick M. , Follett Shelby E. , Anderson David T.
Published: October 2013

We present low temperature kinetic measurements for the H + N2O association reaction in solid parahydrogen (pH2) at liquid helium temperatures (1–5 K). We synthesize 15N218O doped pH2 solids via rapid vapor deposition onto an optical substrate attached to the cold tip of a liquid helium bath cryostat. We then subject the solids to short duration 193 nm irradiations to generate H-atoms produced as byproducts of the in situ N2O photodissociation, and monitor the subsequent reaction kinetics using rapid scan FTIR. For reactions initiated in solid pH2 at 4.3 K we observe little to no reaction; however, if we then slowly reduce the temperature of the solid we observe an abrupt onset to the H + N2O → cis-HNNO reaction at temperatures below 2.4 K. This abrupt change in the reaction kinetics is fully reversible as the temperature of the solid pH2 is repeatedly cycled. We speculate that the observed non-Arrhenius behavior (negative activation energy) is related to the stability of the pre-reactive complex between the H-atom and 15N218O reagents.
Genetic population structure and recruitment patterns of three sympatric shallow-water penaeid prawns in Ungwana Bay, Kenya, with implication for fisheries management
Authors: Mkare Thomas K. , von der Heyden Sophie , Groeneveld Johan C. , Matthee Conrad A.
Published: October 2013

Penaeid prawns in Ungwana Bay, Kenya, are heavily exploited by artisanal fishers and industrial bottom trawlers. Human activities in mangrove and estuarine areas may affect prawn nursery habitats and influence juvenile recruitment to fished areas, therefore it was important to investigate recruitment patterns in the bay. To test the hypotheses that single genetic stocks exist, we utilised a combination of mtDNA sequence and microsatellite data. Three dominant sympatric species, Penaeus monodon, Fenneropenaeus indicus and Metapenaeus monoceros were targeted. Sample sites were chosen to represent the bulk of fishery activities, and included estuarine juveniles and offshore adults. An exceptionally high mtDNA haplotype diversity, coupled with low nucleotide diversity was observed for all three species and there was no genetic differentiation among sampling sites. Genetic panmixia was confirmed by the microsatellite analyses of P. monodon. Juveniles that recruit to adult populations in Ungwana Bay most likely originate from local estuaries, and conservation of the prawn nursery habitats along the edges of the bay is advocated. Each of the three species represents a single management unit, and the identification of spatial management strategies to mitigate resource-user conflicts should rather consider other ecological and socio-economic factors than the genetic delineation of stocks.
Video-based telehealth in Australian primary health care: current use and future potential
Authors: Raven Melissa , Butler Caryn , Bywood Petra
Published: October 2013

Many Australians have limited access to health-care services due to a range of barriers, including geographic distance and restricted mobility, which telehealth can potentially address. This paper reviews the current and potential use of video consultation in primary health care in Australia, drawing on international literature. There is substantial evidence of high patient satisfaction, but many studies have methodological limitations. Overall, evidence of effectiveness and cost-effectiveness is weak. There is reasonable evidence for diagnosis, home care and specialist consultations by GPs with patients present. Two telehealth initiatives using video consultation are briefly presented. Both provide evidence that video consultation has a valuable role to play, but does not obviate the need for face-to-face consultations. Video consultation challenges traditional professional roles, particularly those of nurses, and can improve health workers’ skills and job satisfaction. More fundamentally, telehealth challenges the traditional distinction between primary and secondary care. This can be a source of resistance but may ultimately be one of its strengths. Appropriately targeted video consultation has much potential to improve the delivery of primary health care in Australia, particularly in rural and remote regions.
e-Learning competency for practice nurses: an evaluation report
Authors: Heartfield Marie , Morello Andrea , Harris Melanie , Lawn Sharon , Pols Vincenza , Stapleton Carolyn , Battersby Malcolm
Published: October 2013

Practice nurses in Australia are now funded to facilitate chronic condition management, including self-management support. Chronic disease management requires an established rapport, support and proactivity between general practitioners, patients and the practice nurses. To achieve this, training in shared decision making is needed. e-Learning supports delivery and achievement of such policy outcomes, service improvements and skill development. However, e-learning effectiveness for health care professionals’ is determined by several organisational, economic, pedagogical and individual factors, with positive e-learning experience linked closely to various supports. This paper reinforces previous studies showing nurses’ expanding role across general practice teams and reports on some of the challenges of e-learning. Merely providing practice nurses with necessary information via web-based learning systems does not ensure successful learning or progress toward improving health outcomes for patients.
Cell-cycle regulation of formin-mediated actin cable assembly
Authors: Miao Yansong , Wong Catherine C. L. , Mennella Vito , Michelot Alphée , Agard David A. , Holt Liam J. , Yates John R. , Drubin David G.
Published: October 2013

Significance

Actin filaments are protein polymers that facilitate multiple biological functions, including cell migration, vesicle trafficking, and polarity establishment in eukaryotic cells throughout the cell cycle. Mechanisms of spatial and temporal regulation of actin assembly in vivo are incompletely understood. Formin proteins nucleate cables, which are bundles of unbranched actin filaments. We developed a cell-extract system to reconstitute actin cable assembly nucleated by formins in a physiological context. Using this unique reconstitution system, we identified an actin cable parts list. We also discovered that actin cable assembly is regulated in a cell-cycle–dependent manner both in vivo and in vitro.
Lone parents and activation – towards a typology of approaches
Authors: Haux Tina
Published: October 2013

There has been an international trend towards activating lone parents, with the United Kingdom being the most recent example. It has been argued that the most common criterion for deciding which lone parents should have to be available for work is the age of the youngest child. However, by examining the activation policies in the OECD countries more closely, a number of criteria used in conjunction with age of the child have been identified, such as the availability of childcare and the employability of lone parents. It is therefore argued that a typology can be developed consisting of three main approaches: general activation, age of child and no activation, with three sub-categories for the age of child approach. The different (sub-)categories will be illustrated using country case studies as examples.
Assessing the sustainability of pension reforms in Europe
Authors: Grech Aaron George
Published: October 2013

Europe's pensions landscape has changed dramatically since the 1990s. This paper tries to assess better the impact of these changes using a broad social sustainability framework. Pension wealth estimates for a variety of hypothetical cases are used to assess the ability of systems to alleviate poverty and maintain living standards, while setting out how reforms could change future costs and relative entitlements for different generations. By focusing on all prospective transfers rather than those at retirement and by looking into the interaction between entitlements and labour participation, this approach provides additional insights into the impact of reforms. Our estimates suggest that generosity has fallen significantly, but remains strong in many countries. However, moves to link benefits to contributions have raised adequacy concerns for certain groups and strengthened the need for longer careers. Although reforms have helped address fiscal challenges, in many countries pressures remain strong and further reforms are likely.
The adenovirus 55 residue E1A protein is a transcriptional activator and binds the unliganded thyroid hormone receptor
Authors: Arulsundaram Vishnuka D. , Webb Paul , Yousef Ahmed F. , Pelka Peter , Fonseca Greg J. , Baxter John D. , Walfish Paul G. , Mymryk Joe S.
Published: October 2013

The early region 1A (E1A) of human adenovirus types 2 and 5 is differentially spliced to yield five distinct mRNAs that encode different proteins. The smallest E1A RNA transcript encodes a 55 residue (55R) protein that shares only 28 amino acid residues with the other E1A proteins. Even though it is the most abundant E1A transcript at late times post-infection, little is known about the functions of this E1A isoform. In this study, we show that the E1A 55R protein interacts with, and modulates the activity of the unliganded thyroid hormone receptor (TR). We demonstrate that E1A 55R contains a signature motif known as the CoRNR box that confers interaction with the unliganded TR; this motif was originally identified in cellular corepressors. Using a system reconstituted in the yeastSaccharomyces cerevisiae, which lack endogenous TR and TR coregulators, we show that E1A 55R nonetheless differs from cellular corepressors as it functions as a strong co-activator of TR-dependent transcription and that it possesses an intrinsic transcriptional activation domain. These data indicate that the E1A 55R protein functions as a transcriptional regulator.
Physiological modulation of endogenous BRCA1 p220 abundance suppresses DNA damage during the cell cycle
Authors: Dimitrov Stoil D. , Lu David , Naetar Nana , Hu Yiduo , Pathania Shailja , Kanellopoulou Chryssa , Livingston David M.
Published: October 2013

Endogenous BRCA1 p220 expression peaks in S and G2 when it is activated, and the protein participates in certain key DNA damage responses. In contrast, its expression is markedly reduced in G0/G1. While variations in transcription represent a significant part of p220 expression control, there is at least one other relevant process. We found that a microRNA, miR-545, that is expressed throughout the cell cycle down-modulates endogenous p220 mRNA and protein abundance directly in both G0/G1 and S/G2. When miR-545 function was inhibited by a specific antagomir, endogenous p220 expression increased in G0/G1, and aberrant p220-associated DNA damage responses and de novo DNA strand breaks accumulated. Analogous results were observed upon inhibition of miR-545 function in S/G2. Both sets of antagomir effects were mimicked by infecting cells with a p220 cDNA-encoding adenoviral vector. Thus, strand breaks were a product of p220 overexpression, and their prevention by miR-545 depends on its modulation of p220 expression. Breaks were also dependent on aberrant, overexpressed p220-driven recruitment of RAD51 to either spontaneously arising or mutagen-based DNA damage sites. Hence, when its level is not physiologically maintained, endogenous p220 aberrantly directs at least one DNA repair protein, RAD51, to damage sites, where their action contributes to the development of de novo DNA damage. Thus, like its loss, a surfeit of endogenous p220 function represents a threat to genome integrity.
A secondary working memory challenge preserves primary place strategies despite overtraining
Authors: Gardner Robert S. , Uttaro Michael R. , Fleming Samantha E. , Suarez Daniel F. , Ascoli Giorgio A. , Dumas Theodore C.
Published: October 2013

Learning by repetition engages distinct cognitive strategies whose contributions are adjusted with experience. Early in learning, performance relies upon flexible, attentive strategies. With extended practice, inflexible, automatic strategies emerge. This transition is thought fundamental to habit formation and applies to human and animal cognition. In the context of spatial navigation, place strategies are flexible, typically employed early in training, and rely on the spatial arrangement of landmarks to locate a goal. Response strategies are inflexible, become dominant after overtraining, and utilize fixed motor sequences. Although these strategies can operate independently, they have also been shown to interact. However, since previous work has focused on single-choice learning, if and how these strategies interact across sequential choices remains unclear. To test strategy interactions across sequential choices, we utilized various two-choice spatial navigation tasks administered on the Opposing Ts maze, an apparatus for rodents that permits experimental control over strategy recruitment. We found that when a second choice required spatial working memory, the transition to response navigation on the first choice was blocked. Control experiments specified this effect to the cognitive aspects of the secondary task. In addition, response navigation, once established on a single choice, was not reversed by subsequent introduction of a secondary choice reliant on spatial working memory. These results demonstrate that performance strategies interact across choices, highlighting the sensitivity of strategy use to the cognitive demands of subsequent actions, an influence from which overtrained rigid actions may be protected.
Purification and Characterization of Novel Microtubule-Associated Proteins from Arabidopsis Cell Suspension Cultures
Authors: Hamada Takahiro , Nagasaki-Takeuchi Nahoko , Kato Takehide , Fujiwara Masayuki , Sonobe Seiji , Fukao Yoichiro , Hashimoto Takashi
Published: October 2013

Plant microtubules (MTs) play essential roles in cell division, anisotropic cell expansion, and overall organ morphology. Microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) bind to MTs and regulate their dynamics, stability, and organization. Identifying the full set of MAPs in plants would greatly enhance our understanding of how diverse MT arrays are formed and function; however, few proteomics studies have characterized plant MAPs. Using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, we identified hundreds of proteins from MAP-enriched preparations derived from cell suspension cultures of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Previously reported MAPs, MT regulators, kinesins, dynamins, peroxisome-resident enzymes, and proteins implicated in replication, transcription, and translation were highly enriched. Dozens of proteins of unknown function were identified, among which 12 were tagged with green fluorescent protein (GFP) and examined for their ability to colocalize with MTs when transiently expressed in plant cells. Six proteins did indeed colocalize with cortical MTs in planta. We further characterized one of these MAPs, designated as BASIC PROLINE-RICH PROTEIN1 (BPP1), which belongs to a seven-member family in Arabidopsis. BPP1-GFP decorated interphase and mitotic MT arrays in transgenic Arabidopsis plants. A highly basic, conserved region was responsible for the in vivo MT association. Overexpression of BPP1-GFP stabilized MTs, caused right-handed helical growth in rapidly elongating tissues, promoted the formation of transverse MT arrays, and resulted in the outgrowth of epidermal cells in light-grown hypocotyls. Our high-quality proteome database of Arabidopsis MAP-enriched preparations is a useful resource for identifying novel MT regulators and evaluating potential MT associations of proteins known to have other cellular functions.
4-Acetyl-3-[2-(ethoxycarbonyl)phenyl]sydnone
Authors: Grossie David , Harrison Leanna , Turnbull Kenneth
Published: October 2013

Sydnones, which contain a mesoionic five-membered heterocyclic ring, are more stable if synthesized with an aromatic substutuent at the N3 position. In the title compound {systematic name: 4-acetyl-3-[2-(ethoxycarbonyl)phenyl]-1,2,3-oxadiazol-3-ylium-5-olate}, C13H12N2O5, the aromatic substitutent is 2-(ethoxycarbonyl)phenyl. Intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bonds are observed. The interplanar angle between the sydnone and benzene rings is 71.94 (8)°. π-ring...carbonyl interactions of 3.2038 (16) Å arise between the sydnone ring and a symmetry-related C=O group.
2-(4-Chlorophenyl)-4-phenyl-1,2-dihydroquinazoline
Authors: Derabli Chamseddine , Boulcina Raouf , Bouacida Sofiane , Merazig Hocine , Debache Abdelmadjid
Published: October 2013

In the title compound, C20H15ClN2, the pyrimidine ring is in a flattened half-chair conformation. The phenyl and chloro-substituted benzene rings form dihedral angles of 84.97 (5) and 80.23 (4)°, respectively, with the benzene ring of the dihydroquinazoline group. The dihedral angle between the phenyl and chloro-substituted benzene rings is 61.71 (5)°. In the crystal, molecules are arranged in intersecting layers parallel to (101) and (-102), with N—H...N hydrogen bonds linking molecules along [010]. In addition, a weak C—H...π interaction is observed.
1-[4-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl]ethanone
Authors: Kavitha Channappa N. , Jasinski Jerry P. , Anderson Brian J. , Yathirajan H. S. , Kaur Manpreet
Published: October 2013

In the title compound, C12H16N2O2, the piperazine ring has a chair conformation. The dihedral angle between the mean planes of the benzene ring and the acetyl group is 48.7 (1)°. In the crystal, molecules are linkedviaO—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming chains propagating along [010].
Bis[(dimethylphosphoryl)methanaminium] tetrachloridopalladate(II)
Authors: Reiss Guido J.
Published: October 2013

In the crystal structure of the title compound, (C3H11NOP)2[PdCl4], (dimethylphosphoryl)methanaminium (dpmaH+) cations are connected head-to-tail by strong N—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming inversion-related cyclic dimers. The square-planar [PdCl4]2−counter-dianion is located about a center of inversion. The dications and the [PdCl4]2−dianions are connected by medium–strong N—H...Cl hydrogen bonds, forming zigzag chains parallel to [001]. Somewhat weaker N—H...Cl hydrogen bonds connect the chains into a three-dimensional network.
Bis{4-[(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)methyl]piperazin-1-yl}methane
Authors: Kavitha Channappa N. , Jasinski Jerry P. , Anderson Brian J. , Yathirajan H. S. , Kaur Manpreet
Published: October 2013

In the title compound, C25H32N4O4, both piperazine rings adopt a chair conformation. One of dioxolane ring systems is essentially planar [dihedral angle = 0.9 (2)°] while the other adopts a slightly disordered envelope conformation, the mean plane of the dioxolane ring being twisted by 3.6 (2)° from that of the benzene ring. The dihedral angle between the benzene rings is 69.9 (5)°. No classical hydrogen bonds were observed.
catena-Poly[2-methylpyridinium [tungstate-di-μ-selenido-silver-di-μ-selenido] 2-methylpyridine monosolvate]
Authors: Zhou Lu-Jun , Shi Hua-Tian , Xu Chao , Chen Qun , Zhang Qian-Feng
Published: October 2013

The title compound, {(C6H8N)[AgWSe4]·C6H7N}n, consists of anionic [WAgSe4]nchains, 2-methylpyridinium cations and neutral 2-methylpyridine molecules. The Se atoms bridge the Ag and W atoms, forming a polymeric chain extending along theb-axis direction. Both the Ag and W atoms are located on a twofold rotation axis and each metal atom is coordinated by four Se atoms in distorted tetrahedral geometry. In the crystal, the 2-methylpyridinium cation and 2-methylpyridine molecule are linkedviaN—H...N hydrogen bonding. Weak C—H...Se interactions link the organic components and polymeric anions into a three-dimensional architecture.
Labor market in the environment of Tawhidi methodology
Authors: Azid Toseef , M.-S. Alamasi Adnan , Rahim Abubakar Abdul
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– In the Islamic system, the activity and the performance of all the economic, social, political and religious agents are under the guidance of knowledge given by Allah (SWT). There are some established principles related to the human behavior which are valid in each and every aspect of the universal set of Islamic system and thus valid for all the economic markets, such as labor, goods and money markets. This paper discussed the labor market in the periphery of Tawhidi methodology. The concept of labor in Islam emanates from a concept of intrinsic value as the real worth of a produced thing as well as factor of production. The authors have taken the Quranic precept that says Allah has put fitra in all things during creation and this assumes the primordial value of being in cognitive forms. Hence, if a good is discovered, produced and labor is expended in its production and transaction, there is always that primordial intrinsic value that has in the first place made all the subsequent processes possible. This primordial value must always be discounted from the price of factors and goods as it cannot be claimed. That is why, the Quran says that Allah has created the universe in the midst of plenty, not scarcity. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– Literature survey approach was applied in this paper.

Findings

– The input of fitra is like a value variable (imponderable) linked with two stages of knowledge production – intrinsic knowledge that is innate in exchangeable knowledge flows that are evolved by interactions, say among cooperating agents of the markets and between agents and the observation of variables trends (empiricism). Market exchange is of the classical nature but with this value element in the process of exchange describing not steady-state equilibrium point but evolutionary equilibrium as a result of the knowledge caused and regenerated by interactions, thus affecting the demand and supply schedules through the inhering process of interactions among participants (cooperative ones). The authors can draw an evolutionary form of moving cobweb equilibria that are simply expectational in nature; they are not static except for the very instantaneous case of non-learning.

Research limitations/implications

– This is the first attempt. There is a need to conduct more research in this topic.

Practical implications

– This paper has practical implication for the policy makers in the environment of moral and ethical economy.

Originality/value

– This is an original contribution and is a first attempt in this area.
Cultural intelligence (CQ) and its role in advancing open innovation alliances (OIA) between China and the West
Authors: Allan Collins Richard , Kriz Anton
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– This paper aims to propose a review of the current open innovation paradigm to include the effects of culture in the internationalized working environment.

Design/methodology/approach

– Focusing on interpersonal skills, the authors aim to show the current open innovation framework should be extended to include a cross-cultural lens.

Findings

– In addition, cultural intelligence is a necessary core competency that can “shine a light” on the various ambiguities and uncertainties encountered in the Chinese business terrain.

Originality/value

– Cultural intelligence will enhance open innovation alliance effectiveness.
The business value of IT applications in CHJ: a cognitive study
Authors: Wang Yi , Liu Yuan , Dai Yeyuan , Lin Danming
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to elicit the rich implications of IT business value for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from the perspective of IT leaders.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper uses case study and the repertory grid technique to explore cognition of IT business value of the IT leader in Guangdong CHJ Industry Co., Ltd (CHJ), a fast-growing jewelry company in China. The paper further examines this cognitive structure of IT business value by using cluster analysis technique.

Findings

– This paper develops a six-category framework of IT business value from IT leaders' perspective, which provides insights for future research of IT applications in SMEs.

Originality/value

– This study contributes to IT business value research by providing empirically grounded insight from perspectives of IT leaders in SMEs. The identified IT business value framework can also serve as a practical tool to help managers comprehensively assess and evaluate IT applications in SMEs.
The international expansion of China's small- and medium-sized business
Authors: Cardoza Guillermo , Fornes Gaston
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The paper aims to critically analyse the relevant literature on the international expansion of China's small- and medium-sized enterprises with the aim of highlighting the main topics analysed by scholars and identifying areas for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper reviews the works on the international growth of China's SMEs published in selected peer-reviewed English-language journals vis-à-vis what has been published on Western SMEs. It does this by, first, studying the literature at both firm and industry levels and, second, by analysing the specific characteristics of small business from China along with the particularities of the Chinese business environment.

Findings

– The paper shows that two main areas are in need of further research: the impact of the Chinese business environment on the international expansion of SMEs, and the need to understand different elements of the process to develop a strong firm-level body of literature.

Originality/value

– The paper highlights the need to deepen the understanding of the process leading to SMEs' expansion beyond China's borders to conclude with the identification of areas for future research.
The perceptions of audit committees’ role in an emerging market: the case of Egypt
Authors: Kamel Hany , Elkhatib Sobhy
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to discuss the respondents’ perceptions of the role of audit committees in Egypt and their likely impact on the quality of financial reporting.

Design/methodology/approach

– In all, 217 usable questionnaires were collected from three groups of respondents, namely, accounting academics, external auditors and financial managers or senior accountants. For test-retest reliability purposes, seven respondents completed the questionnaire twice.

Findings

– The results indicate that the most important function for an effective audit committee to perform is to “review significant changes in accounting policies and practices”. The results also demonstrate that respondents have consistently ranked the different aspects of internal control evaluation as the second most important area to oversee. Moreover, the overwhelming majority of respondents have rated the independence of audit committee members and their experience in accounting or other related subjects as the most important attributes that should be considered when selecting the members of an audit committee. Finally, the vast majority of respondents have perceived the existence of a well-functioning and well-structured audit committee as an effective mechanism in constraining the incidence of financial statement fraud in Egypt.

Practical implications

– The findings could be of assistance to businesses and professional associations while they develop their own framework in which audit committees play an important role against corporate abuse and misleading financial statements.

Originality/value

– The development of audit committees in Egypt is in its early stage compared with the USA and other advanced economies where audit committees have more than 70 years of history. Therefore, assessing the current perceptions of the role of audit committees in a country such as Egypt could be of general interest to several other developing countries.
Web advertising
Authors: Saadeghvaziri Faraz , Dehdashti Zohreh , Reza Kheyrkhah Askarabad Mohammd
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate beliefs about and attitudes toward Web advertising (ATWA) among Iranian consumers, and the relationships between belief factors, ATWA, consumers’ Web advertising behavior, and purchase intention.

Design/methodology/approach

– A quantitative, non-experimental, and descriptive-analytic survey design was used in this study. Data were collected from students of two big universities in Iran. A total of 416 questionnaires provided usable data and were analyzed using AMOS.

Findings

– Product information, hedonic, social role, and irritation were significant predictors of ATWA. ATWA were found to be a significant positive predictor of consumer's Web advertising behavior and purchase intention.

Research limitations/implications

– The limitation is that convenience sampling was used in the research which may have resulted in sampling biases.

Originality/value

– The paper extended the current body of knowledge on Web advertising by investigating the role of two new factors in Web advertising context. It has been conducted based on Wolin et al.'s (2002) work along with two additional factors; irritation and purchase intention.
The value co-creation process as a determinant of customer satisfaction
Authors: Vega-Vazquez Manuela , Ángeles Revilla-Camacho María , J. Cossío-Silva Francisco
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The greater part of the academic literature coincides in highlighting the positive influence that consumer participation has on the value created in service delivery. In this sense, research stands out which studies the consumer's role as a value co-creator in the service. However, there are few studies which analyze the consequences of co-creation behavior from the customer perspective. This research aims to fill this gap. To do so, it sets out from the measuring of co-creation from the perspective of the customers themselves and proposes that there is a direct relationship between value co-creation behavior and customer satisfaction with the service experience.

Design/methodology/approach

– To verify the hypothesis proposed, adults over 18 were personally interviewed. They had to be regular users of firms in the beauty parlor and personal care sector. The data collection finished with 547 duly-completed questionnaires. The SPSS 20 and AMOS 20 statistical programs were used for the data analysis.

Findings

– Regarding the causal model proposed, the data confirm the relationship set out in the hypothesis. It can therefore be stated that there is a positive relation between value co-creation and customer satisfaction. It allows a greater comprehension of the value creation process, analyzing the consequences for customer satisfaction. In this sense, the findings of the study suggest that service firms dedicated to personal care should foster the customers' active participation in the value creation process.

Originality/value

– The analysis highlights the positive influence which taking part in the value co-creation has on satisfaction. This is the first study that clearly shows this relationship from the empirical point-of-view.
Beyond legitimacy: legitimacy types and organizational success
Authors: Díez-Martín Francisco , Prado-Roman Camilo , Blanco-González Alicia
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to clarify and extend knowledge concerning the relationship between legitimacy and organizational success within the framework of institutional theory.

Design/methodology/approach

– While previous research has found links between legitimacy and organizational success, the authors test this assumption by case analysis, on a sample of thirteen Spanish Mutual Guarantee Societies. Data were collected from survey questionnaire and Annual Financial Reports.

Findings

– Results of the empirical examination confirm that, within this population, organizations with greater legitimacy obtain better organizational results as well as improved access to resources. The findings also show that not all dimensions of legitimacy contribute equally to organizational success.

Practical implications

– For managers, the authors have included a recommendation that legitimacy is an important element of an organization's success that must be strategically managed and be considered as a required goal in the organization's strategic planning process. Managers should analyze legitimacy, in their own activity sector, to identify the most useful types of legitimacy. In the specific case of Spanish MGSs, the most beneficial strategic actions are those geared towards obtaining pragmatic legitimacy.

Originality/value

– The analysis provides a new approach to measure legitimacy. It also provides empirical advances to the organizational legitimacy process, showing its usefulness as a key factor for organizational success.
Synthesis and performance of coumarin containing polymeric fluorescent dyes
Authors: Ma Hai-Hong , Song Qiu-Sheng , Xu YuanHao , Yao Wei
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to modify the photostability of organic fluorescent dyes and to develop and evaluate a route of their derived polymeric fluorescent dyes.

Design/methodology/approach

– A series of novel polymeric fluorescent dyes were prepared using 3-(2-benzimidazolyl)-7-(diethylamino)-coumarin (disperse yellow 8GFF, abbreviated as 8GFF) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) as raw materials. First, an intermediate of carboxyl functioned 8GFF was prepared by condensation reaction of 8GFF and pyromellitic dianhydride; and then the polymeric fluorescent dyes were synthesized by reacting PEG with the condensate intermediate.

Findings

– FTIR, UV-vis, and PL showed that the polymeric fluorescent dyes had been successfully synthesised, and the photostability of organic fluorescent dyes was improved significantly.

Research limitations/implications

– In the present work, the polymeric fluorescent dyes had been successfully synthesized, and the photostability of organic fluorescent dyes was improved significantly. This methodology can be employed to prepare novel polymeric fluorescent materials and to improve the photostability of organic dyes for various applications.

Practical implications

– Polycondensable dyes offer a new area of material science which can be widely used in coloured polymer materials production.

Originality/value

– The method developed in the study reported in this paper provided a new strategy to develop new types of polycondensable dyes materials with fluorescent property.