bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Applicability of linearized Dusty Gas Model for multicomponent diffusion of gas mixtures in porous solids
Authors: Markovic Jelena , Omorjan Radovan
Published: January 2008

The transport of gaseous components through porous media could be described according to the well-known Fick model and its modifications. It is also known that Fick?s law is not suitable for predicting the fluxes in multicomponent gas mixtures, excluding binary mixtures. This model is still frequently used in chemical engineering because of its simplicity. Unfortunately, besides the Fick?s model there is no generally accepted model for mass transport through porous media (membranes, catalysts etc.). Numerous studies on transport through porous media reveal that Dusty Gas Model (DGM) is superior in its ability to predict fluxes in multicomponent mixtures. Its wider application is limited by more complicated calculation procedures comparing to Fick?s model. It should be noted that there were efforts to simplify DGM in order to obtain satisfactory accurate results. In this paper linearized DGM, as the simplest form of DGM, is tested under conditions of zero system pressure drop, small pressure drop, and different temperatures. Published experimental data are used in testing the accuracy of the linearized procedure. It is shown that this simplified procedure is accurate enough compared to the standard more complicated calculations.
Precursor type affecting surface properties and catalytic activity of sulfated zirconia
Authors: Zarubica Aleksandra , Boskovic Goran
Published: January 2008

Zirconium-hydroxide precursor samples are synthesized from Zr-hydroxide, Zr-nitrate, and Zr-alkoxide, by precipitation/impregnation, as well as by a modified sol-gel method. Precursor samples are further sulphated for the intended SO4 2- content of 4 wt.%, and calcined at 500-700oC. Differences in precursors? origin and calcination temperature induce the incorporation of SO4 2- groups into ZrO2 matrices by various mechanisms. As a result, different amounts of residual sulphates are coupled with other structural, as well as surface properties, resulting in various catalytic activities of sulphated zirconia samples. Catalyst activity and selectivity are a complex synergistic function of tetragonal phase fraction, sulphates contents, textural and surface characteristics. Superior activity of SZ of alkoxide origin can be explained by a beneficial effect of meso-pores owing to a better accommodation of coke deposits.
The application of triticale malt as the substitute for barley malt in wort production
Authors: Grujic Olgica , Pejin Jelena
Published: January 2008

The aim of this work was the investigation of wort production for beer by the application of triticale malt, as the partial substitute for barley malt in grist. For wort production, three series of experiments were carried out in which malts were produced from three different triticale varieties taken from experimental fields Rimski Sancevi location (Serbia), crop 2006. Experiments were carried out on laboratory scale by applying infusion procedure for wort production. The obtained results indicate that the application of triticale malt gave worts that had good analytical quality parameters.
Quantitative structure-activity relationship of some 1-benzylbenzimidazole derivatives as antifungal agents
Authors: Podunavac-Kuzmanovic Sanja , Barna Dijana , Cvetkovic Dragoljub
Published: January 2008

In the present study, the antifungal activity of some 1-benzylbenzimidazole derivatives against yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae was investigated. The tested benzimidazoles displayed in vitro antifungal activity and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined for all the compounds. Quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) has been used to study the relationships between the antifungal activity and lipophilicity parameter, logP, calculated by using CS Chem-Office Software version 7.0. The results are discussed on the basis of statistical data. The best QSAR model for prediction of antifungal activity of the investigated series of benzimidazoles was developed. High agreement between experimental and predicted inhibitory values was obtained. The results of this study indicate that the lipophilicity parameter has a significant effect on antifungal activity of this class of compounds, which simplify design of new biologically active molecules.
Jocasta’s kinsfolk: Marx, Freud and Oedipus among contemporary antiphilosophers
Authors: Mikulic Borislav
Published: January 2008

The text deals with the recently renewed issue of ?antiphilosophy? in the self-understanding of some prominent contemporary continental philosophers but not only them, such as Alain Badiou and Slavoj Zizek, both referring to the psychoanalyst and theoretician of discourse Jacques Lacan. Starting with a metaphorical analysis of the verdict made by Marx of ?merely interpretive? character of philosophy in relation to ?the study of real world? and with his comparison of philosophy with ?masturbation?, the text addresses new appeals to ?antiphilosophy? as samples of a token or rather, as cases of a syndrome connected with Jocasta?s rationalization of Oedipus? curse. It was her discourse based on general rules of rationality with which she unconsciously attempted to avoid the confrontation with the truth of an event (incestuous marriage) which had already occurred. In the text, presuppositions and consequences of such an analogy between ancient and contemporary philosophical material are discussed in order to show-on the basis of arguing that the unconscious is located within (and not beyond) rational processes that subjects undertake in order to respond to rational needs (viz. impulses of the Ego)-that contemporary discussion about ?antiphilosophy? by left-wing philosophers bears unacknowledged tendencies to unconsciously reduce Marx? algorithm of ?realization of philosophy? to the Hegelian negation of the negation and to integrate it into the discourse of academic philosophy.
Democracy and identity
Authors: Milovic Miroslav
Published: January 2008

It might be that the crisis of democracy is crisis of thinking. Modern metaphysics affirms the monologue of the subject with respect to the problem of rationality, as well as in the social realm. It thus affirms liberal egoism. Such metaphysics structures modernity as a monologue. Thus the question arises: how to think the democracy within this monologue? Democracy appears to be a modern project impossible to achieve.
Our experiences with therapeutic hypothermia
Authors: Petrovic Milovan , Srdanovic Ilija , Panic Gordana , Canji Tibor , Miljevic Tihomir
Published: January 2008

Introduction. The single most important clinically relevant cause of global cerebral ischemia is cardiac arrest. The estimated rate of sudden cardiac arrest is between 40 and 130 cases per 100.000 people per year. Almost 80% of patients initially resuscitated from cardiac arrest remain comatose for more than one hour. One year after cardiac arrest only 10-30% of these patients survive with good neurological outcome. The ability to survive anoxic no-flow states is dramatically increased with protective and preservative hypothermia. The results of clinical studies show a marked neuroprotective effect of mild hypothermia in resuscitation. Material and Methods. In our clinic, 12 patients were treated with therapeutic hypothermia. A combination of intravascular and external method of cooling was used according to the ILCOR (International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation) guidelines. The target temperature was 33oC, while the duration of cooling was 24 hours. After that, passive rewarming was allowed. All patients also received other necessary therapy. Results. Six patients (50%) had a complete neurological recovery. Two patients (16.6%) had partial neurological recovery. Four patients (33.3%) remained comatose. Five patients (41.66%) survived, while 7 (58.33%) patients died. The main cause of cardiac arrest was acute myocardial infarction (91.6%). One patient had acute myocarditis. Conclusion. Mild resuscitative hypothermia after cardiac arrest improves neurological outcome and reduces mortality in comatose survivors. .
Complications of revision hip arthroplasty using fresh bone allografts
Authors: Miljkovic Natasa , Ercegan Goran , Harhaji Vladimir
Published: January 2008

General and specific complications of revision hip arthroplasty using fresh bone allografts may affect the postoperative functional outcome to different extent. The aim of this paper was to estimate the incidence and types of intraoperative and early postoperative complications after revision hip arthroplasty, and to clinically and radiographically evaluate their influence on the final postoperative outcome. The most frequent general intraoperative complications were: femoral fracture (6.7%) and lesion of the superior gluteal artery. Anterior dislocation of the prosthesis (6.7%) and superficial infection (3.3%) were the two most frequent early postoperative complications. Of all general complications taken into account, femoral fracture, either intra or postoperative, has the worst prognosis. Bone allograft resorption, as the only specific complication encountered in this study, has a bad prognosis only if it is very extensive. The use of fresh bone allografts, prepared in a special manner, is clinically safe for revision total hip arthroplasty, if a bone bank is not available. .
Effects of nitrous oxide on middle ear pressure
Authors: Majstorovic Branislava , Radulovic Radomir , Djukic Vojko , Kastratovic Dragana , Popovic Nada , Gajic Milan
Published: January 2008

Introduction. Recent literature data suggest that permanent or reversible hearing loss may occur after general anesthesia. The etiology varies, while hearing loss following middle ear surgery is attributed to exposure to nitrous oxide (N2O). The objective of our study was to measure, using tympanometry, the middle air pressure change caused by nitrous oxide during general anesthesia and to establish its emetogenic effects during the postoperative period. Material and Methods. This academic (non-commercial) prospective study included two groups of patients (a total of 58), with ASA status I, II and III. The study group (n 30) consisted of patients undergoing unilateral ear surgery. In this group, the intratympanic pressure was measured in the unoperated (healthy) ear before and during the surgery. The control group (n 28) patients underwent nose, throat or neck surgical interventions. This group underwent measurement of bilateral intratympanic pressure in healthy ears, before and during the surgery. Both groups were operated under general balanced anesthesia. Pain, nausea and antiemetics were monitored during the first 24 postoperative hours. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon test. Results. This perioperative study confirmed the following: highly significant (p<0.001) increase in intratympanic pressure in non-operated ears in the study group and significant (p<0.05) in controls. However, there was no statistical significance (p>0.05) between groups. Pain was more frequent in controls, and nausea in the study group, but without significant difference (p>0.05). Conclusions. Postoperative audiometry findings showed no conductive or sensorineural hearing loss after interventions. Nitrous oxide can be used in general balanced anesthesia with discontinuation 15 to 45 minutes before insertion of the tympanic membrane and completion of middle ear surgery. .
2-regularity and 2-normality conditions for systems with impulsive controls
Authors: Pavlova Natal'ya
Published: January 2008

In this paper a controlled system with impulsive controls in the neighborhood of an abnormal point is investigated. The set of pairs (u,?) is considered as a class of admissible controls, where u is a measurable essentially bounded function and ? is a finite-dimensional Borel measure, such that for any Borel set B, ?(B) is a subset of the given convex closed pointed cone. In this article the concepts of 2-regularity and 2-normality for the abstract mapping ?, operating from the given Banach space into a finite-dimensional space, are introduced. The concepts of 2-regularity and 2-normality play a great role in the course of derivation of the first and the second order necessary conditions for the optimal control problem, consisting of the minimization of a certain functional on the set of the admissible processes. These concepts are also important for obtaining the sufficient conditions for the local controllability of the nonlinear systems. The convenient criterion for 2-regularity along the prescribed direction and necessary conditions for 2-normality of systems, linear in control, are introduced in this article as well.
Resolution methods in proving the program correctness
Authors: Markoski Branko , Hotomski Petar , Malbaski Dusan , Obradovic Danilo
Published: January 2008

Program testing determines whether its behavior matches the specification, and also how it behaves in different exploitation conditions. Proving of program correctness is reduced to finding a proof for assertion that given sequence of formulas represents derivation within a formal theory of special predicted calculus. A well-known variant of this conception is described: correctness based on programming logic rules. It is shown that programming logic rules may be used in automatic resolution procedure. Illustrative examples are given, realized in prolog-like LP-language (with no restrictions to Horn's clauses and without the final failure). Basic information on LP-language are also given. It has been shown how a Pascal-program is being executed in LP-system proffer.
Bibliografija radova akademika Gojka Subotica
Authors: Radojcic-Kostic Bojana , Miljkovic Bojan
Published: January 2008

nema
Dividing the indivisible: The monastery space - secular and sacred
Authors: Popovic Svetlana
Published: January 2008

The spatial dualism, secular - sacred, reflected deeply on the creation of the Byzantine monastery space. My investigation focused on the dualism of monastic spaces and buildings, especially on their secular aspects in Byzantine cenobitic monasteries.
Izreke careva u Kratkoj istoriji Mihaila Psela
Authors: Dzelebdzic Dejan
Published: January 2008

(grcki) St?n Istoria Syntomo toy Micha?l Yelloy yparchoyn arketa apop?thegmata t?n byzantin?n basile?n, ta opoia den yparcoyn se allej p?gej. Skopoj t?j melet?j einai na apodeict?ei oti o Yelloj den eice st? diathes? toy p?ges, oi opoiej oi alloi byzantinoi syggrapheij agnooysan, all? oti ta apophthegmata egraye o idioj. Prokeimenoy na epiteycthei o skopoj aytos ? ereyna pragmatopoi?th?ke se dyo kateythynseij: a?) ? Istoria Syntomoj antiparaballetai me alla chronika t?s mes?s byzantin?s periodoy kai a analyontai ekeines oi apoyeis t?n apophthegmat?n, oi opoies t?a mporoysan na symbaloyn st?n epiteyx? toy skopoy t?s melet?s. Idiaitera axioprosektes einai oi sycnes anap?ores stis s?matikes tim?ries.
Church foundations by entire villages 13th-16th c.: A short note
Authors: Kalopissi-Verti Sophia
Published: January 2008

In his book Ohridska slikarska skola XV veka, Beograd 1980, Gojko Subotic published three dedicatory church inscriptions, which refer to instances of the collective patronage of entire villages. Some remarks on the content of these inscriptions will be provided as will parallel examples from the late Byzantine period and the first centuries of the Ottoman occupation.
Gracanica and the cult of the Saintly Prince Lazar
Authors: Curcic Slobodan
Published: January 2008

The article explores a virtually unknown episode in the history of Gracanica Monastery, a late nineteenth-century restoration of the monastery church. The results of this undertaking were still visible during the conservation of the church conducted in the 1960s and early 1970s. At that time the nineteenth-century interventions were only partially recorded before some of them were removed and permanently lost. The nineteenth- century refurbishing of the frescoes in the main dome was signed by one Mihail Iourokosk Debrel and is dated 1898. More significant, now lost and hitherto unpublished, was the refurbishing probably by the same Mihail, of an arcosolium in the south wall of the church. This arcosolium, whose original function is unknown, was painted and inscribed with a lengthy inscription indicating that the remains of Prince Lazar (who died in the Battle of Kosovo, on June 15, 1389) was temporarily deposited in this tomb before being moved to the monastery of Vrdnik - Ravanica on Fruska Gora. While the content of the inscription is a total fabrication, its implications are nonetheless interesting in several ways. The mastermind behind the project was probably the Metropolitan of Ra{ka - Prizren, Dionisije, who died on Dec. 5, 1900. In accordance with his own wishes, he was buried in the very arcosolium identified as the ?temporary burial place? of Prince Lazar. The rising importance of the cult of the Saintly Prince Lazar around 1900 provides the background for this historical fabrication whose construction was actually made up of several disparate elements, each marked by a degree of historical accuracy in its own right thus collectively contributing to its general relevance.
Srpski naucnici o monumentalnom crkvenom zivopisu 15. veka u Bugarskoj
Authors: Bakarova Elka
Published: January 2008

(bugarski) Statijata predstavljava kratka istorija na proucvnijata ot kraja na XVX v. do dnes v''rhu pametnicite ot XV vek na teritorijata na s''vremenna B''lgarija. Specialno sa razgledani prinosite na sr''bskite uceni M. Valtrovic i D. Milutinovic ot 1878 g., na S. Radojcic, V. Dzuric i najvece na G. Subotic ot vtorata polovina na XX vek. Izt''kva se roljata im za akcentirane znacenieto na vazni hudozestveni centrove na Balkanite kato Kostur, Ohrid i Kratovo, kakto i za izjasnjavane na Balkanskija kontekst na znacimi stenopisni asnambli kato tezi v c''rkvite 'Sv. Georgi' Kremikovskija manastir, 'Sv. Bogorodica' v Dragalevskija manastir, 'Sv. Dimit''r' v Bobosevo, 'Sv. Pet''r i Pavel' v metoha Orlica na Rilskija manastir i dr.
Slikarstvo Sv. Dimitrija u selu Frurio u oblasti Kozani
Authors: Katsikēs Kōnstantinos
Published: January 2008

(grcki) O mikros, monoch?ros naos toy Agioy D?m?trioy brisketai sto oreino ch?rio Phroyrio t?s perioch?s t?n Serbi?n toy Nomoy Kozan?s, konta ston potamo Aliakmona. O toichographikos diakosmos, poy kosmei to es?teriko toy naoy, diat?reitai se arketa megal? ektas?. Einai ergo t?n mes?n toy 17oy ai. apo synergeio dyo topik?n z?graph?n me arketa endiapheronta eikonographika kai technotropika stoicheia.
Therapeutic Effect of an Implantable Peroneal Nerve Stimulator in Subjects With Chronic Stroke and Footdrop: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kottink Anke IR , Hermens Hermie J , Nene Anand V , Tenniglo Martin J , Groothuis-Oudshoorn Catharina G , IJzerman Maarten J
Published: January 2008

Background and Purpose

Footdrop, characterized by a person's inability to raise the foot at the ankle, is a common problem in patients with stroke. A randomized controlled trial was performed to determine the therapeutic effect of using a new implantable, 2-channel peroneal nerve stimulator for 6 months versus an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO).

Subjects

Twenty-nine patients with chronic stroke and footdrop participated in the study. The mean time from stroke was 7.3 years (SD=7.3), and all subjects were community ambulators.

Methods

The study used a randomized controlled trial design. The functional electrical stimulation (FES) group received the implantable stimulation system for correction of their footdrop. The control group continued using their conventional walking device (ie, AFO, orthopedic shoes, or no walking device). All subjects were measured at baseline and at weeks 4, 8, 12, and 26 in the gait laboratory. The therapeutic effect of FES on the maximum value of the root mean square (RMSmax) of the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle with both flexed and extended knees and walking speed were selected as the primary outcome measures. The RMSmax of the peroneus longus (PL), gastrocnemius (GS), and soleus (SL) muscles with both flexed and extended knees and muscle activity of the TA muscle of the affected leg during the swing phase of gait were selected as secondary outcome measures.

Results

A significantly higher RMSmax of the TA muscle with extended knee was found after using FES. No change in walking speed was found when the stimulator was not switched on. A significantly increased RMSmax of the GS muscle with both flexed and extended knees was found after using FES.

Discussion and Conclusion

Functionally, no therapeutic effect of implantable peroneal nerve stimulation was found. However, the significantly increased voluntary muscle output of the TA and GS muscles after the use of FES suggests that there was a certain extent of plasticity in the subjects in this study.
Reflection and penetration depth of millimeter waves in murine skin
Authors: Alekseev S.I. , Gordiienko O.V. , Ziskin M.C.
Published: January 2008

Millimeter (mm) wave reflectivity was used to determine murine skin permittivity. Reflection was measured in anesthetized Swiss Webster and SKH1‐hairless mice in the 37–74 GHz frequency range. Two skin models were tested. Model 1 was a single homogeneous skin layer. Model 2 included four skin layers: (1) the stratum corneum, (2) the viable epidermis plus dermis, (3) fat layer, and (4) muscle which had infinite thickness. We accepted that the permittivity of skin in the mm wave frequency range results from the permittivity of cutaneous free water which is described by the Debye equation. Using Fresnel equations for reflection we determined the skin parameters best fitting to the reflection data and derived the permittivity of skin layers. The permittivity data were further used to calculate the power density and specific absorption rate profiles, and the penetration depth of mm waves in the skin. In both murine models, mm waves penetrate deep enough into tissue to reach muscle. In human skin, mm waves are mostly absorbed within the skin. Therefore, when extrapolating the effects of mm waves found in animals to humans, it is important to take into account the possible involvement of muscle in animal effects. Bioelectromagnetics 29:340–344, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sporadic Paraganglioma
Authors: Lee James A. , Duh Quan‐Yang
Published: January 2008

Paraganglioma are rare chromaffin cell tumors that develop from the neural crest cells. Parasympathetic ganglia‐derived tumors are found almost exclusively in the neck and skull base and typically do not secrete catecholamines. In contrast, most sympathetic ganglia‐derived tumors are found in the abdomen and produce an excess of catecholamines. Those grow within the adrenal medulla and are known as pheochromocytoma. Other sympathetic paragangliomas are also known as extra‐adrenal pheochromocytomas. They arise outside of the adrenal gland and can be found anywhere along the sympathetic chain from the base of the skull and neck (5% of cases) to the bladder and prostate gland (10%). We use the term paraganglioma to refer to extra‐adrenal tumors and pheochromocytoma to refer to intra‐adrenal tumors. The majority of sympathetic paragangliomas are familial, commonly associated with the SDHB and SDHD gene mutations. Many are malignant. Medical management of catecholamine‐secreting paraganglioma is the same as for pheochromocytoma. Favorably located abdominal paragangliomas can be safely resected laparoscopically, but the operation is technically more challenging than that for adrenalectomy.
Prevalence and Prognostic Significance of Poor Differentiation and Tall Cell Variant in Papillary Carcinoma in Japan
Authors: Ito Yasuhiro , Hirokawa Mitsuyoshi , Fukushima Mitsuhiro , Inoue Hiroyuki , Yabuta Tomonori , Uruno Takashi , Kihara Minoru , Higashiyama Takuya , Takamura Yuuki , Miya Akihiro , Kobayashi Kaoru , Matsuzuka Fumio , Miyauchi Akira
Published: January 2008

Background

In the 1980s, histology of a poorly differentiated carcinoma showing an aggressive behavior was proposed by Sakamoto et al. and other pathologists. This was adopted as an independent entity by the World Health Organization (WHO) and in the General Rules for the Description of Thyroid Cancer by The Japanese Society of Thyroid Surgery (JSTS). Furthermore, the Turin classification was recently proposed as the newest classification system for poorly differentiated carcinoma. Furthermore, although tall cell variant is not included in poorly differentiated carcinoma, it is thought to show aggressive characteristics. In this study, we investigated the prevalence and clinical significance of three types of poorly differentiated carcinoma defined by the WHO classification system (poorly differentiated carcinoma [WHO]), Turin proposal (poorly differentiated carcinoma [Turin]), and JSTS (poorly differentiated carcinoma [Sakamoto]), and tall cell variant in papillary carcinoma.

Methods

We investigated the prevalence and prognostic significance of these three histological types in 1707 papillary carcinomas.

Results

In our series, 189 (11.1%), 15 (0.8%), 5 (0.3%), and 62 (3.6%) patients were diagnosed as having poorly differentiated carcinoma (Sakamoto), poorly differentiated carcinoma (WHO), poorly differentiated carcinoma (Turin), and tall cell variant, respectively. Poorly differentiated carcinoma (WHO) and tall cell variant independently affected cause‐specific survival (CSS) of patients, but poorly differentiated carcinoma (Sakamoto) predicted only worse disease‐free survival (DFS) of patients on multivariate analysis. Poorly differentiated carcinoma (Turin) showed the worst DFS and CSS rates of patients but was not confirmed as an independent prognostic factor probably because of the small number of patients.

Conclusions

Poorly differentiated carcinoma (WHO) and tall cell variant significantly affected patient prognosis. Poorly differentiated carcinoma (Turin) accounts only for 0.3% but showed the worst survival rates. Although poorly differentiated carcinoma (Sakamoto) predicted the likelihood of carcinoma recurrence, it is more appropriate to define this lesion as one of the histological subtypes of papillary carcinoma rather than as an independent histological entity.
A Novel Technique for Risk Calculation of Anastomotic Leakage after Thoracoscopic Repair for Esophageal Atresia with Distal Fistula
Authors: van der Zee David C. , Vieirra‐Travassos Daisy , de Jong Justin R. , Tytgat Stefaan H. A. J.
Published: January 2008

Purpose

This study was designed to determine the risk of anastomotic leakage after thoracoscopic repair for esophageal atresia by digitally measuring the length of the proximal esophagus and distance of carina to proximal esophagus.

Methods

With the use of Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS), the length of the proximal esophagus from the top of the first thoracic vertebra was measured on the preoperative chest x‐ray, as well as the distance from the carina to the proximal esophagus. The chest x‐rays of 27 neonates, born with esophageal atresia with distal fistula, were examined. Furthermore, the tapes from the procedures were reviewed. Statistical analysis was performed with the t test for equality of means by using SPSS® 12.0.1 for Windows.

Results

Both groups were comparable, and there was a statistical significant difference in both length of the proximal esophagus (p < 0.023) and distance of carina to proximal esophagus (p < 0.022) in patients who did and did not leak postoperatively. There seems to be a tendency toward a shorter proximal esophagus in recent years that was not obvious earlier.

Conclusions

The digital measurement of the length of the proximal esophagus (M < 7 mm) and distance of carina to proximal esophagus (M > 13.5 mm) with the use of PACS gives a good risk calculation for postoperative leakage.
Low 1∕f noise, full bridge, microcantilever with longitudinal and transverse piezoresistors
Authors: Mallon J. R. , Rastegar A. J. , Barlian A. A. , Meyer M. T. , Fung T. H. , Pruitt B. L.
Published: January 2008

This paper reports on low 1∕f noise, low corner-frequency, piezoresistive microcantilevers suitable for static and slowly time varying, force and displacement sensing applications such as chemical and biosensing. We demonstrate a full bridge, piezoresistive cantilever with greater than 140dB dynamic range, a noise amplitude spectral density floor of 3.7nV∕V√Hz at 0.1Hz. At 1.0Hz, the noise spectral density is 1.2nV∕V√Hz equivalent to 10pN∕√Hz or 5pm∕√Hz. The force resolution over the frequency band of 0.1–100Hz is 100pN.
Observation of SrTiO3 in-gap states by depletion mode field effect
Authors: Shibuya Keisuke , Ohnishi Tsuyoshi , Uozumi Takayuki , Sato Taisuke , Nishio Kazunori , Lippmaa Mikk
Published: January 2008

We have fabricated SrTiO3 (100) single crystal field-effect transistors with epitaxial and amorphous DyScO3 gate insulator layers. The devices showed an on-off ratio of 107 with a field-effect mobility of over 100cm2∕Vs at 50K. The residual oxygen vacancy concentration in the transistor channel was adjusted so that the off-state current was high at room temperature but dropped sharply upon cooling. The temperature dependence of the channel current under a carrier-depleting gate bias was used to show that oxygen vacancies form an in-gap impurity state at about 0.24eV below the SrTiO3 mobility edge.
James Clerk Maxwell and the dynamics of astrophysical discs
Authors: Ogilvie Gordon I
Published: January 2008

Maxwell's investigations into the stability of Saturn's rings provide one of the earliest analyses of the dynamics of astrophysical discs. Current research in planetary rings extends Maxwell's kinetic theory to treat dense granular gases of particles undergoing moderately frequent inelastic collisions. Rather than disrupting the rings, local instabilities may be responsible for generating their irregular radial structure. Accretion discs around black holes or compact stars consist of a plasma permeated by a tangled magnetic field and may be compared with laboratory fluids through an analogy that connects Maxwell's researches in electromagnetism and viscoelasticity. A common theme in this work is the appearance of a complex fluid with a dynamical constitutive equation relating the stress in the medium to the history of its deformation.
James Clerk Maxwell 150 years on
Authors: Reid John S , Wang Charles H.-T , Thompson J. Michael T
Published: January 2008

This paper is the preface to a special Issue of
Phil. Trans. R. Soc. A
reporting selected proceedings of the international conference marking the 150th anniversary of James Clerk Maxwell's professorial debut at Marischal College, Aberdeen. Following an introduction to Marischal College, a brief historical note summarizes Maxwell's life prior to his entering the college as professor of natural philosophy. The preface provides a short summary of the event and overviews the contributed papers devoted to subjects covering a wide range of Maxwell's research interests and their modern developments. The mixture of review and research papers reflects both the fundamental importance and the diverse applicability of Maxwell's works in electromagnetics, colour science, dynamics and kinetics. Acknowledgements are given to the individuals and bodies who made the conference the success that it was.
Use and linkage of source and output repositories: interviews with chemistry researchers
Authors: Polydoratou Panayiota
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report research findings from interviews with chemistry researchers about the use and linkage of source and output repositories and the expectations of the chemistry research community about their use.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 17 face‐to‐face interviews were conducted with members of academic staff and postgraduate research students (PGRs), in chemistry departments at a number of UK universities.

Findings

As part of the StORe project (http://jiscstore.jot.com/WikiHome), which sought to develop new ways of linking academic publications with repositories of research data, 38 members of academic and research staff from institutions across the UK provided valuable feedback regarding the nature of their research, the type of data that they produce, the sharing and availability of research data and the use and expectations of source and output repositories.

Research limitations/implications

Interpretation of the results must recognise that the majority of the interviewees worked in the area of theoretical/computational chemistry and therefore their views may not be representative of other chemistry research fields.

Originality/value

Studies about the workflows and the norms in the use of source and output repositories are limited in the literature.
Triggers and processes of value creation in Australia's chicken meat industry
Authors: Insch Andrea
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify and explain the triggers and processes of value creation in Australia's chicken meat supply chains. This industry was chosen as the critical case due to the rapid rise in poultry meat consumption in western markets. This study addresses the lack of understanding about the transformation of agri‐food supply chains to provide a chronological and historical explanation of patterns of value creation in this industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A historical case study approach was chosen. Multiple primary and secondary sources were collated and analysed to describe events in narrative form.

Findings

Analysis of the patterns of value creation revealed four major phases in the evolution of Australia's chicken meat supply chains. In each phase a dominant form of value creation was identified and the triggers that facilitated the transition between phases are described.

Research limitations/implications

As the study is confined to a single industry, further research in other settings is needed to verify the patterns described. Since agri‐food supply chains are dynamic they should be continuously monitored to identify trends that resemble previous triggers and processes, or manifest as novel ones.

Originality/value

This study takes a historical perspective to identify the triggers and patterns of value creation in Australia's chicken meat supply chains. A schema of phases of value creation is offered that can potentially be applied by practitioners in other industries to diagnose the possible outcomes of prior events and actions by supply chain members.
Differentiation strategies in vertical channels
Authors: Hingley Martin , Sodano Valeria , Lindgreen Adam
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this article is twofold: first, to review the literature in order to assess the opportunities and the possible welfare effects of differentiation strategies in the food market; and second, to analyse the current structure and organisation of the fresh produce market (fruit, vegetable, and salad) in the light of new product procurement, innovation, and differentiation policies carried out by retailers at the global level.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper used a single dyadic case study across two countries (Italy and the UK): the primary producer is engaged in “partner” supply to a principal category management intermediary for channel leading multiple retailers.

Findings

First, equilibrium in differentiated markets is not stable, and a welfare assessment is difficult. Second, a differentiation strategy in the market for fresh produce might benefit retailers more than in other sectors, which seem to be consistent with the theoretical findings. Third, when retailers engage in product differentiation it is more likely that channel relationships shift from collaborative to competitive types, with the power imbalance becoming the disciplinary means by which vertical coordination is achieved and maintained.

Research limitations/implications

This article was based on a single case study.

Practical implications

For suppliers it could be wise to agree to some inequity as the cost of doing business, especially when smart large retailers carry out successfully competitive strategies with positive spill‐over effects on the upstream firms.

Originality/value

Using the industrial economic literature on the effects of differentiation strategies (horizontal and vertical differentiation) on market structure, firms' performance, and welfare effects, this paper analyses case findings from a study in the fresh produce industry and will be of interest to those within the field.
The impact of income‐contingent provisions on students' loan‐taking behaviour
Authors: Rose Birch Elisa , Miller Paul W.
Published: January 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the determinants of taking out government‐funded student loans for university study in Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses an ordered probit model to quantify the influence of the various factors which affect students' decisions on funding their tertiary study using student loans or through other means.

Findings

The study finds that the probability of taking out student loans for the full cost of university is largely influenced by students' socioeconomic status. Other major influences on this decision include students' demographic and university enrolment characteristics.

Research limitations/implications

A limitation of the work is that only a neighbourhood (rather than an individual‐level) measure of socioeconomic status was available, and future research should seek to address this.

Practical implications

The research shows that the parameters of loan schemes do not seem to be able to over‐ride the influence that family background has on loan taking behaviour. That is, poor students use loans regardless of the parameters of the loans scheme in order to overcome short‐term credit constraints. In other words, these student loan schemes channel funds to those without other means of funding their higher education.

Originality/value

By showing the impact that income contingent provisions have on loan taking behaviour, the paper informs policy makers of potential impacts from modifying loans schemes to reflect this characteristic.
The role of computer usage in the availability of credit for small businesses
Authors: Singh Chaitanya , Griffiths Mark D.
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a descriptive analysis of the role of computer usage in determining the credit score for small business owners.

Design/methodology/approach

Bitler, Robb, and Wolken report over three‐quarters of all small business use computerized systems. Since such systems are faster, more accurate, and less fallible than manual systems, we investigate whether increased use of computers leads to better credit ratings and leads to access to larger credit lines.

Findings

The results suggest that computer usage has virtually no effect in the determination of credit by financial service providers. Credit analysis and risk measures dominate the decision‐making process.

Research limitations/implications

The 3,561 surveyed firms are skewed toward very small firms with approximately 64 per cent having less than five employees and an 20 per cent having less than ten employees. Forty per cent of the firms have annual sales of less than $100,000 while only 1.8 per cent of the firms have sales in excess of $10 million.

Practical implications

Computerization is an operational necessity but credit worthiness is a function of the overall management characteristics of the firm and not the tools employed by the management team.

Originality/value

A minority of small businesses do not use computerization and these tend to be among the smallest in size and with the lowest levels of credit‐worthiness. Nonetheless, credit worthiness is determined by standard credit analysis and risk measures rather than operational efficiency.
Internet auctions as a means of issuing financial securities: the case of the OpenIPO
Authors: Jones Steven L. , Yeoman John C.
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the OpenIPO process, vis‐à‐vis traditional bookbuilding, and evaluate the suitability of the OpenIPO for various types of companies, market conditions, and assets.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper develops the pros and cons of the OpenIPO process, vis‐à‐vis the traditional bookbuilding method, in light of the recent academic literature on securities auctions and the results of the OpenIPOs Hambrecht has conducted, as of mid‐2004.

Findings

The main advantage of the OpenIPO process is that it precludes many of the abuses recently observed in investment banking; however, it is not well suited for complex businesses that are either difficult to value or far removed from the public eye.

Research limitations/implications

Only nine OpenIPOs have been conducted by Hambrecht, or using the Hambrecht method, as of the completion of this paper in mid‐2004.

Practical implications

The paper foresees the OpenIPO process of Hambrecht as supplementing, rather than supplanting, the traditional bookbuilding method. This could come about through the emergence of the OpenIPO as a more viable alternative to bookbuilding, or possibly through some hybrid type of offering in which individual investors play a larger role in price discovery, via the internet, and shares are allocated through both the internet auction and traditional bookbuilding.

Originality/value

Managers considering an initial public offering have a choice between the OpenIPO process of Hambrecht, used in the Google offering, and the traditional bookbuilding process. The choice of the OpenIPO has become more viable not only because of the Google offering, but due to the severe criticism the traditional method has received in recent years for alleged abuses related to the pricing and allocation of shares. This paper assists managers in evaluating this choice IPO offer type while rigorously evaluating the pros and cons of the OpenIPO process and its likely future role in the investment banking industry.
Using instant messenger in the finance course
Authors: Michelson Stuart , Smith Stanley D.
Published: January 2008

Purpose

New technologies have provided new tools we may use as finance professors to communicate with our students. Instant messaging (IM) has become a common communication tool in industry and among students. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the use of IM as a communication tool in finance courses.

Design/methodology/approach

After reviewing the advantages and disadvantages of IM, the students were surveyed to determine how they viewed IM in comparison to other communication techniques.

Findings

The paper finds that 50 per cent or students use IM at any time (not just for class). The majority of the IM users, use it several times a day and have used it for two to three years. Only about 15.7 per cent of our students have used IM for our classes. The range of IM usage in the classes is 7‐25 per cent. Of those students who have used IM for our courses, they have used it 2‐5 times during the semester and almost all students found it useful. Students were asked to rate various methods of professor/student communication. The students strongly like face‐to‐face communication, followed by (in order of preference) email, IM, and telephone. Students disagree with the statement that IM is a substitute for face‐to‐face interaction and agree that IM is a supplement to face‐to‐face interaction.

Originality/value

The findings suggest ways to improve communications with students and other persons.
Employee training needs and perceived value of training in the Pearl River Delta of China
Authors: Kai Ming Au Alan , Altman Yochanan , Roussel Josse
Published: January 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to explore Hong Kong firms' training needs in the Pearl River Delta, a booming region in the fast growing People Republic of China economy, by resorting to a human capital approach. Also, to identify the training policies selected by those firms in order to cater for those needs.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey based mail questionnaire was sent to a large sample of Hong Kong firms (mostly SMEs) operating in the Pearl River Delta area. The questionnaire was designed in two parts: the first asked close‐ended questions about firm characteristics, knowledge needs of staff and recruitment policies; the other enquired about preferences for study training programs. Results are analyzed employing an Anova and Conjoint Analysis within the context of a human capital framework.

Findings

Finds that Hong Kong firms investing in PRD recruit their senior staff from Hong Kong, whereas junior and intermediate level staffs are hired from the Mainland. It also shows that intermediate and senior level staff benefit from most of the training investments, where unskilled are deprived of training altogether.

Practical implications

Obtains a practical insight on human capital management policies by foreign investors in fast‐growing emerging economies.

Originality/value

Provides an innovative study of an under‐researched area in the fastest growing region of the People Republic of China.
Promotion in call centres: opportunities and determinants
Authors: Tatiana Gorjup María , Valverde Mireia , Ryan Gerard
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the quality of jobs in call centres by focusing on the opportunities for promotion in this sector. More specifically, the research questions focus on discovering whether promotion is common practise in the call centre sector and on identifying the factors that affect this.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey questionnaire was administered to call centre directors or their human resource managers. A least square regression analysis was carried out to examine how training, job security and knowledge about employees' abilities, affect the use of promotion in call centres, as well as three structural variables of the organisations: size, being part of a larger organisation and whether the call centre was in‐house or outsourced.

Findings

The results suggest a limited use of promotion and the absence of consolidated internal labour markets in this sector. Nevertheless, a diverse range of call centres exists in terms of the use of promotion. The analysis identifies structural and managerial variables that identify where promotion is likely to be employed more intensively in call centres.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of the paper is related to the variables used to examine training. An important implication of the results for managers is the suggestion to employ promotion policies with other human resource management practices.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this paper is the finding that the use of promotion has been determined by structural factors and other management practices. Therefore, call centre managers are encouraged to establish these practices in order to subsequently facilitate the use of promotion.
Synthesis and characterisation of 9,9‐bis(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐fluorene catalysed by cation exchanger
Authors: Liu W. , Wang J. , Qiu Q.H. , Ji L. , Wang C.Y. , Zhang M.L.
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to synthesise high‐purity 9,9‐bis(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐fluorene (BHPF).

Design/methodology/approach

9,9‐bis(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐fluorene was prepared from phenol and fluorenone using cationic ion‐exchange resin as the condensation catalyst. The purity and chemical structure of the resulting 9,9‐bis(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐fluorene were characterised by elemental analysis, MS, HPLC, FTIR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopy, etc.

Findings

The purity and weight yield of 9,9‐bis(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐fluorene reached up to 99.1 and 81.3 per cent, respectively, under the optimal reaction condition, that is, the molar ratio of phenol to fluorenone was 8‐1, the reaction temperature was 100°C, reaction time was 10 h, the mass percentage of cation exchanger accounting for the total reactants was 15 per cent and the co‐catalyst quantity was 0.2 ml.

Originality/value

The method for preparation was novel and could find numerous applications as monomer or modifier for heat‐resistant adhesives, high‐temperature coatings and matrix resin for advanced composites, etc.