bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solar induced growth of silver nanocrystals
Authors: Thøgersen Annett , Muntingh Georg
Published: April 2013

The effect of solar irradiation on plasmonic silver nanocrystals has been investigated using transmission electron microscopy and size distribution analysis, in the context of solar cell applications for light harvesting. Starting from an initial collection of spherical nanocrystals on a carbon film whose sizes are log-normally distributed, solar irradiation causes the nanocrystals to grow, with one particle reaching a diameter of 638 nm after four hours of irradiation. In addition some of the larger particles lose their spherical shape. The average nanocrystal diameter was found to grow as predicted by the Ostwald ripening model, taking into account the range of area fractions of the samples. The size distribution stays approximately log-normal and does not reach one of the steady-state size distributions predicted by the Ostwald ripening model. This might be explained by the system being in a transient state.
Ultrafast 2DIR probe of a host-guest inclusion complex: Structural and dynamical constraints of nanoconfinement
Authors: Osborne Derek G. , King John T. , Dunbar Josef A. , White Aaron M. , Kubarych Kevin J.
Published: April 2013

Two-dimensional infrared (2DIR) spectroscopy is used to study the influence of nanoconfinement on the spectral diffusion dynamics of cyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (CpMn(CO)3, CMT) free in solution and confined in the cavity of β-cyclodextrin. Contrary to the reorientation correlation function of the solvent molecules, determined through molecular dynamics simulations, measurements in three different solvents indicate that CMT confined in β-cyclodextrin undergoes spectral diffusion that is faster than free CMT. To account for this discrepancy, we propose that spectral diffusion time scales contain a dynamical contribution that is dependent on the effective size of the conformational space presented by the solvation environment. This solvation state space size is related to the number of participating solvent molecules, which in turn is proportional to the solvent accessible surface area (SASA). We test the role of the number of participating solvent molecules using a simple Gaussian-Markov simulation and find that an increase in the number of participating solvent molecules indeed slows the time required to search the available conformational space. Finally, we test this dependence by comparing the spectral diffusion of a previously studied manganese carbonyl, dimanganese decacarbonyl (Mn2(CO)10, DMDC), to CMT and find that DMDC, which has a larger SASA, exhibits slower spectral diffusion. The experimental observations and the supporting simplistic solvation model suggest that vibrational probe molecules, such as CMT, might be able to function as sensors of conformational entropy.
Dielectric breakdown properties of SF6–N2 mixtures at 0.01–1.6 MPa and 300–3000 K
Authors: Zhao Hu , Li Xingwen , Jia Shenli , Murphy Anthony B.
Published: April 2013

The dielectric breakdown properties of SF6–N2 mixtures were investigated at different concentrations of N2, 0.01–1.6 MPa, and 300–3000 K. The equilibrium compositions of different SF6–N2 mixtures at several gas pressures and temperatures up to 3000 K were first calculated by minimizing the Gibbs free energy under the assumptions of local thermodynamic and chemical equilibrium. The electron energy distribution function was then obtained using the composition data by Boltzmann equation analysis. It was found that adding N2 to SF6 gas can markedly reduce the kinetic energy of electrons at relatively high gas temperatures, which enhances the dielectric field strength. Finally, the critical reduced electric field (E/N)cr, defined as the value for which ionization is equal to attachment, of hot SF6–N2 mixtures was determined. The results indicate that in the gas temperature range around 2000–3000 K, increasing the concentration of N2 effectively enhances the (E/N)cr of SF6–N2 mixtures, and the (E/N)cr of SF6–N2 mixtures at a wide range of concentrations of N2 (5%, 50%, and 95%) are all higher than that of pure SF6 gas. Further, this trend exists at all the gas pressures considered (0.01–1.6 MPa).
Magnetoelectric susceptibility tensor of multiferroic TbMnO3 with cycloidal antiferromagnetic structure in external field
Authors: Bychkov Igor V. , Kuzmin Dmitry A. , Lamekhov Sergey J. , Shavrov Vladimir G.
Published: April 2013

Magnetoelectric, dielectric, and magnetic susceptibility tensors of multiferroic TbMnO3 with cycloidal antiferromagnetic structure in external electric and magnetic fields have been investigated with taking into account dynamics of spin, electro-dipole, and acoustic subsystems. All components of tensors depend on values of external electric and magnetic fields. The possibility of control of electrodynamic properties of multiferroic TbMnO3 with cycloidal antiferromagnetic structure by external electric and magnetic fields has been shown. The resonant interaction of spin, electro-dipole, electromagnetic, and acoustic waves in such material is observed.
Enhancement mechanism of terahertz radiation from coherent longitudinal optical phonons in undoped GaAs/n-type GaAs epitaxial structures
Authors: Tsuruta Shuichi , Takeuchi Hideo , Yamada Hisashi , Hata Masahiko , Nakayama Masaaki
Published: April 2013

We have investigated the characteristics of monochromatic terahertz electromagnetic waves emitted from coherent longitudinal optical (LO) phonons in undoped GaAs/n-type GaAs epitaxial structures with various thicknesses, which range from 200 nm to 1200 nm, of the undoped GaAs layer. The terahertz waves were measured at room temperature using an optical gating method with a photoconductive dipole antenna. It was found that the intensity of the terahertz waves markedly depends on the thickness of the undoped GaAs layer. The analysis of Franz-Keldysh oscillations observed with photoreflectance spectroscopy demonstrates that the built-in electric field strength in the undoped GaAs layer, which results from the Fermi-level pinning at the surface, increases from 6.1 kV/cm to 28.4 kV/cm with a decrease in the thickness. It was revealed that the amplitude of the terahertz wave is proportional to the electric field strength in the undoped GaAs layer. This fact indicates that the efficiency of the terahertz radiation is dominated by the initial polarization of the LO phonons induced by the built-in electric field, which provides us a simple strategy for the enhancement of the terahertz radiation from the coherent LO phonons.
Magnetic properties of GaAs/Fe core/shell nanowires
Authors: Pimpinella R. E. , Zhang D. , McCartney M. R. , Smith D. J. , Krycka K. L. , Kirby B. J. , O'Dowd B. J. , Sonderhouse L. , Leiner J. , Liu X. , Dobrowolska M. , Furdyna J. K.
Published: April 2013

We describe the magnetic properties of nanoscale Fe shells grown on GaAs nanowires (NWs) by molecular beam epitaxy. The ferromagnetic character of these tubular Fe shells has been confirmed by dc magnetization measurements, and is further studied by ferromagnetic resonance (FMR), small-angle neutron scattering (SANS), and off-axis electron holography (EH).
Optical properties and microstructure of 2.02-3.30 eV ZnCdO nanowires: Effect of thermal annealing
Authors: Lopez-Ponce M. , Hierro A. , Ulloa J. M. , Lefebvre P. , Muñoz E. , Agouram S. , Muñoz-Sanjosé V. , Yamamoto K. , Nakamura A. , Temmyo J.
Published: April 2013

ZnCdO nanowires with up to 45% Cd are demonstrated showing room temperature photoluminescence (PL) down to 2.02 eV and a radiative efficiency similar to that of ZnO nanowires. Analysis of the microstructure in individual nanowires confirms the presence of a single wurtzite phase even at the highest Cd contents, with a homogeneous distribution of Cd both in the longitudinal and transverse directions. Thermal annealing at 550 °C yields an overall improvement of the PL, which is blue-shifted as a result of the homogeneous decrease of Cd throughout the nanowire, but the single wurtzite structure is fully maintained.
Terbium-terbium interactions in lead phosphate glasses
Authors: Pisarski Wojciech A. , Żur Lidia , Sołtys Marta , Pisarska Joanna
Published: April 2013

Blue and green luminescence spectra of Tb3+ ions in lead phosphate glasses were examined under UV excitation. The green-to-blue luminescence intensity ratio G/B is considerably reduced with decreasing Tb3+ concentration. Thus, blue emission lines are enhanced in comparison to the main 5D4-7F5 green transition of Tb3+. These effects strongly depend on terbium-terbium interactions in lead phosphate glasses. It was confirmed by luminescence decay curve analysis and calculations using the Inokuti-Hirayama model.
Spin interference in Rashba metal ring in a time-dependent magnetic field
Authors: Chen Ji , Abdul Jalil Mansoor Bin , Ghee Tan Seng
Published: April 2013

We investigate spin transport in a metal square ring with a strong Rashba spin orbit coupling (RSOC) effect, in the presence of a time-dependent magnetic field. We show that RSOC can be regarded as a spin-dependent gauge field which imparts a spin-dependent geometric phase (Aharonov-Casher phase) to conduction electrons in the ring. Combining the Aharonov-Bohm phase due to the time-dependent magnetic field with the able Aharonov-Casher phase due to RSOC, we are able to construct a spin interference condition, which modulates spin transport in the ring. The spin transport in the system is calculated via the tight-binding non-equilibrium Green's function formalism. Based on our transport calculations, we proposed a potential application of the Rashba square ring system as an alternating spin current generator.
Ferromagnetic (Ga,Mn)As nanowires grown by Mn-assisted molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Bouravleuv Alexei , Cirlin George , Sapega Victor , Werner Peter , Savin Alexander , Lipsanen Harri
Published: April 2013

(Ga,Mn)As nanowires were grown by molecular beam epitaxy using Mn as a growth catalyst on GaAs(001) substrates at 485 °C, i.e., at intermediate temperatures higher than ones used for the growth of (Ga,Mn)As thin films, but lower than the ordinary temperatures of Au-assisted growth of GaAs nanowires. (Ga,Mn)As nanowires obtained with typical lengths between 0.8 and 4 μm and diameters 50–90 nm do not have defects, such as dislocations or precipitates, except for the stacking faults lying parallel to the growth direction. The investigation of magnetic and optical properties has been carried out not only for as-grown samples with nanowires but also for peeled off nanowires from the host substrate. The results obtained demonstrate that (Ga,Mn)As nanowires exhibit ferromagnetic ordering around 70 K.
Probing the magnetization reversal process of permalloy nano-rings with high wall height-to-thickness ratios
Authors: Chao C. T. , Huang Y. C. , Kuo C. Y. , Horng Lance , Wu J. C.
Published: April 2013

We report a study of magnetization reversal process on a tall magnetic nano-ring with a wall height-to-thickness ratio of up to 21. Samples in a hexagonal lattice pattern of ring array with an outer/inner diameter of 300/260 nm and a ring height of 420 nm are fabricated using electron beam lithography in conjunction with an ion beam etching technique. A longitudinal magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE) measurement reveals that meta-stable states exist during the magnetization reversal process. In particular, the exact magnetization configurations at the top end of the nano-ring are illustrated using magnetic force microscopy (MFM) that is facilitated with a photoresist etch-back technique. Most interestingly, MFM images of two sets of head-to-head (H2H)/tail-to-tail (T2T) domain walls are captured during the magnetization reversal process. It is believed that the domain walls formation and evolution processes at the top end of the nano-ring are mediated by the anti-symmetrical distribution of the vortex domain wall on the tubular sidewalls. Simulation results using Object Oriented Micromagnetic Framework confirm the MOKE hysteresis loop and MFM imaging.
Non-invasive in situ plasma monitoring of reactive gases using the floating harmonic method for inductively coupled plasma etching application
Authors: Lee J. H. , Yoon Y. S. , Kim M. J.
Published: April 2013

The floating harmonic method was developed for in situ plasma diagnostics of allowing real time measurement of electron temperature (Te) and ion flux (Jion) without contamination of the probe from surface modification by reactive species. In this study, this novel non-invasive diagnostic system was studied to characterize inductively coupled plasma of reactive gases monitoring Te and Jion for investigating the optimum plasma etching conditions and controlling of the real-time plasma surface reaction in the range of 200–900 W source power, 10–100 W bias power, and 3–15 mTorr chamber pressure, respectively.
Optical constants of SrF2 thin films in the 25–780-eV spectral range
Authors: Marcos Luis Rodríguez-de , Larruquert Juan I. , Aznárez José A. , Fernández-Perea Mónica , Soufli Regina , Méndez José A. , Baker Sherry L. , Gullikson Eric M.
Published: April 2013

The transmittance and the optical constants of SrF2 thin films, a candidate material for multilayer coatings operating in the extreme ultraviolet and soft x-rays, have been determined in the spectral range of 25–780 eV, in most of which no experimental data were previously available. SrF2 films of various thicknesses were deposited by evaporation onto room-temperature, thin Al support films, and their transmittance was measured with synchrotron radiation. The transmittance as a function of film thickness was used to calculate the extinction coefficient k at each photon energy. A decrease in density with increasing SrF2 film thickness was observed. In the calculation of k, this effect was circumvented by fitting the transmittance versus the product of thickness and density. The real part of the refractive index of SrF2 films was calculated from k with Kramers-Krönig analysis, for which the measured spectral range was extended both to lower and to higher photon energies with data in the literature combined with interpolations and extrapolations. With the application of f- and inertial sum rules, the consistency of the compiled data was found to be excellent.
Hysteresis and charge trapping in graphene quantum dots
Authors: Kalita Hemen , V Harikrishnan , Shinde Dhanraj B. , Pillai Vijayamohanan K. , Aslam M.
Published: April 2013

We report current hysteresis in response to applied voltage in graphene quantum dots of average diameter 4.5 ± 0.55 nm, synthesized electrochemically using multiwalled carbon nanotubes. In response to step voltages, transient current decay, characteristic of deep and shallow level charge traps with time constants 186 ms and 6 s, is observed. Discharging current transients indicate charge storage of the order of 100 μC. Trap states are believed to arise due to the fast physisorption of external adsorbates, which are found to have a significant effect on charge transport and changes the resistance of the prepared device by an order of 3.
Diode laser spectroscopic measurements of gas temperature in a pulsed dielectric barrier discharge using collisional broadening and shift of 1s3−2p2 and 1s5−2p7 argon transitions
Authors: Leiweke R. J. , Ganguly B. N.
Published: April 2013

The average gas temperature rise within an argon dielectric barrier discharge operating from 50 to 500 Torr excited by 5 kHz repetition rate fast rise time high voltage pulse has been measured. For these measurements within high pressure discharges, we have employed two novel gas temperature measurement techniques based upon tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy that take advantage of the nonresonant collision line broadening and collisional frequency shifts from relatively strong argon 1s3-2p2 and 1s5-2p7 transitions from the metastable states. An in situ estimate of collisional broadening coefficients for both transitions have been obtained from 5 to 30 Torr data using an independent estimate of gas temperature from Doppler line width measurements. Our measurements show that the effect of the isolated line assumption inherent within the van der Waals collisional impact approximation limit begins to fail for the 1s3-2p2 and 1s5-2p7 spectral lines when collisional line broadening exceeds ∼23 GHz line separation at gas pressure >300 Torr with gas temperature near ambient. A comparison of gas temperature estimates from both line broadening and peak frequency shift shows that the frequency shift provides a more reliable measurement of gas temperature, indicating that the isolated line assumption holds for collisional peak frequency shifts, even for partially overlapping lines.
Computational study on band structure engineering using graphene nanomeshes
Authors: Sako Ryūtaro , Hasegawa Naomi , Tsuchiya Hideaki , Ogawa Matsuto
Published: April 2013

Graphene nanomeshes (GNMs) are expected to be a high-performance channel material for metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect-transistors (MOSFETs), since they can open up a band gap in a large sheet of graphene thin film by simply introducing two-dimensional periodical nanoscale holes. In this paper, we theoretically investigate the electronic band structures and the electron transport properties of GNMs based on a tight-binding approach. We demonstrate that GNMs have the capability of band structure engineering by controlling its neck width and furthermore the potential ability providing high current drivability when applied to a field-effect-transistor channel.
Electronic and thermoelectric properties of assembled graphene nanoribbons with elastic strain and structural dislocation
Authors: Liang Liangbo , Meunier Vincent
Published: April 2013

Graphene nanowiggles (GNWs) are one-dimensional wiggle edged graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) that have been synthesized using an atomically precise bottom-up approach. They are known to possess superior thermoelectric properties compared to straight GNRs. Here, first-principles density functional theory calculations establish that these properties can be further enhanced when they undergo a structural dislocation. While such plastic deformation raises the figure of merit ZT above 1 at room temperature, an elastic deformation under uniaxial tension does not increase ZT. The calculations also show that the GNWs possess a Young's modulus (0.82 TPa) smaller than that of their straight GNR counterparts (1.08 TPa).
Cr(110) texture induced by epitaxy on Al2O3(0001) substrates: Preferential grain growth in the 〈001〉 direction
Authors: Boekelheide Z. , Hellman F.
Published: April 2013

Chromium exhibits (110) textured growth on Al2O3(0001) substrates induced by epitaxy. Epitaxy occurs in nine distinct orientations, leading to a polycrystalline film of grains with (110) out-of-plane orientation but different in-plane orientations. For e-beam evaporated films, scanning electron microscopy shows acicular Cr grains elongated in the 〈001〉 direction. Grain boundaries occur along (11¯0) and (1¯10) planes, which is explained by the low surface energy of {110} planes in the bcc structure. The direction of the long axes of the grains relative to the substrate is defined by the underlying hexagonal symmetry of the substrate, leading to a unique tri-directional microstructure.
Impact of carbon and nitrogen impurities in high-κ dielectrics on metal-oxide-semiconductor devices
Authors: Choi Minseok , Lyons John L. , Janotti Anderson , Van de Walle Chris G.
Published: April 2013

We investigate the electronic structure of carbon and nitrogen impurities, which are commonly incorporated during atomic-layer deposition of high-κ oxides such as Al2O3 and HfO2. The impact on metal-oxide-semiconductor devices is assessed by examining formation energies, transition levels, and band alignment between the oxide and semiconductors such as GaN, Si, and III-As. Carbon introduces charge-state transition levels near the semiconductor conduction-band edges, resulting in border traps and/or leakage current. Nitrogen acts as a source of negative fixed charge but may also be effective in alleviating the problem of carrier traps associated with native defects.
The health of overseas-born Australians, 1994-1996
Authors: Strong Kathleen , Trickett Phil , Bhatia Kuldeep
Published: April 2013

Analysis of mortality, hospital separations and self-reported health indicators by country of birth group has confirmed that overseas-born populations are generally in better health than their Australian-born contemporaries. The better health of the overseas-born may be reflected in both the willingness and eligibility of individuals to emigrate.

Overseas-born individuals were placed into one of the four groups according to place of birth. These included the United Kingdom and Ireland, Other Europe, Asia and other. All population groups reported lower mortality and hospitalisation rates for all causes of disease combined. The Asian-born population had the lowest mortality rates with 38% less mortality for males and 30% less for females. Hospitalisation rates were also lower for the Asian-born, with males and females having 46% and 37% fewer hospital separations compared to the Australian-born population. However, diabetes mortality was greater for males and females from Other Europe, Asia and other regions. Both males and females from the United Kingdom and Ireland group showed increased mortality from lung cancer. Mortality and hospitalisation for cervical cancer was also significantly higher for Asian-born and other females.

The mortality and hospitalisation data corresponded well with self-reported prevalence of health-related risk factors. For example, self reported diabetes prevalence was higher for the Other Europe, Asia and Other groups. Asian and Other females reported significantly less use of regular Pap smear tests, reflecting their increased mortality and hospitalisation for cervical cancer.

These results support the finding of past studies that the health of migrants is generally better than that of the Australian-born population and reflects a 'healthy migrant' effect.
Finite element modelling of seawater intrusion in Wadi Ham aquifer, UAE
Authors: Javadi A.A. , Sherif M.M. , Abd‐Elhamid H.F.
Published: April 2013

Purpose

Seawater intrusion represents a major problem in many coastal aquifers all over the world. It degrades the water‐quality and hence the groundwater may become unsuitable for domestic and agriculture purposes. Due to the direct hydraulic contact between the freshwater and saline water in coastal aquifers and the density difference between the two water bodies, the seawater migrates inland. The problem is exacerbated when the groundwater abstraction rates exceed the natural recharge from rainfall events. The key to controlling this problem is to maintain the proper balance between water being pumped from the aquifer and the amount of water recharging it. The purpose of this paper is to present a coupled transient finite element model for simulation of fluid flow and solute transport in soils with application to study seawater intrusion in coastal aquifers.

Design/methodology/approach

The model includes coupling of fluid flow and solute transport. Transient density‐dependent flow and the dependency of dispersion on velocity are considered. After validation, the model is applied to predict the seawater intrusion in the Wadi Ham aquifer, UAE in vertical sections and the results are compared with those from a commercial code (SEWAT) which was used to simulate seawater intrusion in the aquifer in a horizontal section.

Findings

A good agreement is observed between the results of the current model in the vertical cross‐section and those of SEWAT in the horizontal cross‐section for the case of Wadi Ham. The results show that the model can predict the extent of seawater intrusion (and the transition zone) and distribution of salt concentration in the aquifer with a good accuracy.

Originality/value

The developed model includes coupling of fluid flow and solute transport in saturated and unsaturated porous media. Transient density‐dependent flow and the dependency of dispersion on velocity are considered. The model has been applied to a real world case study. A combination of the results in vertical and horizontal sections has been used to build a 3D picture of seawater intrusion in the aquifer.
Interface fracture of hybrid joint of glass‐/steel‐fiber composite
Authors: Boseman M.F. , Kwon Y.W. , Loup D.C. , Rasmussen E.A.
Published: April 2013

Purpose

In order to connect a fiberglass composite structure to a steel structure, a hybrid composite made of glass and steel fibers has been studied. The hybrid composite has one end section with all glass fibers and the opposite end section with all steel fibers. As a result, it contains a transition section in the middle of the hybrid composite changing from glass fibers to steel fibers. The purpose of this paper is to examine interface strength at the glass to steel fiber transition section, in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the hybrid composite as a joining technique between a polymer composite structure and a metallic structure.

Design/methodology/approach

The present micromechanical study considers two types of glass to steel fiber joints: butt and overlap joints. For the butt joint, the end shape of the steel fiber is also modified to determine its effect on interface strength. The interface strength is predicted numerically based on the virtual crack closure technique to determine which joint is the strongest under various loading conditions such as tension, shear and bending. Numerical models include resin layers discretely. A virtual crack is considered inside the resin, at the resin/glass‐layer interface, and at the resin/steel‐layer interface. The crack is located at the critical regions of the joints.

Findings

Overall, the butt joint is stronger than the overlap joint regardless of loading types and directions. Furthermore, modification of an end shape of the middle fiber layers in the butt joint shifts the critical failure location.

Originality/value

The paper describes one of a few studies which investigated the interface strength of the hybrid joint made of fiberglass and steel‐fiber composites. This joint is important to connect a polymeric composite structure to a metallic structure without using conventional mechanical joints.
An introduction to computer viruses: problems and solutions
Authors: Khan Imran
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss various types of computer viruses, along with their characteristics, working, effects on the computer systems and to suggest measures for detecting the virus infection in a computer system and to elaborate means of prevention.

Design/methodology/approach

The author undertook an extensive study and review of the literature available online and on relevant web sites on the present topic.

Findings

A large number of viruses were found during the study, which are causing serious damages to computer systems. The author suggests ways to detect and prevent the different computer viruses.

Research limitations/implications

The research is based on and limited to the study of the relevant literature available on different relevant web sites.

Practical implications

The research will benefit business organizations, business houses, educational institutions and libraries working in fully computerized environments, in detection of viruses and preventing infection of their computer systems.

Social implications

The society will also benefit by attaining knowledge about the different types of computer viruses and the measures of prevention of infection.

Originality/value

There are a number of studies and articles available on the topic but almost all of them appear to be incomplete in the sense that either they discuss only a limited number of known viruses or suggest only limited ways of prevention. The paper has made an attempt to discuss almost all the computer viruses and every possible way of prevention of infection from them.
AAAS's 37th Annual Forum on Science and Technology Policy
Authors: Arthur Mihram G.
Published: April 2013

Purpose

This article aims to report on the 2012 AAAS Forum on Science and Technology Policy, held 26‐27 April 2012 in Washington, DC, at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. Its major focus this year was the current “intertwined budget and political crises”.

Design/methodology/approach

This report includes an overview of the themes of the several panel discussions conducted at the Forum.

Findings

There were two or three of the panels which addressed issues of particular interest to librarians and information specialists, such as copyright protection and the need for support, likely legislative in nature, for archival repositories in our digital depositories.

Originality/value

This report provides insights on the preparation of the upcoming FY 2013 Federal budget in the areas of science and technology. Various themes in science and technology research are highlighted by the Forum's several panels.
The African Public Library Summit, Johannesburg, South Africa, September 19‐21, 2012
Authors: Weah T. Michael
Published: April 2013

Purpose

This conference report aims to detail proceedings of the African Public Library Summit, Johannesburg, South Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

This conference report results from the author's attendance at the meeting.

Findings

The conference was a positive and motivating step for libraries and librarians in Liberia.

Originality/value

This is a unique report of the conference.
Using a digital preservation system to ensure access to online digital content
Authors: Gust Philip
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the benefits of integrating a digital preservation system into the library as a way to ensure uninterrupted access to e‐journals and e‐books.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper introduces the concept of a digital preservation system, and shows how it can made to benefit end‐users through a simple integration with the online pubic access catalogue (OPAC), to ensure continuous access to a library's e‐journals and e‐books.

Findings

A digital preservation system ensures that libraries continue to have access to on‐line assets once a subscription is cancelled or the publisher discontinues access. It extends the traditional library model of print journals and books on the shelf to encompass digital media. Providing end‐user access to preserved content can be simplified by integrating the online public access catalogue (OPAC) with the digital preservation system through a link resolver. End‐users can access the preserved content using an interface they already know, and the integration guards against publisher outages to provide continuous access to the library's digital collection.

Practical implications

The techniques shown in this paper can be extended to integrating digital preservation systems with other library systems.

Originality/value

This paper illustrates a simple way for the library to ensure that end‐users have un‐interrupted access to digital assets, even if it is necessary to cancel a subscription or there is a temporary disruption in service from the publisher.
Beyond access: local alternatives for global development – discovering libraries
Authors: Kesselman Martin
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on the 2012 Open Access Conference.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of a conference report.

Findings

This paper contains original reporting and viewpoints.

Originality/value

This paper gives personal views on the conference.
NewGenLib 3: an integrated open source library management system that makes your library visible in web
Authors: Giri Rabishankar
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an introduction to NewGenLib 3.0, as well as a case study which seeks to document the experiences of using NewGenlib3.0.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides description on technology used and the architecture of NewGenlib3.0. It also documented the experience of using NewGenlib 3.0 in the Learning Resource Center of Indira Gandhi Institute of Technology as well as views about NewGenLib3.0 from participants of OSS workshops.

Findings

Use of well designed system analysis along with well tested and widely supported OSS components and opens standards makes it a very user friendly and reliable Integrated Library Management software which can be easily implemented in a library without much technical hand or a rigorous training program. The open source development process facilitated the sharing and collaboration that made this rapid improvement possible.

Research limitations/implications

In this paper, NewGenLib version 3.0.3 U5 has been tested and used, but 3.0.4 R1 released recently has not been tested.

Practical implications

The paper will help other libraries that are considering the possibility of using Open Source Integrated Library Management software in determining the most suitable one.

Originality/value

The paper provides a unique account of a library's experience as well as software architectures and some evaluation by workshop participants.
Professional profile of digital repository manager
Authors: Repanovici Angela
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to undertake professional profiling of the trustworthy digital repositories managers. Starting from the ISO standard: trustworthy digital repositories, 2011, an interdisciplinary high education program was designed and adapted to the requirements and skills of the electronic information managers.

Design/methodology/approach

The interdisciplinary study program “Advanced systems for libraries, archives and museums”, which is proposed will be disseminated to the 2011 graduates. An online questionnaire is generated and distributed to the engineering students and information science students. The research was developed at Transilvania University.

Findings

The digital repository manager is a very important job for the future of the society. The engineering students proposed very precise topics in the field of IT, skills meant to predict the size of these databases and to assure fast information recovery systems, the ones from information science proposed topics for information management, copyright conditions and information security. This is the premise of creating an attractive curriculum.

Research limitations/implications

The sample size limits the extent of statistical analyses and possible generalizations. The planned qualitative research may help in confirmation of the repository manager profiles.

Originality/value

The proposed model may be generalized. The profile of the digital repositories manager is of great interest throughout the world. This paper describes a unique approach and could be transferred to other countries and communities.
Transformation of the scholarly communication cycle
Authors: Sawant Sarika
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The article aims to explore the changes taking place over time in the scholarly communication process.

Design/methodology/approach

With the help of available literature, the traditional scholarly communication process is compared and contrasted with the open access driven scholarly communication process/model.

Findings

It has been observed that the Web 2.0 has affected the way knowledge is created and disseminated. New avenues of the peer review process are taking place, which is an integral part of the scholarly communication process. The article ends with some thoughts on the future of scholarly communication and the challenges ahead.

Originality/value

The present paper attempts to summarize the scholarly communication process from two different perspectives, i.e. traditional and open access driven.
Soil preparation methods promoting ectomycorrhizal colonization and American chestnut Castanea dentata establishment in coal mine restoration
Authors: Bauman Jenise M. , Keiffer Carolyn H. , Hiremath Shiv , McCarthy Brian C.
Published: April 2013

The objective of this research was to evaluate soil subsurface methods that may aid in seedling establishment and encourage root colonization from a diverse group of ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi during restoration projects.

American chestnut Castanea dentata Marsh. Borkh. and backcrossed chestnuts seedlings were planted on a reclaimed coal mine site in central Ohio, USA. Roots from chestnut seedlings planted in the plots that were cross‐ripped, plowed and disked, or a combination of treatments were sampled for ECM fungi and compared with control plots. The presence and identification of native ECM were determined by fungal DNA sequencing of the internal‐transcribed (ITS) region.

After two growing seasons, mechanical soil treatments resulted in seedlings with significantly more ECM species when compared to seedlings grown in the control plots (P < 0·0001). A nonmetric multidimensional scaling ordination followed by a permutational manova confirmed significant dissimilarities in community composition between the control and mechanically treated plots (F = 0·24, P = 0·015).

Ectomycorrhizal root colonization was significantly higher on the chestnut seedlings sampled from the mechanically treated plots when compared to the control plots (F = 10·63, P < 0·0001). Differences did not exist among the three mechanical treatments. There was also a significant increase in above‐ground seedling growth in the plots that were treated with a surface soil method (F = 15·72, P < 0·0001). It is not clear whether ECM activity was the driver of plant growth; regardless, both are strong indicators of healthy tree establishment.

Synthesis and applications. This study illustrates that the use of soil subsurface methods increased ectomycorrhizal (ECM) activity and seedling growth. Employing methods that encourage the root colonization by beneficial ECM and promote healthy seedling establishment may aid the long‐term survival of chestnuts in restoration projects. This can be applied to other hardwood seedlings used in reforestation in soils compacted after anthropogenic disturbances.
Perceived Support and Women's Intentions to Stay at a Sport Organization
Authors: Spoor Jennifer R. , Hoye Russell
Published: April 2013

Women remain underrepresented in upper management within sport organizations and more broadly. This research examines organizational factors that may affect women's (and men's) likelihood of remaining with their sport organization, which would presumably affect their willingness and ability to step into leadership roles. The research examines the effects of equity human resource management practices, top management support for gender equity and gender‐related barriers on organizational commitment and intent to stay with their sport organization, as well as whether changes in perceived organizational support would mediate the relationships. Results from a survey of current employees in Australian sport organizations generally support the hypotheses. Perceived top management support for gender equity is a strong and consistent predictor of outcomes, and the effect is mediated by perceived organizational support. Implications for top management's role in implementing gender equity practices are discussed.
Operation Market Garden: Strategic Masterstroke or Battle of the Egos?
Authors: Watts Martin
Published: April 2013

In September 1944, the allies undertook the largest ever airborne operation, apparently in an effort to capitalize on the German withdrawal from France and Belgium and end the war in the west by encircling the Ruhr. But what really lay behind this most audacious and daring attempt to finish the war in 1944? Inter‐allied rivalry, at the highest levels of military command, and the pursuit of personal ambition, will be discussed to reveal some of the reasons for failure and the post‐war bitterness it engendered.
A Brotherhood ofBritons? Public Schooling,esprit de corpsand Colonial Officials inAfrica,c.1900–1939
Authors: Prior Christopher
Published: April 2013

Historians have tended to suggest that Britain's colonial officials demonstrated anesprit de corps, and that this is testament to the efficacy of public schooling in generating social cohesion. Examining Britain's officials in seven different colonies in sub‐Saharan Africa, this article will argue that differences in working conditions, approaches to work and officials' backgrounds, such as conflicts between officials from ‘military’ and ‘civilian’ backgrounds, all caused deep fragmentations in the colonial services. Most significantly, officials were irreconcilably torn between a need for company as a means of maintaining morale, and a desire for freedom from the constraints of colonial society. Living in insular communities driven by gossip and marked by the need to keep up appearances for fear of ostracism from their peers, officials felt unable to experience an ‘authentic’ Africa and live out the romanticized dreams of individualism that had motivated many to leave for Africa in the first place. This sense of feeling trapped bred resentment towards one's fellow officials. Consequently, public schools were unable to surmount other factors in shaping how officials regarded one other.
Slaughterhouse Blood: An Emerging Source of Bioactive Compounds
Authors: Bah Clara S.F. , Bekhit Alaa El‐Din A. , Carne Alan , McConnell Michelle A.
Published: April 2013

Slaughterhouse blood is an inevitable part of the meat production food chain and represents a rich source of protein. The physicochemical characteristics and utilization of animal blood in various food and industrial applications has been well explored. However, in recent years much attention has been paid to the generation of peptides with biological activities from food by‐products including blood. This review examines the angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and other bioactive peptides derived from various slaughterhouse animal blood sources. Furthermore, the effect of enzyme choice, degree of hydrolysis, and peptide sequence or size on the potency of these bioactivity is discussed.
Two‐point discrimination in diabetic patients (糖尿病患者的两点辨别力)
Authors: Eryilmaz Mehmet , Koçer Abdulkadir , Kocaman Gülşen , Dikici Süber
Published: April 2013

Background

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common cause of polyneuropathy. The aim of the present study was to evaluate two‐point discrimination (TPD) compared with nerve conduction studies in the early stages of DM.

Methods

Forty‐eight patients with early diagnosed (<5 years) type 2 DM and 17 healthy controls were evaluated. Of the patients with DM, 26 had neuropathic pain and 22 were asymptomatic. TPD and electrophysiological evaluations was obtained for all subjects.

Results

Nerve conduction studies in patients showed findings related to both demyelination and axonal damage. Patients with neuropathic pain had higher TPD values on the plantar surface of the foot and both groups of DM patients had higher TPD values on the outer lateral malleolus compared with the control group (P < 0.05). There was a correlation between TPD and axonal damage in patients with neuropathic pain (P < 0.05). In patients without neuropathic pain, there was a correlation between TPD values and distal latencies of motor or sensory nerves (P < 0.05). In the control group, only third digit TPD values were related to the distal motor latency of the median nerve (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the TPD method is a less painful, practical, costeffective, and more easily applicable method that was completed in less timethan nerve conduction studies. Higher TPD values in the lower extremities indicate nerve damage in patients. These findings suggest that increased TPD values can easily determine neuropathy starting in the early stages of diabetes in patients with DM.
The Emergence and Impact of the ‘Complete Drawing Book’ in Mid‐Eighteenth‐Century England
Authors: HSIEH CHIA‐CHUAN
Published: April 2013

The emergence of the ‘complete drawing book’ in mid‐eighteenth‐century England was a remarkable phenomenon. Launched by print sellers as a new educational commodity, this particular type of drawing book exhibited both commercial acumen and cultural ambition by presenting a comprehensive programme to satisfy public desire for drawing instruction. It also embodied a subtle process of cultural assimilation and influence. Various kinds of pictorial model were assembled from diverse sources and organised in a way that visualised the ‘hierarchy of genres’. The complete drawing books thus played a role in shaping public perception of what constituted art within that hierarchy.
A Markov Chain Analysis on the Impact of German Tax Loss Offset Restrictions
Authors: Cui Lina
Published: April 2013

This article presents a set of microsimulation models to derive individual companies' tax data from their time series financial microdata by applying different tax offset restrictions. Based on this model, we develop a Markov chain model for simulating 1828 non‐financial German companies in the Amadeus database to assess the impact of major reforms on German tax offset restrictions since 2001. Main results suggest that: (i) our developed Markov model is able to rather accurately predict the probabilities of a company's taxable profits (losses) in different levels; (ii) the introduction of more strict offsetting rules provides incentive for companies to provide less losses and become more conservative in their business operations; and (iii) the reforms have particularly important impacts on large and very large enterprises and on some sectors such as electricity, gas and water supply, construction and whole sale and retail trade.
The Relationship between the Stock Market and Consumption
Authors: Alghalith Moawia , Polius Tracy
Published: April 2013

This paper examines the interaction between consumption and the price/return of stocks. In so doing, we utilise an advanced theoretical and empirical framework. It is worth noting that previous literature used simple linear regressions without a rigorous theoretical basis. Consequently, we present a sophisticated non‐linear dynamic model as the theoretical basis of our empirical results.
Hormonal and surgical treatments for endometriosis and risk of epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Melin Anna‐Sofia , Lundholm Cecilia , Malki Ninoa , Swahn Marja‐Liisa , Sparèn Pär , Bergqvist Agneta
Published: April 2013

Objective

Whether hormonal or surgical treatment of endometriosis is associated with risk of epithelial ovarian cancer.

Design

Nested case–control study.

Setting

Sweden.

Population

All women with a first‐time discharge diagnosis of endometriosis in 1969–2007 were identified using the National Swedish Patient Register and constituted our study base.

Methods

By linkage to the National Swedish Cancer Register we identified all women diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer at least one year after the endometriosis diagnosis (cases). Two controls per case with no ovarian cancer before the date of cancer diagnosis of the case were randomly selected from the study base and matched for year of birth. Two‐hundred‐and‐twenty cases and 416 controls entered the study. Information on hormonal and surgical treatments and other reproductive factors was extracted from medical records according to pre‐specified protocols. Conditional logistic regression was used for all calculations.

Main outcome measures

Crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for all hormonal as well as surgical treatments.

Results

There was a significant association between one‐sided oophorectomy, as well as for radical extirpation of all visible endometriosis, and ovarian cancer risk in both univariate analyses (crude OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.28–0.62 and OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.25–0.55, respectively) and multivariate analyses (adjusted OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.08–0.46 and OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.12–0.74, respectively).

Conclusions

One‐sided oophorectomy as well as radical extirpation of all visible endometriosis is protective against later development of ovarian cancer.