bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uncovering the ultimate performance of single-walled carbon nanotube films as transparent conductors
Authors: Mustonen K. , Laiho P. , Kaskela A. , Susi T. , Nasibulin A. G. , Kauppinen E. I.
Published: October 2015

The ultimate performance—ratio of electrical conductivity to optical absorbance—of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) transparent conductive films (TCFs) is an issue of considerable application relevance. Here, we present direct experimental evidence that SWCNT bundling is detrimental for their performance. We combine floating catalyst synthesis of non-bundled, high-quality SWCNTs with an aggregation chamber, in which bundles with mean diameters ranging from 1.38 to 2.90 nm are formed from identical 3 μm long SWCNTs. The as-deposited TCFs from 1.38 nm bundles showed sheet resistances of 310 Ω/□ at 90% transparency, while those from larger bundles of 1.80 and 2.90 nm only reached values of 475 and 670 Ω/□, respectively. Based on these observations, we elucidate how networks formed by smaller bundles perform better due to their greater interconnectivity at a given optical density. Finally, we present a semi-empirical model for TCF performance as a function of SWCNT mean length and bundle diameter. This gives an estimate for the ultimate performance of non-doped, random network mixed-metallicity SWCNT TCFs at ∼80 Ω/□ and 90% transparency.
Note: Void effects on eddy current distortion in two-phase liquid metal
Authors: Kumar M. , Tordjeman Ph. , Bergez W. , Cavaro M.
Published: October 2015

A model based on the first order perturbation expansion of magnetic flux in a two-phase liquid metal flow has been developed for low magnetic Reynolds number Rem. This model takes into account the distortion of the induced eddy currents due to the presence of void in the conducting medium. Specific experiments with an eddy current flow meter have been realized for two periodic void distributions. The results have shown, in agreement with the model, that the effects of velocity and void on the emf modulation are decoupled. The magnitude of the void fraction and the void spatial frequency can be determined from the spectral density of the demodulated emf.
Real time measurement of plasma macroscopic parameters on RFX-mod using a limited set of sensors
Authors: Kudlacek Ondrej , Zanca Paolo , Finotti Claudio , Marchiori Giuseppe , Cavazzana Roberto , Marrelli Lionello
Published: October 2015

A method to estimate the plasma boundary and global parameters such as βp+li/2 and the edge safety factor q95 is described. The method is based on poloidal flux extrapolation in the vacuum region between the plasma and the magnetic measurements, and it is efficient and accurate even if a limited set of sensors is used. The discrepancy between the plasma boundary provided by this method and the boundary computed by the Grad-Shafranov solver MAXFEA is lower than 8 mm in all the considered cases. Moreover, the method is robust against the noise level present in the RFX-mod measurements. The difference between the estimated global parameters and the MAXFEA simulation results is lower than 4%. The method was finally implemented in the RFX-mod shape control system, working at 5 kHz cycle frequency, to provide a reliable set of plasma-wall distances (gaps) used as feedback signals. Experimental results obtained in one year of RFX-mod operation are shown.
Nonlinear analysis of q ≳ 1 non-resonant fishbone modes in tokamak plasmas with weakly reversed magnetic shear
Authors: Wang Xian-Qu , Wang Xiao-Gang
Published: October 2015

The nonlinear properties of q ≳ 1 non-resonant fishbone (NRF) instabilities excited by energetic ions are analyzed theoretically for weakly reversed shear in this work. Nonlinear radial displacement of the NRF mode ξ0 is derived by the method of matched asymptotic expansions. It is found that ξ0 depends on the energetic ion beta in a power law of ∼βhα with α=1/3, α=1/7, and α≪1, corresponding to a finite qs″, qs″=0, and an extremely flattened q-profile, respectively. The scaling dependence of ξ0 on the linear growth rate ∼γ1/4 is also different from that of ∼γ in a conventional positive shear configuration. The scaling suggests that ξ0 weakly depends on βh and γ when the q-profile is flattened. Nonlinear saturation amplitude of the mode for an ITER-like plasma is also estimated by numerical analysis.
Thin lubrication film around moving bubbles measured in square microchannels
Authors: Chen Haosheng , Meng Qiang , Li Jiang
Published: October 2015

The thin lubrication film around bubbles moving in square microchannels was measured using an optical interference method down to the scale of 0.1–10 μm in thickness, and the three-dimensional profile of the lubrication film around the bubble was obtained experimentally. The lubrication film of the elongated bubble translating along the microchannels presented a three-dimensional saddle shape, and the thinnest locations were located at the sides where the rupture of the lubrication film was found to occur. The minimum film thickness of the axial section in the downstream direction was found to obey the relationship of hmin ∼ Ca2/3 as predicted by the Bretherton equation, where Ca is the capillary number. Also, the minimum film thickness in the across-stream direction gradually deviated from this relationship and eventually obeyed hmin ∼ Ca1 as the film thickness was decreasing, which matches well with the existing theoretical results. Therefore, the optical interference method is effective to reveal the dynamics of the thin lubrication film in droplet microfluidics three-dimensionally.
Noncomparative scaling of aromaticity through electron itinerancy
Authors: Paul Satadal , Goswami Tamal , Misra Anirban
Published: October 2015

Aromaticity is a multidimensional concept and not a directly observable. These facts have always stood in the way of developing an appropriate theoretical framework for scaling of aromaticity. In the present work, a quantitative account of aromaticity is developed on the basis of cyclic delocalization of π-electrons, which is the phenomenon leading to unique features of aromatic molecules. The stabilization in molecular energy, caused by delocalization of π-electrons is obtained as a second order perturbation energy for archetypal aromatic systems. The final expression parameterizes the aromatic stabilization energy in terms of atom to atom charge transfer integral, onsite repulsion energy and the population of spin orbitals at each site in the delocalized π-electrons. An appropriate computational platform is framed to compute each and individual parameter in the derived equation. The numerical values of aromatic stabilization energies obtained for various aromatic molecules are found to be in close agreement with available theoretical and experimental reports. Thus the reliable estimate of aromaticity through the proposed formalism renders it as a useful tool for the direct assessment of aromaticity, which has been a long standing problem in chemistry.
Structural properties of a-Si films and their effect on aluminum induced crystallization
Authors: Tankut Aydin , Karaman Mehmet , Ozkol Engin , Canli Sedat , Turan Rasit
Published: October 2015

In this paper, we report the influence of the structural properties of amorphous silicon (a-Si) on its subsequent crystallization behavior via the aluminum induced crystallization (AIC) method. Two distinct a-Si deposition techniques, electron beam evaporation and plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), are compared for their effect on the overall AIC kinetics as well as the properties of the final poly-crystalline (poly-Si) silicon film. Raman and FTIR spectroscopy results indicate that the PECVD grown a-Si films has higher intermediate-range order, which is enhanced for increased hydrogen dilution during deposition. With increasing intermediate-range order of the a-Si, the rate of AIC is diminished, leading larger poly-Si grain size.
Dynamic characteristics of two-state lasing quantum dot lasers under large signal modulation
Authors: Lv Zun-Ren , Ji Hai-Ming , Luo Shuai , Gao Feng , Xu Feng , Xiao De-Hang , Yang Tao
Published: October 2015

Large signal modulation characteristics of the simultaneous ground-state (GS) and excited-state (ES) lasing quantum dot lasers are theoretically investigated. Relaxation oscillations of ‘0 → 1’ and ‘1 → 0’ in the GS lasing region (Region I), the transition region from GS lasing to two-state lasing (Region II) and the two-state lasing region (Region III) are compared and analyzed. It is found that the overshooting power and settling time in both Regions I and III decrease as the bias current increases. However, there exist abnormal behaviors of the overshooting power and settling time in Region II owing to the occurrence of ES lasing, which lead to fuzzy eye diagrams of the GS and ES lasing. Moreover, the ES lasing in Region III possesses much better eye diagrams because of its shorter settling time and smaller overshooting power over the GS lasing in Region I.
A two-component NZRI metamaterial based rectangular cloak
Authors: Islam Sikder Sunbeam , Faruque Mohammd Rashed Iqbal , Islam Mohammad Tariqul
Published: October 2015

A new two-component, near zero refractive index (NZRI) metamaterial is presented for electromagnetic rectangular cloaking operation in the microwave range. In the basic design a pi-shaped, metamaterial was developed and its characteristics were investigated for the two major axes (x and z-axis) wave propagation through the material. For the z-axis wave propagation, it shows more than 2 GHz bandwidth and for the x-axis wave propagation; it exhibits more than 1 GHz bandwidth of NZRI property. The metamaterial was then utilized in designing a rectangular cloak where a metal cylinder was cloaked perfectly in the C-band area of microwave regime. The experimental result was provided for the metamaterial and the cloak and these results were compared with the simulated results. This is a novel and promising design for its two-component NZRI characteristics and rectangular cloaking operation in the electromagnetic paradigm.
Effects of DL-methionine supplement on growth performance and amino acid digestion and plasma concentrations in sika deer calves (Cervus nippon)
Authors: Huang Jian , Sun Wei-Li , Li Chun-Yi , Liu Han-Lu , Zhang Tie-Tao , Bao Kun , Fan Yan- Yan , Li Guang-Yu , Wang Kai- Ying
Published: October 2015

This experiment was set to investigate the effects of DL-methionine (DL-met) supplement on growth performance and amino acid digestion and plasma concentrations in sika deer calves. Twelve healthy 5-month-old sika deer (29.44 ± 2.86 kg initial bodyweight) were randomly divided into three groups (4/group) and one sika deer per replicate. Levels of Met supplement in three treatments were 0, 1 g/kg and 2 g/kg, respectively. The results showed that the average daily gain for the early 35-day study period tended (P = 0.07) to increase linearly as the Met supplement increased, the feed to gain ratio (F : G) for the early period decreased (linearly and quadratically, P < 0.05), and, in the late 35-day study period, tended (linearly, P = 0.08) to decrease as dietary Met increased. The apparent digestibility of Met increased (linearly and quadratically, P < 0.01) with graded amounts of supplemental Met, and the apparent digestibilities of valine, leucine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, glycine, aspartic and cystine showed a linear increase (P < 0.05). Plasma glycine, proline and isoleucine concentrations increased linearly and quadratically (P < 0.01) with Met supplementation, plasma serine and leucine increased linearly (P < 0.05), and plasma histidine, lysine, arginine and NH3 increased quadratically (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05), with graded amounts of supplemental Met. Met supplementation in the diet improved feed utilisation and amino acid (AA) nutrient digestion, and affected plasma AA concentrations in sika deer calves.
Multiplex assessment of the positions of odorant receptor-specific glomeruli in the mouse olfactory bulb by serial two-photon tomography
Authors: Zapiec Bolek , Mombaerts Peter
Published: October 2015

Significance

In the mouse, olfactory sensory neurons choose one of ∼1,100 odorant receptor genes for expression. The receptor determines not only to what odorants the neuron responds but also in which glomerulus of the olfactory bulb its axon terminates. The positions of the ∼3,600 glomeruli are traditionally described as stereotyped. Using an automated method that cuts sections off brain samples and fluorescently images the block face, we quantitatively assess the positions for six types of glomeruli. The level of variability is more substantial than typically acknowledged, and some types of glomeruli are more variable in their position than others. Our results quantify the level of precision that is delivered by the mechanisms of axon wiring in the mouse olfactory system.
Escaping the Person Case Constraint
Authors: Rezac Milan
Published: October 2015

The Person Case Constraint (PCC) blocks a 1st/2nd person DP from Agree and Case assignment if it is separated from a probe by an intervener. I examine four separate strategies that circumvent the PCC: through giving the blocked DP case and agreement that would not otherwise be possible (absolutive displacement Basque; Jahnsson’s Rule in Finnish), by realizing the intervener elsewhere (3 to 5 Demotion in French), or by realizing the DP’s person features differently (Object Camouflage in Georgian). The striking feature these strategies share is that they are restricted to PCC contexts and not freely available. This makes it impossible to view them as paraphrase. Stating the conditions on their distribution requires reference to the failed PCC derivation, that is trans-derivational comparison. I extend the reference set computation of Fox (1995, 2000) and Reinhart (1995, 1999) to account for these strategies as the addition of a φ-probe, and suggest an extension to dependent Case.
The Structure of Temporality and Modality
Authors: Butler Jonny
Published: October 2015

This paper offers a view of clause structure based on semantic interpretability, focusing on the structure and interpretation of temporal (tense, aspect) and modal elements. It proposes that modality has a unitary lexical semantics along the lines of Krater (1977 et seq), with different interpretations of modals deriving from the interaction of that semantics with the interpretation of the temporal elements in the structural context the modals are found. Different positions for modal interpretation are proposed, corresponding the the edges of phases (Chomsky 2001). Evidence for this view is put forward from various languages. The clause structure so derived is akin to the universal clausal hierarchy proposed by Cinque (1999), lending support to the notion that something like this hierarchy does indeed hold in natural language, though the justification for it is very different.
Greek “Figured Speech” on Imperial Rome
Authors: Pernot Laurent
Published: October 2015

Under the Roman Empire, the Greek elites expressed the greatest respect for the emperors and celebrated the advantages of Roman domination. But behind the brilliant façade, certain factors of complexity were at work. This article uses the notion of “figured speech” to detect covert advice or reservation in the works of Dio of Prusa, known as Dio Chrysostom, and Aelius Aristides, two important representatives of Greek literature and the so-called Second Sophistic (first to second century CE). By “figured speech” ancient rhetoricians meant the cases in which orators resorted to ruses to disguise their intentions, by using indirect language to get to the points they wanted to make. Our method consists of linking certain texts by Aristides and Dio and passages from theoretical treatises together to make clear the precise procedure of figured speech that is used in each case: eloquent silence, “the hidden key,” blame behind praise, generalization, and speaking through a mask. Figured speech is an avenue of research that is opening up to interpret Greek rhetoric and literature better. The Greek case is particularly rich, and it could help analyze the return of the same phenomenon in other epochs and other cultures.
Citizens and Captives: Depictions of the “Conquered” in the Roman Empire
Authors: Lamp Kathleen S.
Published: October 2015

This article examines constructions of Roman citizenship in Roman state art, arguing that beginning in the late republic a broader concept of citizenship was prevalent—one rooted largely in shared culture and defined in opposition to a “barbarian” other. From this reading of state art, two arguments emerge: First, the emphasis on enculturation created an ever-moving line between Roman and barbarian. Second, the subject position created subjected both the Roman viewer and non-Roman subject. The article then turns to a reading of Greek orator Aristides’s Regarding Rome to show that the concept of citizenship stressed in state art is clearly present, though not necessarily well received.
Kant, Rhetoric, and the Challenges of Freedom
Authors: Stroud Scott R.
Published: October 2015

Kant clearly valued freedom in his moral philosophy, but he also seemed to distance the moral realm from the activities of rhetoric. This article challenges the long-standing concept of Kant as anti-rhetoric, complicating the view that rhetoric had no place in Kant’s philosophy. After examining the centrality of freedom as autonomy in Kant’s moral and political philosophy, this article carefully dissects Kant’s pronouncements on rhetoric in his various works. The conclusion reached is that Kant advances a bifurcated notion of rhetoric, with some uses of communicative means being characterized by freedom-restricting features and other employments foregrounding autonomy-enhancing aspects. This latter sense of communication is what can be identified as Kant’s educative rhetoric given its focus on preserving and promoting the freedom of both rhetor and audience.
Suzaku observations of the galaxy cluster 1RXS J0603.3+4214: Implications of particle acceleration processes in the “Toothbrush” radio relic
Authors: Itahana Madoka , Takizawa Motokazu , Akamatsu Hiroki , Ohashi Takaya , Ishisaki Yoshitaka , Kawahara Hajime , van Weeren Reinout J.
Published: October 2015

We present the results of Suzaku observations of the galaxy cluster 1RXS J0603.3+4214 with the “Toothbrush” radio relic. Although a shock with Mach number M ≃ 4 is expected at the outer edge of the relic from the radio observation, our temperature measurements of the intracluster medium indicate a weaker temperature difference than expected. The Mach number estimated from the temperature difference at the outer edge of the relic is M ≃ 1.5, which is significantly lower than the value estimated from the radio data even considering both statistical and systematic errors. This suggests that a diffusive shock acceleration theory in the linear test particle regime, which is commonly used to link the radio spectral index to the Mach number, is invalid for this relic. We also measured the temperature difference across the western part of the relic, where a shock with M ≃ 1.6 is suggested from the X-ray surface brightness analysis of the XMM-Newton data, and obtained consistent results in an independent way. We searched for the non-thermal inverse Compton component in the relic region and the resultant upper limit on the flux is 2.4 × 10−13 erg cm−2 s−1 in the 0.3–10 keV band. The lower limit of the magnetic field strength becomes 1.6 μG, which means that magnetic energy density could be more than a few percent of the thermal energy.
Long-Term Evaluation of Eyebrow Soft Tissue Expansion in Thyroid Eye Disease
Authors: Moore Grant H. , Rootman Dan B. , Yeganeh Amir , Goldberg Robert A.
Published: October 2015

Purpose:

To evaluate the long-term transformation of lateral eyebrow soft tissue in a group of patients with known thyroid eye disease.

Methods:

A retrospective review of all patients with a known diagnosis of thyroid eye disease with clinical photos available from both their initial diagnosis visit and at least 7 years following their initial visit was performed. Age at diagnosis, sex, disease activity, previous orbital, and eyelid surgery were noted, as was history of treatment with radioactive iodine, steroids, and external beam radiation. The area between the upper eyebrow and upper eyelid crease was evaluated in standardized photographs by a panel of 4 expert, independent, masked observers utilizing a previously published visual grading key.

Results:

One hundred and four patients met inclusion criteria. Fifteen participants were male and 89 were female. The mean patient age was 50.6 years (±1.21 years), and the mean follow up duration was 10.0 years (±0.23 years). The mean initial photo grade (1.24) was significantly higher than the mean follow up photo grade (1.00; p < 0.01). In logistic regression analyses, only the initial photograph grade was significantly associated with improvement in eyebrow soft tissue appearance (p < 0.01). Medical and surgical treatments were not significantly associated with changes in eyebrow soft tissue appearance (all p > 0.05).

Conclusions:

Expansion of eyebrow soft tissue may improve over time in patients with thyroid eye disease. This change was not affected by age, sex, disease activity, surgery, or medical therapy.
Factors Associated With the Management of Adverse Drug Reactions Among Community Pharmacists in South Korea
Authors: Ha Dongmun , Song Inmyung , Park Sunyoung , Lee Eui-Kyung
Published: October 2015

Objectives

Community pharmacists dispensed 68.4% of all drugs used in Korea, but reported only 2.0% of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in 2011. This study compared community pharmacists' understanding of the importance of ADR management and their actual practice of it, and identified relevant factors related to their management of ADR.

Methods

With the use of a modified health belief model (HBM), 800 community pharmacists were surveyed via social network service messaging. A total of 200 usable responses were obtained for an effective response rate of 25.0%. Descriptive analysis was used to quantify the differences between community pharmacists' understanding of the importance of ADR prevention and their practice. A hierarchical regression was performed with the following predictors: (1) demographic factors, (2) social impact of ADR prevention, (3) importance of social support, and (4) cognition about the importance of ADR prevention.

Results

Although community pharmacists clearly recognized the importance of ADR management, their performance was very low. The disparity between cognition and performance was more pronounced for ADR reporting than for patient counseling. Social support was the most powerful predictor of ADR prevention practice, explaining 18.5% of the variance in ADR prevention practice. Social impact of ADR prevention, demographic factors, and cognition about the importance of ADR prevention explained 12.6%, 6.2%, and 1.8% of the variance, respectively.

Conclusions

Strengthening community pharmacists' performance of population-based ADR management should be prioritized over patient-oriented ADR management. To improve public health, community pharmacists should make an effort at ADR reporting. This can be done with appropriate government support, such as incentives to community pharmacists, public awareness campaigns, education, and establishment of feedback systems.
Analysis of the Implementation of Blood Tests Specified in the Package Insert After Prescription of Thiamazole
Authors: Nasuhara Yasuyuki , Sakushima Ken , Oki Hiromitsu , Yamada Takehiro , Iseki Ken , Umeki Reona , Endoh Akira
Published: October 2015

Objectives

The antithyroid drug thiamazole has long been known to cause the serious adverse effect of agranulocytosis, and performing regular blood tests is listed among the warnings on the package insert. We conducted a retrospective survey of how often doctors conducted blood tests in accordance with the package insert when thiamazole was prescribed at our hospital.

Methods

The subjects were patients to whom thiamazole was newly prescribed at our hospital between April 2004 and March 2012. During the target period, thiamazole was newly prescribed to 438 patients.

Results

We found that blood tests after prescription of thiamazole as listed in the warning section on the package insert are not performed sufficiently. The rate at which white blood cell counts were obtained decreased over time. The rate at which differential leukocyte counts were obtained was approximately 80% of white blood cell counts at all observational time points. In contrast, the percentage of subjects whose white blood cell counts were measured increased according to a time-trend analysis.

Conclusions

This study revealed that blood tests after prescription of thiamazole as listed in the warning section on the package insert are not performed sufficiently at our hospital. The rate at which differential leukocyte counts were obtained was approximately 80% of white blood cell counts at all observational periods. Physician education should be more rigorously performed than presently done, and automatic generation of warnings that urge blood tests and patient education regarding the importance of blood tests is also important.
Exome sequencing of lymphomas from three dog breeds reveals somatic mutation patterns reflecting genetic background
Authors: Elvers Ingegerd , Turner-Maier Jason , Swofford Ross , Koltookian Michele , Johnson Jeremy , Stewart Chip , Zhang Cheng-Zhong , Schumacher Steven E. , Beroukhim Rameen , Rosenberg Mara , Thomas Rachael , Mauceli Evan , Getz Gad , Palma Federica Di , Modiano Jaime F. , Breen Matthew , Lindblad-Toh Kerstin , Alföldi Jessica
Published: October 2015

Lymphoma is the most common hematological malignancy in developed countries. Outcome is strongly determined by molecular subtype, reflecting a need for new and improved treatment options. Dogs spontaneously develop lymphoma, and the predisposition of certain breeds indicates genetic risk factors. Using the dog breed structure, we selected three lymphoma predisposed breeds developing primarily T-cell (boxer), primarily B-cell (cocker spaniel), and with equal distribution of B- and T-cell lymphoma (golden retriever), respectively. We investigated the somatic mutations in B- and T-cell lymphomas from these breeds by exome sequencing of tumor and normal pairs. Strong similarities were evident between B-cell lymphomas from golden retrievers and cocker spaniels, with recurrent mutations in TRAF3-MAP3K14 (28% of all cases), FBXW7 (25%), and POT1 (17%). The FBXW7 mutations recurrently occur in a specific codon; the corresponding codon is recurrently mutated in human cancer. In contrast, T-cell lymphomas from the predisposed breeds, boxers and golden retrievers, show little overlap in their mutation pattern, sharing only one of their 15 most recurrently mutated genes. Boxers, which develop aggressive T-cell lymphomas, are typically mutated in the PTEN-mTOR pathway. T-cell lymphomas in golden retrievers are often less aggressive, and their tumors typically showed mutations in genes involved in cellular metabolism. We identify genes with known involvement in human lymphoma and leukemia, genes implicated in other human cancers, as well as novel genes that could allow new therapeutic options.
Crystal structure of 3-chloro-1-methyl-5-nitro-1H-indazole
Authors: Kouakou Assoman , Rakib El Mostapha , Chigr Mohamed , Saadi Mohamed , El Ammari Lahcen
Published: October 2015

The molecule of the title compound, C8H6ClN3O2, is built up from fused five- and six-membered rings connected to a chlorine atom and to nitro and methyl groups. The indazole system is essentially planar with the largest deviation from the mean plane being 0.007 (2) Å. No classical hydrogen bonds are observed in the structure. Two molecules form a dimer organised by a symmetry centreviaa close contact between a nitro-O atom and the chlorine atom [at 3.066 (2) Å this is shorter than the sum of their van der Waals radii].
Crystal structure of new organically templated copper sulfate with 2-aminopyridinium
Authors: Lukianova Tamara J. , Kinzhybalo Vasyl , Pietraszko Adam
Published: October 2015

The title compound, (C5H7N2)2[Cu(H2O)6](SO4)2·4H2O [systematic name: bis(2-aminopyridinium) hexaaquacopper(II) bis(sulfate) tetrahydrate], comprises axially elongated hexaaqua-coordinated octahedral CuIIions located on an inversion centre, non-coordinating sulfate anions, 2-aminopyridinium cations and lattice water molecules. The crystal structure is built of successive inorganic and organic layers extending parallel to (001) that are connected by an extensive three-dimensional hydrogen-bonded network of the type O—H...O and N—H...O, as well as π–π interactions [centroid–centroid distance 3.4140 (14) Å, offset 0.277 Å].
Crystal structure of 2-[4(E)-2,6-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-3-ethylpiperidin-4-ylidene]acetamide
Authors: Priya K. , Saravanan K. , Selvanayagam S. , Kabilan S.
Published: October 2015

In the title piperidine derivative, C21H22Cl2N2O, the piperidine ring adopts a chair conformation. The chlorophenyl rings are oriented at an angle of 45.59 (14)° with respect to each other. In the crystal, molecules are linkedviaN—H...O hydrogen bonds, formingC(4) chains along [100]. The chains are linked by C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming sheets parallel to theabplane. Within the sheets, there are N—H...π interactions present. The crystal studied was refined as an inversion twin.
The factors and conditions for national human resource development in Brazil
Authors: Sparkman Torrence E
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to understand the factors and conditions that influence national human resource development (NHRD) in Brazil. In this paper, the transitioning nature of the political, economic, social and educational conditions; the current challenges and trends that may impact NHRD; and the current status of NHRD research in Brazil are examined.

Design/methodology/approach

– A search of the research literature focused on the political, economic, cultural, social and educational environment and the research associated with NHRD in Brazil was conducted. After searching several databases, including Academic Search Complete, Google Scholar, ERIC and EBSCO, several articles were selected and analyzed based on the depth of description of the conditions and research.

Findings

– Among the factors discovered, race, gender and educational equality are still concerns. The complex nature of the relationship between the Brazilian Government, its people and organizations, as well as the efforts of Brazil’s multinational and indigenous organizations to address their national development needs, are also presented.

Originality/value

– Brazil is currently and projected to be a long-term player in the global economy; however, it struggles to cope with conditions incongruent to the country’s long-term success. This paper frames the conditions and suggests ways of moving forward through human resource development practice, policy and research in Brazil.
A modeling approach to sport volunteer satisfaction
Authors: Giannoulakis Chrysostomos , Wang Chien-Hsin , Felver Nathan
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– In a currently western-dominated body of literature, the purpose of this paper is to empirically examine the relationship between motivation, experience, and satisfaction through a structural equation model. This empirical examination was performed in the context of a mega-sporting event (i.e. Asian Games), while considering sample characteristics and the cultural setting of a Middle Eastern host country (i.e. Qatar).

Design/methodology/approach

– A survey was disseminated to 12 competition and non-competition venues of the 15th Asian Games in Doha, Qatar. There was a convenience sample of 392 volunteers.

Findings

– Three-factor identification for volunteer motivation (external, purposive, and event related) with 48.76 percent variance explained. One-factor identification for volunteer experience with 66.08 percent of the variance explained. Two-factor identification for volunteer satisfaction (recruitment and training, communication and support) with 68.93 percent of variance explained. The sport volunteer satisfaction model fit data well (root mean square error of approximation=0.04, non-normed fit index=0.98, comparative fit index=0.99, standardized root mean squared residual=0.03). Motivation was positively and significantly related to experience. In turn, experience was positively and significantly related to satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

– Limitations included the utilization of a convenience and homogeneous sample (approximately 78 percent were Asian males), and the fact the retention construct was not included in the model. Results indicated the need to further the utilization of modeling approaches in examining psychometric properties of sport event volunteers, as well as expand the knowledge of how eastern cultures perceive the concept of volunteerism.

Practical implications

– Volunteers at the Asian Games were satisfied due to the fact that their event-related motives were actually fulfilled. Participants’ overall satisfaction levels were high since their experience with the event was also positive. Initially, satisfied volunteers could encourage additional volunteer involvement. An extended community-based volunteer pool could be utilized for a plethora of events in Qatar, thus supporting the country’s aspiration for becoming a hub for international sport events.

Originality/value

– The authors tested empirically the interrelationship between volunteer motivation, experience, and satisfaction through a structural equation model in a Middle Eastern mega-sporting event.
Government-funded event organisations – good and bad practice
Authors: Devine Adrian , Devine Frances
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine how the structure of government-funded event agencies affected the development of the events industry in Northern Ireland. The institutional arrangements for two agencies which operated at different times in Northern Ireland were analysed.

Design/methodology/approach

– A total of 62 in-depth interviews were conducted with event organisers and public officials who had worked directly with these two organisations.

Findings

– The standalone National Events Agency which began operating in 1999 was found to be more hands-on and worked closely with event organisers to develop the quality of their event. As a quango it worked at arms length from government. Unfortunately it abused this freedom and used public monies to manage its own events, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability when managing this type of agency. In 2008 it was replaced by an Events Unit which was set up within the National Tourism Organisation. Under this structure event tourism and not event development was the priority. For the events industry this created development issues and reduced its clout at government level.

Originality/value

– This paper addressed a gap in the literature and found that the institutional arrangements did affect how a government-funded events agency operated and what it regarded as a strategic priority. This in turn had repercussions for the development of the events industry.
Alternation of the dynamic coefficients of short journal bearings due to wear
Authors: Papanikolaou Michael G. , Farmakopoulos Michael G. , Papadopoulos Chris A.
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– Wear in journal bearings occurs when the operating conditions (high load, high temperature, low angular velocity or low viscosity), downgrade the ability of the bearing to carry load. The wear depth increases because the rotor comes in contact with the bearing surface. Wear in journal bearings affects their characteristics because of its influence on the thickness of the fluid film. This influence can be detected in the dynamic behavior of the rotor and especially in the dynamic stiffness and damping coefficients. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this paper, the effect of wear on the rotor dynamic stiffness and damping coefficients (K and C) of a short journal bearing is investigated. K and C in this work are estimated by using two methods a semi-analytical method and finite element (FE) analysis implemented in the ANSYS software.

Findings

– The main goal of this research is to make the identification of wear in journal bearings feasible by observing the alternation of their dynamic coefficients. Both of the methods implemented are proven to be useful, while FE analysis can provide more accurate results.

Originality/value

– This paper is original and has not been published elsewhere.
Determination of defects on a processed disc from S355J2 steel
Authors: Tzevelekou Theofani , Papaefthymiou Spyros , Panteleakou Vasiliki , Vazdirvanidis Athanasios , Papamantellos Dimitris C. , Sismanis Panagiotis
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– A failed disc that was forged from S355J2 round bar was investigated in order to determine the failure route cause. The purpose of this paper is to determine the defects and route cause analysis regarding their origin.

Design/methodology/approach

– Macroscopic evaluation, microstructure observation using light optical metallography and scanning electron microscopy with EDX analysis were the techniques used to analyse and characterize the defected areas.

Findings

– Macro-inclusions (up to 850 µm) that correspond to high melting aluminium rich calcium-aluminate particles were detected. Their formation, possibly due to improper calcium treatment during ladle furnace steel refining process might be associated with clogging problems at casting. SEM-EDX analysis revealed whitish spots containing Zr that could be related to submerged entry nozzle (SEN) erosion/breakage. Characteristic is the large size and unusual shape of the traced particles, as well as the presence of low Si, Na, K. The findings indicated that nozzle clogging and/or breakage at casting was most possibly the root cause of the product’s quality degradation.

Originality/value

– After extended root cause analysis, specific countermeasures are proposed to avoid clogging phenomena. The suggestions are based on the findings taking into account restrains of the steel-making process. Emphasis was laid in detecting the weaknesses that lead to product quality degradation and consequently in optimizing the steel-making process. Such incidents are often found during steelmaking a useful suggestion to steelmakers is to mark and remove cast parts after SEN problems are encountered. In this way quality issues in intermediate and/or final products will be avoided.
An empirical study on the impact of micro enterprises on women empowerment
Authors: Arul Paramanandam D. , Packirisamy P
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– This study aims to find whether the micro-enterprises lead to women empowerment and entrepreneurship and make them to be wholly involved in income-generating activities by having them choose a business venture of their own.

Design/methodology/approach

– Women empowerment is very important for the acceleration of economic growth. The economic empowerment of women is being regarded these days as a sine qua non of progress for a country; hence, the issue of economic empowerment of women is of paramount importance to political thinkers, social scientists and reformers. The self-help groups (SHGs) have paved the way for economic independence of rural women. The members of SHGs are involved in micro-entrepreneurships. Empowerment is intellectual capital. Capital is a life blood of any industry.

Findings

– Without women development, economic development will not take place. Women should be imparted technical knowledge, skill training and marketing techniques in the process of establishing an enterprise by them for more sustainability.

Originality/value

– Micro-enterprises add values to a country’s economy by creating jobs, enhancing income, strengthening purchasing power, lowering costs and adding business convenience.
Classifying systemic differences between Software as a Service- and On-Premise-Enterprise Resource Planning
Authors: Link Björn , Back Andrea
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The technological innovation of Software as a Service-Enterprise Resource Planning (SaaS-ERP) opens several relative advantages, which may be realized by choosing the proper operation mode. Thus a company looking for a new ERP system faces the question: When and under what conditions does it make sense to choose a SaaS-ERP system? The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– The relative advantage criterion of the diffusion of innovation theory, derived as operation mode differences, determine the conditions under which SaaS- or On-Premise-ERP is preferable: a classification of all main systemic operation mode differences between SaaS and On-Premise for the more complex ERP systems is presented. The systemic differences were identified by analytic generalization using triangulation between a literature review and a multiple case study with four ERP producers.

Findings

– The most significant decision factors between ERP operation modes are flexibility, customization, cost, and operation and maintenance. General strategies have been derived by bringing the theoretical reasons together with the operation mode difference criteria. Typical criteria for selecting SaaS-ERP are a lack of IT-capacity or capabilities, as well as high need for flexibility, due to business development, seasonality, growth, collaboration and/or expansion. On-Premise-ERPs should be selected if specific or strategic resources would be outsourced or when major customization is a need.

Research limitations/implications

– Case research is limited in that it reveals only ERP producers’ view and omits outlying cases.

Practical implications

– The findings implicate that ERP selecting customers should consider and expand their criteria for ERP selection by operation mode criteria.

Originality/value

– The classification of the most essential operation mode differences allows, for the first time, ERP selecting customers to design selection strategies. ERP selecting companies should strategically favor the operation mode that best suits their respective organizational characteristics so as to obtain the best possible support from the ERP operation modes.
Family protocols as governance tools
Authors: Botero Isabel C. , Gomez Betancourt Gonzalo , Betancourt Ramirez Jose Bernardo , Lopez Vergara Maria Piedad
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to focus on the family protocol as a governance policy tool that can help ameliorate intra-family conflict and enhance the probabilities of survivability of the family business.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using equity theory and organizational justice as theoretical frameworks, the authors explain how and why the development of a protocol can help the family firm and their survivability. The authors combine academic and practitioner knowledge to present a process model for creating family protocols.

Findings

– Based on four important considerations (i.e. process view, deep knowledge about the family business, dynamic environment, and the need for change and adaptation) the authors develop a process model for the development of family tailored protocols.

Originality/value

– This paper integrates the work of practitioners and academics to help understand what is a family protocol, why and how the protocol affects the family and business relationships and presents a procedural model for the development of a family protocol that can help govern the relationship between the family and the business.
Rethinking family business education
Authors: Burch Gerald F. , Batchelor John H. , Burch Jana J. , Heller Nathan A.
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– Family businesses consist of a family system, a business system, and an ownership system. Current undergraduate business education only prepares family business students with business system education, thereby leaving the student with a misconception of the environment in which they will work. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– Business education must change to provide these students with an integrated curriculum that allows them to make connections across disciplines, and provides the additional soft skills and hard skills needed to accomplish the task.

Findings

– The authors propose a conception focussed curriculum to accomplish this task and make suggestions on how such a system might be implemented.

Originality/value

– This approach provides family business educators with a model that they can implement, thereby better preparing family business students for their return to their family work.
Best practice myths and trusted advisers
Authors: McCracken Ken
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to consider, from a practitioner’s perspective, two phrases that are often used in the family enterprise field; “best practice” and “trusted adviser”. They are sometimes found together, a trusted adviser being one who has a meaningful relationship with a family and can offer advice based on best practice. The alternative view offered here is that the notion of best practice is flawed, while trust has much more to it than building personal relationships between and adviser and an enterprising family.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper is a commentary piece from a practitioner with experience of working with enterprising families in different parts of the world.

Findings

– This commentary paper challenges the notion that there are best practices in family business governance. It suggests that these are being used to bolster a normative approach to advising that emphasises the importance of certain structures and practices in place of effective governance that is developed by enterprising families to suit their needs. It also tries to expand the debate about the so-called trusted adviser by reviewing aspects of trust that have little to do directly with the quality of personal relationship between a family and their adviser.

Originality/value

– This paper provides an informed practitioner view of issues that are currently being debated in the field of family enterprise knowledge and practice. It will be useful for enterprising families, family business practitioners, academics and researchers.