bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photoluminescence and Photocatalytic Properties of Nanocrystalline TiO2:Tb Thin Films
Authors: Wojcieszak Damian , Domaradzki Jaroslaw , Kaczmarek Danuta , Prociow Eugeniusz , Morawski Antoni W. , Janus Magdalena
Published: July 2012

In this work photoluminescence together with photocatalytic activity of nanocrystalline TiO2 thin films doped with different amount of Tb are described. Thin films were manufactured by high energy reactive magnetron sputtering process. Structural investigation has shown that all as-deposited films had rutile structure. Doping of the matrix resulted in decrease of the average crystallite sizes from 8.7 nm to 6.6 nm for undoped and doped films, respectively. This testifies about densification of the matrix structure by Tb-doping. Photoluminescence measurements of TiO2:Tb films have revealed light emission in wide spectral range (from 350 up to 700 nm) with a strong green luminescence at 545 nm. In order to explain Tb3+ luminescence phenomenon in TiO2-rutile matrix possible energy transfer mechanisms are discussed. The photocatalytic activity of nanocrystalline films was determined based on phenol decomposition during UV-light irradiation. Results showed that all manufactured films were photocatalytically active and their activity was growing with increase of terbium amount. The highest decomposition rate was observed for the TiO2 thin films with Tb amount of 2.6 at. %.
Si Doped and Un-Doped CrN Thin Films Produced by Magnetron Sputtering: Structural and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Cunha L. , Moura C.
Published: July 2012

Chromium nitride and silicon doped chromium nitride thin films have been deposited by r.f. reactive magnetron sputtering. The effect of processing parameters on the properties of chromium nitride films and the correspondent influence of the addition of silicon on the chromium nitride matrix in the films structure and mechanical properties have been investigated. The characterization of the coatings was performed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), and nano-indentation experiments. These studies allow analyzing the crystalline phases, crystal orientation/texture, crystallite size, mechanical properties and the relations between the characteristics of the films. The increase of the nitrogen partial pressure in the working atmosphere produces changes from a body-centered cubic (bcc) Cr structure, to hexagonal Cr2N to face-centered cubic (fcc) CrN structure, with CrN (111) preferred orientation. For the films with a dominant Cr2N phase the hardness has a relative maximum (42 GPa). The highest hardness was measured for a coating with dominant CrN phase (45 GPa) with a crystallite size around 18 nm. The addition of Si, in the films with CrN dominant phase, maintains the CrN (111) preferred orientation and produced variable changes in films hardness, depending on deposition conditions.
Study of Growth Process for Functionally Gradient Nanocomposite Coating Fabricated by Plasma Electrolytic Carburizing
Authors: Aliofkhazraei Mahmood , Rouhaghdam Alireza Sabour
Published: July 2012

In this paper, plasma electrolytic carburizing has been applied on the commercially pure titanium substrates in an organic based electrolyte with presence of some hard tungsten carbide nanoparticulates in suspension state. Pulsed current with variable duty cycle has been used for fabrication of functionally gradient nanocomposite coating. As a result, a hard nanocomposite layer has been formed on the surface of the samples with complex titanium carbide as its matrix and tungsten carbide nanoparticulates as its reinforced phase. In addition of used SEM, TEM and AFM for evaluation of coating nature, the presence of tungsten in different depths of formed layer has been followed by means of EDS. The effects of rate of variable duty cycle of applied pulsed current or treatment time have been described. Hardness profiles showed that the higher rates for variable duty cycles will cause lower hardness and sharper profilesThis document explains and demonstrates how to prepare your camera-ready manuscript for Trans Tech Publications. The best is to read these instructions and follow the outline of this text. The text area for your manuscript must be 17 cm wide and 25 cm high (6.7 and 9.8 inches, resp.). Do not place any text outside this area. Use good quality, white paper of approximately 21 x 29 cm or 8 x 11 inches (please do not change the document setting from A4 to letter). Your manuscript will be reduced by approximately 20% by the publisher. Please keep this in mind when designing your figures and tables etc.
The Use of Solid State NMR to Evaluate EVA/Silica FILMs
Authors: Passos Adriano Alves , Tavares Maria Inês Bruno , Neto Roberto Cucinelli P. , Ferreira Antonio G.
Published: July 2012

Nanocomposites based on ethylene-co-vinyl acetate (EVA) and silica oxide (SiO2), with nanometric size (40nm) were prepared by solution process, employing chloroform as solvent. The nanocomposites were mainly characterized by solid state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). From the methodology employed polymer matrix was evaluated by the determination of proton nuclear spin-lattice relaxation time (T1H) and spin-spin relaxation time (T2H) employing low field NMR spectrometer and also applying carbon-13 (13C) solid-state NMR techniques and proton spin-lattice relaxation time in the rotating frame (T1pH) by high field NMR. The nanoparticle, silica oxide, was analyzed by silicon-29 (29Si) NMR MAS spectrum. The evaluation of relaxation time showed an increase in the proton spin-lattice relaxation time, because of silicon nucleus interaction with polymer chains promoting an increase in the sample rigidity, which is a result of good silica oxide dispersion in the polymeric matrix. The nanomaterial with 5% of SiO2presented good dispersion of silica oxide in the polymeric matrix, because of the formation of strong intermolecular interaction.
Energetic Ion Irradiation as Advanced Process for Functionalization of Silicon Nanocrystals in a SiO2 Matrix
Authors: Antonova I.V. , Skuratov V.A. , Balberg I.
Published: July 2012

A physical picture of swift heavy ion irradiation effects on ensembles of silicon nanocrystallites (NCs) embedded in a dielectric SiO2matrix is given following our study of the experimental investigation of structural, electrical and photoluminescence properties of that system We found that ion irradiation can drastically change the structure of the layer by forming an ordered NC chains along the ion tracks in the 400-1000 nm thick layer. The ion energy and dose are then the main tools for functionalization of our system, from changing the size and the concentration of the NCs, to managing the optical and electrical properties.
Mechanochemically Synthesised ZnxCd1-xS Nanoparticles for Solar Energy Applications
Authors: Dutková Erika , Baláz Peter , Pourghahramani Parviz , Balek Vladimír , Nguyen Anh V. , Šatka Alexander , Kováč Jaroslav , Ficeriová Jana
Published: July 2012

The mechanochemical solid-state synthesis of ZnxCd1-xS nanoparticles from zinc acetate, cadmium acetate and sodium sulphide in a planetary laboratory mill is described. Through changing the molar ratio of the Zn and Cd precursors, ZnxCd1-xS nanoparticles of different composition were prepared. Structural, surface and morphological properties were investigated by XRD, XPS, SEM and UV-VIS. Diffusion structural diagnostics was characterised by the emanation thermal analysis (ETA) results measured on heating of the samples. The cubic phase was found to be stable under mechanochemical treatment, as determined by XRD. The mixed phases were found to have ideal solution behaviours. In addition, microstructural characterisation indicated that mechanochemical treatment resulted in a structural refinement with a surface weighted crystallite size about 2 nm. The additional information of microstructure development and transport properties of the samples on heating was obtained by ETA. The calculated lattice parameters of mixed crystals linearly depend on the composition of ZnxCd1-xS nanoparticles. The S(2p), Zn(2p) and Cd(3d) core levels of the ZnxCd1-xS nanocrystallites reveal two different types of sulphur, zinc and cadmium unlike bulk CdS and ZnS. The calculated results indicate that the quantum-size effect in the nanoparticles is not negligible. The differences in the absorption edge and the emission peak position of the nanoparticles depend not only composition. Applied high-energy milling is a facile, efficient, and scalable process that does not require a solvent and can be performed under ambient conditions. Therefore, it is a promising candidate for the production of nanocrystalline materials.
On the Polytypic Transformations in SiC
Authors: Marinova Maya , Mantzari Alkyoni , Andreadou Ariadne , Polychroniadis Efstathios K.
Published: July 2012

In the present work we report on the polytypic transformations taking place in nanoscale dimensions within 6H-SiC crystals. The examined crystals were grown by Liquid Phase Epitaxy using a mixture of Si and Al as solvents. The study concentrated on the differences from the “correct” stacking order of the Si-C bilayers for 6H-SiC leading to the formation of other polytypes. A great variety of sequences was found, which resulted to the appearance of rare short and long period polytypes or individual lamellae having their “own” stacking inside the 6H-SiC matrix. These nanostructured faults which deteriorate the quality of the grown material indicate also their “sensitivity” to any small or even infinitesimal change of the growth conditions, due to the very small energy among them.
Pulmonary Toxicity of Well-Dispersed Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes Following Intratracheal Instillation
Authors: Morimoto Yasuo , Hirohashi Masami , Horie Masanori , Ogami Akira , Oyabu Takako , Myojo Toshihiko , Hashiba Masayoshi , Mizuguchi Yohei , Kambara Tatsunori , Lee Byeong Woo , Kuroda Etsushi , Yamamoto Kazuhiro , Kobayashi Norihiro , Endoh Shigehisa , Uchida Kunio , Nakazato Tetsuya , Fujita Katsuhide , Nakanishi Junko , Tanaka Isamu
Published: July 2012

Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes (SWCNTs) Were Well-Dispersed Using Ultrasonication to Conduct an Intratracheal Instillation Study. The Geometric Mean Diameter and Length of the SWCNT in Distilled Water Including 0.1 % Triton X-100 Was 44 Nm and 0.69 μm, Respectively. Rats Intratracheally Received 0.2 Mg or 0.4 Mg of SWCNT, and a Control Group Received Intratracheal Instillation of Distilled Water Containing 0.1 % Triton X-100 . The Rats Were then Sacrificed at 3 Days, 1 Week, 1 Month, 3 Months and 6 Months after Instillation. Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid (BALF) and Pathological Features Revealed that the Dose of SWCNT Induced Persistent Neutrophil Infiltration in Rat Lungs. In the Cytokine-Induced Neutrophil Chemoattractants (CINCs) Family, the Concentrations of CINC-1 and CINC-2 in the BALF Increased Persistently in the SWCNT-Exposed Groups. the Concentration of HO-1 in the BALF Was Also up-Regulated Persistently in the Exposed Groups. These Data Suggested that Well-Dispersed SWCNT Had an Inflammatory Potential in the Present Study.
Platinum Nanoparticles as pH Sensor for Intelligent Packaging
Authors: Martins A.J. , Benelmekki M. , Teixeira V. , Coutinho P.J.G.
Published: July 2012

Pt nanoparticles were produced by reverse micelle templating using DTAB. The resulting nanoparticles showed sizes between 250nm and 500nm and formed clusters. Thioglycolic acid (TGA) was covalently attached to the nanoparticle surface as a stabilizer and as. The Pt nanoparticles were dispersed in water and the dependence of its absorvance on the pH of the solution was studied. The spectra showed surface plamon absorption band at 280nm and also red shifted bands that were attributed to clusters of nanoparticles. It was found that the fraction of cluster population depends on the pH of the aqueous solution and that the response of the Pt nanoparticles to pH variations has a memory effect (hysteresis). The possibility of using these Pt nanoparticles in smart labels for food packaging is outlined.
Synthesis and Properties of Microencapsulated Solid Paraffin Phase Change Materials
Authors: Xu Zhe , Li Jian Qiang , Zhang Guo Cai
Published: July 2012

To prepare the phase change materials for efficient low-temperature latent heat storage, microcapsules with commercial solid paraffin were synthesized by using in-situ polymerization process. Liquid paraffin was used first as core materials since it facilitates the direct observation of containment by the shell of melamine-formaldehyde resin (MF resin), and examines easily the optimal synthesizing condition. The effects of emulsion processes, pre-polymerization conditions, shell material content and reaction time on the quality of microcapsules were investigated. The experimental investigations show that the optimal process of synthesizing liquid paraffin microcapsules is adoptable to that of solid paraffin microcapsules. The as-prepared solid paraffin microcapsules show high quality. The microcapsules surface was smooth and dense, and be free of any adhesion. The measurements show that in the microcapsules solid paraffin was well encapsulated by MF resin. The microcapsule size was almost within the range of 6~33 μm and most intense distribution at 23 μm. DSC measurements gave two endothermic peaks with initial phase change temperature at 35°C and 50°C respectively, and the total enthalpy was above 134 J/g.
Reaction Kinetic in the CVD Process of Pyrocarbon Deposition from Propylene Pyrolysis
Authors: Lu Cui Ying , Cheng Lai Fei , Zhang Li Tong , Zhao Chun Nian
Published: July 2012

The deposition rate(r) of pyrocarbon deposited from propylene pyrolysis has been explored as a function of residence time (tr=0.2-5s) and deposition temperature (T=1173-1333K) at a constant pressure of 6 kPa. The main feature of r vs. curves was that the deposition rate, firstly increase and then decrease with the residence time. A qualitative chemical model was developed and the kinetic domains were defined for the formation of pyrocarbon. The model could explain the change of deposition rates and kinetic transition due to the occurrence of two different families of ultimate carbon precursor.
Preparation and Properties of Polyamide 6-Functionalized Nanometer-Sized Graphene Composite Fiber
Authors: Liu Hai Hui , Peng Wei Wei , Tan Yong , Hou Li Chen , Zhang Xing Xiang
Published: July 2012

A novel approach to the functionalization of nanometer-sized graphene was presented in this work. Covalent bonding between the filler and matrix was formed, with minimal disruption to the sp2 hybridization of the pristine graphene sheet. Functionalization proceeded by covalently bonding a 4-substituted benzoic acid monomer to the surface of expanded graphene, via ‘‘direct Friedel-Crafts” acylation in mild reaction medium of polyphosphoric acid (PPA)/phosphorous pentoxide. Polyamide 6 (PA6)-functionalized graphene (FG) composites were prepared by in situ polymerization of ε-caprolactam in the presence of nanometer-sized FG. Nanocomposite fiber with 0.1 wt.% content of nanometer-sized FG was prepared with a piston spinning machine and hot-roller drawing machine. The nanometer-sized FG performed homogeneous dispersion in the polymer matrix. The mechanical properties of the PA6-FG composites fiber was enhanced by adding FG in the polymer matrix. The new functionalization method paves the way to prepare graphene-based nanocomposites fiber simply, without disrupting the primary structures of nanometer-sized graphene.
Preparation and Properties of TiO2/Ti Catalysts by Ionic Liquid Assisted Anodic Oxidation Method
Authors: Jiang Yan Li , Tian Mei , Yang Li Juan , Liu Jia Yao , Liu Xun Hua
Published: July 2012

Nano-titanium dioxide photocatalyst were prepared under anodizing in the ionic liquid [Bmim ]BF4, with the Sulfuric acid and water as solvent, groped for the amount of ionic liquid doping in electrolyte. With the help of XRD and SEM technology we characterized the light catalyst that we have prepared. By oxidation degrading LuoDanMing B, we tested its light catalytic activity. The results show that: the best current up time using anodic oxidation method for the preparation of TiO2/Ti catalyst is 10 min, while the light catalytic activity of the catalyst is the best; the best doping quantity of ionic liquid in electrolyte is 0.5 mL, while the light catalytic activity of the catalyst is the best; in the membrane of the titanium dioxide crystals both Rutile and Anatase are more; the mixed effect of Rutile and Anatase is better. Besides, the membrane surface is rough and porous. Therefore, the catalytic activity is higher.
A Glass Dielectric Paste for Preparation Transparent Spacers of Vacuum Glass by Screen Printing
Authors: Zhao Jun Yan , Luo Shi Yong , Zhang Xin Lin , Xu Wen Cai , Zhao Man
Published: July 2012

Vacuum glass is a new building material with excellent energy conservation and sound insulation properties. Usually, the spacers between two pieces of flat glass substrates are mini-rings of metal. In the present research, the spacers were prepared with a glass dielectric paste by screen printing, and then sintered till them transparent. The glass dielectric paste for the preparation of transparent spacers of vacuum glass was prepared by using low melting glass powder and terpineol ethyl cellulose solution. The composition of the paste with preferable properties was evaluated as in mass percent: organic vehicle 20-25, and low melting glass powder 73-80. The rheological behaviors of the typical paste were characterized by using an ARES (RFS-III) rheometer. It is found that a weak flocculated network structure is formed in the paste for the high solid filler. The spacers were prepared by screen printing the paste on the glass substrate and then sintered. The transparent, Vickers hardness of the spacers as well as the binder forces between the spacers and the substrate is reported. The reliability of the prepared transparent spacers for the vacuum glass was discussed.
Nano-Materials Create a Whole New World to Oil Industry
Authors: Ye Yin Zhu , Wang Zheng Bo , Bai Xiao Hu , Wang Jin Xing
Published: July 2012

Nowadays, nano-material has been greatly developed and successfully applied in many areas, such as information, medicine, energy and consumer goods. Meanwhile, as an important fossil energy, crude oil and its derivatives have been widely used in various aspects of our daily lives. However, along with the increasing difficulties of oil development and the decreasing amount of remaining oil reserve, how to get oil more efficiently and economically has become big challenge to oil industry. Because of its small size and unique multi-function, nano-materials provide many creative solutions to oil industry. For this, what are nano-materials and their key properties are reviewed firstly. Then the current research and applications of nano-materials in oil exploration and production are introduced respectively. Finally, the future trends and potentials of nano-material in oil industry are put forward prospectively.
The Effect of Sintering Temperature on the Physical Properties and Bending Strength of Zirconia Toughened Ceramic
Authors: Hua Ze Quan , Zhang Bin , Chen Ji Hua , Sun Lian Jun , Zhang Ying
Published: July 2012

This research investigated the effect of sintering temperature on the physical properties and bending strength of zirconia toughened ceramic (ZTC). 3mol% yttria-stabilized zirconia compacts were prepared by dry press method and then sintered with different final sintering temperature: 1490°C, 1530°C, 1570°C and 1610°C respectively. The physical properties and three-point bending strength were measured. The results of the test indicated that the density and shrinkage of ZTC increased along with the rise of sintering temperature, while the surface porosity of the samples decreased. The curve of flexural strength is indicated the variolation tendency of falling after rising, being the maximum at 1570°C. The results of this experiment showed that the best sintering temperature of yttria-stabilized zirconia was showed at 1570°C in terms of physical properties and bending strength among the selected temperature range.
Sintering Additive on the Pore Structure and Mechanical Properties of Si3N4 Ceramic Foam Produced by Protein Coagulation Casting
Authors: Yin Liu Yan , Zhou Xin Gui , Yu Jin Shan , Wang Hong Lei , Zhao Shuang , Luo Zheng , Yang Bei
Published: July 2012

Silicon nitride (Si3N4) ceramic foam was prepared from water-based Si3N4 slurries via protein coagulation casting method with egg white protein as the foam agent. The open porosity of the as-fabricated ceramic foams was close to 80%, and the compressive strength was about 20 MPa. Further, the content of sintering additive on the phase composition, pore structure and pore size distribution were investigated. Results indicate that with the increasing of sintering aids, more windows appear on the wall of pore and the average size increases. Moreover, Pore size distribution of as-fabricated ceramic not only changes with sintering additive addition but also varies with pore size.
Preparation and Properties of La2/3Sr1/3MnO3: Agx Polycrystalline Composites
Authors: Yan Yi Zhi , Liu Xiang , Chen Qing Ming , Zhang Shao Chun
Published: July 2012

La2/3Sr1/3MnO3: Agx (LSMO: Agx) polycrystalline composites were prepared by co-precipitation method. Structure and performance of La2/3Sr1/3MnO3: Agx were investigated by X ray diffraction and R-T measurement. Results show that, all samples are perovskite structure. With the addition of Ag increased, the volume and conductivity of LSMnO: Agx were increased accordingly. The resistivity of the samples (x=0.30, 0.40) is only 10% of the pristine. The TCR of LSMO: Agx (x=0.3) is obtained maximum value of 3.39% as the Z value 0.50. It’s perhaps the proper candidate material to be high temperature electrode or near room temperature bolometer and infrared devices.
Preparation and Characterization of Ultralow Density Silica Aerogels by Acetonitrile Supercritical Drying
Authors: Liu Guang Wu , Ni Xing Yuan , Zhou Bin , Yu Qiu Jie
Published: July 2012

This paper deals with the synthesis of ultralow density silica aerogels using tetramethyl orthosilicate (TMOS) as the precursor via sol-gel process followed by supercritical drying using acetonitrile solvent extraction. Ultralow density silica aerogels with 6 mg/cc of density was made for the molar ratio by this method. The microstructure and morphology of the ultralow density silica aerogels was characterized by the specific surface area, SBET, SEM, and the pore size distribution techniques. The results show that the ultralow density silica aerogel has the high specific surface area of 812m2/g. Thermal conductivities at desired temperatures were analyzed by the transient plane heat source method. Thermal conductivity coefficients of silica aerogel monoliths changed from 0.024 to 0.043W/ (m K) as temperature increased to 400°C, revealed an excellent heat insulation effect during thermal process.
Observations and modelling of microphysical variability, aggregation and sedimentation in tropical anvil cirrus outflow regions
Authors: Gallagher M. W. , Connolly P. J. , Crawford I. , Heymsfield A. , Bower K. N. , Choularton T. W. , Allen G. , Flynn M. J. , Vaughan G. , Hacker J.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. Aircraft measurements of the microphysics of a tropical convective anvil (at temperatures ~−60 °C) forming above the Hector storm, over the Tiwi Islands, Northern Australia, have been conducted with a view to determining ice crystal aggregation efficiencies from in situ measurements. The observed microphysics have been compared to an explicit bin-microphysical model of the anvil region, which includes crystal growth by vapour diffusion and aggregation and the process of differential sedimentation. It has been found in flights made using straight and level runs perpendicular to the storm that the number of ice crystals initially decreased with distance from the storm as aggregation took place resulting in larger crystals, followed by their loss from the cloud layer due to sedimentation. The net result was that the mass (i.e. Ice Water Content) in the anvil Ci cloud decreased, but also that the average particle size (weighted by number) remained relatively constant along the length of the anvil outflow. Comparisons with the explicit microphysics model showed that the changes in the shapes of the ice crystal spectra as a function of distance from the storm could be explained by the model if the aggregation efficiency was set to values of Eagg~0.5 and higher. This result is supported by recent literature on aggregation efficiencies for complex ice particles and suggests that either the mechanism of particle interlocking is important to the aggregation process, or that other effects are occuring, such as enhancement of ice-aggregation by high electric fields that arise as a consequence of charge separation within the storm. It is noteworthy that this value of the ice crystal aggregation efficiency is much larger than values used in cloud resolving models at these temperatures, which typically use E~0.0016. These results are important to understanding how cold clouds evolve in time and for the treatment of the evolution of tropical Ci in numerical models.
Accuracy assessment of Aqua-MODIS aerosol optical depth over coastal regions: importance of quality flag and sea surface wind speed
Authors: Anderson J. C. , Wang J. , Zeng J. , Petrenko M. , Leptoukh G. G. , Ichoku C.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. Coastal regions around the globe are a major source for anthropogenic aerosols in the atmosphere, but the underlying surface characteristics are not favorable for the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) algorithms designed for retrieval of aerosols over dark land or open-ocean surfaces. Using data collected from 62 coastal stations worldwide from the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) from ~ 2002–2010, accuracy assessments are made for coastal aerosol optical depth (AOD) retrieved from MODIS aboard Aqua satellite. It is found that coastal AODs (at 550 nm) characterized respectively by the MODIS Dark Land (hereafter Land) surface algorithm, the Open-Ocean (hereafter Ocean) algorithm, and AERONET all exhibit a log-normal distribution. After filtering by quality flags, the MODIS AODs respectively retrieved from the Land and Ocean algorithms are highly correlated with AERONET (with R2 ≈ 0.8), but only the Land algorithm AODs fall within the expected error envelope greater than 66% of the time. Furthermore, the MODIS AODs from the Land algorithm, Ocean algorithm, and combined Land_and_Ocean product show statistically significant discrepancies from their respective counterparts from AERONET in terms of mean, probability density function, and cumulative density function, which suggest a need for future improvement in retrieval algorithms. Without filtering with quality flag, the MODIS Land_and_Ocean AOD dataset can be degraded by 30–50% in terms of mean bias. Overall, the MODIS Ocean algorithm overestimates the AERONET coastal AOD by 0.021 for AOD < 0.25 and underestimates it by 0.029 for AOD > 0.25. This dichotomy is shown to be related to the ocean surface wind speed and cloud contamination effects on the satellite aerosol retrieval. The Modern Era Retrospective-Analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA) reveals that wind speeds over the global coastal region (with a mean and median value of 2.94 m s−1 and 2.66 m s−1, respectively) are often slower than 6 m s−1 assumed in the MODIS Ocean algorithm. As a result of high correlation (R2 > 0.98) between the bias in binned MODIS AOD and the corresponding binned wind speed over the coastal sea surface, an empirical scheme for correcting the bias of AOD retrieved from the MODIS Ocean algorithm is formulated and is shown to be effective over the majority of the coastal AERONET stations, and hence can be used in future analysis of AOD trend and MODIS AOD data assimilation.
Climate response to imposed solar radiation reductions in high latitudes
Authors: MacCracken M. C. , Shin H.-J. , Caldeira K. , Ban-Weiss G. A.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. Increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases are the primary contributor to the 0.8 °C increase in the global average temperature since the late 19th century, shortening cold seasons and lengthening warm seasons. The warming is amplified in polar regions, causing retreat of sea ice, snow cover, permafrost, mountain glaciers, and ice sheets, while also modifying mid-latitude weather, amplifying global sea level rise, and initiating high-latitude carbon feedbacks. Model simulations in which we reduced solar insolation over high latitudes not only cooled those regions, but also drew energy from lower latitudes, exerting a cooling influence over much of the hemisphere in which the reduction was imposed. Our simulations, which used the National Center for Atmospheric Research's CAM3.1 atmospheric model coupled to a slab ocean, indicated that, on a normalized basis, high-latitude reductions in absorbed solar radiation have a significantly larger cooling influence than equivalent solar reductions spread evenly over the Earth. This amplified influence occurred because high-latitude surface cooling preferentially increased sea ice fraction and, therefore, surface albedo, leading to a larger deficit in the radiation budget at the top of the atmosphere than from an equivalent global reduction in solar radiation. Reductions in incoming solar radiation in one polar region (either north or south) resulted in increased poleward energy transport during that hemisphere's cold season and shifted the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) away from that pole, whereas equivalent reductions in both polar regions tended to leave the ITCZ approximately in place. Together, these results suggest that, until emissions reductions are sufficient to limit the warming influence of greenhouse gas concentrations, polar reductions in solar radiation, if they can be efficiently and effectively implemented, might, because of fewer undesirable side effects than for global solar radiation reductions, be a preferred approach to limiting both high-latitude and global warming.
Reprocessed height time series of GPS stations at tide gauges
Authors: Rudenko S. , Schön N. , Uhlemann M. , Gendt G.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. Precise weekly positions of 403 Global Positioning System (GPS) stations located worldwide are obtained by reprocessing GPS data of these stations at the time span from 4 January 1998 until 29 December 2007. The used processing algorithm and models as well as the solution and results obtained are presented. Vertical velocities of GPS stations having tracking history longer than 2.5 yr are computed and compared with the estimates from the colocated tide gauges and other GPS solutions. Examples of typical behavior of station height changes are given and interpreted. The derived time series and vertical motions of continuous GPS at tide gauges stations can be used for correcting tide gauge estimates of regional and global sea level changes.
Restoration of Autologous Arteriovenous Fistula by Vascular Stripping in a Hemodialysis Patient with Venous Neointimal Hyperplasia
Authors: Lu Fang-Ping , Lu Zhao-Xuan , Liu Xin , Liu Li-Ping
Published: July 2012

A significant number of arteriovenous fistulae fail because of venous neointimal hyperplasia-associated vascular blockage. We developed a surgical technique for repairing arteriovenous fistulae by surgically removing neointimal hyperplasia and vessel re-anastomosis. Here, we report the successful treatment of a case that developed arteriovenous fistula stenosis because of venous neointimal hyperplasia.
The Development of Benchmarking Techniques in Airport Performance Evaluation Research
Authors: Lai Po-Lin , Potter Andrew , Beynon Malcolm
Published: July 2012

The purpose of this article is to further an understanding of the airport sector through a systematic analysis of the existing studies assessing the economic efficiency and productivity of the sector. A full review of journal papers from 1990 to 2011 was undertaken. The emphasis is on the measurement methodologies, the variables used, and the results associated with the various airport activities. Particular attention is given to the increased employment of mathematical modeling and advanced statistical analysis methods. However, this is also yielding an increasing set of inputs and outputs used for analysis, which can then influence the comparability between studies. As well as overall efficiency, two questions particularly emerge as being of interest for this research—the influence of airport size and ownership structure/governance on efficiency. However, current research does not provide a conclusive answer. A number of research opportunities are identified, including the necessity to more closely include the opinions of relevant stakeholders in order to improve the data analysis system and future research samples.
Didaktické znalosti obsahu a matematické vzdělávání učitelů
Authors: Kuřina F.
Published: July 2012

V úvodu příspěvku jsou naznačeny některé problémy matematického vzdělávání, zejména problém instruktivních a konstruktivních přístupů k učení. V druhé části je srovnáván pojem didaktická znalost obsahu s pojmem didaktika jako tvorba školy. Ukazuje se, že Shulmanem připomínané chybějící paradigma je v české didaktice výrazně zastoupeno. Dále jsou charakterizovány globální a dílčí transformace jako různé pohledy na tvorbu didaktických znalostí obsahu. Problematika porozumění se probírá v souvislosti s dílem Liping Ma a zdůrazňuje se význam tzv. dobré praxe. Ve třetí části příspěvku jsou prezentovány možnosti integrace didaktické a obsahové složky matematiky v učitelském vzdělávání.
Vnímaná zdatnosť (self-efficacy) učiteľa: oblasť vyučovania a oblasť spolupráce s rodičmi
Authors: Gavora P. , Majerčíková J.
Published: July 2012

V štúdii predkladáme výskum vnímanej zdatnosti učiteľa (self-efficacy) na vzorke slovenských učiteľov základných škôl v dvoch oblastiach: v oblasti vyučovania a v oblasti spolupráce s rodičmi. Vo výskume boli použité dva výskumné nástroje: 16 položková slovenská verzia dotazníka TES autorov Gibsonovej a Demba a 24-položkový dotazník na meranie vnímanej zdatnosti učiteľa spolupracovať s rodičmi (ZdUR), ktorý bol vyvinutý autormi tejto štúdie. Korelácia medzi ZdUR a prvou dimenziou TES bola 0,58 a medzi ZdUR a druhou dimenziou TES bola len 0,01. Učitelia základných škôl na Slovensku (n = 152) skórovali vyššie vo všetkých dimenziách ZdUR ako v dimenziách TES s výnimkou vnímanej zdatnosti angažovať rodičov do aktivít školy. Aby sa zistili diagnostické možnosti obidvoch dotazníkov, z výskumného súboru boli vybratí štyria učitelia, ktorí sa ukázali odlišní z hľadiska vnímanej zdatnosti pre vyučovanie a pre spoluprácu s rodičmi.
Vizuální prostředky pro výuku reálií: výsledky analýzy učebnic němčiny
Authors: Pešková K.
Published: July 2012

Studie představuje výsledky kvantitativní analýzy učebnic z hlediska vizuálních prostředků pro výuku reálií. Výzkumný vzorek tvořily čtyři učebnice, které jsou určeny pro výuku němčiny jako druhého cizího jazyka na 2. stupni ZŠ. Výsledky poukázaly na společné charakteristiky učebnic z hlediska výskytu typů a obsahů vizuálních prostředků. Naopak nevýraznější rozdíly mezi učebnicemi byly zaznamenány u funkcí vizuálních prostředků. V závěru studie jsou uvedeny náměty na zlepšení učebnic formulované na základě zjištění z provedené analýzy.
A Fiduciary Argument Against Stakeholder Theory
Authors: Marcoux Alexei M.
Published: July 2012

Critics attack normative ethical stakeholder theory for failing to recognize the special moral status of shareholders that justifies the fiduciary duties owed to them at law by managers. Stakeholder theorists reply that there is nothing morally significant about shareholders that can underwrite those fiduciary duties. I advance an argument that seeks to demonstrate both the special moral status of shareholders in a firm and the concomitant moral inadequacy of stakeholder theory. I argue that (i) if some relations morally require fiduciary duties, and (ii) the shareholder-manager relation possesses the features that make fiduciary duties morally necessary to those relations, then (iii) stakeholder theory is morally lacking.
Victims of Circumstances? A Defense of Virtue Ethics in Business
Authors: Solomon Robert C.
Published: July 2012

Should the responsibilities of business managers be understood independently of the social circumstances and “market forces” that surround them, or (in accord with empiricism and the social sciences) are agents and their choices shaped by their circumstances, free only insofar as they act in accordance with antecedently established dispositions, their “character”? Virtue ethics, of which I consider myself a proponent, shares with empiricism this emphasis on character as well as an affinity with the social sciences. But recent criticisms of both empiricist and virtue ethical accounts of character deny even this apparent compromise between agency and environment. Here is an account of character that emphasizes dynamic interaction both in the formation and in the interplay between personal agency and responsibility on the one hand and social pressures and the environment on the other.
No Character or Personality
Authors: Harman Gilbert
Published: July 2012

Solomon argues that, although recent research in social psychology has important implications for business ethics, it does not undermine an approach that stresses virtue ethics. However, he underestimates the empirical threat to virtue ethics, and his a priori claim that empirical research cannot overturn our ordinary moral psychology is overstated. His appeal to seemingly obvious differences in character traits between people simply illustrates the fundamental attribution error. His suggestion that the Milgram and Darley and Batson experiments have to do with such character traits as obedience and punctuality cannot help to explain the relevant differences in the way people behave in different situations. His appeal to personality theory fails, because, as an intellectual academic discipline, personality theory is in shambles, mainly because it has been concerned with conceptions of personality rather than with what is true about personality. Solomon’s rejection of Doris’s claims about the fragmentation of character is at odds with the received view in social psychology. Finally, he is mistaken to think that rejecting virtue ethics implies rejecting free will and moral responsibility.
Does Lottery Advertising Exploit Disadvantaged and Vulnerable Markets?
Authors: Borg Mary O. , Stranahan Harriet A.
Published: July 2012

Is it unethical to advertise lotteries? Many citizens think that states should not be actively promoting and encouraging the public to spend hard-earned dollars on a bet that they are virtually guaranteed to lose. Perhaps more importantly, business ethicists are concerned that lottery advertising may be targeting the most vulnerable markets: households with the lowest income and education levels. If this were true, then it would increase the already disproportionately large burden of lottery taxes on the poor. Fortunately, our research finds no evidence to support the contention that advertising is responsible for high rates of lottery participation and expenditures by lower income groups or that low-income groups are more affected by advertising than high-income groups. On the contrary, awareness of lottery advertising seems to be associated with a higher probability to play Lotto only for the middle income group. This means that lottery advertising may actually reduce the regressivity of lottery taxes.
In Defense of a Self-Disciplined, Domain-Specific Social Contract Theory of Business Ethics
Authors: Wempe Ben
Published: July 2012

This article sets out two central theses. Both theses primarily involve a fundamental criticism of current contractarian business ethics (CBE), but if these can be sustained, they also constitute two boundary conditions for any future contractarian theory of business ethics. The first, which I label the self-discipline thesis, claims that current CBE would gain considerably in focus if more attention were paid to the logic of the social contract argument. By this I mean the aims set by the theorist and method of reasoning by which normative conclusions are drawn in the contract model. The second, to which I refer as the domain-specificity thesis, argues that current CBE needs to be better adapted to its field of application and the specific goals which it aims to establish. I will substantiate these two theses on the basis of a comparative analysis of CBE with two earlier families of social contract theories.
Transforming our Students: Teaching Business Ethics Post-Enron
Authors: Koehn Daryl
Published: July 2012

Teachers and managers strive to be determining causes, leading those whom we instruct or supervise to act in some ways rather than others. If we are seeking to be causes, then we ought to admit our mission and monitor how well we are doing. Yet, instead of owning up to our failures, we hide behind claims such as “some students are unteachable because their habits are bad,” or “we have little time to affect our students who are being indoctrinated by other business school professors to believe that narrow self-interest does and should rule the world.” Perhaps it is we who have failed our students, not the reverse. Examining our business ethics pedagogy is crucial because regulation is not by itself going to prevent future scandals. This paper presents three structures for teaching business ethics in a liberal arts, transformative way. While no pedagogy comes with a guarantee, these approaches at least have the potential to transform students because they force students to have “some skin in the game.”
Bad Apples in Bad Barrels Revisited: Cognitive Moral Development, Just World Beliefs, Rewards, and Ethical Decision-Making
Authors: Ashkanasy Neal M. , Windsor Carolyn A. , Treviño Linda K.
Published: July 2012

In this study, we test the interactive effect on ethical decision-making of (1) personal characteristics, and (2) personal expectancies based on perceptions of organizational rewards and punishments. Personal characteristics studied were cognitive moral development and belief in a just world. Using an in-basket simulation, we found that exposure to reward system information influenced managers’ outcome expectancies. Further, outcome expectancies and belief in a just world interacted with managers’ cognitive moral development to influence managers’ ethical decision-making. In particular, low-cognitive moral development managers who expected that their organization condoned unethical behavior made less ethical decisions while high cognitive moral development managers became more ethical in this environment. Low cognitive moral development managers also behaved less ethically when their belief in a just world was high.
From the Wright Brothers to Microsoft: Issues in the Moral Grounding of Intellectual Property Rights
Authors: Lea David
Published: July 2012

This paper considers the arguments that could support the proposition that intellectual property rights as applied to software have a moral basis. Undeniably, ownership rights were first applied to chattels and land and so we begin by considering the moral basis of these rights. We then consider if these arguments make moral sense when they are extended to intellectual phenomenon. We identified two principal moral defenses: one based on utilitarian concerns relating to human welfare, the other appeals to issues of individual autonomy and private control. We conclude that intellectual property rights could not be defended from a moral perspective that emphasizes autonomy and individual control because copyright and patent restrict fundamental freedoms to transfer and redistribute one’s property. We also find it difficult to defend intellectual property in software from a utilitarian perspective because of the current structure of the market. We mention two characteristics of the software market that make it distinct and promote monopolistic conditions and excessive profit taking: the facility of replication, and the need for compatibility in operating systems. We conclude that there are good reasons to reverse the current market’s structure. We suggest three possible remedies. The government could rigorously enforce antitrust legislation, impose greater monitoring and price controls, or obviate the commercial aspect altogether by denying the application of intellectual property rights to software.
Transcending the Confines of Economic and Political Organization? The Misguided Metaphor of Corporate Citizenship
Authors: van Oosterhout J. (Hans)
Published: July 2012

Although the critical reconceptualization of Corporate Citizenship (CC) proposed by Néron and Norman appropriately focuses on connotations that enable us to distinguish between CC and the all-inclusive notion of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), I argue that they fail to properly account for the misguiding potential of the features of political citizenship they propose to develop further in CC theorizing. It is concluded that the notion of CC is better dispensed with altogether, and that a reorientation on concepts that can truly transcend the boundaries of economic and political organization would benefit the field of business and society.
Confucian Skepticism about Workplace Rights
Authors: Strudler Alan
Published: July 2012

Confucian scholars express skepticism about rights. This skepticism is relevant to managers who face issues about the recognition of workplace rights in a Confucian culture. My essay examines the foundations of this skepticism, and the cogency of potential leading Western liberal responses to it. I conclude that Confucian skepticism is more formidable than liberals have recognized. I attempt to craft an argument that defuses Confucian skepticism about workplace rights while at the same time respecting the moral depth of Confucianism.
The Legacy Motive: A Catalyst for Sustainable Decision Making in Organizations
Authors: Fox Matthew , Tost Leigh Plunkett , Wade-Benzoni Kimberly A.
Published: July 2012

In this article, we review and build on intergenerational and behavioral ethics research to consider how the motive to build a lasting legacy can impact ethical behavior in intergenerational decision making. We discuss how people can utilize their relationships to organizations to craft their legacies. Further, we elucidate how the legacy motive can enhance business ethics, incorporating theory and empirical findings from research on intergenerational decision making, generativity, and terror management theory to develop the legacy construct and to outline the psychological underpinnings of motivations to leave a positive legacy. We discuss the ways in which legacies can provide a link between life-meaning and pro-social motivation, and we consider the ways in which individuals’ social environments can moderate the intensity of the legacy motive and can impact legacy-building behavior by determining the types of legacies that are valued. Finally, we highlight the implications of these ideas for ethical behavior and sustainable decision making in business contexts.
Exploitation and Sweatshop Labor: Perspectives and Issues
Authors: Snyder Jeremy
Published: July 2012

In this review, I survey theoretical accounts of exploitation in business, chiefly through the example of low wage or sweatshop labor. Labor of this kind is often described as self-evidently exploitative and immoral. But for defenders of sweatshops as the first rung on a ladder toward greater economic development, the charge that sweatshop labor is self-evidently exploitative is unconvincing. I aim to accomplish three tasks. First, I will provide an overview of the many different uses of the charge of exploitation in business practice through an examination of the uses of the term in the literature on sweatshop labor. Second, I will discuss which of these senses of exploitation are defensible as identifying clear moral wrongs that take place in the context of business and, specifically, sweatshop labor. Third, I will apply the lessons learned from my exploration of exploitation in sweatshop labor to other specific areas of business.