bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation of Denatured Alcohol-Modified SPI-Based Adhesive
Authors: Ban Yu Feng , Zhu Hai Feng , Zhao Wei
Published: July 2012

An environment-friendly soy protein isolate (SPI)-based adhesive for wood was prepared using denatured alcohol-modified SPI, calcium hydroxide and sodium silicate. On the basis of the single factor test results, an orthogonal test of 4 elements and 3 levels was carried out to optimize formula ingredients. The modified SPI adhesive contained more calcium hydroxide than unmodified SPI adhesive and exhibited good performance. The shear strength of the specimen bonded with the modified adhesive was 82.3 MPa; after three cycles of water-soaking and air-drying, the decrease in shear strength was as low as 7.9%.
Study of Production Defects in Pure Aluminum and 3003 Aluminum Alloy by Electrical Measurements
Authors: Kamel N.A.
Published: July 2012

To Study the Defect Properties in the Crystal, it Is Necessary that they Are Present in Sufficiently High Concentration. Electrical Measurements Are Also One of the Oldest Techniques Used in Materials Science. this Paper Aims to Discuss the Possibility of Using Electrical Measurements as Diagnostic Techniques for Detecting Defects in a Set of Plastically Deformed Pure and 3003 Al Wrought Aluminum Alloys. the Results of Electrical Measurements Were Analyzed in Terms of the Variation of Resistivity. this Model Can Be Used to Investigate both the Defect and Dislocation Densities of the Samples under Investigation. Results Obtained by Means of Electrical Techniques Have Been Reported. Plastic Deformation Was Performed, and I-V Curves Were Measured in Order to Determine the Value of the Resistivity. the Values of Resistivity as a Function of Deformation and Annealing Behavior Were Studied. One of the Goals of the Work Was to Obtain the Activation Energy for the Formation of Defects by Performing Electrical Measurements on both Materials (pure Al and 3003 Al Alloys ).
Correlation between Nuclear and Electrical Methods for Estimating the Activation Enthalpy of Defect Formation in 2024 Alloys
Authors: Refaey Abdullah A. , El-Sayed M. , Abdel-Rahman M.A. , Kamel N.A. , Lotfy Yahia A. , Badawi Emad A.
Published: July 2012

The Objective of this Research Was to Investigate the Use of a Sensor System to Monitor Continuously the Defect Formation Response of Heat-Treatable Aluminum Alloys. the System Continuously Monitors a Material Property, Resistivity, which Is Indicative of the Quenching Process. such Studies Will Allow us to Gain Active Control of the Aging Process and Hence the Material Properties of Aluminum Alloys.
A Review of some Theoretical Models for Point Defect Calculations
Authors: Ghorai Amitava
Published: July 2012

A Brief Sketch of Different Models for the Calculation of Defect Parameters in Metals and Alloys, Comparison of Data and Limitations Has Been Reviewed here; Especially Relaxations due to a Vacancy Type of Point Defect, its Formation, Migration, Activation Energies and Related other Parameters Based upon the Present Experimental Status. the Models Reviewed Are the Bond Model, Continuum Model, Semi-Discrete Model, Jellium Model, Thermodynamic Model, Lattice Statics Model, Atomistic Continuum Model and Pseudopotential Model. the Main Thrust Concerns the Last Model. the Taylor, Vashishta and Singwi, Harrison, Kleinmann and King and Kutler Form of Exchange and Correlation Function Are Almost Similar, Give Moderate Results and May Be Trusted for Better Results.
Interaction of Yeast Cells with Nanoparticles - an FTIR Study
Authors: Mukherjee M. K. , Gangopadhyay A. , Das N. , Sarkar A.
Published: July 2012

In the present work, samples were prepared allowing yeast to grow simply on YPDA-agar medium at a particular incubation temperature using streaking procedure. Doped specimens of yeast were prepared using YPDA-agar medium in presence of ZnO and TiO2 nanoparticles in a nutrient medium for yeast. ZnO and TiO2 nanoparticles for delivery over yeast cell were prepared with Gum Arabica and Ethanol (CH3CH2OH) respectively as capping agent. Specimens were also developed by laser irradiation on the ZnO doped nanoclusters and pure yeast. FTIR spectroscopy was employed to investigate the effects of nanoclusters and laser irradiation over yeast cell under different conditions. Application of laser irradiation exhibits some positive effect on pure yeast. Effect of ZnO and TiO2 nanocluster doping on yeast are found to be toxic over Yeast Amide in general. Laser irradiation on nanocluster doped yeast cell enhanced the toxicity of nanoclusters. The later part of this study confirms the destruction of Amides in yeast. This preliminary work is an in-vivo application of drug delivery principle using ZnO nanocluster in Gum Arabica background.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube – PMMA Interaction
Authors: Rahmat Meysam , Hubert Pascal
Published: July 2012

Mechanical performance of nanocomposites is strongly dependent on the interaction properties between the matrix and the reinforcement. Therefore, the aim of this work is to investigate the carbon nanotube – polymer interaction in nanocomposites. With the ever-increasing power of computers, and enormous advantage of parallel computing techniques, molecular dynamics is the favourite technique to simulate various atomic and molecular systems for this application. In order to simulate nanocomposites using molecular dynamics techniques, a stepwise approach was followed. First, a single-walled carbon nanotube was modelled as the reinforcing material. The validity of the model was examined by applying simple tension boundary conditions and comparing the results with the literature. Next, PMMA chains, with different geometries and molecular weights, were modelled employing the chemical potentials extracted from the literature. The last step included the modelling of the nanotubes surrounded by the matrix material and the investigation of the energy minimization for the system. Based on the results, the non-covalent interaction energy between a single-walled carbon nanotube and the PMMA matrix was obtained.
ZnO Nano/Microstructures Grown by Laser Assisted Flow Deposition
Authors: Rodrigues J. , Peres M. , Soares M.R.N. , Fernandes A.J.S. , Ferreira N. , Ferro M. , Neves A.J. , Monteiro Teresa , Costa Florinda
Published: July 2012

Nano/microstructures of zinc oxide (ZnO) were grown by the laser assisted flow deposition (LAFD) method. This new process has proved to be very efficient, allowing high yield ZnO deposits at high-rate applicable to large-scale substrates. Laser local heating promotes fast ZnO decomposition and recombination under a self-catalytic vapour–liquid-solid mechanism for the nucleation and growth. Three types of ZnO morphologies were obtained according to the temperature/oxygen availability inside the growth chamber. The morphology can also be controlled adding rare-earth elements to the initial composition. Particularly, tetrapod morphology was obtained by europium oxide addition to the precursors. The structural and microstructural characterizations confirm the good crystallinity of the wurtzite structure. The photoluminescence spectroscopy revealed high optical quality of the as-grown ZnO. Specifically, the free exciton recombination and a strong near band edge recombination due to donor bound exciton transitions can be clearly recognized, although deep level emission in the green spectral region is present.
An Easy Methodology for the Incorporation of Carbon Nanotubes on Surfaces of Components Applied as Electronic Devices
Authors: Pérez-Cadenas M. , Maroto-Valiente A. , Rodríguez-Ramos I. , Guerrero-Ruíz A.
Published: July 2012

Carbon nanotubes are grown by catalytic chemical vapour deposition over components of electronic devices. Samples are analyzed by thermogravimetry, scanning and transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The carbon materials deposited on the microchips present the morphology of multiwall carbon nanotubes and grow vertically aligned on the substrates. The preparation procedure parameters are changed to control sizes and height of the grown multiwall carbon nanotubes. The selectivity to incorporate, or not, carbon nanotubes depends on the chemical composition of the substrate. While carbon nanotubes are efficiently grown on Au surfaces, this reaction does not occur on Pt surfaces. These results correlate with a heterogeneous nucleation of iron catalyst particles on the substrate surface. The resulting composite materials can find numerous technological applications.
Surface Plasmon Resonance Effect on the Optical Properties of TiO2 Doped by Noble Metals Nanoparticles
Authors: Torrell M. , Adochite R.C. , Cunha L. , Barradas N.P. , Alves E. , Beaufort M.F. , Rivière Jean Paul , Cavaleiro Albano , Dosta S. , Vaz F.
Published: July 2012

Nanocomposite thin films composed of a TiO2 matrix doped with noble metals nanoparticles (MNPS), Au and Ag, were deposited on Si (100) and glass substrates by dc magnetron sputtering. The samples were annealed in a protective atmosphere at temperatures ranging from 200 to 700 °C. The main goal of this work is to characterize and compare the Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) behaviour in both systems. The studies have been focused on the growth of the nanoclusters and on their role on the optical properties of the films. Size, shape and distribution of the nanoclusters embedded on the titanium oxide dielectric matrix are reported as key factors on the SPR behaviour in both systems (Au:TiO2 and Ag:TiO2). The MNPs grew due to diffusion mechanisms, which were led by the annealing treatments, even at the highest annealing temperatures. Evidences of the correlation between the nanocomposite film structural changes and the evolution of the optical properties due to the SPR activity are reported. The SPR phenomenon manifests itself as a wide band on the visible range on the absorption spectra, and it is confirmed by an important change on the surface colour tones of the samples.
Hardness of Nanocrystalline TiO2 Thin Films
Authors: Kaczmarek Danuta , Domaradzki Jaroslaw , Wojcieszak Damian , Prociow Eugeniusz , Mazur Michal , Placido Frank , Lapp Steffen
Published: July 2012

In this work results of hardness investigations of nanocrystalline TiO2 thin films are presented. Thin films were prepared by low pressure hot target reactive sputtering (LPHTRS) and high energy reactive magnetron sputtering (HERMS). In both processes a metallic Ti target was sputtered under low pressure of oxygen working gas. After deposition by LPHTRS TiO2 thin films with anatase structure were obtained and after additional post-process annealing at 1070 K, these films recrystallized into the rutile structure. Annealing also resulted in an increase of average crystallite size from 33 nm (for anatase) to 74 nm (for rutile). The HERMS process is a modification of the LPHTRS process with the addition of an increased amplitude of unipolar voltage pulses, powering the magnetron. This effectively increases the total energy of the depositing particles at the substrate and allows dense, nanocrystalline (8.7 nm crystallites in size) TiO2 thin film with the rutile structure to be formed directly. The hardness of the films was determined by nanoindentation. The results showed that the nanocrystalline TiO2-rutile thin film as-deposited using HERMS had high hardness (14.3 GPa), while the TiO2-anatase films as-deposited by LPHTRS, were 4-times lower (3.5 GPa). For LPHTRS films recrystallized by additional annealing, the change in thin film structure from anatase to rutile resulted in an increase of film hardness from 3.5 GPa to only 7.9 GPa. The HERMS process can therefore produce the TiO2 rutile structure directly, with hardness that is 2 times greater than rutile films produced by LPHTRS with additional annealing step.
Structural and Electrical Properties of Nanostructured Ba0.8Sr0.2TiO3 Films Deposited by Pulsed Laser Deposition
Authors: Silva J.P.B. , Rodrigues S.A.S. , Khodorov Anatoli , Martín-Sánchez J. , Pereira M. , Alves E. , Gomes M.J.M. , Colomban Philippe
Published: July 2012

Barium Strontium Titanate Ba0.8Sr0.2TiO3 (BST) thin films have been deposited on Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si substrates by pulsed laser deposition technique. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) shows that the films crystallize in a perovskite phase. XRD and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) characterization reveal that the grains are nano-sized. Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry (RBS) analysis shows the stoichiometry of the films to be close to the stoichiometry of the target. The Raman spectroscopy shows that the films exhibit the tetragonal structure by the presence of the Raman active modes at 301 cm-1 and 729 cm-1, at room temperature. Leakage current measurements of Au/ Ba0.8Sr0.2TiO3/Pt capacitors have been done, at room temperature, to investigate the conduction mechanisms of the films. We found that there are two different conduction regions in the capacitors, namely, an ohmic behavior at low voltages and a Schottky emission mechanism at high voltages. The Schottky barrier height has been estimated to be 0.99 eV.
Hydrothermal Synthesis of CuS Nanostructures with Different Morphology
Authors: Saranya M. , Nirmala Grace A.
Published: July 2012

Cus Nanostructures Have Been Successfully Prepared from Copper Chloride with Two Different Sulfur Sources Like Thiourea and Sodium Thiosulphate by Hydrothermal Route at 150oC. The Growth of Cus Nanostructures Were Investigated for Different Reaction Time Periods of 5 Hrs and 24 Hrs Respectively Using Water as Solvent. the as-Synthesized Cus Nanostructures Are Characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM). XRD Pattern Indicates that the Prepared Cus Nanomaterials Are in Pure Hexagonal Phase. Results Show that Cus Nanomaterials with Different Hierarchical Structures Like Urchins, Nanoplates Etc,. Were Obtained at Different Experimental Conditions. A Systematic Investigation of the Final End Products Has Been Done to Elucidate the Formation Mechanism at Different Experimental Parameters. The Optical Properties of the Cus Structures Were Studied by UV-Vis Absorption Analysis, which Showed Broad Absorption in the Visible Region. The Optical Band Gap of the Cus Nanomaterials Were Found as 2.2 Ev and 2.18 Ev for Different Sulfur Sources.
Ferroelectric-to-Ferroelectric Phase Transition Induced Electro-Caloric Energy Conversion in Barium Titanate at Room Temperature
Authors: Ding K. , Zheng G.P. , Shen Y.
Published: July 2012

The electro-caloric energy conversions in single-crystal and polycrystalline barium titanate samples are investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The DSC measurement reveals a refrigeration effect of 0.1 J/g under an electric field of 15 kV/cm at T=17.5 °C, which is related with the ferroelectric-to-ferroelectric transition in barium titanate. The thermodynamics calculation based on Maxwell’s relations leads to similar conclusion. Such EC effect shows relaxation with the heat release process more significant than the heat adsorption process when the applied field is changed, which is different with those occur near the ferroelectric-to-paraelectric transition temperatures. Furthermore, the electro-caloric energy conversion relation or the scaling relation between the maximum refrigeration effect ΔH and the applied field E, is found to follow a power law ΔHmax~Eb with b=1.72, which is significantly larger than those for EC effects related with the ferroelectric-to-paraelectric transitions.
Synthesis of LiFePO4 by Co-Precipitation and Optimization of its Performance
Authors: Lv Ying , Wang Li Xia , Lu Dong , Sun Jing , Sun Jun Cai
Published: July 2012

As a positive electrode material for lithium-ion batteries, LiFePO4 should be composited with carbonaceous materials due to its poor electrical conductivity. In this study, LiFePO4/C (carbon) composite was synthesized with method of solution co-precipitation, in which glucose was used as a carbon source. The LiFePO4 material was systematically optimized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy. The crystalline structures, morphology and electrochemical performance of LiFePO4 prepared by solution co-precipitation were compared with that obtained by solid-state reaction. It is found that LiFePO4 is a pure phase with olivine structure, and exhibits a 3.4V discharge voltage plateau. In our experimental conditions, LiFePO4/C including 10wt. % of residual carbon obtained by solution co-precipitation possess excellent electrochemical performance, whose first specific capacity was 131.4 mAh•g-1 at 0.1C rate, the specific capacity was 128.3 mAh•g-1 after 20 times cycling.
Electrochemical Performance of the Li3V2(PO4)3/C Synthesized from V2O3
Authors: Liu Ai Fang , Yin Zhou Lan
Published: July 2012

Li3V2(PO4)3/C with monoclinic structure were prepared respectively by V2O5 and low valence vanadium oxide V2O3 via solid state reaction. The structure, particle size and morphology of the powders were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results showed the pure phase Li3V2(PO4)3 with the highest performance can be synthesized at 750 degree by using V2O3 vanadium source. The capacity retention had nearly 100% after 40-cycles at 0.5 C. It has relative capacity retention and higher specific capacity, comparing with V2O5 vanadium source at the optimal synthesis temperature. The electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS) manifests the capacity degradation was mainly caused by the increased solution impedance and electrochemical impedance.
Preparation and Electrochemical Performance of Mg-Doped LiNi0.4Co0.2Mn0.4O2 Cathode Materials by Urea Co-Precipitation
Authors: Zhang Qian , Zheng Yan Sheng , Zhong Sheng Kui
Published: July 2012

The Mg-doped LiNi0.4Co0.2-xMn0.4MgxO2 cathode materials (x=0, 0.01, 0.02 and 0.03) were synthesized by a urea co-precipitation method. Its structure and electrochemical properties were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and electrochemical performance tests. XRD studies indicate that the Mg-doped LiNi0.4Co0.2Mn0.4O2 samples perform the same layered structure as the undoped LiNi0.4Co0.2Mn0.4O2. SEM images show that the particle size of Mg-doped LiNi0.4Co0.2Mn0.4O2 is smaller than the undoped LiNi0.4Co0.2Mn0.4O2 sample. Charge-discharge tests confirm that the rate capacity and cycling performance of LiNi0.4Co0.2-xMn0.4MgxO2 are improved by Mg-doped. The optimal doping content of Mg is x=0.02 in the LiNi0.4Co0.2-xMn0.4MgxO2 samples, which can achieve high initial charge-discharge capacity and good cyclic stability. The electrode reaction reversibility was enhanced, and the charge transfer resistance was decreased through the Mg-doping. The improved electrochemical performances of the Mg-doped LiNi0.4Co0.2Mn0.4O2 cathode materials are attributed to the addition of Mg2+ ion by stabilizing the layered structure.
Effect of Lithium Bis(oxalate)Borate-Based Electrolyte on the Performance of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 for High Voltage Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Shi You , Zhao Yang Yu , Zhao Wei , Cui Xiao Ling
Published: July 2012

LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 is a promising 5 V class anode material for high power applications, however, before applying in lithium-ion batteries, it is necessary to find more appropriate electrolyte systems to exert the perfect electrochemical performance of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4. In this paper, the electrochemical performances of LiBOB-propylene carbonate (PC)/dimethyl carbonate (DMC) electrolyte are investigated. It shows high oxidation potentials (>5.5 V) and satisfactory conductivities, When used in LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4/Li cells, compared to the cell with the electrolyte system of LiPF6-ethylene carbonate (EC)/dimethyl carbonate (DMC) electrolyte, LiBOB-PC/DMC electrolyte exhibit several advantages, such as more stable cycle performance, higher discharge voltage plateau (>4.64 V), higher coulomb efficiency, and higher mean voltage (4.55 V).
Electronic Structure and Half-Metallic Properties of Cubic Perovskite BaRu1-XTixO3 System
Authors: Li Tong Wei , Chen La , Wang Yang , Zhang Jin Cang
Published: July 2012

The electronic structures of the titanium-doped cubic perovskite ruthenates BaRu1-xTixO3 with x=0.125, 0.25, 0.375, 0.5, 0.625, 0.75, and 0.875 are investigated using the spin-polarized density functional theory within the pseudopotential plane wave method. It is found that a half-metallic phase appears in the 0.75- and 0.875-doped systems, and the origin of half-metallic property is the decrease of t2g bandwidth of Ru 4d states with the increase in x. In addition, the energy gap of BaRu0.25Ti0.75O3 is as large as 1.7 eV at the Fermi level in the up-spin density of states, which suggests a stable half-metallic phase can be obtained in the present systems.
Synthesis and Characterization of Manganese Oxide/CNTs Composites as Electrochemical Capacitor Electrode Materials
Authors: Yan Ye , Zou Ji Zhao , Zeng Xie Rong
Published: July 2012

Manganese oxide (MnO2)/Carbon nanotubes(CNTs) composites were prepared by a home-made microwave heating equipment. The crystal structure, microstructure, electrochemical properties were characterized by XRD and SEM, the discharge capacity and cycling performance were compared. The results show a birnessite-type MnO2 coating can be prepared. In this paper, a microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis method was used to synthesize the MnO2/CNTs composites. MnO2 content increases with the increasing of microwave power, which result in the specific capacitances of as-perpared materials increase
Preparation of r-GO/Carbon Sphere/PANI Composites with a High Supercapacity
Authors: Sun Jun , Teng Xi Yao , Bi Hong
Published: July 2012

In this paper, a combination of in-situ polymerization and ultrasonication dispersion method has been successfully utilized to prepare r-GO/carbon sphere/PANI trinary composite. The structural characterizations show that the carbon sphere/PANI composites are wrapped by r-GO sheets in the as-obtained composites. Due to the reinforcing effect coming from r-GO, the efficient charge and ions transport, conductivity, and electrochemical performance of carbon sphere/PANI composite are significantly improved after combining with the r-GO. The r-GO/carbon sphere/PANI composite exhibits the largest specific capacitance of 420 F g-1, about 75% higher than that of carbon sphere/PANI binary composite (240 F g-1). Therefore, such r-GO/carbon sphere/PANI composite can be a potential candidate for high-performance capacitors.
Flexure Strength and Elastic Modulus of Four Types of Dental Fiber Posts
Authors: Hu Chen , Shao Long Quan , Wang Lin Lin , Zhou Shan Yu , Ai Jun
Published: July 2012

Objective. To investigate the flexure strengths and elastic modulus of four types of dental fiber posts. Methods. The flexure strengths of ParaPost Taper Lux, Tenax Fiber White, Luxa Post and Rebilda Post fiber post were measured. The rupture modes were analyzed with SEM. Results. There was no significant difference between ParaPost Taper Lux (591.47±35.15MPa) and Rebilda Post (614.67±58.36MPa) in flexure strength (P>0.05), and Tenax Fiber White (846.62±71.15MPa) had significantly higher flexure strength than the other groups. There was no significant difference between Tenax Fiber White (23.93±2.14GPa) and Luxa Post (22.67±1.39GPa) in elastic modulus (P>0.05), and Tenax Fiber White and Luxa Post had significantly lower elastic modulus than other groups. It could be observed by transverse SEM that the combine of fiber and resin was even and compact and plenty of resin fragment adhered to the surface of fiber in Tenax Fiber White group, multitudinous cracks were observed by lengthwise SEM. Conclusion. The flexural properties and rupture modes of four kinds of dental fiber posts were significantly different.
Effect of Nano Zirconia on Microstructure and Electrochemical Behavior of Aluminium-Zinc Sacrificial Anodes
Authors: Zhang Ying , Chen Ai , Liu Cheng , Wang Hai Rong , Li Ze Song
Published: July 2012

In this study, nano ZrO2 powders were incorporated into Al-5 wt% Zn sacrificial anode and the effect of ZrO2 contents (wt% =0.1, 0.2) on microstructures and electrochemical properties were investigated. The results show that the addition of nano ZrO2 was effective on improving metallurgical and electrochemical properties. With the increase of ZrO2 content, the dendritic structure is fined gradually and the corrosion current density values is also increased. The incorporation of ZrO2 also can result in a moderate efficiency value. When the ZrO2 content in the alloy was 0.2 wt%, the optimal microstructure, electrochemical properties and as high as 70% the efficiency value was obtained.
Influence of Heat Treatment on the Properties of CuInS2 Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Wan Qing Cui , Luan Chun Yan , Xu Xue Qing , Mei Feng Jiao , An Pin , Xu Gang
Published: July 2012

CuInS2 has been deposited onto the mesoporous TiO2 films by in sequence growth of InxS and CuyS via successive ionic layer absorption and reaction process (SILAR) and post-annealing in sulfur ambiance. The influence of the temperature of the heat treatment on the microstructure of the CuInS2 sensitized TiO2 electrodes and the photovoltaic performance of the solar cells were investigated. The crystallization degree of CuInS2 thin films increased with the increase of the heating temperature from 400 oC, 450 oC, 500 oC to 550 oC. With the increase of the heating temperature, the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the CuInS2 sensitized solar cells sharply increased from 0.13% (450 oC) to 0.84% (550 oC, Voc = 0.37 V, Jsc = 8.44 mA/cm2, FF = 0.27). This is attributed to the well crystallization of the CuInS2 nanoparticles and the decrease of the defects.
Hydrogen Generation by Hydrolysis of the Ball Milled Al-C-KCl Composite Powder in Distilled Water
Authors: Huang Xia Ni , Wu Zhang Han , Cao Ke , Zeng Wen , Lv Chun Ju , Huang Yue Xiang
Published: July 2012

In the present investigation, the Al-C-KCl composite powders were prepared by a ball milling processing in an attempt to improve the hydrogen evolution capacity of aluminum in water. The results showed that the hydrogen generation reaction is affected by KCl amount, preparation processing, initial aluminum particle size and reaction temperature. Increasing KCl amount led to an increased hydrogen generation volume. The use of aluminum powder with a fine particle size could promote the aluminum hydrolysis reaction and get an increased hydrogen generation rate. The reaction temperature played an important role in hydrogen generation rate and the maximum hydrogen generation rate of 44.8 cm3 min-1g-1of Al was obtained at 75oC. The XRD results identified that the hydrolysis byproducts are bayerite (Al(OH)3) and boehmite (AlOOH).
XPS Study of Poisoning Mechanism of O2 on LaNi4.7Al0.3 Oxygen
Authors: Sang Ge , Tu Ming Jing , Wu Sheng , Fu Xiao Guo , Li Qua Nan , Chen Yong Gui , Zhang Guang Hui , Ye Xiao Qiu
Published: July 2012

In this paper, LaNi4.7Al0.3 alloy samples were obtained via melting in middle frequency influence fire .In addition, The alloy pellets were milled for absorbing and desorbing Hydrogen ability study, The P-V-T measurement provided us with poisonous effect on the oxidation of LaNi4.7Al0.3.To understand the poisoning mechanism of O2 on LaNi4.7Al0.3, the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was introduced to analyzed the process of poisoning of LaNi4.7Al0.3 alloy, Which revealed the changes of the valence of the elements of the alloy LaNi4.7Al0.3 poisoned by O2.
The natural history of mites (Acari: Mesostigmata) associated with the white-spotted sawyer beetle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae): diversity, phenology, host attachment, and sex bias
Authors: Knee Wayne , Hartzenberg Tammy , Forbes Mark R. , Beaulieu Frédéric
Published: July 2012

Little is known about the acarofauna associated with wood-boring beetles in Canada, including long-horned beetles (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae). Herein, we assessed the prevalence, abundance, diversity, phenology, and attachment location of mesostigmatic mites (Acari: Mesostigmata) associated with Monochamus scutellatus (Say), and tested whether the abundance and prevalence of mites differed between male and female beetles. A total of 176 beetles were collected in two sites in eastern Ontario in 2008 and 2009 using Lindgren funnel traps baited with α-pinene and ethanol lures, and 71% of hosts had mesostigmatic mites. A total of 2486 mites were collected, representing eight species, four genera, and three families (Digamasellidae, Trematuridae, and Melicharidae). Average prevalence was variable across mite species, and the number of mites per infested beetle also varied across species. Many of the mite species collected in this study have been reported from other cerambycid species, as well as from other wood-boring beetles, such as bark beetles. There was no significant sex bias in the abundance or prevalence of mites between male and female M. scutellatus, which suggests that there is no selective advantage for mites to disperse on females. This study represents the first quantitative investigation of the mites associated with M. scutellatus in Canada.
Responsiveness and minimally important difference of a generic quality of life measure for complementary health practices
Authors: Kimura Tomoaki , Suzuki Kiyoshi , Uchida Seiya , Katamura Hiroshi
Published: July 2012

Shorter and easier methods of conducting community health surveys would be useful. We conducted a study to demonstrate the responsiveness of the 10-item Mokichi Okada Association quality of life questionnaire (MQL-10) in a follow-up survey and to determine the minimally important difference (MID) for this measure. In 2007, Japanese adults participated in a survey on health prac- tices. We analyzed the MQL-10 scores (n=6365) together with the following factors: gender, age group, disease, reason for participation, and complementary health practices, such as food and eating. The mean baseline MQL-10 score was 26.4±5.83 [standard deviation (SD)] and the mean follow-up score was 27.6±5.45 SD with a mean change of 1.20±4.41 SD. The effect size for change was 0.21 and the standardized response mean was 0.27. The MQL-10 scores in the baseline condition were associated with gender, age group, disease, reason for participation and complementary health practices. Furthermore, the changes in the MQL-10 during the 12 weeks of study were associated with age group, disease, reason for participa- tion and complementary health practices. The increase in frequency of health practices was significantly associated with improvements in the participants’ quality of life (QOL). These results suggest that the MQL-10 is use- ful for assessing the effects of complementary health practices on QOL. The estimate of 3 points for the range of this measure (0-40) was higher than half of the SD of scores; therefore, it was considered reasonable for the MID.
Mothers and fathers do not accurately report each other's psychopathology
Authors: Ross Randal G. , Hunter Sharon K. , Zerbe Gary O. , Hanna Kate
Published: July 2012

It is unclear whether information obtained from a one parent can be used to infer the other parent's history of psychopathology. Two hundred and one parental dyads were asked to complete psychiatric interviews. Based on maternal report, non-participating husbands/ fathers had higher rates than participating fathers of psychiatric illness. For fathers who did participate, maternal report did not match direct interview of paternal psychopathology with sensitivities less than 0.40 and positive predictive values of 0.33 to 0.74. Psychopa -thology may be over-represented among fathers who do not participate in research. Mother report of paternal symptoms is not an effective proxy. Alternative methods need to be developed to: i) improve father participation or ii) identify psychiatric status in fathers who do not participate in research projects.
Seasonal variations of water-soluble organic carbon, dicarboxylic acids, ketocarboxylic acids, and α-dicarbonyls in Central Himalayan aerosols
Authors: Hegde P. , Kawamura K.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. Aerosol samples were collected from a high elevation mountain site (Nainital, India; 1958 m a.s.l.) in the central Himalayas, a location that provides an isolated platform above the planetary boundary layer to better understand the composition of the remote continental troposphere. The samples were analyzed for water-soluble dicarboxylic acids (C2-C12) and related compounds (ketocarboxylic acids and α-dicarbonyls), as well as organic carbon, elemental carbon and water soluble organic carbon. The contributions of total dicarboxylic acids to total aerosol carbon during wintertime were 1.7% and 1.8%, for day and night, respectively whereas they were significantly smaller during summer. Molecular distributions of diacids revealed that oxalic (C2) acid was the most abundant species followed by succinic (C4) and malonic (C3) acids. The average concentrations of total diacids (433±108 ng m−3), ketoacids (48±23 ng m−3), and α-dicarbonyls (9±4 ng m−3) were similar to those from large Asian cities such as Tokyo, Beijing and Hong Kong. During summer most of the organic species were several times more abundant than in winter. Phthalic acid, which originates from oxidation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as naphthalene, was found to be 7 times higher in summer than winter. This feature has not been reported before in atmospheric aerosols. Based on molecular distributions and air mass backward trajectories, we conclude that dicarboxylic acids and related compounds in Himalayan aerosols are derived from anthropogenic activities in the highly populated Indo-Gangetic plain areas.
The Arctic response to remote and local forcing of black carbon
Authors: Sand M. , Berntsen T. K. , Kay J. E. , Lamarque J. F. , Seland Ø. , Kirkevåg A.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. Recent studies suggest that the Arctic temperature response to black carbon (BC) forcing depend on the location of the forcing. We investigate how BC in the mid-latitudes remotely influence the Arctic climate, and compare this with the response to BC located in the Arctic it self. In this study, idealized climate simulations are carried out with a fully coupled Earth System Model, which includes a comprehensive treatment of aerosol microphysics. In order to determine how BC transported to the Arctic and BC sources not reaching the Arctic impact the Arctic climate, forcing from BC aerosols is artificially increased by a factor of 10 in different latitude bands in the mid-latitudes (28° N–60° N) and in the Arctic (60° N–90° N), respectively. Estimates of the impact on the Arctic energy budget are represented by analyzing radiation fluxes at the top of the atmosphere, at the surface and at the lateral boundaries. Our calculations show that increased BC forcing in the Arctic atmosphere reduces the surface air temperature in the Arctic with a corresponding increase in the sea-ice fraction, despite the increased planetary absorption of sunlight. The analysis indicates that this effect may be due to a combination of a weakening of the northward heat transport caused by a reduction in the meridional temperature gradient and a reduction in the turbulent mixing of heat downward to the surface. The latter factor is explained by the fact that most of the BC is located in the free troposphere and causes a warming at higher altitudes which increases the static stability in the Arctic. On the other hand we find that BC forcing at the mid-latitudes warms the Arctic surface significantly and decreases the sea-ice fraction. Our model calculations indicate that atmospheric BC forcing outside the Arctic is more important for the Arctic climate change than the forcing in the Arctic itself. Although the albedo effect of BC on snow does show a more regional response to an Arctic forcing, these results suggest that mitigation strategies for the Arctic climate should also address BC sources in locations outside the Arctic even if they do not contribute much to BC in the Arctic.
Route Competition in Multi-Airport Cities: An Analysis of US Air Fares
Authors: Cho Woohyun , Windle Robert J. , Hofer Christian
Published: July 2012

When there is only one airport in the origin and destination cities of a given route market, the assessment of level of competition in an airline route market can be straightforward. The presence of more than one airport at the origin or destination cities, however, makes the measurement of route competition much more difficult. This research measures competition at both the airport pair and city pair levels to empirically separate the impacts of direct and adjacent competition on yields in multi-airport cities. The analysis of a large panel data set from the US airline industry reveals that airport pairs within a metropolitan area appear to be effective yet imperfect substitutes. That is, while competition at adjacent airport pairs does have significant effect on fares in a focal airport pair market, this effect is found to be markedly smaller than that of added competition in the focal airport-to-airport route market. In addition, the effects of airport location relative to the population epicenter, the extent of airport congestion, and a carrier's strategic type on yields and passenger demand are assessed. Implications for policymakers and managers are discussed and directions for future research are provided.
Air Traffic Controllers' Situation Awareness and Workload under Dynamic Air Traffic Situations
Authors: Lee Yeong Heok , Jeon Jeong-Dae , Choi Youn-Chul
Published: July 2012

As air-traffic control (ATC) services are provided for the purpose of achieving flight safety and efficient aircraft operations, the role of air-traffic controllers in the aviation system is vital. Since the accident rates caused by human error have been increasing, major aviation institutes worldwide are actively conducting research on the human factors affecting controllers. Among human factors in aviation, situation awareness (SA) and workload have been at the center of many research activities for years. Also, many people have expressed an interest in how these two constructs relate to each other. In this article, the relations between controllers' SA and workload were explored under different taskload conditions. An experiment that included ATC simulation to measure the controller's SA and workload at various air-traffic situations was conducted. Based on the results of this study, the measures to keep the controller's SA and workload at a manageable level and the effective training programs can be explored.
Stakeholder Legitimacy
Authors: Phillips Robert
Published: July 2012

This paper is a preliminary attempt to better understand the concept of legitimacy in stakeholder theory. The normative component of stakeholder theory plays a central role in the concept of legitimacy. Though the elaboration of legitimacy contained herein applies generally to all “normative cores” this paper relies on Phillips’s principle of stakeholder fairness and therefore begins with a brief description of this work. This is followed by a discussion of the importance of legitimacy to stakeholder theory as well as the general ambiguity of the term. A distinction is then drawn between normative and derivative legitimacy. Reference to this distinction helps distinguish between a relationship with the organization based on direct moral obligation and one based on the power to help or harm the organization. It is concluded that stakeholders who retain the ability to affect the organization arelegitimate(derivatively), but that this legitimacy is derived from the moral obligation owed other (normative) stakeholders and that the two sorts of legitimacy are importantly different from one another. An example of the normative/derivative distinction at work in managerial decision making is elaborated upon and managerial and research implications are then suggested.
Democracy and Private Discretion in Business
Authors: Dubbink Wim
Published: July 2012

Some critics raise moral objections against corporate social responsibility on account of its supposedly undemocratic nature. They argue that it is hard to reconcile democracy with the private discretion that always accompanies the discharge of responsibilities that are not judicially enforceable. There are two ways of constructing this argument: the “perfect-market argument” and the ‘social-power argument.” This paper demonstrates that the perfect-market argument is untenable and that the social-power argument is sometimes valid. It also asserts that the proponents of the perfect-market argument are mistaken in their assumption that perfect markets are conducive to democracy. There are strong reasons to hold that perfect markets are undesirable from a democratic point of view. A proper conceptualization and differentiation of the relation between “the private and the public” can make this clear. The proponents of the social-power argument sometimes maintain that the democratic deficit can be compensated for by consulting the stakeholders affected. Against this, I will argue that the social power argument has nothing to offer affected parties. Still, it will be shown that modern theory on corporate social responsibility is not well accommodated to the democratic deficit as revealed by the social power argument.
Organizational Justice: A Behavioral Science Concept with Critical Implications for Business Ethics and Stakeholder Theory
Authors: Hosmer LaRue Tone , Kiewitz Christian
Published: July 2012

Organizational justice is a behavioral science concept that refers to the perception of fairness of the past treatment of the employees within an organization held by the employees of that organization. These subjective perceptions of fairness have been empirically shown to be related to 1) attitudinal changes in job satisfaction, organizational commitment and managerial trust beliefs; 2) behavioral changes in task performance activities and ancillary extra-task efforts to assist group members and improve group methods; 3) numerical changes in the quantity, quality and efficiency of divisional outputs; and—though this is far more tentative—4) eventual changes in the competitive advantage and financial performance of the full organization. The authors propose that these constructs can be applied to all stakeholders, rather than just to the current employees of the firm, and that objective determinations of fairness by the managers can be related to subjective perceptions of fairness by the stakeholders that will result in the sequential series of attitudinal, behavioral and numerical changes that will lead to performance improvements. In short, the authors propose a normative stakeholder theory of the firm, based upon ethical principles, that will have testable descriptive hypotheses derived from the behavioral constructs.
Self-Selection Bias in Business Ethics Research
Authors: James Harvey S.
Published: July 2012

Suppose we want to know whether the ethics of persons with one characteristic differ from the ethics of persons having another characteristic. Self-selection bias occurs if people have control over that characteristic. When there is self-selection bias, we cannot be sure observed differences in ethics are correlated with the characteristic or are the result of individual self-selection. Self-selection bias is germane to many important business ethics questions. In this paper I explain what self-selection bias is, how it relates to business ethics research, and how to correct for it. I also illustrate the correction process in an empirical analysis of the effect of organizational rank on worker ethics. Using data from the European Values Survey, I find that being a supervisor is positively correlated with worker ethics. However, I also find a negative self-selection effect. Workers with relatively lower ethics are selected into supervisory roles.
Incorporating the Corporation in Citizenship: A Response to Néron and Norman
Authors: Crane Andrew , Matten Dirk
Published: July 2012

This article presents a response to Néron and Norman’s contention that the language of citizenship is helpful in thinking about the political dimensions of corporate responsibilities. We argue that Néron and Norman’s main conclusions are valid but offer an extension of their analysis to incorporate extant streams of literature dealing with the political role of the corporation. We also propose that the perspective on citizenship adopted by Néron and Norman is rather narrow, and therefore provide some alternative ways in which corporations and citizenship might be brought together. We conclude by suggesting that, rather than simply applying the concept of citizenship to corporations, we now need to go further in exploring how corporations might play an active role in reconfiguring the whole notion of citizenship itself.
Reflections On “Citizenship, Inc.”
Authors: De George Richard T.
Published: July 2012

Although I share many of the doubts about corporate citizenship of Néron and Norman, I join in their constructive project both by offering friendly criticism and by suggesting that their approach be extended further than they carry it. I argue first that rather than attempting to reform the language of corporate citizenship, we support its use where the effects are positive; second, that we concentrate on the fifth of their candidates for assessment; and third, that we extend the discussion to consider what it means to be a good global citizen, and whether that is compatible with being a good citizen of a particular state.
Revisiting the Global Business Ethics Question
Authors: Michaelson Christopher
Published: July 2012

A fundamental question of global business ethics is, “When moral business conduct standards conflict across borders, whose standards should prevail?” Western scholarship and practice tends to depict home country standards as “higher” or more “restrictive” or “well-ordered” than the “lower” standards of emerging market actors. As much as the question appears culturally neutral, many who ask it do so with a culturally-specific lens shaped by prevailing conditions of Western economic strength. However, the dominant economic powers of the future are not likely to be the same North American and Western European markets that have reigned supreme in the recent past. As corporations increasingly re-examine their political roles in global governance, we need also to re-examine the moral authority of global ethical norms so they do not merely reflect the dominant ideologies of the most economically powerful market actors.
Governing the Global Corporation: A Critical Perspective
Authors: Banerjee Subhabrata Bobby
Published: July 2012

In this article I provide a critical perspective on governing the global corporation. While the papers in the 2009 special issue of Business Ethics Quarterly explore the political role of corporations I argue that they lack a sophisticated analysis of power across institutional and actor networks. The argument that corporate engagement with deliberative democracy can enhance the legitimacy of corporations does not take into account the effects of institutional, material and discursive forms of power that determine legitimacy criteria. As a result corporate versions of citizenship mediate versions of social responsibility and morality, which are reflected in the institutional and political economic norms that are produced by this power/knowledge. In order to overcome the limits of corporate social responsibility there is a need to develop more democratic forms of global governance of corporations. A radical revisioning of democratic governance would also need to overcome the limits posed by sovereignty and would require new forms of multi-actor and multi-level translocal governance arrangements in an attempt to create forms of power that are more compatible with the principles of economic democracy.