bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Size related transport mechanisms in hybrid metal–polymer nanowires
Authors: Gence L. , Callegari V. , Faniel S. , Vlad A. , Dutu C. , Melinte S. , Demoustier‐Champagne S. , Bayot V. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractElectrical transport data for hybrid metal‐polypyrrole nanowires of various diameters are presented and analyzed. Measurements were performed on both multiple nanowires – embedded within polycarbonate templates – and single nanowires down to low temperature T = 4 K. All samples exhibit symmetrical and linear current–voltage (I –V) characteristics at room temperature. Below 77 K, all samples with diameters above 40 nm present nonlinear I–V characteristics and a zero‐current plateau at 4 K. The three‐dimensional Mott variable‐range‐hopping model provides a complete framework for the understanding of their behavior. In contrast, the transport mechanism changes for the 40 nm nanowire samples which exhibit a power‐law T ‐dependence of the resistance, indicative of the critical regime of disorder‐induced metal‐insulator transitions. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
First‐principle approach to the study of spin relaxation times of excited electrons in metals
Authors: Zhukov V. P. , Chulkov E. V. , Echenique P. M. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractWe have developed a first‐principle method of calculating the spin–lattice relaxation time of excited electrons in metals based on the GW approach incorporating spin–orbit coupling. We have studied the spin–lattice relaxation time and path in Al, Cu, Au, Nb and Ta. The spin–lattice relaxation time and path in Nb appear to be much less than in Al, Cu, Au. They are particularly small in Ta, in accord with strong spin–orbit coupling.Comparing our results with experimental data on the impurity‐ and phonon‐induced spin relaxation times and path's, we find that at the energy about of 0.9 eV, which is typical for excited electrons in spin‐valve and magnetic‐tunnel transistors, the inelastic scattering accompanied by creation of electron–hole pairs is the dominating mechanism of spin–lattice relaxation. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Supramolecular chemistry in two dimensions: self‐assembly and dynamic function
Authors: Ariga Katsuhiko , Hill Jonathan P. , Wakayama Yutaka 
Published: May 2008

AbstractNanosciences and nanotechnologies using organic molecules rely strongly on bottom‐up fabrication. In particular, versatile methods for control of molecular arrangement at a solid surface, which would include the crucial self‐assembling processes of functional molecules in two‐dimensions, are anticipated. On the other hand, gas–liquid interfaces, such as the air–water interface, provide motional freedom for embedded molecules, leading to novel dynamic functions. We have recently focused on research involving molecular recognition, self‐assembly, and molecular patterning at solid surfaces and at the air–water interface. These research subjects can be collectively categorized as “supramolecular chemistry in two dimensions”. In this feature article, we will briefly outline our recent research activities in self‐assembly and dynamic functionality in two dimensions, including control of molecular arrangement at solid surfaces, two‐dimensional molecular patterning, and dynamic molecular recognition. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Formulation and properties' evaluation of PVC/(dioctyl phthalate)/(epoxidized rubber seed oil) plastigels
Authors: Balköse Devrim , Egbuchunam Theresa O. , Okieimen Felix E. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractEpoxidized rubber seed oil (4.5% oxirane content, ERSO) was prepared by treating the oil with peracetic acid generated in situ by reacting glacial acetic acid with hydrogen peroxide. The thermal behavior of the ERSO was determined by differential scanning calorimetry. The effect of the epoxidized oil on the thermal stability of poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC) plastigels, formulated to contain dioctyl phthalate (DOP) plasticizer and various amounts of the epoxidized oil, was evaluated by using discoloration indices of the polymer samples degraded at 160°C for 30 min and thermogravimetry at a constant heating rate of 10°C/min up to 600°C. The thermal behavior of the ERSO was characterized by endothermic peaks at about 150°C, which were attributed to the formation of network structures via epoxide groups, and at temperatures above 300°C, which were due to the decomposition of the material. Up to 50% of the DOP plasticizer in the PVC plastisol formulation could be substituted by ERSO without a marked deleterious effect on the consistency of the plastigel formed. In the presence of the epoxidized oil, PVC plastigel samples showed a marked reduction in discoloration and the number of conjugated double bonds, as well as high temperatures for the attainment of specific extents of degradation. These results showed that the ERSO retarded/inhibited thermal dehydrochlorination and the formation of long (n > 6) polyene sequences in PVC plastigels. The plasticizer efficiency/permanence of ERSO in PVC/DOP plastigels was evaluated from mechanical properties' measurements, leaching/migration tests, and water vapor permeability studies. The results showed that a large proportion of DOP could be substituted by ERSO in a PVC plastisol formulation without deleterious effects on the properties of the plastigels. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Glucoside/(UV absorber) mixtures as photostabilizers for rigid PVC
Authors: Rabie S.T. , Nada A.A. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractMixtures of the UV absorbers (UVAs) 4‐hydroxybenxophenone, 2,4‐dihydroxybenzophenone, and phenyl salicylate with their corresponding glucosides were used as photostabilizers for rigid PVC under irradiation by a high‐pressure mercury lamp. The mixtures exhibited stabilizing effects that were strong and synergistic, as revealed by increased induction times for HCI evolution, decreased rates of dehydrochlorination, decreased weight losses, and reduced extents of discoloration. Maximum synergism was obtained by using a glucoside/UVA weight ratio of 50/50, but all weight ratios studied gave better stabilization than either the UVAs or the glucosides used alone. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Absence of the cotton dust/bract antigen in house dust, clean cotton fibers and cottonseed hulls and proteins
Authors: Sekul A. A. , Ory R. L. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAqueous extracts of cotton dust and cotton bract induced the formation of antibodies in rabbits. The antisera cross‐reacted with both extracts as well as with extracts of stem, leaf, baled cotton, and gin trash. No reaction was obtained with extracts of cottonseed hulls, cottonseed proteins, noncontaminated cotton fibers, or house dust. None of the anitgens reacted with normal rabbit serum.
Hydrotropic action of a diacid
Authors: Cox J. M. , Friberg S. E. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAn investigation to evaluate the mechanism of the hydrotropic action of a long chain diacid was made by determining the coassociation structures with a straight chain amphiphilic molecule of sufficient size to form long range order structures. The hydrotropic mechanism was found in the transition of a liquid crystalline struture to an isotropic solution. The mechanism was identical for aqueous solutions and water‐poor inverse micellar solutions.
Transdifferentiation of mesenchymal stem cells derived from human fetal lung to hepatocyte‐like cells
Authors: Ling Lizhen , Ni Yanhong , Wang Qingling , Wang Hui , Hao Sha , Hu Yali , Jiang Wenqun , Hou Yayi 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe great shortage of human hepatic cells makes it desirable to generate extrahepatic stem or precursor cells. In recent years, it has been reported that human multipotential mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) differentiate into hepatocyte‐like cells. The fetal lung is one of the largest organs containing many MSCs that can be easily obtained. Whether MSCs from fetal lung can differentiate into hepatocytes or bile duct cells is an important issue in basic medicine and clinical application. We isolated fetal lung cells, and expanded and analyzed them. At passage 4, their morphologic, immunophenotyping and cytokine secretions were similar to adult bone marrow‐derived MSCs. We conclude that these cells from fetal lung are MSCs, indicating that human fetal lung is an ideal source of hMSCs. hMSCs from fetal lung induced in special differentiation medium showed homogeneous and small polygonal endothelial‐like morphology, expressing weak mRNA, as well as Alb and AFP. This implies that hMSCs from fetal lung can differentiate into hepatocyte‐like cells.
Centres of calculation and unruly colonists: the colonial library in Singapore and its users, 1874‐1900
Authors: Luyt Brendan 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show how the library management of the Raffles Library and Museum (the former name of the National Library of Singapore) positioned the library in relation to the wider colonial society of which it was a part. More widely, the aim is to explore the role of libraries within a colonial setting.Design/methodology/approachThe paper takes the form of historical research using archival materials.FindingsThe paper finds that the Raffles Library and Museum responded to the needs of two kinds of users: the potentially wayward colonist in need of “wholesome” recreation and the scientist/scholar involved in making Singapore a regional centre for the production of colonial knowledge.Originality/valueWhile knowledge‐producing institutions such as botanical gardens, zoological parks, museums of natural and human history, as well as anthropological and geographical societies now feature prominently in discussions of British colonialism, the colonial library has been overlooked. This paper represents a start at bringing the colonial library into focus as an institutional node designed to sustain colonial endeavors.
Introduction to a special issue on digital libraries and the semantic web: context, applications and research
Authors: Macgregor George 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to introduce the papers in the special issue which explores some of the potential, opportunities and challenges to be found in greater library and information science alignment with semantic web developments.Design/methodology/approachThe article is a general review of the papers in the issue.FindingsFor many digital libraries or cultural institutions, the semantic web offers an opportunity to better expose valuable digital resources pertaining to research, culture or history, using common standards and technologies in a collaborative and “joined up” way. The papers in this issue “paint a rainbow”, exploring the issues through elements of case studies, reviews research and conceptual expositions and viewpoints.Originality/valueThe article emphasises how the practical implications of semantic web research or developments for digital libraries and repositories is important for LIS professionals.
Faceted infrastructure for semantic digital libraries
Authors: Prasad A.R.D. , Madalli Devika P. 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe paper aims to argue that digital library retrieval should be based on semantic representations and propose a semantic infrastructure for digital libraries.Design/methodology/approachThe approach taken is formal model based on subject representation for digital libraries.FindingsSearch engines and search techniques have fallen short of user expectations as they do not give context based retrieval. Deploying semantic web technologies would lead to efficient and more precise representation of digital library content and hence better retrieval. Though digital libraries often have metadata of information resources which can be accessed through OAI‐PMH, much remains to be accomplished in making digital libraries semantic web compliant. This paper presents a semantic infrastructure for digital libraries, that will go a long way in providing them and web based information services with products highly customised to users needs.Research limitations/implicationsHere only a model for semantic infrastructure is proposed. This model is proposed after studying current user‐centric, top‐down models adopted in digital library service architectures.Originality/valueThis paper gives a generic model for building semantic infrastructure for digital libraries. Faceted ontologies for digital libraries is just one approach. But the same may be adopted by groups working with different approaches in building ontologies to realise efficient retrieval in digital libraries.
Library and information science education in Rwanda
Authors: Wakhungu Olaka Musa 
Published: May 2008

PurposeTo provide an overview of library and information science education in Rwanda.Design/methodology/approachDescription mainly through personal experience.FindingsThe history of library manpower development in Rwanda has been turbulent. Establishing the first ever formal library and information science program has had many challenges. However, graduates from the program are slowly and steadily changing the library landscape in Rwanda.Originality/valueLibrary and information science education in Rwanda has not been well documented and particularly challenges in faced in establishing a formal library and information science program.
Operational restructuring: reviving an ailing business
Authors: Lin Beixin , Lee Zu‐Hsu , Gibbs Lance G. 
Published: May 2008

PurposeWhen firms are dealing with negative earnings and/or economic downturns, operational restructuring is often initiated as a rescue tool. Some firms recover and prevail, while the others fail to survive and are subsequently delisted from stock exchange. The purpose of this paper is to identify factors that are significantly associated with the delisting risk of restructuring firms.Design/methodology/approachThe authors draw on a sample of firms with negative earnings that undertook restructuring during the 2001 economic recession. Logistic regression estimation is used to examine the delisting risk of these firms following the restructuring.FindingsThe paper finds that delisting risk increases when firms undertake repetitive restructurings, massive workforce reduction, and large‐scale asset downsizing. Firms with high levels of debt and failure to cut costs and/or narrowing its focus on core competencies are also more likely to delist.Practical implicationsBy analyzing and synthesizing the information from empirical data and business experience, this paper provides a guide for managers to effectively plan and implement a restructuring program to improve performance amid an economic downturn.Originality/valueThis is the first study to examine the survivability or delisting risk of a poorly performing firm undergoing restructuring amid an economic recession.
Implementing 5S within a Japanese context: an integrated management system
Authors: Gapp Rod , Fisher Ron , Kobayashi Kaoru 
Published: May 2008

PurposeBuilding on previous studies of the managerial application and development of the 5S concept (5S), this research aims to identify and present key concepts of 5S from a Japanese management perspective. These findings link 5S to aspects of Japanese management approach, which are aligned to an integrated management system rather than a simple management tool or technique.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from Japanese companies that use 5S as a core management approach and use their organisational web sites to disseminate information in regard to this practise. The data were examined by the use of computer‐aided lexical analysis (Leximancer), which provided an insight into the nature of 5S within the original Japanese context.FindingsThe research found several key concepts behind the Japanese approach to 5S management. These findings demonstrate the importance of both the technical (visible) and philosophical (invisible) approaches required for each of the 5S components and are discussed in a managerial rather than cultural framework.Practical implicationsThe findings are important both theoretically and practically as they provide insight into the meaning and logic, applied to the application of the 5S management approach within its original environmental context.Originality/valueThe originality and value of the paper is derived from the holistic understanding of the application of 5S and its use as a problem‐solving intervention at the system or process level; a necessary initiating point within lean management philosophies. 5S within the context identified is the strategic platform for the managerial decisions required for the development of an integrated management system.
Theories, concepts and the Rugby World Cup: using management to understand sport
Authors: Adcroft Andy , Teckman Jon 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to consider the versatility of management theory by testing it in a non‐management context, in this case sport in general and the Rugby World Cup in particular.Design/methodology/approachThe paper develops a theoretical discussion of performance and competitiveness into a conceptual model before using that model to analyse and discuss the causes of success and failure in the Rugby World Cup.FindingsUnderstanding the outcome of sporting contests is a complex activity. In the examples discussed, success or failure is the product of both the internal characteristics of the contestants and the external conditions of the contest itself. The findings of the research are robust in their reliability and validity.Originality/valueOriginality lies in a number of areas. Theory is used to develop an original conceptual model and it is then tested in an original context. The value of the paper lies as much in the investigations it opens up as in the debates it closes.
Decision magnitude of impact and strategic decision‐making process output
Authors: Nooraie Mahmood 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the role of the rationality of the strategic decision‐making process between decision magnitude of impact and the quality of the decision process output.Design/methodology/approachFrom analysis of alternative research approaches, a field survey seems to be the most appropriate methodological choice. This is a field study of real strategic decision‐making process rather than an artificial setting. The questionnaire consists of items measuring the variables of primary interest; namely the independent, mediator, and dependent variables. The study was conducted in Pinang, Malaysia, involving small, medium, and large‐sized private manufacturing firms. To test and eliminate ambiguous or biased items and to improve the format, both for ease of understanding and to facilitate data analysis, a pilot study was conducted by computing Cronbach's reliability alpha.FindingsThe results of regression analysis indicate that the decision magnitude of impact is significantly associated with the level of rationality in the decision‐making process. The results of hierarchical regression analyses indicate that the extent of rationality in the decision‐making process is able to significantly change the total variations in the decision‐ making quality explained by magnitude of impact.Research limitations/implicationsThe complex nature of strategic decision‐making process as a research topic places limitations on this study, particularly in the area of sample selection and data availability and collection. The major sample selection at the manufacturing firms is difficult because a firm's perception in terms of strategic decisions may not be the same, thus it is not easy to ascertain relevant sample characteristics.Practical implicationsFindings of this study indicate that a better quality decision is achieved through a rational process. Thus, organizations should encourage greater use of rationality in the decision‐making process, especially when the decision that is going to be made has more impact on the various parts of the organization or it is a strategic decision.Originality/valueThis study is believed to be the first to test the mediating impact of rationality of the strategic decision‐making process. This study was carried out among Malaysian manufacturing firms, and therefore comparison of its results to the findings in other countries may suggest the influence of other factors such as ideology, belief, and culture on strategic decision‐making processes. This in turn may open up a promising avenue for future research.
Multiple‐objective bidding strategy using goal programming technique
Authors: Tan Yongtao , Shen Liyin , Lu Weisheng , Shen Qiping 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to provide a solution that allows a contractor to present its maximum competitiveness in meeting the multiple objectives defined by a project client in bidding for a contract.Design/methodology/approachBy applying goal programming (GP) technique, this paper presents an alternative quantitative method for assisting a contractor to find out its own most competitive strategy in bidding for construction contracts where multiple selection criteria are adopted. A goal programming optimal bidding strategy (GP‐OBS) model is introduced to help a contractor generate an optimal resources allocation solution. A hypothetical example is used to show the procedures of using the model GP‐OBS.FindingsThis paper demonstrates that the GP technique can help contractors in producing an optimal bidding strategy which enables the contractor to present his/her maximum competitiveness in implementing project multiple objectives.Originality/valueThe solution from the model helps contractors to decide the optimal level of resources to be consumed within the resource limitations. The model GP‐OBS provides a new approach in assessing contractor overall competitiveness.