Does CEO compensation impact patient satisfaction?

Science.gov (United States)

Akingbola, Kunle; van den Berg, Herman A

2015-01-01

This study examines the relationship between CEO compensation and patient satisfaction in Ontario, Canada. The purpose of this paper is to determine what impact hospital CEO compensation has on hospital patient satisfaction. The analyses in this study were based on data of 261 CEO-hospital-year observations in a sample of 103 nonprofit hospitals. A number of linear regressions were conducted, with patient satisfaction as the dependent variable and CEO compensation as the independent variable of interest. Controlling variables included hospital size, type of hospital, and frequency of adverse clinical outcomes. CEO compensation does not significantly influence hospital patient satisfaction. Both patient satisfaction and CEO compensation appear to be driven primarily by hospital size. Patient satisfaction decreases, while CEO compensation increases, with the number of acute care beds in a hospital. In addition, CEO compensation does not even appear to moderate the influence of hospital size on patient satisfaction. There are several limitations to this study. First, observations of CEO-hospital-years in which annual nominal CEO compensation was below $100,000 were excluded, as they were not publicly available. Second, this research was limited to a three-year range. Third, this study related the compensation of individual CEOs to a measure of performance based on a multitude of patient satisfaction surveys. Finally, this research is restricted to not-for-profit hospitals in Ontario, Canada. The findings seem to suggest that hospital directors seeking to improve patient satisfaction may find their efforts frustrated if they focus exclusively on the hospital CEO. The findings highlight the need for further research on how CEOs may, through leading and supporting those hospital clinicians and staff that interact more closely with patients, indirectly enhance patient satisfaction. To the best of the authors' knowledge, no research has examined the relationship between

Are CEOs Different?

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Kaplan, Steven N.; Sørensen, Morten

also predict future career progression. Non-CEO candidates who score higher on the four factors are subsequently more likely to become CEOs. The patterns are qualitatively similar for public, private equity and venture capital owned companies. We do not find economically large differences in the four...

Fate and Phytotoxicity of CeO2 Nanoparticles on Lettuce Cultured in the Potting Soil Environment.

Science.gov (United States)

Gui, Xin; Zhang, Zhiyong; Liu, Shutong; Ma, Yuhui; Zhang, Peng; He, Xiao; Li, Yuanyuan; Zhang, Jing; Li, Huafen; Rui, Yukui; Liu, Liming; Cao, Weidong

2015-01-01

Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) have been shown to have significant interactions in plants. Previous study reported the specific-species phytotoxicity of CeO2 NPs by lettuce (Lactuca sativa), but their physiological impacts and vivo biotransformation are not yet well understood, especially in relative realistic environment. Butterhead lettuce were germinated and grown in potting soil for 30 days cultivation with treatments of 0, 50, 100, 1000 mg CeO2 NPs per kg soil. Results showed that lettuce in 100 mg·kg-1 treated groups grew significantly faster than others, but significantly increased nitrate content. The lower concentrations treatment had no impact on plant growth, compared with the control. However, the higher concentration treatment significantly deterred plant growth and biomass production. The stress response of lettuce plants, such as Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Peroxidase (POD), Malondialdehyde(MDA) activity was disrupted by 1000 mg·kg-1 CeO2 NPs treatment. In addition, the presence of Ce (III) in the roots of butterhead lettuce explained the reason of CeO2 NPs phytotoxicity. These findings demonstrate CeO2 NPs modification of nutritional quality, antioxidant defense system, the possible transfer into the food chain and biotransformation in vivo.

Fate and Phytotoxicity of CeO2 Nanoparticles on Lettuce Cultured in the Potting Soil Environment.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Xin Gui

Full Text Available Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs have been shown to have significant interactions in plants. Previous study reported the specific-species phytotoxicity of CeO2 NPs by lettuce (Lactuca sativa, but their physiological impacts and vivo biotransformation are not yet well understood, especially in relative realistic environment. Butterhead lettuce were germinated and grown in potting soil for 30 days cultivation with treatments of 0, 50, 100, 1000 mg CeO2 NPs per kg soil. Results showed that lettuce in 100 mg·kg-1 treated groups grew significantly faster than others, but significantly increased nitrate content. The lower concentrations treatment had no impact on plant growth, compared with the control. However, the higher concentration treatment significantly deterred plant growth and biomass production. The stress response of lettuce plants, such as Superoxide dismutase (SOD, Peroxidase (POD, Malondialdehyde(MDA activity was disrupted by 1000 mg·kg-1 CeO2 NPs treatment. In addition, the presence of Ce (III in the roots of butterhead lettuce explained the reason of CeO2 NPs phytotoxicity. These findings demonstrate CeO2 NPs modification of nutritional quality, antioxidant defense system, the possible transfer into the food chain and biotransformation in vivo.

Do women CEOs face greater threat of shareholder activism compared to male CEOs? A role congruity perspective.

Science.gov (United States)

Gupta, Vishal K; Han, Seonghee; Mortal, Sandra C; Silveri, Sabatino Dino; Turban, Daniel B

2018-02-01

We examine the glass cliff proposition that female CEOs receive more scrutiny than male CEOs, by investigating whether CEO gender is related to threats from activist investors in public firms. Activist investors are extraorganizational stakeholders who, when dissatisfied with some aspect of the way the firm is being managed, seek to change the strategy or operations of the firm. Although some have argued that women will be viewed more favorably than men in top leadership positions (so-called "female leadership" advantage logic), we build on role congruity theory to hypothesize that female CEOs are significantly more likely than male CEOs to come under threat from activist investors. Results support our predictions, suggesting that female CEOs may face additional challenges not faced by male CEOs. Practical implications and directions for future research are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).

Argentine psychiatry: report on the 30th Congress.

Science.gov (United States)

Brown, Paul

2016-04-01

To give a contextualised personal account of the 30th Annual Congress of the Argentine Association of Psychiatrists. Conference attendance and analysis of talks. The congress demonstrated that Argentine psychiatry is held back by oppressive political regimes and by government underfunding. The drug companies and third-party payers are entering the vacuum. Argentine trainees and consultants feel ill-prepared to meet the demands of the biomedical psychiatry. © The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists 2015.

Views of CEOs on Firm Performance

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Dario Berginc

2014-11-01

Full Text Available Researching the managerial perspective of performance can contribute to a better understanding of firm performance, and offer a valuable contribution to research on objective performance measurement. The aim of this article is to examine how managers evaluate firm performance and which factors, in their opinion, have the biggest influence on performance. We particularly wanted to investigate the influence of top management and owners on firm performance. We conducted a qualitative study among the CEOs of some of the most successful Slovenian firms. The results show that CEOs connect positive performance with long-term growth and satisfying the needs of key stakeholders (employees, customers and owners, but short-term positive financial performance represents the basic foundation. The second most important factor is a united top management, capable of generating new ideas and acting as a role model to employees. This can lead to a higher degree of engagement by employees and a better understanding of the firm's goals. Owners can contribute to a positive firm performance with their active, strategic and long-term orientation, and with their ability to set clear goals and to trust top management in the long run. Another important factor that influences firm performance is the ownership structure. In the opinion of CEOs, dominant and private ownership has a more positive impact on firm performance than dispersed and state ownership. The present research findings provide several examples of good and bad practice, and highlight opportunities for further research, from an in-depth study of individual factors of firm performance to the search for a more comprehensive model of performance factors, based on a larger sample of CEOs and other managers.

CEO Education and Corporate Environmental Footprint

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Amore, Mario Daniele; Bennedsen, Morten; Larsen, Birthe

We analyze the effect of CEO education on environmental decision-making. Using a unique sample of Danish firms from 1996 to 2012, we find that CEO education significantly improves firms’ energy efficiency. We derive causality using health shocks: the hospitalization of highly educated CEOs induces...... a drop in energy efficiency, whereas the hospitalization of less educated CEOs does not have any significant effect. Exploring the mechanisms at play, we show that our results are driven by the length rather than the field of education. CEO education improves corporate energy efficiency through personal...... environmental awareness: highly educated CEOs exhibit greater concerns for climate change, as measured by a survey of social preferences, and drive more environmentally-efficient cars. Taken together, our findings suggest that education shapes managerial styles giving rise to greater sustainability in corporate...

CEO origin and accrual-based earnings management

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Kuang, Y.F.; Qin, B.; Wielhouwer, J.

2014-01-01

This study examines the influence of CEO origin on accrual-based earnings management and how these effects evolve over the CEO's tenure in office. Compared with CEOs promoted from within the company, CEOs recruited from outside have a stronger incentive to demonstrate their abilities in the initial

CEO performance appraisal: review and recommendations.

Science.gov (United States)

Newman, J F; Tyler, L; Dunbar, D M

2001-01-01

CEO performance appraisal (PA) is very valuable to an organization, but the chances of obtaining a PA of high quality decrease as executive responsibility increases. The realities of CEO PA are that it: (1) is inevitable; (2) is creative and complex; (3) involves politics; and (4) has a significant effect on the organization and the executive. PA is conducted for legal and social requirements, to enhance communication, to provide opportunities for improvement, and to relate performance to compensation. This article discusses several problems with chief executive officer (CEO) PA and the contemporary approaches that seek to improve it. Three fundamental areas for evaluation are identified: (1) organizational success; (2) areawide health status; and (3) professional role fulfillment. These provide an outline for successful healthcare PA. In addition to a discussion of the strategic considerations behind a successful CEO PA system, several recommendations are offered for the implementation of the annual evaluation process. The final goal of CEO PA is to link its results to CEO incentive compensation. It is strongly recommended that some portion of the CEO's salary directly hinge on his performance in two critical areas: organizational effectiveness and community health status.

The Market for CEOs

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Aivazian, Varouj A.; Lai, Tat-kei; Rahaman, Mohammad M.

2013-01-01

We investigate empirically a market-based explanation for the rise in recent years in external CEO hiring and compensation and find, consistent with the market-based theory, that firms in industries relying on general managerial skills are more likely to hire CEOs externally than firms...

The application of radioisotopes in the Argentine technology

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Baro, G.B.; Lazor, C.J.

1976-10-01

The different applications of radioisotopes: as sealed sources or tracers, as well as activation analysis have cast a new light on Argentine engineering and industry. The Argentine Atomic Energy Commission is carrying out an active plan for the developement and promotion of these techniques since the 60's. This report describes and analyzes the most outstanding applications, and brings up to date other previous papers on the same subject. It suggests some ideas for achieving a complete penetration of radioisotope techniques into Argentine technology. It also outlines some future perspectives, based on present statistical data. (author) [es

Reactivation of the Argentine nuclear plan

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rey, Francisco C.

2007-01-01

The Argentine Government, in a ceremony held at the Government House and headed by the President of the Republic, announced on the 23th. of August, 2006 a new plan for the nuclear activity. The Argentine Atomic Energy Commission considers this plan as the relaunching of the nuclear activity in the country, made with a clear strategic vision and based on the same premises took into account fifty seven years ago when the Atomic Energy Commission was created. (author) [es

The creation of the Argentine Atomic Energy Commission

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Marzorati, Zulema del V.

2000-01-01

After a mention to the Argentine regulation of 1945 concerning the export of uranium ores and a short description of the 'Richter affair', the decree 10936 of 1950, that creates the Argentine Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA) , is analyzed. The activities of the CNEA between the years 1952 - 1955 are also outlined

Trail pheromone of the Argentine ant, Linepithema humile (Mayr (Hymenoptera: Formicidae.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Dong-Hwan Choe

Full Text Available The Argentine ant (Linepithema humile is recognized as one of the world's most damaging invasive species. One reason for the ecological dominance of introduced Argentine ant populations is their ability to dominate food and habitat resources through the rapid mobilization and recruitment of thousands of workers. More than 30 years ago, studies showed that (Z-9-hexadecenal strongly attracted Argentine ant workers in a multi-choice olfactometer, suggesting that (Z-9-hexadecenal might be the trail pheromone, or a component of a trail pheromone mixture. Since then, numerous studies have considered (Z-9-hexadecenal as the key component of the Argentine ant trails. Here, we report the first chemical analyses of the trails laid by living Argentine ants and find that (Z-9-hexadecenal is not present in a detectible quantity. Instead, two iridoids, dolichodial and iridomyrmecin, appear to be the primary chemical constituents of the trails. Laboratory choice tests confirmed that Argentine ants were attracted to artificial trails comprised of these two chemicals significantly more often than control trails. Although (Z-9-hexadecenal was not detected in natural trails, supplementation of artificial dolichodial+iridomyrmecin trails with an extremely low concentraion of (Z-9-hexadecenal did increase the efficacy of the trail-following behavior. In stark contrast with previous dogma, our study suggests that dolichodial and iridomyrmecin are major components of the Argentine ant trail pheromone. (Z-9-hexadecenal may act in an additive manner with these iridoids, but it does not occur in detectable quantities in Argentine ant recruitment trails.

Carbohydrate supply limits invasion of natural communities by Argentine ants.

Science.gov (United States)

Rowles, Alexei D; Silverman, Jules

2009-08-01

The ability of species to invade new habitats is often limited by various biotic and physical factors or interactions between the two. Invasive ants, frequently associated with human activities, flourish in disturbed urban and agricultural environments. However, their ability to invade and establish in natural habitats is more variable. This is particularly so for the invasive Argentine ant (Linepithema humile). While biotic resistance and low soil moisture limits their invasion of natural habitats in some instances, the effect of food availability has been poorly explored. We conducted field experiments to determine if resource availability limits the spread and persistence of Argentine ants in remnant natural forest in North Carolina. Replicated transects paired with and without sucrose solution feeding stations were run from invaded urban edges into forest remnants and compared over time using baits and direct counts at feeding stations. Repeated under different timing regimes in 2006 and 2007, access to sucrose increased local Argentine ant abundances (1.6-2.5 fold) and facilitated their progression into the forest up to 73 +/- 21% of 50-m transects. Resource removal caused an expected decrease in Argentine ant densities in 2006, in conjunction with their retreat to the urban/forest boundary. However, in 2007, Argentine ant numbers unexpectedly continued to increase in the absence of sugar stations, possibly through access to alternative resources or conditions not available the previous year such as honeydew-excreting Hemiptera. Our results showed that supplementing carbohydrate supply facilitates invasion of natural habitat by Argentine ants. This is particularly evident where Argentine ants continued to thrive following sugar station removal.

11. Argentine Congress of Radiological and Nuclear Security

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2017-01-01

The 11. Argentine Congress of Radiological and Nuclear Security was organized by the Radioprotection Argentine Society, in Buenos Aires, between the 5 and 6, October 2017. In this event, were presented documents about any of these topics: security systems, licensing of nuclear power plants, criticality accidents, biological radiation effects, NORM, acute radiation syndrome, etc.

Promoting effect of CeO 2 on cyclohexanol conversion over CeO 2

Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

Abstract. CeO2-ZnO materials were prepared by amorphous citrate process and characterized by TGA, XRD, UV-DRS and surface area measurements. TGA showed that the citrate precursors decompose in the range 350-550°C producing CeO2-containing catalytic materials. XRD and DRS results indicated the formation of ...

The worldwide expansion of the Argentine ant

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Vogel, Valerie; Pedersen, Jes Søe; Giraud, Tatiana

2010-01-01

Aim The aim of this study was to determine the number of successful establishments of the invasive Argentine ant outside native range and to see whether introduced supercolonies have resulted from single or multiple introductions. We also compared the genetic diversity of native versus introduced...... supercolonies to assess the size of the propagules (i.e. the number of founding individuals) at the origin of the introduced supercolonies. Location Global. Methods We used mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) markers and microsatellite loci to study 39 supercolonies of the Argentine ant Linepithema humile covering both......) and secondary introductions (from sites with established invasive supercolonies) were important in the global expansion of the Argentine ant. In combination with the similar social organization of colonies in the native and introduced range, this indicates that invasiveness did not evolve recently as a unique...

Earnings Management Surrounding CEO Turnover: Evidence from Korea

OpenAIRE

JONG-SEO CHOI; YOUNG-MIN KWAK; CHONGWOO CHOE

2012-01-01

This article examines the empirical relation between CEO turnover and earnings management in Korea using a sample of 317 CEO turnovers and 634 non-turnover control firms during the period of 2001-2008. We classify CEO turnovers into four types depending on whether the departure of outgoing CEO is peaceful or forced and the incoming CEO is promoted from within or recruited from outside the firm. We measure earnings management by both discretionary accruals and real activities management. We al...

Argentine National Pharmacopoeia (Argentine Codex Medicamentarius). 6. ed., suppl. 1982.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1983-02-01

Standards of mandatory application, established by Law No. 22729 of February, 1983, on radiopharmaceuticals and radiosterilization of products for medical use, issued as a supplement to the text of the Argentine National Pharmacopoeia. In particular, the general characteristics, identification and purity tests, radioactivity valuation, top date of utilization, and form of conservation of different radiopharmaceuticals are described. (C.A.K.) [es

Argentine hydrothermal panorama

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

1976-12-01

An attempt is made to give a realistic review of Argentine thermal waters. The topics discussed are the characteristics of the hydrothermal resources, classification according to their mineral content, hydrothermal flora and fauna, uses of hydrothermal resources, hydrothermal regions of Argentina, and meteorology and climate. A tabulation is presented of the principal thermal waters. (JSR)

CEO Origin and Accrual-Based Earnings Management

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Kuang, Y.; Qin, B.; Wielhouwer, J.L.

2014-01-01

This study examines the influence of CEO origin on accrual-based earnings management and how these effects evolve over the CEO’s tenure in office. Compared with CEOs promoted from within the company, CEOs recruited from outside have a stronger incentive to demonstrate their abilities in the initial

PENGGUNAAN LEVERAGE PADA PERUSAHAAN: PERBEDAAN ANTARA CEO PRIA DAN WANITA

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Farida Titik Kritanti

2014-07-01

Full Text Available AbstractVarious studies show that women are more risk averse in making decisions and better long-term oriented. Women would rather risk averse than men, making it less likely they will use debt in their capital structure, since by increasing debt increases the risk of the company's financial means. This study want to test whether gender became a significant factor in financial leverage, to see whether there are differences in policy between the company's leverage, led by men and women. Financial leverage is used as a measure of corporate risk because these variables can be changed by the CEO. Data from companies listed on the Jakarta Stock Exchange as sample. The results showed that there were differences in leverage between firms that have a men CEO with the women CEO of a company. Men CEO use more debt than the women CEO. But for the performance measured by ROI, obtained different results for the type of industry studied. For the consumer goods industry, there are performance differences between the men CEO and the women. But for the internet service industry and enamel kitchen showed no performance difference between women CEO with men CEO.Key words: leverage, woman CEO, man CEO, performanceAbstrakBerbagai penelitian menunjukkan bahwa wanita lebih risk averse dalam mengambil keputusan dan lebih berorientasi jangka panjang. Wanita lebih suka menolak risiko dibandingkan pria, sehingga kecil kemungkinan mereka akan menggunakan hutang dalam struktur modalnya, karena dengan menambah hutang berarti memperbesar risiko keuangan perusahaan. Penelitian ini ingin menguji apakah jender menjadi faktor yang cukup signifikan dalam financial leverage, dengan melihat apakah ada perbedaan dalam kebijakan leverage antara perusahaan yang dipimpin oleh pria dan wanita. Financial leverage dipakai sebagai ukuran risiko perusahaan karena variabel ini bisa diubah oleh CEO. Sampel menggunakan data dari perusahaan yang listed di Jakarta Stock Exchange. Hasil penelitian

Synthesis of feather-like CeO2 microstructures and enzymatic electrochemical catalysis for trichloroacetic acid

Science.gov (United States)

Xiao, Xin; Zhang, Dong En; Zhang, Fan; Gong, Jun Yan; Zhang, Xiao Bo; Wang, Yi Hui; Ma, Juan Juan; Tong, Zhi Wei

Novel feather-like CeO2 microstructures were achieved by a thermal decomposition approach of Ce(OH)CO3 precursor. The Ce(OH)CO3 was obtained from a solvothermal method employing Ce(NO3)3.6H2O with C6H12N4 and C16H33(CH3)3NBr (CTAB) at 190∘C in a water-PEG-200 mixed solution. The feather-like CeO2 dendrite was obtained by thermal conversion of the feather-like Ce(OH)CO3 at 650∘C in air. A reasonable growth mechanism was proposed with the soft-template effect of PEG-200. The electrochemical behavior and enzyme activity of myoglobin (Mb) immobilized on CeO2-Nafion modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) are demonstrated by cyclic voltammetric measurements. The results indicate that CeO2 can obviously promote the direct electron transfer between the Mb redox centers and the electrode. The Mb on CeO2-Nafion behaves as an elegant performance on the electrochemical reduction of trichloroacetic acid (TCA) from 0.32μM to 2.28μM. The detection limit is estimated to be 0.08μM.

CEO Power, Corporate Tax Avoidance and Tax Aggressiveness

OpenAIRE

GATOT SOEPRIYANTO

2017-01-01

My thesis investigates the association between CEO power, corporate tax avoidance and tax aggressiveness, using two organizational theory perspectives: self-interest and stewardship. I find that a powerful CEO engages in less corporate tax avoidance activities, which lends credence to the risk minimization motive of the stewardship perspective. My findings on the association between CEO power and tax aggressiveness show that powerful CEOs avoid risky tax avoidance strategies that expose a fir...

CEO age and gender: Subsequent market performance

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Marcelo Eduardo

2016-12-01

Full Text Available The issue of CEO age and gender vs. concurrent performance is extensively examined, but the association with subsequent performance has limited treatment in the financial literature, and with conflicting findings. In the current study, we examine the association between CEO age and gender, and subsequent company market performance using a more recent set of observations and the standard four-factor model to estimate future cumulative abnormal shareholder returns. We find that subsequent abnormal shareholder returns are marginally significantly higher for female CEOs than for their male counterparts, but no material pattern is observed between CEO age and subsequent abnormal shareholder return performance.

Eddy-driven sediment transport in the Argentine Basin: Is the height of the Zapiola Rise hydrodynamically controlled?

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Weijer, Wilbert; Maltrud, Mathew E.; Homoky, William B.; Polzin, Kurt L.; Maas, Leo R. M.

In this study, we address the question whether eddy-driven transports in the Argentine Basin can be held responsible for enhanced sediment accumulation over the Zapiola Rise, hence accounting for the existence and growth of this sediment drift. To address this question, we perform a 6 year

Adaptation au stress hydrique dans le Comahue, en Argentine ...

International Development Research Centre (IDRC) Digital Library (Canada)

Adaptation au stress hydrique dans le Comahue, en Argentine. On prévoit que les changements climatiques entraîneront une diminution des précipitations annuelles dans le Comahue, une région du centre-ouest de l'Argentine. Conjugué à la hausse prévue de la demande en eau et de l'utilisation de la ressource, ...

Blood conservation: the CEO perspective.

Science.gov (United States)

Morgan, Timothy O

2004-08-01

Hospital CEOs are concerned about more than just cost of services to their patients. The advancement of patient car along with maintaining or improving patient safety are also key elements to the CEO, to limit patient risks, hospital liability, and negative public relations. The CEO is accountable to the hospital staff, the patients, and the general public. Establishing programs such as blood management or bloodless medicine can be implemented by using a team approach. A physician champion with a clear business plan that addresses all issues and challenges is critical for successful implementation. As blood and blood product costs rise and supply decreases, alternatives such as cell saving techniques and the use of pharmacologic interventions can have a significant impact on net hospital expenditures.

Exploring Corporate Rhetoric: Metadiscourse in the CEO's Letter.

Science.gov (United States)

Hyland, Ken

1998-01-01

Examines how metadiscourse is used to create a positive corporate image in 137 CEOs' letters, showing how CEOs use nonpropositional material to realize rational, credible, and affective appeals. Reveals the essentially rhetorical nature of CEOs' letters by comparing the frequency and distribution of metadiscourse in their letters and directors'…

Facile hydrothermal synthesis of CeO 2 nanopebbles

Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

Cerium oxide (CeO2) nanopebbles have been synthesized using a facile hydrothermal method. X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy analyses confirm the presence of CeO2 nanopebbles. XRD shows the formation of cubic fluorite CeO2 and the average particle size estimated from the ...

CeO2-ZrO2 ceramic compounds

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Melo, F.C.L.; Cairo, C.A.C.; Devezas, T.C.; Nono, M.C.A.

1988-01-01

In order to study the mechanical properties of tetragonal polycrystal zirconia stabilized with ceria various powder compositions with different CeO 2 content were made. Modulus of rupture for those compounds was measured. Tetragonal retained phase was determined for samples of CeO 2 -ZrO 2 ceramics with and without superficial mechanical treatment. The experimental results allowed us to evaluate the effects of CeO 2 content and sintering temperature in the mechanical properties and tetragonal transformed phase (t→ m) in ceramics of CeO 2 -ZrO 2 systems. (author) [pt

Integration of atomic layer deposition CeO2 thin films with functional complex oxides and 3D patterns

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Coll, M.; Palau, A.; Gonzalez-Rosillo, J.C.; Gazquez, J.; Obradors, X.; Puig, T.

2014-01-01

We present a low-temperature, < 300 °C, ex-situ integration of atomic layer deposition (ALD) ultrathin CeO 2 layers (3 to 5 unit cells) with chemical solution deposited La 0.7 Sr 0.3 MnO 3 (LSMO) functional complex oxides for multilayer growth without jeopardizing the morphology, microstructure and physical properties of the functional oxide layer. We have also extended this procedure to pulsed laser deposited YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 (YBCO) thin films. Scanning force microscopy, X-ray diffraction, aberration corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy and macroscopic magnetic measurements were used to evaluate the quality of the perovskite films before and after the ALD process. By means of microcontact printing and ALD we have prepared CeO 2 patterns using an ozone-robust photoresist that will avoid the use of hazardous lithography processes directly on the device components. These bilayers, CeO 2 /LSMO and CeO 2 /YBCO, are foreseen to have special interest for resistive switching phenomena in resistive random-access memory. - Highlights: • Integration of atomic layer deposition (ALD) CeO 2 layers on functional complex oxides • Resistive switching is identified in CeO 2 /La 0.7 Sr 0.3 MnO 3 and CeO 2 /YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 bilayers. • Study of the robustness of organic polymers for area-selective ALD • Combination of ALD and micro-contact printing to obtain 3D patterns of CeO 2

CEO Succession in Community Colleges: A Grounded Theory.

Science.gov (United States)

Kirkland, Travis P.

Intended as part of a larger study of the effects of anticipated or unanticipated changes in the chief executive officer (CEO) of a community college, a case study approach was taken to gather primary data from a multi-campus, urban community college that had recently experienced a CEO succession. The study focused on the effects of the CEO change…

CEO Compensation and Disclosure Policy

OpenAIRE

Zhang, Weijia; Zhang, Kun

2016-01-01

This paper examines the relationship between CEO compensation and disclosure policy related to corporate governance information within S&P 500 index. Our sample consists of 456 companies for the period from 2005 to 2015. Most previous researchers mainly put their attention on various corporate governance characteristics such as board size, board independence, and executive ownership when analysing CEO compensation. Our paper extends the previous study by dividing corporate governance into...

The relationship between virtuous CEOs and corporate social responsibility

OpenAIRE

Frende Vega, María de los Ángeles; Carmelo Ordaz, Carmen; Ruiz Navarro, José

2014-01-01

This study tests the effects of virtuous CEOs on corporate social responsibility views (narrow vs broad). Using the data envelopment analysis (DEA) technique, we find that virtuous CEOs correlated positively with a broad view of corporate social responsibility (CSR). We also examine the moderating role the board of directors plays in the relationship between virtuous CEOs and CSR but finds no positive association. Our results indicate that CEOs matter and that their virtuous values may be a m...

Evaluation of the international restraints and limitations on the Argentine nuclear policy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Martin, Hugo R.

2002-01-01

The first part of the book makes a short description of the nuclear development in the 20th. Century in the international, Latin American and Argentine frameworks. The second part outlines the relationship between the nuclear technology and the international relations in the light of the different theoretical models of international relations. Finally the third part analyzes in the international context the Argentine nuclear policy, from the presidency of J. D. Peron that of C. Menem. The international restraints to the Argentine nuclear policy are also described

Influence of mineralizer agents on the growth of crystalline CeO2 nanospheres by the microwave-hydrothermal method

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Deus, R.C.; Cilense, M.; Foschini, C.R.; Ramirez, M.A.; Longo, E.; Simões, A.Z.

2013-01-01

Cystalline ceria (CeO 2 ) nanoparticles have been synthesized by a simple and fast microwave-assisted hydrothermal (MAH) under NaOH, KOH, and NH 4 OH mineralizers added to a cerium ammonium nitrate aqueous solution. The products were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transformed-IR and Raman spectroscopies. Rietveld refinement reveals a cubic structure with a space group Fm3m while infrared data showed few traces of nitrates. Field emission scanning microcopy (FEG-SEM) revealed a homogeneous size distribution of nanometric CeO 2 nanoparticles. The MAH process in KOH and NaOH showed most effective to dehydrate the adsorbed water and decrease the hydrogen bonding effect leaving a weakly agglomerated powder of hydrated ceria. TEM micrographs of CeO 2 synthesized under MAH conditions reveal particles well-dispersed and homogeneously distributed. The MAH enabled cerium oxide to be synthesized at 100 °C for 8 min.

Nanocrystalline Sr2CeO4 thin films grown on silicon by laser ablation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Perea, Nestor; Hirata, G.A.

2006-01-01

Blue-white luminescent Sr 2 CeO 4 thin films were deposited by using pulsed laser ablation (λ = 248 nm wavelength) on 500 deg. C silicon (111) substrates under an oxygen pressure of 55 mTorr. High-resolution electron transmission microscopy, electron diffraction and X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the films were composed of nanocrystalline Sr 2 CeO 4 grains of the order of 20-30 nm with a preferential orientation in the (130) crystallographic direction. The excitation and photoluminescence spectra measured on the films maintained the characteristic emission of bulk Sr 2 CeO 4 however, the emission peak appeared narrower and blue-shifted as compared to the luminescence spectrum of the target. The blue-shift and a preferential crystallographic orientation during the growth formation of the film is related to the nanocrystalline nature of the grains due to the quantum confinement behavior and surface energy minimization in nanostructured systems

CEOs make the most of trustees' business acumen.

Science.gov (United States)

Koska, M T

1990-06-05

CEOs now recognize that the business expertise of board members is a valuable resource that needs to be tapped. So, in an effort to develop the best possible response to an increasingly complex business environment, a growing number of CEOs are asking their boards to play a key role in strategic planning. And when the strategic plan is a joint effort, the CEO is less likely to be blamed if the plan fails. The strategic planning process is not always a smooth operation, say executives. Corporate and individual hospital boards have different perspectives and are not always on the same wavelength, which may leave the CEO caught in the middle. At the community level, developing a shared vision with the trustees is a time-consuming task. And in those communities where physicians are viewed as competitors, the CEO may find it tough to convince trustees that physicians must be part of an integrated plan.

The cycles of Argentine wine exports / Los ciclos de las exportaciones de vino argentinas

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Cerdá Juan Manuel

2016-01-01

Full Text Available This paper analyses the different episodes that the Argentina wine industry transited between the years 1980 to 2012, within a context of globalization of the wine-grape industry. In particular, we study the significance that some winemakers had in the process and the effect of the exchange rate and recipients of Argentine wine in the expansion of exports in recent years. The hypothesis of this article is that, from the 80 s, the winemakers observed in exports as a solution to face their most important crisis. This required a transformation of the industry to produce quality wines that could be sold on the international market. Thus, winemakers added to a century-old winemaking tradition new practices and strategies. On the other hand, over 30 years, various macroeconomic policies affect the overall industry growth, especially in exports. On balance, in this paper we propose to show that the growth of exports of Argentine wine was a sinuous and different path to the literature has been found for the “new world” exporters countries. The data was obtained from Instituto Nancional de Vitivinícultura (INV, Bolsa de Comercio de Mendoza and International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV as well as interviews collected on primary and secondary sources.

The influence of CEO gender on market orientation and performance in service small and medium-sized service businesses

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Davis, Peter S.; Babakus, Emin; Englis-Danskin, Paula; Pett, Tim

2010-01-01

This study examines the effects of CEO gender on market orientation and performance (growth and profitability) among a sample of small and medium-sized service businesses. Gender was found to have significant indirect effects (via market orientation) on both market performance (growth) and financial

Corporate governance and CEO pay: Evidence from UK Travel and Leisure listed firms

OpenAIRE

Al-Najjar, Basil

2017-01-01

This paper investigates from the UK context, the impact of board and CEO characteristics on CEO compensation in Travel and Leisure firms. Namely we employ, board size, board independence and board meetings to reflect board characteristics. We also include two CEO features, CEO tenure and CEO age into our models. Using panel data analysis, the findings in this paper indicate that board size, board independence and CEO age are important factors affecting CEO pay. In addition, we report a positi...

WCDRR and the CEOS activities on disaters

Science.gov (United States)

Petiteville, I.; Ishida, C.; Danzeglocke, J.; Eddy, A.; Gaetani, F.; Frye, S.; Kuligowski, B.; Zoffoli, S.; Poland, M.; Jones, B.

2015-04-01

Agencies from CEOS (Committee on Earth Observation Satellites) have traditionally focused their efforts on the response phase. Rapid urbanization and increased severity of weather events has led to growing economic and human losses from disasters, requiring international organisations to act now in all disaster risk management (DRM) phases, especially through improved disaster risk reduction policies and programmes. As part of this effort, CEOS agencies have initiated a series of actions aimed at fostering the use of Earth observation (EO) data to support disaster risk reduction and at raising the awareness of policy and decision-makers and major stakeholders of the benefits of using satellite EO in all phases of DRM. CEOS is developing a long-term vision for sustainable application of satellite EO to all phases of DRM. CEOS is collaborating with regional representatives of the DRM user community, on a multi-hazard project involving three thematic pilots (floods, seismic hazards and volcanoes) and a Recovery Observatory that supports resilient recovery from one major disaster. These pilot activities are meant as trail blazers that demonstrate the potential offered by satellite EO for comprehensive DRM. In the framework of the 2015 3rd World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (WCDRR), the CEOS space agencies intend to partner with major stakeholders, including UN organizations, the Group on Earth Observations (GEO), international relief agencies, leading development banks, and leading regional DRM organisations, to define and implement a 15-year plan of actions (2015- 2030) that responds to high-level Post-2015 Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction priorities. This plan of action will take into account lessons learned from the CEOS pilot activities.

CEOs´ monetary incentives and performance of Mexican firms

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Karen Watkins-Fassler

2017-02-01

Full Text Available This paper analyzes if changes in CEO remuneration and the execution of CEO stock options impact firm performance, under an emerging market context. Data is obtained from 88 non-financial companies listed in the Mexican Stock Exchange (2001-2012. A dynamic panel specification is employed, and regressions are run through the Generalized Method of Moments. Some evidence is found on the negative relationship between flat monetary incentives and Mexican firm performance, specifically for normal times. In addition, financial incentives based on results (particularly CEO stock options do not imply higher firm performance. Results suggest that companies in particular contexts should move towards the development of CEOs, more than promoting mostly monetary incentives for boosting firm performance. Companies operating in Mexico will gain from hiring intrinsically motivated CEOs, together with testing different extrinsic rewards (neither flat nor stock options in order to attain additive effects on intrinsic motivation.

Contemporary Argentine Cinema during Neoliberalism

Science.gov (United States)

Rocha, Carolina

2009-01-01

In this article I analyze contemporary Argentine cinematic production assessing the impact of Law 24,377 that was implemented in 1995 and that provided much-needed funds for national productions. By looking at film production and consumption, the emergence of young filmmakers and the performance of both commercial films and those belonging to the…

Irradiation effects in UO2 and CeO2

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ye, Bei; Oaks, Aaron; Kirk, Mark; Yun, Di; Chen, Wei-Ying; Holtzman, Benjamin; Stubbins, James F.

2013-01-01

Single crystal CeO 2 , as a surrogate material to UO 2 , was irradiated with 500 keV xenon ions at 800 °C while being observed using in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Experimental results show the formation and growth of defect clusters including dislocation loops and cavities as a function of increasing atomic displacement dose. At high dose, the dislocation loop structure evolves into an extended dislocation line structure, which appears to remain stable to the high dose levels examined in this study. A high concentration of cavities was also present in the microstructure. Despite high atomic displacement doses, the specimen remained crystalline to a cumulated dose of 5 × 10 15 ions/cm 2 , which is consistent with the known stability of the fluorite structure under high dose irradiation. Kinetic Monte Carlo calculations show that oxygen mobility is substantially higher in hypo-stoichiometric UO 2 /CeO 2 than hyper-stoichiometric systems. This result is consistent with the ability of irradiation damage to recover even at intermediate irradiation temperatures

CeO2 nanoparticles induce no changes in phenanthrene toxicity to the soil organisms Porcellionides pruinosus and Folsomia candida.

Science.gov (United States)

Tourinho, Paula S; Waalewijn-Kool, Pauline L; Zantkuijl, Irene; Jurkschat, Kerstin; Svendsen, Claus; Soares, Amadeu M V M; Loureiro, Susana; van Gestel, Cornelis A M

2015-03-01

Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) are used as diesel fuel additives to catalyze oxidation. Phenanthrene is a major component of diesel exhaust particles and one of the most common pollutants in the environment. This study aimed at determining the effect of CeO2 NPs on the toxicity of phenanthrene in Lufa 2.2 standard soil for the isopod Porcellionides pruinosus and the springtail Folsomia candida. Toxicity tests were performed in the presence of CeO2 concentrations of 10, 100 or 1000mg Ce/kg dry soil and compared with results in the absence of CeO2 NPs. CeO2 NPs had no adverse effects on isopod survival and growth or springtail survival and reproduction. For the isopods, LC50s for the effect of phenanthrene ranged from 110 to 143mg/kg dry soil, and EC50s from 17.6 to 31.6mg/kg dry soil. For the springtails, LC50s ranged between 61.5 and 88.3mg/kg dry soil and EC50s from 52.2 to 76.7mg/kg dry soil. From this study it may be concluded that CeO2 NPs have a low toxicity and do not affect toxicity of phenanthrene to isopods and springtails. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

XXXVIII Annual meeting of the Argentine Association of Nuclear Technology (AATN 2011)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2011-01-01

The 38th Annual meeting of the Argentine Association of Nuclear Technology was organized by the AATN (Asociacion Argentina de Tecnologia Nuclear) in Buenos Aires, Argentine, between the 14 and 18 November of 2011. In this event 146 papers in 16 Sessions, with 13 Plenary Conferences and 3 Roundtables were presented. [es

Are CEOs Different?

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Kaplan, Steven N.; Sørensen, Morten

We use a dataset of over 2,600 executive assessments to study thirty individual characteristics ofcandidates for top executive positions – CEO, CFO, COO and others. We classify the thirtycandidate characteristics with four primary factors: general ability, execution vs. interpersonal,charisma vs....

CEO Sites Mission Management System (SMMS)

Science.gov (United States)

Trenchard, Mike

2014-01-01

Late in fiscal year 2011, the Crew Earth Observations (CEO) team was tasked to upgrade its science site database management tool, which at the time was integrated with the Automated Mission Planning System (AMPS) originally developed for Earth Observations mission planning in the 1980s. Although AMPS had been adapted and was reliably used by CEO for International Space Station (ISS) payload operations support, the database structure was dated, and the compiler required for modifications would not be supported in the Windows 7 64-bit operating system scheduled for implementation the following year. The Sites Mission Management System (SMMS) is now the tool used by CEO to manage a heritage Structured Query Language (SQL) database of more than 2,000 records for Earth science sites. SMMS is a carefully designed and crafted in-house software package with complete and detailed help files available for the user and meticulous internal documentation for future modifications. It was delivered in February 2012 for test and evaluation. Following acceptance, it was implemented for CEO mission operations support in April 2012. The database spans the period from the earliest systematic requests for astronaut photography during the shuttle era to current ISS mission support of the CEO science payload. Besides logging basic image information (site names, locations, broad application categories, and mission requests), the upgraded database management tool now tracks dates of creation, modification, and activation; imagery acquired in response to requests; the status and location of ancillary site information; and affiliations with studies, their sponsors, and collaborators. SMMS was designed to facilitate overall mission planning in terms of site selection and activation and provide the necessary site parameters for the Satellite Tool Kit (STK) Integrated Message Production List Editor (SIMPLE), which is used by CEO operations to perform daily ISS mission planning. The CEO team

Vice President of Medical Affairs--moving on up to CEO?

Science.gov (United States)

Tyler, J L

1999-01-01

Increasingly, physician executives are reaching the conclusion that if they choose, they may be viable candidates for CEO positions. While this opinion has merit, it must be tempered by marketplace realities. A fundamental issue for VPMAs aspiring to become CEOs is that they have little formalized training or education for CEO roles. Also, they may lack team-building skills--a critical success factor. Physician executives who seek out professional development opportunities that enhance both their interpersonal/management and "business" skills--accounting, finance, and planning--are more likely to be attractive candidates and succeed once they are in the position. Another consideration is that the CEO position usually has a precursor role--the COO. This position is the training ground for the CEO. Physician executives aspiring to be CEO will want to consider the following suggestions: (1) Make your intentions known; (2) groom your successor; (3) request a title change; (4) get your master's degree; (5) pursue professional development opportunities; (6) consider leaving the organization; and (7) talk with your family.

Are CEOs Different?

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Kaplan, Steven N.; Sørensen, Morten

We use a data set of over 2,600 executive assessments to study thirty individual characteristics of candidates for top executive positions – CEO, CFO, COO and others. Candidate characteristics can be classified by four primary factors: general ability, execution skills, charisma and strategic ski...

Argentines abroad: contemporary challenges posed by political inclusion in their country of origin

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ana MARGHERITIS

2017-10-01

Full Text Available This paper explores the politics of intermittent and selective inclusion of Argentines abroad in home politics. It accounts for franchise reform initiatives and explains which factors influenced Argentine citizens in the exercising of their right to vote from abroad. It traces the unfolding and stalemate of an incipient diaspora engagement policy to explain the limits to effective political inclusion of Argentine citizens living abroad today. Thus, it contributes to our understanding of the politics and institutional dynamics of the process of reforming the franchise and citizenship in one of the least explored examples within the literature.

Argentine-Brazilian declaration on common nuclear policy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1990-12-01

The document reproduces the texts of the speeches made by the Presidents of Argentina and Brazil at Foz do Iguacu, Brazil, on 28 November 1990, at the signing of the Argentine-Brazilian Declaration on Common Nuclear Policy

Homogeneously dispersed CeO2 nanoparticles on exfoliated hexaniobate nanosheets

Science.gov (United States)

Marques, Thalles M. F.; Strayer, Megan E.; Ghosh, Anupama; Silva, Alexandre; Ferreira, Odair P.; Fujisawa, Kazunori; Alves da Cunha, Jose R.; Abreu, Guilherme J. P.; Terrones, Mauricio; Mallouk, Thomas E.; Viana, Bartolomeu C.

2017-12-01

Hexaniobate nanosheets derived from the parent compound K4Nb6O17 have been decorated with CeO2 nanoparticles by ion exchange with aqueous cerium (IV) solution. Very homogeneous CeO2 nanoparticle decoration of the hexaniobate sheets can be achieved by this method and the resulting composites may absorb visible light. HRTEM images show that ∼3.0 nm diameter CeO2 nanoparticles adhere to hexaniobate nanosheets that are exfoliated and then restacked prior to Ce deposition. The interfacial interaction between CeO2 nanoparticles and nanosheets would be due to an electrostatic attraction mechanism. Raman and XRD measurements have given strong evidence that CeO2 nanoparticles have fluorite structure. EDS, FTIR and XPS results suggest almost complete exchange of TBA+ and K+ by Ce4+. Cerium ion exchange on the acid exchanged parent compound, H2.9K1.1Nb6O17, revealed that the extent of Ce ion exchange is much greater in case of nanosheets, which may be rationalized by the larger surface area available after exfoliation. XPS measurements show that the ratio of Ce4+/Ce3+ is around 4.4, in agreement with the formation of fluorite structure (CeO2). Thus, these CeO2 nanoparticle/nanosheet composites may be useful for catalytic processes.

Genetic variability and population structure in loci related to milk production traits in native Argentine Creole and commercial Argentine Holstein cattle

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Golijow C.D.

1999-01-01

Full Text Available Many cattle breeds have been subjected to high selection pressure for production traits. Consequently, population genetic structure and allelic distribution could differ in breeds under high selection pressure compared to unselected breeds. Analysis of k-casein, aS1-casein and prolactin gene frequencies was made for Argentine Creole (AC and Argentine Holstein (AH cattle herds. The calculated FST values measured the degree of genetic differentiation of subpopulations, depending on the variances of gene frequencies.The AC breed had considerably more variation among herds at the aS1-casein and k-casein loci. Conservation strategies should consider the entire AC population in order to maintain the genetic variability found in this native breed.

Facile hydrothermal synthesis of CeO2 nanopebbles

Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

Administrator

However, to the best of our knowledge the reports on the synthesis of CeO2 ... The base pressure of the XAS chamber was in the range of 10–8 Pa. A Shimadzu ... scopy was investigated to confirm the crystalline quality of CeO2 nanopebbles.

CEO Interests and Concerns in Second Wave ERP

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Simonsen, Martin Lyngaa; Nielsen, Esben Toftdahl; Kræmmergaard, Pernille

2006-01-01

This paper is the product of a study of what top management find interesting and what is of concern to them in relation to the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems in the second wave of ERP. Very little empirical research exists on the subject of the interests and concerns of CEOs in relation...... to a company's ERP System. However research into information system literature indicates that CEOs are valued as key players in the management of IT to secure that the IT strategy is aligned with the business strategy. Based on the fact that very little prior research exists on the CEOs' interests and concerns...... in relation to the ERP system in the second wave, we employed an interpretive explorative case study with a grounded approach carried out through open interviews with CEOs. The research was conducted in three mid-size Danish production companies all of which have an ERP system. The contribution of this paper...

Atucha II: building a 745 MWe pressure-vessel PHWR in the Argentine

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Leibovich, H.; Coll, J.; Backhaus, K.

1982-01-01

The history of the Comision Nacional de Energia Atomica and its involvement with the development in Argentina of a nuclear power plant manufacturing technology is described. The way in which technology transfer from German industry has enabled increasing Argentine participation is outlined. The formation of the joint Argentine/German engineering company ENACE in 1981 will promote this process. (U.K.)

Effects of Surfactants on the Performance of CeO2 Humidity Sensor

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Chunjie Wang

2014-01-01

Full Text Available Nanosized CeO2 powders were synthesized via hydrothermal method with different types of surfactants (polyethylene glycol (PEG, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB, and sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS. X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy were utilized to characterize the phase structures and morphologies of the products. The sample with CTAB as surfactant (CeO2-C has the largest specific surface area and the smallest particle size among these three samples. The humidity sensor fabricated by CeO2-C shows higher performance than those used CeO2-P and CeO2-S. The impedance of the CeO2-C sensor decreases by about five orders of magnitude with relative humidity (RH changing from 15.7 to 95%. The response and recovery time are 7 and 7 s, respectively. These results indicate that the performance of CeO2 humidity sensors can be improved effectively by the addition of cationic surfactant.

DETERMINANTS OF INTERNAL VS. EXTERNAL CEO SUCCESSIONS IN MALAYSIAN PUBLIC LISTED COMPANIES

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Rokiah Ishak

2012-01-01

Full Text Available Following a CEO turnover, a company may select an internal or external successor. The objective of this study is to determine if firm performance, board attributes, ownership structure and incumbent power influence the decision of whether to elect an internal or external candidate. Results from logistic regression analysis on 145 succession events over a four-year period (2002 to 2005 indicate that firms which are controlled by blockholders tend to select an outsider as the successor. Further, firms that are controlled by family members and position their former CEOs within the firms are more likely to select insiders as successors. However, firm performance, board composition, CEO duality and turnover type do not affect the selection choice. This study implies that poor firm performance does not necessarily lead to outside CEO selection choice. Further, boards of Malaysian PLCs are not effective in choosing outsiders as successors as both board composition and CEO duality do not necessarily select outsiders to become new CEOs. Another implication of this study is that former CEOs who continue their directorship in the same companies do have some power in naming new CEOs as the former tend to select insiders as successors.

Predicting Argentine Jet Fuel Prices

Science.gov (United States)

2007-03-01

economics, engineering, and the social and biological sciences (Kutner, 2005:2), but successful application of this method requires not only a deep...situations that affected the country. This crisis had politic, economic and social implications. Five presidents governed in a two month period. The...Scheimberg Sebastian. “Comentario al trabajo de German Coloma: Analisys of the behavior of the Argentine fuel market”. Political Economy Asociation

CEO risk-taking incentives and socially irresponsible activities

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Bouslah, Kais; Linares-Zegarra, José; M'Zali, Bouchra; Scholtens, Bert

2018-01-01

This study examines the relationship between CEO risk-taking incentives, measured by the sensitivity of CEO wealth held in options to a change in stock return volatility or Vega, and socially irresponsible activities using a large sample of U.S. firms during the period 1992–2012. Our results for the

Regulatory control of maintenance activities in Argentine nuclear power plants

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Calvo, J.C.; Caruso, G.

2000-01-01

The main maintenance objective is to assure that the safety features of structures, components and systems of nuclear power plants are kept as designed. Therefore, there is a direct relationship between safety and maintenance. Owing to the above mentioned, maintenance activities are considered a relevant regulatory issue for the Argentine Nuclear Regulatory Authority (ARN). This paper describes the regulatory control to maintenance activities of Argentine nuclear power plants. It also addresses essential elements for maintenance control, routine inspections, special inspections during planned outages, audits and license conditions and requirements. (author)

Maximizing Your Grant Development: A Guide for CEOs.

Science.gov (United States)

Snyder, Thomas

1993-01-01

Since most private and public sources of external funding generally expect increased effort and accountability, Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) at two-year colleges must inform faculty and staff that if they do not expend extra effort their college will not receive significant grants. The CEO must also work with the college's professional…

Room-temperature ferromagnetism in pure and Co doped CeO2 powders

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wen Qiye; Zhang Huaiwu; Song Yuanqiang; Yang Qinghui; Zhu Hao; Xiao, John Q

2007-01-01

We report the room-temperature (RT) ferromagnetism (FM) observed in pure and Co doped CeO 2 powder. An insulating nonmagnetic CeO 2 single crystal, after grinding into fine powder, shows an RT-FM with a small magnetization of 0.0045 emu g -1 . However, the CeO 2 powder became paramagnetic after oxygen annealing, which strongly suggests an oxygen vacancy meditated FM ordering. Furthermore, by doping Co into CeO 2 powder the FM can significantly enhance through a F-centre exchange (FCE) coupling mechanism, in which both oxygen vacancies and magnetic ions are involved. As the Co content increases, the FM of Co doped CeO 2 initially increases to a maximum 0.47 emu g -1 , and then degrades very quickly. The complex correlation between the Co content and saturation magnetization was well interpreted by supposing the coexistence of three subsets of Co ions in CeO 2 . Our results reveal that the large RT-FM observed in Co doped CeO 2 powder originates from a combination effect of oxygen vacancies and transition metal doping

IT Decision Making in German Hospitals - Do CEOs Open the Black Box?

Science.gov (United States)

Thye, Johannes; Hübner, Ursula; Hüsers, Jens; Babitsch, Birgit

2017-01-01

Health IT and communication systems are indispensable in German hospitals for clinical as well as administrative process support. However, IT is often regarded as a "black box" for hospital CEOs. Thus, the question arises how can CEOs decide if they do not know what is in the box? In order to answer this question, half-structured interviews with 14 German hospital CEOs were conducted. They revealed three principle decision processes: the supported decision, the joint decision and the corporate level decision. In all cases, the hospital CEO and the CIO interacted to reach the final decision, most strongly in the joint decision mode and least strongly in the corporate decision mode. Only the joint decision mode definitely forced the CEO to open the "black box" of IT. In the era of digitalisation, however, CEOs must develop better competencies to decide over complex matters.

Quality assurance programmes and normalization for the Argentine-Brazilian integration

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Biernat, A.E.

1987-01-01

Within the frame of the tasks developed by the Argentine-Brazilian Contractors Coordination Committee in the nuclear area, which was at the beginning promoted by the Contractor Committee of the Argentine Association of Nuclear Technology, a working team was created between both countries in order to analyze the existing regulations and the Quality Assurance systems applied in Brazil and Argentina for their nuclear projects. This paper describes the steps to be followed so as to fulfill the compatibility of the rules, quality assurance and firm certification, laboratories, personnel and materials, and the applicable quality assurance programmes. At first, the methodology applied was the collection of the information and the existing regulations in each one of the countries, to exchange them, analyze them and arrange joint meetings and organize a seminar with experts from both countries to develop and discuss the objectives of this working team. As a result of these activities, the criteria adopted will allow, together with another actions, that both Argentine and Brazilian firms make exchanges and integrations in the nuclear field to supply Atucha II and Angra II. (Author)

Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) Systems Engineering Office (SEO). Ocean Surface Topography (OST) Workshop, Ruedesheim an Rhein, Germany. [CEOS SEO Status Report

Science.gov (United States)

Killough, Brian D., Jr.

2008-01-01

The CEOS Systems Engineering Office will present a 2007 status report of the CEOS constellation process, present a new systems engineering framework, and analysis results from the GEO Societal Benefit Area (SBA) assessment and the OST constellation requirements assessment.

Language Choices of CEOs of Chinese Family Business in Sarawak, Malaysia

Science.gov (United States)

Ting, Su-Hie

2017-01-01

The study investigated the language choices of Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of Chinese family business and the factors guiding their choices. Interviews were conducted with 17 CEOs of family businesses located in Sarawak, some of whom are the sons and grandsons of the founder of the business. The results showed that all the CEOs can speak their…

Facile preparation of self-healing superhydrophobic CeO2 surface by electrochemical processes

Science.gov (United States)

Nakayama, Katsutoshi; Hiraga, Takuya; Zhu, Chunyu; Tsuji, Etsushi; Aoki, Yoshitaka; Habazaki, Hiroki

2017-11-01

Herein we report simple electrochemical processes to fabricate a self-healing superhydrophobic CeO2 coating on Type 304 stainless steel. The CeO2 surface anodically deposited on flat stainless steel surface is hydrophilic, although high temperature-sintered and sputter-deposited CeO2 surface was reported to be hydrophobic. The anodically deposited hydrophilic CeO2 surface is transformed to hydrophobic during air exposure. Specific accumulation of contaminant hydrocarbon on the CeO2 surface is responsible for the transformation to hydrophobic state. The deposition of CeO2 on hierarchically rough stainless steel surface produces superhydrophobic CeO2 surface, which also shows self-healing ability; the surface changes to superhydrophilic after oxygen plasma treatment but superhydrophobic state is recovered repeatedly by air exposure. This work provides a facile method for preparing a self-healing superhydrophobic surface using practical electrochemical processes.

From Savagery to Sovereignty: Identity, Politics, and International Expositions of Argentine

Science.gov (United States)

Kerr, Ashley

2017-03-01

In the late nineteenth century, Argentine intellectual elites turned to world’s fairs as a place to contest myths of Latin American racial inferiority and produce counternarratives of Argentine whiteness and modernity. This essay examines Argentine anthropological displays at three expositions between 1878 and 1892 to elucidate the mechanisms and reception of these projects. Florentino Ameghino, Francisco Moreno, and others worked deliberately and in conjunction with political authorities to erase the indigenous tribes from the national identity, even while using their bodies and products to create prehistory and garner intellectual legitimacy. Comparison of the three fairs also demonstrates how the representation of Amer-Indians and their artifacts shifted in accordance with local political needs and evolving international theories of anthropogenesis. The resulting analysis argues for the importance of considering the former colonies of the Global South in understanding the development of pre-twentieth-century anthropology and world’s fairs, particularly when separating them from their imperial context.

Poison pills and CEOs: The résumé matters

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Douglas Sanford Jr.

2012-07-01

Full Text Available Previous research has linked poison pill to corporate governance characteristics such as ownership structure and board composition while overlooking the attributes of top managers involved in poison pill decision. Based on upper echelons perspective, we changed the focus by investigating the effect of CEO characteristics on poison pills, as measured by age, business education, and outside directorships. Using a sample of Fortune 500 manufacturing firms, we found that CEO business education is positively associated with poison pills, while CEOs’ outside directorships are negatively associated with poison pills. Furthermore, we found that CEO duality moderates the relationship between CEO business education and poison pills. We make implications for both corporate governance research and managerial practices regarding firms’ anti-takeover provisions.

Highly porous CeO2 nanostructures prepared via combustion synthesis for supercapacitor applications

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Kadirvelayutham, Prasanna; Santhoshkumar, P.; Jo, Yong Nam

2017-01-01

We report highly porous CeO2 nanostructures (CeO2 NSs) suitable for supercapacitor applications, synthesized using a fast and cost effective combustion approach. Due to its prominent valence states of Ce3+/Ce4+, CeO2 has emerged as a promising pseudocapacitive material. The drawback of using CeO2...... as a supercapacitor electrode is its poor electrical conductivity. We overcame this drawback of CeO2 by creating oxygen vacancies on its surface, which act to enhance its electrical conductivity. The physical interpretation of the as-synthesized CeO2 NSs shows that they have dense active sites and diffusion pathways...... that enhance the performance of the electrode in a supercapacitor. Electrodes prepared using the synthesized CeO2 NSs exhibited the initial specific capacitance of 134.6 F g-1 and superior cycling stability of 92.5% after 1000 cycles at a constant current density of 1 A g-1, indicating their potential...

Implementing healthcare excellence: the vital role of the CEO in evidence-based design.

Science.gov (United States)

Zimring, Craig; Augenbroe, Godfried L; Malone, Eileen B; Sadler, Blair L

2008-01-01

This paper explores the role of the chief executive officer (CEO) in evidence-based design (EBD), discussing the internal and external challenges that a CEO faces, such as demands for increased quality, safety, patient-and-family-centeredness, increased revenue, and reduced cost. Based on a series of interviews and case studies and the experience of the authors as researchers, consultants, and CEOs, this paper provides a model for EBD and recommends actions that a CEO can undertake to create an effective project over the life cycle of a building. TOPICAL HEADINGS: Evidence-Based Design: A Performance-Based Approach to Achieving Key Goals; Key Approaches to Executing Evidence-Based Design; Overcoming Barriers to Innovation: The CEO's Vital Role in Implementing Evidence-Based Design The CEO bears special responsibility for successful facility project implementation. Only the CEO possesses the responsibility and authority to articulate the strategy, vision, goals, and resource constraints that frame every project. With the support of their boards, CEOs set the stage for the transformation of an organization's culture and fuel clinical and business process reengineering by encouraging and, if necessary, forcing collaboration between the strong disciplinary and departmental divisions found in healthcare systems.

Argentine Population Genetic Structure: Large Variance in Amerindian Contribution

Science.gov (United States)

Seldin, Michael F.; Tian, Chao; Shigeta, Russell; Scherbarth, Hugo R.; Silva, Gabriel; Belmont, John W.; Kittles, Rick; Gamron, Susana; Allevi, Alberto; Palatnik, Simon A.; Alvarellos, Alejandro; Paira, Sergio; Caprarulo, Cesar; Guillerón, Carolina; Catoggio, Luis J.; Prigione, Cristina; Berbotto, Guillermo A.; García, Mercedes A.; Perandones, Carlos E.; Pons-Estel, Bernardo A.; Alarcon-Riquelme, Marta E.

2011-01-01

Argentine population genetic structure was examined using a set of 78 ancestry informative markers (AIMs) to assess the contributions of European, Amerindian, and African ancestry in 94 individuals members of this population. Using the Bayesian clustering algorithm STRUCTURE, the mean European contribution was 78%, the Amerindian contribution was 19.4%, and the African contribution was 2.5%. Similar results were found using weighted least mean square method: European, 80.2%; Amerindian, 18.1%; and African, 1.7%. Consistent with previous studies the current results showed very few individuals (four of 94) with greater than 10% African admixture. Notably, when individual admixture was examined, the Amerindian and European admixture showed a very large variance and individual Amerindian contribution ranged from 1.5 to 84.5% in the 94 individual Argentine subjects. These results indicate that admixture must be considered when clinical epidemiology or case control genetic analyses are studied in this population. Moreover, the current study provides a set of informative SNPs that can be used to ascertain or control for this potentially hidden stratification. In addition, the large variance in admixture proportions in individual Argentine subjects shown by this study suggests that this population is appropriate for future admixture mapping studies. PMID:17177183

Modelling of volumetric properties of binary and ternary mixtures by CEOS, CEOS/GE and empirical models

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

BOJAN D. DJORDJEVIC

2007-12-01

Full Text Available Although many cubic equations of state coupled with van der Waals-one fluid mixing rules including temperature dependent interaction parameters are sufficient for representing phase equilibria and excess properties (excess molar enthalpy HE, excess molar volume VE, etc., difficulties appear in the correlation and prediction of thermodynamic properties of complex mixtures at various temperature and pressure ranges. Great progress has been made by a new approach based on CEOS/GE models. This paper reviews the last six-year of progress achieved in modelling of the volumetric properties for complex binary and ternary systems of non-electrolytes by the CEOS and CEOS/GE approaches. In addition, the vdW1 and TCBT models were used to estimate the excess molar volume VE of ternary systems methanol + chloroform + benzene and 1-propanol + chloroform + benzene, as well as the corresponding binaries methanol + chloroform, chloroform + benzene, 1-propanol + chloroform and 1-propanol + benzene at 288.15–313.15 K and atmospheric pressure. Also, prediction of VE for both ternaries by empirical models (Radojković, Kohler, Jackob–Fitzner, Colinet, Tsao–Smith, Toop, Scatchard, Rastogi was performed.

Controlled growth of epitaxial CeO2 thin films with self-organized nanostructure by chemical solution method

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Yue, Zhao; Grivel, Jean-Claude

2013-01-01

Chemical solution deposition is a versatile technique to grow oxide thin films with self-organized nanostructures. Morphology and crystallographic orientation control of CeO2 thin films grown on technical NiW substrates by a chemical solution deposition method are achieved in this work. Based...

Argentine-Brazilian declaration on common nuclear policy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1990-12-01

The document reproduces the text of the Argentine-Brazilian Declaration on Common Nuclear Policy, signed by the Presidents of Argentina and Brazil at Foz do Ignacu, Brazil, on 28 November 1990. At the invitation of the Governments of Argentina and Brazil, the Agency's Director General attended the signing ceremony

Economic analysis of anaerobic digestion - A case of Green power biogas plant in The Netherlands

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Gebrezgabher, S.A.; Meuwissen, M.P.M.; Prins, B.A.M.; Oude Lansink, A.G.J.M.

2009-01-01

Finance - Lending - Borrowing Argentine Commercial Farm/Ranch Management Information Systems: Design, Capabilities, Costsand Benefits David Hughes, CEO, Francisco Abello, CFO, James McGrann, Partner, Ag Management Group &Traulen Company. Argentina and United States. Benchmarking Recommendations

The influence of CeO2 on the microstructure and electrical behaviour of ZnO-Bi2O3 based varistors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lei Ming; Li Shengtao; Jiao Xiaodong; Li Jianying; Alim, Mohammad A

2004-01-01

The processing-microstructure-property relations have been studied in order to understand the role of the addition of CeO 2 (up to 0.9 mole%) in the ZnO-Bi 2 O 3 based varistor recipe. The microstructural investigation suggests that CeO 2 is segregated at the corners of the ZnO grains in addition to the existence of the Zn 7 Sb 2 O 12 spinel phase. However, the α -spinel phase was observed instead of the β -spinel phase that is usually found in most commercial and laboratory ZnO-Bi 2 O 3 based varistors. The α -spinel phase is more stable than the β -spinel phase and does not transform to the pyrochlore phase during the cooling process. The most significant effect of the CeO 2 particles is the ZnO grain refinement owing to the pinning effect of the grain growth. The average grain size decreases from 7.8 to 5.7 μm when compared to the 0.9 mole% CeO 2 -added sample against the CeO 2 -free sample. This grain refinement results in a significantly enhanced breakdown field when compared to the CeO 2 -free sample. The coefficient of nonlinearity of the current-voltage (I-V) characteristics is found to be nearly identical for the CeO 2 added varistor materials. However, when a slower cooling cycle (1 deg. C min -1 instead of 4 deg. C min -1 ) is used in the sintering process, these varistor materials exhibited a high nonlinear coefficient (α = 29 ± 5) as extracted from the I-V behaviour

An Optimization of the Maintenance Assets Distribution Network in the Argentine Air Force

Science.gov (United States)

2015-03-26

Air Force (2010). Manual de Conduccion Logistica . Buenos Aires: HQ Argentine Air Force. Argentine Air Force (2012). El vuelo del condor: 1912-2012...recommendation was made to consider organic or private transportation and reduce transportation time in order to improve responsiveness and drive down...determine overall transportation demand and capacity required for a defined level of service, and to evaluate the tradeoffs between costs and service

Optical properties of CeO 2 thin films

Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

Cerium oxide (CeO2) thin films have been prepared by electron beam evaporation technique onto glass substrate at a pressure of about 6 × 10-6 Torr. The thickness of CeO2 films ranges from 140–180 nm. The optical properties of cerium oxide films are studied in the wavelength range of 200–850 nm. The film is highly ...

Preparation of Mn doped CeO_2 nanoparticles with enhanced ferromagnetism

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ravi, S.; Winfred Shashikanth, F.

2017-01-01

Spherical-like CeO_2 and Mn-doped CeO_2 using 6-aminohexanoic acid as surfactant exhibit enhanced ferromagnetism. The optical absorption spectra reveal a red shift with a band gap of 2.51 eV. The mechanics of ferromagnetism and the red shift were analyzed. These results provide a promising platform for developing a dilute magnetic semiconductor in spintronics. - Highlights: • Pure and Mn-doped CeO_2 is prepared with aminohexanoic acid as capping. • They exhibit wide optical absorption with red-shift in their band gap. • Mn-doped CeO_2 nanoparticle exhibit hysteresis at room temperature. • Results were promising to use in spintronics and opto-electronics field.

Behavioural and chemical evidence for multiple colonisation of the Argentine ant, Linepithema humile, in the Western Cape, South Africa

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Wossler Theresa C

2011-02-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background The Argentine ant, Linepithema humile, is a widespread invasive ant species that has successfully established in nearly all continents across the globe. Argentine ants are characterised by a social structure known as unicoloniality, where territorial boundaries between nests are absent and intraspecific aggression is rare. This is particularly pronounced in introduced populations and results in the formation of large and spatially expansive supercolonies. Although it is amongst the most well studied of invasive ants, very little work has been done on this ant in South Africa. In this first study, we investigate the population structure of Argentine ants in South Africa. We use behavioural (aggression tests and chemical (CHC approaches to investigate the population structure of Argentine ants within the Western Cape, identify the number of supercolonies and infer number of introductions. Results Both the aggression assays and chemical data revealed that the Western Cape Argentine ant population can be divided into two behaviourally and chemically distinct supercolonies. Intraspecific aggression was evident between the two supercolonies of Argentine ants with ants able to discriminate among conspecific non-nestmates. This discrimination is linked to the divergence in cuticular hydrocarbon profiles of ants originating from the two supercolonies. Conclusions The presence of these two distinct supercolonies is suggestive of at least two independent introductions of this ant within the Western Cape. Moreover, the pattern of colonisation observed in this study, with the two colonies interspersed, is in agreement with global patterns of Argentine ant invasions. Our findings are of interest because recent studies show that Argentine ants from South Africa are different from those identified in other introduced ranges and therefore provide an opportunity to further understand factors that determine the distributional and spread

Hospital CEOs Need Health IT Knowledge and Trust in CIOs: Insights from a Qualitative Study.

Science.gov (United States)

Thye, Johannes; Hübner, Ursula; Weiß, Jan-Patrick; Teuteberg, Frank; Hüsers, Jens; Liebe, Jan-David; Babitsch, Birgit

2018-01-01

IT is getting an increasing importance in hospitals. In this context, major IT decisions are often made by CEOs who are not necessarily IT experts. Therefore, this study aimed at a) exploring different types of IT decision makers at CEO level, b) identifying hypotheses if trust exists between these different types of CEOs and their CIOs and c) building hypotheses on potential consequences regarding risk taking and innovation. To this end, 14 qualitative interviews with German hospital CEOs were conducted to explore the research questions. The study revealed three major types: IT savvy CEOs, IT enthusiastic CEOs and IT indifferent CEOs. Depending on these types, their relationship with the CIO varied in terms of trust and common language. In case of IT indifferent CEOs, a potential vicious circle of lack of IT knowledge, missing trust, low willingness to take risks and low innovation power could be identified. In order to break of this circle, CEOs seem to need more IT knowledge and/or greater trust in their CIO.

Heteroaggregation, transformation and fate of CeO2 nanoparticles in wastewater treatment

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Barton, Lauren E.; Auffan, Melanie; Olivi, Luca; Bottero, Jean-Yves; Wiesner, Mark R.

2015-01-01

Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) are a key pathway by which nanoparticles (NPs) enter the environment following release from NP-enabled products. This work considers the fate and exposure of CeO 2 NPs in WWTPs in a two-step process of heteroaggregation with bacteria followed by the subsequent reduction of Ce(IV) to Ce(III). Measurements of NP association with solids in sludge were combined with experimental estimates of reduction rate constants for CeO 2 NPs in Monte Carlo simulations to predict the concentrations and speciation of Ce in WWTP effluents and biosolids. Experiments indicated preferential accumulation of CeO 2 NPs in biosolids where reductive transformation would occur. Surface functionalization was observed to impact both the distribution coefficient and the rates of transformation. The relative affinity of CeO 2 NPs for bacterial suspensions in sludge appears to explain differences in the observed rates of Ce reduction for the two types of CeO 2 NPs studied. - Highlights: • We combine experimental and computational methods to track CeO 2 NPs through WWTPs. • We investigate the importance of environmental transformations on NP exposure. • We estimate the concentrations of CeO 2 NPs and reductive transformation byproducts. - CeO 2 nanoparticles that are released to the waste stream will preferentially associate with the solid phase (∼96%), where they will undergo significant transformation (∼50%)

The Impact of Taxes on Competition for CEOs.

Science.gov (United States)

Krenn, Peter

2017-07-03

This paper contributes to the question of how taxation of corporate profits and wages affects competition among firms for highly skilled human resources such as CEOs. Use of a theoretical model shows that wage taxes can have a substantial impact on the outcome of such a competition if marginal tax rates are different as in an international labor market. Further, the paper shows that increasing the wage tax rate unilaterally can have an ambiguous effect on observed gross compensation levels. However, in a local labor market for CEOs, observed gross fixed salaries should decline in the wage tax rate. Tax effects in a market for CEOs is a particularly interesting topic because recent developments with respect to compensation practices of top-level managers have opened a public debate about the use of instruments for regulating compensation of those managers. Furthermore, many countries around the world use tax incentives in order to facilitate immigration of highly skilled human resources. The investigation follows an analytical economics-based approach by extending an LEN model with elements of competition for scarce human resources and income taxation. It investigates the impact of differential taxation on the competition between two firms for the exclusive service of a unique, highly skilled CEO.

CeO2-TiO2 Photocatalyst: Ionic Liquid-Mediated Synthesis, Characterization, and Performance for Diisopropanolamine Visible Light Degradation

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jagath Retchahan Sivalingam

2018-01-01

Full Text Available CeO2-TiO2 photocatalyst with Ce:Ti molar ratio of 1:9 was synthesized via co-precipitation method in the presence of 1-ethyl-3-methyl imidazolium octylsulfate, [EMIM][OctSO4] (CeO2-TiO2-IL. The ionic liquid acts as a templating agent for particle growth. The CeO2-TiO2 and TiO2 photocatalysts were also synthesized without any ionic liquid for comparison. Calcination was conducted on the as-synthesized materials at 400˚C for 2 h. The photocatalysts were characterized using diffuse reflectance UV-Vis spectroscopy (DR-UV-Vis, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD, and surface area and pore size analyzer (SAP. The presence of CeO2 has changed the optical property of TiO2. It has extended the absorption edge of TiO2 from UV to visible region. The calculated band gap energy decreased from 2.82 eV (TiO2 to 2.30 eV (CeO2-TiO2-IL. The FESEM morphology showed that samples forms aggregates and the surface smoothens when ionic liquid was added. The average crystallite size of TiO2, CeO2-TiO2, and CeO2-TiO2-IL were 20.8 nm, 5.5 nm, and 4 nm. In terms of performance, photodegradation of 1000 ppm of diisopropanolamine (DIPA was conducted in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2 and visible light irradiation which was provided by a 500 W halogen lamp. The best performance was displayed by CeO2-TiO2-IL calcined at 400˚C. It was able to remove 82.0% DIPA and 54.8% COD after 6 h reaction.  Copyright © 2018 BCREC Group. All rights reserved Received: 26th July 2017; Revised: 22nd October 2017; Accepted: 29th October 2017; Available online: 22nd January 2018; Published regularly: 2nd April 2018 How to Cite: Sivalingam, J.R., Kait, C.F., Wilfred, C.D. (2018. CeO2-TiO2 Photocatalyst: Ionic Liquid-Mediated Synthesis, Characterization, and Performance for Diisopropanolamine Visible Light Degradation. Bulletin of Chemical Reaction Engineering & Catalysis, 13 (1: 170-178 (doi:10.9767/bcrec.13.1.1396.170-178

The CEO hits the road (and other sales tales).

Science.gov (United States)

Mackay, H B

1990-01-01

Kenneth Macke, CEO of Dayton-Hudson, the soft goods and discount store chain, often spends weekends prowling his own and competitors' stores, observing. Edwin Artzt, CEO of Procter & Gamble, once interrupted a global marketing jaunt to work with a division on its promotion plans. These are CEOs in the trenches, a place where they ought to spend a certain amount of their time so that they can learn how the business is going. "A desk is a dangerous place from which to view the world," says John le Carré, as quoted approvingly by the author. Mackay asserts that time spent on the road with the sales force is especially valuable. You will learn: Whether all the sales team knows its prospects and sets reasonable expectations. How much the salespeople know about the product, particularly in ways that differentiate it from the competition. Whether the sellers keep abreast of changes in customers' businesses. If the salespeople feel they have a stake in the business. As a rookie envelope salesman, Mackay was taken in tow by a veteran and shown the value of learning the competition's local customer base intimately. Later, as the CEO with a junior salesperson in tow, he demonstrated the value of learning not only the competition's moves but also the customers'. To close sales, salespeople and the CEO have to look over their customers' shoulders as well as their competitors'.

Argentine Republic intercomparison programme for personal dosimeters

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gregori, Beatriz N.; Papadopulos, Susana B.; Kunst, Juan J.; Cruzate, Juan A.; Saravi, Margarita C.

2004-01-01

In 1997 an Intercomparison Program for individual monitoring started in order to test (on a voluntary basis) the performance in absorbed dose and personal dose equivalent determinations. The aim of the program was also to gain some insight into the general aspects related to the type of the personnel dosimeter used, the calibration procedures, the phantom spectral dependence and the management of radiological quantities. The Regional Reference Center for Dosimetry (CCR), of the Argentine National Atomic Energy Commission and the Physical Dosimetry Laboratory of the Argentine National Regulatory Authority, performed the irradiations. Those were done free air and on ICRU phantom, using X-ray, quality ISO: W60, W80, W110 and W200; and 137 Cs and 60 Co gamma rays, normal and angular (0, 30, 60 degrees) incidence. In the framework of the Program, an upgraded workshop took place and the national standard, IRAM 17146, was elaborated as well. In this work, the laboratories performance and its temporal evolution is shown from 1997 up to 2002. The suggestions to improve their performance are also included. (author)

Fast and flexible: argentine ants recruit from nearby trails.

Science.gov (United States)

Flanagan, Tatiana P; Pinter-Wollman, Noa M; Moses, Melanie E; Gordon, Deborah M

2013-01-01

Argentine ants (Linepithema humile) live in groups of nests connected by trails to each other and to stable food sources. In a field study, we investigated whether some ants recruit directly from established, persistent trails to food sources, thus accelerating food collection. Our results indicate that Argentine ants recruit nestmates to food directly from persistent trails, and that the exponential increase in the arrival rate of ants at baits is faster than would be possible if recruited ants traveled from distant nests. Once ants find a new food source, they walk back and forth between the bait and sometimes share food by trophallaxis with nestmates on the trail. Recruiting ants from nearby persistent trails creates a dynamic circuit, like those found in other distributed systems, which facilitates a quick response to changes in available resources.

Firm performance: The role of CEOs' emotional and cognitive characteristics

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Kleanthis K. Katsaros

2015-08-01

Full Text Available The paper examines the relationships between CEOs’ personal traits, emotions, attitudes and tolerance of ambiguity; and subsequently, the influence of CEOs’ ambiguity tolerance in firms' performance. Design/methodology/approach – Survey data were collected from 256 ICT firms established in Greece. Their CEOs completed questionnaires examining TOA, personal traits, emotions and attitudes in the workplace. Principal components analysis and ordinary least-squares regressions were used to explore the hypotheses of the paper. Findings – Three factors characterize CEOs' emotions, namely pleasure, dominance and arousal; two factors their involvement, namely importance and interest; and, respectively, one their emotional intelligence namely, empathy/handling relationships. Further, locus of control; importance; arousal; empathy/handling relationships and interest affect decisively CEOs' tolerance of ambiguity, which in turn, seems to influence positively firms' performance. Research limitations/implications – Further research is required in Greek ICT industry regarding the influence of CEOs' emotional and cognitive attributes in organizations' financial performance. Likewise, this research should be expanded to other industries. Originality/value – The originality of this study lies in the finding that emotional and cognitive characteristics affect CEOs' TOA, which, in turn, influences significantly firms' performance. Another significant contributing factor is that the study is carried out in Greece, where few studies have been conducted in this area.

It's More than Just Talk: Patterns of CEO Impromptu Communication

Science.gov (United States)

Grant, Anett D.; Taylor, Amanda

2015-01-01

This article investigates whether CEOs actually demonstrate the communication strengths and weaknesses they think they have. Videotaped interviews with CEOs in the initial stage of executive coaching were analyzed to identify categories of communication strength and weakness: delivery, content, audience, and character. Next, the interviews and…

Photoluminescent properties of Sr2CeO4: Eu3+ and Sr2CeO4: Eu2+ phosphors suitable for near ultraviolet excitation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Suresh, K.; Poornachandra Rao, N.V.; Murthy, K.V.R.

2014-01-01

Powder phosphors of 1 mol% Eu 3+ - and Eu 2+ -doped strontium cerium oxide (Sr 2 CeO 4 ) were synthesized by standard solid-state reaction method. Eu 3+ - and Eu 2+ -doped Sr 2 CeO 4 phosphors fired at 1100 ℃ for 2 h were analysed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and photoluminescence (PL) techniques. The XRD patterns confirm that the obtained phosphors are a single phase of Sr 2 CeO 4 composed of orthorhombic structure. Room temperature PL excitation spectrum of air-heated Sr 2 CeO 4 : Eu phosphor has exhibited bands at 260, 280 and 350 nm. Whereas the excitation spectrum of Sr 2 CeO 4 : Eu phosphor heated under reducing (carbon) atmosphere exhibited single broadband range from 260 to 390 nm. The (PL) emission peaks of both the phosphors at 467 (blue), 537 (green) and 616 nm (red) generate white light under 260, 280 and 350 nm excitation wavelengths. The Commission International de l'Eclairage (CIE) colour coordinates conforms that these phosphors emitting white light. The results reveal that these phosphors are multifunctional phosphors which emit white light under these excitations that they could be used as white components for display and lamp devices and as well as possible good light-conversion phosphor LEDs under near-ultraviolet (nUV) chip. (author)

CEOS SEO and GISS Meeting

Science.gov (United States)

Killough, Brian; Stover, Shelley

2008-01-01

The Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) provides a brief to the Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) regarding the CEOS Systems Engineering Office (SEO) and current work on climate requirements and analysis. A "system framework" is provided for the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS). SEO climate-related tasks are outlined including the assessment of essential climate variable (ECV) parameters, use of the "systems framework" to determine relevant informational products and science models and the performance of assessments and gap analyses of measurements and missions for each ECV. Climate requirements, including instruments and missions, measurements, knowledge and models, and decision makers, are also outlined. These requirements would establish traceability from instruments to products and services allowing for benefit evaluation of instruments and measurements. Additionally, traceable climate requirements would provide a better understanding of global climate models.

Design of high quality doped CeO2 solid electrolytes with nanohetero structure

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mori, T.; Ou, D.R.; Ye, F.; Drennan, J.

2006-01-01

Doped cerium (CeO 2 ) compounds are fluorite related oxides which show oxide ionic conductivity higher than yttria-stabilized zirconia in oxidizing atmosphere. As a consequence of this, a considerable interest has been shown in application of these materials for low (400-650 o C) temperature operation of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). In this paper, our experimental data about the influence of microstructure at the atomic level on electrochemical properties were reviewed in order to develop high quality doped CeO 2 electrolytes in fuel cell applications. Using this data in the present paper, our original idea for a design of nanodomain structure in doped CeO 2 electrolytes was suggested. The nanosized powders and dense sintered bodies of M doped CeO 2 (M:Sm,Gd,La,Y,Yb, and Dy) compounds were fabricated. Also nanostructural features in these specimens were introduced for conclusion of relationship between electrolytic properties and domain structure in doped CeO 2 . It is essential that the electrolytic properties in doped CeO 2 solid electrolytes reflect in changes of microstructure even down to the atomic scale. Accordingly, a combined approach of nanostructure fabrication, electrical measurement and structure characterization was required to develop superior quality doped CeO 2 electrolytes in the fuel cells. (author)

Earnings Management through Goodwill Impairment: CEO and CFO tenure impact

NARCIS (Netherlands)

O.V. Visnevskaá (Olga)

2010-01-01

textabstractExecutive summary This paper examines the relationship between the extent of goodwill impairment and the properties of CEOs and CFOs of a selection of FTSE Eurotop 100 Index companies. Prior research indicated that it is likely that CEOs tend to take earnings baths early in their tenure,

CEO compensation, family control, and institutional investors in Continental Europe

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Croci, Ettore; Gonenc, Halit; Ozkan, Neslihan

2012-01-01

This paper investigates the impact of family control and institutional investors on CEO pay packages in Continental Europe, using a dataset of 754 listed firms with 3731 firm-year observations from 14 countries during 2001-2008. We find that family control curbs the level of CEO total and cash

Room-temperature synthesis and characterization of porous CeO2 thin films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chu, Dewei; Masuda, Yoshitake; Ohji, Tatsuki; Kato, Kazumi

2012-01-01

CeO 2 thin films with hexagonal-shaped pores were successfully prepared by a facile electrodeposition at room temperature combined with an etching process. By using electrodeposited ZnO nanorods as a soft template, the morphology, and microstructure of the CeO 2 could be controlled. TEM observation indicated that as-prepared CeO 2 film is composed of nanocrystals with average size of several nanometers, while XPS analysis showed the coexistence of Ce 3+ and Ce 4+ in the film. The photoluminescence properties of CeO 2 films were measured, which showed much higher sensitivity compared to bare substrate. (Copyright copyright 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy study during accelerated life test of conductive oxides: Ti/(Ru + Ti + Ce)O2-system

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Silva, Leonardo M. da; Fernandes, Karla C.; Faria, Luiz A. de; Boodts, Julien F.C.

2004-01-01

Ti-supported (Ru + Ti + Ce)O 2 -electrodes were prepared at 450d deg. C and the service life, t 6V , determined recording chronopotentiometric curves at 0.75Acm -2 (25 ± 1 deg. C). The results revealed a strong influence of the nominal cerium concentration, [CeO 2 ] N , on t 6V , showing substitution of Ti by Ce causes a major decrease in t 6V . The degree of electrode instability, Λ, calculated from the slope of the linear segment present in the chronopotentiometric profiles, showed [CeO 2 ] N exerts a strong influence on Λ. Voltammetric curves recorded at several anodisation times, t, support final electrode deactivation is due to Ti-support passivation. The chronopotentiometric and voltammetric data permitted to present a model for the porous electrode/electrolyte interface. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopic, EIS, investigation as function of t supports the proposed model denouncing a fast growth a TiO 2 interlayer at the Ti o /oxide interface for [CeO 2 ] N >= 30mol%. The studies also support substitution of Ti by Ce leads to an increase in the coating porosity, thus favouring electrode deactivation by passivation of the Ti-substrate. The model proposed for the porous electrode/electrolyte interface combined with the results of the EIS investigation permitted to propose an equivalent circuit to describe the modifications occurring in the electrode structure during anodisation. The true electrocatalytic activity for the oxygen evolution reaction, OER, depends on t and [CeO 2 ] N . The dependency of the inductive behaviour on t was investigated according to the model proposed for the effective inductance, L E , in the high frequency domain

Synthesis of nanocrystalline CeO2 particles by different emulsion methods

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Supakanapitak, Sunisa; Boonamnuayvitaya, Virote; Jarudilokkul, Somnuk

2012-01-01

Cerium oxide nanoparticles were synthesized using three different methods of emulsion: (1) reversed micelle (RM); (2) emulsion liquid membrane (ELM); and (3) colloidal emulsion aphrons (CEAs). Ammonium cerium nitrate and polyoxyethylene-4-lauryl ether (PE4LE) were used as cerium and surfactant sources in this study. The powder was calcined at 500 °C to obtain CeO 2 . The effect of the preparation procedure on the particle size, surface area, and the morphology of the prepared powders were investigated. The obtained powders are highly crystalline, and nearly spherical in shape. The average particle size and the specific surface area of the powders from the three methods were in the range of 4–10 nm and 5.32–145.73 m 2 /g, respectively. The CeO 2 powders synthesized by the CEAs are the smallest average particle size, and the highest surface area. Finally, the CeO 2 prepared by the CEAs using different cerium sources and surfactant types were studied. It was found that the surface tensions of cerium solution and the type of surfactant affect the particle size of CeO 2 . - Graphical Abstract: The emulsion droplet size distribution and the TEM images of CeO 2 prepared by different methods: reversed micelle (RM), emulsion liquid membrane (ELM) and colloidal emulsion aphrons (CEAs). Highlights: ► Nano-sized CeO 2 was successfully prepared by three different emulsion methods. ► The colloidal emulsion aphrons method producing CeO 2 with the highest surface area. ► The surface tensions of a cerium solution have slightly effect on the particle size. ► The size control could be interpreted in terms of the adsorption of the surfactant.

Sr2CeO4: Electronic and structural properties

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rocha, Leonardo A.; Schiavon, Marco A.; Nascimento, Clebio S.; Guimarães, Luciana; Góes, Márcio S.; Pires, Ana M.; Paiva-Santos, Carlos O.

2014-01-01

Highlights: • Sr 2 CeO 4 it was obtained from the heat treatment of Ce 3+ -doped strontium oxalate. • Rietveld analysis made it possible to obtain information about crystalline structure. • Experimental band gap value was compared with theoretical obtained by Sparkle/PM7. • The materials obtained shows intense photoluminescence and scintillator properties. - Abstract: This work presents on the preparation and photoluminescent properties of Sr 2 CeO 4 obtained from the heat treatment of Ce(III)-doped strontium oxalate (10, 25 and 33 mol%). The oxalate precursors were heat treated at 1100 °C for 12 h. The structure of this photoluminescent material was evaluated by the Rietveld method. The route used in this work to prepare the materials showed to be viable when compared to other synthesis reported in the literature. The Sr 2 CeO 4 material showed a broad and intense band emission with a maximum around 485 nm. The quantitative phase analysis showed that the Sr 2 CeO 4 photoluminescent phase is the majority one compared to the impurity phases of SrCeO 3 and SrCO 3 . From all results it was possible to verify a complete elimination of the CeO 2 phase for the sample obtained from the heat treatment of oxalate precursor containing 33 mol% of cerium(III). The material showed excellent properties for possible candidate as scintillator materials, and in the improvement of efficiency of solar cells when excited in the UV–vis region. The CIE chromaticity diagram it is also reported in this work

Fast and flexible: argentine ants recruit from nearby trails.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Tatiana P Flanagan

Full Text Available Argentine ants (Linepithema humile live in groups of nests connected by trails to each other and to stable food sources. In a field study, we investigated whether some ants recruit directly from established, persistent trails to food sources, thus accelerating food collection. Our results indicate that Argentine ants recruit nestmates to food directly from persistent trails, and that the exponential increase in the arrival rate of ants at baits is faster than would be possible if recruited ants traveled from distant nests. Once ants find a new food source, they walk back and forth between the bait and sometimes share food by trophallaxis with nestmates on the trail. Recruiting ants from nearby persistent trails creates a dynamic circuit, like those found in other distributed systems, which facilitates a quick response to changes in available resources.

The Facial Appearance of CEOs: Faces Signal Selection but Not Performance

Science.gov (United States)

Garretsen, Harry; Spreeuwers, Luuk J.

2016-01-01

Research overwhelmingly shows that facial appearance predicts leader selection. However, the evidence on the relevance of faces for actual leader ability and consequently performance is inconclusive. By using a state-of-the-art, objective measure for face recognition, we test the predictive value of CEOs’ faces for firm performance in a large sample of faces. We first compare the faces of Fortune500 CEOs with those of US citizens and professors. We find clear confirmation that CEOs do look different when compared to citizens or professors, replicating the finding that faces matter for selection. More importantly, we also find that faces of CEOs of top performing firms do not differ from other CEOs. Based on our advanced face recognition method, our results suggest that facial appearance matters for leader selection but that it does not do so for leader performance. PMID:27462986

A Very Economic Elite - The Case of the Danish Top CEOs

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Ellersgaard, Christoph; Larsen, Anton Grau; Munk, Martin D.

2013-01-01

of the top 100 CEOs in Britain, France, Germany and Denmark. In France and Britain, this reproduction is mediated through degrees from elite universities. In Germany, the principle of admission is the incorporated cultural capital acquired through an exclusive bourgeois origin combined with any university...... degree. Elite universities also hold little importance for Danish top CEOs, partly due to the institutions’ historic decline; instead, reproduction is mediated through time spent in the economic field, placing the case of the Danish CEOs between that of their British and German counterparts. Specific...

The Principal as CEO

Science.gov (United States)

Hollar, Charlie

2004-01-01

They may never grace the pages of The Wall Street Journal or Fortune magazine, but they might possibly be the most important CEOs in our country. They are elementary school principals. Each of them typically serves the learning needs of 350-400 clients (students) while overseeing a multimillion-dollar facility staffed by 20-25 teachers and 10-15…

Do transformational CEOs always make the difference? The role of TMT feedback seeking behavior

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Stoker, Janka I.; Grutterink, Hanneke; Kolk, Nanja J.

In the present paper, we raise the question whether CEO transformational leadership invariably makes a difference for team performance and change effectiveness. Since in general, CEOs are surrounded by a team of highly influential top managers, we argue that the effectiveness of CEO transformational

The CEO performance effect : Statistical issues and a complex fit perspective

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Blettner, D.P.; Chaddad, F.R.; Bettis, R.

2012-01-01

How CEOs affect strategy and performance is important to strategic management research. We show that sophisticated statistical analysis alone is problematic for establishing the magnitude and causes of CEO impact on performance. We discuss three problem areas that substantially distort the

Experimental evidence for self-assembly of CeO2 particles in solution: Formation of single-crystalline porous CeO2 nanocrystals

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Tan, Hui Ru; Tan, Joyce Pei Ying; Boothroyd, Chris

2012-01-01

Single-crystalline porous CeO2 nanocrystals, with sizes of ∼20 nm and pore diameters of 1-2 nm, were synthesized successfully using a hydrothermal method. Using electron tomography, we imaged the three-dimensional structure of the pores in the nanocrystals and found that the oriented aggregation ...... energy-loss spectroscopy. The oxygen vacancies might play an important role in oxygen diffusion in the crystals and the catalytic activities of single-crystalline porous CeO 2 structures. © 2011 American Chemical Society....

Bio diesel synthesis from pongamia pinnata oil over modified CeO2 catalysts

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Venkatesh; Sathgatta Z, M. S.; Manjunatha, S.; Thammannigowda V, V.

2014-01-01

This study investigates the use of CeO 2 , ZrO 2 , Mg O and CeO 2 -ZrO 2 , CeO 2 -Mg O, CeO 2 -ZrO 2 -Mg O mixed oxides as solid base catalysts for the transesterification of Pongamia pinnata oil with methanol to produce bio diesel. SO 4 2- /CeO 2 and SO 4 2- /CeO 2 -ZrO 2 were also prepared and used as solid acid catalysts for esterification of Pongamia pinnata oil (P-oil) to reduce the % of free fatty acid (FFA) in P-oil. The oxide catalysts were prepared by an incipient wetness impregnation method and characterized by techniques such as NH 3 -Tpd for surface acidity, CO 2 -Tpd for surface basicity and powder X-ray diffraction for crystallinity. The effect of nature of the catalyst, methanol to P-oil molar ratio and reaction time in esterification as well as in transesterification was investigated. The catalytic materials were reactive d and reused for five reaction cycles and the results showed that the ceria based catalysts have reasonably good reusability both in esterification and transesterification reaction. The test results also revealed that the CeO 2 -ZrO 2 modified with Mg O could have potential for use in the large scale bio diesel production. (Author)

Not-for-profit hospital CEO performance and pay: some evidence from Connecticut.

Science.gov (United States)

Kramer, Jeffrey; Santerre, Rexford E

2010-01-01

This paper uses observations from a panel data set of 35 chief executive officers (CEOs) from 29 not-for-profit hospitals in Connecticut over the period 1998 to 2006 to investigate the relationship between CEO performance and pay. Both economic and charity performance measures are specified in the empirical model. The multiple regression results reveal that not-for-profit hospital CEOs, at least in Connecticut, are driven at the margin to increase the occupancy rate of privately insured patients at the expense of uncompensated care and public-pay patients. This type of behavior on the part of not-for-profit hospital CEOs calls into question the desirability of allowing these hospitals a tax exemption on earned income, property, and purchases.

[The assimilation of Italians and their descendants in Argentine society (1880-1925)].

Science.gov (United States)

Nascimbene, M C

1996-09-01

"The impact of massive immigration in the post-1870 period produced major changes in... Argentine society. Integration of immigrant groups (Italians, Spaniards, the French and others) was nevertheless fiercely opposed by local elites. The essay is firstly concerned with size and development of immigration flows; secondly it deals with the characteristics of local reaction against the immigrants; thirdly it reveals how, in spite of the latter, the Italians' integration did take place in the Argentine middle classes. Finally, a particular case-study is presented, in connection with integration of immigrants and their descendants in the national army." (SUMMARY IN ENG AND FRE) excerpt

Novel nanostructured CeO 2 as efficient catalyst for energy and ...

Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

We report here versatile methods to engineer the microstructure and understand the fundamental physicochemical properties of CeO2 to improve its catalytic viability for practical applications. In this context, different morphologies of CeO2 are synthesized using tailored homogeneous precipitation methods and ...

Financial indicators of company performance in different industries that affect CEO remuneration in South Africa

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mark Bussin

2015-11-01

Full Text Available In an attempt to address the growing gap between chief executive officer (CEO remuneration and that of the general worker, reign in rising CEO remuneration, and justify the portion of long-term incentive pay that makes up the bulk of CEO remuneration, shareholders and other stakeholders are trying to find definitive factors that will link CEO remuneration to company performance. Finding this link has become central to all executive remuneration issues. The results of the studies linking CEO remuneration to company performance are varied and inconclusive, particularly in South Africa. The reason for this is that previous studies have not looked at whether the company performance measures chosen have definite relationships with CEO remuneration in each industry. This study investigated eleven financial indicators of company performance to determine which of them have significant and positive relationships to CEO remuneration in different industries in South Africa. 254 South African listed companies, spread over 5 industries, were analysed for the period 2008 to 2012 using panel data analysis and statistical tests. The results were conclusive, finding performance metrics that had a positive and significant relationship to CEO remuneration in 4 of the 5 industries investigated, as well as over the aggregate of all the industries.

Interaction of Pd single atoms with different CeO2 crystal planes: A first-principles study

Science.gov (United States)

He, Bingling; Wang, Jinlong; Ma, Dongwei; Tian, Zhixue; Jiang, Lijuan; Xu, Yan; Cheng, Sujun

2018-03-01

The adsorption of single Pd atoms on the various CeO2 surfaces, including (111), (110), and (100), has been studied based on the first-principles calculations. It is found that, according to the calculated adsorption energy, interaction strength between Pd and the three CeO2 surfaces follows the order of (100) > (110) > (111). Interestingly, the effect of the electron localization on the surface Ce ions due to the Pd adsorption on its adsorption stability is more significant for the (110) surface than that for the (111) and (100) surfaces. We also find that the formal oxidation states of Pd0, Pdδ+ (δ < 1) and Pd1+ may appear on the CeO2 (111) surface, and Pdδ+ (δ < 1) and Pd1+ could coexist on the CeO2 (100) surfaces. However, under suitable conditions the CeO2 (110) surface may be covered with Pd2+ ions. Present theoretical results clearly suggest that the interaction between Pd and CeO2 nanocrystals significantly depends on the crystal planes of CeO2. It is expected that our study will give useful insights into the effect of CeO2 crystal plane on the physicochemical and catalytic properties of CeO2 supported Pd catalyst.

Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) perspectives about the GEO Supersite initiative

Science.gov (United States)

Lengert, Wolfgang; Zoffoli, Simona; Giguere, Christine; Hoffmann, Joern; Lindsay, Francis; Seguin, Guy

2014-05-01

This presentation is outlining the effort of the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) using its global collaboration structure to support implementing the GEO priority action DI-01 Informing Risk Management and Disaster Reduction addressing the component: C2 Geohazards Monitoring, Alert, and Risk Assessment. A CEOS Supersites Coordination Team (SCT) has been established in order to make best use of the CEOS global satellite resources. For this, the CEOS SCT has taken a holistic view on the science data needs and availability of resources, considering the constraints and exploitation potentials of synergies. It is interfacing with the Supersites Science Advisory Group and the Principle Investigators to analyze how the satellite data associated with seismic and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data can support national authorities and policy makers in risk assessment and the development of mitigation strategies. CEOS SCT aims to support the establishment of a fully integrated approach to geohazards monitoring, based on collaboration among existing networks and international initiatives, using new instrumentation such as in-situ sensors, and aggregating space (radar, optical imagery) and ground-based (subsurface) observations. The three Supersites projects which are funded under the EC FP7 action, namely (i) FUTUREVOLC: A European volcanological supersite in Iceland: a monitoring system and network for the future Geohazards Monitoring, Alert, and Risk Assessment, (ii) MARsite: New Directions in Seismic Hazard assessment through Focused Earth Observation in the Marmara Supersite, (iii) MED-SUV: MEDiterranean Volcanoes and related seismic risks, have been examined as a vehicle to fulfill these ambitious objectives. FUTUREVOLC has already been granted CEOS support. This presentation will outline CEOS agreed process and criteria applied by the Supersites Coordination Team (SCT), for selecting these Supersites in the context of the GSNL initiative, as

Gender Differences in Hospital CEO Compensation: A National Investigation of Not-for-Profit Hospitals.

Science.gov (United States)

Song, Paula H; Lee, Shoou-Yih Daniel; Toth, Matthew; Singh, Simone R; Young, Gary J

2018-01-01

Gender pay equity is a desirable social value and an important strategy to fill every organizational stratum with gender-diverse talent to fulfill an organization's goals and mission. This study used national, large-sample data to examine gender difference in CEO compensation among not-for-profit hospitals. Results showed the average unadjusted annual compensation for female CEOs in 2009 was $425,085 compared with $581,121 for male CEOs. With few exceptions, the difference existed across all types of not-for-profit hospitals. After controlling for hospital- and area-level characteristics, female CEOs of not-for-profit hospitals earned 22.6% less than male CEOs of not-for-profit hospitals. This translates into an earnings differential of $132,652 associated with gender. Explanations and implications of the results are discussed.

Do family CEOs impact firm value? An empirical analysis of Indian family firms

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Lakshmi Kalyanaraman

2015-01-01

Full Text Available We study the association between family CEO and firm value on a sample of 288 family firms during the 6-year period, from 2009 to 2014. The sample is drawn from domestic private companies belonging to non-financial services sector included in the NSE CNX 500 index. We find that family CEO has no significant association with firm value, when the family is not the majority shareholder. Family shareholding has positive relationship with firm value, but does not moderate the relationship of family CEO with firm value. We show that family CEO and firm value are negatively related when the family does not hold majority equity stake in the family firm. While family shareholding has no significant relationship with firm value, it has a negative interaction effect on the relationship between family CEO and firm value. The research findings have important implications for family firms as well as the nonfamily investors in the family firms.

Heavy water. An original project in the Argentine Patagonia

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Conde Bidabehere, Luis F.

2000-01-01

The history of the heavy water production plant built in Arroyito, in the Argentine province of Neuquen is related. Details are given on the development of the project and on the operation of the plant. The possible complementary production of ammonia and fertilizers is analyzed

Enhancement of critical current density of YBa2Cu3O7-δ thin films by nanoscale CeO2 pretreatment of substrate surfaces

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cui, X.M.; Liu, G.Q.; Wang, J.; Huang, Z.C.; Zhao, Y.T.; Tao, B.W.; Li, Y.R.

2007-01-01

YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7-δ (YBCO) films were prepared on single-crystal SrTiO 3 substrates with metal-organic deposition using trifluoroacetates (TFA-MOD). Positive results have been acquired in controlled study to investigate the effects of substrate surface modification on the growth-induced flux-pinning nanostructures in YBCO films. Nanoscale CeO 2 particles were applied to single-crystal SrTiO 3 substrate surfaces using pulsed laser deposition before YBCO precursors coating. Superconducting properties of the YBCO films grown on the controlled CeO 2 -modified substrates have shown substantial improvement in the critical current densities (J c ) at 77 K over those grown on untreated substrates in almost all the field (78% increment at 1 T, 77 K). We think the reason is that the CeO 2 nanoparticles act as pinning centers

Compensation Consultants and CEO Pay

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Kabir, Mohammed Rezaul; Minhat, Marizah

2014-01-01

The study examines the practice of employing multiple compensation consultants. Examining data of a sample of UK companies over the period 2003–2006 we find that CEOs receive higher equity-based pay when firms employ more than one compensation consultant. An increase in the number of compensation

Inverse CeO2sbnd Fe2O3 catalyst for superior low-temperature CO conversion efficiency

Science.gov (United States)

Luo, Yongming; Chen, Ran; Peng, Wen; Tang, Guangbei; Gao, Xiaoya

2017-09-01

The paper presents a rational design of highly efficient and affordable catalysts for CO oxidation with a low operating temperature. A series of ceria-iron catalysts were inversely built via a co-precipitation method. The catalytic activity of low-temperature CO oxidation was much higher with CeO2-modified Fe2O3 (CeO2sbnd Fe2O3) than with Fe2O3-modified CeO2 (Fe2O3sbnd CeO2). In particular, the 7.5% CeO2sbnd Fe2O3 catalyst had the highest activity, reaching 96.17% CO conversion at just 25 °C. Catalyst characterization was carried out to explore the cause of the significantly different CO conversion efficiencies between the Fe2O3sbnd CeO2 and Fe2O3sbnd CeO2 catalysts. HRTEM showed a significant inhomogeneous phase in 7.5% CeO2sbnd Fe2O3 with small CeO2 nanoparticles highly dispersed on the rod-shaped Fe2O3 surface. Furthermore, the 7.5% CeO2sbnd Fe2O3 composite catalyst exhibited the highest ratios of Fe2+/Fe3+ and Ce3+/Ce4+ as well as the largest pore volume. These properties are believed to benefit the CO conversion in 7.5% CeO2sbnd Fe2O3.

CEO- CNE relationships: building an evidence-base of chief nursing executive replacement costs.

Science.gov (United States)

Sredl, Darlene; Peng, Niang-Huei

2010-06-03

Explore professional relationships between Chief Nurse Executives (CNEs) and Chief Executive Officers (CEOs); CNE ethnic diversity; and CNE replacement costs. Theoretical frameworks - Marilyn Ray's Theory of Bureaucratic Caring, and Turkel's Theory of Relational Complexity espousing economic as well as caring variables. Exploratory mixed-method descriptive design using CNE mailed survey. CNE- cited opportunities for maintaining a positive relationship with the CEO: respect for CEO; goal- sharing (r=.782, prelationship (r= .718, pmaintaining specific roles (r= .261, prelationship with CEO (r=.254, prelationships have identified cohesive factors that may contribute to CNE longevity in position; an ethically diverse CNE deficit exists; and, CNE turnover and vacancy rates impact an organization's financial health and quality of care.

Argentine criteria on nuclear safety and emergencies: their impact on the Argos PHWR 380 design

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gonzalez, A. J.

1988-01-01

This paper describes first the safety criteria of the Argentine regulatory authority with emphasis on the probabilistic safety criteria based on a limitation of individual risks. Then, it is presented a discussion on emergency criteria in relation to evacuation and relocation measures. Finally, the paper briefly describes the design of an Argentine offer for a safer heavy water reactor where these criteria are applied. 9 figs., 1 tab., 46 refs. (author)

Preparation and characterization of CeO2 highly dispersed on activated carbon

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Serrano-Ruiz, J.C.; Ramos-Fernandez, E.V.; Silvestre-Albero, J.; Sepulveda-Escribano, A.; Rodriguez-Reinoso, F.

2008-01-01

A new material constituted by cerium dioxide highly dispersed on activated carbon (CeO 2 /AC) was prepared by an impregnation method using cerium(III) nitrate as CeO 2 precursor. In order to evaluate the degree of ceria dispersion on the carbon support, CeO 2 /AC was characterized by a number of techniques: thermogravimetry coupled with a mass spectrometer (TG-MS), N 2 adsorption at 77 K, temperature-programmed desorption (TPD), temperature-programmed reduction (TPR) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The analysis of the decomposition process under inert atmosphere indicated that cerium nitrate decomposes at 440-460 K, with the evolution of NO. Furthermore, this process produces an additional oxidation of the carbon surface (with evolution of N 2 O) and the subsequent onset of new oxygen surface groups, detected by means of temperature-programmed desorption. The ceria deposition process takes place with a decrease in the N 2 adsorption capacity of the starting carbon support, and the analysis of the pore size distribution showed that the majority of ceria particles are situated at the most internal part of the carbon porosity. The temperature-programmed reduction profile of CeO 2 /AC was very different to that shown by unsupported CeO 2 , with only one continuous reduction process at low temperatures (800-900 K). Finally, TEM pictures gave direct evidence that ceria is highly dispersed on the carbon surface, with a narrow CeO 2 particle distribution centred around 3 nm

Hanging Together, Together Hung? Career Implications of Interpersonal Ties Between CEOs and Top Managers

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Stefan Hilger

2013-05-01

Full Text Available Is it good or bad for senior executives to have strong interpersonal ties to the CEO? We argue that a strong relationship with the CEO raises the likelihood that a top manager stays in office or makes an upward career move when the CEO leaves office voluntarily. At the same time, such interpersonal ties also reinforce the negative spillover effects of a dismissal of the CEO on the career prospects of the manager concerned. Our empirical analysis lends support to both arguments. We contribute to managerial succession research by underlining the ambivalence of interpersonal ties within top management teams.

China Mobile Phone Industry CEO Annual Meeting Opening in November

Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)

无

2006-01-01

@@ 2006 China Mobile Phone Industry CEO Annual Meeting (www.cmqc.org.cn) will open at Beijing State Guest Hotel On November 1. By that time, over 300 CEO will gather there to contend about the theme of this annual meeting "The World Competitiveness of China Mobile Industry Right Territory", view the unforgettable evening of "2006 Wisdom Sharing Brainstorming, 2007 Perspective Plan Hand in Hand".

Characterization and synergetic antibacterial properties of ZnO and CeO2 supported by halloysite

Science.gov (United States)

Shu, Zhan; Zhang, Yi; Ouyang, Jing; Yang, Huaming

2017-10-01

A novel antibacterial nanocomposite, CeO2-ZnO/HNTs was prepared by a homogeneous co-precipitation method in ethanol solution. ZnO and CeO2 nanoparticles with sizes of approximately 8 and 4 nm, respectively, were dispersively precipitated onto the surface of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs). HNTs served as a template for reducing the agglomeration of ZnO nanoparticles and improving the interface reactions between the nanocomposite and bacteria cells. CeO2 nanoparticles were introduced to suppress the recombination of electron-hole pairs, and narrow the energy gap of ZnO nanoparticles. The synergistic effects of ZnO, CeO2 nanoparticles and HNTs led to the superior antibacterial activity of the CeO2-ZnO/HNTs nanocomposite against gram-negative Escherichia coli.

Privatized Returns and Socialized Risks: CEO Incentives, Securitization Accounting and the Financial Crisis

OpenAIRE

Fabrizi, M.; Parbonetti, A.

2013-01-01

The paper investigates the role of CEO’s equity and risk incentives in boosting securitization in the financial industry and in motivating executives to reduce the perceived risk while betting on it. Using a sample of US financial institutions over the period 2003-2009 we document that CEOs with high equity incentives have systematically engaged in securitization transactions to a larger extent than CEOs with low incentives. We also show that CEOs with high equity and risk-related incentives ...

Morphology, structure and optical properties of hydrothermally synthesized CeO2/CdS nanocomposites

Science.gov (United States)

Mohanty, Biswajyoti; Nayak, J.

2018-04-01

CeO2/CdS nanocomposites were synthesized using a two-step hydrothermal technique. The effects of precursor concentration on the optical and structural properties of the CeO2/CdS nanoparticles were systematically studied. The morphology, composition and the structure of the CeO2/CdS nanocomposite powder were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrum analysis (EDXA) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. The optical properties of CeO2/CdS nanocomposites were studied by UV-vis absorption and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The optical band gaps of the CeO2/CdS nanopowders ranged from 2.34 eV to 2.39 eV as estimated from the UV-vis absorption. In the room temperature photoluminescence spectrum of CeO2/CdS nanopowder, a strong blue emission band was observed at 400 nm. Since the powder shows strong visible luminescence, it may be used as a blue phosphor in future. The original article published with this DOI was submitted in error. The correct article was inadvertently left out of the original submission. This has been rectified and the correct article was published online on 16 April 2018.

Catalytic hydrolysis of COS over CeO_2 (110) surface: A density functional theory study

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Song, Xin; Ning, Ping; Wang, Chi; Li, Kai; Tang, Lihong; Sun, Xin

2017-01-01

Graphical abstract: CeO_2 decreases the maximum energy barrier by 76.15 kcal/mol. H_2O plays a role as a bridge in the process of joint adsorption. Catalytic effect of CeO_2 in the hydrolysis of COS is mainly reflected on the C−O channel. - Highlights: • H_2O is easier adsorbed on the CeO_2 (110) surface than COS. • When COS and H_2O jointly adsorb on the CeO_2 (110) surface, the H_2O molecule plays a role as a bridge. • Ce−O−H bond can enhance the adsorption effect. • Catalytic effect of CeO_2 in the hydrolysis of COS is mainly reflected on the C−O channel. - Abstract: Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to investigate the reaction pathways for catalytic hydrolysis of COS over CeO_2 (110) surface using Dmol"3 model. The thermodynamic stability analysis for the suggested routes of COS hydrolysis to CO_2 and H_2S was evaluated. The absolute values of adsorption energy of H_2O-CeO_2 are higher than that of COS-CeO_2. Meanwhile, the adsorption energy and geometries show that H_2O is easier adsorbed on the surface of CeO_2 (110) than COS. H_2O plays a role as a bridge in the process of joint adsorption. H_2O forms more Ce−O−H groups on the CeO_2 (110) surface. CeO_2 decreases the maximum energy barrier by 76.15 kcal/mol. The migration of H from H_2O to COS is the key for the hydrolysis reaction. C−O channel is easier to occur than C−S channel. Experimental result shows that adding of CeO_2 can increase COS removal rate and prolong the 100% COS removal rate from 180 min to 210 min. The difference between Fe_2O_3 and CeO_2 for the hydrolysis of COS is characterized in the atomic charge transfer and the formation of H−O bond and H−S bond. The transfer effect of H in H_2O to S in COS over CeO_2 decreases the energy barriers of hydrolysis reaction, and enhances the reaction activity of COS hydrolysis.

Growth of monodisperse nanocrystals of cerium oxide during synthesis and annealing

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ghosh, Swapankumar; Divya, Damodaran; Remani, Kottayilpadi C.; Sreeremya, Thadathil S.

2010-01-01

Monodisperse cerium oxide nanocrystals have been successfully synthesised using simple ammonia precipitation technique from cerium(III) nitrate solution at different temperatures in the range 35-80 o C. The activation energy for growth of CeO 2 nanocrystals during the precipitation is calculated as 11.54 kJ/mol using Arrhenius plot. Average crystal diameter was obtained from XRD analysis, HR-TEM and light scattering (PCS). The analysis of size data from HR-TEM images and PCS clearly indicated the formation of highly crystalline CeO 2 particles in narrow size range. CeO 2 nanocrystals precipitated at 35 o C were further annealed at temperatures in the range 300-700 o C. The activation energy for crystal growth during annealing is also calculated and is close to the reported values. An effort is made to predict the mechanism of crystal growth during the precipitation and annealing.

High Potentials: A CEO Perspective

Science.gov (United States)

Hermans, Jeanine

2007-01-01

Finding high potentials has been identified as one of the major challenges for society and for higher education. But how does one find the talented individuals who will design the future of society? Can and should universities cooperate or compete with business and industry for these talents? Three CEOs reflect on this worldwide competition for…

Growing Industries, Growing Invasions? The Case of the Argentine Ant in Vineyards of Northern Argentina

OpenAIRE

Maria Schulze-Sylvester; José A. Corronca; Carolina I. Paris

2018-01-01

The invasive Argentine ant causes ecological and economic damage worldwide. In 2011, this species was reported in vineyards of Cafayate, a wine-producing town in the Andes, Argentina. While the local xeric climate is unsuitable for Argentine ants, populations could establish in association with vineyards where human activity and irrigation facilitate propagule introduction and survival. In 2013–2014, we combined extensive sampling of the area using ant-baits with monitoring of the change in l...

Annual Report ABACC 2003 - Brazilian-Argentine Agency for the Accounting and Control of Nuclear Materials

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2003-01-01

This Report describes the actions of the Brazil-Argentine of Accounting and Control of Nuclear Materials (ABACC), during the year of 2003. The developed work allowed to concluded that there is no event indicating that any nuclear material non-accounted for were deviated for non permitted activities by the Agreement for Peaceful Use of Nuclear Energy between Argentine and Brazil and by the Four Parties Agreement among these countries, the ABACC and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

Microstructure and corrosion resistance of Ni-based alloy laser coatings with nanosize CeO2 addition

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Shi Hong; Li, Ming Xi; Yoon, Jae Hong; Cho, Tong Yul; Zhu He, Yi; Lee, Chan Gyu

2008-07-01

Micron-size Ni-base alloy (NBA) powders were mixed with both 1.5 wt.% (hereinafter %) micron-size CeO2 (m-CeO2) and also 1.5% and 3.0% nano-size CeO2 (n- CeO2) powders. These mixtures were coated on low-carbon steel (Q235) by 2.0 kW CO2 laser cladding. The effects on the microstructures, phases and electrochemical corrosion of the coatings upon the addition of m- and n- CeO2 powders to NBA (m- and n- CeO2 /NBA) have been investigated. The results showed that a smooth coating was prepared under suitable processing parameters (P= 2.0 kW, V= 180 mm min- 1) by adding 1.5% n- CeO2. In addition to the primary phases of γ-Ni, Cr23 C6 and Ni3 B in the Ni-base alloy coating, CeNi3 was formed in Ni-base alloy coatings with both n- CeO2 and m-CeO2 particles, and CeNi5 appeared in the coating upon decreasing the size of CeO2 particles. Well-developed dendrites were observed in the Ni-base alloy coating; directional dendrites grew at the interface in the coating upon the addition of m-CeO2, whereas fine and multioriented dendrites grew upon decreasing the size of CeO2 particles to the nanoscale. Actinomorphic dendrites and compact equiaxed dendrites grew from the interface to near the surface upon increasing the content of n- CeO2 from 1.5 to 3.0%. In strongly acidic HNO3 solution, the severe corrosion of dendrites occurred and there were many corrosion pits in the Ni-base alloy coating; intercrystalline corrosion also has a dominant role upon the addition of m-CeO2, whereas uniform corrosion occurs in the coating as the size of CeO2 particles is decreased to nanoscale.

Microstructure and corrosion resistance of Ni-based alloy laser coatings with nanosize CeO2 addition

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Shi Hong Zhang et al

2008-01-01

Full Text Available Micron-size Ni-base alloy (NBA powders were mixed with both 1.5 wt.% (hereinafter % micron-size CeO2 (m-CeO2 and also 1.5% and 3.0% nano-size CeO2 (n- CeO2 powders. These mixtures were coated on low-carbon steel (Q235 by 2.0 kW CO2 laser cladding. The effects on the microstructures, phases and electrochemical corrosion of the coatings upon the addition of m- and n- CeO2 powders to NBA (m- and n- CeO2 /NBA have been investigated. The results showed that a smooth coating was prepared under suitable processing parameters (P= 2.0 kW, V= 180 mm min- 1 by adding 1.5% n- CeO2. In addition to the primary phases of γ-Ni, Cr23 C6 and Ni3 B in the Ni-base alloy coating, CeNi3 was formed in Ni-base alloy coatings with both n- CeO2 and m-CeO2 particles, and CeNi5 appeared in the coating upon decreasing the size of CeO2 particles. Well-developed dendrites were observed in the Ni-base alloy coating; directional dendrites grew at the interface in the coating upon the addition of m-CeO2, whereas fine and multioriented dendrites grew upon decreasing the size of CeO2 particles to the nanoscale. Actinomorphic dendrites and compact equiaxed dendrites grew from the interface to near the surface upon increasing the content of n- CeO2 from 1.5 to 3.0%. In strongly acidic HNO3 solution, the severe corrosion of dendrites occurred and there were many corrosion pits in the Ni-base alloy coating; intercrystalline corrosion also has a dominant role upon the addition of m-CeO2, whereas uniform corrosion occurs in the coating as the size of CeO2 particles is decreased to nanoscale.

Daylight photocatalysis performance of biomorphic CeO2 hollow fibers prepared with lens cleaning paper as biotemplate

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Qian, Junchao; Chen, Feng; Wang, Fang; Zhao, Xiaobing; Chen, Zhigang

2012-01-01

Highlights: ► A novel, simple and eco-friendly approach for hierarchical, biomorphic CeO 2 hollow fibers with mesoporous tube walls is presented by using paper as template. ► The biomorphic CeO 2 fibers was composed of nanosheets with bimodal pore-size mesoporous distribution and exhibited high light-harvesting under sunlight irradiation. ► The CeO 2 microfibers biomimicking the natural plant structures have promising application for photodegradation of organic pollutants in water. -- Abstract: Hierarchical, biomorphic CeO 2 hollow fibers with mesoporous tube walls have been fabricated using lens cleaning paper as biotemplates. After sintered at 550 °C in air, the cellulosic fibers of paper were converted into micro-tubes composing of CeO 2 crystallites with grain size about 8 nm. The photocatalytic activity of the CeO 2 fibers was evaluated by photodegradation efficiency of methylene blue in aqueous solution under daylight irradiation. The characterized results show that the CeO 2 fibers faithfully replicated micro-fibrous structure derived from original template and possessed dramatic enhanced photocatalytic activity compared with bulk CeO 2 . This simple biotemplate method provides a cost-effective and eco-friendly route to obtain high performance photocatalysts.

Enhanced Colloidal Stability of CeO2 Nanoparticles by Ferrous Ions: Adsorption, Redox Reaction, and Surface Precipitation.

Science.gov (United States)

Liu, Xuyang; Ray, Jessica R; Neil, Chelsea W; Li, Qingyun; Jun, Young-Shin

2015-05-05

Due to the toxicity of cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles (NPs), a better understanding of the redox reaction-induced surface property changes of CeO2 NPs and their transport in natural and engineered aqueous systems is needed. This study investigates the impact of redox reactions with ferrous ions (Fe2+) on the colloidal stability of CeO2 NPs. We demonstrated that under anaerobic conditions, suspended CeO2 NPs in a 3 mM FeCl2 solution at pH 4.8 were much more stable against sedimentation than those in the absence of Fe2+. Redox reactions between CeO2 NPs and Fe2+ lead to the formation of 6-line ferrihydrite on the CeO2 surfaces, which enhanced the colloidal stability by increasing the zeta potential and hydrophilicity of CeO2 NPs. These redox reactions can affect the toxicity of CeO2 NPs by increasing cerium dissolution, and by creating new Fe(III) (hydr)oxide reactive surface layers. Thus, these findings have significant implications for elucidating the phase transformation and transport of redox reactive NPs in the environment.

Basis for the implementation of digital signature in Argentine's health environment

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Escobar, P P; Formica, M

2007-01-01

The growth of telemedical applications and electronic transactions in health environments is paced by the constant technology evolution. This implies a big cultural change in traditional medicine and in hospital information systems' users which arrival is delayed, basically, by the lack of solid laws and a well defined role-based infrastructure. The use of digital signature as a mean of identification, authentication, confidentiality and non-repudiation is the most suitable tool for assuring the electronic transactions and patient's data protection. The implementation of a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) in health environment allows for authentication, encryption and use of digital signature for assuring confidentiality and control of the movement of sensitive information. This work defines the minimum technological, legal and procedural basis for a successful PKI implementation and establishes the roles for the different actors in the chain of confidence in the public health environment of Argentine

CEO perceptions of competition--and strategic response in hospital markets.

Science.gov (United States)

Alexander, J A; Burns, L R; Morrisey, M A; Johnson, V

2001-06-01

Physician-organization integration (POI) has emerged as a key issue for hospitals and health systems seeking to improve the quality and cost-effectiveness of care. Although competition and managed care are often cited as primary market drivers of the adoption of POI strategies, prior research has shown only weak associations between these market attributes and POI. This article argues that the role of key organizational decision makers has not been adequately accounted for in explaining strategic change. The study examines the role of hospital CEO perceptions of competition in predicting the adoption of five different approaches to POI. CEO perceptions of general market competition are explained by a combination of market and organizational attributes. Furthermore, when controlling for objective characteristics of the environment and organization, CEO perceptions of competition have consistent, statistically significant associations with four of five measures of POI examined.

Synthesis of Mn-doped CeO 2 nanorods and their application as ...

Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

Mn-doped CeO2 nanorods have been prepared from CeO2 particles through a facile compositehydroxide-mediated (CHM) approach. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The analysis from the X-ray photoelectron ...

F-centre luminescence in nanocrystalline CeO2

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Aškrabić, S; Dohčević-Mitrović, Z D; Araújo, V D; Ionita, G; De Lima, M M Jr; Cantarero, A

2013-01-01

Nanocrystalline CeO 2 powders were synthesized by two cost-effective methods: the self-propagating room temperature (SPRT) method and the precipitation method. Differently prepared samples exhibited different temperature-dependent photoluminescence (PL) in the ultraviolet and visible regions. The PL signals originated from different kinds of oxygen-deficient defect centres with or without trapped electrons (F 0 , F + or F ++ centres). The temperature-dependent PL spectra were measured using different excitation lines, below (457, 488 and 514 nm) or comparable (325 nm) to the ceria optical band gap energy, in order to investigate the positions of intragap localized defect states. Evidence for the presence of F + centres was supported by the signals observed in electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) measurements. Based on PL and EPR measurements it was shown that F + centres dominate in the CeO 2 sample synthesized by the SPRT method, whereas F 0 centres are the major defects in the CeO 2 sample synthesized by the precipitation method. The luminescence from F ++ states, as shallow trap states, was registered in both samples. Energy level positions of these defect states in the ceria band gap were proposed. (paper)

F-centre luminescence in nanocrystalline CeO2

Science.gov (United States)

Aškrabić, S.; Dohčević-Mitrović, Z. D.; Araújo, V. D.; Ionita, G.; de Lima, M. M., Jr.; Cantarero, A.

2013-12-01

Nanocrystalline CeO2 powders were synthesized by two cost-effective methods: the self-propagating room temperature (SPRT) method and the precipitation method. Differently prepared samples exhibited different temperature-dependent photoluminescence (PL) in the ultraviolet and visible regions. The PL signals originated from different kinds of oxygen-deficient defect centres with or without trapped electrons (F0, F+ or F++ centres). The temperature-dependent PL spectra were measured using different excitation lines, below (457, 488 and 514 nm) or comparable (325 nm) to the ceria optical band gap energy, in order to investigate the positions of intragap localized defect states. Evidence for the presence of F+ centres was supported by the signals observed in electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) measurements. Based on PL and EPR measurements it was shown that F+ centres dominate in the CeO2 sample synthesized by the SPRT method, whereas F0 centres are the major defects in the CeO2 sample synthesized by the precipitation method. The luminescence from F++ states, as shallow trap states, was registered in both samples. Energy level positions of these defect states in the ceria band gap were proposed.

The Argentine-Brazilian fast reactor programme

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gho, C.J.; Mauricio, A.

1989-01-01

This paper summarizes the Argentine-Brazilian Fast Reactor Programme and gives reasons for the decision of a binational venture. The work carried out by both countries is described, showing how they complement each other, with the corresponding saving of resources. The main objectives of the Programme and tentative schedules in three progressing integrating stages are given and the present nuclear know-how in each country is identified as a good starting point. The paper also gives some details regarding the economical and human resources involved. (author). 1 graph

Photocatalytic degradation mechanisms of self-assembled rose-flower-like CeO2 hierarchical nanostructures

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sabari Arul, N.; Mangalaraj, D.; Whan Kim, Tae

2013-01-01

Hierarchical rose-flower-like CeO 2 nanostructures were formed by using solvothermal and thermal annealing processes. The CeCO 3 OH thin film was transformed into CeO 2 roses due to thermal annealing. CeO 2 nanostructured roses exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity with a degradation rate of 65% for the azo dye acid orange 7 (AO7) under ultraviolet illumination. The fitting of the absorbance maximum versus time showed that the degradation of AO7 obeyed pseudo-first-order reaction kinetics. The enhancement of the photocatalytic activity for the CeO 2 roses was attributed to the high adsorptivity resulting from the surface active sites and special 4f electron configuration.

The curse of the superstar CEO.

Science.gov (United States)

Khurana, Rakesh

2002-09-01

When struggling companies look for a new chief executive today, the one quality they prize above all others is charisma. But once they've recruited a larger-than-life leader, they often find that their troubles only get worse. Indeed, as the author's new research painfully reveals, the widespread belief in the powers of charismatic CEOs can be problematic. Why? First, Khurana says, there's no conclusive evidence that charismatic leadership affects an organization's performance. And yet--as Kodak's story over the past decade reveals--when a company is faltering, boards feel compelled to oust the incumbent chief executive and bring in a corporate savior. Second, the insistence on finding a charismatic leader, combined with the undefinable nature of charisma, results in selection processes that are overly conservative and even irrational. Boards end up considering only candidates who have already achieved the rank of CEO or president at a high-performing, high-profile company, even if they are not right for the job. Third, charismatic leaders deliberately destabilize organizations. This can result in a more vibrant company, as it did at General Electric during Jack Welch's tenure, but it can also leave a troubled legacy for the organization to overcome, as GE, Ford, and Enron have all found. Faith in a company, a product, or an idea can unleash tremendous innovation and productivity. But the extravagant hopes invested in charismatic CEOs resemble not mature faith but a belief in magic. If we are willing to reconsider our notion of leadership, this age of faith can be followed by an era of faith and reason.

Corporate governance mechanisms in family firms: Evidence from CEO turnovers

OpenAIRE

González, Maximiliano; Guzmán, Alexander; Pombo, Carlos; Trujillo, María Andréa

2013-01-01

Research Question/Issue: How sensitive is CEO turnover to firm performance in the context of family firms? Research Findings/Insights: Using a detailed database of mostly non-listed Colombian firms, we found that family ownership (direct and indirect through pyramidal structures) reduces the probability of CEO turnover when financial performance has been poor; however, we found that the opposite effect is true when families participate actively on the board of directors. These results hold tr...

Equal Opportunity? Gender Gaps in CEO Appointments and Executive Pay

OpenAIRE

Keloharju, Matti; Knüpfer, Samuli; Tåg, Joacim

2016-01-01

This paper uses exceptionally rich data on Swedish corporate executives and their personal characteristics to study gender gaps in CEO appointments and pay. Both gaps are sizeable: 18% for CEO appointments and 27% for pay. At most one-eight of the gaps can be attributed to observable gender differences in executives' and their firms' characteristics. Further tests suggest that unobservable gender differences in characteristics are unlikely to account for the remaining gaps. Instead, our resul...

An Empirical Study on Effective Tax Rate and CEO Promotion: Evidence from Local SOEs in China

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Kai Wang

2018-06-01

Full Text Available This paper investigates the influence of effective tax payment on the CEO promotion in local State Owned Enterprise (SOE in China. Based on the analysis of listed local SOEs in China from 2004 to 2010, this paper tests the relationship between CEO promotion and tax payment. In addition, the moderating effect of pyramid layer is tested. This paper finds that there is a significant positive relationship between Effective Tax Rate (ETR and CEO promotion, which suggests that CEOs may be aggressive in tax payment to please the local governments, who ultimately own the local SOEs. The current paper also finds that the relationship between ETR and CEO promotion is weakened as pyramid layers increase. Our conclusions enrich the literature on CEO turnover and the role of pyramid structure. The conclusions are also helpful for the SOEs’ reform in China and other developing countries. First, this paper is among the first to investigate the relationship between ETR and CEO turnover. Second, this paper highlights the function of pyramid structure in mitigating government intervention. Third, this paper also adds to the research on effective tax.

2013 CEO leadership forum, leading the 21st century DOT : a summary report.

Science.gov (United States)

2013-04-01

This report summarizes the 2013 CEO Leadership Forum : for state departments of transportation (DOTs). Over : three days, transportation leaders from across the nation : explored a range of issues and developed action plans to : support CEOs and thei...

New Firm Performance and the Replacement of Founder-CEOs

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Chen, Jing; Thompson, Peter

2015-01-01

We study the causes and consequences of the replacement of founder-CEOs in a sample of 4,172 Danish start-ups. We propose that founder-CEO replacement is driven in part by mismatches between business quality and founder ability. Our framework suggests that replacements are more likely among...... the worst- and best-performing firms, with low (high)-ability founders replaced by manager with higher (lower) ability. Replacement is not unambiguously associated with better subsequent performance. Firms that replaced the founder were much more likely to fail, but the surviving firms among them grew...

Alcohol consumption and violence among Argentine adolescents

OpenAIRE

Mariaelena Pierobon; Mariam Barak; Sahel Hazrati; Kathryn H. Jacobsen

2013-01-01

Objective: This study investigated the association between alcohol and violence among Argentine youth. Methods: Data from the 2007 Argentina Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS), a nationally representative survey of middle school students, were examined using age-adjusted logistic regression models. Results: Of the 1,328 participating students aged 13 to 15 years old, 51.9% reported drinking alcohol in the previous month, with higher rates among males (p = 0.04) and older s...

1993 Annual report of the Brazilian-Argentine Agency for Accounting and Control of Nuclear Materials - ABACC

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1994-01-01

The 1993 annual report of the Brazilian Argentine Agency for Accounting and Control of Nuclear Materials, (ABACC), describes the activities regarding the administration and application of the Control and Accounting Common System (SCCC) established by the bilateral agreement between the Republic of Argentine and Federative Republic of Brazil for exclusive peaceful use of the nuclear energy. The main goal to verify practically all the installations which were not subjected to the international safeguards, before the agreement, was reached. Considering the safeguards application under implementation in both countries, the ABACC is preparing itself technically for the quadripartite agreement to be into force and signed among Argentine, Brazil, IAEA and ABACC. On checking the procedures established by the SCCC and controlled material, nothing was detected that could indicate nuclear material diversion either for nuclear weapon or for other explosive nuclear device. (B.C.A.)

Mémoire d’un saccage. Argentine, le hold-up du siècle

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Julien Welter

2005-02-01

Full Text Available Memoria del saqueo – la oscura trama de la corrupcion Documentaire argentin de Fernando SOLANAS, 2004, 120mn. Sortie de la dictature, l’Argentine ne pensait jamais connaître une nouvelle fois le cauchemar d’un désastre social. Ce pays, naguère le plus riche d’Amérique du Sud, a en effet tout tenté pour s’éloigner des régimes autoritaires conduisant à l’asservissement du peuple. Tout tenté, même l’extrême opposé, l’ultralibéralisme. En revenant sur ces années d’une politique en apparence ouver...

How CEOs use management information systems for strategy implementation in hospitals.

Science.gov (United States)

Naranjo-Gil, David; Hartmann, Frank

2007-04-01

Institutional and market changes seem to force hospitals across the Western world to revitalize their corporate strategies towards more cost efficiency on the one hand, and more flexibility towards customer demands on the other hand. Hospitals, however, apparently differ in the extent to which they are able to implement such strategies effectively. This paper explores whether these different levels of effectiveness depend on how hospitals' top managers' use of the available management information systems (MIS). Based on data obtained from the 218 CEOs of public hospitals in Spain, we analyze how CEOs' professional and educational backgrounds affect their use of MIS, and how the use of the MIS subsequently supports or inhibits the implementation of these strategic goals. The results indicate that CEOs with a predominant clinical background focus more on non-financial information for decision-making and prefer an interactive style of using MIS, which together support flexibility strategies. CEOs with a predominant administrative background seem more effective in establishing cost-reduction strategies, through their larger inclination to emphasize financial information in combination with a diagnostic use of the MIS. Implications for the strategic management of hospitals are outlined.

Multiple Compensation Consultants and CEO Pay

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Kabir, Mohammed Rezaul; Minhat, Marizah

The study examines the practice of employing multiple compensation consultants. Data for a sample of UK companies over the period 2003-2006 are analyzed using a variety of econometric methods. We find that CEOs receive higher equity-based pay when firms employ more than one compensation consultant.

Can Benford's Law explain CEO pay?

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Mukherjee, Shibashish

2018-01-01

Manuscript Type: Empirical Research Issue: This study applies the statistical properties of Benford’s Law to CEO pay. Benford’s ‘Law’ states that in an unbiased dataset, the first digit values are usually unequally allocated when considering the logical expectations of equal distribution. In this

Room temperature ferromagnetism in Fe-doped CeO2 nanoparticles.

Science.gov (United States)

Maensiri, Santi; Phokha, Sumalin; Laokul, Paveena; Seraphin, Supapan

2009-11-01

RT ferromagnetism was observed in nanoparticles of Fe-doped CeO2 (i.e., Ce(0.97)Fe(0.03)O2) synthesized by a sol-gel method. The undoped and Fe-doped CeO2 were characterized by XRD, Raman spectroscopy, TEM, and VSM. The undoped samples and Ce(0.97)Fe(0.03)O2 precursor exhibit a diamagnetic behavior. The 673 K-calcined Ce(0.97)Fe(0.03)O2 sample is paramagnetic whereas 773 and 873 K-calcined Ce(0.97)Fe(0.03)O2 samples are ferromagnetism having the magnetizations of 4.65 x 10(-3) emu/g and 6.20 x 10(-3) emu/g at 10 kOe, respectively. Our results indicate that the ferromagnetic property is intrinsic to the Fe-doped CeO2 system and is not a result of any secondary magnetic phase or cluster formation.

Proceedings of the 6. Argentine congress on radiation protection and nuclear safety

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1998-01-01

The 6th Argentine Congress on Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety was organized by the Radioprotection Argentine Society, in Buenos Aires, between the 22 and 24 of september of 1998. In this event, were presented almost 66 papers in the following sessions, about these subjects: 1.- Safety in nuclear installations. 2.- Control of nuclear material and physical protection of nuclear installations. 3.- Programs of quality assurance. 4.- Training, technical information and public information. 5.- Physical dosimetry. 6.- Physical dosimetry and occupational radiation protection. 7.- Exposure of the natural radiation. 8.- Environmental radiological safety. 9.- Biological effects of the ionizing radiations and biological dosimetry. 10.- Radiological protection of the medical practice and the radiological emergencies. 11.- Radioactive wastes management. 12.- Transport of radioactive materials

New CeO2 nanoparticles-based topical formulations for the skin protection against organophosphates.

Science.gov (United States)

Zenerino, Arnaud; Boutard, Tifenn; Bignon, Cécile; Amigoni, Sonia; Josse, Denis; Devers, Thierry; Guittard, Frédéric

2015-01-01

To reinforce skin protection against organophosphates (OPs), the development of new topical skin protectants (TSP) has received a great interest. Nanoparticles like cerium dioxide (CeO 2 ) known to adsorb and neutralize OPs are interesting candidates for TSP. However, NPs are difficult to disperse into formulations and they are suspected of toxicological issues. Thus, we want to study: (1) the effect of the addition of CeO 2 NPs in formulations for the skin protection (2) the impact of the doping of CeO 2 NPs by calcium; (3) the effect of two methods of dispersion of CeO 2 NPs: an O/W emulsion or a suspension of a fluorinated thickening polymer (HASE-F) grafted with these NPs. As a screening approach we used silicone membranes as a skin equivalent and Franz diffusion cells for permeation tests. The addition of pure CeO 2 NPs in both formulations permits the penetration to decrease by a 3-4-fold factor. The O/W emulsion allows is the best approach to obtain a film-forming coating with a good reproducibility of the penetration results; whereas the grafting of NPs to a thickener is the best way to obtain an efficient homogenous suspension of CeO 2 NPs with a decreased of toxicological impact but the coating is less film-forming which slightly impacts the reproducibility of the penetration results.

Morphologically controlled synthesis, structural and optical properties of CeO2/SnO2 nanocomposites

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

S. Usharani

2017-09-01

Full Text Available CeO2/SnO2 nanocomposites with different dimensional nanostructures were synthesized by a wet chemical method, using various surfactants such as SDS, CTAB and Triton X-100. The prepared CeO2/SnO2 samples were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR, Transmission electron microscopy (TEM, UV-Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (UV-DRS, and Photoluminescence (PL spectroscopy. The XRD patterns reveal the presence of a mixed phase of SnO2 and CeO2; The TEM analysis showed the mixed morphology of uniformly dispersed spherical with ellipsoidal shape in the SDS assisted CeO2/SnO2 nanocomposites; whereas the nanostructure with spherical with hexagonal shapes was observed for the Triton X-100 assisted CeO2/SnO2 nanocomposites. The one dimensional (1D nanorod like structure observed for the CTAB assisted CeO2/SnO2 nanocomposites shows CTAB acting as a face-specific capping agent to form rod-shaped micelles. The room temperature photoluminescence emission studies of the CeO2/SnO2 nanocomposites showed strong peaks in the UV region, and several peaks in the visible region, which are likely to have originated from the oxygen vacancies and are potential materials for optoelectronic device applications. The UV results showed the absorption edges shifted to a high energy region and the blue shifts that occurred in all the samples.

Plume-induced stress in pulsed-laser deposited CeO2 films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Norton, D.P.; Park, C.; Budai, J.D.; Pennycook, S.J.; Prouteau, C.

1999-01-01

Residual compressive stress due to plume-induced energetic particle bombardment in CeO 2 films deposited by pulsed-laser deposition is reported. For laser ablation film growth in low pressures, stresses as high as 2 GPa were observed as determined by substrate curvature and four-circle x-ray diffraction. The amount of stress in the films could be manipulated by controlling the kinetic energies of the ablated species in the plume through gas-phase collisions with an inert background gas. The film stress decreased to near zero for argon background pressures greater than 50 mTorr. At these higher background pressures, the formation of nanoparticles in the deposited film was observed. copyright 1999 American Institute of Physics

Optical and structural properties of nanostructured CeO2:Tb3+ film

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ansari, Anees A.; Singh, S.P.; Malhotra, B.D.

2011-01-01

Nanostructured CeO 2 :Tb 3+ film has been fabricated on glass substrate through sol-gel technique via dip-coating process. (NH 4 ) 2 Ce(NO 3 ) 6 , Tb(NO 3 ) 3 .6H 2 O, ethylene glycol have been used as precursors for sol preparation. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV/VIS and photoluminescence (PL) spectral studies have been employed to analyze the structural and optical properties of the film. XRD pattern has been used to analyze the crystallite nature and calculated particle size by Scherrer equation of nanostructured CeO 2 :Tb 3+ film, found in the range 3-4 nm. SEM image has been observed to analyze the surface topography of the film which is well porous, highly agglomerated and uniformly distributed nanoparticles on the film surface. Optical band gap of nanostructured CeO 2 :Tb 3+ film has been estimated as 3.57 eV. A significant enhancement in band shape of CeO 2 :Tb 3+ spectrum has been observed in PL spectra, showed their promising usages as optical materials in optoelectronic devices.

Enhanced spectral emissivity of CeO2 coating with cauliflower-like microstructure

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Huang Jianping; Li Yibin; He Xiaodong; Song Guangping; Fan Chenglei; Sun Yue; Fei Weidong; Du Shanyi

2012-01-01

Highlights: ► Cauliflower-like microstructured CeO 2 coating is prepared on Ni based substrate. ► The infrared emissive property at high temperature is investigated. ► Rough CeO 2 coating shows high emissivity, that is, 0.9 at 873 K and 0.87 at 1073 K. ► The emissivity enhancement mechanisms for the rough CeO 2 coating are discussed. - Abstract: Cerium dioxide is a transparent oxide with high refractive index (from 1.6 to 2.5 at 633 nm) in the visible and near-IR spectral regions. However, little attention has been paid to its optical property in mid-IR (2.5–25 μm). Here we report that the cauliflower-like microstructured CeO 2 coating deposited by electron beam physical vapor deposition technique shows high emissivity up to 0.9 at 873 K in the mid-IR spectral region. The high emissivity is attributed to the coupling between free propagating waves and space-variant polarizations caused by the cauliflower-like microstructure. This high emissivity coating shows a potential application in high temperature components.

Graphite oxide-mediated synthesis of porous CeO2 quadrangular prisms and their high-efficiency adsorptive performance

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chang, Ling; Wang, Fengxian; Xie, Dong; Zhang, Jun; Du, Gaohui

2013-01-01

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Porous CeO 2 quadrangular prisms have been prepared via graphite oxide-mediated synthesis. • Dual-pore hierarchical systems are formed with the pore distributions around 4 nm and 30 nm. • Porous CeO 2 exhibits a rapid adsorption to Rhodamine B with a removal efficiency of ∼99%. • Porous CeO 2 retains the same performances in different pH solutions. - Abstract: We report a graphite oxide-mediated approach for synthesizing porous CeO 2 through a facile hydrothermal process followed by thermal annealing in air. The phase structure, morphology, microstructure and porosity of the products have been revealed by a combination of X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and N 2 adsorption. The as-prepared CeO 2 products show well-defined quadrangular prism morphology, and they are composed of interconnected nanoparticles with diameters around 30–100 nm. In particular, the dual-pore hierarchical systems are created in the CeO 2 quadrangular prisms with the pore distributions around 4 nm and 30 nm. The dye sorption capacity of the porous CeO 2 is investigated, which exhibits a rapid adsorption to rhodamine B with a high removal efficiency of ∼99%. Moreover, the CeO 2 absorbent retains the same performances in different pH solutions

Tumoral expression on Her-2, E R and P R and its Clinico pathological characteristics relation in Uruguayan and Argentine patients with operable breast cancer

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Delgado, L; Richardet, E; Pallotta, G; Fresco, R; Aguiar, S; Camejo, N; Gonzalez, V; Ferrero, L; Heinzen, S; Martinez, A. and others

2010-01-01

Introduction: the study of biological subtype of breast cancer (B C) given by the expression tumor estrogen receptors (E R), progesterone (P R) and growth factor receptor and evolutionary. Objective: To know the profile of tumor expression of HER2, ER and P R and their relation with to characteristics clinico pathological characteristics in Uruguayan and Argentine patients with breast cancer. Material and Methods: The medical records of patients who underwent analyzed C M I-III invasive stages between 03/2006 and 03/2008 and assisted in Oncology Services where the authors are performing, which had selected determination ER, P R and HER2 by immunohistochemistry. The expression profile of these was markers compared with age at diagnosis, type and histological grade (GH) and pathological stage (TNM). Results: 291 patients (197 Uruguayan and 94 Argentine) were included whose characteristics were: mean age: 56 years, ductal carcinoma: 85%, GH 1-2: 55% stage I-II: 70%, metastasis axillary: 51%, ER / P R +: 78% HER2 + 12%. Three subtypes were defined: HER2 ER / P R + (71%), HER2 + (12% Uruguayan patients: 10%, Argentine patients: 17%) and negative Triple (TN) (17%). The joint analysis of the patients in both countries showed that subtypes TN and HER2 is associated with greater histological grade (p <0.05). Furthermore, in the group of patients Uruguayan, TN subtype was associated with younger age at diagnosis (p <0.05) subtype HER2, ER / PR +. Conclusions: The percentage of patients with CM Uruguayan invasive HER2 + subtype (10%) is smaller than that reported by other studies (17-28%) and that observed in our study Argentine group of patients. Consistent with previous studies, TN subtypes and HER2 + correlated with more undifferentiated tumors and in the group of Uruguayan patients TN appeared in younger patients

Influence of dopant concentration on spectroscopic properties of Sr2CeO4:Yb nanocrystals

Science.gov (United States)

Stefanski, M.; Kędziorski, A.; Hreniak, D.; Strek, W.

2017-12-01

Optical properties of Sr2CeO4:Yb nanocrystals synthesized via Pechini's method are reported. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction data measurements. The unit cell parameters were determined using Rietveld refinement. It was found that they decreased with increasing amount of Yb ions. The absorption, excitation, emission spectra and luminescence decay profiles of the Sr2CeO4:Yb nanocrystals were investigated. It was observed that optical properties were strongly dependent on Yb concentration. It was found that Yb3+-O2- charge transfer transitions have great influence on the absorption spectra. It can be seen in the emission spectra that in addition to standard bands/lines corresponding to Ce-O metal-to-ligand charge transfer of Sr2CeO4 and f-f transitions of Yb3+, there is emission band centered at 744 nm. Its intensity depends on the concentration of the dopant. Recorded decay times become shorter with increasing dopant concentration due to the Yb3+ concentration quenching. Excitation spectra indicate the energy transfer from Ce-O charge transfer states to Yb3+2F5/2 state. The issue of appearance of down-conversion process in Sr2CeO4:Yb nanocrystals is considered.

Steady-state growth of NiO scales on ceria-coated polycrystalline nickel

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Czerwinski, F.; Szpunar, J.A.; Smeltzer, W.W.

1996-01-01

The effect of CeO 2 ceramic coatings with thicknesses in the range of 14 to 42 nm on the oxidation of high purity polycrystalline nickel at 973 K in 1 atm O 2 has been studied. The ceria coatings decrease the Ni oxidation rate after 125 h by a factor up to 45, which is significantly higher than the reduction achieved during early stages. Growth features, including oxide thickness, surface morphology, and the texture for both the pure and CeO 2 modified NiO, demonstrate a definite dependence on the crystallographic orientation of the Ni substrate. Oxides with thicknesses of up to 1 microm developed on CeO 2 -coated Ni consisted of three sublayers. The Ce-rich part, composed of small NiO grains and CeO 2 particles, was located inside the scale and shifted deeper into the scale with increased oxidation time. The growth kinetics and microstructural evolutions of modified NiO are discussed in terms of the mechanism of inhibition of grain boundary diffusion in NiO by Ce +4 ions

Varamiento de cetáceos en Tacna, Perú (2002-2010

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

José Pizarro-Neyra

2011-05-01

Full Text Available Se presentan datos de varamientos de cetáceos producidos entre abril del año 2002 y enero de 2010 en las localidades de Los Palos, Vila-vila, Morro Sama e Ite, ubicadas en la región Tacna. Los resultados indican que: 85% de los ejemplares varados corresponden a Phocoena spinipinnis, 8% a Tursiops truncatus, y el resto a cetáceos de las especies: Grampus griseus, Eubalaena australis y Physeter macrocephalus. Los varamientos de cetáceos grandes solo se observaron en Los Palos, mientras la mayor cantidad de varamientos observados se produjeron en Ite (80%. La causa del varamiento de algunas marsopas (P. spinipinnis es la captura incidental en redes usadas por la pesca artesanal. Se relaciona el varamiento de P. macrocephalus con anomalías de la temperatura superficial del mar.

An open aperture z-scan study of Sr2CeO4 blue phosphor

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Seema, R.; Sandeep, C.S. Suchand; Philip, Reji; Kalarikkal, Nandakumar

2011-01-01

Highlights: → Sr 2 CeO 4 blue phosphor has been prepared by a solid state reaction method. → The XRD study confirms that the structure of the system is orthorhombic. → The TEM reveals that Sr 2 CeO 4 is composed of elongated spherical structures of length ∼0.2-0.6 μm. → The FFT of TEM, XRD peaks and the JCPDS values are compared, from which the Sr 2 CeO 4 phase is reconfirmed. → A z-scan measurement gives the effective two-photon absorption coefficient to be 3.9 x 10 -11 m/W. - Abstract: Sr 2 CeO 4 blue phosphor has been prepared by the solid-state reaction method. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) study confirms the structure of the system to be orthorhombic. High resolution electron transmission microscopy reveals that Sr 2 CeO 4 prepared by the solid state reaction method is composed of elongated spherical structures of length ∼0.2-0.6 μm and width ∼90-150 nm. The excitation spectrum shows a broad band which peaks at 275 nm. The emission spectrum shows a broad band which peaks at 467 nm when excited at 275 nm. The emission band is assigned to the energy transfer between the molecular orbital of the ligand and charge transfer (CT) state of the Ce 4+ ion. The Commission International de l'Eclairage (CIE) co-ordinates are x = 0.15, and y = 0.23. The nonlinear absorption behavior of Sr 2 CeO 4 has been investigated using the open aperture z-scan technique. The calculated effective two-photon absorption coefficient shows that the Sr 2 CeO 4 blue phosphor is a promising optical limiting material.

Spatial patterns of copepod biodiversity in relation to a tidal front system in the main spawning and nursery area of the Argentine hake Merluccius hubbsi

Science.gov (United States)

Temperoni, B.; Viñas, M. D.; Martos, P.; Marrari, M.

2014-11-01

Copepods play an important role in marine ecosystems as a direct link of energy transfer between primary producers and higher trophic level consumers, such as fish. In the Argentine Sea, the Patagonian stock of Argentine hake Merluccius hubbsi spawns from late austral spring (December) to early autumn (April) in the northern Patagonian shelf region (43°-45°30‧S), in association with a highly productive tidal front system. Since hake larvae prey mainly upon copepods, the objective of this study was to assess the spatial variability in the abundance and diversity of these potential food items in different sectors of the front, as one of the possible factors affecting hake recruitment success. Two complementary mesh sizes (67 and 300 μm) were used to accurately target the entire copepod size spectrum. The copepod community was dominated by developmental stages sustain M. hubbsi larval growth resulting from high availability of adequate prey, the suitable thermal ranges, and the existence of retention mechanisms.

New CeO2 nanoparticles-based topical formulations for the skin protection against organophosphates

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Arnaud Zenerino

2015-01-01

Full Text Available To reinforce skin protection against organophosphates (OPs, the development of new topical skin protectants (TSP has received a great interest. Nanoparticles like cerium dioxide (CeO2 known to adsorb and neutralize OPs are interesting candidates for TSP. However, NPs are difficult to disperse into formulations and they are suspected of toxicological issues. Thus, we want to study: (1 the effect of the addition of CeO2 NPs in formulations for the skin protection (2 the impact of the doping of CeO2 NPs by calcium; (3 the effect of two methods of dispersion of CeO2 NPs: an O/W emulsion or a suspension of a fluorinated thickening polymer (HASE-F grafted with these NPs. As a screening approach we used silicone membranes as a skin equivalent and Franz diffusion cells for permeation tests. The addition of pure CeO2 NPs in both formulations permits the penetration to decrease by a 3–4-fold factor. The O/W emulsion allows is the best approach to obtain a film-forming coating with a good reproducibility of the penetration results; whereas the grafting of NPs to a thickener is the best way to obtain an efficient homogenous suspension of CeO2 NPs with a decreased of toxicological impact but the coating is less film-forming which slightly impacts the reproducibility of the penetration results.

Toward transparent nanocomposites based on polystyrene matrix and PMMA-grafted CeO2 nanoparticles.

Science.gov (United States)

Parlak, Onur; Demir, Mustafa M

2011-11-01

The association of transparent polymer and nanosized pigment particles offers attractive optical materials for various potential and existing applications. However, the particles embedded into polymers scatter light due to refractive index (RI) mismatch and reduce transparency of the resulting composite material. In this study, optical composites based on polystyrene (PS) matrix and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)-grafted CeO(2) hybrid particles were prepared. CeO(2) nanoparticles with an average diameter of 18 ± 8 nm were precipitated by treating Ce(NO(3))·6H(2)O with urea in the presence of a polymerizable surfactant, 3-methacyloxypropyltrimethoxy silane. PMMA chains were grafted on the surface of the nanoparticles upon free radical in situ solution polymerization. While blending of unmodified CeO(2) particles with PS resulted in opaque films, the transparency of the composite films was remarkably enhanced when prepared by PMMA-grafted CeO(2) hybrid particles, particularly those having a PMMA thickness of 9 nm. The improvement in transparency is presumably due to the reduction in RI mismatch between CeO(2) particles and the PS matrix when using PMMA chains at the interface.

Who should set CEO pay? The press? Congress? Shareholders?

Science.gov (United States)

Brownstein, A R; Panner, M J

1992-01-01

Populist fervor in an election year has transformed executive compensation from a business issue into a political one. Critics, led by Graef Crystal, author of In Search of Excess: The Overcompensation of American Executives, charge that CEOs are ripping off shareholders with their outrageous salaries while running U.S. corporations into the ground. Politicians claim overpaid CEOs are the root cause of the U.S. competitiveness problem. Add a recessionary business climate to the fact that some CEOs earn 130 times more than their lowest paid employees, and you have the makings of a populist rebellion. In a bid to appease voters, Congress is considering several bills that would limit the deductibility of "excessive executive salaries," the SEC has opened the issue to shareholder comment, and the Financial Accounting Standards Board is looking at new accounting standards for granting stock options to executives as part of company compensation schemes. Andrew R. Brownstein and Morris J. Panner say it's time to put the debate back where it belongs--in a business context. The real question is not are executives paid too much, but are shareholders getting their money's worth. Most U.S. corporations use stock compensation to link company long-term performance to executive salaries. And because of the staggering market performance of U.S. corporations in the 1980s, an overwhelming majority of CEOs are actually paid in line with their performance. Rather than cut executive pay, Brownstein and Panner suggest that corporations extend incentive-based compensation plans to all employees, thus narrowing the salary gap and establishing pay for performance at every level of the organization.

Lathyrus linearifolius (Leguminosae-Vicieae confirmed species for the Argentine flora

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ricardo O. Vanni

2005-01-01

Full Text Available Lathyrus linearifolius Vogel is confirmed in the Argentine flora. The number of species of the genus recorded for the northeast region is increased to nine. The new citation is described and illustrated indicating its geographic distribution. A key to distinguish the nine species from NE of Argentina is provided

Sintering behaviour of CeO2-Gd2O3 powders prepared by the oxalate coprecipitation method

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Duran, P.; Jurado, J.R.; Moure, C.

1993-01-01

The powder and compact characteristics as well as the sintering behaviour of two CeO 2 -Gd 2 O 3 compositions prepared by the oxalate coprecipitation method are studied as a function of the powder particle size and the pore-size distribution in the powder compacts. Shrinkage was measured at a constant heating rate and the results are compared with those obtained by isothermal sintering experiments. Grain growth and microstructural development on sintered samples were studied. (orig.)

The relationship between South African CEO compensation and ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

1A study of corporate financial performance and CEO compensation by Firth, Lohne,. Ropstad .... requires both a qualitative and quantitative analysis. REMCOs, in ...... 'Executive compensation as an agency problem', Journal of. Economic ...

75As-NQR study of the hybridization gap semiconductor CeOs4As12

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yogi, M; Niki, H; Higa, N; Kawata, T; Sekine, C

2016-01-01

We performed an 75 As nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) measurement on CeOs 4 As 12 . The 75 As-NQR spectrum shape demonstrates that the Ce-site filling fraction of our high-pressure synthesized sample is close to unity. A presence of the c — f hybridization gap is confirmed from the temperature dependence of the nuclear spin-lattice relaxation rate 1/T 1 . An increase of 1/T 1 below ∼3 K indicates a development of the spin fluctuations. The 1/T 1 for CeOs 4 As 12 shows similar behavior as that for CeOs 4 Sb 12 with different magnitude of the c — f hybridization gap. An absence of phase transition in CeOs 4 As 12 may be caused by the increase of the c — f hybridization, which increases the gap magnitude and reduces the residual density of state inside the gap. (paper)

Trail Pheromone Disruption of Argentine Ant Trail Formation and Foraging

Science.gov (United States)

Suckling, D.M.; Peck, R.W.; Stringer, L.D.; Snook, K.; Banko, P.C.

2010-01-01

Trail pheromone disruption of invasive ants is a novel tactic that builds on the development of pheromone-based pest management in other insects. Argentine ant trail pheromone, (Z)-9-hexadecenal, was formulated as a micro-encapsulated sprayable particle and applied against Argentine ant populations in 400 m2 field plots in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. A widely dispersed point source strategy for trail pheromone disruption was used. Traffic rates of ants in bioassays of treated filter paper, protected from rainfall and sunlight, indicated the presence of behaviorally significant quantities of pheromone being released from the formulation for up to 59 days. The proportion of plots, under trade wind conditions (2-3 m s-1), with visible trails was reduced for up to 14 days following treatment, and the number of foraging ants at randomly placed tuna-bait cards was similarly reduced. The success of these trail pheromone disruption trials in a natural ecosystem highlights the potential of this method for control of invasive ant species in this and other environments. ?? Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2010.

Role of Social Relations of Outside Directors with CEO in Earnings Management

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Muhammad Shaique

2017-12-01

Full Text Available The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of social relations among the board members on earnings management in Pakistani listed companies. Specifically, we have analyzed the social networks between CEO and outside board members. The modified Jones model has been used in this study to measure earnings management and we have captured social relations through SOCIAL (Social networking index. Our results suggest that firms with more connected boards show a positive relationship between board independence and earnings management. Further, we have shown that firms with CEO duality exhibit a higher association between social connections of the board and earnings management than firms with non-duality. Social relations among the board members undermine monitoring ability of outside directors and the impact becomes more severe in the presence of CEO duality.

Ultraviolet-visible electroluminescence from metal-oxide-semiconductor devices with CeO2 films on silicon

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lv, Chunyan; Zhu, Chen; Wang, Canxing; Li, Dongsheng; Ma, Xiangyang; Yang, Deren

2015-01-01

We report on ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) electroluminescence (EL) from metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) devices with the CeO 2 films annealed at low temperatures. At the same injection current, the UV-Vis EL from the MOS device with the 550 °C-annealed CeO 2 film is much stronger than that from the counterpart with the 450 °C-annealed CeO 2 film. This is due to that the 550 °C-annealed CeO 2 film contains more Ce 3+ ions and oxygen vacancies. It is tentatively proposed that the recombination of the electrons in multiple oxygen-vacancy–related energy levels with the holes in Ce 4f 1 energy band pertaining to Ce 3+ ions leads to the UV-Vis EL

Investigating the effect of Mn-doped CeO2 nanoparticles by co-precipitation method

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Prabaharan, D.D.M.; Sadaiyandi, K.; Mahendran, M.; Sagadevan, Suresh

2018-01-01

The paper exhibits a detailed study about the synthesis and characterization in analysis of structural, morphological, optical and electrical investigations of pure and Mn-doped Cerium oxide (CeO 2 ) nanoparticles which were synthesized by co-precipitation technique. Phase formation of the prepared sample was analyzed with powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) examines, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) examination. The PXRD comes about affirmed partial crystallinity having cubic phases and the crystallite sizes of the pure and Mn-doped Cerium oxide (CeO 2 ) were estimated by utilizing Debye-Scherrer's formula and they were calculated to be 12 and 14 nm individually. SEM pictures revealed that the particles were profoundly accumulated and were of permeable nature. The optical properties of pure and Mn-doped CeO 2 were ascertained by using UV-visible absorption spectrum. The estimated band gap values for the pure and the Mn-doped CeO 2 nanoparticles were observed to be 2.7 and 2.6 eV, respectively, utilizing UV-Vis spectroscopy. At different frequencies and temperatures the dielectric properties of the Mn-doped Cerium oxide (CeO 2 ) nanoparticles, for example, the dielectric consistent, the dielectric loss and the AC conductivity, were studied. (orig.)

Stock Market Reaction to CEO Appointment – Preliminary Results

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Katarzyna Byrka-Kita

2017-06-01

Full Text Available Purpose: The aim of this paper is to examine shareholders’ reaction to the decision of the supervisory board to appoint a CEO in companies listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange. Methodology: An event study and the mean-adjusted model were applied. The abnormal returns were measured as the CAAR in the entire (-60, + 60 window and selected sub-windows. Findings: The obtained values of abnormal returns indicate the shareholder’s negative reaction. Throughout the observation window, they oscillate slightly below zero, and in the window (0, +20 they are negative at -1.566%. Irrespective of the observation window, negative abnormal returns were obtained for over half of the observation (52–57%. Therefore, preliminary results indicate the predominance of the information effect over the real one. The decrease in market value as a result of the event may result from an increase in investors’ uncertainty as to the effects of changes in strategy and skills of the new CEO. Originality: The research is a unique one. To date, no one has carried out research into shareholders’ reaction to a CEO appointment in either the Polish or Central and Eastern European capital markets. They primarily bring the value of cognition of shareholders’ behaviour in the analysed event, which is reflected in share prices. They extend the literature on the signalization instruments, i.e. the activities that boards can undertake due to the new information transmitted to the capital market participants and stakeholders. The market reaction to a CEO appointment will without a doubt interest investors; the institutions responsible for supervision (which in the case of Poland is the Financial Oversight Commission and the legislator in charge of regulations that prevent insider trading while promoting corporate disclosure transparency.

Early markers of blood coagulation and fibrinolysis activation in Argentine hemorrhagic fever

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Heller, M. V.; Marta, R. F.; Sturk, A.; Maiztegui, J. I.; Hack, C. E.; Cate, J. W.; Molinas, F. C.

1995-01-01

Junin virus, an arenaviridae, is the etiological agent of Argentine hemorrhagic fever. In addition to thrombocytopenia, patients present several alterations in both the blood coagulation and the fibrinolytic system, but diffuse intravascular coagulation could not be demonstrated. To investigate

Sintering Studies of Ga-Doped CeO2 (Ga-Doped PuO2 Surrogate) for Mixed Oxide Nuclear Fuel

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Haertling, C.; Huling, J.; Park, Y.S.

1999-01-01

Sintering studies of CeO 2 and CeO 2 + 2 wt. % Ga 2 O 3 were completed. Firing temperatures studied were 1250-1650 C with 2 to 4 hour firing soak times in air. Powders fabricated by three methods (as-received, attrition-mill and nitrite-derived) were studied. Attrition-milled CeO 2 improved densities as compared with as-received CeO 2 . Attrition-milled CeO 2 with 2 wt.% Ga 2 O 3 showed decreased densities with increasing temperatures. As-received CeO 2 with 2 wt.% Ga 2 O 3 showed a opposite trend, increasing in density with increased firing temperature. Two pellet preparation methods were studied, a one-step-press method and a two-step-press method. The two-step-press method showed greater densities at lower firing temperatures and times as compared with the one-step-press method, however for CeO 2 + 2 wt.% Ga 2 O 3 , the two methods gave equivalent results at 1650 C, 6 hr. firing conditions

Share Price Reactions to CEO Resignations and Large Shareholder Monitoring in Listed French Companies

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Dherment-Ferere, I.; Renneboog, L.D.R.

2000-01-01

This study has analysed the share price reactions to changes in top management.A distinction was made among different types of CEO turnover: forced resignation, voluntary departures and age-related retirements.The announcement of a forced CEO resignation is hailed favourably by the market with a

Does a “Ceo Chairman” Guarantee Better Performance from a Firm?

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Srbek Pavel

2016-09-01

Full Text Available This paper provides a brief review of the state of knowledge in the field of agency theory. The managerial power approach assumes that a chief executive officer is able to affect the scale of his or her pay. However, Kaplan (2012 and others see a different picture of the corporate-governance landscape, hence they provide certain market-based explanations for high compensation. Our paper examines the relationship between a firm’s performance and the amount of managerial compensation, and the ability of a CEO to affect a board’s decision regarding his or her total compensation. The dataset consists of 75 companies traded in the capital market in the US. Our panel dataset covers a 10-year period from 2004 to 2013. We developed a single equation panel data model. The resulting parameter values provide a different picture of CEO power and the interconnection between a firm’s performance and CEO pay in both sectors.

Structural, morphological and optical properties of spray deposited Mn-doped CeO2 thin films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pavan Kumar, CH.S.S.; Pandeeswari, R.; Jeyaprakash, B.G.

2014-01-01

Highlights: • Spray deposited undoped and Mn-doped CeO 2 thin films were polycrystalline. • Complete changeover of surface morphology upon 4 wt% Mn doping. • 4 wt% Mn-doped CeO 2 thin film exhibited a hydrophobic nature. • Optical band-gap decreases beyond 2 wt% Mn doping. - Abstract: Cerium oxide and manganese (Mn) doped cerium oxide thin films on glass substrates were prepared by home built spray pyrolysis system. The effect of Mn doping on the structural, morphological and optical properties of CeO 2 films were studied. It was found that both the undoped and doped CeO 2 films were polycrystalline in nature but the preferential orientation and grain size changed upon doping. Atomic force micrograph showed a complete changeover of surface morphology from spherical to flake upon doping. A water contact angle result displayed the hydrophobic nature of the doped CeO 2 film. Optical properties indicated an increase in band-gap and a decrease in transmittance upon doping owing to Moss–Burstein effect and inverse Moss–Burstein effects. Other optical properties such as refractive index, extinction coefficient and dielectric constant as a function of doping were analysed and reported

CEO's empathy and salience of socioemotional wealth in family SMEs The moderating role of external directors

OpenAIRE

Goel, Sanjay; VOORDECKERS, Wim; VAN GILS, Anita; VAN DEN HEUVEL, Jeroen

2013-01-01

A focus on preserving socioemotional wealth may influence entrepreneurial activities in family firms. In this paper, we identify the emotion of empathy in the family CEO as an antecedent of socioemotional wealth creation. We argue that the presence of one or more external directors can have a direct as well as moderating influence on the relationship between CEO's empathy and the salience of socioemotional wealth to the family CEO. Our empirical tests confirm these hypotheses. Several areas o...

Interchange core/shell assembly of diluted magnetic semiconductor CeO2 and ferromagnetic ferrite Fe3O4 for microwave absorption

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jiaheng Wang

2017-05-01

Full Text Available Core/shell-structured CeO2/Fe3O4 and Fe3O4/CeO2 nanocapsules are prepared by interchange assembly of diluted magnetic semiconductor CeO2 and ferromagnetic ferrite Fe3O4 as the core and the shell, and vice versa, using a facile two-step polar solvothermal method in order to utilize the room-temperature ferromagnetism and abundant O-vacancies in CeO2, the large natural resonance in Fe3O4, and the O-vacancy-enhanced interfacial polarization between CeO2 and Fe3O4 for new generation microwave absorbers. Comparing to Fe3O4/CeO2 nanocapsules, the CeO2/Fe3O4 nanocapsules show an improved real permittivity of 3–10% and an enhanced dielectric resonance of 1.5 times at 15.3 GHz due to the increased O-vacancy concentration in the CeO2 cores of larger grains as well as the O-vacancy-induced enhancement in interfacial polarization between the CeO2 cores and the Fe3O4 shells, respectively. Both nanocapsules exhibit relatively high permeability in the low-frequency S and C microwave bands as a result of the bi-magnetic core/shell combination of CeO2 and Fe3O4. The CeO2/Fe3O4 nanocapsules effectively enhance permittivity and permeability in the high-frequency Ku band with interfacial polarization and natural resonance at ∼15 GHz, thereby improving absorption with a large reflection loss of -28.9 dB at 15.3 GHz. Experimental and theoretical comparisons with CeO2 and Fe3O4 nanoparticles are also made.

CEO Business Education and Firm Financial Performance: A Case for Humility Rather than Hubris

Science.gov (United States)

Lindorff, Margaret; Jonson, Elizabeth Prior

2013-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between CEO business education and firm financial performance. Design/methodology/approach: An analysis of the relationship between three-year and five-year shareholder return as measured by dividend and change in share price and CEO educational qualification was performed.…

Diversity begets diversity? The effects of board composition on the appointment and success of women CEOs.

Science.gov (United States)

Cook, Alison; Glass, Christy

2015-09-01

Previous research on the effects of leadership diversity on firm outcomes has produced inconsistent and inconclusive findings. While some scholars argue that diversity increases organizational equity and enhances performance, others argue that diversity increases conflict, reduces cooperation and harms performance. This study tests the impact of a variety of compositional factors on firm outcomes. Specifically, we analyze whether and how board composition affects the advancement and mobility of women CEOs and firm performance. Our analysis relies on a unique data set of all Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and Board of Directors (BODs) in Fortune 500 companies over a ten-year period. We find a marginally significant positive relationship between board diversity and the likelihood of a woman being appointed CEO. We further find that board diversity significantly and positively influences the post-promotion success of women CEOs. Our findings suggest that board composition is critical for the appointment and success of women CEOs, and increasing board diversity should be central to any organizational diversity efforts. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Colorado Basin Structure and Rifting, Argentine passive margin

Science.gov (United States)

Autin, Julia; Scheck-Wenderoth, Magdalena; Loegering, Markus; Anka, Zahie; Vallejo, Eduardo; Rodriguez, Jorge; Marchal, Denis; Reichert, Christian; di Primio, Rolando

2010-05-01

The Argentine margin presents a strong segmentation with considerable strike-slip movements along the fracture zones. We focus on the volcanic segment (between the Salado and Colorado transfer zones), which is characterized by seaward dipping reflectors (SDR) all along the ocean-continent transition [e.g. Franke et al., 2006; Gladczenko et al., 1997; Hinz et al., 1999]. The segment is structured by E-W trending basins, which differs from the South African margin basins and cannot be explained by classical models of rifting. Thus the study of the relationship between the basins and the Argentine margin itself will allow the understanding of their contemporary development. Moreover the comparison of the conjugate margins suggests a particular evolution of rifting and break-up. We firstly focus on the Colorado Basin, which is thought to be the conjugate of the well studied Orange Basin [Hirsch et al., 2009] at the South African margin [e.g. Franke et al., 2006]. This work presents results of a combined approach using seismic interpretation and structural, isostatic and thermal modelling highlighting the structure of the crust. The seismic interpretation shows two rift-related discordances: one intra syn-rift and the break-up unconformity. The overlying sediments of the sag phase are less deformed (no sedimentary wedges) and accumulated before the generation of oceanic crust. The axis of the Colorado Basin trends E-W in the western part, where the deepest pre-rift series are preserved. In contrast, the basin axis turns to a NW-SE direction in its eastern part, where mainly post-rift sediments accumulated. The most distal part reaches the margin slope and opens into the oceanic basin. The general basin direction is almost orthogonal to the present-day margin trend. The most frequent hypothesis explaining this geometry is that the Colorado Basin is an aborted rift resulting from a previous RRR triple junction [e.g. Franke et al., 2002]. The structural interpretation

Confined NaAlH4 nanoparticles inside CeO2 hollow nanotubes towards enhanced hydrogen storage.

Science.gov (United States)

Gao, Qili; Xia, Guanglin; Yu, Xuebin

2017-10-05

NaAlH 4 has been widely regarded as a potential hydrogen storage material due to its favorable thermodynamics and high energy density. The high activation energy barrier and high dehydrogenation temperature, however, significantly hinder its practical application. In this paper, CeO 2 hollow nanotubes (HNTs) prepared by a simple electrospinning technique are adopted as functional scaffolds to support NaAlH 4 nanoparticles (NPs) towards advanced hydrogen storage performance. The nanoconfined NaAlH 4 inside CeO 2 HNTs, synthesized via the infiltration of molten NaAlH 4 into the CeO 2 HNTs under high hydrogen pressure, exhibited significantly improved dehydrogenation properties compared with both bulk and ball-milled CeO 2 HNTs-catalyzed NaAlH 4 . The onset dehydrogenation temperature of the NaAlH 4 @CeO 2 composite was reduced to below 100 °C, with only one main dehydrogenation peak appearing at 130 °C, which is 120 °C and 50 °C lower than for its bulk counterpart and for the ball-milled CeO 2 HNTs-catalyzed NaAlH 4 , respectively. Moreover, ∼5.09 wt% hydrogen could be released within 30 min at 180 °C, while only 1.6 wt% hydrogen was desorbed from the ball-milled NaAlH 4 under the same conditions. This significant improvement is mainly attributed to the synergistic effects contributed by the CeO 2 HNTs, which could act as not only a structural scaffold to fabricate and confine the NaAlH 4 NPs, but also as an effective catalyst to enhance the hydrogen storage performance of NaAlH 4 .

Defect Study of MgO-CaO Material Doped with CeO2

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Han Zhang

2013-01-01

Full Text Available MgO-CaO refractories were prepared using analytical reagent chemicals of Ca(OH2 and Mg(OH2 as starting materials and CeO2 as dopant, then sintered at 1650°C for 3 h. The effect of CeO2 powders on the defect of MgO-CaO refractories was investigated. The sample characterizations were analyzed by the techniques of XRD and SEM. According to the results, with the addition of CeO2, the lattice constant of CaO increased, and the bulk density of the samples increased while apparent porosity decreased. The densification of MgO-CaO refractories was promoted obviously. In the sintering process, MgO grains grew faster than CaO, pores at the MgO-CaO grain boundaries decreased while pores in the MgO grains increased gradually, and no pores were observed in the CaO grains. The nature of the CeO2 promoting densification lies in the substitution and solution with CaO. Ce4+ approaches into CaO lattices, which enlarges the vacancy concentration of Ca2+ and accelerates the diffusion of Ca2+.

CEO must have authority to coordinate governance, management, medical staff.

Science.gov (United States)

Johnson, R L

1984-04-01

As hospitals attempt to survive in today's new competitive environment, they will find that the traditional organizational structure does not work. This structure can be characterized as a three-legged stool. Governance, management, and medical staff existed in relative harmony, with each able to attend to its own distinct, separate responsibilities. The medical staff regulated itself, the governing board had no serious difficulties in coping with the institution's finances, and the CEO was concerned solely with the physical plant and hospital personnel. In a riskless economic environment, this three-legged stool could remain stable. In the coming years,however, a hospital will need a clear-cut, identifiable leader if it is to survive. To centralize authority primarily in the CEO's hands will be a difficult step for nonprofit hospitals, particularly those sponsored by religious institutions, because of their tradition of operating much as a charitable social agency rather than a business. But this step must be taken, even to the extent of naming the CEO as chairman of the board, for a leader is required who has the authority to make quick decisions in the competitive marketplace. Timeliness is of strategic importance in such an environment, and governing boards increasingly will find it impossible to make timely decisions on a collective basis. Moreover, CEOs will have to coordinate the activities of management, medical staff, and the governing board. They will need to play a strong role in ensuring that target levels in DRG costs are met, and they will need the authority to mediate in issues in which the hospital's economic interests are pitted against physicians'.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effects of CeO2 nanoparticles on sludge aggregation and the role of extracellular polymeric substances – Explanation based on extended DLVO

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

You, Guoxiang; Hou, Jun; Wang, Peifang; Xu, Yi; Wang, Chao; Miao, Lingzhan; Lv, Bowen; Yang, Yangyang; Luo, Hao

2016-01-01

The extended DLVO (XDLVO) theory was applied to elucidate the potential effects of CeO 2 nanoparticles (CeO 2 NPs) on sludge aggregation and the role of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). In this study, seven different concentrations of CeO 2 NPs were added to activated sludge cultured in sequencing batch reactors (SBRs) and compared with a control test that received no CeO 2 NPs. After exposure to 50 mg/L CeO 2 NPs, a negligible change (p>0.1) occurred in the sludge volume index (SVI), whereas the flocculability and aggregation of the sludge decreased by 18.8% and 11.2%, respectively, resulting in a high effluent turbidity. The XDLVO theory demonstrated that the adverse effects of the CeO 2 NPs on sludge aggregation were due to an enhanced barrier energy. Compared to the van der Waals energies (W A ) and the electric double layer (W R ), the acid-base interaction (W AB ) markedly changed for the various concentrations of CeO 2 NPs. The EPS played a decisive role in the sludge surface characteristics, as the removal of EPS equals to the negative effects induced by 5–10 mg/L CeO 2 NPs on the sludge flocculability and aggregation. The presence of CeO 2 NPs induced negative contributions to the tight boundary EPS (TB-EPS) and core bacteria while positive contributions to the total interaction energy of the loose boundary EPS (LB-EPS). - Highlights: • CeO 2 NPs adversely affected the flocculability and aggregation of the sludge. • The presence of CeO 2 NPs increased the energy barrier and led to a stable suspension. • The removal of EPS equals to the negative effects induced by 5–10 mg/L CeO 2 NPs. • The acid-base interaction was dominate and markedly changed for the CeO 2 NPs. • CeO 2 NPs induced negative contributions to the TB-EPS while positive to the LB-EPS.

Differential use of the Argentine shelf by wintering adults and juveniles southern giant petrels, Macronectes giganteus, from Patagonia

Science.gov (United States)

Blanco, Gabriela S.; Quintana, Flavio

2014-08-01

To study habitat use and at-sea movements of southern giant petrels (SGP) during non-breeding period, we deployed 15 satellite transmitters (six adults, nine juveniles) at Isla Arce and Isla Gran Robredo colonies in Patagonia, Argentina. Birds were instrumented during 81.4 ± 37 days. Adult birds used 74% of the Argentine shelf concentrating mainly at the shelf break, middle shelf waters, and the surroundings of the colony. After fledging, juveniles spread to the Argentine, Uruguayan and Brazilian shelves within the South Atlantic. Adults alternated at-sea excursions (12 ± 5 days) with periods at the colony of 3 ± 0.3 days. Contrarily, juveniles moved first to the shelf break and then traveled northwards reaching the south of Brazil. There was some spatial overlap between age classes, but only during the first 30 days after juveniles had fledged; thereafter there was not overlap between the areas used by both age classes. The Argentine shelf is widely used by different species offering a suitable environment for foraging; this may be why adults SGP from Patagonian colonies spend all year-round within the Argentine shelf. The identification of used areas of non-breeding SGP fills a gap in the species knowledge contributing not only to the preservation the species, but also to the management of marine areas globally recognized as important for many other Procellariiformes.

A TIMELY APPOINTMENT – SAMA'S NEW CEO

African Journals Online (AJOL)

Nicky

Her middle name might mean 'the one who came before her time', but Dr. Aquina Motlakapele Thulare, 42, the new CEO of the South African Medical. Association, is determined to see doctors better paid and properly valued during her tenure. Ratified by the full board last month, her historic appointment follows the.

Bulk modulus of CeO2 and PrO2-An experimental and theoretical study

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gerward, L.; Staun Olsen, J.; Petit, L.; Vaitheeswaran, G.; Kanchana, V.; Svane, A.

2005-01-01

The high-pressure structural behaviour of CeO 2 and PrO 2 has been investigated by synchrotron X-ray diffraction at pressures up to 20 and 35 GPa, respectively. The experiments are accompanied by first principles calculations using the self-interaction corrected local spin density (SIC-LSD) approximation. The experimental values for the zero-pressure bulk modulus of CeO 2 and PrO 2 are 220(9) and 187(8) GPa, respectively. Our calculations reproduce the lattice constants with good accuracy, but find identical bulk modulii for CeO 2 (176.9 GPa) and PrO 2 (176.8 GPa)

Women CEOs and financial performance of banks: An empirical research of Indian private sector banks

OpenAIRE

Chandani, Arti; Mehta, Mita; Neeraja, B.

2014-01-01

A woman in the workplace is not a new phenomenon, a woman who is a member of the board could be called a moderate phenomenon but a woman who is the CEO is undoubtedly a recent phenomenon, at least in India. At present, the top private sector bank, i.e. ICICI bank, is headed by a woman, Ms. Chanda Kochhar. In addition, the Axis bank, the 3rd largest private sector bank in India is also headed by a woman CEO, Mrs. Shikha Sharma. This paper focuses on women CEOs in the private banking sector and...

Facile biological synthetic strategy to morphologically aligned CeO2/ZrO2 core nanoparticles using Justicia adhatoda extract and ionic liquid: Enhancement of its bio-medical properties.

Science.gov (United States)

Pandiyan, Nithya; Murugesan, Balaji; Sonamuthu, Jegatheeswaran; Samayanan, Selvam; Mahalingam, Sundrarajan

2018-01-01

In this study, a typical green synthesis route has approached for CeO 2 /ZrO 2 core metal oxide nanoparticles using ionic liquid mediated Justicia adhatoda extract. This synthesis method is carried out at simple room temperature condition to obtain the core metal oxide nanoparticles. XRD, SEM and TEM studies employed to study the crystalline and surface morphological properties under nucleation, growth, and aggregation processes. CeO 2 /ZrO 2 core metal oxides display agglomerated nano stick-like structure with 20-45nm size. GC-MS spectroscopy confirms the presence of vasicinone and N,N-Dimethylglycine present in the plant extract, which are capable of converting the corresponding metal ion precursor to CeO 2 /ZrO 2 core metal oxide nanoparticles. In FTIR, the corresponding stretching for Ce-O and Zr-O bands indicated at 498 and 416cm -1 and Raman spectroscopy also supports typical stretching frequencies at 463 and 160cm -1 . Band gap energy of the CeO 2 /ZrO 2 core metal oxide is 3.37eV calculated from UV- DRS spectroscopy. The anti-bacterial studies performed against a set of bacterial strains the result showed that core metal oxide nanoparticles more susceptible to gram-positive (G+) bacteria than gram-negative (G-) bacteria. A unique feature of the antioxidant behaviors core metal oxides reduces the concentration of DPPH radical up to 89%. The CeO 2 /ZrO 2 core metal oxide nanoparticles control the S. marcescent bio-film formation and restrict the quorum sensing. The toxicology behavior of CeO 2 /ZrO 2 core metal oxide NPs is found due to the high oxygen site vacancies, ROS formation, smallest particle size and higher surface area. This type of green synthesis route may efficient and the core metal oxide nanoparticles will possess a good bio-medical agent in future. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

When the border talks: Singularities of the Argentine-Chilean relationship in recent decades

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Miryam Colacrai

2016-07-01

Full Text Available The paper deals with bilateral relations between Argentina and Chile in recent decades, highlighting the potential of their new border relations. It assumes that the wide range of governmental actors, subnational and local entities linking each other have given this a unique dynamic border and are considered spaces of cooperation. The article is descriptive-reflective and is organized around a series of questions about the continued search for Argentine-Chilean border integration since the nineties and the construction of top-down and bottom-up institutional agreements. Within the variety of links, some remarkable examples are selected for the article like the "Integration Committees", the settlement of the Central West of South America Integration Zone (Zicosur and the Argentine-Chilean cooperation in Antarctica. It stresses the integrationist Maipú Treaty (2009 and institutions that charge different instances of bilateral dialogue.

The role of facial appearance on CEO selection after firm misconduct.

Science.gov (United States)

Gomulya, David; Wong, Elaine M; Ormiston, Margaret E; Boeker, Warren

2017-04-01

[Correction Notice: An Erratum for this article was reported in Vol 102(4) of Journal of Applied Psychology (see record 2017-10684-001). The wrong figure files were used. All versions of this article have been corrected.] We investigate a particular aspect of CEO successor trustworthiness that may be critically important after a firm has engaged in financial misconduct. Specifically, drawing on prior research that suggests that facial appearance is one critical way in which trustworthiness is signaled, we argue that leaders who convey integrity, a component of trustworthiness, will be more likely to be selected as successors after financial restatement. We predict that such appointments garner more positive reactions by external observers such as investment analysts and the media because these CEOs are perceived as having greater integrity. In an archival study of firms that have announced financial restatements, we find support for our predictions. These findings have implications for research on CEO succession, leadership selection, facial appearance, and firm misconduct. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved).

Consensus on the leadership of hospital CEOs and its impact on the participation of physicians in improvement projects.

Science.gov (United States)

Dückers, Michel L A; Stegeman, Inge; Spreeuwenberg, Peter; Wagner, Cordula; Sanders, Karin; Groenewegen, Peter P

2009-08-01

The success of a Dutch program to disseminate quality improvement projects depends on the participation of physicians working in program hospitals. The leadership of hospital executives (CEOs) is considered an important explanation. This study aims to determine whether the relation, between the extent to which physicians notice their CEOs stimulate improvement initiatives and the number of projects joined by physicians, is moderated by the consensus among physicians working in the same hospital. Multilevel analyses are applied on data of 286 physicians from eight hospitals to: (1) estimate whether participation depends on noticing if CEOs stimulate improvement, (2) test if an individual's participation differs when more colleagues have the same opinion (effect modification). Significant moderator effects are found. The participation of physicians, noticing that CEOs stimulate improvement is higher when more colleagues share this opinion. For physicians not knowing whether improvement is encouraged, higher consensus coincides with lower participation. Project involvement of physicians depends on their consensus about encouragement by CEOs. This confirms the importance of strategic leaders in dissemination programs. Further research is recommended into causes of CEO leadership visibility and methods to strengthen leadership climate.

A Facile Method for Loading CeO2 Nanoparticles on Anodic TiO2 Nanotube Arrays.

Science.gov (United States)

Liao, Yulong; Yuan, Botao; Zhang, Dainan; Wang, Xiaoyi; Li, Yuanxun; Wen, Qiye; Zhang, Huaiwu; Zhong, Zhiyong

2018-04-03

In this paper, a facile method was proposed to load CeO 2 nanoparticles (NPs) on anodic TiO 2 nanotube (NT) arrays, which leads to a formation of CeO 2 /TiO 2 heterojunctions. Highly ordered anatase phase TiO 2 NT arrays were fabricated by using anodic oxidation method, then these individual TiO 2 NTs were used as tiny "nano-containers" to load a small amount of Ce(NO 3 ) 3 solutions. The loaded anodic TiO 2 NTs were baked and heated to a high temperature of 450 °C, under which the Ce(NO 3 ) 3 would be thermally decomposed inside those nano-containers. After the thermal decomposition of Ce(NO 3 ) 3 , cubic crystal CeO 2 NPs were obtained and successfully loaded into the anodic TiO 2 NT arrays. The prepared CeO 2 /TiO 2 heterojunction structures were characterized by a variety of analytical technologies, including XRD, SEM, and Raman spectra. This study provides a facile approach to prepare CeO 2 /TiO 2 films, which could be very useful for environmental and energy-related areas.

The translocation and distribution of CeO2 nanoparticles in plants (Soybeans, Chili, Eggplant and Tomato)

Science.gov (United States)

Li, Teng; Dai, Yanhui

2018-02-01

Intensive production of CeO2 nanoparticles (NPs) would lead to their release into the environment. While their use in commercial goods is constantly increasing, location of NPs in plant is still poorly documented. In this study we determined the translocation of CeO2-NPs in four plants (Soybeans, Tomato, Chili and Eggplant) grown in natural conditions. The plants were digged out 1/4 roots into 2000 mg/L CeO2-NPs solution during the blossoming period. After being exposed for one month, the contents of Ce in plant tissues were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). There was more Ce in the leaf of treated plants than in control plants. The contents of Ce in leaf tissues was different. This research offers vital information about the translocation and distribution of CeO2-NPs in higher plants.

Study of effect of co-doping on CIE coordinates of strontium cerium oxide phosphor (Sr_2CeO_4)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zambare, Pradip Z.; Ahirrao, P.B.; Chaudhari, D.B.; Zambare, A.P.; Mahajan, O.H.

2016-01-01

The phosphors Sr_2CeO_4 doped europium and gadolinium were synthesized by modified solid state diffusion method. From emission spectra, the CIE coordinates (x, y) of x% Eu"3"+ and 0.5 %Gd"3"+ doped Sr_2CeO_4 phosphors was calculated. In present paper, we investigate luminescence properties and colorimetric study of Sr_2CeO_4 doped 0.5% Gd"3"+, x% Eu"3"+. The phosphors Sr_2CeO_4 doped europium and gadolinium were successfully synthesized by modified solid state diffusion method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) profile confirms the orthorhombic nature of Eu"3"+ and 0.5% Gd"3"+ doped Sr_2CeO_4 phosphors. In addition, scanning electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier-Transformation IR spectroscopy (FTIR), was also used to study the synthesized phosphors

The CEOS Atmospheric Composition Constellation: Enhancing the Value of Space-Based Observations

Science.gov (United States)

Eckman, Richard; Zehner, Claus; Al-Saadi, Jay

2015-01-01

The Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) coordinates civil space-borne observations of the Earth. Participating agencies strive to enhance international coordination and data exchange and to optimize societal benefit. In recent years, CEOS has collaborated closely with the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) in implementing the Global Earth Observing System of Systems (GEOSS) space-based objectives. The goal of the CEOS Atmospheric Composition Constellation (ACC) is to collect and deliver data to improve monitoring, assessment and predictive capabilities for changes in the ozone layer, air quality and climate forcing associated with changes in the environment through coordination of existing and future international space assets. A project to coordinate and enhance the science value of a future constellation of geostationary sensors measuring parameters relevant to air quality supports the forthcoming European Sentinel-4, Korean GEMS, and US TEMPO missions. Recommendations have been developed for harmonization to mutually improve data quality and facilitate widespread use of the data products.

Magnetic ordered mesoporous Fe3O4/CeO2 composites with synergy of adsorption and Fenton catalysis

Science.gov (United States)

Li, Keyan; Zhao, Yongqin; Song, Chunshan; Guo, Xinwen

2017-12-01

Magnetic Fe3O4/CeO2 composites with highly ordered mesoporous structure and large surface area were synthesized by impregnation-calcination method, and the mesoporous CeO2 as support was synthesized via the hard template approach. The composition, morphology and physicochemical properties of the materials were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, Raman spectra and N2 adsorption/desorption analysis. The mesoporous Fe3O4/CeO2 composite played a dual-function role as both adsorbent and Fenton-like catalyst for removal of organic dye. The methylene blue (MB) removal efficiency of mesoporous Fe3O4/CeO2 was much higher than that of irregular porous Fe3O4/CeO2. The superior adsorption ability of mesoporous materials was attributed to the abundant oxygen vacancies on the surface of CeO2, high surface area and ordered mesoporous channels. The good oxidative degradation resulted from high Ce3+ content and the synergistic effect between Fe and Ce. The mesoporous Fe3O4/CeO2 composite presented low metal leaching (iron 0.22 mg L-1 and cerium 0.63 mg L-1), which could be ascribed to the strong metal-support interactions for dispersion and stabilization of Fe species. In addition, the composite can be easily separated from reaction solution with an external magnetic field due to its magnetic property, which is important to its practical applications.

The Haleakala Argentine ant project: a synthesis of past research and prospects for the future

Science.gov (United States)

Krushelnycky, Paul; Haines, William; Loope, Lloyd; Van Gelder, Ellen

2011-01-01

1. The Haleakala Argentine Ant Project is an ongoing effort to study the ecology of the invasive Argentine ant in the park, and if possible to develop a strategy to control this destructive species. 2. Past research has demonstrated that the Argentine ant causes very significant impacts on native arthropods where it invades, threatening a large portion of the park’s biodiversity in subalpine shrubland and alpine aeolian ecosystems. 3. Patterns of spread over the past 30+ years indicate that the invasion process is influenced to a substantial degree by abiotic factors such as elevation, rainfall and temperature, and that the ant has not reached its potential range. Predictions of total range in the park suggest that it has only invaded a small fraction of available suitable habitat, confirming that this species is one of most serious threats to the park’s natural resources. 4. Numerous experiments have been conducted since 1994 in an attempt to develop a method for eradicating the Argentine ant at Haleakala using pesticidal ant baits. Thirty baits have been screened for attractiveness to ants in the park, and ten of these were tested for effectiveness of control in field plots. While some of these baits have been very effective in reducing numbers of ants, none has been able to eliminate all nests in experimental plots. 5. Research into a secondary management goal of ant population containment was initiated in 1996. By treating only expanding margins of the park’s two ant populations with an ant pesticide, rates of outward spread were substantially reduced in some areas. While this strategy was implemented from 1997 to 2004, it was ultimately discontinued after 2004 because of the difficulty and insufficient effectiveness of the technique. 6. In order to achieve the types of results necessary for eradication, the project would probably need to explore the possibility of developing a specialized bait, rather than relying on a commercially produced bait. An

Sr(1.7)Zn(0.3)CeO4: Eu3+ novel red-emitting phosphors: synthesis and photoluminescence properties.

Science.gov (United States)

Li, Haifeng; Zhao, Ran; Jia, Yonglei; Sun, Wenzhi; Fu, Jipeng; Jiang, Lihong; Zhang, Su; Pang, Ran; Li, Chengyu

2014-03-12

A series of novel red-emitting Sr1.7Zn0.3CeO4:Eu(3+) phosphors were synthesized through conventional solid-state reactions. The powder X-ray diffraction patterns and Rietveld refinement verified the similar phase of Sr1.7Zn0.3CeO4:Eu(3+) to that of Sr2CeO4. The photoluminescence spectrum exhibits that peak located at 614 nm ((5)D0-(7)F2) dominates the emission of Sr1.7Zn0.3CeO4:Eu(3+) phosphors. Because there are two regions in the excitation spectrum originating from the overlap of the Ce(4+)-O(2-) and Eu(3+)-O(2-) charge-transfer state band from 200 to 440 nm, and from the intra-4f transitions at 395 and 467 nm, the Sr1.7Zn0.3CeO4:Eu(3+) phosphors can be well excited by the near-UV light. The investigation of the concentration quenching behavior, luminescence decay curves, and lifetime implies that the dominant mechanism type leading to concentration quenching is the energy transfer among the nearest neighbor or next nearest neighbor activators. The discussion about the dependence of photoluminescence spectra on temperature shows the better thermal quenching properties of Sr1.7Zn0.3CeO4:0.3Eu(3+) than that of Sr2CeO4:Eu(3+). The experimental data indicates that Sr1.7Zn0.3CeO4:Eu(3+) phosphors have the potential as red phosphors for white light-emitting diodes.

Radiological impact of the management of radioactive waste arising from the Argentine Nuclear Programme

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Migliori de Beninson, A.; Cancio, D.

1984-01-01

The Argentine nuclear programme, as it stands at present, provides for the construction of four nuclear power plants in addition to those of Atucha I and Embalse and for the establishment of such fuel cycle facilities as are required to supply all of these plants. This paper evaluates the radiological impact (collective dose commitment) expected from the management of the radioactive wastes arising in the facilities mentioned above throughout the useful life of the reactors. The maximum individual doses to be expected as a result of the planned high-level-waste repository are also estimated. The evaluations presented are partly specific to the sites under consideration, but they also include estimates of the total collective dose commitments resulting from the management of radioactive waste under the Argentine nuclear programme. (author)

How long a tenure is long enough: CEOs tenure and its impact on firm’s performance

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Naseem Ahamed

2015-07-01

Full Text Available In a typical corporate setting, a CEO is analogous to the captain of a ship with ultimate authority vested in him by the board of directors, which in turn is elected by the owners (shareholders of the firm (Fama, E. F., & Jensen, M. C. 1983. During the period he heads the firm, it is expected from him to take wise decisions which benefits the firm in long/short term and the stakeholders of the firm become well off. However, the length of the tenure varies to a great degree from firm to firm. This paper attempts to find out the impacts of these different tenures on the performance of the firm per se. In addition to that it tries to unearth any possible discernible pattern in the CEO tenure over the time. It also looks if the remuneration generally increases with the number of years spent in a firm or is it attached to performance and tenure is meaningless for remuneration. Do CEOs with long tenure try to tweak with the firm’s capex (expenditure policy, existing dividend policy etc. are few of the questions attempted to be addressed in here. A change in the previously mentioned characteristics of the firm, would lead to a radical transformation in the fundamental structure of the same. Hence, the article asks if CEOs turn the firm into a completely different entity from what they took over, when given long tenure. The study utilizes data from the Compustat/Execucomp database from a period ranging back to 1990 till date. However, it also analyses data before 1990, as it was found that CEOs held their positions for considerably longer tenure before the introduction of SOX in 2002. That analysis gives a first-hand experience of the changes experienced by the firms in the event of CEO change. The findings indicate, that the CEOs take some time to settle themselves in and subsequently increase their bargaining power with the board. Subsequent to which CEOs, who enjoy longer tenure tweaks with the firm’s existing policies and practices.

Inhibited growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa by dextran- and polyacrylic acid-coated ceria nanoparticles

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Wang Q

2013-08-01

Full Text Available Qi Wang,1 J Manuel Perez,2 Thomas J Webster1,3 1Bioengineering Program, College of Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA; 2Nanoscience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA; 3Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA Abstract: Ceria (CeO2 nanoparticles have been widely studied for numerous applications, but only a few recent studies have investigated their potential applications in medicine. Moreover, there have been almost no studies focusing on their possible antibacterial properties, despite the fact that such nanoparticles may reduce reactive oxygen species. In this study, we coated CeO2 nanoparticles with dextran or polyacrylic acid (PAA because of their enhanced biocompatibility properties, minimized toxicity, and reduced clearance by the immune system. For the first time, the coated CeO2 nanoparticles were tested in bacterial assays involving Pseudomonas aeruginosa, one of the most significant bacteria responsible for infecting numerous medical devices. The results showed that CeO2 nanoparticles with either coating significantly inhibited the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, by up to 55.14%, after 24 hours compared with controls (no particles. The inhibition of bacterial growth was concentration dependent. In summary, this study revealed, for the first time, that the characterized dextran- and PAA-coated CeO2 nanoparticles could be potential novel materials for numerous antibacterial applications. Keywords: antibacterial, biomedical applications

CEO Duality e performance. Il ruolo del controllo familiare in periodi di crisi

OpenAIRE

Tenuta, Paolo; Cambrea, Domenico Rocco; Iusi, Giorgio

2016-01-01

There are several studies in the literature which analyse the effect of CEO duality on corporate performance, reaching mixed conclusions. Using agency theory, stewardship theory and socio-emotional wealth theory perspectives, we examine the relationship between CEO duality and the performance of Italian publicly listed companies over the period 2003–2013. In addition, considering the presence of conflicting empirical evidence, which could lead to a positive effect rather than a negative one, ...

Fabrication of multianalyte CeO2 nanograin electrolyte–insulator–semiconductor biosensors by using CF4 plasma treatment

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Chyuan Haur Kao

2015-09-01

Full Text Available Multianalyte CeO2 biosensors have been demonstrated to detect pH, glucose, and urine concentrations. To enhance the multianalyte sensing capability of these biosensors, CF4 plasma treatment was applied to create nanograin structures on the CeO2 membrane surface and thereby increase the contact surface area. Multiple material analyses indicated that crystallization or grainization caused by the incorporation of flourine atoms during plasma treatment might be related to the formation of the nanograins. Because of the changes in surface morphology and crystalline structures, the multianalyte sensing performance was considerably enhanced. Multianalyte CeO2 nanograin electrolyte–insulator–semiconductor biosensors exhibit potential for use in future biomedical sensing device applications. Keywords: Multianalyte biosensor, CeO2 nanograin, EIS, CF4 plasma treatment, Membrane surface

Long-term aging of a CeO2 based nanocomposite used for wood protection

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Auffan, Melanie; Masion, Armand; Labille, Jerome; Diot, Marie-Ange; Liu, Wei; Olivi, Luca; Proux, Olivier; Ziarelli, Fabio; Chaurand, Perrine; Geantet, Christophe; Bottero, Jean-Yves; Rose, Jerome

2014-01-01

A multi-scale methodology was used to characterize the long-term behavior and chemical stability of a CeO 2 -based nanocomposite used as UV filter in wood stains. ATR-FTIR and 13 C NMR demonstrated that the citrate coated chelates with Ce(IV) through its central carboxyl- and its α-hydroxyl- groups at the surface of the unaged nanocomposite. After 42 days under artificial daylight, the citrate completely disappeared and small amount of degradation products remained attached to the surface even after 112 days. Moreover, the release/desorption of the citrate layer led to a surface reorganization of the nano-sized CeO 2 core observed by XANES (Ce L 3 -edge). Such a surface and structural transformation of the commercialized nanocomposite could have implications in term of fate, transport, and potential impacts towards the environment. - Highlights: • Organic coating of the nano-composite is degradated after 1.5 month. • Structural reorganization of the nano-sized CeO 2 core over aging. • Potential implications in term of exposure and impact towards biological organisms. - The long-term aging of a CeO 2 nanocomposite lead to surface chemistry and structural changes in aquatic environments

CEO and Businesses are Losing Trust: Comparison of EU, USA, Czech and Slovak Republic

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Denisa Kasl Kollmannová

2012-06-01

Full Text Available This article presents an in-depth study based on open-source data analysis (Edelman Trust Barometer and EuropeanCommunication Monitor concerning the general loss of trust, which both commercial companies, governments and,on a minor scale, also NGOs have been experiencing since the Global Financial Crisis in 2008. Trust is an essentialline of corporate communications, public relations and reputation management of companies and it is personalizedby the CEOs and top management. According to the data, the trust of CEOs saw the biggest decline in the U.S.while in Slovakia the trust is still quite high; on the contrary, in the E.U. in general, the level of trust of CEOs reacheda historical minimum of 30%. The overall shift from trusting the traditional authorities, such as government, CEOsand offi cial representatives to academics, stakeholders, employees and general “vox populi” can be seen globally.The aim of this article is to defi ne trust and the social and communications context of building trust as a key factorin a company´s reputation. Finally, clear managerial implications on reputation management focusing on Czech andSlovak CEOs and businesses will be given.

Antimicrobial potential of green synthesized CeO2 nanoparticles from Olea europaea leaf extract.

Science.gov (United States)

Maqbool, Qaisar; Nazar, Mudassar; Naz, Sania; Hussain, Talib; Jabeen, Nyla; Kausar, Rizwan; Anwaar, Sadaf; Abbas, Fazal; Jan, Tariq

This article reports the green fabrication of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO 2 NPs) using Olea europaea leaf extract and their applications as effective antimicrobial agents. O. europaea leaf extract functions as a chelating agent for reduction of cerium nitrate. The resulting CeO 2 NPs exhibit pure single-face cubic structure, which is examined by X-ray diffraction, with a uniform spherical shape and a mean size 24 nm observed through scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy confirms the characteristic absorption peak of CeO 2 NPs at 315 nm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy reflects stretching frequencies at 459 cm -1 , showing utilization of natural components for the production of NPs. Thermal gravimetric analysis predicts the successful capping of CeO 2 NPs by bioactive molecules present in the plant extract. The antimicrobial studies show significant zone of inhibition against bacterial and fungal strains. The higher activities shown by the green synthesized NPs than the plant extract lead to the conclusion that they can be effectively used in biomedical application. Furthermore, reduction of cerium salt by plant extract will reduce environmental impact over chemical synthesis.

Synergic effect of the TiO2-CeO2 nanoconjugate system on the band-gap for visible light photocatalysis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Contreras-García, M.E.; García-Benjume, M. Lorena; Macías-Andrés, Víctor I.; Barajas-Ledesma, E.; Medina-Flores, A.; Espitia-Cabrera, M.I.

2014-01-01

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Nanostructured TiO 2 -CeO 2 films are successfully synthesized by combining of sputtering and electrophoresis methods. • Synergic effect of CeO 2 on TiO 2 band gap was demonstrated, CeO 2 diminishes it from 3.125 to 2.74. • Morphologic characterization of the nanoconjugate TiO 2 -CeO 2 films by different microscopy techniques. - Abstract: The TiO 2 -CeO 2 photocatalytic system in films is proposed here, in order to obtain photocatalytic systems that can be excited by solar light. The films were obtained through the electrophoretic deposition (EPD) of TiO 2 -CeO 2 gel on sputtered Ti Corning glass substrates. The synergic effect of CeO 2 in TiO 2 films was analyzed as a function of the optical band gap reduction at different concentrations (1, 5, 10, and 15 mol%). The effect of two thermal treatments was also evaluated. The lowest band gap value was obtained for the sample with 5 mol% ceria that was thermally treated at 700 °C. The nanostructured films were characterized by Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high angle annular dark field (HAADF), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The nanocomposites were formed by TiO 2 and CeO 2 nanoparticles in the anatase and fluorite type phases, respectively

Ag nanocrystals anchored CeO2/graphene nanocomposite for enhanced supercapacitor applications

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Vanitha, M.; Keerthi; Cao, P.; Balasubramanian, N.

2015-01-01

Highlights: • Quasi spherical Ag and CeO 2 nanoparticles were decorated on rGO matrix. • The Ag/CeO 2 /rGO nanocomposite exhibits specific capacitance of 710 F g −1 . • Ag plays an imperative role in improving the electrochemical performance. - Abstract: A novel ternary Ag decorated CeO 2 /reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposite was synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as surface directing agent and was designed as an electrode material for supercapacitors application. The structure and morphology of the nanocomposites were analyzed by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The synergistic effect between the CeO 2 nanoparticles wrapped rGO matrix with Ag nanoparticles gives rise to a nanostructure, empowering the material with enhanced electrochemical performance. The electrochemical characterization was performed using cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge/discharge and electrochemical impedance spectroscopic studies in 3 M KOH aqueous electrolyte. The nanocomposite electrode materials possess a high specific capacitance of 710.42 F g −1 at an applied current density of 0.2 A g −1 , which was nearly two fold higher than CeO 2 /rGO nanocomposite. This work endows a new route for building Ag/CeO 2 /rGO ternary nanocomposite which will have some impact on the exploitation of novel ternary electrode materials for supercapacitor applications

Laser clad Ni-base alloy added nano- and micron-size CeO 2 composites

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Shi Hong; Li, Ming Xi; Cho, Tong Yul; Yoon, Jae Hong; Lee, Chan Gyu; He, Yi Zhu

2008-07-01

Micron-size Ni-base alloy (NBA) powders are mixed with both 1.5 wt% (%) micron-CeO 2 (m-CeO 2) and also 1.0-3.0% nano-CeO 2 (n-CeO 2) powders. These mixtures are coated on low carbon steel (Q235) by 2.0 kW CO 2 laser cladding. The effects on microstructures, microhardness and wear resistance of the coating by the addition of m- and n-CeO 2 powders to NBA (m- and n-CeO 2/NBA) have been investigated. Addition to the primary phases of γ-Ni, Cr 23C 6 and Ni 3B of NBA coating, CeNi 3 shows up both in m- and n-CeO 2/NBA coatings and CeNi 5 appears only in n-CeO 2/NBA coating. Directional dendrite and coarse equiaxed dendrite are grown in m-CeO 2/NBA coating from interface to central zone, whereas multi-oriented dendrite and fine equiaxed dendrite growth by addition of n-CeO 2. The microhardness and wear resistance of coatings are greatly improved by CeO 2 powder addition, and compared to the addition of 1.0% and 3.0%, 1.5% n-CeO 2/NBA is the best. Hardness and wear resistance of the coating improves with decreasing CeO 2 size from micron to nano.

Structure and properties of PbO2-CeO2 anodes on stainless steel

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Song, Yuehai; Wei, Gang; Xiong, Rongchun

2007-01-01

The lack of ideal anodes with excellent activity and stability is one of the critical problems in electrochemical oxidation for organic wastewater treatment. It is reported in this paper that the PbO 2 -CeO 2 films electrodeposited on stainless steel were used as catalytic electrodes for treating antibiotic wastewater. The PbO 2 -CeO 2 films on stainless steel were proved to be high stability, good activity and relatively low cost. Because of these properties, the films are more attractive than any other electrocatalytic materials among conventional dimensionally stable anodes (DSA). Experimental results showed that the PbO 2 -CeO 2 electrode has a service life of 1100 h in 3 M H 2 SO 4 solution under a current density of 1 A cm -2 at 35 o C, compared with 300 h for PbO 2 under the same conditions. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and SEM images indicated that the PbO 2 -CeO 2 films on stainless steel have a dense structure and the preferred crystalline orientation on the substrate surface was changed. Color and chemical oxygen demand (COD) of antibiotics wastewater were studied by electrolysis by using these electrodes as anode and stainless steel as cathode. The results indicated that the anodes have excellent activity in antibiotic wastewater treatment. The PbO 2 -CeO 2 electrodes have high chemical stability which contributed by the superstable nature of the electrode, dense microstructure, good conductivity and the improvement of bonding with the stainless steel during electrodeposition

Effect of CeO2 addition on electrical and optical properties of lithium borate glasses

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gedam, R.S.; Ramteke, D.D.

2011-01-01

Rare earth (RE) ions play an important role in modern technology as an active ion in many optical materials. RE-doped glasses were used in many optical devices because of abundant number of the absorption and emission bands arising from the transitions between the RE elements energy levels. Among all rare earth, glasses containing CeO 2 are extensively studied for scintillating applications. Radiation length of CeO 2 containing lithium silicate glasses decreases and absorption edge in transmittance shift towards longer wavelength. In the present study an attempt has been made to verify similar results in borate containing glasses. Therefore glass series 15Li 2 O-xCeO 2 -(85''x)B 2 O 3 where x= 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1 mol% was prepared by conventional melt quench technique. Their electrical and optical properties have been investigated. It is observed that the conductivity of these glasses decreases while density, glass transition temperature and refractive index increases with the addition of CeO 2 . The conductivity of the glasses is mostly controlled by the activation energy. Since the lithium fraction in the present series is kept constant, the decrease in conductivity for glasses may be attributed to the reduction in the number of available vacant sites for the mobile lithium ions when boron is substituted with CeO 2 . The radiation length was determined using density values and it was found to decrease with the addition of CeO 2 . The absorption coefficient a were determined near the absorption edge of different photon energy for all glass samples and plot of (αhν) 1/2 Vs. hν (Tauc's plot) is shown. It is observed that the optical band gap energy (E g Opt ) decreases with the addition of CeO 2

Why are so few females promoted into CEO and vice-president positions?

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Smith, Nina; Smith, Valdemar; Verner, Mette

In most OECD countries, only very few women succeed in reaching top executive positions. In this paper, the probability of promotion into VP and CEO positions is estimated based on employer-employee data on all Danish companies observed during the period 1997-2007. After controlling for a large...... number of family-related variables, including take-up history of maternity and paternity leave and proxies for 'female-friendly' companies, there is still a considerable gap in the promotion probabilities for CEO positions, but not for VP positions. Thus, the results cannot confirm recent theories...

Physical properties of nanostructured CeO2 thin films grown by SILAR method

Science.gov (United States)

Khan, Ishaque Ahmed; Belkhedkar, M. R.; Salodkar, R. V.; Ubale, A. U.

2018-05-01

Nanostructured CeO2 thin films have been deposited by Successive Ionic Layer Adsorption and Reaction (SILAR) method onto glass substrate using (CeNO3)3 6H2O and NaOH as cationic and anionic precursors respectively. The structural and morphological characterizations were carried out by means of X-ray diffraction, FTIR, FESEM and EDX studies. The highly resistive (1010 Ω cm) semiconducting CeO2 film exhibits 2.95 eV optical band gap.

Argentine Radiation Protection Society Experience in RP education and training

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bomben, A. M.; Ciallella, N. R.; Thomasz, E.; Rudelli, M.; Gisone, P.; Ventura, M.; Gomez Parada, I.; Signoretta, C.

2003-01-01

Since its creation in 1967, the Argentine Radiation Protection Society (SAR) promotes all the radiation protection and nuclear safety aspects not only within the scientific, technical and academic areas, but also to general public. To fulfill this objective, SAR organised training and refresher courses, seminars and workshops on RP subjects. During 2002, SAR organised 7 basic and specialized courses regarding the uses of radioactive materials in industrial applications and the course on medical response in radiological accidents, that was attended by Argentine and other Latin American participants. The programmes of the courses are developed in compliance with the legal requirements and also considering specifics needs. In this paper, the characteristics of the courses are enunciated and basic statistics regarding courses and participants are presented. For the 2003 and 2004, SAR foresees the organisation of 18 courses per year and has the capacity to deliver other courses by request. all the courses are delivered in Spanish language. Based on this educational experience SAR consider a priority the inclusion, of a RP module in all the scientific graduate programmes to generate awareness on the importance of RP. Taking into account the migration of professionals to Europe and North America and the Globalization, SAR advocates the harmonization of RP syllabus to attain an international recognition. (Author)

Conflits et coopérations en territoire montagnard Mapuche (Argentine

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Renaud Miniconi

2010-03-01

Full Text Available La question des autochtones est devenue, durant les deux dernières décennies, une préoccupation majeure dans différents pays du monde, comme en Argentine où environ 600 000 individus se reconnaissent comme tels, soit 1,5 % de sa population totale. Toutefois, ces populations sont encore trop souvent marginalisées à l’échelle de certaines régions, comme c’est le cas pour les Mapuche du Parc National Nahuel Huapi, situé dans les provinces du Rio Negro et de Neuquén. Si les textes internationaux et parfois nationaux réhabilitent certains droits humains essentiels de ces populations, les réalités locales sont plus contrastées, du fait d’intérêts souvent divergents des acteurs régionaux. Dans le contexte particulier d’une Argentine marquée par des difficultés d’accès à la propriété foncière pour une large part de la population, les parcs nationaux se révèlent être des outils pertinents, pour les populations autochtones, de recouvrement de leurs terres ancestrales, grâce en particulier aux processus de co-gestion participative mise en place sur ces territoires.

Formic Acid Modified Co3O4-CeO2 Catalysts for CO Oxidation

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Ruishu Shang

2016-03-01

Full Text Available A formic acid modified catalyst, Co3O4-CeO2, was prepared via facile urea-hydrothermal method and applied in CO oxidation. The Co3O4-CeO2-0.5 catalyst, treated by formic acid at 0.5 mol/L, performed better in CO oxidation with T50 obtained at 69.5 °C and T100 obtained at 150 °C, respectively. The characterization results indicate that after treating with formic acid, there is a more porous structure within the Co3O4-CeO2 catalyst; meanwhile, despite of the slightly decreased content of Co, there are more adsorption sites exposed by acid treatment, as suggested by CO-TPD and H2-TPD, which explains the improvement of catalytic performance.

Independent versus non-independent outside directors in European companies: Who has a say on CEO compensation?

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Pablo de Andrés

2017-04-01

Full Text Available Our study reveals how two separate dimensions of board composition—the proportion of independent directors and of non-independent directors—influence CEO compensation in Western European firms. Controlling for the simultaneous determination of CEO pay structure and board design, we find that firms with a higher proportion of non-independent outsiders on their boards pay less direct compensation (salary + bonus and less equity-linked compensation to their CEOs. By contrast, CEOs working for firms with more independent boards receive more equity based-pay. When we control for the fact that equity linked is not granted systematically in Europe we find that firms with more independent directors on the board tend to grant equity-linked compensation more often than firms with more non independent outside directors. Our results challenge the commonly accepted view of independent directors as safeguards of shareholder value, uncovering the relevance of non-independent outsiders for pay moderation and incentives.

The relationship between South African CEO compensation and ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

This exploratory study is based on a statistical data analysis to determine whether a long-term correlation is present between South African CEO compensation and company performance in the banking sector. The detailed analysis, using a seven-year time period, is performed at individual company level as well as at ...

Pheromone disruption of Argentine ant trail integrity

Science.gov (United States)

Suckling, D.M.; Peck, R.W.; Manning, L.M.; Stringer, L.D.; Cappadonna, J.; El-Sayed, A. M.

2008-01-01

Disruption of Argentine ant trail following and reduced ability to forage (measured by bait location success) was achieved after presentation of an oversupply of trail pheromone, (Z)-9-hexadecenal. Experiments tested single pheromone point sources and dispersion of a formulation in small field plots. Ant walking behavior was recorded and digitized by using video tracking, before and after presentation of trail pheromone. Ants showed changes in three parameters within seconds of treatment: (1) Ants on trails normally showed a unimodal frequency distribution of walking track angles, but this pattern disappeared after presentation of the trail pheromone; (2) ants showed initial high trail integrity on a range of untreated substrates from painted walls to wooden or concrete floors, but this was significantly reduced following presentation of a point source of pheromone; (3) the number of ants in the pheromone-treated area increased over time, as recruitment apparently exceeded departures. To test trail disruption in small outdoor plots, the trail pheromone was formulated with carnuba wax-coated quartz laboratory sand (1 g quartz sand/0.2 g wax/1 mg pheromone). The pheromone formulation, with a half-life of 30 h, was applied by rotary spreader at four rates (0, 2.5, 7.5, and 25 mg pheromone/m2) to 1- and 4-m2 plots in Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii. Ant counts at bait cards in treated plots were significantly reduced compared to controls on the day of treatment, and there was a significant reduction in ant foraging for 2 days. These results show that trail pheromone disruption of Argentine ants is possible, but a much more durable formulation is needed before nest-level impacts can be expected. ?? 2008 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.

Environmentally friendly synthesis of CeO2 nanoparticles for the catalytic oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde and selective detection of nitrite.

Science.gov (United States)

Tamizhdurai, P; Sakthinathan, Subramanian; Chen, Shen-Ming; Shanthi, K; Sivasanker, S; Sangeetha, P

2017-04-13

Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO 2 NPs) are favorable in nanotechnology based on some remarkable properties. In this study, the crystalline CeO 2 NPs are successfully prepared by an efficient microwave combustion (MCM) and conventional route sol-gel (CRSGM) methods. The structural morphology of the as-prepared CeO 2 NPs was investigated by various spectroscopic and analytical techniques. Moreover, the XRD pattern confirmed the formation of CeO 2 NPs as a face centered cubic structure. The magnetometer studies indicated the low saturation magnetization (23.96 emu/g) of CeO 2 NPs for weak paramagnetic and high saturation magnetization (32.13 emu/g) of CeO 2 NPs for super paramagnetic. After that, the oxidation effect of benzyl alcohol was investigated which reveals good conversion and selectivity. Besides, the CeO 2 NPs modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) used for the detection of nitrite with linear concentration range (0.02-1200 μM), low limit of detection (0.21 μM) and higher sensitivity (1.7238 μAμM -1 cm -2 ). However, the CeO 2 NPs modified electrode has the fast response, high sensitivity and good selectivity. In addition, the fabricated electrode is applied for the determination of nitrite in various water samples. Eventually, the CeO 2 NPs can be regarded as an effective way to enhance the catalytic activity towards the benzyl alcohol and nitrite.

TEM investigation of irradiation damage in single crystal CeO2

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ye Bei; Kirk, Mark A.; Chen, Weiying; Oaks, Aaron; Rest, Jeffery; Yacout, Abdellatif; Stubbins, James F.

2011-01-01

In order to understand the evolution of radiation damage in oxide nuclear fuel, 150-1000 keV Kr ions were implanted into single crystal CeO 2 , as a simulation of fluorite ceramic UO 2 , while in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations were carried out. Two characteristic defect structures were investigated: dislocation/dislocation loops and nano-size gas bubbles. The growth behavior of defect clusters induced by 1 MeV Kr ions up to doses of 5 x 10 15 ions/cm 2 were followed at 600 deg. C and 800 deg. C. TEM micrographs clearly show the development of defect structures: nucleation of dislocation loops, transformation to extended dislocation lines, and the formation of tangled dislocation networks. The difference in dislocation growth rates at 600 deg. C and 800 deg. C revealed the important role which Ce-vacancies play in the loop formation process. Bubble formation, studied through 150 keV Kr implantations at room temperature and 600 deg. C, might be influenced by either the mobility of metal-vacancies correlated with at threshold temperature or the limitation of gas solubility as a function of temperature.

Nuclear trade: An approach to the Argentine situation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Antoniotti, A.A.; Paez, M.R.

2006-01-01

Under the Argentine nuclear trade regime, from the early stages of nuclear development an actual and strict monopoly governed the transfer of nuclear materials. That meant that the Federal State took the control as user, producer, purchaser or seller. This policy was inspired and clearly echoed by similar ones developed by other countries with important development in the nuclear field. This paper discusses the types of contract on nuclear commerce, the relation with costs incurred by the nuclear industry, ways in which the Federal State intervenes in nuclear commerce, and comparative policies in other fields or products in Argentina. (author)

Diesel/biodiesel soot oxidation with ceo2 and ceo2-zro2-modified cordierites: a facile way of accounting for their catalytic ability in fuel combustion processes

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Rodrigo F. Silva

2011-01-01

Full Text Available CeO2 and mixed CeO2-ZrO2 nanopowders were synthesized and efficiently deposited onto cordierite substrates, with the evaluation of their morphologic and structural properties through XRD, SEM, and FTIR. The modified substrates were employed as outer heterogeneous catalysts for reducing the soot originated from the diesel and diesel/biodiesel blends incomplete combustion. Their activity was evaluated in a diesel stationary motor, and a comparative analysis of the soot emission was carried out through diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The analyses have shown that the catalyst-impregnated cordierite samples are very efficient for soot oxidation, being capable of reducing the soot emission in more than 60%.

A novel high-performance supercapacitor based on high-quality CeO2/nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite

Science.gov (United States)

Heydari, Hamid; Gholivand, Mohammad Bagher

2017-03-01

In this work, we have developed a novel nanocomposite via deposition of ceria (CeO2) on nitrogen-doped reduced graphene (CeO2/NRGO). NRGO was synthesized through a facile, safe, and scalable method to achieve simultaneous thermal reduction along with nitrogen doping of graphene oxide (GO) in air at much lower reaction temperature. CeO2/NRGO was prepared via a sonochemical method in which ceria nanoparticles were uniformly distributed on NRGO sheets. The structure and morphology of CeO2/NRGO nanocomposites were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), and Raman spectroscopy. Electrochemical properties of the proposed nanocomposite electrodes were investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge/discharge, continuous cyclic voltammetry (CCV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements. CeO2-NRGO nanocomposite electrodes showed excellent supercapacitive behavior, including much higher specific capacitance (230 F g-1 at 2 mV s-1) and higher rate capability compared to pure N-graphene. The cycling stability of the electrodes was measured by continues cyclic voltammetry (CCV) technique. The CCV showed that the specific capacitance of the CeO2/NRGO and NRGO nanocomposite maintained at 94.1 and 93.2% after 4000 cycles. The results suggest its promising potential as efficient electrode material for supercapacitors.

Radiation technology for sewage sludge treatment: The Argentine project

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Graino, J.G.

2001-01-01

Within the environmental applications of ionizing radiation, disinfection of wastewaters or sewage sludges is one of the most best known. Argentina based the project of a full scale irradiation plant on the gamma irradiation application, utilizing Argentine made Cobalt-60 sources. The design characteristics, process descriptions and costs are included. The research project developed information about the irradiation effects on the sludges with respect to plant performance. For the purpose of oxi-irradiation experiments, a lab-scale pool irradiator was constructed and is described. (author)

Nuclear relevant installations licensing methodology in the Argentine Republic

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Paganini, C.E.

1986-01-01

A review of the requeriments of the Nuclear Installations Advisory Committee on Licensing (CALIN) from the nuclear security point of view, is presented. The methodology applied by the CALIN for the licensing in the Argentine Republic is included as well as codes, standards of applications and the interaction between the licensing Authority and the Responsible Entity during the whole process. Finally, the Atucha II nuclear power plant's licensing, in construction at present, is explained and the standard, of the licensing schedule, is presented graphically. (author) [es

Huellas del patrimonio cultural italiano en las letras argentinas / Traces of Italian cultural heritage in Argentine literature

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Daniel Alejandro Capano

2014-12-01

This research seeks to release the cultural traces (linguistic, literary, folk left by the intense Italian immigration flow to the country in contemporary Argentine writers such as Raschella, Gambaro and Barrella. The theoretical framework includes re-examination of concepts like “memory”, “culture”, “multiculturalism”, “exile”, “identity”, “sense of belonging”, and the incorporation of the meme notion, before properly tackling the texts of the aforementioned authors. Such semiotic bunches will eventually confirm hypotheses and lead to the conclusions. The corpus will account for a testimonial literature which shows the active status of a cultural stratum fed by the epic lived by the Italian immigrants in Argentine.

Le système d’information sur la biodiversité de l’administration des parcs nationaux argentins

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Leonidas Lizarraga

2014-06-01

Full Text Available Introduction Le système d’information sur la biodiversité (SIB, Sistema de Información de Biodiversidad de l’administration des parcs nationaux argentins (APN, Administración de Parques Nacionales a été lancé en 2002, avec le soutien du Global Environment Fund (GEF dans le cadre du Projet de préservation de la biodiversité mené par l’État argentin. Le dispositif, abrégé en SIB-APN, est composé d’un ensemble de bases de données thématiques et d’un système d’information géographique : son ob...

The Lived Experiences of Asian Americans Who Became Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of California Community Colleges

Science.gov (United States)

Ramones, Eric

2017-01-01

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of Asian Americans who became chief executive officers (CEOs) of a California Community College District. This study discussed the experiences, the influence of Asian culture, the perception of Asian Americans, and the challenges encountered by Asian American CEOs. To…

Improving the Efficiency of DASC by Adding CeO2/CuO Hybrid Nanoparticles in Water

Science.gov (United States)

Midhun Mohan, V.; Sajeeb, A. M.

Solar energy is the abundantly available source of renewable energy with least impact on environment. Direct absorption solar collector (DASC) is the commonly used device to absorb heat directly from sun and make use of it for different heating applications. In the past, many experiments have been done to increase the efficiency of DASC using nanofluids. In this paper, an examination of solar collector efficiency for hybrid CeO2/CuO-water (0.1% by volume) nanofluid under various flow rates and proportions of CeO2/CuO nanoparticles is investigated. The experiments were conducted at flow rates spanning from 20cc/min to 100cc/min and with CeO2/CuO nanoparticles proportions of 1:0, 1:0.5, 1:1, 0.5:1 and 0:1. The efficiency increases from 16.5% to 51.6% when the flow rate is increased from 20cc/min to 100cc/min for hybrid CeO2/CuO (1:1)-water nanofluid. The results also showed an increase in efficiency of 13.8%, 18.1%, 24.3%, 24.9% and 26.1% with hybrid combination of CeO2/CuO at ratios 1:0, 1:0.5, 1:1, 0.5:1 and 0:1, respectively, in comparison with water at a flow rate of 100cc/min.

High-resolution stable isotope stratigraphy of the upper Cambrian and Ordovician in the Argentine Precordillera

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Sial, A.N.; Peralta, S.; Gaucher, C.

2013-01-01

We report the occurrence of important carbon isotope excursions in early Paleozoic formations of the Eastern and Central Argentine Precordillera. The Steptoean positive isotope carbon excursion (SPICE) is known from North America, Kazakhstan, South China, Australia and South America, and the nega......We report the occurrence of important carbon isotope excursions in early Paleozoic formations of the Eastern and Central Argentine Precordillera. The Steptoean positive isotope carbon excursion (SPICE) is known from North America, Kazakhstan, South China, Australia and South America......, and the negative isotope carbon excursion (SNICE) has been described for the first time in South America. We report here the record of the SPICE and SNICE in a single section in the Eastern Precordillera. In the Central Precordillera, a minor middle Darriwilian positive carbon isotope excursion (MDICE) and a late...

CeO2-stabilized tetragonal ZrO2 polycrystals (Ce-TZP ceramics)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Andrade Nono, M.C. de.

1990-12-01

This work presents the development and the characterization of CeO 2 -stabilized tetragonal ZrO 2 polycrystals (Ce-TZP ceramics), since it is considered candidate material for applications as structural high performance ceramics. Sintered ceramics were fabricated from mixtures of powders containing different CeO 2 content prepared by conventional and nonconventional techniques. These powders and their resultant sintered ceramics were specified by chemical and physical characterization, compactation state and mechanical properties. The chemical characteristics were determined by chemical analysis and the physical characteristics were evaluated by phase content, particle and agglomerate size and aspect, and powder porosity. (author)

Le tournesol en Argentine : situation et défis

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Devoto Rubén

2000-05-01

Full Text Available Quatrième culture nationale, le tournesol approche les 6 millions de tonnes de graines récoltées par an et fait de l’Argentine le premier producteur mondial. L’augmentation de sa production est accompagnée par un essor remarquable des activités de trituration, concentrées dans les sites portuaires d’exportation. Du coup, l’Argentine se hisse également au rang de premier exportateur mondial des produits dérivés : huile et tourteaux. À l’avenir, le tournesol devrait continuer à se développer. Son aptitude à supporter des sols et des climats frais et secs lui permet de s’étendre au-delà de la Pampa humide, jusqu’au sud-ouest de la province de Buenos Aires, sa zone de prédilection qu’il investit de plus en plus, au fur et à mesure de la poussée du soja dans les autres zones pampéennes. L’utilisation de graines hybrides, précoces et de meilleur rendement, pourrait être complétée par l’emploi de graines transgéniques. Mais son expansion potentielle n’interviendra qu’à la condition de relever certains défis : le développement de nouvelles variétés, l’obtention d’une meilleure qualité pour les produits dérivés et l’amélioration des moyens logistiques de commercialisation et d’exportation.

Characteristics of CEOs and corporate boards with women inside directors

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Deborah Dahlen Zelechowski

2006-07-01

Full Text Available Women corporate inside (executive directors constitute an elite minority of leaders of large corporations. This study examines the characteristics of CEOs and boards of Fortune 1000 firms that had women who held the dual leadership positions of corporate director and executive officer in 1998 in order to determine whether firms with women insiders had substantially different characteristics than firms without. We find that compared with firms without women inside directors, firms with women inside directors were characterized by CEOs with longer board tenure, more family ties, and fewer director interlocks, and by boards that were larger, with more insiders, and that utilize a management Chair of the board. Corporate governance implications are drawn for the presence of women at the top of the executive hierarchy.

A facile synthesis for cauliflower like CeO2 catalysts from Ce-BTC precursor and their catalytic performance for CO oxidation

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Xiaodong; Hou, Fulin; Yang, Yang; Wang, Yuxin; Liu, Ning; Chen, Dan; Yang, Yiqiong

2017-11-01

The paper presents a novel and facile method for preparing cauliflowerlike CeO2 through direct decomposition of cerium based metal-organic framework (MOF) Ce-BTC (BTC = 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid) straw in air. Several analytical tools such as Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric (TG), N2 adsorption-desorption, Temperature programmed reduction (TPR), Raman, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) and Photoluminescence (PL) have been used to characterize Ce-BTC and CeO2. The Ce-BTC calcined at 500 °C (CeO2-500) maintains the morphology of its template ;Ce-BTC; and forms a special cauliflower-like structure. XRD patterns showed that the catalyst has a perfect CeO2 crystal structure and has a smaller particle size. The prepared CeO2 cauliflowers exhibit excellent catalytic activities, long-term stability, and cycling stability for CO oxidation. The improved catalytic activities could be attributed to porous nanorods of CeO2 cauliflowers, which provide more active sites and oxygen vacancy for CO oxidation.

Plasma-assisted adsorption of elemental mercury on CeO2/TiO2 at low temperatures

Science.gov (United States)

Liu, Lu; Zheng, Chenghang; Gao, Xiang

2017-11-01

Mercury is a kind of pollutants contained in flue gas which is hazardous for human beings. In this work, CeO2 was packed in the discharge zone of a plasma reactor to adsorb elemental mercury at low temperatures. Plasma-catalyst reactor can remove Hg0 efficiently with CeO2/TiO2 catalysts packed in the discharge zone. The Hg0 concentration continued to decrease gradually when the plasma was turned on, but not sank rapidly. This tendency was different with other catalysts. The treatment of plasma to CeO2/TiO2 catalysts has a promotion effect on the adsorption of Hg0. Plasma has the effect of changing the surface properties of the catalysts and the changes would restitute if the condition changed. The long-running test demonstrated that this method is an effective way to remove Hg0. The removal efficiency remained at above 99% throughout 12 hours when plasma had been turned on (15kV, 0.5 g packed CeO2/TiO2).

Cyberinfrastructure Initiatives of the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) Working Group on Information Systems and Services (WGISS)

Science.gov (United States)

McDonald, K. R.; Faundeen, J. L.; Petiteville, I.

2005-12-01

The Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) was established in 1984 in response to a recommendation from the Economic Summit of Industrialized Nations Working Group on Growth, Technology, and Employment's Panel of Experts on Satellite Remote Sensing. CEOS participants are Members, who are national or international governmental organizations who operate civil spaceborne Earth observation satellites, and Associates who are governmental organizations with civil space programs in development or international scientific or governmental bodies who have an interest in and support CEOS objectives. The primary objective of CEOS is to optimize benefits of satellite Earth observations through cooperation of its participants in mission planning and in development of compatible data products, formats, services, applications and policies. To pursue its objectives, CEOS establishes working groups and associated subgroups that focus on relevant areas of interest. While the structure of CEOS has evolved over its lifetime, today there are three permanent working groups. One is the Working Group on Calibration and Validation that addresses sensor-specific calibration and validation and geophysical parameter validation. A second is the Working Group on Education, Training, and Capacity Building that facilitates activities that enhance international education and training in Earth observation techniques, data analysis, interpretation and applications, with a particular focus on developing countries. The third permanent working group is the Working Group on Information Systems and Services (WGISS). The purpose of WGISS is to promote collaboration in the development of the systems and services based on international standards that manage and supply the Earth observation data and information from participating agencies' missions. WGISS places great emphasis on the use of demonstration projects involving user groups to solve the critical interoperability issues associated with the

Evaluation of Pd Nanoparticle-Decorated CeO2-MWCNT Nanocomposite as an Electrocatalyst for Formic Acid Fuel Cells

Science.gov (United States)

Saleem, Junaid; Safdar Hossain, SK.; Al-Ahmed, Amir; Rahman, Ateequr; McKay, Gordon; Hossain, Mohammed M.

2018-04-01

In this work, CeO2-modified Pd/CeO2-carbon nanotube (CNT) electrocatalyst for the electro-oxidation of formic acid has been investigated. The support CNT was first modified with different amounts (5-30 wt.%) of CeO2 using a precipitation-deposition method. The electrocatalysts were developed by dispersing Pd on the CeO2-CNT supports using the borohydride reduction method. The synthesized electrocatalysts were analyzed for composition, morphology and electronic structure using x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) techniques. The formation of Pd nanoparticles on the CeO2-CNT support was confirmed using TEM. The activity of Pd/CeO2-CNT and of Pd-CNT samples upon oxidation of formic acid was evaluated by using carbon monoxide stripping voltammetry, cyclic voltammetry, and chronoamperometry. The addition of moderate amounts of cerium oxide (up to 10 wt.%) significantly improved the activity of Pd/CeO2-CNT compared to the unmodified Pd-CNT. Pd/10 wt.% CeO2-CNT showed a current density of 2 A mg-1, which is ten times higher than that of the unmodified Pd-CNT (0.2 A mg-1). Similarly, the power density obtained for Pd/10 wt.% CeO2-CNT in an air-breathing formic acid fuel cell was 6.8 mW/cm2 which is two times higher than Pd-CNT (3.2 mW/cm2), thus exhibiting the promotional effects of CeO2 to Pd/CeO2-CNT. A plausible justification for the improved catalytic performance and stability is provided in the light of the physical characterization results.

Inhibition of Neuroblastoma cancer cells viability by ferromagnetic Mn doped CeO_2 monodisperse nanoparticles mediated through reactive oxygen species

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Abbas, Fazal; Jan, Tariq; Iqbal, Javed; Haider Naqvi, M. Sajjad; Ahmad, Ishaq

2016-01-01

Here we report the Mn doping induced effects on structural, Raman, optical, magnetic and anticancer properties of CeO_2 nanoparticles prepared via soft chemical route. Structural and microstructural results infer that the synthesized nanoparticles have single phase cubic fluorite structure of CeO_2 and that Mn doping results in enhancement of the structural defects. Scanning electron microscopy results reveal the formation of monodisperse nanoparticles having average particle size ranging from 30 to 41 nm. The optical absorbance spectroscopy analysis discloses the band gap energy tailoring of CeO_2 nanoparticles via Mn doping. Room temperature ferromagnetism (RTFM) has been found in both as-prepared and Mn doped CeO_2 nanoparticles. This RTFM of the synthesized nanoparticles have been attributed to the Mn ions and surface defects such as oxygen vacancies. Finally, the influence of Mn dopant on the cell viability and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation levels of CeO_2 nanoparticles in the presence of healthy and cancerous cells have been studied. It has been observed that the differential cytotoxicity of the synthesized nanoparticles is strongly correlated with level of ROS generation. - Highlights: • Mn doped CeO_2 nanoparticles with cubic fluorite structure were synthesized. • Mn dopant significantly tailored the band gap of CeO_2 nanoparticles. • The synthesized nanoparticles exhibited room temperature ferromagnetic behavior. • The cytotoxicity of these nanoparticles was reported for the first time. • The synthesized nanoparticles exhibited differential cytotoxicity.

A comparative investigation of SO2 oxidative transfer over CuO with a CeO2 surface

Science.gov (United States)

Liu, Yifeng; Shen, Benxian; Pi, Zhipeng; Chen, Hua; Zhao, Jigang

2017-04-01

To further improve the catalytic desulfurization function of the Mg-Al spinel sulfur transfer agent in a fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) unit, the reaction paths of SO2 oxidation by O2 over the metal oxide surface of CuO (111) and CeO2 (111) were investigated. In reference to the fact that SO2 reacting with O2 over CuO was a Mars-van Krevelen cycle, a similar reaction law for SO2 oxidation over CeO2 was also verified by characterization methods (e.g., IR, XPS). Meanwhile, the molecular simulation results indicated that the rate-control step of SO2 oxidation over CeO2 (111) and CuO (111) was a SO3 desorption step. The lower energy barrier in the rate-control step corresponded to better catalytic performance; hence, it could explain the reason that CeO2 had a better sulfur oxidization transfer performance than CuO.

Synthesis and characterization of Sr2CeO4: Eu3+ phosphor by different forms

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Murthy, K.V.R.; Rao, Ch. Atchyutha; Suresh, K.; Ratna Kumar, B.W.; Nageswara Rao, B.; Poornachandra Rao, N.V.; Subba Rao, B.

2011-01-01

High temperature solid state reaction method was explored to synthesize undoped Sr 2 CeO 4 and Eu 3+ RE doped Sr 2 CeO 4 phosphor using inorganic materials taking in three different forms like, form (i) Strontium Carbonate (SrCO 3 ), Cerium Oxide (CeO 2 ), (ii) Strontium Nitrate (Sr(NO 3 ) 2 ), Cerium Oxide (CeO 2 ) and (iii) Strontium Nitrate (Sr(NO 3 ) 2 ), Cerium Nitrate (Ce(NO 3 ) 3 .6(NH 2 .CO.NH 2 ) in stoichiometric proportions of Sr:Ce as 2:1 and ground into a fine powder using agate mortar and pestle about an hour. The grounded samples were placed in an alumina crucible and fired at 1200 deg C for 3 hours in a muffle furnace with a heating rate of 5 deg C/min. To investigate the crystal structure, phase, morphology and luminescent properties of the synthesized phosphors XRD, SEM, Photoluminescence (PL) spectra, TL and CIE techniques were used. The Photoluminescence (PL) emission and excitation spectra were measured by Spectrofluorophotometer (SHIMADZU, RF-5301 PC) using Xenon lamp as excitation source. To identify the crystal phase, XRD analysis was carried out with a powder diffractometer (Rigaku-D/max 2500) using CuKα radiation. The microstructures of the samples were studied using a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) (XL 30 CP Philips). All the analysis was recorded at room temperature. We have compared the results of the prepared samples by different forms. From the XRD analysis it was found that the prepared phosphors are mostly in single phase of Sr 2 CeO 4 with an orthorhombic structure. From the XRD data, using Scherrer's formula the calculated average crystallite size is (i) ∼ 28 nm (ii) ∼ 9 nm (iii) ∼ 7 nm using FWHM. This indicates that, the prepared phosphors via high temperature solid state reaction method is in nano size. Sr 2 CeO 4 exhibits photoluminescence due to the charge transfer (CT) mechanism. The sample displays a broad excitation spectrum range from ∼ 220 to 400 nm. Under 350 nm excitation, the undoped Sr 2 CeO 4 shows

Effect of CeO2 on TiC Morphology in Ni-Based Composite Coating

Science.gov (United States)

Cai, Yangchuan; Luo, Zhen; Chen, Yao

2018-03-01

The TiC/Ni composite coating with different content of CeO2 was fabricated on the Cr12MoV steel by laser cladding. The microstructure of cladding layers with the different content of CeO2 from the bottom to the surface is columnar crystal, cellular crystal, and equiaxed crystal. When the content of CeO2 is 0 %, the cladding layer has a coarse and nonuniform microstructure and TiC particles gathering in the cladding layer, and then the wear resistance was reduced. Appropriate rare-earth elements refined and homogenised the microstructure and enhanced the content of carbides, precipitated TiC particles and original TiC particles were spheroidised and refined, the wear resistance of the cladding layer was improved significantly. Excessive rare-earth elements polluted the grain boundaries and made the excessive burning loss of TiC particles that reduced the wear resistance of the cladding layer.

Annual report 2000. ABACC - Brazilian-Argentine Agency for Accounting and Control of Nuclear Materials, RJ, Brazil

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2000-01-01

This document reports the general activities of the ABACC - Brazilian-Argentine Agency for Accounting and Control of Nuclear Materials during the year of 2000, covering safeguards, accounting and control of nuclear materials

Photocatalytic degradation effect of malachite green and catalytic hydrogenation by UV-illuminated CeO2/CdO multilayered nanoplatelet arrays: Investigation of antifungal and antimicrobial activities.

Science.gov (United States)

Maria Magdalane, C; Kaviyarasu, K; Judith Vijaya, J; Jayakumar, C; Maaza, M; Jeyaraj, B

2017-04-01

CeO 2 /CdO multi-layered nanoplatelet arrays have been synthesized by sol-gel method at two different temperatures using Citrus limonum fruit extract and the effect of particle size on the photocatalytic performance is studied. The particle size and phases was analysed by X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD) which brought out the formation of cubic phase in the synthesized samples. Field Emission Scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) revealed the surface morphology and made up of cumulative form of platelet shaped arrays with an average size of 10nm. The elemental composition and the purity of the nanomaterials were confirmed by Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). CeO 2 /CdO multilayered binary metal oxide nanoplatelet arrays were formed which was further explored with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), it reveals that the nanocomposites contain CeO and CdO bonds. Determination of the direct and indirect bandgap energy of the nanoplatelet arrays was carried out by UV-Vis-DRS studies. In MG degradation, both the hole (h + ) and hydroxyl radical (OH) played a major role than the superoxide radical (O 2 - ). Possible photo degradation mechanisms are proposed and discussed in this article. CeO 2 /CdO multi-layered nanoplatelet arrays showed antibacterial activity and among the tested ones, it showed better growth inhibition towards P. aeruginosa MTCC73. Thus, this greener synthetic procedure was a highly effective method due to low-cost, highly effective UV light responsive material for environmental safety. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Accountability and non-proliferation nuclear regime: a review of the mutual surveillance Brazilian-Argentine model for nuclear safeguards

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Xavier, Roberto Salles

2014-01-01

The regimes of accountability, the organizations of global governance and institutional arrangements of global governance of nuclear non-proliferation and of Mutual Vigilance Brazilian-Argentine of Nuclear Safeguards are the subject of research. The starting point is the importance of the institutional model of global governance for the effective control of non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. In this context, the research investigates how to structure the current arrangements of the international nuclear non-proliferation and what is the performance of model Mutual Vigilance Brazilian-Argentine of Nuclear Safeguards in relation to accountability regimes of global governance. For that, was searched the current literature of three theoretical dimensions: accountability, global governance and global governance organizations. In relation to the research method was used the case study and the treatment technique of data the analysis of content. The results allowed: to establish an evaluation model based on accountability mechanisms; to assess how behaves the model Mutual Vigilance Brazilian-Argentine Nuclear Safeguards front of the proposed accountability regime; and to measure the degree to which regional arrangements that work with systems of global governance can strengthen these international systems. (author)

Framing crime: moral panic in Argentine newspapers

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Natalia ARUGUETE

2013-01-01

Full Text Available Carolina Píparo was shot a few minutes after withdrawing cash from a bank branch. This case outraged the public opinion because she was eight months pregnant at the moment of the assault. She had to undergo a caesarean section and her baby only survived one week. Through an exploratory and inductive research we will analyze how the Argentine newspapers presented the case. We aim at elaborating a content analysis code book that can be validated in future similar researches on the subject. We apply the Framing theory in order to detect the frames used in the news coverage and to observe if they are compatible with the idea of «moral panic» proposed by Stanley Cohen.

Agriculture urbaine : Rosario, en Argentine, récolte les fruits de ses ...

International Development Research Centre (IDRC) Digital Library (Canada)

7 oct. 2010 ... C'est en cultivant leur propre potager que des milliers de familles de la ville de Rosario, en Argentine, sont parvenues à se nourrir tout au long de la crise économique qui a récemment frappé leur pays. La ville compte aujourd'hui plus de 800 jardins communautaires qui, en plus de nourrir quelque 40 000 ...

Enhancement of photocatalytic properties of TiO2 nanoparticles doped with CeO2 and supported on SiO2 for phenol degradation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hao, Chunjing; Li, Jing; Zhang, Zailei; Ji, Yongjun; Zhan, Hanhui; Xiao, Fangxing; Wang, Dan; Liu, Bin; Su, Fabing

2015-01-01

Highlights: • CeO 2 -TiO 2 /SiO 2 composites were prepared via a facile co-precipitation method. • Introduction of SiO 2 support increases the dispersion of CeO 2 -TiO 2 . • CeO 2 -TiO 2 /SiO 2 exhibits an enhanced photocatalytic efficiency for phenol degradation. • Ce 3+ /Ce 4+ pair coexisting in CeO 2 improves electron–hole pairs separation efficiency. - Abstract: A series of CeO 2 -TiO 2 and CeO 2 -TiO 2 /SiO 2 composites were prepared with TiCl 4 and Ce (NO 3 ) 3 ·6H 2 O as precursors via a facile co-precipitation method. The obtained samples were characterized by various techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), nitrogen adsorption (N 2 -BET), Fourier transformation infrared spectrum (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and UV–Vis spectroscopy measurements. The results indicated that TiO 2 doped with CeO 2 and supported on SiO 2 could reduce the crystallite size, inhibit the phase transformation, enhance the thermal stability, and effectively extend the spectral response from UV to visible range. When applied to the phenol photodegradation on a homemade batch reactor with an external cooling jacket, the CeO 2 -TiO 2 /SiO 2 catalysts exhibited significantly enhanced photodegradation efficiency in comparison with commercial Degussa P25 and CeO 2 -TiO 2 . The unique catalytic properties of CeO 2 -TiO 2 /SiO 2 were ascribed to improved electron–hole pairs separation efficiency and formation of more reactive oxygen species owing to the presence of Ce 3+ /Ce 4+ , as well as high dispersion of active component of CeO 2 -TiO 2 as a result of the introduction of SiO 2 support. Furthermore, the catalysts can be easily recovered from the reaction solution by centrifugation and reused for four cycles without significant loss of activity

Investigation of the physical, optical, and photocatalytic properties of CeO2/Fe-doped InVO4 composite

Science.gov (United States)

Chaison, Jindaporn; Wetchakun, Khatcharin; Wetchakun, Natda

2017-12-01

The CeO2/Fe-doped InVO4 composites with various Fe concentrations (0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 5.0 and 6.0 mol%) was synthesized by homogeneous precipitation and hydrothermal methods. The as-synthesized samples were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer Emmett and Teller (BET)-specific surface area, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). Fe-doping into InVO4 crystal induces the distortion of the crystalline structure, the transformation of InVO4 morphology, and the new energy subband level generation of Fe between the CB and VB edge of InVO4. The electron excitation from the VB to Fe orbitals results in the decreased band gap and the extended absorption of visible-light, and thus enhances its photocatalytic performance. Visible-light-driven photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) dye in water was used to evaluate the photocatalytic performance of CeO2/Fe-doped InVO4 composites. The results revealed that there is an optimum Fe (5.0 mol %) doping level. The composite with the optimum doping level obtains high photocatalytic activity of CeO2/Fe-doped InVO4 composite compared to pure CeO2 and pure InVO4 host. The increase of photocatalytic activity of CeO2/Fe-doped InVO4 composite was ascribed to the surface area, crystal defect, and band gap energy. Moreover, the photocatalytic enhancement is also because iron ions act as a trapping site, which results in the higher separation efficiency of photogenerated electrons and holes pairs in the CeO2/InVO4 composite. The evaluation of radical scavengers confirmed that hydroxyl radical was the main active species during the photodegradation of RhB. These synergistic effects are responsible for the enhanced photocatalytic activity of CeO2/Fe-doped InVO4 composite. Furthermore, the possible enhanced photocatalytic mechanism

Does obfuscating excessive CEO pay work? The influence of remuneration report readability on say-on-pay votes

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Hooghiemstra, Reggy; Kuang, Yu Flora; Qin, Bo

2017-01-01

This paper assesses whether reducing ‘readability’ is an effective obfuscation strategy for influencing the level of shareholder say-on-pay voting dissent in firms with excessive CEO pay. Based on a sample of UK-listed firms, our results indicate that in cases of excessive CEO pay, a less readable

Transformation of pristine and citrate-functionalized CeO2 nanoparticles in a laboratory-scale activated sludge reactor.

Science.gov (United States)

Barton, Lauren E; Auffan, Melanie; Bertrand, Marie; Barakat, Mohamed; Santaella, Catherine; Masion, Armand; Borschneck, Daniel; Olivi, Luca; Roche, Nicolas; Wiesner, Mark R; Bottero, Jean-Yves

2014-07-01

Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) are used to enhance the properties of many manufactured products and technologies. Increased use of ENMs will inevitably lead to their release into the environment. An important route of exposure is through the waste stream, where ENMs will enter wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), undergo transformations, and be discharged with treated effluent or biosolids. To better understand the fate of a common ENM in WWTPs, experiments with laboratory-scale activated sludge reactors and pristine and citrate-functionalized CeO2 nanoparticles (NPs) were conducted. Greater than 90% of the CeO2 introduced was observed to associate with biosolids. This association was accompanied by reduction of the Ce(IV) NPs to Ce(III). After 5 weeks in the reactor, 44 ± 4% reduction was observed for the pristine NPs and 31 ± 3% for the citrate-functionalized NPs, illustrating surface functionality dependence. Thermodynamic arguments suggest that the likely Ce(III) phase generated would be Ce2S3. This study indicates that the majority of CeO2 NPs (>90% by mass) entering WWTPs will be associated with the solid phase, and a significant portion will be present as Ce(III). At maximum, 10% of the CeO2 will remain in the effluent and be discharged as a Ce(IV) phase, governed by cerianite (CeO2).

Transmission pricing in privately-owned electricity grids: An illustration from the Argentine electricity pool

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Abdala, Manuel A.

2008-01-01

The Argentine electricity reform of 1992 offers an interesting example of decentralized transmission pricing arrangements within a competitive system. This paper is a shortened version of an original analysis made in 1994 of the regulation of the Argentine transmission system, with emphasis on investment cost allocation rules. To make up for the limitation of short-run marginal cost (SRMC) pricing, incentives on service quality were put in place, including penalties for lack of line availability. The mechanism for capacity expansion, based on ad-hoc rules for allocations of investment costs, had the potential to produce non-optimal investment outcomes, as such rules ignored beneficiaries on the demand side. For fine tuning of this system, I proposed an alternative rule based on traditional welfare analysis that broadens the universe of identified beneficiaries, and thus can be expected to produce a fairer outcome on investment cost allocation, reducing the potential risks of non-optimal investment. A brief postscript comments on the paper from the perspective of 2007. (author)

Investigation of CeO2 Buffer Layer Effects on the Voltage Response of YBCO Transition-Edge Bolometers

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Mohajeri, Roya; Nazifi, Rana; Wulff, Anders Christian

2016-01-01

The effect on the thermal parameters of superconducting transition-edge bolometers produced on a single crystalline SrTiO3 (STO) substrate with and without a CeO2 buffer layer was investigated. Metal-organic deposition was used to deposit the 20-nm CeO2 buffer layer, whereas RF magnetron sputtering...

Historical balance of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur of the Argentine Pampas

OpenAIRE

Álvarez, Roberto; Steinbach, Haydee S; de Paepe, Josefina L

2016-01-01

A surface balance for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and sulfur (S) was performed for the Argentine Pampas during the 1870-2010 time interval, comprising the agricultural expansion period in the region. Nitrogen inputs accounted in the balance were atmospheric deposition, symbiotic fixation, and fertilization. Outputs included were grain harvest and livestock products. P and S balances included atmospheric deposition and fertilization as inputs and the same outputs than in the case of N balanc...

Individual Rules for Trail Pattern Formation in Argentine Ants (Linepithema humile)

OpenAIRE

Perna, Andrea; Granovskiy, Boris; Garnier, Simon; Nicolis, Stamatios C.; Labédan, Marjorie; Theraulaz, Guy; Fourcassié, Vincent; Sumpter, David J. T.

2012-01-01

We studied the formation of trail patterns by Argentine ants exploring an empty arena. Using a novel imaging and analysis technique we estimated pheromone concentrations at all spatial positions in the experimental arena and at different times. Then we derived the response function of individual ants to pheromone concentrations by looking at correlations between concentrations and changes in speed or direction of the ants. Ants were found to turn in response to local pheromone concentrations,...

Networks in Argentine agriculture: a multiple-case study approach

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Sebastián Senesi

2013-06-01

Full Text Available Argentina is among the four largest producers of soybeans, sunflower, corn, and wheat, among other agricultural products. Institutional and policy changes during the 1990s fostered the development of Argentine agriculture and the introduction of innovative process and product technologies (no-till, agrochemicals, GMO, GPS and new investments in modern, large-scale sunflower and soybean processing plants. In addition to technological changes, a "quiet revolution" occurred in the way agricultural production was carried out and organized: from self-production or ownership agriculture to a contract-based agriculture. The objective of this paper is to explore and describe the emergence of networks in the Argentine crop production sector. The paper presents and describes four cases that currently represent about 50% of total grain and oilseed production in Argentina: "informal hybrid form", "agricultural trust fund", "investor-oriented corporate structure", and "network of networks". In all cases, hybrid forms involve a group of actors linked by common objectives, mainly to gain scale, share resources, and improve the profitability of the business. Informal contracts seem to be the most common way of organizing the agriculture process, but using short-term contracts and sequential interfirm collaboration. Networks of networks involve long-term relationships and social development, and reciprocal interfirm collaboration. Agricultural trust fund and investor-oriented corporate structures have combined interfirm collaboration and medium-term relationships. These organizational forms are highly flexible and show a great capacity to adapt to challenges; they are competitive because they enjoy aligned incentives, flexibility, and adaptability.

Luminescent and morphological study of Sr2CeO4 blue phosphor prepared from oxalate precursors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ferrari, Jefferson L.; Pires, Ana M.; Serra, Osvaldo A.; Davolos, Marian R.

2011-01-01

Luminescent and morphological studies of Sr 2 CeO 4 blue phosphor prepared from cerium-doped strontium oxalate precursor are reported. Powder samples were prepared from 5 and 25 mol% Ce 3+ -doped strontium oxalate as well as from a mechanical mixture of strontium oxalate and cerium oxalate at a 4:1 ratio, respectively. All the samples were characterized by XRD, IR, PLS, and SEM. The luminescent and structural properties of the Sr 2 CeO 4 material are little affected by the SrCO 3 remaining from precursors. The Sr 2 CeO 4 material consists in one-dimensional chains of edge-sharing CeO 6 octahedra that are linked together by Sr 2+ ions. The carbonate ion might be associated with oxygen ions of the linear chain, and also with the oxygen atoms located in the equatorial position, which consequently affects the charge transfer bands between O 2- and Ce 4+ . As observed by SEM, the morphological changes are related to each kind of precursor and thermal treatment, along with irregular powder particles within the size range 0.5-2 μm.

Rational design of octahedron and nanowire CeO2@MnO2 core-shell heterostructures with outstanding rate capability for asymmetric supercapacitors.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhu, Shi Jin; Jia, Jia Qi; Wang, Tian; Zhao, Dong; Yang, Jian; Dong, Fan; Shang, Zheng Guo; Zhang, Yu Xin

2015-10-14

Two kinds of novel CeO2@MnO2 nanostructures have been synthesized via a self-assembly strategy. The as-prepared CeO2 nanowire@MnO2 nanostructures exhibited unprecedented pseudocapacitance performance (255 F g(-1)) with outstanding rate capability. A new mechanism based on the synergistic effect between CeO2 and MnO2 was proposed to interpret this phenomenon. When assembled as an asymmetric supercapacitor, an energy density of 27.5 W h kg(-1) with a maximum power density of 1.6 kW kg(-1) was achieved for CeO2 nanowire@MnO2 nanostructures.

Argentine Beef Demand and Household Choices of Retail Channels

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Gustavo Rossini

2014-07-01

Full Text Available Household choices of outlet retail channels in beef purchases depend on several characteristics related to the quality of the product, convenience and ease of purchase, and economic factors such as price, income and payment methods. The aim of this paper is to study the influence of demographic and socio-economic attributes in the choice made by argentine consumers using a Multinominal Logit Model. The results show that the total number of purchases, the type of household, payment methods, and gender and schooling years of household head are the most relevant variables in the sample.

Synthesis and physico-chemical characterization of CeO2/ZrO2-SO42- mixed oxides

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hernandez E, J. M.; Silva R, R.; Garcia A, R.; Garcia S, L. A.; Handy, B. E.; Cardenas G, G.; Cueto H, A.

2012-01-01

Environmentally friendly solid-acid catalysts CeO 2 /ZrO 2 -SO 4 2- were prepared by the sol gel method varying CeO 2 content (10, 20 and 30 wt %) and using sulfation in situ, maintaining the sulfate ions amount present in the materials at 20 wt %. ZrO 2 and ZrO 2 -SO 4 2- were also prepared for comparison proposes using the same synthesis method. The materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, nitrogen physisorption, potentiometric titration with n-butylamine, decomposition of 2-propanol and n-pentane isomerization. The specific surface area of ZrO 2 -SO 4 2- was high (160 m 2 /g) compared with the unmodified ZrO 2 (80 m 2 /g), however this area decreased with increasing the CeO 2 content (37-100 m 2 /g). There was no significant effect of CeO 2 on the tetragonal structure of ZrO 2 -SO 4 2- . The variation of acid sites amount runs parallel to the change of specific surface area. The acid sites amount decreased with increasing cerium oxide content. The decomposition of 2-propanol results fundamentally in the formation of dehydration products such as propylene and diisopropyl ether, both involving acid sites. In addition, a good performance during the n-pentane isomerization was observed for these materials. The selectivity towards isopentane reaches 84% when the Pt/CeO 2 /ZrO 2 -SO 4 2- catalyst with the highest CeO 2 content was used. (Author)

Progress of radiosterilization in the Argentine Republic

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mariano, E.E.; Mugliaroli, H.A.

1975-01-01

The technological and economic advantages of radiation as a means of sterilization have led to a steady expansion of its use. With the significant increase in the radiosterilization of medical products, the health authorities have established standards for the use of radiation for that purpose. These standards will be incorporated in the next edition of the Argentine Pharmacopoeia. In general, Argentine legislation in this area is based on the IAEA's Code of Practice for Radiosterilization of Medical Products. The microbiology services of Argentina's National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA) determine the number of viable microorganisms in each product and package the product before irradiation. The controls are carried out on random samples. At the same time, the chemistry laboratories carry out quality controls on new products which have received sterilizing doses of gamma radiation. The gas sterilization methods employed most widely in the industrial manufacture of thermolabile products involve the use of ethylene oxide or formaldehyde. The cost of this process is influenced considerably by the fact that Argentina has to import ethylene oxide. The low penetrating power of formaldehyde means that the package containing the product must still be open at the time of sterilization if an adequate safety margin is to be ensured; consequently, one needs sterile installations for the post-irradiation sealing of packages. The capital and operating coats of such installations are high. A comparison has been made of the costs of sterilizing 11000 m 3 of a product with a density of 0.1 g/cm 3 and the following relative values obtained: ethylene oxide, 399.2; formaldehyde, 947.5; gamma radiation, 166.0. Studies of the effects of sterilizing doses on certain pharmaceutical products have demonstrated that the radiosterilization of some drugs is possible. The CNEA has designed an installation for the radiosterilization of medical products; the installation would have a 500000-Ci

Solid state speciation of uranium and its local structure in Sr2CeO4 using photoluminescence spectroscopy

Science.gov (United States)

Sahu, M.; Gupta, Santosh K.; Jain, D.; Saxena, M. K.; Kadam, R. M.

2018-04-01

An effort was taken to carry our speciation study of uranium ion in technologically important cerate host Sr2CeO4 using time resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy. Such studies are not relevant only to nuclear industry but can give rich insight into fundamentals of 5f electron chemistry in solid state systems. In this work both undoped and varied amount of uranium doped Sr2CeO4 compound is synthesized using complex polymerization method and is characterized systematically using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Both XRD and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the formation of pure Sr2CeO4 which has tendency to decompose peritectically to SrCeO3 and SrO at higher temperature. Uranium doping is confirmed by XRD. Uranium exhibits a rich chemistry owing to its variable oxidation state from +3 to +6. Each of them exhibits distinct luminescence properties either due to f-f transitions or ligand to metal charge transfer (LMCT). We have taken Sr2CeO4 as a model host lattice to understand the photophysical characteristics of uranium ion in it. Emission spectroscopy revealed the stabilization of uranium as U (VI) in the form of UO66- (octahedral uranate) in Sr2CeO4. Emission kinetics study reflects that uranate ions are not homogeneously distributed in Sr2CeO4 and it has two different environments due to its stabilization at both Sr2+ as well as Ce4+ site. The lifetime population analysis interestingly pinpointed that majority of uranate ion resided at Ce4+ site. The critical energy-transfer distance between the uranate ion was determined based on which the concentration quenching mechanism was attributed to electric multipolar interaction. These studies are very important in designing Sr2CeO4 based optoelectronic material as well exploring it for actinides studies.

“Dublin Traitors” or “Gallants of Dublin” The Argentine Newspapers and the Easter Rising

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mariano Galazzi

2016-03-01

Full Text Available The Easter Rising was a turning point in contemporary Irish history. Although it lasted for a few days, from Monday 24 to Saturday 29 April, 1916, it had great impact in Ireland itself, and it also aroused considerable interest in many other countries, particularly in those with a significant Irish community, as in the case of Argentina. The aim of this paper is to study the way in which the contemporary Argentine graphic media (published in Spanish and in English presented and commented about the events that took place in Dublin. While it will try to contribute to the knowledge of the global echoes of the Easter Rising, this analysis will seek to help in a better understanding of the ideas of the English-speaking groups in Argentina, and particularly of the Irish community in that country, a group formed mainly by Argentine-born people of Irish descent.

Potential biocontrol actinobacteria: Rhizospheric isolates from the Argentine Pampas lowlands legumes.

Science.gov (United States)

Solans, Mariana; Scervino, Jose Martin; Messuti, María Inés; Vobis, Gernot; Wall, Luis Gabriel

2016-11-01

Control of fungal plant diseases by using naturally occurring non-pathogenic microorganisms represents a promising approach to biocontrol agents. This study reports the isolation, characterization, and fungal antagonistic activity of actinobacteria from forage soils in the Flooding Pampa, Argentina. A total of 32 saprophytic strains of actinobacteria were obtained by different isolation methods from rhizospheric soil of Lotus tenuis growing in the Salado River Basin. Based on physiological traits, eight isolates were selected for their biocontrol-related activities such as production of lytic extracellular enzymes, siderophores, hydrogen cyanide (HCN), and antagonistic activity against Cercospora sojina, Macrophomia phaseolina, Phomopsis sp., Fusarium oxysporum, and Fusarium verticilloides. These actinobacteria strains were characterized morphologically, physiologically, and identified by using molecular techniques. The characterization of biocontrol-related activities in vitro showed positive results for exoprotease, phospholipase, fungal growth inhibition, and siderophore production. However, none of the strains was positive for the production of hydrogen cyanide (HCN). Streptomyces sp. MM140 presented the highest index for biocontrol, and appear to be promising pathogenic fungi biocontrol agents. These results show the potential capacity of actinobacteria isolated from forage soils in the Argentine Pampas lowlands as promising biocontrol agents, and their future agronomic applications. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Workers select mates for queens: a possible mechanism of gene flow restriction between supercolonies of the invasive Argentine ant

Science.gov (United States)

Sunamura, Eiriki; Hoshizaki, Sugihiko; Sakamoto, Hironori; Fujii, Takeshi; Nishisue, Koji; Suzuki, Shun; Terayama, Mamoru; Ishikawa, Yukio; Tatsuki, Sadahiro

2011-05-01

Some invasive ants form large networks of mutually non-aggressive nests, i.e., supercolonies. The Argentine ant Linepithema humile forms much larger supercolonies in introduced ranges than in its native range. In both cases, it has been shown that little gene flow occurs between supercolonies of this species, though the mechanism of gene flow restriction is unknown. In this species, queens do not undertake nuptial flight, and males have to travel to foreign nests and cope with workers before gaining access to alien queens. In this study, we hypothesized that male Argentine ants receive interference from workers of alien supercolonies. To test this hypothesis, we conducted behavioral and chemical experiments using ants from two supercolonies in Japan. Workers attacked males from alien supercolonies but not those from their own supercolonies. The level of aggression against alien males was similar to that against alien workers. The frequency of severe aggression against alien males increased as the number of recipient workers increased. Cuticular hydrocarbon profiles, which serve as cues for nestmate recognition, of workers and males from the same supercolony were very similar. Workers are likely to distinguish alien males from males of their own supercolony using the profiles. It is predicted that males are subject to considerable aggression from workers when they intrude into the nests of alien supercolonies. This may be a mechanism underlying the restricted gene flow between supercolonies of Argentine ants. The Argentine ant may possess a distinctive reproductive system, where workers participate in selecting mates for their queens. We argue that the aggression of workers against alien males is a novel form of reproductive interference.

Alcohol consumption and violence among Argentine adolescents.

Science.gov (United States)

Pierobon, Mariaelena; Barak, Mariam; Hazrati, Sahel; Jacobsen, Kathryn H

2013-01-01

This study investigated the association between alcohol and violence among Argentine youth. Data from the 2007 Argentina Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS), a nationally representative survey of middle school students, were examined using age-adjusted logistic regression models. Of the 1,328 participating students aged 13 to 15 years old, 51.9% reported drinking alcohol in the previous month, with higher rates among males (p=0.04) and older students (pbullying, used tobacco or drugs, or skipped school without permission were approximately twice as likely as other drinkers to have engaged in violent activities. Public health interventions targeting violence among young adolescents should be developed in combination with alcohol education programs. Copyright © 2013 Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

In situ DRIFTS investigation of NH3-SCR reaction over CeO2/zirconium phosphate catalyst

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Qiulin; Fan, Jie; Ning, Ping; Song, Zhongxian; Liu, Xin; Wang, Lanying; Wang, Jing; Wang, Huimin; Long, Kaixian

2018-03-01

A series of ceria modified zirconium phosphate catalysts were synthesized for selective catalytic reduction of NO with ammonia (NH3-SCR). Over 98% NOx conversion and 98% N2 selectivity were obtained by the CeO2/ZrP catalyst with 20 wt.% CeO2 loading at 250-425 °C. The interaction between CeO2 and zirconium phosphate enhanced the redox abilities and surface acidities of the catalysts, resulting in the improvement of NH3-SCR activity. The in situ DRIFTS results indicated that the NH3-SCR reaction over the catalysts followed both Eley-Rideal and Langmuir-Hinshelwood mechanisms. The amide (sbnd NH2) groups and the NH4+ bonded to Brønsted acid sites were the important intermediates of Eley-Rideal mechanism.

Electrochemical and optical properties of CeO2-SnO2 and CeO2-SnO2:X (X = Li, C, Si films

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Berton Marcos A.C.

2001-01-01

Full Text Available Thin solid films of CeO2-SnO2 (17 mol% Sn and CeO2-SnO2:X (X = Li, C and Si were prepared by the sol-gel route, using an aqueous-based process. The addition of Li, C and Si to the precursor solution leads to films with different electrochemical performances. The films were deposited by the dip-coating technique on ITO coated glass (Donnelly Glass at a speed of 10 cm/min and submitted to a final thermal treatment at 450 °C during 10 min in air. The electrochemical and optical properties of the films were determined from the cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry measurements using 0.1 M LiOH as supporting electrolyte. The ion storage capacity of the films was investigated using in situ spectroelectrochemical method and during the insertion/extraction process the films remained transparent. The powders were characterized by thermal analysis (DSC/TGA and X-ray diffraction.

A Conversation with Howard Schultz CEO of Starbucks

OpenAIRE

Christopher Muller

2014-01-01

At the 12th annual European Food Service Summit in Zurich, Switzerland in September 2011, Professor Christopher Muller sat down with Howard Schultz, the CEO of Starbucks to discuss a wide range of topics. Their discussion touched on best management and business practices and the techniques that Schultz used to bring Starbucks back from the brink of bankruptcy to the international coffee corporation it is today.

Annual report 2004 of ABACC - Brazilian-Argentine Agency for Accounting and Control of Nuclear Materials, RJ, Brazil

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2004-01-01

This document reports the general activities of the ABACC - Brazilian-Argentine Agency for Accounting and Control of Nuclear Materials during the year of 2004, covering safeguards, accounting and control of nuclear materials

Synthesis of nanostructured mixed oxide CeO2-Mn2O3 and investigation of their sorption ability for arsenic, ammoniac, iron, manganese

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Luu Minh Dai; Dao Ngoc Nhiem; Duong Thi Lim

2012-01-01

The nanostrutured mixed oxide CeO 2 -Mn 2 O 3 have been synthesised at low temperature (350 o C) by the combustion of gel prepared from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), Ce (NO 3 ) 4 and Mn(No 3 ) 3 , CeO 2 -Mn 2 O 3 characterizations were examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and BET (Brunauce-Emmet-Teller) measurements. The phase of CeO 2 -Mn 2 O 3 , with large specific surface ares 65.3 m 2 /g was obtained at 350 o C for 2 hours. The nanostructured CeO 2 -Mn 2 O 3 has been investigated for removing iron, manganese, arsenic and ammoniac from water. The sorption characteristics of the nanostrutured CeO 2 -Mn 2 O 3 for AS(V), NH4 + , Fe(III), Mn(II) according to the langmuir isotherm. The sorption capacities of nanostrutured CeO 2 -Mn 2 O 3 are 57.10 mg As(V)g; 154.54 mg NH4 + /g; 72.97 mg Fe(III)/g; 60.27 Mn(II) / g. (author)

CO2 methanation on the catalyst of Ni/MCM-41 promoted with CeO2.

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Xiaoliu; Zhu, Lingjun; Liu, Yincong; Wang, Shurong

2018-06-01

CO 2 as a raw feed combined with renewable hydrogen for the production of useful chemicals and alternative energy products is one of the solutions to environmental and energy problems. In this study, a series of Ni-xCeO 2 /MCM-41 catalysts with a nickel content of 20wt% were prepared through deposition precipitation method for CO 2 methanation. Different characterization methods, including BET, XRD, TEM, SEM, H 2 -TPR and H 2 -TPD were applied to help explore the influence mechanism of CeO 2 on Ni/MCM-41 in CO 2 methanation. It was found that all CeO 2 -promoted catalysts exhibited enhanced catalytic activity when compared to Ni/MCM-41. The catalyst modified with 20wt% CeO 2 showed the best catalytic performance, with CO 2 conversion and CH 4 selectivity of 85.6% and 99.8%, respectively, at the temperature of 380°C under atmospheric pressure. The synergetic effects among Ni 0 active sites, the promoter and the support, including nickel dispersion improvement and increased CO 2 adsorption sites due to the addition of CeO 2 , were considered as important factors for high reactivity of the promoted catalysts. The stability test showed that the promoted catalyst maintained its high reactivity after 30h. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of CeO2-coating on the electrochemical performances of LiFePO4/C cathode material

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yao Jingwen; Wu Feng; Qiu Xinping; Li Ning; Su Yuefeng

2011-01-01

Highlights: → The first study the effect of CeO 2 coating on LiFePO 4 /C at low temperature. → Coated cathode shows improved capacities at high rates and low temperature. → CeO 2 -coating decreases electrode polarization and increases charge-transfer reaction activity. - Abstract: The effect of CeO 2 coating on LiFePO 4 /C cathode material has been investigated. The crystalline structure and morphology of the synthesized powders have been characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM and their electrochemical performances both at room temperature and low temperature are evaluated by CV, EIS and galvanostatic charge/discharge tests. It is found that, nano-CeO 2 particles distribute on the surface of LiFePO 4 without destroying the crystal structure of the bulk material. The CeO 2 -coated LiFePO 4 /C cathode material shows improved lithium insertion/extraction capacity and electrode kinetics, especially at high rates and low temperature. At -20 deg. C, the CeO 2 -coated material delivers discharge capacity of 99.7 mAh/g at 0.1C rate and the capacity retention of 98.6% is obtained after 30 cycles at various charge/discharge rates. The results indicate that the surface treatment should be an effective way to improve the comprehensive properties of the cathode materials for lithium ion batteries.

Microstructure and fatigue behaviors of a biomedical Ti–Nb–Ta–Zr alloy with trace CeO2 additions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Song, Xiu; Wang, Lei; Niinomi, Mitsuo; Nakai, Masaaki; Liu, Yang; Zhu, Miaoyong

2014-01-01

The new β-type Ti–29Nb–13Ta–4.6Zr (TNTZ) alloy containing trace amounts of CeO 2 additions has been designed as a biomedical implant with improved fatigue properties achieved by keeping Young's modulus to a low value. The results show that the microstructure is refined by the addition of CeO 2 ; the β grain size becomes a little larger when Ce content increases from 0.05% to 0.10%. This occurs because dispersed CeO 2 particles can act as nucleation sites for β grains; thus, the effect of rare earth oxides on microstructure refinement mainly depends on the size and dispersion of the rare earth oxides. Young's moduli of TNTZ with CeO 2 additions are maintained as low as those of TNTZ without CeO 2 , while the fatigue limit is highly improved. The 0.10% Ce alloy exhibits the best fatigue strength among the experimental alloys; its fatigue strength is increased by 66.7% compared to that of pure TNTZ. The mechanism by which rare earth oxides affect fatigue performance is dominated by dispersion strengthening. The stiff rare earth oxides can hinder the movement of dislocations, resulting in resistance to the formation of fatigue cracks. Rare earth oxides also change the crack propagation direction and the crack propagation route, effectively decreasing the crack propagation rate

Self-Assessment of Governance Teams in an Argentine Private University: Adapting to Difficult Times

Science.gov (United States)

Durand, Julio; Pujadas, Carlos

2004-01-01

Argentine Universities like similar institutions all around the world are facing a complex and challenging environment that demands a more sophisticated leadership and the development of complex managerial skills. In this paper we propose that enhancing the quality of collective decision making, and building more complex teams as a way to preserve…

Acquisition Logistics Guidelines for Improving the Argentine Air Force Weapon System Acquisition Process

Science.gov (United States)

1999-03-01

the Argentine Air Force Academy, in 1979. He earned a degree as an Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineer from Escuela de Ingenieria Aeronäutica in...Independent Assessments Innovative Practices Continuos Improvement Legality of Weapons Under International Law Software Intensive Systems...optimize total system performance and life cycle cost. The term total implies the prime mission equipment -hardware and software -, its operational and

Optical characterization of hydrogen-free CeO2 doped DLC films deposited by unbalanced magnetron sputtering

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhang Zhenyu; Zhou Hongxiu; Guo Dongming; Gao Hang; Kang Renke

2008-01-01

A novel kind of hydrogen-free CeO 2 doped diamond-like carbon (DLC) films with thickness of 180-200 nm were deposited on silicon by unbalanced magnetron sputtering. Reduced reflectance and increased lifetime are expected with respect to pure DLC films, making these coatings good candidates as optical protective coatings for IR windows and solar cells. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirms that CeO 2 is formed within the DLC films. Auger electron spectroscopy exhibits that the C, O, and Ce elements distribute uniformly across the film thickness, and C element diffuses into the Si substrate at the interface between the substrate and film. AFM shows that nanoparticles with diameter of around 50 nm are formed on the surface of deposited films, whose surface roughness is in the range of 1.3-2.3 nm. Raman spectra show the CeO 2 doped DLC films are amorphous DLC films, and both the G frequency and relative intensity ratio I D /I G are higher than those of pure DLC films. The photoluminescence of CeO 2 doped DLC films is obviously more intense than that of a pure DLC film, which indicates a promising potential as optical protective films for solar cells and IR window

Structural, luminescence and photophysical properties of novel trimetallic nanocomposite CeO2·ZnO·ZnAl2O4

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Subhan, Md Abdus; Ahmed, Tanzir; Sarker, Prosenjit; Pakkanen, Tuula T.; Suvanto, Mika; Horimoto, Masahiro; Nakata, Hiroyasu

2014-01-01

A novel trimetallic nanocomposite was prepared at a temperature of around 220 °C using co-precipitation of their carbonates from aqueous solutions of the metal nitrates. The morphology of the composite was investigated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The X-ray, FTIR and SEM/EDS analyses data indicate that as-synthesized composite which was heated at around 220 °C exists in a nanosized form consisting of crystalline Zn 6 Al 2 (OH) 16 CO 3 ·4H 2 O and CeO 2 . Annealing at temperatures between 400 and 920 °C converts the as-synthesized composite to CeO 2 ·ZnO·ZnAl 2 O 4 multi-metal oxide consisting of crystalline CeO 2 , ZnO and semicrystalline ZnAl 2 O 4 . Photoluminescence (PL) spectra of the as-synthesized sample showed emissions at 440 and 590 nm. PL spectra of CeO 2 ·ZnO·ZnAl 2 O 4 annealed at 920 °C was recorded and three sharp lines were observed at 627 nm (1.98 eV), 530 nm (2.34 eV) and 465 nm (2.67 eV) with broad peaks at 540 nm (2.3 eV) and 400 nm (3.1 eV). These sharp lines resemble to those of CeO 2 and the broad peaks originate from ZnO. The indirect band gap of the as-synthesized composite was found to be 2.44 eV. The luminescence lifetime at 4 K was measured to be 38 μs. -- Highlights: • A novel trimetallic nanocomposite, CeO 2 ·ZnO·ZnAl 2 O 4 has been synthesized and characterized. • At around 220 °C as-synthesized samples exist in crystalline Zn 6 Al 2 (OH) 16 CO 3 ·4H 2 O and CeO 2 . • Annealing at temperatures between 400 and 920 °C converts the composite to CeO 2 ·ZnO·ZnAl 2 O 4 . • The luminescence lifetime of the composite at 4 K was measured to be 38 μs. • PL of CeO 2 ·ZnO·ZnAl 2 O 4 shows three sharp peaks at 627 nm, 530 nm and 465 nm

Electric power and the environment: An analysis of pollutant emissions at Argentine state-owned electric power stations

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Carnevali, D; Suarez, C E [Instituto de Economia Energetica, San Carlos de Bariloche (Argentina)

1991-08-01

This paper describes the impact on particulate and 'greenhouse gases' emissions of substitution policies implemented by Argentine state-owned electric power stations. Those policies involve the substitution, on the one hand, of hydroelectric and nuclear energy for conventional thermal energy and, on the other hand, of natural gas for fuel oil, diesel oil and coal. As additional investments are required in conventional thermal power stations to prevent environmental pollution, the investment savings generated by substitution policies have been calculated. While the environmental impacts of hydroelectric, nuclear and natural gas facilities is locally significant and is experienced in geographical areas away from cities, there can be no doubt that the substitution policies implemented in the Argentine electricity sector have overall both ecological and economic benefits. (author). 1 ref., 8 figs, 2 tabs.

A Conversation with Howard Schultz CEO of Starbucks

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Christopher Muller

2014-04-01

Full Text Available At the 12th annual European Food Service Summit in Zurich, Switzerland in September 2011, Professor Christopher Muller sat down with Howard Schultz, the CEO of Starbucks to discuss a wide range of topics. Their discussion touched on best management and business practices and the techniques that Schultz used to bring Starbucks back from the brink of bankruptcy to the international coffee corporation it is today.

Construction of g-C3N4/CeO2/ZnO ternary photocatalysts with enhanced photocatalytic performance

Science.gov (United States)

Yuan, Yuan; Huang, Gui-Fang; Hu, Wang-Yu; Xiong, Dan-Ni; Zhou, Bing-Xin; Chang, Shengli; Huang, Wei-Qing

2017-07-01

Promoting the spatial separation of photoexcited charge carriers is of paramount significance for photocatalysis. In this work, binary g-C3N4/CeO2 nanosheets are first prepared by pyrolysis and subsequent exfoliation method, then decorated with ZnO nanoparticles to construct g-C3N4/CeO2/ZnO ternary nanocomposites with multi-heterointerfaces. Notably, the type-II staggered band alignments existing between any two of the constituents, as well as the efficient three-level transfer of electron-holes in unique g-C3N4/CeO2/ZnO ternary composites, leads to the robust separation of photoexcited charge carriers, as verified by its photocurrent increased by 8 times under visible light irradiation. The resulting g-C3N4/CeO2/ZnO ternary nanocomposites unveil appreciably increased photocatalytic activity, faster than that of pure g-C3N4, ZnO and g-C3N4/CeO2 by a factor of 11, 4.6 and 3.7, respectively, and good stability toward methylene blue (MB) degradation. The remarkably enhanced photocatalytic activity of g-C3N4/CeO2/ZnO ternary heterostructures can be interpreted in terms of lots of active sites of nanosheet shapes and the efficient charge separation owing to the resulting type-II band alignment with more than one heterointerface and the efficient three-level electron-hole transfer. A plausible mechanism is also elucidated via active species trapping experiments with various scavengers, which indicating that the photogenerated holes and •OH radicals play a crucial role in photodegradation reaction under visible light irradiation. This work suggest that the rational design and construction of type II multi-heterostructures is powerful for developing highly efficient and reusable visible-light photocatalysts for environmental purification and energy conversion.

Progress and turning points in legal development of native forests protection at the argentine provincial and uruguayan jurisdictions

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Clara María Minaverry

2017-04-01

Full Text Available The general purpose of this paper is to investigate native forests protection regulatory development level, in a selection of argentine provinces in possession of valuable ecosystem forest´s resources, such as the Andean-Patagonian ones. The especial objectives are: To state if provincial regulations have complied with national native forests environmental protection law 26.331 (and if it regulates water resources, and to make a comparative analysis with Uruguay. This is an exploratory research, where analytical comparative method and legal hermeneutics were applied to this study. We could conclude that law 26.331 exceeded some of the selected argentine provincial regulations outlines, and that Uruguay does not have enough regulatory development in order to make an overall comparative analysis.

Determination of TBT in water and sediment samples along the Argentine Atlantic coast.

Science.gov (United States)

de Waisbaum, R G; Rodriguez, C; Nudelman, N Sbarbati

2010-11-01

Cases of imposex have been reported for some organisms living in areas of the Argentine Atlantic coast. Since this is one of the known effects of the anti-fouling agent tributyltin (TBT), quantitative determinations of organotins in samples of water and sediments collected from sites along the Argentine coast were carried out. Severe cases of imposex were first reported for two gastropod species living in the Mar del Plata area, and determinations of TBT in samples collected from this site gave extremely high values and showed a close correlation between the degree of imposex and TBT concentration. Recent investigations in the area have shown a significant decrease. Surveys were also conducted in sites that exhibit highly irregular coastal profiles to examine the relevance of physical environments. Alarming concentrations of TBT were determined in most of the sites where heavy boat traffic and/or marine activities occur, demonstrating the urgent need for regulations to avoid further input of TBT. Reports from other sites in South America reveal that this should be a subject of regional concern in order to avoid severe damage to the biodiversity of regional marine organisms.

Radiological impact of the Argentine Nuclear Programme

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gonzalez, A.J.

1983-01-01

An assessment is made of the radiological impact resulting from the activities carried out so far under the Argentine Nuclear Programme, together with a prediction of the impact which could result from the future activities planned under that Programme. The average individual risks and the radiological detriment due to the various activities are determined in terms of the average individual effective dose equivalents and the collective effective dose equivalent commitments. The assessments cover exposures of occupationally exposed workers and the public. The data obtained indicate that both the risks and the resultant detriment are reasonably comparable with those derived from other similar programmes. Moreover, they clearly indicate that the radiological impact of the Programme is tending to decrease with time so that it can be assumed that the radiological impact per unit of practice will be even lower in future. (author)

Consistency in behavior of the CEO regarding corporate social responsibility

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Elving, W.J.L.; Kartal, D.

2012-01-01

Purpose - When corporations adopt a corporate social responsibility (CSR) program and use and name it in their external communications, their members should act in line with CSR. The purpose of this paper is to present an experiment in which the consistent or inconsistent behavior of a CEO was

Electronic structure study of Co doped CeO2 nanoparticles using X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kumar, Shalendra; Gautam, Sanjeev; Song, T.K.; Chae, Keun Hwa; Jang, K.W.; Kim, S.S.

2014-01-01

Highlights: • The electronic structural of Co–CeO 2 nanoparticles is investigated using XAFS. • Ce M 5,4 , Ce L 3 and O K edge NEXAFS reveal that the Ce-ions are in +4 valence state. • The NEXAFS spectrum performed at Co L3,2-edge confirms Co-ion in 2+ state. • The EXAFS analysis also show that Co ions are occupying Ce position in doped CeO 2 . • The distances between Ce–O and Ce–Ce/Co in all shells decreases with Co doping. - Abstract: We investigated the electronic structure of well characterized Co doped CeO 2 nanoparticles using X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy. Near edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectra at Ce M 5,4 , Ce L 3 and O K-edge conclude that the Ce-ions are in +4 valence state in pure as well as in Co doped CeO 2 nanoparticles. The local structure around Ce-atom in Co doped CeO 2 nanoparticles was also determined using extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy at Ce L 3 edge. The EXAFS analysis suggest that the inter-atomic distance of Ce–O, Ce–Ce/Co decreases with Co doping, which indicate a contraction of the lattice. The decease in Ce–O distance also reflect that there is a formation of oxygen vacancies in CeO 2 matrix. The Debye–Waller factor also shows the consistent behaviour for all the coordination shells. The atomic multiplet calculations for Co L 3,2 -edge was performed to determine the valence state, symmetry and field splitting, which reflect that Co-ions are in 2+ state and substituted at Ce-site with crystal field splitting of 10Dq=-0.57eV. The XAFS measurements reveal that the Co-ions occupy the Ce position in the CeO 2 host matrix and create a oxygen vacancy

Estudos higiênicos sôbre os crustáceos e moluscos da Baía de Guanabara (Rio de Janeiro

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Lejeune Pacheco Henriques de Oliveira

1944-04-01

Full Text Available Revisão da literatura médica sôbre higiene de crustáceos e moluscos marinhos. Intoxicações por elementos extranhos às carnes de crustáceos e moluscos: por sais de cobre, vegetais tóxicos; estranho e chumbo nas conservas de crustáceos; botulismo. Putrefação de ostras e doenças de ostras provocadas por cogumelos; crustáceos e moluscos guardados em geladeiras bolorentas. Lista das espécies de moluscos comestíveis da Bahia de Guanabara. Lista das espécies de crustáceos comestíveis da Bahia de Guanabara. Veiculação de micro-organismos patogênicos ao homem por intermédio das carnes de crustáceos e de moluscos: veiculação do vibrião colérico, dos bacilos tíficos e paratíficos e de germes do grupo coli e do gênero Proteus. Vitalidade dos bacilos tíficos nas ostras. Listas dos moluscos veiculadores dos agentes causadores das febres tíficas e paratíficas. Conceitos antigos e modernos sõbre intoxicações por crustáceos; partidas de crustáceos salubres ou não conforme o local de venda. Estudos experimentais sôbre a "talassina" princípio tóxico existente em alguns crustáceos. "Mitilotoxina", intoxicações por mexilhões e outros acidentes incriminados aos moluscos. Enterotoxina estavfilocócica em ostras. Métodos de determinação da salubridade dos moluscos; verificações nas ostras brasileiras. Depuração dos crustáceos pelas soluções cloradas. Estabulação de caranguejos denominados vulgarmente de "guaiamus" e "ussás".Recording main medical publication on Hygiene of Mollusca and Crustacea. Food-poisoning. Decomposing oysters, and shell-fish sickness by fungi. Catalogue of eatable Crustacea and Mollusca of Rio de Janeiro. Significance of Mollusca and Crustacea in the spread of diseases. Longevity of Vibrio comma, Eberthella typhosa, Salmonella schottmuelleri, Salmonella paratiphi. Escherichia coli in oysters, Microorganisms in marked oysters. Comparison old written papers with moderns publications on food

Novel nanostructured CeO2 as efficient catalyst for energy and ...

Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

as counter ion shows lower-temperature oxidation of soot as compared to the mesoflower morphol- ... of CeO2 to Pt/C for ethanol electro-oxidation reaction in acidic media. Results show that ..... 3.1 Morphology dependent CO oxidation activity.

CEOS Theory: A Comprehensive Approach to Understanding Hard to Maintain Behaviour Change.

Science.gov (United States)

Borland, Ron

2017-03-01

This paper provides a brief introduction to CEOS theory, a comprehensive theory for understanding hard to maintain behaviour change. The name CEOS is an acronym for Context, Executive, and Operational Systems theory. Behaviour is theorised to be the result of the moment by moment interaction between internal needs (operational processes) in relation to environmental conditions, and for humans this is augmented by goal-directed, executive action which can transcend immediate contingencies. All behaviour is generated by operational processes. Goal-directed behaviours only triumph over contingency-generated competing behaviours when operational processes have been sufficiently activated to support them. Affective force can be generated around executive system (ES) goals from such things as memories of direct experience, vicarious experience, and emotionally charged communications mediated through stories the person generates. This paper makes some refinements and elaborations of the theory, particularly around the role of feelings, and of the importance of stories and scripts for facilitating executive action. It also sketches out how it reconceptualises a range of issues relevant to behaviour change. CEOS provides a framework for understanding the limitations of both informational and environmental approaches to behaviour change, the need for self-regulatory strategies and for taking into account more basic aspects of human functioning. © 2016 The Authors. Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Association of Applied Psychology.

A CEO View of Key Issues in Australian Information Systems Management - 1997

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Graham Pervan

1998-05-01

Full Text Available As part of a research programme on key information systems management issues, a survey of Australasia's largest 500 organisations was conducted to identify which issues were perceived by their chief executive officers (CEOs as being important, problematic and critical over the next three to five years. The results reported are based on a relatively low response rate (though perhaps reasonable for the target group so should be regarded as only exploratory. The most critical issues were revealed to be a mix of technology management issues (IT infrastructure, disaster recovery, strategic management issues (BPR, competitive advantage, information architecture, people management issues (organisational learning, systems development and data management issues (effective use of the data resource, effectiveness/productivity of IS, effectiveness of software development, and their own support systems (EIS/DSS. This reflects their interest in a wide range of issues, but all with an organisation-wide focus. Non-critical issues were mostly related to the individual technologies and the place and role of IS in the organisation. While the CEOs showed some agreement with their chief information officers (CIOs on issues such as the IT infrastructure, competitive advantage, and organisational learning some distinct differences exist, particularly in relation to the quality and effectiveness of systems and processes and also how CEOs and CIOs perceive each other.

Cuticular hydrocarbons correlate with queen reproductive status in native and invasive Argentine ants (Linepithema humile, Mayr)

Science.gov (United States)

Diaz, Mireia; Lenoir, Alain; Ivon Paris, Carolina; Boulay, Raphaël; Gómez, Crisanto

2018-01-01

In insect societies, chemical communication plays an important role in colony reproduction and individual social status. Many studies have indicated that cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) are the main chemical compounds encoding reproductive status. However, these studies have largely focused on queenless or monogynous species whose workers are capable of egg laying and have mainly explored the mechanisms underlying queen-worker or worker-worker reproductive conflicts. Less is known about what occurs in highly polygynous ant species with permanently sterile workers. Here, we used the Argentine ant as a model to examine the role of CHCs in communicating reproductive information in such insect societies. The Argentine ant is unicolonial, highly polygynous, and polydomous. We identified several CHCs whose presence and levels were correlated with queen age, reproductive status, and fertility. Our results also provide new insights into queen executions in the Argentine ant, a distinctive feature displayed by this species in its introduced range. Each spring, just before new sexuals appear, workers eliminate up to 90% of the mated queens in their colonies. We discovered that queens that survived execution had different CHC profiles from queens present before and during execution. More specifically, levels of some CHCs were higher in the survivors, suggesting that workers could eliminate queens based on their chemical profiles. In addition, queen CHC profiles differed based on season and species range (native vs. introduced). Overall, the results of this study provide new evidence that CHCs serve as queen signals and do more than just regulate worker reproduction. PMID:29470506

Teófilo Tabanera, Father of the Argentine Space Program

Science.gov (United States)

de León, Pablo; Tabanera, Marcela; Tabanera, Marisol

2017-08-01

No other figure was able to organize and catalyze the seminal interest of space exploration in Argentina more than Teófilo Tabanera. Born in 1909, Tabanera showed an early interest in the possibilities of space travel and dedicated most of his life to popularize it in his country. He created the Sociedad Argentina Interplanetaria (1949), which was the first space enthusiast's organization in Latin America. Present in the first meeting of representatives of various space societies, which led to the creation of the International Astronautical Federation, Tabanera was able to bring his enthusiasm to this new organization. A prolific writer, Tabanera wrote the first books about space exploration in Spanish, and organized many courses and conferences on the subject. When the Comisión Nacional de Investigaciones Espaciales (the Argentine Space Agency) was created in 1960 by a decree of President Arturo Frondizi, Tabanera was appointed as its first administrator. There, with meager funds, he organized launch campaigns and international projects on sounding rockets. Thanks to his knowledge of the international space sector, Tabanera invited many experts to Argentina, among them Wernher von Braun and even the Apollo XI crew, just a few months after their return from the Moon. He continued his activities in the IAF (International Astronautical Federation) serving as vice president for seven terms, and was a cofounder of the International Academy of Astronautics (I.A.A.). His many contributions, both to the Argentine and international space sector, are a testimony to his undying enthusiasm and interest in space as a way of advancing humankind.

Raman scattering study of the anharmonic effects in CeO2-y nanocrystals

Science.gov (United States)

Popović, Z. V.; Dohčević-Mitrović, Z.; Cros, A.; Cantarero, A.

2007-12-01

We have studied the temperature dependence of the F2g Raman mode phonon frequency and broadening in CeO2-y nanocrystals. The phonon softening and phonon linewidth are calculated using a model which takes into account the three-and four-phonon anharmonic processes. A detailed comparison of the experimental data with theoretical calculations revealed the predominance of four-phonon anharmonic processes in the temperature dependence of the phonon energy and broadening of the nanocrystals. On the other hand, three-phonon processes dominate the temperature behavior of phonons in polycrystalline samples. The anti-Stokes/Stokes peak intensity ratio was also investigated and found to be smaller for nanosized CeO2 powders than in the bulk counterpart.

Raman scattering study of the anharmonic effects in CeO2-y nanocrystals

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Popovic, Z V; Dohcevic-Mitrovic, Z; Cros, A; Cantarero, A

2007-01-01

We have studied the temperature dependence of the F 2g Raman mode phonon frequency and broadening in CeO 2-y nanocrystals. The phonon softening and phonon linewidth are calculated using a model which takes into account the three-and four-phonon anharmonic processes. A detailed comparison of the experimental data with theoretical calculations revealed the predominance of four-phonon anharmonic processes in the temperature dependence of the phonon energy and broadening of the nanocrystals. On the other hand, three-phonon processes dominate the temperature behavior of phonons in polycrystalline samples. The anti-Stokes/Stokes peak intensity ratio was also investigated and found to be smaller for nanosized CeO 2 powders than in the bulk counterpart

The nuclear community. An anthropological look on the Argentine nuclear development

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gaggioli, Nayme N.

2001-01-01

The Argentine development in the nuclear field is analyzed from an anthropological and sociological standpoint. The author has made his 'field work' at the Reactor and Power Plants sector of the National Atomic Energy Commission. She examines the perception that the scientists and other workers of the nuclear field have of the role of its discipline and consequently of its own role in the society. The analysis is carried out into the framework of the situation of nuclear energy in the world and in Argentina in particular

Annual report 2001. ABACC 10 years - Brazilian-Argentine Agency for Accounting and Control of Nuclear Materials, RJ, Brazil

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2001-01-01

This document represents the 2001 Annual report. ABACC 10 years - Brazilian-Argentine Agency for Accounting and Control of Nuclear Materials during the year of 2000, covering safeguards, accounting and control of nuclear materials

Ultrafine Nanocrystalline CeO2@C-Containing NaAlH4 with Fast Kinetics and Good Reversibility for Hydrogen Storage.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Xin; Liu, Yongfeng; Wang, Ke; Li, You; Gao, Mingxia; Pan, Hongge

2015-12-21

A nanocrystalline CeO2@C-containing NaAlH4 composite is successfully synthesized in situ by hydrogenating a NaH-Al mixture doped with CeO2@C. Compared with NaAlH4 , the as-prepared CeO2@C-containing NaAlH4 composite, with a minor amount of excess Al, exhibits significantly improved hydrogen storage properties. The dehydrogenation onset temperature of the hydrogenated [NaH-Al-7 wt % CeO2@C]-0.04Al sample is 77 °C lower than that of the pristine sample because of a reduced kinetic barrier. More importantly, the dehydrogenated sample absorbs ∼4.7 wt % hydrogen within 35 min at 100°C and 10 MPa of hydrogen. Compositional and structural analyses reveal that CeO2 is converted to CeH2 during ball milling and that the newly formed CeH2 works with the excess of Al to synergistically improve the hydrogen storage properties of NaAlH4. Our findings will aid in the rational design of novel catalyst-doped complex hydride systems with low operating temperatures, fast kinetics, and long-term cyclability. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

CEO Emoluments Determination of Non Governmental Organisations (NGO in Melaka: A Concept Paper

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Hassan Masita

2017-01-01

Full Text Available Non-governmental organisations (NGOs are formed by mutual members in conducting activities to enhance social welfare of its members and public. The issue of governance of NGO arises when such social welfare fail to be achieved. Principal-agent theory explains that agent (elected CEO or key committees is responsible to carry out NGO activities aligned with principal’s interest (which described in NGO missions and goals. If CEO or key committees are being paid to govern NGO, emolument is primarily perceived as a signal to level of governance of NGO. This study objectively to determine factors that influence the decision of emoluments paid to elected CEO or key committees. Subsequently, this study is to analyze the level of governance of NGO. NGO registered in Melaka will be selected from Registrar of Societies (ROS in Melaka. Therefore, data for this study will be collected using data from ROS Melaka. 594 registered NGO that located in Melaka will be contacted and interviewed to complete structured questionnaire. Data collected will be analyzed using SPSS software to determine the factors that influences emolument decision. Subsequently, data will be analyzed to determine the level of governance of NGOs in Malaysia, which related to emoluments decision making.

Development of La3+ Doped CeO2 Thick Film Humidity Sensors

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Chunjie Wang

2014-01-01

Full Text Available The humidity sensitive characteristics of the sensor fabricated from 10 mol% La2O3 doped CeO2 nanopowders with particle size 17.26 nm synthesized via hydrothermal method were investigated at different frequencies. It was found that the sensor shows high humidity sensitivity, rapid response-recovery characteristics, and narrow hysteresis loop at 100 Hz in the relative humidity range from 11% to 95%. The impedance of the sensor decreases by about five orders of magnitude as relative humidity increases. The maximum humidity hysteresis is about 6% RH, and the response and recovery time is 12 and 13 s, respectively. These results indicate that the nanosized La2O3 doped CeO2 powder has potential application as high-performance humidity sensor.

CEO emotional bias and investment decision, Bayesian network method

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jarboui Anis

2012-08-01

Full Text Available This research examines the determinants of firms’ investment introducing a behavioral perspective that has received little attention in corporate finance literature. The following central hypothesis emerges from a set of recently developed theories: Investment decisions are influenced not only by their fundamentals but also depend on some other factors. One factor is the biasness of any CEO to their investment, biasness depends on the cognition and emotions, because some leaders use them as heuristic for the investment decision instead of fundamentals. This paper shows how CEO emotional bias (optimism, loss aversion and overconfidence affects the investment decisions. The proposed model of this paper uses Bayesian Network Method to examine this relationship. Emotional bias has been measured by means of a questionnaire comprising several items. As for the selected sample, it has been composed of some 100 Tunisian executives. Our results have revealed that the behavioral analysis of investment decision implies leader affected by behavioral biases (optimism, loss aversion, and overconfidence adjusts its investment choices based on their ability to assess alternatives (optimism and overconfidence and risk perception (loss aversion to create of shareholder value and ensure its place at the head of the management team.

Nanoscale abnormal grain growth in (001) epitaxial ceria

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Solovyov, Vyacheslav F.; Develos-Bagarinao, Katherine; Nykypanchuk, Dmytro

2009-01-01

X-ray reciprocal-space mapping and atomic force microscopy (AFM) are used to study kinetics and mechanisms of lateral grain growth in epitaxial (001) ceria (CeO 2 ) deposited by pulsed laser deposition on (001) yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) and (12 lowbar 10) (r-cut) sapphire. Rate and character of the grain growth during postannealing at 1050 deg. C are found to be strongly dependent on the type of the epitaxial substrate. Films deposited on YSZ exhibit signatures of normal grain growth, which stagnated after the lateral grain size reaches 40 nm, consistent with the grain-boundary pinning by the thermal grooving. In contrast, when r-cut sapphire substrate was used, abnormal (secondary) grain growth is observed. A small population of grains grow to well over 100 nm consuming smaller, 100 nm large (001) terminations and rendering the sample single-crystalline quality. The grain growth is accompanied by reduction in lateral rms strain, resulting in a universal grain size--rms strain dependence. Analysis of the AFM and x-ray diffraction data leads to the conclusion that bimodal initial grain population consisting of grains with very different sizes is responsible for initiation of the abnormal growth in (001) CeO 2 films on r-cut sapphire. Due to different surface chemistry, when a YSZ substrate is used, the initial grain distribution is monomodal, therefore only normal growth is active. We demonstrate that a 2.2 deg. miscut of the sapphire substrate eliminates the large-grain population, thus suppressing abnormal grain growth. It is concluded that utilization of abnormal grain growth is a promising way for synthesis of large (001) ceria terminations.

Surface Reduced CeO2 Nanowires for Direct Conversion of CO2 and Methanol to Dimethyl Carbonate: Catalytic Performance and Role of Oxygen Vacancy

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Zhongwei Fu

2018-04-01

Full Text Available Ultralong 1D CeO2 nanowires were synthesized via an advanced solvothermal method, surface reduced under H2 atmosphere, and first applied in direct synthesis of dimethyl carbonate (DMC from CO2 and CH3OH. The micro morphologies, physical parameters of nanowires were fully investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM, X-ray diffraction (XRD, N2 adsorption, X-ray photoelectron spectrum (XPS, and temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia/carbon dioxide (NH3-TPD/CO2-TPD. The effects of surface oxygen vacancy and acidic/alkaline sites on the catalytic activity was explored. After reduction, the acidic/alkaline sites of CeO2 nanowires can be dramatically improved and evidently raised the catalytic performance. CeO2 nanowires reduced at 500 °C (CeO2_NW_500 exhibited notably superior activity with DMC yield of 16.85 mmol gcat−1. Furthermore, kinetic insights of initial rate were carried out and the apparent activation energy barrier of CeO2_NW_500 catalyst was found to be 41.9 kJ/mol, much tiny than that of CeO2_NW catalyst (74.7 KJ/mol.

Ethanol Sensor of CdO/Al2O3/CeO2 Obtained from Ce-DOPED Layered Double Hydroxides with High Response and Selectivity

Science.gov (United States)

Xu, Dongmei; Guan, Meiyu; Xu, Qinghong; Guo, Ying; Wang, Yao

2013-04-01

In this paper, Ce-doped CdAl layered double hydroxide (LDH) was first synthesized and the derivative CdO/Al2O3/CeO2 composite oxide was prepared by calcining Ce-doped CdAl LDH. The structure, morphology and chemical state of the Ce doped CdAl LDH and CdO/Al2O3/CeO2 were also investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (SSNMR), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The gas sensing properties of CdO/Al2O3/CeO2 to ethanol were further studied and compared with CdO/Al2O3 prepared from CdAl LDH, CeO2 powder as well as the calcined Ce salt. It turns out that CdO/Al2O3/CeO2 sensor shows best performance in ethanol response. Besides, CdO/Al2O3/CeO2 possesses short response/recovery time (12/72 s) as well as remarkable selectivity in ethanol sensing, which means composite oxides prepared from LDH are very promising in gas sensing application.

Cosmic radiation dosimetry in international flights argentine airlines

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ciancio, Vicente R.; Oliveri, Pedro V.; Di Giovan B, Gustavo; Ciancio, Vanina L.; Lewis, Brent J.; Green, Anna R.; Bennet, L.

2008-01-01

Full text: Introduction: In commercial aviation the most important determinants of radiation exposure in humans are the altitude, latitude, flight duration and the solar cycle's period. This study was conducted to address this type of exposure trough radiation dosimetry. Method: The study was performed in the business-class cabin of an Airbus 340-200 aircraft, provided by Argentine Airlines, during 2 flights routes: New York-Miami-Buenos Aires (trans equatorial) and Buenos Aires-Auckland (circumpolar). Measurements addressed the electromagnetic spectrum or low Linear Energy Transfer (LET) and corpuscular radiation (High LET). The instruments used were an Ion Chamber (IC), to measure the ionizing component of radiation (i.e., gamma radiation), the SWENDI, to measure only the neutron component, and the Tissue Equivalent Proportional Counter (TEPC) for measuring all radiation types. Results: The routes' dose rates are presented in the table. TEPC rates agreed with the LET findings. The total dose rates of high latitude flights were higher than those of low latitude flights. The SWENDI (High LET) results for the flights over the equator, at low latitude, represented only 1/3 of the total radiation. The New York-Miami and Buenos Aires-Auckland flights, at high latitude, represented just under 1/2 of the Total radiation (-45%). Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, the annual dose rates of radiation exposure of air crew personnel serving on international flights offered by Argentine Airlines is between 3 and 7 mSv. This rate is higher than the maximum recommended for the general population by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), which is 1 milli Sv./y. Therefore, these personnel must be officially considered 'Occupationally Exposed to Radiation' in way to provide the appropriate measures that must be implemented for their protection in accordance to ICRP guidelines. Dose(uSv): Route N Y-Miami, IC 6.07, SWENDI 5.07, TEPC 11.04; Route

Proceedings of the eighth scientific meeting; second latin american meeting; first engineering and argentine nuclear industry exposition at Buenos Aires, 5-10 november 1979

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1981-11-01

Compilation of 59 papers of different authors, most of whom are personnel from the Argentine National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA), the others belonging to the firms involved in the development of the Argentine Nuclear Programme. The papers are arranged in 7 sections comprising the following groups of subjects; experimental and power reactors; fuel elements' fabrication study; prospection, extraction, production and study of nuclear materials; radiological and nuclear safety; instrumentation and control; quality assurance, and technological applications. (R.J.S.) [es

Proceedings of the 76. meeting of the Argentine Physics Association (AFA). V.3

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1992-01-01

Works are presented at the 76 Annual meeting of the Argentine Physics Association. The papers can be grouped under the following main topics: teaching, history and philosophy of physics, mathematical methods, classical and quantum physics, mechanics and fields, statistical physics and thermodynamics, elementary particle physics and fields, nuclear physics, and molecular physics, atomic collisions, optics, fluid dynamics and plasmas, condensed matter, instrumentation, geophysics, astronomy and astrophysics. refs., ills

Abstracts of the 81. national meeting on physics of the Argentine Physics Association (AFA)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1996-01-01

Abstracts are presented at the 81 Annual meeting of the Argentine Physics Association (AFA). The papers can be grouped under the following main topics: teaching, history and philosophy of physics; classical and quantum physics: particles and fields; statistical physics and thermodynamics; nuclear physics; atomic and molecular physics; optic; fluid dynamics and plasmas; condensed matter; instrumentation; geophysics and astrophysics. refs., ills

Annual Report 2007 - ABACC - Brazilian-Argentine Agency for Accounting and Control of Nuclear Materials

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2007-01-01

This document reports activities during the year 2007 related to: technical activities as application of safeguards; management of the Quadripartite Agreement and the SCCC - Common System for Accounting and Control of Nuclear Materials; training; technical cooperation; outlook for 2008 and; institutional, administrative and financial activities; technical glossary; list of brazilian facilities; list of argentine facilities and a list of institution of nuclear area

CEOS Ocean Variables Enabling Research and Applications for Geo (COVERAGE)

Science.gov (United States)

Tsontos, V. M.; Vazquez, J.; Zlotnicki, V.

2017-12-01

The CEOS Ocean Variables Enabling Research and Applications for GEO (COVERAGE) initiative seeks to facilitate joint utilization of different satellite data streams on ocean physics, better integrated with biological and in situ observations, including near real-time data streams in support of oceanographic and decision support applications for societal benefit. COVERAGE aligns with programmatic objectives of CEOS (the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites) and the missions of GEO-MBON (Marine Biodiversity Observation Network) and GEO-Blue Planet, which are to advance and exploit synergies among the many observational programs devoted to ocean and coastal waters. COVERAGE is conceived of as 3 year pilot project involving international collaboration. It focuses on implementing technologies, including cloud based solutions, to provide a data rich, web-based platform for integrated ocean data delivery and access: multi-parameter observations, easily discoverable and usable, organized by disciplines, available in near real-time, collocated to a common grid and including climatologies. These will be complemented by a set of value-added data services available via the COVERAGE portal including an advanced Web-based visualization interface, subsetting/extraction, data collocation/matchup and other relevant on demand processing capabilities. COVERAGE development will be organized around priority use cases and applications identified by GEO and agency partners. The initial phase will be to develop co-located 25km products from the four Ocean Virtual Constellations (VCs), Sea Surface Temperature, Sea Level, Ocean Color, and Sea Surface Winds. This aims to stimulate work among the ocean VCs while developing products and system functionality based on community recommendations. Such products as anomalies from a time mean, would build on the theme of applications with a relevance to CEOS/GEO mission and vision. Here we provide an overview of the COVERAGE initiative with an

Initial Reduction of CO2 on Pd-, Ru-, and Cu-Doped CeO2(111) Surfaces: Effects of Surface Modification on Catalytic Activity and Selectivity.

Science.gov (United States)

Guo, Chen; Wei, Shuxian; Zhou, Sainan; Zhang, Tian; Wang, Zhaojie; Ng, Siu-Pang; Lu, Xiaoqing; Wu, Chi-Man Lawrence; Guo, Wenyue

2017-08-09

Surface modification by metal doping is an effective treatment technique for improving surface properties for CO 2 reduction. Herein, the effects of doped Pd, Ru, and Cu on the adsorption, activation, and reduction selectivity of CO 2 on CeO 2 (111) were investigated by periodic density functional theory. The doped metals distorted the configuration of a perfect CeO 2 (111) by weakening the adjacent Ce-O bond strength, and Pd doping was beneficial for generating a highly active O vacancy. The analyses of adsorption energy, charge density difference, and density of states confirmed that the doped metals were conducive for enhancing CO 2 adsorption, especially for Cu/CeO 2 (111). The initial reductive dissociation CO 2 → CO* + O* on metal-doped CeO 2 (111) followed the sequence of Cu- > perfect > Pd- > Ru-doped CeO 2 (111); the reductive hydrogenation CO 2 + H → COOH* followed the sequence of Cu- > perfect > Ru- > Pd-doped CeO 2 (111), in which the most competitive route on Cu/CeO 2 (111) was exothermic by 0.52 eV with an energy barrier of 0.16 eV; the reductive hydrogenation CO 2 + H → HCOO* followed the sequence of Ru- > perfect > Pd-doped CeO 2 (111). Energy barrier decomposition analyses were performed to identify the governing factors of bond activation and scission along the initial CO 2 reduction routes. Results of this study provided deep insights into the effect of surface modification on the initial reduction mechanisms of CO 2 on metal-doped CeO 2 (111) surfaces.

Electrical and microstructural properties of Yb-doped CeO2

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

B. Matović

2014-06-01

Full Text Available Nanopowdered Ce1−xYbxO2−δ solid solutions (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.2 were synthesized by a self-propagating room temperature synthesis. XRD and SEM were used to study the properties of these materials as well as the Yb solubility in CeO2 lattice. Results showed that all the obtained powders were solid solutions with a fluorite-type crystal structure and with nanometric particle size. The average size of Ce1−xYbxO2−δ particles was approximately 3 nm. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy for the sintered pellets depicted that it was possible to separate Rbulk and Rgb in the temperature interval of 550–800 °C. The activation energy for the bulk conduction was 1.03 eV and for grain boundary conduction was 1.14 eV. Grain boundary resistivity dominates over the other resistivities. These measurements confirmed that Yb3+-doped CeO2 material had a potential as electrolyte for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cell applications.

Perpetuating Social Movements amid Declining Opportunity: The Survival Strategies of Two Argentine Piquetero Groups

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Edward C. Epstein

2009-04-01

Full Text Available This article examines the recent behaviour in Argentina of two national protest groups of socalled ‘piqueteros’ or picketers (impoverished unemployed individuals who used the blockage of strategic roads and bridges to force government concessions that emerged politically in the buildup to the crisis of 2001-2002. Using theoretical concepts developed by McAdam, Tarrow, and Tilly in understanding social movements, the author analyses what he calls the ‘survival strategy’ adopted by their leaders as the political opportunities that produced their initial growth gave way to a more hostile environment with the normalization of Argentine politics under the Kirchner administration. While the two piquetero groups studied differ considerably in terms of their politics and ideology, both ended up depending on the same traditional tactic of utilizing important government contacts to obtain the resources necessary for organizational maintenance, despite their nominal identity as radical protesters against the present political system.Resumen: Perpetuando movimientos sociales y oportunidades decrecientes: las estrategias de sobrevivencia de dos grupos de piqueteros argentinesEste artículo examina el comportamiento reciente de dos grupos nacionales de protesta argentinos llamados ‘piqueteros’ (desempleados empobrecidos que usaron el bloqueo de calles y puentes estratégicos para forzar concesiones gubernamentales que aparecieron durante la crisis de 2001- 2002. Utilizando conceptos teóricos creados por McAdam, Tarrow, y Tilly en su discusión sobre los movimientos sociales, el autor analiza lo que describe como ‘estrategias de sobrevivencia’ adoptadas por sus dirigentes cuando las oportunidades que ocasionaron su crecimiento inicial cedieron ante un ambiente más hostil en el contexto de la normalización de la política argentina durante la administración de Kirchner. Aunque los dos grupos piqueteros estudiados se diferencian mucho en t

Application of nanostructured Ca doped CeO2 for ultraviolet filtration

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Truffault, Laurianne; Ta, Minh-Tri; Devers, Thierry; Konstantinov, Konstantin; Harel, Valerie; Simmonard, Cyriaque; Andreazza, Caroline; Nevirkovets, Ivan P.; Pineau, Alain; Veron, Olivier; Blondeau, Jean-Philippe

2010-01-01

Calcium doped CeO 2 nanoparticles with doping concentrations between 0 and 50 mol% were synthesized by a co-precipitation method for ultraviolet filtration application. Below 20 mol% doping concentration, the samples were single-phase. From 30 mol%, CaCO 3 appears as a secondary phase. The calculated CeO 2 mean crystallite size was 9.3 nm for the pure and 5.7 nm for the 50 mol% Ca-doped sample. Between 250 and 330 nm, the absorbance increased for the 10, 30, and 40 mol% Ca-doped samples compared to the pure one. The band-gap was found to be 3.20 eV for the undoped, and between 3.36 and 3.51 eV for the doped samples. The blue shifts are attributed to the quantum confinement effect. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed that the Ce 3+ atomic concentration in the pure sample was higher than that of the 20 mol% Ca-doped sample.

Non-Performance Pay and Relational Contracting: Evidence from CEO Compensation

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

DeVaro, Jed; Kim, Jin-Hyuk; Vikander, Nick

2017-01-01

compensation by invoking the idea of informal agreements, specifically the theory of relational contracting. We derive observable implications to distinguish relational from formal contracting and, using ExecuComp data, find that CEOs' annual cash and equity incentive payments positively correlate...... with the cyclical component of sales and respond to measures of persistence as relational contracting theory predicts....

The Sexual Division of Administrative Labor: Feminine Careers at large Argentine Companies

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Florencia Luci

2010-01-01

Full Text Available This article analyzes the particular conditions in which administrative careers for women develop at largeArgentine companies. It is based on a qualitative study conducted at eight global companies based in Buenos Aires, at which were interviewed managers of various ages, genders and levels. The intention was to understand the unequal conditions that women experience in managerial positions, the specific characteristics of a managerial career and the “glass ceiling” that separates them from the top of the organization.

Annual Report ABACC 2009 - Brazilian-Argentine Agency for the Accounting and Control of Nuclear Materials

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2009-01-01

This document reports the actives during the year 2009 related to: technical activities as application of safeguards; management of the Quadripartite Agreement and the SCCC - Common System for Accounting and Control of Nuclear Materials; training; technical cooperation; institutional, administrative and financial activities; perspectives for 2010; list of inspectors; list of Brazilian and Argentine facilities subject to the Quadripartite Agreement

The possible role of cerium oxide (CeO 2 ) nanoparticles in ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

Results showed that CeO2NPs resulted in partial neuroprotection against disturbances in motor performance. It also partially decreased apoptosis and oxidative stress in preventive group, while it failed to increase striatal dopamine level as compared to untreated rats. The present study verified some neuroprotective effects ...

Distinctive Innovation Capabilities of Argentine Software Companies with High Innovation Results and Impacts

OpenAIRE

María Isabel Camio; María del Carmen Romero; María Belén Álvarez; Alfredo José Rébori

2018-01-01

The software sector is of growing importance and, due to its degree of dynamism, the identification of capabilities for innovation is vital. This study identifies capabilities variables that distinguish Argentine software companies with high innovation results and high innovation impacts from those with lesser results and impacts. It is applied to a sample of 103 companies, a measurement model and the component variables of an innovation degree index for software companies (INIs) formulated i...

Antimicrobial potential of green synthesized CeO2 nanoparticles from Olea europaea leaf extract

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Maqbool Q

2016-10-01

Full Text Available Qaisar Maqbool,1 Mudassar Nazar,1 Sania Naz,2 Talib Hussain,3 Nyla Jabeen,4 Rizwan Kausar,5 Sadaf Anwaar,4 Fazal Abbas,6,7 Tariq Jan6 1Department of Biotechnology, Virtual University of Pakistan, Lahore, Pakistan; 2Department of Biotechnology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan; 3National Institute of Vacuum Science and Technology (NINVAST, Islamabad, Pakistan; 4Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Lab., International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan; 5Department of Chemistry, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan; 6Department of Physics, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan; 7Interdisciplinary Research Organization, University of Chakwal (UOC, Chakwal, Pakistan Abstract: This article reports the green fabrication of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs using Olea europaea leaf extract and their applications as effective antimicrobial agents. O. europaea leaf extract functions as a chelating agent for reduction of cerium nitrate. The resulting CeO2 NPs exhibit pure single-face cubic structure, which is examined by X-ray diffraction, with a uniform spherical shape and a mean size 24 nm observed through scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy confirms the characteristic absorption peak of CeO2 NPs at 315 nm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy reflects stretching frequencies at 459 cm-1, showing utilization of natural components for the production of NPs. Thermal gravimetric analysis predicts the successful capping of CeO2 NPs by bioactive molecules present in the plant extract. The antimicrobial studies show significant zone of inhibition against bacterial and fungal strains. The higher activities shown by the green synthesized NPs than the plant extract lead to the conclusion that they can be effectively used in biomedical application. Furthermore, reduction of cerium salt by plant extract will reduce environmental impact over

Improve electrochemical performance of CeO2 surface modification LiNi0.80Co0.15Al0.05O2 cathode material

Science.gov (United States)

Xia, Shubiao; Zhang, Yingjie; Dong, Peng; Zhang, Yannan

2014-06-01

Lithium ion battery cathode material LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 cathode has successfully prepared by co-precipitation. CeO2 surface modification has improved LiNi0.80Co0.15Al0.05O2 electrochemical performance use sol-gel method and subsequent heat treatment at 600 °C for 5 h. Different to other conventional coating material, CeO2 coating layer can not only inhibit the reaction of the electrode and the electrolyte, but also can reduce the impedance of electron transfer due to its high conductivity, and inhibit the production of Ni2+ because of its high oxidation. The surface-modified and pristine LiNi0.80Co0.15Al0.05O2 powders are characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, CV and DSC. When CeO2 coating is 0.02% (mole ratio), contrast to pristine NCA, the CeO2-coated NCA cathode exhibits no decrease in its initial specific capacity of 184 mAh g -1 (at 0.2 C) and excellent capacity retention (86% of its initial capacity at 1 C) between 2.75 and 4.3 V after 100 cycles. The results indicate that the CeO2 surface treatment should be an effective way to improve cycle properties due to CeO2 inhibit the electrodes and the electrolyte side effects.

The Brazilian-Argentine Agency for Accounting and Control of Nuclear Materials (ABACC) as safeguard regional agency

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Alvim, C.F.

1994-01-01

The Brazilian-Argentine Agency for Accounting and Control of Nuclear Materials - ABACC applies regional safeguards on nuclear materials in Brazil and Argentina. The framework of international agreements concerning ABACC is presented, and the characteristics and requirements that a regional nuclear safeguards organization must fulfill are discussed. (author). 2 refs, 1 tab

What's behind the leadership shift in sustainable development from politicians to CEOs?

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Zoeteman, B.C.J.

2013-01-01

Leadership in sustainable development has gradually shifted during the past decades, with forward-thinking CEOs of prominent multinational corporations increasingly taking over the role formerly played exclusively by national politicians. This paper discusses possible drivers for a growing divide in

Relationship between CEO remuneration and company financial performance in the South African retail and consumer goods sector

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mark Bussin

2015-04-01

Full Text Available Purpose: This study was motivated by the need to better understand the effects of the global financial crisis in 2008 on the relationship between company financial performance and CEO guaranteed cost to company (CTC. The aim of this study was to understand the relationship between company financial performance using DuPont analysis and CEO guaranteed CTC in the South African retail and consumer goods sector. Design: The research was a quantitative, archival study of companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE, measured over a period of six years (2006–2011. The statistical analysis included regression and correlation analysis. Findings: The research found that CEO guaranteed CTC has shown no sensitivity towards company financial performance in terms of DuPont analysis over the six-year period, which included the global financial crises in 2008. Furthermore, a negative relationship existed between the return on equity and the guaranteed CTC of CEOs in the retail and consumer goods sector during this period. Practical implications: The findings suggest that there is misalignment between company strategy and performance and the guaranteed CTC of CEOs. A practical implication would be to have independent and competent remuneration committees ensuring alignment of the interests of a company with those of its leaders in this regard.

Cetáceos de las aguas costeras del Pacífico norte y sur de Costa Rica

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Damián Martínez-Fernández

2011-03-01

Full Text Available De las 29 especies de cetáceos presentes en Costa Rica, se han realizado investigaciones exhaustivas solamente para tres especies. Lo anterior evidencia la poca información general existente sobre cetáceos, a pesar de que Costa Rica posee un notable crecimiento de actividades de avistamiento. Debido al uso que se está generando en las zonas costeras, cada vez se hace más necesario determinar la ocurrencia de cetáceos en zonas de alta actividad turística, con el fin de proponer medidas de conservación. En el presente estudio, se determinaron variables ambientales que estaban relacionadas con la presencia de especies registradas, a partir de 166 avistamientos entre el 2005 y 2006. Las especies con mayor proporción de avistamientos fueron Stenella attenuata (68%, seguida por Megaptera novaeangliae (13% y Tursiops truncatus (10%. La presencia del delfín manchado se relaciona con cambios de salinidad y trasparencia del agua, mientras que la de la ballena jorobada estuvo relacionada con el oleaje y la temperatura superficial del agua. Se confirma la presencia de 7 especies de cetáceos en dos zonas costeras del Pacífico de Costa Rica, de las cuales tres están presentes a lo largo del año. Se encontraron variables ambientales relacionadas con la presencia de al menos dos especies.

The Argentine remote monitoring and surveillance system

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bonino, A.; Roca, J.L.; Perez, A.; Pizarro, L.; Krimer, M.; Teira, R.; Higa, Z.; Saettone, S.; Monzon, J.; Moroni, D.

1996-01-01

The Scientific and Technical Support Department of the Argentine National Board of Nuclear Regulation (ENREN) has developed a Remote Monitoring and Surveillance System (RMSS) that provides a media to verify state of variables related to the monitoring and surveillance activities of nuclear facilities, mainly safeguard applications. RMSS includes a variety of on site installed sensors, an authenticated radiofrequency communication link, a receiver processing unit, an active vision set and a user friendly personal computer interface to collect, view and store pertinent histories of events. A real time data base allows consulting, maintenance, updating and checking activities. RMSS could be integrated into a LAN or WAN via modem for use in a remote operation scheme. In this paper a description of the RMSS is provided. Also, an overview of the RMSS operation at one facility under safeguards belonging to the National Commission of Atomic Energy (CNEA) is presented. Results and conclusions of the system associated with this facility are given. (author). 37 figs

The Argentine remote monitoring and surveillance system

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bonino, A; Roca, J L; Perez, A; Pizarro, L; Krimer, M; Teira, R; Higa, Z; Saettone, S; Monzon, J; Moroni, D [Ente Nacional Regulador Nuclear, Buenos Aires (Argentina). Dept. Apoyo Cientifico y Tecnico

1997-12-31

The Scientific and Technical Support Department of the Argentine National Board of Nuclear Regulation (ENREN) has developed a Remote Monitoring and Surveillance System (RMSS) that provides a media to verify state of variables related to the monitoring and surveillance activities of nuclear facilities, mainly safeguard applications. RMSS includes a variety of on site installed sensors, an authenticated radiofrequency communication link, a receiver processing unit, an active vision set and a user friendly personal computer interface to collect, view and store pertinent histories of events. A real time data base allows consulting, maintenance, updating and checking activities. RMSS could be integrated into a LAN or WAN via modem for use in a remote operation scheme. In this paper a description of the RMSS is provided. Also, an overview of the RMSS operation at one facility under safeguards belonging to the National Commission of Atomic Energy (CNEA) is presented. Results and conclusions of the system associated with this facility are given. (author). 37 figs.

Cerium dioxide (CeO2) nanoparticles decrease arsenite (As(III)) cytotoxicity to 16HBE14o- human bronchial epithelial cells.

Science.gov (United States)

Zeng, Chao; Nguyen, Chi; Boitano, Scott; Field, Jim A; Shadman, Farhang; Sierra-Alvarez, Reyes

2018-07-01

The production and application of engineered nanoparticles (NPs) are increasing in demand with the rapid development of nanotechnology. However, there are concerns that some of these novel materials could lead to emerging environmental and health problems. Some NPs are able to facilitate the transport of contaminants into cells/organisms via a "Trojan Horse" effect which enhances the toxicity of the adsorbed materials. In this work, we evaluated the toxicity of arsenite (As(III)) adsorbed onto cerium dioxide (CeO 2 ) NPs to human bronchial epithelial cells (16HBE14o-) using the xCELLigence real time cell analyzing system (RTCA). Application of 0.5 mg/L As(III) resulted in 81.3% reduction of cell index (CI, an RTCA measure of cell toxicity) over 48 h when compared to control cells exposed to medium lacking As(III). However, when the cells were exposed to 0.5 mg/L As(III) in the presence of CeO 2 NPs (250 mg/L), the CI was only reduced by 12.9% compared to the control. The CeO 2 NPs had a high capacity for As(III) adsorption (20.2 mg/g CeO 2 ) in the bioassay medium, effectively reducing dissolved As(III) in the aqueous solution and resulting in reduced toxicity. Transmission electron microscopy was used to study the transport of CeO 2 NPs into 16HBE14o- cells. NP uptake via engulfment was observed and the internalized NPs accumulated in vesicles. The results demonstrate that dissolved As(III) in the aqueous solution was the decisive factor controlling As(III) toxicity of 16HBE14o- cells, and that CeO 2 NPs effectively reduced available As(III) through adsorption. These data emphasize the evaluation of mixtures when assaying toxicity. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Strong performance. Healthcare executives reaped big rewards in 2010, with returning hospital CEOs seeing a 58.2% gain in compensation.

Science.gov (United States)

Galloro, Vince

2011-08-15

Healthcare CEOs saw their compensation slip relative to other industries but still earned big paydays last year. "2010 was a great year for corporate earnings and stock performance," says Steve Kaplan, left, a professor of finance and entrepreneurship. "Part of the reason for the increase in pay is that the CEOs delivered in 2010."

The Argentine Guide of Recommendations for the Correct Indications of Diagnostic Imaging Examinations

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Buzzi, Alfredo; Rojas, Roberto; Touzet, Rodolfo E.

2008-01-01

Full text:The aim of this Guide is the protection of the population from the risks derived from ionising radiations. The medical irradiations are the most important contribution to the human exposition to artificial ionising radiations. Since statistics indicate an increasing number of practices and facilities, the quality of these practices, its justification and its optimisation are a relevant topic for scientific societies and regulatory organisms. Since the 97/43/EURATOM Directive and the Malaga Conference most of the European countries implemented plans of action for patient radiological protection, including the search of consensus in relation to dose optimisation and the justification criteria for the indication of exams. An example of these is the Guide PR/118. In this context, three Meetings on Patient Radiological Protection took place in Argentina (initially organised by the Nuclear Regulatory Authority), where four work-groups were organised (Radiodiagnostics, Radiotherapy, Nuclear Medicine and Radiological Protection of Pregnant Women). Systematic activities began, with the institutional support of the Argentine Society of Radiology, that concluded with the elaboration of the 'Program for Patient Radiological Protection'. The analysis of the situation revealed a complex reality, that requires solutions of different degree of applicability. It was decided then to fix realistic goals for the short term that could be reached quickly with the available resources in order to obtain a modest but continuous advance without waking-up false expectations. One of the short term objectives was to start up a system to guarantee the justification of the practice, with five steps: the first is the preparation of a Guide of Recommendations (fulfilled stage); the second is to look for the validation and consensus from professional societies of other medical specialties (developing stage); the third is the diffusion, information, promotion and qualification in the use

Why do gatherers no longer gather? Stigmatizing processes of consumption of wild edible plants among Chorote Indians from Argentine Chaco.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Gustavo Fabián Scarpa

2017-08-01

Full Text Available The article analyzes cultural change related to the consumption of wild edible plants among Chorote Indians from Argentine Chaco, especially the process of construction of prejudices regarding such practices, expressed in the form of symbols of social or religious discredit which has led to their concomitant stigmatization and contempt. The influence of hegemonic agents in the conceptualization of wild edible plants and their utilization practices is here identified and analyzed from observational, exegetical and interpretative points of view. The article specifically discusses if the abandonment of wild edible plant consumption is due to reasons  linked to environmental determinism, to the mere acquisition of new cultural practices, or to socio-religious stigmatization of old food rules among Chorote Indians from Argentine Chaco.

Knowledge management in the Argentine Nuclear Regulatory Authority

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chahab, Martin

2006-01-01

In 2006, the Argentine Nuclear Regulatory Authority has initiated a regulatory knowledge management process to face the loss of knowledge resulting from retiring experts, the generation gap, and the existing need to train new human resources. A number of projects have been started together with the technical assistance of the National Public Administration Institute to preserve knowledge and render it explicit for the coming generations. These projects include 'The History of the Expert's Learning Process' in which the majority of the most critical experts have been interviewed so far. The results of this project help envision a training structure and prospective projects. An Internet Site has also been created on the Intranet in order to render knowledge explicit and facilitate the tools for knowledge management initiatives. Furthermore, ARN's knowledge map project has also been started. (author) [es

Colloidal stability of CeO2 nanoparticles coated with either natural organic matter or organic polymers under various hydrochemical conditions

Science.gov (United States)

Dippon, Urs; Pabst, Silke; Klitzke, Sondra

2016-04-01

The worldwide marked for engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) is growing and concerns on the environmental fate- and toxicity of ENPs are rising. Understanding the transport of ENPs within and between environmental compartments such as surface water and groundwater is crucial for exposition modeling, risk assessment and ultimately the protection of drinking water resources. The transport of ENPs is strongly influenced by the surface properties and aggregation behavior of the particles, which is strongly controlled by synthetic and natural organic coatings. Both, surface properties and aggregation characteristics are also key properties for the industrial application of ENPs, which leads to the development and commercialization of an increasing number of surface-functionalized ENPs. These include metals and oxides such as Cerium dioxide (CeO2) with various organic coatings. Therefore, we investigate CeO2 ENPs with different surface coatings such as weakly anionic polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) or strongly anionic poly acrylic acid (PAA) with respect to their colloidal stability in aqueous matrix under various hydrochemical conditions (pH, ionic strength) and their transport behavior in sand filter columns. Furthermore, we investigate the interaction of naturally occurring organic matter (NOM) with CeO2 ENPs and its effect on surface charge (zeta potential), colloidal stability and transport. While uncoated CeO2 ENPs aggregate at pH > 4 in aqueous matrix, our results show that PAA and PVA surface coatings as well as NOM sorbed to CeO2-NP surfaces can stabilize CeO2 ENPs under neutral and alkaline pH conditions in 1 mM KCl solution. Under slightly acidic conditions, differences between the three particle types were observed. PVA can stabilize particle suspensions in presence of 1 mM KCl at pH > 4.3, PAA at pH >4.0 and NOM at >3.2. While the presence of KCl did not influence particle size of NOM-CeO2 ENPs, CaCl2 at >2 mM lead to aggregation. Further results on the influence of KCl

Adsorption mechanism and kinetics of azo dye chemicals on oxide nanotubes: a case study using porous CeO_2 nanotubes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wu, Junshu; Wang, Jinshu; Du, Yucheng; Li, Hongyi; Jia, Xinjian

2016-01-01

Metal oxide nanotubes are believed to be promising materials with adsorption functionality for water purification due to their synergistic effect of the overall microscale morphology for easy separation and nanoscale surface characters providing enough surface active absorption sites. This work shows the synthesis of uniform hierarchical porous CeO_2 nanotubes via nanowire-directed templating method and describes the adsorption behavior of CeO_2 nanotubes for a typical azo dye Congo red which has resistance to oxidation and decoloration in natural conditions. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectra provided the evidence that Congo red was successfully coated on the surface of CeO_2 nanotubes by both bidentate-type bridge link of Ce"4"+ cations from sulfonate SO_3"− groups and the electrostatic attraction between the protonated surface generated by oxygen vacancies and dissociated sulfonate groups. The adsorption kinetic data fitted well to the pseudo-second-order kinetic equation, whereas the Langmuir isotherm equation exhibited better correlation with the experimental data. The calculated maximum adsorption capacity from the isothermal model was 362.32 mg/g. In addition, the prepared CeO_2 nanotubes exhibited good recyclability and reusability as highly efficient adsorbents for Congo red removal after regeneration. These favorable performances enable the obtained CeO_2 nanotubes to be promising materials for dye removal from aqueous solution.Graphical AbstractCeO_2 nanotubes composed of crystallized nanoparticles exhibit well adsorption ability for a typical azo dye Congo red.

Beyond the contributory principle: changes and continuities in Argentine social policy , 2003-2011

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Guillermo V Alonso

2015-01-01

Full Text Available The goal of this article is to analyze the transformations of Argentine social policy during Nestor Kirchner’s and Cristina Fernandez’s Administrations, from 2003 through 2011. We analyze the main social policies with more extended population coverage, especially social security programs. We will argue that at the beginning social policies were a new version of the Bismarckian social insurance, but then the government innovated in social policy breaking with the contributory principle.

Hydrophilic CeO2 nanocubes protect pancreatic β-cell line INS-1 from H2O2-induced oxidative stress

Science.gov (United States)

Lyu, Guang-Ming; Wang, Yan-Jie; Huang, Xue; Zhang, Huai-Yuan; Sun, Ling-Dong; Liu, Yan-Jun; Yan, Chun-Hua

2016-04-01

Oxidative stress plays a key role in the occurrence and development of diabetes. With their unique redox properties, CeO2 nanoparticles (nanoceria) exhibit promising potential for the treatment of diabetes resulting from oxidative stress. Here, we develop a novel preparation of hydrophilic CeO2 nanocubes (NCs) with two different sizes (5 nm and 25 nm) via an acetate assisted hydrothermal method. Dynamic light scattering, zeta potential measurements and thermogravimetric analyses were utilized to investigate the changes in the physico-chemical characteristics of CeO2 NCs when exposed to in vitro cell culture conditions. CCK-8 assays revealed that the CeO2 NCs did not impair cell proliferation in the pancreatic β-cell line INS-1 at the highest dose of 200 μg mL-1 over the time scale of 72 h, while being able to protect INS-1 cells from H2O2-induced cytotoxicity even after protein adsorption. It is also noteworthy that nanoceria with a smaller hydrodynamic radius exhibit stronger antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects, which is consistent with their H2O2 quenching capability in biological systems. These findings suggest that nanoceria can be used as an excellent antioxidant for controlling oxidative stress-induced pancreatic β-cell damage.Oxidative stress plays a key role in the occurrence and development of diabetes. With their unique redox properties, CeO2 nanoparticles (nanoceria) exhibit promising potential for the treatment of diabetes resulting from oxidative stress. Here, we develop a novel preparation of hydrophilic CeO2 nanocubes (NCs) with two different sizes (5 nm and 25 nm) via an acetate assisted hydrothermal method. Dynamic light scattering, zeta potential measurements and thermogravimetric analyses were utilized to investigate the changes in the physico-chemical characteristics of CeO2 NCs when exposed to in vitro cell culture conditions. CCK-8 assays revealed that the CeO2 NCs did not impair cell proliferation in the pancreatic β-cell line INS-1 at

Effect of processing conditions and methods on residual stress in CeO2 buffer layers and YBCO superconducting films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Xiong Jie; Qin Wenfeng; Cui Xumei; Tao Bowan; Tang Jinlong; Li Yanrong

2006-01-01

CeO 2 layers have been fabricated by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique on (1 1 0 2) sapphire substrate. Microstructure of CeO 2 layers is characterized by X-ray diffraction as functions of substrate temperature. The effects of the substrate temperature on the residual stress have been studied. The results show that residual stress in CeO 2 film decreased with increasing substrate temperature, not the same development tendency as that of thermal stress. This means that the thermal stress is only a fraction of the residual stress. Moreover, YBCO superconducting films were prepared by direct current (DC) sputtering and pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique. The residual stress and thermal stress of both YBCO films were measured. PLD processing apparently generated higher intrinsic compressive stresses in comparison to DC sputtering

Synthesis and characterization of binary (CuO)0.6(CeO2)0.4 nanoparticles via a simple heat treatment method

Science.gov (United States)

Baqer, Anwar Ali; Matori, Khamirul Amin; Al-Hada, Naif Mohammed; Shaari, Abdul Halim; Kamari, Halimah Mohamed; Saion, Elias; Chyi, Josephine Liew Ying; Abdullah, Che Azurahanim Che

2018-06-01

A binary (CuO)0.6 (CeO2)0.4 nanoparticles were prepared via thermal treatment method, using copper nitrate, cerium nitrate as precursors, PVP as capping agent and de-ionized water as a solvent. The structures, morphology, composition of the element and optical properties of these nanoparticles have been studied under different temperatures using various techniques. The XRD spectrum of the samples at 500 °C and above confirmed the existence of both monoclinic (CuO) and cubic fluorite (CeO2) structures. The findings of FESEM and TEM exhibited the average practical size and agglomeration increment with an elevation in the calcination temperature. The synthesized nanoparticles were also characterized by FTIR, which indicated the formation of binary Cu-O and Ce-O bonds. The EDX analysis was performed to indicate the chemical composition of the sample. The double energy band gaps of (CuO)0.6(CeO2)0.4 reduction with rising calcination temperature, can be referred to the enhancement of the crystallinity of the samples. PL intensity of (CuO)0.6(CeO2)0.4 nanoparticles peaks, which increased with the elevation of the calcination temperature to 800 °C was observed from the PL spectrum; this was due to the increment of the particle size that occurred.

Us Knows Us in the UK : On Director Networks and CEO Compensation

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Renneboog, L.D.R.; Zhao, Y.

2011-01-01

We analyze the relation between CEO compensation and networks of executive and non-executive directors for all listed UK companies over the period 1996-2007. We examine whether networks are built for reasons of information gathering or for the accumulation of managerial influence. Both indirect

Update on Activities of CEOS Disaster Management Support Group

Science.gov (United States)

Wood, H. M.; Lauritson, L.

The Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) Disaster Management Support Group (DMSG) has supported natural and technological disaster management on a worldwide basis by fostering improved utilization of existing and planned Earth Observation (EO) satellite data. The DMSG has focused on developing and refining recommendations for the application of satellite data to selected hazard areas--drought, earthquake, fire, flood, ice, landslide, oil spill, and volcanic hazards. Particular emphasis was placed on working closely with space agencies, international and regional organizations, and commercial organizations on the implementation of these recommendations. The DMSG is in its last year with its primary focus on documenting its work and migrating on going activities to other fora. With over 300 participants from more than 140 organizations, the DMSG has found strong support among CEOS space agencies and the Integrated Global Observing Strategy (IGOS), as well as an enthusiastic reception from numerous international, regional, and national emergency managers, and distinct interest from the commercial sector. In addition, the group has worked to give full support to the work of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) in pursuit of decisions taken at UNISPACE III and the United Nations International Strategy on Disaster Reduction (ISDR). In conjunction with the IGOS, several of the DMSG hazards teams (earthquake, landslide, and solid Earth dimensions of volcanoes) are joining in the effort to develop an IGOS Geohazards theme team. Cooperation efforts with organizations such as IGOS, COPUOS, and ISDR will hopefully lead to the pick up of much of the on going DMSG activities. Since the inception of this ad hoc working group and its predecessor project, the DMSG has developed and refined recommendations for the application of satellite data by bringing together experts from eight hazard areas to identify user needs, as well as

Culture et propagande franquiste dans l’Argentine péroniste

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Laurent Bonardi

2004-09-01

Full Text Available La fin de la Seconde Guerre Mondiale et la condamnation internationale de l’Espagne plongent le régime franquiste dans une situation très délicate. Cependant, le gouvernement argentin du général Peron devient un véritable gilet de sauvetage pour la dictature espagnole. Le régime du Caudillo profite de ce contexte pour développer une propagande très intense dans le Rio de la Plata. Pour mener à bien les différentes actions de propagande, les représentants espagnols en Argentine devront lutter contre les activités antifranquistes des exilés.La conclusión de la Segunda Guerra Mundial y la condena internacional de España sumen al régimen franquista en una muy delicada coyuntura. Sin embargo, el gobierno argentino del general Perón se convierte en un auténtico chaleco salvavidas para la dictadura española. El régimen del Caudillo aprovecha este contexto para desarrollar una intensa propaganda en el Río de la Plata. Para llevar a cabo las distintas acciones propagandísticas, los representantes españoles en Argentina tendrán que luchar contra las actividades antifranquistas de los exiliados.The end of World War II and the international condemnation of Spain put Franco’s regime in a very delicate situation. However, the Argentinian government of the general Peron appeared as a “life jacket” for the Spanish dictatorship. The government of the Caudillo used this context to develop a very intense propaganda in the Rio de la Plata. Still, to conclude their various propagandist actions, the Spanish representatives in Argentina had to fight against the activities of antifranquist people in exile.

Room temperature synthesis and enhanced photocatalytic property of CeO2/ZnO heterostructures

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Chao; Fan, Huiqing; Ren, Xiaohu; Fang, Jiawen

2018-02-01

To achieve better photocatalytic performance, we proposed a facile solid-state reaction method to produce CeO2/ZnO heterostructures. Ceria and zinc oxide were synthesized simultaneously by thoroughly grinding the mixture of zinc acetate dihydrate, cerium nitrate hexahydrate and sodium hydroxide. The morphology of the as-prepared heterostructures varies dramatically as different amount of ceria was introduced in the composition. The photocatalytic performance of CeO2/ZnO heterojunctions was 4.6 times higher than that of pure ZnO. The enhanced photocatalytic activity could be ascribed to that more electrons and holes could transport to the surface of catalysts and react with the pollution due to the extended light-responsive range, accelerated migration, increased specific surface area and suppressed recombination of photogenerated carriers.

Cetáceos de las aguas costeras del Pacífico norte y sur de Costa Rica

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Damián Martínez-Fernández

2011-03-01

Full Text Available De las 29 especies de cetáceos presentes en Costa Rica, se han realizado investigaciones exhaustivas solamente para tres especies. Lo anterior evidencia la poca información general existente sobre cetáceos, a pesar de que Costa Rica posee un notable crecimiento de actividades de avistamiento. Debido al uso que se está generando en las zonas costeras, cada vez se hace más necesario determinar la ocurrencia de cetáceos en zonas de alta actividad turística, con el fin de proponer medidas de conservación. En el presente estudio, se determinaron variables ambientales que estaban relacionadas con la presencia de especies registradas, a partir de 166 avistamientos entre el 2005 y 2006. Las especies con mayor proporción de avistamientos fueron Stenella attenuata (68%, seguida por Megaptera novaeangliae (13% y Tursiops truncatus (10%. La presencia del delfín manchado se relaciona con cambios de salinidad y trasparencia del agua, mientras que la de la ballena jorobada estuvo relacionada con el oleaje y la temperatura superficial del agua. Se confirma la presencia de 7 especies de cetáceos en dos zonas costeras del Pacífico de Costa Rica, de las cuales tres están presentes a lo largo del año. Se encontraron variables ambientales relacionadas con la presencia de al menos dos especies.Inshore cetaceans from the North and South Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Twenty nine cetacean species occur in Costa Rican waters but extensive research has been conducted only for three species. The latter shows there is a lack of general and local information about these mammals, even when the country, has shown a remarkable growth in whale watching activities. The increasing use of marine resources in coastal areas has also developed the need to determine the occurrence of cetaceans in areas showing high tourist presence, in order to propose sound conservation measures. In this study, environmental variables were determined and subsequently related to the

Ceos Wgiss Common Framework for Wgiss Connected Data Assets

Science.gov (United States)

Enloe, Y.; Mitchell, A. E.; Albani, M.; Yapur, M.

2016-12-01

The Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS), established in 1984 to coordinate civil space-borne observations of the Earth, has been building through its Working Group on Information Systems and Services (WGISS), a common data framework to identify and connect data assets at member agencies. Some of these data assets are federated systems such as the CEOS WGISS Integrated Catalog (CWIC), the European Space Agency's FedEO (Federated Earth Observations Missions Access) system, and the International Directory Network (IDN) which is an international effort developed by NASA to assist researchers in locating information on available data sets. A system level team provides coordination and oversight to make this loosely coupled federated system function and evolve. WGISS has identified 2 search standards, the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) Catalog Services for the Web (CSW) and the CEOS OpenSearch Best Practices (which references the OGC OpenSearch Geo and Time Extensions and OGC OpenSearch Extension for Earth Observation) as well as an interoperable metadata standard (ISO 19115) for use within the WGISS Connected Assets. Data partners must register their data collections in the IDN using the Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Keywords. Data partners need to support one of the 2 search standards and be able to map their internal metadata to the ISO 19115 metadata elements. All searchable data must have a data access path. Clients can offer search and access to all or a subset of the satellite data available through the WGISS Connected Data Assets. Clients can offer support for a 2-step search: (1) Discovery through collection search using platform, instrument, science keywords, etc. at the IDN and (2) Search granule metadata at data partners through CWIC or FedEO. There are more than a dozen international agencies that offer their data through the WGISS Federation or working on developing their connections. This list includes European Space Agency, NASA

Cetáceos del Pacífico de Guatemala: Cincuenta años de historia Guatemala's Pacific Cetaceans: Fifty Years of History

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Andrea A. Cabrera Arreola

2014-10-01

Full Text Available En Guatemala el estudio de los cetáceos inició en la década de los sesenta con los primeros registros de varamiento y captura incidental. Sin embargo, pocos trabajos científicos con datos de cetáceos han sido publicados. Con el objetivo de centralizar la información de cetáceos y obtener conocimiento biológico para el desarrollo de planes de manejo y conservación, se realizó una revisión bibliográfica de cetáceos en Guatemala que recaba información de los últimos 50 años. Se obtuvo un total de 1,014 registros de avistamiento (1979-2011, 62 registros de captura incidental (1961/85 y 16 registros de varamientos (1975, 2007-2012, los cuales se analizaron en mapas batimétricos y en mapas de presiones antropogénicas. Se identificaron diecinueve especies pertenecientes a cinco familias de cetáceos, incluyendo Balaenopteridae, Delphinidae, Ziphiidae, Kogiidae y Physeteridae. El esfuerzo y área de muestreo varió durante 1961-2012. Se identificaron diferentes patrones de distribución especie-específicos. La mayoría de avistamientos se registraron cerca de zonas con topografía compleja. Aunque los eventos de captura incidental se registraron únicamente en alta mar, los resultados sugieren que especies de distribución costera se encuentran en zonas con mayor riesgo antropogénico. Se reportaron ocho especies de cetáceos varados, eventos ocurridos principalmente en el departamento de Escuintla desde el año 2007. Debido a la gran diversidad en los patrones de distribución, comportamiento y uso de hábitat de los cetáceos, combinado con los riesgos antropogénicos de la zona, es necesario que se considere un enfoque integral cuando se implementen planes de manejo y conservación marina en Guatemala.

CEOs and CFOs on IPOs: The Process and Success of Going Public

NARCIS (Netherlands)

M.J. van den Assem (Martijn); N.L. van der Sar (Nico); P.J.P.M. Versijp (Philippe)

2017-01-01

textabstractWe conducted 46 interviews with CEOs and CFOs who were closely involved in an initial public offering (IPO) in the Netherlands. Among other things, we find that pre-existing relationships are a primary consideration in the selection of the lead manager and other syndicate members.

CEOs and CFOs on IPOs: The Process and Success of Going Public

NARCIS (Netherlands)

van den Assem, M.J.; Van der Sar, N.L.; Versijp, P.

2017-01-01

We conducted 46 interviews with CEOs and CFOs who were closely involved in an initial public offering (IPO) in the Netherlands. Among other things, we find that pre-existing relationships are a primary consideration in the selection of the lead manager and other syndicate members. Pre-marketing

The CEO's role in business model reinvention.

Science.gov (United States)

Govindarajan, Vijay; Trimble, Chris

2011-01-01

Fending off new competitors is a perennial struggle for established companies. Govindarajan and Trimble, of Dartmouth's Tuck School of Business, explain why: Many corporations become too comfortable with their existing business models and neglect the necessary work of radically reinventing them. The authors map out an alternative in their "three boxes" framework. They argue that while a CEO manages the present (box 1), he or she must also selectively forget the past (box 2) in order to create the future (box 3). Infosys chairman N.R. Narayana Murthy mastered the three boxes to reinvigorate his company and greatly increased its changes of enduring for generations.

Promoting Effect of CeO2 Addition on Activity and Catalytic Stability in Steam Reforming of Methane over Ni/Al2O3

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rakib, A.; Gennequin, C.; Ringot, S.; Aboukais, A.; Abi-Aad, E.; Dhainaut, T.

2011-01-01

Hydrogen production by steam reforming of methane was studied over Ni catalysts supported on CeO 2 , Al 2 O 3 and CeO 2 -Al 2 O 3 . These catalysts were prepared using the impregnation method and characterized by XRD. The effect of CeO2 promoter on the catalytic performance of Ni/Al 2 O 3 catalyst for methane steam reforming reaction was investigated. In fact, CeO 2 had a positive effect on the catalytic activity in this reaction. Experimental results demonstrated that Ni/CeO 2 -Al 2 O 3 catalyst showed excellent catalytic activity and high reaction performance. In addition, the effects of reaction temperature and metal content on the conversion of CH 4 and H 2 /CO ratio were also investigated. Results indicated that CH4 conversion increased significantly with the increase of the reaction temperature and metal content. (author)

Gender bias in hospital leadership: a qualitative study on the experiences of women CEOs.

Science.gov (United States)

Soklaridis, Sophie; Kuper, Ayelet; Whitehead, Cynthia R; Ferguson, Genevieve; Taylor, Valerie H; Zahn, Catherine

2017-04-10

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the experiences of gender bias among women hospital CEOs and explore to what these female leaders attribute their success within a male-dominated hospital executive leadership milieu. Design/methodology/approach This qualitative study involved 12 women hospital CEOs from across Ontario, Canada. Purposeful sampling techniques and in-depth qualitative interview methods were used to facilitate discussion around experiences of gender and leadership. Findings Responses fell into two groups: the first group represented the statement "Gender inequality is alive and well". The second group reflected the statement "Gender inequity is not significant, did not happen to me, and things are better now". This group contained a sub-group with no consciousness of systemic discrimination and that claimed having no gendered experiences in their leadership journey. The first group described gender issues in various contexts, from the individual to the systemic. The second group was ambivalent about gender as a factor impacting leadership trajectories. Originality/value Representations of women's leadership have become detached from feminism, with major consequences for women. This study reveals how difficult it is for some women CEOs to identify gender bias. The subtle everyday norms and practices within the workplace make it difficult to name and explain gender bias explicitly and may explain the challenges in understanding how it might affect a woman's career path.

Synthesis, Characterization and Properties of CeO2-doped TiO2 Composite Nanocrystals

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Oman ZUAS

2013-12-01

Full Text Available Pure TiO2 and CeO2-doped TiO2 (3 % CeO2-97 %TiO2 composite nanocrystals were synthesized via co-precipitation method and characterized using TGA, XRD, FTIR, DR-UV-vis and TEM. The XRD data revealed that the phase structure of the synthesized samples was mainly in pure anatase having crystallite size in the range of 7 nm – 11 nm. Spherical shapes with moderate aggregation of the crystal particles were observed under the TEM observation. The presence of the CeO2 at TiO2 site has not only affected morphologically but also induced the electronic property of the TiO2 by lowering the band gap energy from 3.29 eV (Eg-Ti to 3.15 eV (Eg-CeTi. Performance evaluation of the synthesized samples showed that both samples have a strong adsorption capacity toward Congo red (CR dye in aqueous solution at room temperature experiment, where  the capacity of the CeTi was higher than the Ti sample. Based on DR-UV data, the synthesized samples obtained in this study may also become promising catalysts for photo-assisted removal of synthetic dye in aqueous solution. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.ms.19.4.2732

The executive and legislative branches and trade unions in the Argentine social security reform

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Sidney Jard da Silva

2007-01-01

Full Text Available This article analyzes the interaction between organized labor and government during reform of the pension system in Argentina. The purpose is to investigate the political and institutional conditions favorable to the inclusion of trade unions in a negotiated pension reform process. The Argentine pattern of union-government interaction was shown to be shaped more by the peculiarities of the decision-making process than by the demands and power of union organizations.

A face only an investor could love: CEOs' facial structure predicts their firms' financial performance.

Science.gov (United States)

Wong, Elaine M; Ormiston, Margaret E; Haselhuhn, Michael P

2011-12-01

Researchers have theorized that innate personal traits are related to leadership success. Although links between psychological characteristics and leadership success have been well established, research has yet to identify any objective physical traits of leaders that predict organizational performance. In the research reported here, we identified leaders' facial structure as a specific physical trait that correlates with organizational performance. Specifically, we found that firms whose male CEOs have wider faces (relative to facial height) achieve superior financial performance. Decision-making dynamics within a firm's leadership team moderate this effect, such that the relationship between a given CEO's facial measurements and his firm's financial performance is stronger in firms with cognitively simple leadership teams.

A facile approach to fabrication of novel CeO2–TiO2 core–shell nanocomposite leads to excellent UV-shielding ability and lower catalytic activity

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bahadur, Newaz Mohammed; Kurayama, Fumio; Furusawa, Takeshi; Sato, Masahide; Siddiquey, Iqbal Ahmed; Hossain, Md. Mufazzal; Suzuki, Noboru

2013-01-01

This study reports the development of a fast and facile route for the synthesis of novel CeO 2 –TiO 2 core–shell nanocomposite particles using microwave (MW) irradiation of the mixture of commercial CeO 2 , titanium-tetra-n-butoxide (TBOT) and aqueous ammonia. Solutions of TBOT in ethanol and ammonia were mixed with dispersed CeO 2 nanoparticles in ethanol, and the mixture was rapidly MW irradiated at 70 °C for 2 min. The resulting nanocomposite particles were characterized in terms of phase, shell thickness, composition, surface charge, morphology, and chemical state of the elements by XRD, TEM, XPS, SEM, Zeta potential analyzer, XRF, and FT-IR. Conventional methods of the synthesis of CeO 2 –TiO 2 nanocomposite require a long time, and TiO 2 is rarely found as a coated material. In contrast, the MW method was able to synthesize CeO 2 –TiO 2 core–shell nanocompsite particles within a very short time. CeO 2 –TiO 2 nanocomposite particles were fairly unaggregated with an average titania layer thickness of 2–5 nm. The obtained nanocomposites retained the crystalline cubic phase of CeO 2 , and the phase of coated TiO 2 was amorphous. The catalytic activities of uncoated and TiO 2 -coated CeO 2 nanoparticles for the oxidation of organic compounds were evaluated by the degradation study of methylene blue in air atmosphere at 403 K. The enhanced UV-shielding ability and visible transparency of the nanocomposite obtained by UV visible spectroscopic measurements suggested that the core–shell material has novel characteristics for using as a sunscreen material.

Remembering Apple CEO Steve Jobs as a "Transformational Leader": Implications for Pedagogy

Science.gov (United States)

Steinwart, Marlane C.; Ziegler, Jennifer A.

2014-01-01

This paper explores the implications of using Apple co-founder and former CEO Steve Jobs as a "paradigm case" of transformational leadership by comparing the practical metadiscourse of remembrances published at the time of his passing to the theoretical metadiscourse of transformational leadership. The authors report the frequency of…

Synthesis and characterization of molybdenum catalysts supported on γ-Al2O3-CeO2 composite oxides

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Farooq, Muhammad; Ramli, Anita; Subbarao, Duvvuri

2012-01-01

The physical and chemical properties of a catalyst play a vital role in various industrial applications. Molybdenum catalysts supported on γ-Al 2 O 3 and γ-Al 2 O 3 -CeO 2 mixed oxides with varying loading of CeO 2 (5, 10, 15, 20 wt% with respect to γ-Al 2 O 3 ) were prepared by wet impregnation method. The physiochemical properties of these synthesized Mo catalysts were studied with various characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), field emission scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive analysis (FESEM-EDX) and X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (XRF). The results showed that the addition of CeO 2 into the support affected the binding energies of the elements and reducibility of the metal oxides formed after calcination of catalyst samples due to the change in metal-support interaction. Further, the characterization techniques showed that the active metal was well dispersed on the surface of support material.

Effect of CeO2 on Microstructure and Wear Resistance of TiC Bioinert Coatings on Ti6Al4V Alloy by Laser Cladding

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Haojun

2017-01-01

To solve the lack of wear resistance of titanium alloys for use in biological applications, various prepared coatings on titanium alloys are often used as wear-resistant materials. In this paper, TiC bioinert coatings were fabricated on Ti6Al4V by laser cladding using mixed TiC and ZrO2 powders as the basic pre-placed materials. A certain amount of CeO2 powder was also added to the pre-placed powders to further improve the properties of the TiC coatings. The effects of CeO2 additive on the phase constituents, microstructures and wear resistance of the TiC coatings were researched in detail. Although the effect of CeO2 on the phase constituents of the coatings was slight, it had a significant effect on the microstructure and wear resistance of the coatings. The crystalline grains in the TiC coatings, observed by a scanning electron microscope (SEM), were refined due to the effect of the CeO2. With the increase of CeO2 additive content in the pre-placed powders, finer and more compact dendrites led to improvement of the micro-hardness and wear resistance of the TiC coatings. Also, 5 wt % content of CeO2 additive in the pre-placed powders was the best choice for improving the wear properties of the TiC coatings. PMID:29301218

Isolated centres versus defect associates in Sm3+-doped CeO2: a spectroscopic investigation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tiseanu, Carmen; Avram, Daniel; Cojocaru, Bogdan; Parvulescu, Vasile I; Vela-Gonzalez, Andrea V; Sanchez-Dominguez, Margarita

2013-01-01

The interactions between Sm 3+ and oxygen vacancies in CeO 2 are probed by the use of tuneable laser excited time-resolved photoluminescence and Raman spectroscopies. It is found that Sm 3+ (with doping concentrations of 0.1, 0.3, 1 and 5 wt%) substitutes largely for Ce 4+ in sites with cubic symmetry and the corresponding emission is sensitized via the Ce 4+ –O 2− charge-transfer band of CeO 2 . It is established from the photoluminescence spectra measured at long delay after the laser pulse that the local environment around cubic Sm 3+ centres is not changed with concentration and ceria size. In addition to cubic symmetry Sm 3+ centres, low-symmetry Sm 3+ centres tentatively assigned to the Sm 3+ –oxygen vacancy associates of nearest-neighbour type are also observed. Their emission is preferentially excited via the weak f–f absorption transitions of Sm 3+ . A relatively strong concentration-induced quenching of Sm 3+ emission was inferred from the decrease in the average emission lifetimes from 2.1 ms (0.1 wt%) to 0.87 ms (5 wt%). The local environments of Sm 3+ and Eu 3+ in CeO 2 are also compared on the basis of their emission spectra and decays. (paper)

Infrared to visible upconversion luminescence in Er3+/Yb3+ co-doped CeO2 inverse opal

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yang, Zhengwen; Wu, Hangjun; Liao, Jiayan; Li, Wucai; Song, Zhiguo; Yang, Yong; Zhou, Dacheng; Wang, Rongfei; Qiu, Jianbei

2013-01-01

Highlights: • UC emission of Er 3+ was modified by introducing the structure of inverse opal. • Color tuning of CeO 2 :Yb, Er inverse opal was realized by inhibition of UC emission. • Two-photon excitation processes were observed in CeO 2 :Yb, Er inverse opal. -- Abstract: Infrared to visible upconversion luminescence has been investigated in Er 3+ /Yb 3+ co-doped CeO 2 inverse opal. Under the excitation of 980 nm diode lasers, visible emissions centered at 525, 547, 561, 660 and 680 nm are observed, which are assigned to the Er 3+ transitions of 2 H 11/2 → 4 I 15/2 (525 nm), 4 S 3/2 → 4 I 15/2 (547, 561 nm), 4 F 9/2 → 4 I 15/2 (660 and 680 nm), respectively. The effect of photonic band gap on the upconversion luminescence intensity was also obtained. Additionally, the upconversion luminescence mechanism was studied. The dependence of Er 3+ upconversion emission intensity on pump power reveals that it is a two-photon excitation process

Bank CEO Pay-Performance Relations and the Effects of Deregulation.

OpenAIRE

Crawford, Anthony J; Ezzell, John R; Miles, James A

1995-01-01

The authors test the deregulation hypothesis that posits that bank CEO compensation became more sensitive to performance as bank management became less regulated. They observe a significant increase in pay-performance sensitivities from their 1976-81 regulation subsample to their 1982-88 deregulation subsample. These increases in pay sensitivities after deregulation are observed for salary and bonus, stock options, and common stock holdings. The authors observe increases in the pay-performanc...

Equity during an economic crisis: financing of the Argentine health system.

Science.gov (United States)

Cavagnero, Eleonora; Bilger, Marcel

2010-07-01

This article analyses the redistributive effect caused by health financing and the distribution of healthcare utilization in Argentina before and during the severe 2001/2002 economic crisis. Both dramatically changed during this period: the redistributive effect became much more positive and utilization shifted from pro-poor to pro-rich. This clearly demonstrates that when utilization is contingent on financing, changes can occur rapidly; and that an integrated approach is required when monitoring equity. From a policy perspective, the Argentine health system appears vulnerable to economic downturns mainly due to high reliance on out-of-pocket payments and the strong link between health insurance and employment.

Extended parental care in crustaceans: an update Cuidado parental extendido en crustáceos: conocimiento actual

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

MARTIN THIEL

2003-06-01

Full Text Available Many crustacean species show extended parental care (XPC for fully developed juvenile offspring. Herein, the present state of knowledge of the major patterns and consequences of XPC is reviewed, and furthermore important future research topics are identified. Crustaceans with XPC are found in marine, freshwater and terrestrial environments, but care for late juvenile stages appears to be more common in terrestrial environments. In all species, females participate or even take the main share of XPC activities. Crustaceans that carry their offspring during XPC commonly release early juvenile stages, while species inhabiting particular microhabitats may host offspring until these have reached subadult or adult stages. Apart from providing a suitable and safe microhabitat to small offspring, parents share food with, groom or actively defend their juveniles. Some of the most important benefits of XPC include improved juvenile growth and survival. XPC may also lead to conflicts among developing offspring or between parents and offspring, especially during later phases of XPC when resources (food and space become increasingly limiting. Similarly, during long-lasting cohabitation, epibionts (e.g., parasites may be transferred from parents to offspring, as is indicated by observational evidence. For several species, local recruitment, where juveniles recruit in the immediate vicinity of their parents, has been observed. Under these conditions, local populations may rapidly increase, potentially leading to intra-specific competition for space, thereby possibly causing a decrease in reproductive activity or a reduction in length of XPC. Another consequence of XPC and local recruitment could be limited dispersal potential, but some marine crustaceans with XPC and local recruitment nevertheless have a wide geographic distribution. It is hypothesized that the existence of suitable dispersal vectors such as floating macroalgae or wood can lead to a substantial

Comment on “Synthesis of ceria (CeO_2 and CeO_2_−_x) nanoparticles via decarbonation and Ce(III) oxidation of synthetic bastnaesite (CeCO_3F)” by Montes-Hernandez et al

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gysi, Alexander P.; Williams-Jones, Anthony E.

2016-01-01

Montes-Hernandez et al. [5] recently reported results of a study of the decarbonation of fine-grained synthetic bastnäsite-(Ce) precipitates involving the oxidation of Ce(III) to Ce(IV) and the formation of ceria (CeO_2 and CeO_2_-_x with oxygen vacancies) nano-particles. The purpose of their study was to show that oxidation of Ce(III) to Ce(IV) occurs spontaneously during heating of bastnäsite-(Ce) in air, a vacuum, N_2 or Ar gas. However, their interpretation of the formation of CeO_2 is not supported by the findings of Gysi and Williams-Jones [3], who showed that natural bastnäsite-(Ce) decomposes to form rare earth element (REE) oxyfluorides (REEOF). The latter was documented using differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) and thermogravimetric (TGA) experiments under a deoxygenated N_2 atmosphere. In their experiments, Gysi and Williams-Jones [3] found no evidence for the oxidation of Ce(III) to Ce(IV). This raises the question of whether the experiments of Montes-Hernandez et al. [5] in a N_2 atmosphere (and by extension in an Ar atmosphere) were compromised because of contamination by O_2 and that, as a result, they reached the erroneous conclusion that Ce(III) oxidizes spontaneously to Ce(IV) during heating of bastnäsite-(Ce) under these conditions. In order to explain the disagreement between their findings and those of Gysi and Williams-Jones [3], Montes-Hernandez et al. [5], proposed that the X-ray diffraction data of the former study were incorrectly interpreted. Here, we provide further evidence that the natural bastnäsite-(Ce) employed in the study by Gysi and Williams-Jones [3] decomposed to form REE oxyfluorides (i.e., CeOF, LaOF, PrOF and NdOF) and not CeO_2, and supply explanations for why Montes-Hernandez et al. [5] erroneously concluded that CeO_2 is produced during decomposition of this mineral under N_2 and Ar atmospheres. In so doing, we hope to provide new insights into the decomposition of bastnäsite-(Ce) that will help guide future

Simulation of the Argentine electric generation park and its possible expansion under the restriction of availability of fossil fuels

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Giubergia, Jorge H.; Coppari, Norberto R.; Rey, Carlos F.

2003-01-01

MESSAGE program was used to simulate the Argentine electric generation park for 25 years, taking as a base the year 2000 and different scenarios of internal and external demand. As the Argentine electric system is strongly dependent on natural gas, the increase of the demand has been analyzed with, and without, the assumption of shortage of this fuel during the winter periods. Equipment and fuels already available have been selected to cover the increase of the demand taking into account technical and economic factors. The completion of Atucha II nuclear power plant, the increase of the water level of the hydroelectric Yacireta plant and natural gas combined-cycle plants are necessary even if no restrictions in the gas supply are foreseen. On the other hand new nuclear plants, new hydroelectric projects and gas oils fueled turbines will be necessary if natural gas shortage is assumed

Initial sintering stage kinetics of CeO2 studied by stepwise isothermal dilatometry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

El Sayed Ali, M.; Toft Soerensen, O.

1985-02-01

The kinetics of the initial sintering stage of CeO 2 is studied by a new dilatometric technique in which the heating of the sample is controlled by its shrinkage rate. By this technique the shrinkage characteristically takes place in 'isothermal steps' which allows both the mechanism and its activation energy to be determined in a single experiment. The basic equations necessary to evaluate the shrinkage data are described, and using these equations on the curves recorded for CeO 2 it it shown that the controlling mechanism for the initial sintering stage for this oxides is grain-boundary diffusion of Ce 4+ -ions with an activation energy of 119.4 kcal/mole (5.2 eV). The corresponding diffusion coefficient is estimated to vary between 8.5 x 10 -17 - 3.1 x 10 -15 cm 2 /sec (1005 - 1099sup(o)C). (author)

Crustáceos decápodos asociados a ensamblajes macroalgales en el litoral rocoso de Córdoba, Caribe colombiano

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Néstor Hernando Campos

2012-04-01

Full Text Available Objetivo. Determinar la estructura de las poblaciones de crustáceos decápodos asociados a ensamblajes algales en el litoral rocoso del departamento de Córdoba. Materiales y métodos. Para la recolección de los especímenes se delimitó con un cuadrante de 625 cm2, un área con cinco repeticiones dispuestas al azar en cada estación. Para la separación de las macroalgas desde su disco de fijación en el sustrato, se empleó una espátula metálica. En un recipiente plástico se separaron los crustáceos decápodos del resto del material y se conservaron en alcohol al 70%. Resultados. Se identificaron representantes de 50 especies asociadas a los céspedes algales, agrupadas en 16 familias y 29 géneros. Especies como Acanthonyx petiverii, Epialtus bituberculatus, Eurypanopeus abbreviatus y Pachycheles serratus, presentaron un rango amplio de distribución, siendo características en las dos ecorregiones de estudio. Los cambios en cobertura de algas rojas como Gracilaria mammillaris, Hypnea musciformis y Acanthophora muscoides, determinaron la mayor asociación de crustáceos decápodos en la ecorregión Morrosquillo, mientras que los cambios en cobertura de G. damaecornis y Padina gymnospora, fueron las que determinaron la mayor asociación de crustáceos decápodos en el Darién cordobés. Conclusiones. Los resultados indicaron que las especies de crustáceos decápodos asociados a ensamblajes macroalgales, no se encontraron distribuidas de forma similar en las dos ecorregiones estudiadas, siendo P. armatus la especie con mayor porcentaje de abundancia en la ecorregión Morrosquillo, y E. bituberculatus en el sector comprendido entre los municipios de Moñitos y Los Córdobas.

Influence of toxic bait type and starvation on worker and queen mortality in laboratory colonies of Argentine ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae).

Science.gov (United States)

Mathieson, Melissa; Toft, Richard; Lester, Philip J

2012-08-01

The efficacy of toxic baits should be judged by their ability to kill entire ant colonies, including the colony queen or queens. We studied the efficacy of four toxic baits to the Argentine ant, Linepithema humile (Mayr) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). These baits were Xstinguish that has the toxicant fipronil, Exterm-an-Ant that contains both boric acid and sodium borate, and Advion ant gel and Advion ant bait arena that both have indoxacarb. Experimental nests contained 300 workers and 10 queen ants that were starved for either 24 or 48 h before toxic bait exposure. The efficacy of the toxic baits was strongly influenced by starvation. In no treatment with 24-h starvation did we observe 100% worker death. After 24-h starvation three of the baits did not result in any queen deaths, with only Exterm-an-Ant producing an average of 25% mortality. In contrast, 100% queen and worker mortality was observed in colonies starved for 48 h and given Xstinguish or Exterm-an-Ant. The baits Advion ant gel and Advion ant bait arena were not effective against Argentine ants in these trials, resulting in ants are likely to be starved. Our results suggest queen mortality must be assessed in tests for toxic bait efficacy. Our data indicate that of these four baits, Xstinguish and Exterm-an-Ant are the best options for control of Argentine ants in New Zealand.

Are CEOs incentivized to avoid Corporate Taxes? - Empirical Evidence on Managerial Bonus Contracts

NARCIS (Netherlands)

H. Schmittdiel (Heiner)

2014-01-01

markdownabstract__Abstract__ In this paper, we test empirically whether there is a relationship between corporate income taxes and CEO bonus payments. Using Compustat and ExecuComp data from 1992 to 2010, we find mixed results. Looking at the whole sample, the average bonus contract rewards

Telma Reca, an Argentine physician in the state (1930-1948

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Karina Inés Ramacciotti

2018-06-01

Full Text Available This article will reconstruct the biography of the Argentine physician Telma Reca (1904-1979 who managed to get involved in academic fields and the state administration in the 30´s. We will address ourselves to tracking her professional career from her PhD degree in Medicine (1932 until her withdrawal from the División de Maternidad e Infancia del Departamento Nacional de Higiene (Maternity and Childhood Division of the National Hygiene Department in 1948. During this period, she focused her research on the study of the social conditions of juvenile delinquency on the public administration. With a critical eye, far from social exclusion and punitive measures, she managed to promote social integration through health and education policies.

Buffer layers for growth of the YBa sub 2 Cu sub 3 O sub 7 sub - sub x films on silicon

CERN Document Server

Razumov, S V

2001-01-01

The results of the studies on the structural characteristics of the SrTiO sub 3 , NdGaO sub 3 and CeO sub 2 buffer layers, obtained through the ion-plasma spraying on the silicon substrates, are presented. It is shown that the phase composition and internal stresses in the films are strongly dependent on the deposition temperature. The technological conditions of growth of primarily oriented SrTiO sub 3 , NdGaO sub 3 and CeO sub 2 films are dortmund. The structural quality of the obtained buffer films is sufficient for further growth of the YBa sub 2 Cu sub 3 O sub 7 sub - sub x high-quality films on the silicon substrates

Laboratory and Field Evaluations of Polyacrylamide Hydrogel Baits Against Argentine Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae).

Science.gov (United States)

Rust, Michael K; Soeprono, Andrew; Wright, Sarajean; Greenberg, Les; Choe, Dong-Hwan; Boser, Christina L; Cory, Coleen; Hanna, Cause

2015-06-01

The development of effective baits to control the Argentine ant, Linepithema humile (Mayr), has been problematic because foragers prefer sweet liquids, while many toxicants are insoluble in water and liquid baits are generally difficult to deliver. The incorporation of thiamethoxam and sucrose solutions into a water-absorbing polyacrylamide hydrogel provides a unique and novel carrier and method of application for liquid baits. Formulations of thiamethoxam affected the size of the hydrogels, and sucrose solutions containing 0.0003% technical thiamethoxam provided hydrogels as large as those made with 25% sucrose solution or deionized water. Concentrations of thiamethoxam as low as 0.000075% in the hydrogels provided 50% kill of workers within 3 d in a laboratory setting. In small colony studies, baiting with 0.00015 and 0.000075% thiamethoxam hydrogels provided 100% mortality of workers and queens within 8 d. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay indicated that thiamethoxam was absorbed into the interior of the polyacrylamide matrix. The water loss rates of the hydrogels were dependent upon the relative humidity. Polyacrylamide hydrogels with >50% water loss were less attractive to ants. Field studies in highly infested areas indicated that concentrations of 0.0006 or 0.0018% thiamethoxam were more effective than 0.00015%. Hydrogels may provide a cost-effective alternative to providing aqueous baits to control Argentine ants. © The Authors 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Surprise! From CEOs to Navy Seals: How a Select Group of Professionals Prepare for and Respond to the Unexpected

Science.gov (United States)

2013-01-01

one of the longest- serving coaches in franchise history. Over the span of his career, he has seen it all, including the time an opposing team... skilled in touch-labor: they work with their hands.2 This observation is likely due to the fact that all of these professionals need to get things done...test pilot, Mojave, Calif., October 24, 2012; CEO of a firm with 1,200 worldwide employees , Arlington, Va., November 8, 2012; small-busi- ness CEO and

Collaboration using open standards and open source software (examples of DIAS/CEOS Water Portal)

Science.gov (United States)

Miura, S.; Sekioka, S.; Kuroiwa, K.; Kudo, Y.

2015-12-01

The DIAS/CEOS Water Portal is a part of the DIAS (Data Integration and Analysis System, http://www.editoria.u-tokyo.ac.jp/projects/dias/?locale=en_US) systems for data distribution for users including, but not limited to, scientists, decision makers and officers like river administrators. One of the functions of this portal is to enable one-stop search and access variable water related data archived multiple data centers located all over the world. This portal itself does not store data. Instead, according to requests made by users on the web page, it retrieves data from distributed data centers on-the-fly and lets them download and see rendered images/plots. Our system mainly relies on the open source software GI-cat (http://essi-lab.eu/do/view/GIcat) and open standards such as OGC-CSW, Opensearch and OPeNDAP protocol to enable the above functions. Details on how it works will be introduced during the presentation. Although some data centers have unique meta data format and/or data search protocols, our portal's brokering function enables users to search across various data centers at one time. And this portal is also connected to other data brokering systems, including GEOSS DAB (Discovery and Access Broker). As a result, users can search over thousands of datasets, millions of files at one time. Users can access the DIAS/CEOS Water Portal system at http://waterportal.ceos.org/.

The Argentine nuclear policy: evaluation and proposals of the National Atomic Energy Commission

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2001-01-01

The document summarizes de medium term plan for the nuclear activities of the country proposed to the Government by the National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA). An analysis of the present situation is followed by the consideration of the main topics: nuclear power generation, regulatory activities, fuel cycle, radioisotopes and ionizing radiations, radioactive wastes and spent fuels, research, development and human resources, international relations, and the role of the CNEA and its associate companies in the implementation of the plan. A short review is made of the economical aspects of the Argentine nuclear sector

Eu and Sr2CeO4 : Eu phosphors suitable for near ultraviolet excitation

Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

Administrator

The study on white light phosphors suitable for near- ultraviolet (nUV) ... Rare earth ion-doped phosphors have been used in varied fields ... practical applications. .... by naked eyes. ... induced by Sr2CeO4 host matrix (Arunachalam Laxmanan.

CEOS contributions to informing energy management and policy decision making using space-based Earth observations

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Eckman, Richard S.; Stackhouse, Paul W.

2012-01-01

Earth observations are playing an increasingly significant role in informing decision making in the energy sector. In renewable energy applications, space-based observations now routinely augment sparse ground-based observations used as input for renewable energy resource assessment applications. As one of the nine Group on Earth Observations (GEO) societal benefit areas, the enhancement of management and policy decision making in the energy sector is receiving attention in activities conducted by the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS). CEOS has become the “space arm” for the implementation of the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) vision. It is directly supporting the space-based, near-term tasks articulated in the GEO three-year work plan. This paper describes a coordinated program of demonstration projects conducted by CEOS member agencies and partners to utilize Earth observations to enhance energy management end-user decision support systems. We discuss the importance of engagement with stakeholders and understanding their decision support needs in successfully increasing the uptake of Earth observation products for societal benefit. Several case studies are presented, demonstrating the importance of providing data sets in formats and units familiar and immediately usable by decision makers. These projects show the utility of Earth observations to enhance renewable energy resource assessment in the developing world, forecast space weather impacts on the power grid, and improve energy efficiency in the built environment.

CEOS Contributions to Informing Energy Management and Policy Decision Making Using Space-Based Earth Observations

Science.gov (United States)

Eckman, Richard S.

2009-01-01

Earth observations are playing an increasingly significant role in informing decision making in the energy sector. In renewable energy applications, space-based observations now routinely augment sparse ground-based observations used as input for renewable energy resource assessment applications. As one of the nine Group on Earth Observations (GEO) societal benefit areas, the enhancement of management and policy decision making in the energy sector is receiving attention in activities conducted by the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS). CEOS has become the "space arm" for the implementation of the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) vision. It is directly supporting the space-based, near-term tasks articulated in the GEO three-year work plan. This paper describes a coordinated program of demonstration projects conducted by CEOS member agencies and partners to utilize Earth observations to enhance energy management end-user decision support systems. I discuss the importance of engagement with stakeholders and understanding their decision support needs in successfully increasing the uptake of Earth observation products for societal benefit. Several case studies are presented, demonstrating the importance of providing data sets in formats and units familiar and immediately usable by decision makers. These projects show the utility of Earth observations to enhance renewable energy resource assessment in the developing world, forecast space-weather impacts on the power grid, and improve energy efficiency in the built environment.

Far-infrared spectroscopic study of CeO2 nanocrystals

Science.gov (United States)

Popović, Z. V.; Grujić-Brojčin, M.; Paunović, N.; Radonjić, M. M.; Araújo, V. D.; Bernardi, M. I. B.; de Lima, M. M.; Cantarero, A.

2015-01-01

We present the far-infrared reflectivity spectra of 5 nm-sized pure and copper-doped Ce1- x Cu x O2- y ( x = 0; 0.01 and 0.10) nanocrystals measured at room temperature in the 50-650 cm-1 spectral range. Reflectivity spectra were analyzed using the factorized form of the dielectric function, which includes the phonon and the free carriers contribution. Four oscillators with TO energies of approximately 135, 280, 370, and 490 cm-1 were included in the fitting procedure. These oscillators represent local maxima of the CeO2 phonon density of states, which is also calculated using the density functional theory. The lowest energy oscillator represents TA(L)/TA(X) phonon states, which become infrared-active E u modes at the L and X points of the Brillouin zone (BZ). The second oscillator originates from TO(Γ) phonon states. The oscillator at 400 cm-1 originates from Raman mode phonon states, which at the L point of BZ also becomes infrared-active E u mode. The last oscillator describes phonons with dominantly LO(Γ) infrared mode character. The appearance of phonon density of states related oscillators, instead of single F 2uinfrared-active mode in the far-infrared reflectivity spectra, is a consequence of the nanosized dimension of the CeO2 particles. The best fit spectra are obtained using the generalized Bruggeman model for inhomogeneous media, which takes into account the nanocrystal volume fraction and the pore shape.

A new species of Havelockia Pearson, 1903 from the Argentine Sea (Holothuroidea: Dendrochirotida: Sclerodactylidae).

Science.gov (United States)

Martinez, Mariano I; Thandar, Ahmed S; Penchaszadeh, Pablo E

2013-02-04

Havelockia pegi sp. nov., is here described from shallow waters of the Argentine Sea. This new species is distinctive in the purple colouration of its tentacles, scarcity of body wall ossicles and the presence of rosette-shaped ossicles in both the introvert and the tentacles. It is not closely related to any of its congenors. This is the first record of a true sclerodactylid from Argentina. Thandarum hernandezi Martinez & Brogger, 2012, described in the family Sclerodactylidae, is now classified in the family Sclerothyonidae.

Structural, optical and electrical properties of CeO2 thin films simultaneously prepared by anodic and cathodic electrodeposition

Science.gov (United States)

Yang, Yumeng; Du, Xiaoqing; Yi, Chenxi; Liu, Jiao; Zhu, Benfeng; Zhang, Zhao

2018-05-01

CeO2 thin films were deposited on stainless steel (SS) and indium tin oxide (ITO)-coated glass by simultaneous anodic and cathodic electrodeposition, and the influence of negative potential on the formation of ceria films was studied with scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, van der Pauw measurements, UV-visible spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results show that CeO2 films on the anode are slightly affected by the potential, but the particle size, crystal orientation, strain, film thickness, resistivity and Ce(III) content of the films on the cathode increases with increasing potential on the SS substrate. Contradictory to the results of the SS cathode, redshift (Ed changed from 3.95 eV to 3.56 eV and Ei changed from 3.42 eV to 3.04 eV) occurring in the absorption spectrum of CeO2 deposited on the ITO-coated glass cathode indicates that the content of Ce3+ in the cathodic films is dependent on the adopted substrates and decreases as the applied potential is increased.

The DIAS/CEOS Water Portal, distributed system using brokering architecture

Science.gov (United States)

Miura, Satoko; Sekioka, Shinichi; Kuroiwa, Kaori; Kudo, Yoshiyuki

2015-04-01

The DIAS/CEOS Water Portal is a one of the DIAS (Data Integration and Analysis System, http://www.editoria.u-tokyo.ac.jp/projects/dias/?locale=en_US) systems for data distribution for users including, but not limited to, scientists, decision makers and officers like river administrators. This portal has two main functions; one is to search and access data and the other is to register and share use cases which use datasets provided via this portal. This presentation focuses on the first function, to search and access data. The Portal system is distributed in the sense that, while the portal system is located in Tokyo, the data is located in archive centers which are globally distributed. For example, some in-situ data is archived at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Earth Observing Laboratory in Boulder, Colorado, USA. The NWP station time series and global gridded model output data is archived at the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology (MPIM) in cooperation with the World Data Center for Climate in Hamburg, Germany. Part of satellite data is archived at DIAS storage at the University of Tokyo, Japan. This portal itself does not store data. Instead, according to requests made by users on the web page, it retrieves data from distributed data centers on-the-fly and lets them download and see rendered images/plots. Although some data centers have unique meta data format and/or data search protocols, our portal's brokering function enables users to search across various data centers at one time, like one-stop shopping. And this portal is also connected to other data brokering systems, including GEOSS DAB (Discovery and Access Broker). As a result, users can search over thousands of datasets, millions of files at one time. Our system mainly relies on the open source software GI-cat (http://essi-lab.eu/do/view/GIcat), Opensearch protocol and OPeNDAP protocol to enable the above functions. Details on how it works will be introduced during the

Role of CeO2 promoter in NiO/α-Al2O3 catalyst for dry reforming of methane

Science.gov (United States)

Loc, Luu Cam; Phuong, Phan Hong; Tri, Nguyen

2017-09-01

A series of Ni/α-Al2O3 (NiAl) catalysts promoted by CeO2 was prepared by co-impregnation methods with content of (NiO+CeO2) being in the range of 10-30 wt%. The NiO:CeO2 weight ratio was fluctuated at 1:1, 1:2 and 1:3. Several techniques, including X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Hydrogen temperature-programmed reduction (H2-TPR), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to investigate catalysts' physico-chemical properties. The activity of these catalysts in dry reforming of CH4 was investigated at temperature range of 550-800 °C. The results revealed that the most suitable CeO2 promoted Ni catalyst contained 20 wt% of (NiO+CeO2) and NiO:CeO2 weight ratio of 1:2. The best catalytic performance of catalyst [20(1Ni2Ce)Al] due to a better reducibility resulted in a higher amount of free small particle NiO. At 700 °C and CH4:CO2 molar ratio of 1:1, the conversion of CH4 and CO2 on the most suitable CeO2 promoted Ni catalyst reached 86% and 67%, respectively; H2 and CO selectivity of 90% and H2:CO molar ratio of 1.15 were obtained. Being similar to MgO [1], promoter CeO2 could improve catalytic activity of Ni/α-Al2O3 catalyst at a lower range of temperature. Besides, both MgO and CeO2 had a great impact on improving coke resistance of Ni catalysts. At higher temperature, the role of CeO2 as well as MgO in preventing coke formation on catalyst was clarified by temperature-programmed oxidation (TPO) technique. Coke amount formed after 30-h TOS on 20(1Ni2Ce) catalyst was found to be 22.18 mgC/gcat, being less than on non-promoted catalyst (36.75 mgC/gcat), but more than on 20(1Ni2Mg)Al one (5.25 mgC/gcat).

A. C. conduction behaviour in amorphous WO 3 /CEO 2 thin film ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

A. C. conduction behaviour in amorphous WO3/CEO2 thin film. B Yagoubi, C A Hogarth, A Boukorrt. Abstract. No Abstract. Technologies Avancees Vol. 17 2005: pp. 5-8. Full Text: EMAIL FULL TEXT EMAIL FULL TEXT · DOWNLOAD FULL TEXT DOWNLOAD FULL TEXT · http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ta.v17i1.18478.

Master the Moment Fifty CEOs Teach You the Secrets of Time Management

CERN Document Server

Brans, Pat

2010-01-01

High achievers are not necessarily smarter or putting in more effort than those around them. But they do have different attitudes and are more careful how they use time. From their perspective they are moving at a comfortable pace. To the typical bystander, they are zipping past. Master The Moment reveals tips from 50 CEOs - all Masters of Time.

A Comparative Analysis on the Strategy of Impression Management and Public Diplomacy of Two Indonesian Presidents at APEC CEO Summit

OpenAIRE

INDRAYANI, INRI INGGRIT

2016-01-01

This research aims to analyze speeches of the former Indonesian President SusiloBambang Yudhoyono (SBY) and the current Indonesia President Joko Widodo(Jokowi) at the APEC CEO Summit. Jokowi gave his speech in Beijing, China in2014, while SBY delivered his speech in Bali in 2013. Both speeches have constructively examined as image management strategies to build an impressionmanagement at the APEC CEO Summit. APEC is one of crucial forum to buildinternational relationships, draw the investment...

Plasma-catalyst hybrid reactor with CeO2/γ-Al2O3 for benzene decomposition with synergetic effect and nano particle by-product reduction.

Science.gov (United States)

Mao, Lingai; Chen, Zhizong; Wu, Xinyue; Tang, Xiujuan; Yao, Shuiliang; Zhang, Xuming; Jiang, Boqiong; Han, Jingyi; Wu, Zuliang; Lu, Hao; Nozaki, Tomohiro

2018-04-05

A dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) catalyst hybrid reactor with CeO 2 /γ-Al 2 O 3 catalyst balls was investigated for benzene decomposition at atmospheric pressure and 30 °C. At an energy density of 37-40 J/L, benzene decomposition was as high as 92.5% when using the hybrid reactor with 5.0wt%CeO 2 /γ-Al 2 O 3 ; while it was 10%-20% when using a normal DBD reactor without a catalyst. Benzene decomposition using the hybrid reactor was almost the same as that using an O 3 catalyst reactor with the same CeO 2 /γ-Al 2 O 3 catalyst, indicating that O 3 plays a key role in the benzene decomposition. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis showed that O 3 adsorption on CeO 2 /γ-Al 2 O 3 promotes the production of adsorbed O 2 - and O 2 2‒ , which contribute benzene decomposition over heterogeneous catalysts. Nano particles as by-products (phenol and 1,4-benzoquinone) from benzene decomposition can be significantly reduced using the CeO 2 /γ-Al 2 O 3 catalyst. H 2 O inhibits benzene decomposition; however, it improves CO 2 selectivity. The deactivated CeO 2 /γ-Al 2 O 3 catalyst can be regenerated by performing discharges at 100 °C and 192-204 J/L. The decomposition mechanism of benzene over CeO 2 /γ-Al 2 O 3 catalyst was proposed. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Variation in the proximate composition and fatty acid profile recovered from Argentine hake (Merluccius hubbsi) waste from Patagonia

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Cretton, M.; Rost, E.; Mazzuca-Sobczuk, T.; Mazzuca, M.

2016-07-01

The fish processing operations in Patagonia produce large amounts of waste. The main fishery resource in Argentina is the Argentine hake (Merluccius hubbsi). The ports of the province of Chubut (the most important of which are Puerto Madryn, Rawson and Comodoro Rivadavia), together with Caleta Paula Port (province of Santa Cruz), in the Argentine Patagonia, capture more than 82,000 tons of hake annualy, 80% of which are of M. hubbsi, which is mostly converted into fillets. From this capture, about 2,296 tons of liver would be available for the extraction of oil. To promote the recovery and industrial use of fish oil, in the present study, we determined the variation in the proximate composition and fatty acid profile of Argentine hake waste from the ports mentioned above at different catch times. Proximate composition was determined according of the Official Methods of Analysis (AOAC). Fatty acid profile was analyzed by gas chromatography of the fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs). A standard mixture of FAMEs was run under identical conditions to identify the compounds on the basis of their retention times. Fatty acids were quantified using heptadecanoic acid (C17:0) as internal standard. The highest lipid recovery (27.0 to 41.8% of total lipids) was obtained from the liver fraction. Palmitic acid (C16:0), oleic acid (18:1 n9), docosahexaenoic acid (22:6 n3), eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5 n3) and palmitoleic acid (16:1) were the main constituents. Protein levels in viscera without livers (V-L) were higher than those in the liver. The extraction of marine fish oil and the production of fish offal meal from waste from fish factories would contribute to the sustainability of the regional industry, because it would also decrease the volume of waste, with benefits to the environment. (Author)

Self-Template Synthesis of Hybrid Porous Co3 O4 -CeO2 Hollow Polyhedrons for High-Performance Supercapacitors.

Science.gov (United States)

Wei, Chengzhen; Liu, Kangfei; Tao, Jing; Kang, Xiaoting; Hou, Haiyan; Cheng, Cheng; Zhang, Daojun

2018-01-04

In this work, hybrid porous Co 3 O 4 -CeO 2 hollow polyhedrons have been successfully obtained via a simple cation-exchange route followed by heat treatment. In the synthesis process, ZIF-67 polyhedron frameworks are firstly prepared, which not only serve as a host for the exchanged Ce3 + ions but also act as the template for the synthesis of hybrid porous Co 3 O 4 -CeO 2 hollow polyhedrons. When utilized as electrode materials for supercapacitors, the hybrid porous Co 3 O 4 -CeO 2 hollow polyhedrons delivered a large specific capacitance of 1288.3 F g -1 at 2.5 A g -1 and a remarkable long lifespan cycling stability (<3.3 % loss after 6000 cycles). Furthermore, an asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) device based on hybrid porous Co 3 O 4 -CeO 2 hollow polyhedrons was assembled. The ASC device possesses an energy density of 54.9 W h kg -1 , which can be retained to 44.2 W h kg -1 even at a power density of 5100 W kg -1 , indicating its promising application in electrochemical energy storage. More importantly, we believe that the present route is a simple and versatile strategy for the preparation of other hybrid metal oxides with desired structures, chemical compositions and applications. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Study of the defect structure of ''pure'' and doped nonstoichiometric CeO2. Final report, January 1, 1965--May 31, 1977

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Blumenthal, R.N.

1977-11-01

The defect structure and transport properties of defects in nonstoichiometric oxides was studied based on their electrical and thermodynamic behavior. Similar studies were also made on doped-nonstoichiometric oxides to determine the effect of the ionic radii, valence and concentration of the dopant cation on the nonstoichiometric defect structure and the transport properties of these defects. The thermodynamic and electrical property study on ''pure'' and doped-nonstoichiometric CeO 2 /sub -x/ is reviewed. The combined study of the electrical conductivity, ionic transference, and thermodynamic measurements initiated on CaO-doped CeO 2 as a function of temperature, oxygen pressure and CaO content is discussed. The results of similar measurements on CeO 2 doped with other oxides (e.g., ThO 2 , Ta 2 O 5 , etc.) which have cations with different valences and ionic radii are also discussed. The primary objective of these studies was to determine the effect of ionic radii, valence and concentration of the dopant cation on (1) the nonstoichiometric behavior, (2) the thermodynamic quantities ΔantiH/sub O 2 / and ΔantiS/sub O 2 /, (3) the nonstoichiometric defect structure, (4) the electronic and ionic conductivities, and (5) the mobility of electrons and oxygen vacancies in doped CeO 2 /sub -x/

Proceedings of the 6. Argentine congress on radiation protection and nuclear safety; Actas del 6. congreso argentino de proteccion radiologica y seguridad nuclear

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

1999-12-31

The 6th Argentine Congress on Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety was organized by the Radioprotection Argentine Society, in Buenos Aires, between the 22 and 24 of september of 1998. In this event, were presented almost 66 papers in the following sessions, about these subjects: 1.- Safety in nuclear installations. 2.- Control of nuclear material and physical protection of nuclear installations. 3.- Programs of quality assurance. 4.- Training, technical information and public information. 5.- Physical dosimetry. 6.- Physical dosimetry and occupational radiation protection. 7.- Exposure of the natural radiation. 8.- Environmental radiological safety. 9.- Biological effects of the ionizing radiations and biological dosimetry. 10.- Radiological protection of the medical practice and the radiological emergencies. 11.- Radioactive wastes management. 12.- Transport of radioactive materials

The CEOS Global Observation Strategy for Disaster Risk Management: An Enterprise Architect's View

Science.gov (United States)

Moe, K.; Evans, J. D.; Frye, S.

2013-12-01

The Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) Working Group on Information Systems and Services (WGISS), on behalf of the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS), is defining an enterprise architecture (known as GA.4.D) for the use of satellite observations in international disaster management. This architecture defines the scope and structure of the disaster management enterprise (based on disaster types and phases); its processes (expressed via use cases / system functions); and its core values (in particular, free and open data sharing via standard interfaces). The architecture also details how a disaster management enterprise describes, obtains, and handles earth observations and data products for decision-support; and how it draws on distributed computational services for streamlined operational capability. We have begun to apply this architecture to a new CEOS initiative, the Global Observation Strategy for Disaster Risk Management (DRM). CEOS is defining this Strategy based on the outcomes of three pilot projects focused on seismic hazards, volcanoes, and floods. These pilots offer a unique opportunity to characterize and assess the impacts (benefits / costs) of the GA.4.D architecture in practice. In particular, the DRM Floods Pilot is applying satellite-based optical and radar data to flood mitigation, warning, and response, including monitoring and modeling at regional to global scales. It is focused on serving user needs and building local institutional / technical capacity in the Caribbean, Southern Africa, and Southeast Asia. In the context of these CEOS DRM Pilots, we are characterizing where and how the GA.4D architecture helps participants to: - Understand the scope and nature of hazard events quickly and accurately - Assure timely delivery of observations into analysis, modeling, and decision-making - Streamline user access to products - Lower barriers to entry for users or suppliers - Streamline or focus field operations in

Local’s knowledge in environmental management in argentine cost ecosystems

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Elsa Marcela Guerrero

2014-04-01

Full Text Available In 2002 was born in Mar del Plata, Argentina, the ONG Surfrider Foundation Argentina. This organization reconciles the practice of a sport in contact with nature, surfing, and practices to protect, rehabilitate and restore diverse argentine sea ecosystems.Locally, in environmental issues, the organization is recognized because of the production and dissemination of coastal ecological knowledge, environmental problems of the city and the region, and the development of specific actions in defense and protection of the “marplatense” coastline.This paper characterizes the role of the SFA like a Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK producer, describes and analyzes the actions, procedures and organizational strategies associated with the production, publication and dissemination of local environmental knowledge of the non-governmental organization (NGO.

Native supercolonies of unrelated individuals in the invasive Argentine ant

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Pedersen, Jes Søe; Krieger, Michael J. B.; Vogel, Valérie

2006-01-01

organization is not only a key attribute responsible for the ecological dominance of these ants, but also an evolutionary paradox because relatedness between nestmates is effectively zero. Recently, it has been proposed that, in the Argentine ant, unicoloniality is a derived trait that evolved after its......Kinship among group members has long been recognized as a main factor promoting the evolution of sociality and reproductive altruism, yet some ants have an extraordinary social organization, called unicoloniality, whereby individuals mix freely among physically separated nests. This type of social...... with related individuals who are aggressive toward members of other colonies, we found that native populations also form supercolonies, and are effectively unicolonial. Moreover, just as in introduced populations, the relatedness between nestmates is not distinguishable from zero in these native range...

Trauma and Contemporary Forms of Subjectivity: Contributions of Argentine Psychoanalysis.

Science.gov (United States)

Volnovich, Juan Carlos

2017-04-01

This paper offers arguments to justify the relevance of psychoanalysis-psychoanalyses-in present-day Argentina and reflects on the stance taken by psychoanalysts with different theoretical perspectives in the face of the havoc wreaked by state terror (1976-1983). To this end, the author focuses on the pioneers' traits, the significance of the Argentine Psychoanalytic Association in the 1950s and 1960s, and the impact of the departure of the Plataforma Group in 1971. The establishment of the latter opened the way for the development of a psychoanalysis tied to popular movements, sensitive to social conflict, and close to human rights organizations. The author explores both on psychoanalysts' intervention to address the social trauma resulting from the theft of babies during the dictatorship, and on their relationship with Grandmothers of Plaza de Mayo.

Synthesis of nano-sized ceria (CeO2 particles via a cerium hydroxy carbonate precursor and the effect of reaction temperature on particle morphology

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Majid Farahmandjou

2015-06-01

Full Text Available Cerium oxide (CeO2 or ceria has been shown to be an interesting support material for noble metals in catalysts designed for emission control, mainly due to its oxygen storage capacity. Ceria nanoparticles were prepared by precipitation method. The precursor materials used in this research were cerium nitrate hexahydrate (as a basic material, potassium carbonate and potassium hydroxide (as precipitants. The morphological properties were characterized by high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM, scanning electron microscopy (SEM and X-ray diffraction (XRD, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR and UV-Vis spectrophotometer. XRD results showed face centered cubic CeO2 nanoparticles for annealed nanoparticles at 1000°C. SEM measurement showed that by increasing the calcinations temperature from 200 to 600°C, the crystallite size decreased from 90 to 28 nm. The SEM results showed that the size of the CeO2 nanoparticles decreased with increasing temperature. The particle size of CeO2 was around 25 nm as estimated by XRD technique and direct HRTEM observation. SEM and TEM studies showed that the morphology of the prepared powder was sphere-like with a narrow size distribution. The sharp peaks in FTIR spectrum determined the purity of CeO2 nanoparticles and absorbance peak of UV-Vis spectrum showed the small band gap energy of 3.26 ev.

Oral health in Brazil - Part II: Dental Specialty Centers (CEOs

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Vinícius Pedrazzi

2008-08-01

Full Text Available The concepts of health promotion, self-care and community participation emerged during the 1970s and, since then, their application has grown rapidly in the developed world, showing evidence of effectiveness. In spite of this, a major part of the population in the developing countries still has no access to specialized dental care such as endodontic treatment, dental care for patients with special needs, minor oral surgery, periodontal treatment and oral diagnosis. This review focuses on a program of the Brazilian Federal Government named CEOs (Dental Specialty Centers, which is an attempt to solve the dental care deficit of a population that is suffering from oral diseases and whose oral health care needs have not been addressed by the regular programs offered by the SUS (Unified National Health System. Literature published from 2000 to the present day, using electronic searches by Medline, Scielo, Google and hand-searching was considered. The descriptors used were Brazil, Oral health, Health policy, Health programs, and Dental Specialty Centers. There are currently 640 CEOs in Brazil, distributed in 545 municipal districts, carrying out dental procedures with major complexity. Based on this data, it was possible to conclude that public actions on oral health must involve both preventive and curative procedures aiming to minimize the oral health distortions still prevailing in developing countries like Brazil.

The cycles of Argentine wine exports / Los ciclos de las exportaciones de vino argentinas

OpenAIRE

Cerdá Juan Manuel; Duarte y Ricardo Hernández

2016-01-01

This paper analyses the different episodes that the Argentina wine industry transited between the years 1980 to 2012, within a context of globalization of the wine-grape industry. In particular, we study the significance that some winemakers had in the process and the effect of the exchange rate and recipients of Argentine wine in the expansion of exports in recent years. The hypothesis of this article is that, from the 80 s, the winemakers observed in exports as a solution to face their most...

ABACC: annual report 2012 - Brazilian-Argentine Agency for the Accounting and Control of Nuclear Materials

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2012-01-01

This document reports the actives during the year 2012 related to: technical activities as safeguards application and advances in application of safeguards; main activities conducted in Brazil and main activities developed at ABACC headquarters; management of the Quadripartite Agreement and of the SCCC - Common System for Accounting and Control of Nuclear Materials; training; technical cooperation; institutional, administrative and financial activities; perspectives for 2013; list of inspectors; list of Brazilian and Argentine facilities subject to the Quadripartite Agreement

Kinetic Monte Carlo model of defect transport and irradiation effects in La-doped CeO2

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Oaks, Aaron; Yun Di; Ye Bei; Chen Weiying; Stubbins, James F.

2011-01-01

A generalized Kinetic Monte Carlo code was developed to study oxygen mobility in UO 2 type nuclear fuels, using lanthanum doped CeO 2 as a surrogate material. Molecular Statics simulations were performed using interatomic potentials for CeO 2 developed by Gotte, Minervini, and Sayle to calculate local configuration-dependent oxygen vacancy migration energies. Kinetic Monte Carlo simulations of oxygen vacancy diffusion were performed at varying lanthanum dopant concentrations using the developed generalized Kinetic Monte Carlo code and the calculated configuration-dependent migration energies. All three interatomic potentials were found to confirm the lanthanum trapping effect. The results of these simulations were compared with experimental data and the Gotte potential was concluded to yield the most realistic diffusivity curve.

Facile Synthesis of CeO2-LaFeO3 Perovskite Composite and Its Application for 4-(Methylnitrosamino-1-(3-Pyridyl-1-Butanone (NNK Degradation

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Kaixuan Wang

2016-04-01

Full Text Available A facile and environmentally friendly surface-ion adsorption method using CeCO3OH@C as template was demonstrated to synthesize CeO2-LaFeO3 perovskite composite material. The obtained composite was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD, fourier transform infrared spectra (FT-IR, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM, transmission electron microscopy (TEM, thermo-gravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC, N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms and X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS measurements. The catalytic degradation of nitrosamine 4-(methylnitrosamino-1-(3-pyridyl-1-butanone (NNK was tested to evaluate catalytic activity of the CeO2-LaFeO3 composite. Much better activity was observed for the CeO2-LaFeO3 composite comparing with CeO2 and LaFeO3. These results suggested that perovskite composite materials are a promising candidate for the degradation of tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs.

Prosecuting International Crimes at National Level: Lessons from the Argentine ‘Truth-Finding Trials’

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Elena Maculan

2012-01-01

Full Text Available Truth-finding trials (juicios por la verdad constitute a novel solution devised by the Argentine judicial system to cope with crimes committed by the past military dictatorship. This mechanism uses criminal courts as well as criminal procedure in order to investigate the truth about the dictatorship's crimes; however, the trials allow judges neither to establish criminal responsibility nor to punish the perpetrators of crimes. This limitation is due to the inability, imposed by the Full Stop and Due Obedience Laws, to prosecute the perpetrators of crimes.From the perspective of criminal law, truth-finding trials present two problematic features: firstly, their creation and regulation are set by judges, which has caused the development of many non-homogeneous local solutions and, secondly, their hybrid nature, which entails a possible subversion of conventional forms and goals in the context of the criminal trial.The paper also describes the current situation, since the Argentine impunity laws were declared unconstitutional and criminal proceedings reopened. The new framework provokes questions about the relationship between the reopened criminal trials and the truth-finding investigations, not only with regard to evidentiary issues but also with respect to the reason why the truth-finding investigations are still held.Finally, the shift from a non-punitive approach to the current full criminal accountability seems to suggest that truth-finding trials were merely a temporary solution, while the notion of the full prosecution and punishment of State crimes was never really set aside.

Post-test calculations of out-of-pile single rod burst experiments with Argentine ZRY-4 tubes using SSYST codes system

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nassini, H.; Meyder, R.

1988-11-01

The calculations were performed with SSYST-3 code system. The experiments have been carried out with shortened REBEKA simulators. The main goal was to verify whether the model for describing the Zircaloy cladding deformation and rupture at high temperatures (NORA2 model) is able to predict the Argentine cladding material behaviour under such conditions. A good agreement between experimental results and model predictions was found in the range of temperatures from 700 to 850 0 C (in α phase and first half of α+β transition phase). There were some discrepances at higher temperatures, probably due to the strong influence of heating rate on material properties. According to the results of these post-test calculations, it can be concluded that NORA2 model is able to well describe the Argentine Zircaloy cladding deformation and rupture under LOCA conditions, because there was a good agreement in the range of burst (ballooning) temperatures which are expected in this type of accident. (orig./HP) [de

Far-infrared spectroscopic study of CeO2 nanocrystals

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Popović, Z. V.; Grujić-Brojčin, M.; Paunović, N.; Radonjić, M. M.; Araújo, V. D.; Bernardi, M. I. B.; Lima, M. M. de; Cantarero, A.

2015-01-01

We present the far-infrared reflectivity spectra of 5 nm-sized pure and copper-doped Ce 1−x Cu x O 2−y (x = 0; 0.01 and 0.10) nanocrystals measured at room temperature in the 50–650 cm −1 spectral range. Reflectivity spectra were analyzed using the factorized form of the dielectric function, which includes the phonon and the free carriers contribution. Four oscillators with TO energies of approximately 135, 280, 370, and 490 cm −1 were included in the fitting procedure. These oscillators represent local maxima of the CeO 2 phonon density of states, which is also calculated using the density functional theory. The lowest energy oscillator represents TA(L)/TA(X) phonon states, which become infrared-active E u modes at the L and X points of the Brillouin zone (BZ). The second oscillator originates from TO(Γ) phonon states. The oscillator at ∼400 cm −1 originates from Raman mode phonon states, which at the L point of BZ also becomes infrared-active E u mode. The last oscillator describes phonons with dominantly LO(Γ) infrared mode character. The appearance of phonon density of states related oscillators, instead of single F 2u infrared-active mode in the far-infrared reflectivity spectra, is a consequence of the nanosized dimension of the CeO 2 particles. The best fit spectra are obtained using the generalized Bruggeman model for inhomogeneous media, which takes into account the nanocrystal volume fraction and the pore shape

Green chemical approach towards the synthesis of CeO2 doped with seashell and its bacterial applications intermediated with fruit extracts.

Science.gov (United States)

Arasu, Mariadas Valan; Thirumamagal, R; Srinivasan, M P; Al-Dhabi, Naif Abdullah; Ayeshamariam, A; Saravana Kumar, D; Punithavelan, N; Jayachandran, M

2017-08-01

Nanomaterials of CeO 2 with A. vera were synthesized by using simple chemical method. Grapes drops are used as an oxidizing agent. Structural and morphological studies of nanomaterials of cerium oxide (CeO 2 ), were studied for combustion method of preparation. The precursor solution was initialized by a hydrothermal reaction. Cerium hydroxyl carbonate precursors which involves cerium (III) nitrate Ce(NO 3 ) 3 . 6 H 2 O with (1.0M) of seashell powder, 3% A. vera, extracts, grapes and pomegranate drops and this complex solution was used to produce the CeO 2 powder particles. We have prepared another sample with 5% of Aloe vera extract and found that 3% Aloe vera extract has lesser grain size and enhanced band gap values, so the article explained the sample analysis of combination with 3% extract of Aloe vera. The product has the rod pattern which was the unusual features appear to originate from the unique crystal chemistry aspects. From the optical absorption spectrum, it has been shown that the CeO 2 rods have 3.847eV of direct band gap energy. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of the synthesized compounds exhibited activity towards various microbial pathogens such as B. subtilis (15μg/mL), S. aureus (50μg/mL), S. epidermidis (20μg/mL), E. faecalis (25μg/mL) and towards E. coli (100μg/mL), K. pneumoniae (50μg/mL) and P. aeruginosa (75μg/mL) respectively. The tests on bacterial activities confirmed that the CeO 2 rods are suitable hand for the biological applications. The seashell structure and the phytochemical contents of A. vera might enhance its bacterial activities. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Nuclear trade: an approach on the Argentine situation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Antoniotti, Americo A.; Paez, Mariano R.

2005-01-01

The Argentine nuclear trade regime. Nuclear Materials. Definitions. Stages. From early times of nuclear development an actual and strict monopoly governed the transfers of nuclear materials. That meant: the Federal State took the control as user, producer, purchaser or seller. This policy was inspired and clearly echoed a similar one developed by countries with important development in the nuclear field. Types of contracts on nuclear commerce. Relation with costs implied with the nuclear industry. Uranium mining. System of supplies. Development of factories of nuclear supplies. Incentives. Nuclear Power. Radioisotopes. Human Resources. Ways of intervention of the State on nuclear Commerce. The right of veto. The ownership of shares in private or public corporations. Export- import controls. Security and Safety standards. National Act of Nuclear Activity. Veto of the Executive Power to the monopoly of the exclusive national supply of uranium. Comparative policies on other fields or products in Argentina. A proposal of lege ferenda. State's right of transformation applicable to purchases and sales of nuclear materials. Exchange and loans. Cosignature of contracts, etc. (author)

Argentine regulatory experience on industrial gammagraphy in radioprotection

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ermacora, Marcela G.

2006-01-01

Industrial gammagraphy has always been responsible for the highest rates of radiological incidents in almost every part of the world. This is mainly due to the high activities of the radioactive sources used, which are constantly transported in the equipment that contains them between the storage and the areas of work, and is also due to work load pressures which may induce to negligence in following the operational procedures, if a strong Safety Culture does not exist. The purpose of this paper is to present the main aspects of the argentine regulations relating to radiation protection to control this practice and to contribute in this way to reduce the associated risks. In addition, some incidents occurred in Argentina during the latest years, the causes that led to those events and their relation to the in observance of the regulations in force, their consequences and the measures taken to repair them are described. Finally, the importance of the role that education and training has in the strengthening of Safety Culture, key element of all undertaking, is highlighted. (author) [es

Preparation and characterization of p–n heterojunction CuBi2O4/CeO2 and its photocatalytic activities under UVA light irradiation

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Abdelkader Elaziouti

2015-04-01

Full Text Available CuBi2O4/CeO2 nanocomposites were synthesized by the solid state method and were characterized by a number of techniques such as X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity of the samples was investigated under UVA light and assessed using Congo red (CR dye as probe reaction. The efficiency of the coupled CuBi2O4/CeO2 photocatalyst was found to be related to the amount of added CuBi2O4 and to the pH medium. The CuBi2O4/CeO2 photocatalyst exhibited the high efficiency as a result of 83.05% of degradation of CR under UVA light for 100 min of irradiation time with 30 wt% of CuBi2O4 at 25 °C and pH 7, which is about 6 times higher than that of CeO2. The photodegradation reactions satisfactorily correlated with the pseudo-first-order kinetic model. The mechanism of the enhanced photocatalytic efficiency was explained by the heterojunction model.

Exposure of agricultural crops to nanoparticle CeO2 in biochar-amended soil.

Science.gov (United States)

Servin, Alia D; De la Torre-Roche, Roberto; Castillo-Michel, Hiram; Pagano, Luca; Hawthorne, Joseph; Musante, Craig; Pignatello, Joseph; Uchimiya, Minori; White, Jason C

2017-01-01

Biochar is seeing increased usage as an amendment in agricultural soils but the significance of nanoscale interactions between this additive and engineered nanoparticles (ENP) remains unknown. Corn, lettuce, soybean and zucchini were grown for 28 d in two different soils (agricultural, residential) amended with 0-2000 mg engineered nanoparticle (ENP) CeO 2  kg -1 and biochar (350 °C or 600 °C) at application rates of 0-5% (w/w). At harvest, plants were analyzed for biomass, Ce content, chlorophyll and lipid peroxidation. Biomass from the four species grown in residential soil varied with species and biochar type. However, biomass in the agricultural soil amended with biochar 600 °C was largely unaffected. Biochar co-exposure had minimal impact on Ce accumulation, with reduced or increased Ce content occurring at the highest (5%) biochar level. Soil-specific and biochar-specific effects on Ce accumulation were observed in the four species. For example, zucchini grown in agricultural soil with 2000 mg CeO 2  kg -1 and 350 °C biochar (0.5-5%) accumulated greater Ce than the control. However, for the 600 °C biochar, the opposite effect was evident, with decreased Ce content as biochar increased. A principal component analysis showed that biochar type accounted for 56-99% of the variance in chlorophyll and lipid peroxidation across the plants. SEM and μ-XRF showed Ce association with specific biochar and soil components, while μ-XANES analysis confirmed that after 28 d in soil, the Ce remained largely as CeO 2 . The current study demonstrates that biochar synthesis conditions significantly impact interactions with ENP, with subsequent effects on particle fate and effects. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Dopant induced variations in microstructure and optical properties of CeO2 nanoparticles

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mohanty, Bhaskar Chandra; Lee, Jong Won; Yeon, Deuk-Ho; Jo, Yeon-Hwa; Kim, Jong Hak; Cho, Yong Soo

2011-01-01

Research highlights: → Dopant (Zr 4+ , La 3+ , and Ca 2+ ) induced phase stability, and changes in microstructure and optical properties of CeO 2 nanoparticles have been studied. → The nanoparticles were prepared by hydrothermal synthesis of nitrate solutions. → The results show modification of the unit cell parameter by -0.39, +0.83 and +0.16% for doping of 20% Zr 4+ , La 3+ , and Ca 2+ , respectively. → For each batch prepared, nanoparticles with a narrow size distribution of 5-15 nm have been obtained. These particles are single crystals mostly having polygonal two-dimensional projections. → UV-visible spectra of doped particles exhibit shift of the absorption edge and absorption peak with respect to those of the undoped ones and has been attributed to compensation of Ce 3+ and decreasing crystallite size as result of doping. -- Abstract: Nanocrystalline CeO 2 particles doped in the range of 0-20% of Ca 2+ , La 3+ , and Zr 4+ have been prepared from hydrothermal synthesis of nitrate solutions at 200 o C and the influences of the dopants on microstructure and optical properties of the nanoparticles have been investigated. The unit cell parameter is found to be modified by -0.39, +0.83 and +0.16% for doping of 20% Zr 4+ , La 3+ , and Ca 2+ , respectively. For each batch prepared, nanoparticles with a narrow size distribution of 5-15 nm have been obtained. A high-resolution transmission electron microscopy investigation reveals that these particles are single crystals mostly having hexagonal, square or circular two-dimensional projections. UV-visible spectra of doped powders exhibit shift of the absorption edge and absorption peak with respect to those of the undoped CeO 2 particles and has been attributed to compensation of Ce 3+ and decreasing crystallite size as result of doping.

Fast humidity sensors based on CeO2 nanowires

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fu, X Q; Wang, C; Yu, H C; Wang, Y G; Wang, T H

2007-01-01

Fast humidity sensors are reported that are based on CeO 2 nanowires synthesized by a hydrothermal method. Both the response and recovery time are about 3 s, and are independent of the humidity. The sensitivity increases gradually as the humidity increases, and is up to 85 at 97% RH. The resistance decreases exponentially with increasing humidity, implying ion-type conductivity as the humidity sensing mechanism. A model based on the morphology and surface energy of the nanowires is given to explain these results further. Our experimental results indicate a pathway to improving the performance of humidity sensors

Dose-Dependent Effects of CeO2 on Microstructure and Antibacterial Property of Plasma-Sprayed TiO2 Coatings for Orthopedic Application

Science.gov (United States)

Zhao, Xiaobing; Liu, Gaopeng; Zheng, Hai; Cao, Huiliang; Liu, Xuanyong

2015-02-01

Titanium and its alloys have been used extensively for orthopedic and dental implants. Although these devices have achieved high rates of success, two major complications may be encountered: the lack of osseointegration and the biomaterial-related infection. Accordingly, cerium oxide (CeO2)-doped titanium oxide (TiO2) materials were coated on titanium by an atmospheric plasma spraying (APS) technique. The phase structures, morphologies, and surface chemical states of the obtained coatings were characterized by x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques. The in vitro antibacterial and cytocompatibility of the materials were studied with Staphylococcus aureus ( S. aureus, ATCC25923) and osteoblast precursor cell line MC3T3-E1. The results indicated that the addition of CeO2 shifts slightly the diffraction peaks of TiO2 matrix to low angles but does not change its rutile phase structure. In addition, the CeO2/TiO2 composite coatings possess dose-dependent corrosion resistance and antimicrobial properties. And doping of 10 wt.% CeO2 exhibits the highest activity against S. aureus, improved corrosion resistance, and competitive cytocompatibility, which argues a promising option for balancing the osteogenetic and antibacterial properties of titanium implants.

An insight into the dopant selection for CeO2-based resistive-switching memory system: a DFT and experimental study

Science.gov (United States)

Hussain, Fayyaz; Imran, Muhammad; Rana, Anwar Manzoor; Khalil, R. M. Arif; Khera, Ejaz Ahmad; Kiran, Saira; Javid, M. Arshad; Sattar, M. Atif; Ismail, Muhammad

2018-03-01

The aim of this study is to figure out better metal dopants for CeO2 for designing highly efficient non-volatile memory (NVM) devices. The present DFT work involves four different metals doped interstitially and substitutionally in CeO2 thin films. First principle calculations involve electron density of states (DOS) and partial density of states (PDOS), and isosurface charge densities are carried out within the plane-wave density functional theory using GGA and GGA + U approach by employing the Vienna ab initio simulation package VASP. Isosurface charge density plots confirmed that interstitial doping of Zr and Ti metals truly assists in generating conduction filaments (CFs), while substitutional doping of these metals cannot do so. Substitutional doping of W may contribute in generating CFs in CeO2 directly, but its interstitial doping improves conductivity of CeO2. However, Ni-dopant is capable of directly generating CFs both as substitutional and interstitial dopants in ceria. Such a capability of Ni appears acting as top electrode in Ni/CeO2/Pt memory devices, but its RS behavior is not so good. On inserting Zr layer to make Ni/Zr:CeO2/Pt memory stacks, Ni does not contribute in RS characteristics, but Zr plays a vital role in forming CFs by creating oxygen vacancies and forming ZrO2 interfacial layer. Therefore, Zr-doped devices exhibit high-resistance ratio of 104 and good endurance as compared to undoped devices suitable for RRAM applications.

Optimization of CeO2-ZrO2 mixed oxide catalysts for ethyl acetate combustion

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Dimitrov, M.; Ivanova, R.; Štengl, Václav; Henych, Jiří; Kovacheva, D.; Tsoncheva, T.

2015-01-01

Roč. 47, č. 1 (2015), s. 323-329 ISSN 0324-1130 Institutional support: RVO:61388980 Keywords : nanosized CeO2-ZrO2 * mixed oxide phase * ethyl acetate combustion Subject RIV: CA - Inorganic Chemistry Impact factor: 0.229, year: 2015

Estudo microestrutural do catalisador Ni/gama-Al2O3: efeito da adição de CeO2 na reforma do metano com dióxido de carbono Microstructural study of Ni/gamma-Al2O3 catalyst: addition effects of CeO2 on carbon dioxide reforming of methane

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Antoninho Valentini

2003-10-01

Full Text Available The carbon dioxide reforming of methane was carried out over nickel catalysts supported on the gamma-Al2O3/CeO2 system prepared by wet impregnation. With the increase of the CeO2 weight in the catalyst, a higher stability was observed in the catalytic activity, together with an excellent resistance to carbon deposition and a better Ni dispersion. The catalysts were characterized by means of surface area measurements, TPR, H2 chemisorption, XRD, SEM, EDX, XPS and TEM. An interaction between Ni and CeO2 was observed to the Ni/CeO2 sample after activation in a H2 atmosphere above 300 ºC. Such behavior has a significantly influence on the catalytic activity.

SLR and GPS spatial techniques in ITRF. Argentine results.

Science.gov (United States)

Actis, Eloy Vicente; Huang, Dongping; Márquez, Raúl; Adarvez, Sonia; Flores, Matías; Brizuela, Diego; Nievas, Jesica; Podestá, Ricardo; Pacheco, Ana M.; Rojas, Hernán Alvis; Yin, Zhiqiang; Li, Jinzeng; Han, Yanben; Liu, Weidong; Wang, Rui

2012-08-01

Along the late 30 years spatial geodetic techniques enable us to measure horizontal and vertical deformations of the Earth’s surface with a very high precision. Performing this task we made Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR), and Global Positioning System (GPS) observations in South America ILRS 7406 Station placed at Observatorio Astronómico Félix Aguilar (OAFA) in San Juan, Argentina, accomplishing a Cooperation Agreement between CAS - NAOC and OAFA - UNSJ. Trough LAGEOS II Satellite observations we obtain rectangular coordinates of San Juan ILRS Station in the Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITR 2000), standing out that Argentine Station data were included in the late arrangements ITRF given by International Earth Rotation and Reference System Service (IERS). Spatial and temporary variations of the epoch 2010 - 2011 were evaluated finding out remarkable displacements, of about a half meter, related with seismic events on the region. We confirm these deformations by means of GP S determinations referred to Permanent GPS Station placed nearby the SLR Station.

Detection of Argentine onions treated with 60 Co irradiation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Romanelli, Maria Fernanda; Sebastiao, Katia I.; Leite, Quilma R.; Koseki, Paula M.; Hamasaki, Koji; Villavicencio, Anna Lucia H.; Croci, Clara

2000-01-01

Brazil has been the most important MERCOSUL's purchaser of fresh onions from Argentina. The increased claim for this fresh product has forced a consensus between the members nations, as regards to phytosanitary restrictions. The radio inhibition is described on National Food Codes in Brazil and Argentina. Methods of food irradiation detection must be performed, since they increase the consumer confidence. Quick and simple screening tests indicate whether a food product has been irradiated or not. This present study verified the DNA fragments of argentine fresh onions, produced during radiation process and 6 months of storage period. The DNA fragments are analyzed for detection of irradiated foods. The irradiated onions presented extensive DNA migrations, as comets, when submitted to agarose gel electrophoresis. They also showed more shelf life compared to the unirradiated onions. The unirradiated samples exhibited only limited DNA migration. This initial screen method showed to be effective for detection of irradiated onions. (author)

Regulatory issues in the maintenance of Argentine nuclear power plants

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Castro, E.; Caruso, G.

1997-01-01

The influence of maintenance activities upon nuclear safety and their relevance as means to detect and prevent aging make them play an outstanding role among the fields of interest of the Argentine nuclear regulatory body (ENREN). Such interest is reinforced by the fact that the data obtained during maintenance are used - among other - as inputs in the Probabilistic Safety Analyses required for those nuclear power plants. This paper provides a brief description of the original requirements by the regulatory body concerning maintenance, of the factors that led to review the criteria involved in such requirements and of the key items identified during the reviewing process. The latter shall be taken into account in the maintenance regulatory policy, for the consequent issue of new requirements from the utilities and for the eventual publication of a specific regulatory standard. (author)

8 MeV electron beam induced modifications in the thermal, structural and electrical properties of nanophase CeO2 for potential electronics applications

Science.gov (United States)

Babitha, K. K.; Sreedevi, A.; Priyanka, K. P.; Ganesh, S.; Varghese, Thomas

2018-06-01

The effect of 8 MeV electron beam irradiation on the thermal, structural and electrical properties of CeO2 nanoparticles synthesized by chemical precipitation route was investigated. The dose dependent effect of electron irradiation was studied using various characterization techniques such as, thermogravimetric and differential thermal analyses, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy and impedance spectroscopy. Systematic investigation based on the results of structural studies confirm that electron beam irradiation induces defects and particle size variation on CeO2 nanoparticles, which in turn results improvements in AC conductivity, dielectric constant and loss tangent. Structural modifications and high value of dielectric constant for CeO2 nanoparticles due to electron beam irradiation make it as a promising material for the fabrication of gate dielectric in metal oxide semiconductor devices.

Synthesis and characterization of bimetallic Pd-Ni catalysts in a CeO_2 matrix for the generation of H_2 by the reforming reaction of methanol

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Contreras C, R.

2016-01-01

The hydrothermal method was used for the synthesis of CeO_2 nano rods using Ce(NO_3)_3·6H_2O and NH_4OH. The catalytic support was calcined at 700 degrees Celsius. The synthesis of CeO_2 nano rods were impregnated with an aqueous solution of Ni(NO_3)_2·6H_2O by an incipient wetness impregnation method at an appropriate concentration to yield 5 and 15% of Ni in the catalysts. Then 0.5% of Pd was impregnated using PdCl_2. The samples obtained were calcined at 400 and reduced at 450 degrees Celsius. The catalytic materials were characterized by: temperature programmed reduction (TPR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (Sem) , surface area and X-ray diffraction (XRD) . Sem results showed that the CeO_2 is formed by nano rods and in lesser proportion semi spherical particles. Bet surface area of the catalysts decreases with Ni loading onto the CeO_2 nano rods. Pd O and Ni O were reduced at low and high temperature as was observed by TPR. The CeO_2 one-dimensional nano rods showed a highly crystalline structure with sharp diffraction peaks, with a typical fluorite structure (cubic structure of the CeO_2) and characteristic peaks corresponding to metallic Ni. No diffraction peaks of Pd were found. This is due to the low concentration of this metal in the catalyst. These catalysts showed high activity and selectivity to H_2 at maximum reaction temperature. According to the results of activity and selectivity, the catalysts with Pd-Ni are an alternative for the H_2 production in auto thermal reforming reaction of methanol. (Author)

Growth and domain structure of YBa2Cu3Ox films on neodymium gallate substrates with deviation of surface normal from [110] NdGaO3

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bdikin, I.K.; Mozhaev, P.B.; Ovsyannikov, G.A.; Komissinskij, F.V.; Kotelyanskij, I.M.; Raksha, E.I.

2001-01-01

One investigated into growth, crystalline structure and electrophysical properties of YBa 2 Cu 3 O x (YBCO) epitaxial films grown on NdGaO 3 (NGO) substrates with substrate surface normal deviation from [110] by 5-26.6 deg angle around [001] with CeO 2 epitaxial sublayer or without it. Orientation of YBCO epitaxial films grown at these substrates is shown to be governed by occurrence of symmetrically equipment directions in substrates and in CeO 2 layer, as well as, by film precipitation rate. At precipitation high rate YBCO films on CeO 2 sublayer grow in [001] orientation independently of orientation of substrate and sublayer. One determined that at increase of substrate plane deviation angle from (110) NGO twinning of one or of both twin complexes in YBCO might be suppressed [ru

15 June 2009 - President of the Argentine Nation C. Fernández visiting ATLAS experimental area.

CERN Document Server

Maximilien Brice

2009-01-01

Tirage 1:President of the Argentine Nation, C. Fernández and Minister of Science, Technology and Innovative Production,L. Barañao Tirage 2-8:Arrival greetings Tirage 9-12:Introduction to CERN's activities by Director-General, R. Heuer Tirage 13-15:Signature of the guest book Tirage 16-25:M. Benedetti,R. Heuer and L.Barañao sit for the signature of the Agreement Tirage 26-33: Meeting with Argentinian scientists at CERN

Effects of calcium doping on the superconducting properties of top-seeded melt growth processed Y1.5Ba2-xCaxCu3Oy superconductors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Park, S.D.; Kim, H.J.; Park, B.J.; Han, Y.H.; Jun, B.-H.; Lee, J.S.; Kim, C.-J.

2011-01-01

We study effects of calcium doping in melt processed Y123 superconductors. We examine a superconducting transition temperature and current density. A transition temperature and current density decreases by calcium doping. Calcium doping leads to coarseing of Y211 particles. Y211 refining effect by CeO 2 is disappreared by calcium doping. The effect of calcium doping on the superconducting properties of top seeded melt growth (TSMG) processed Y 1.5 Ba 2-x Ca x Cu 3 O y superconductors was studied in terms of calcium content (X ca ). YBa 2-x Ca x Cu 3 O 7-δ (X ca = 0, 0.005, 0.01, 0.02, 0.04, 0.1, 0.3) powders were synthesized by the powder calcination method. YBa 2-x Ca x Cu 3 O 7-δ powders were mixed with 0.25 mole Y 2 O 3 powder and 1 wt.% CeO 2 as Y 2 BaCuO 5 (Y211) refiner, and finally made into Y 1 . 5 Ba 2-x Ca x Cu 3 O y (Y1.5) + 1 wt.% CeO 2 composition. The single Y123 growth on the top surface was observed up to X ca = 0.1, while the multiple Y123 growth was observed at X ca ≥ 0.1. The superconducting transition temperature (T c ) and critical current density (J c ) of TSMG processed Y1.5 samples were inversely proportional to X ca . The Y211 size increased with increasing X ca due to the enhancement of Y211 coarsening by calcium doping. No Y211 refining effect by CeO 2 was observed in the calcium doped samples. The T c and J c decrease by calcium doping are likely to be due to the calcium incorporation with the Y123 lattice and formation of coarse Y211 particles.

Influence of argon and oxygen pressure ratio on bipolar-resistive switching characteristics of CeO2- x thin films deposited at room temperature

Science.gov (United States)

Ismail, Muhammad; Ullah, Rehmat; Hussain, Riaz; Talib, Ijaz; Rana, Anwar Manzoor; Hussain, Muhammad; Mahmood, Khalid; Hussain, Fayyaz; Ahmed, Ejaz; Bao, Dinghua

2018-02-01

Cerium oxide (CeO2-x) film was deposited on Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si substrate by rf magnetron sputtering at room temperature. Resistive switching characteristics of these ceria films have been improved by increasing oxygen content during deposition process. Endurance and statistical analyses indicate that the operating stability of CeO2-x-based memory is highly dependent on the oxygen content. Results indicate that CeO2-x film-based RRAM devices exhibit optimum performance when fabricated at an argon/oxygen ratio of 6:24. An increase in the oxygen content introduced during CeO2-x film deposition not only stabilizes the conventional bipolar RS but also improves excellent switching uniformity such as large ON/OFF ratio (102), excellent switching device-to-device uniformity and good sweep endurance over 500 repeated RS cycles. Conduction in the low-resistance state (LRS) as well as in the low bias field region in the high-resistance state (HRS) is found to be Ohmic and thus supports the conductive filament (CF) theory. In the high voltage region of HRS, space charge limited conduction (SCLC) and Schottky emission are found to be the dominant conduction mechanisms. A feasible filamentary RS mechanism based on the movement of oxygen ions/vacancies under the bias voltage has been discussed.

Promoting Employee Health Through an American Cancer Society Program, The CEOs Challenge, Washington State, 2013-2015.

Science.gov (United States)

Harris, Jeffrey R; Parrish, Amanda T; Kohn, Marlana; Hammerback, Kristen; McMillan, Becca; Hannon, Peggy A

2015-12-17

Evidence-based practices in the workplace can increase levels of healthy eating, cancer screening, physical activity, and tobacco cessation but are underused, even in large workplaces. This report summarizes an evaluation of the first year of The CEOs Challenge, a program developed by the American Cancer Society to promote implementation and maintenance of health-promoting, evidence-based workplace practices by large companies. Use of 17 evidence-based practices by 17 companies in the Washington State Chapter of the American Cancer Society's CEOs Against Cancer network was assessed via survey and scored from 0 to 100. Companies received a written report of their baseline performance, followed by at least quarterly consultations with American Cancer Society staff members trained to assist in implementation of these practices. Follow-up performance was measured at 1 year. At baseline, implementation scores were 54.8 for cancer screening, 46.5 for healthy eating, 59.8 for physical activity, and 68.2 for tobacco cessation. At follow-up, scores increased by 19.6 for cancer screening, 19.4 for healthy eating, 16.0 for physical activity, and 9.4 points for tobacco cessation. The CEOs Challenge is a promising approach to chronic disease prevention via the workplace. It brings together one of the nation's largest health-promoting voluntary agencies with the nation's largest employers to promote evidence-based practices targeted at the most common causes of disease and death. The program increased the adoption of these practices and was well-accepted.

Influence of temperature on growth rate and lag phase of fungi isolated from Argentine corn.

Science.gov (United States)

González, H H; Resnik, S L; Vaamonde, G

1988-03-01

The influence of temperature on the growth of nine strains of fungi belonging to the genera Eurotium, Aspergillus, Penicillium and Fusarium has been investigated for the temperature range 15-35 degrees C. The lag phase and the growth rate were evaluated by using a laboratory medium. The maximum growth rate for E. repens, A. wentii and P. chrysogenum was observed at about 25 degrees C, for P. citrinum near 30 degrees C and for F. semitectum and F. moniliforme between 20 and 25 degrees C. The growth rate of A. niger, A. flavus and A. parasiticus increased with increasing temperatures in the range studied. For all strains studied it appeared that the higher the growth rate the lower the lag phase was.

Measurement of empathy among Argentine cardiologists: Psychometrics and differences by age, gender, and subspecialty.

Science.gov (United States)

Borracci, Raúl Alfredo; Doval, Hernán C; Nuñez, Carmen; Samarelli, Marisa; Tamini, Susana; Tanus, Eduardo

2015-01-01

Cardiologists are involved in the management of patients with multiple cardiovascular risk factors and chronic heart diseases, so empathy is a necessary feature to deal with them. The aim of the study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Spanish version of the Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy (JSPE) among Argentine cardiologists and to explore the potential differences by age, gender, and subspecialty. Between August and September 2012, we performed a survey in a non-randomized sample of 566 Spanish-speaking cardiologists of Argentina. A Principle Component Analysis (PCA) was used to explore the link between observed variables and latent variables in order to identify the factor structure. The PCA criteria for identifying the factor structure were examined with the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) analysis. The KMO measure of sampling adequacy was 0.86 and Bartlett's test of sphericity was highly significant (p = 0.000), determining the suitability of the data set for factor analysis. The PCA of 20 items yielded a three factor model that accounted for 40.6% of the variance. The JSPE mean rank score for women was 307.9 vs. 275.0 for men (p = 0.017). The comparison of mean rank score according to age (quartiles) showed a significant relation between older age and empathy. No difference was found when the mean rank scores were compared by respondent subspecialty. JSPE provides a valid and reliable scale to measure Argentine cardiologists' attitudes towards empathy. Female cardiologists seem to be more empathic than their male colleagues, and a positive relationship between age and empathy was found.

Oxygen Vacancies versus Fluorine at CeO 2 (111) : A Case of Mistaken Identity?

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Kullgren, J.; Wolf, M.J.; Castleton, C.W.M.; Mitev, P.; Briels, Willem J.; Hermansson, K.

2014-01-01

We propose a resolution to the puzzle presented by the surface defects observed with STM at the (111) surface facet of CeO 2 single crystals. In the seminal paper of Esch et al. [Science 309, 752 (2005)] they were identified with oxygen vacancies, but the observed behavior of these defects is

Spray deposited CeO2–TiO2 counter electrode for electrochromic ...

Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

Abstract. Optically passive thin films of CeO2–TiO2 mixed oxides with molar ratio of Ce/Ti of 0.05 were deposited by the spray pyrolysis technique (SPT) on a glass and fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO)-coated glass substrates. Precur- sor solution containing cerium nitrate hexahydrate (Ce(NO3)2·6H2O) and titanium ...

CEO- CNE Relationships: Building an Evidence-Base of Chief Nursing Executive Replacement Costs

OpenAIRE

Sredl, Darlene; Peng, Niang-Huei

2010-01-01

OBJECTIVE: Explore professional relationships between Chief Nurse Executives (CNEs) and Chief Executive Officers (CEOs); CNE ethnic diversity; and CNE replacement costs. BACKGROUND: Theoretical frameworks - Marilyn Ray's Theory of Bureaucratic Caring, and Turkel's Theory of Relational Complexity espousing economic as well as caring variables. METHODS: Exploratory mixed-method descriptive design using CNE mailed survey. RESULTS: CNE- cited opportunities for maintaining a positive relationship ...

Synthesis by Sol-gel and characterization of catalysts Ag/Al2O3-CeO2

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zayas, M.L.; Perez H, R.; Rubio, E.; Velasco, A.

2004-01-01

Aluminia, cerium and mixed oxides Al 2 O 3 -CeO 2 with different relationship Al/Ce (0.75, 0.50 and 0.25) were prepared by sol-gel and used as support for the Ag. The samples were characterized by XRD, DRIFT, TPR and adsorption of N 2 to temperature of liquid nitrogen. The surface area BET showed that the materials that contain aluminia present near values among them. XRD allowed to identify to the cerianite in the oxides that whose support contains cerium and to the α-aluminia. A mixture of phases was observed in the aluminia. Vibration bands attributed to the bond Al-O and Ce-O were observed by DRIFT in the catalytic materials. TPR showed differences in the reducibility of the Ag precursor in the indicative catalysts of a different interaction with the support. (Author)

Resistive switching effects in CeO2/La0.7(Sr0.1Ca0.9)0.3MnO3/Pt heterostructures prepared by pulse laser deposition method

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chen, X.G.; Fu, J.B.; Li, L.Z.; Yun, C.; Zhao, H.; Zhang, X.F.; Wang, C.S.; Yang, Y.C.; Yang, J.B.

2014-01-01

The heterostructural junctions of CeO 2 /La 0.7 (Sr 0.1 Ca 0.9 ) 0.3 MnO 3 /Pt (CeO 2 /LSCMO/Pt) were prepared using pulse laser deposition technique. Their resistive switching (RS) behavior was investigated. As compared to the metal/manganite/Pt junction, the CeO 2 /LSCMO/Pt device displayed an improved switching characteristic. The RS effects with characteristics of bipolar, threshold, and complementary were realized by adjusting the thicknesses of the CeO 2 layer in the CeO 2 /LSCMO/Pt junctions. Under a higher external bias voltage, the threshold and complementary switching modes of the junctions could turn into bipolar switching mode. The switching behavior shows strong dependence on the O 2 partial pressure during the fabrication, indicating that the amount and behavior of the oxygen at the interface play an important role in the determination of the RS behavior. The observed switching behavior is related to the modification of the accumulation/depletion layers as well as the interfacial potential barrier due to the migration of the oxygen vacancies. - Highlights: • Heterostructure of CeO 2 /LSMO/Pt displayed an improved resistance switching characteristic. • Resistance switching with characteristics of bipolar, threshold and complementary was found. • Threshold and complementary switching mode could turn into bipolar switching mode. • Switching behavior is related to the modification of the accumulation/depletion layers. • Interfacial potential barrier due to the migration of oxygen vacancies was proposed

low dose irradiation growth in zirconium

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fortis, A.M.

1987-01-01

Low dose neutron irradiation growth in textured and recrystallized zirconium, is studied, at the Candu Reactors Calandria temperature (340 K) and at 77 K. It was necessary to design and build 1: A facility to irradiate at high temperatures, which was installed in the Argentine Atomic Energy Commission's RA1 Reactor; 2: Devices to carry out thermal recoveries, and 3: Devices for 'in situ' measurements of dimensional changes. The first growth kinetics curves were obtained at 365 K and at 77 K in a cryostat under neutron fluxes of similar spectra. Irradiation growth experiments were made in zirconium doped with fissionable material (0,1 at % 235 U). In this way an equivalent dose two orders of magnitude greater than the reactor's fast neutrons dose was obtained, significantly reducing the irradiation time. The specimens used were bimetallic couples, thus obtaining a great accuracy in the measurements. The results allow to determine that the dislocation loops are the main cause of irradiation growth in recrystallized zirconium. Furthermore, it is shown the importance of 'in situ' measurements as a way to avoid the effect that temperature changes have in the final growth measurement; since they can modify the residual stresses and the overconcentrations of defects. (M.E.L.) [es

Development of One Meter Long Double-Sided CeO2 Buffered Ni-5at.%W Templates by Reel-to-Reel Chemical Solution Deposition Route

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Yue, Zhao; Konstantopoulou, K.; Wulff, Anders Christian

2013-01-01

High performance long-length coated conductors fabricated using various techniques have attracted a lot of interest recently. In this work, a reel-to-reel design for depositing double-sided coatings on long-length flexible metallic tapes via a chemical solution method is proposed and realized...... layer are 7.2◦ and 5.8◦ with standard deviation of 0.26◦ and 0.34◦, respectively, being indicative of the high quality epitaxial growth of the films prepared in the continuous manner. An all chemical solution derived YBCOLow−TFA/Ce0.9La0.1O2/Gd2Zr2O7/CeO2 structure is obtained on a short sample...

The Efficiency of the European Non-Life Insurance: CEO Power, Macroeconomic, and Market Characteristics Impact

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Walid Bahloul

2016-03-01

Full Text Available A numbers of studies focusing on the determinant of the insurance market efficiency have increased in the last decade. In fact, many factors, like the CEO’s power, can influence the efficiency in the insurance firm. The purpose of this research is to analyze the relationship between efficiency, measured by the cost function using the stochastic frontier approach (SFA methodologies, and the market structure, as well as the macroeconomic variables. In addition, it focuses on identifying the impact of the integration of the CEO power variable in the cost function on this relation. The result shows that after the consideration of the CEO power score in the cost efficiency, the relation between insurance efficiency and the determinant of market development, as well as the domestic economy, has changed and become more significant. The result also shows that the firms become more efficient and more profitable with a higher concentration ratio and this is in accordance with the structure-conduct-performance (SCP theory.

Scientific Team Effectiveness and the External CEO: A Study of Biotechnology University Spin-Offs

Science.gov (United States)

van der Steen, Marianne; Englis, Paula Danskin; Englis, Basil G.

2013-01-01

This paper presents an empirical exploration of the effectiveness of scientific teams and the role of an external CEO in the spin-off formation process. The paper contributes to the literature by focusing on the role of the experienced or "external" entrepreneur (their commercial resources and capabilities) in the early phase of spin-off…

Serological study of brucellosis in Argentine Creole sheep.

Science.gov (United States)

López, Gustavo E; Peña, Sabrina; Escobar, Gabriela I; Hasan, Déborah B; Lucero, Nidia E

2018-01-05

Ovine cattle was introduced into America during the Spanish conquest with the second journey of Columbus to the Antilles and was disseminated throughout the region. In 1587, sheep were introduced into Argentina, later developing into the "Creole" breed. We selected 486 animals from different Argentine provinces with the aim of determining the serological status of brucellosis caused by Brucella melitensis and Brucella ovis. For the detection of antibodies against smooth Brucella spp., the Rose Bengal test (RBT) was performed as screening test while the serum agglutination test (SAT) and 2 mercapto-ethanol (2ME) were run as a confirmatory technique. Moreover, for the detection of antibodies against rough Brucella spp., we used the rapid slide agglutination test (RSAT) for screening and an indirect ELISA (IELISA) as confirmatory assay. This study showed that the total positive percentage of brucellosis due to B. ovis was 2.9%. Excluding the animals mixed with the Suffolk breed; seropositivity would be 0.6%. All animals tested negative for brucellosis caused by B. melitensis. Copyright © 2017 Asociación Argentina de Microbiología. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Bioceres: AG Biotechnology from Argentina

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Roberto Feeney

2016-04-01

Full Text Available In this case we present a business decision-making situation in which the CEO of an Argentine Ag Biotech company, Bioceres, has to decide the best way to commercialize a new drought-tolerant transgenic technology. The company was founded by twenty three farmers, who shared a common dream that Argentina could become a benchmark in the development of Ag biotechnology. The case has strategic and financial implications, as well as decision-making situation involving a joint venture with an American biotechnology company. It also introduces to discussion the business models of Ag biotechnology companies in developing countries.

Robust Strategy for Crafting Li5Cr7Ti6O25@CeO2 Composites as High-Performance Anode Material for Lithium-Ion Battery.

Science.gov (United States)

Mei, Jie; Yi, Ting-Feng; Li, Xin-Yuan; Zhu, Yan-Rong; Xie, Ying; Zhang, Chao-Feng

2017-07-19

A facile strategy was developed to prepare Li 5 Cr 7 Ti 6 O 25 @CeO 2 composites as a high-performance anode material. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Rietveld refinement results show that the CeO 2 coating does not alter the structure of Li 5 Cr 7 Ti 6 O 25 but increases the lattice parameter. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicates that all samples have similar morphologies with a homogeneous particle distribution in the range of 100-500 nm. Energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) mapping and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) prove that CeO 2 layer successfully formed a coating layer on a surface of Li 5 Cr 7 Ti 6 O 25 particles and supplied a good conductive connection between the Li 5 Cr 7 Ti 6 O 25 particles. The electrochemical characterization reveals that Li 5 Cr 7 Ti 6 O 25 @CeO 2 (3 wt %) electrode shows the highest reversibility of the insertion and deinsertion behavior of Li ion, the smallest electrochemical polarization, the best lithium-ion mobility among all electrodes, and a better electrochemical activity than the pristine one. Therefore, Li 5 Cr 7 Ti 6 O 25 @CeO 2 (3 wt %) electrode indicates the highest delithiation and lithiation capacities at each rate. At 5 C charge-discharge rate, the pristine Li 5 Cr 7 Ti 6 O 25 only delivers an initial delithiation capacity of ∼94.7 mAh g -1 , and the delithiation capacity merely achieves 87.4 mAh g -1 even after 100 cycles. However, Li 5 Cr 7 Ti 6 O 25 @CeO 2 (3 wt %) delivers an initial delithiation capacity of 107.5 mAh·g -1 , and the delithiation capacity also reaches 100.5 mAh g -1 even after 100 cycles. The cerium dioxide modification is a direct and efficient approach to improve the delithiation and lithiation capacities and cycle property of Li 5 Cr 7 Ti 6 O 25 at large current densities.

Plio-Pleistocene paleo-erosion rates as a recorder of orographic barrier uplift in the NW-Argentine Andes (Humahuaca Basin)

Science.gov (United States)

Pingel, Heiko; Schildgen, Taylor; Wittmann, Hella

2017-04-01

As an integral part of the Eastern Cordillera, the intermontane Humahuaca Basin in the NW Argentine Andes is located in transition between the arid and internally drained Puna Plateau to the west and the humid broken foreland to the east. In combination with moisture-bearing air masses sourced in the Atlantic Ocean and the Amazon Basin, the present-day topographic gradient of the eastern Andean margin comprises an efficient orographic barrier that results in a strong precipitation gradient, with rainfall of more than 2,000 mm/a along the eastern flanks and history of the basin highlights important changes of the depositional system, apparently associated with the transformation from a humid foreland to a fluvially restricted and semi-arid intermontane basin. Similarly, our terrestrial cosmogenic nuclide-derived data indicate an order-of-magnitude decrease in erosion rates at ca. 3 Ma, which suggests a causal link between the onset of uplift-induced semi-arid conditions and decreasing sediment flux into the basin. Ultimately, this dataset may enable a systematic investigation of the long-term causes and consequences of orogenic growth and hydrological changes on spatio-temporal erosion patterns in active mountain areas.

Intra-Household Coping Mechanisms in Hard Times : the Added Worker Effect in the 2001 Argentine Economic Crisis

OpenAIRE

Martinoty , Laurine

2015-01-01

This paper shows that the added worker effect (AWE) plays an important role in coping against aggregate shocks, even in cases where the discouragement effect prevails at a macroeconomic scale. Using an Argentine panel dataset between 2000-2002, we instrument the endogenous variation in the labor market outcomes of household heads using the collapse of the Convertibility era as a natural experiment, and measure its causal impact on their spouses' labor supply decisions. Within this framework, ...

Argentine regulatory experience concerning radiation protection in industrial gammagraphy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ermacora, Marcela G.

2005-01-01

Industrial gammagraphy has always been responsible for the highest rates of radiological incidents in almost every part of the world. This is mainly due to the high activities of the radioactive sources used, which are constantly transported in the equipment that contains them between the storage and the areas of work, and is also due to workload pressures which may induce to negligence in following the operational procedures, if a strong Safety Culture does not exist. The purpose of this paper is to present the main aspects of the Argentine Regulations relating to radiation protection to control this practice and to contribute in this way to reduce the associated risks. In addition, some incidents occurred in Argentina during the latest years, the causes that led to those events and their relation to the in observance of the regulations in force, their consequences and the measures taken to repair them are described. Finally, the importance of the role that education and training has in the strengthening of Safety Culture, key element of all undertaking, is highlighted. (author) [es

Influence of CeO2 NPs on biological phosphorus removal and bacterial community shifts in a sequencing batch biofilm reactor with the differential effects of molecular oxygen

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Xu, Yi; Wang, Chao; Hou, Jun; Wang, Peifang; You, Guoxiang; Miao, Lingzhan; Lv, Bowen; Yang, Yangyang

2016-01-01

The effects of CeO 2 nanoparticles (CeO 2 NPs) on a sequencing batch biofilm reactor (SBBR) with established biological phosphorus (P) removal were investigated from the processes of anaerobic P release and aerobic P uptake. At low concentration (0.1 mg/L), no significant impact was observed on total phosphorus (TP) removal after operating for 8 h. However, at a concentration of 20 mg/L, TP removal efficiency decreased from 83.68% to 55.88% and 16.76% when the CeO 2 NPs were added at the beginning of the anaerobic and aerobic periods, respectively. Further studies illustrated that the inhibition of the specific P release rate was caused by the reversible states of Ce 3+ and Ce 4+ , which inhibited the activity of exopolyphosphatase (PPX) and transformation of poly-β-hydoxyalkanoates (PHA) and glycogen, as well as the uptake of volatile fatty acids (VFAs). The decrease in the specific P uptake rate was mainly attributed to the significantly suppressed energy generation and decreased abundance of Burkholderia caused by excess reactive oxygen species. The removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD) was not influenced by CeO 2 NPs under aerobic conditions, due to the increased abundance of Acetobacter and Acidocella after exposure. The inhibitory effects of CeO 2 NPs with molecular oxygen were reduced after anaerobic exposure due to the enhanced particle size and the presence of Ce 3+ . - Highlights: • CeO 2 NPs (20 mg/L) had a notable toxicity effect on P removal in SBBR system. • The deteriorated SPRR was caused by the inhibited key enzyme activity (PPX). • The decreased SPUR was caused by the bacterial community shifts. • Ce ions converting and excess ROS generation are related toxicity mechanisms.

Removals of aqueous sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide using CeO2-NiAl-LDHs coating activated carbon and its mix with carbon nano-tubes

KAUST Repository

Li, Jing; Chen, Fangping; Jin, Guanping; Feng, Xiaoshuang; Li, Xiaoxuan

2015-01-01

Ce-doped NiAl/layered double hydroxide was coated at activated carbon by urea hydrolysis method (CeO2-NiAl-LDHs/AC) in one pot, which was characterized by X-ray diffraction, infrared spectra, field emission scanning electron microscope and electrochemical techniques. CeO2-NiAl-LDHs/AC shows good uptake for aqueous sulfur dioxide (483.09mg/g) and hydrogen sulfide (181.15mg/g), respectively at 25°C. Meanwhile, the electrochemical removals of aqueous sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide were respectively investigated at the mix of CeO2-NiAl-LDHs/AC and carbon nano-tubes modified homed paraffin-impregnated electrode. Both sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide could be effectively oxidized to sulfuric acid at 1.0V in alkaline aqueous solution. © 2015 Elsevier B.V.

Mineralization of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) over the catalyst CuO-Co3O4-CeO2 and its applications in industrial odor control

KAUST Repository

Somekawa, Shouichi; Hagiwara, Toshiya; Fujii, Kyoko; Kojima, Masayuki; Shinoda, Tsutomu; Takanabe, Kazuhiro; Domen, Kazunari

2011-01-01

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present at ppm levels were decomposed over the catalyst CuO-Co3O4-CeO2 (Cu:Co:Ce = 10:45:45 in mol) in an attempt to scale up for industrial odor control. In addition to enhancing the catalytic activity, CuO-Co3O4 and CeO2 helped, respectively, to maintain the strength of the pelleted catalysts and inhibit their sintering. Using toluene as a VOC model compound, kinetic analysis of the total oxidation to carbon dioxide was conducted. The odor emitted from paint-drying processes could be eliminated effectively using CuO-Co3O4-CeO2 (Cu:Co:Ce = 10:45:45) pelleted catalysts (188 ml) in a large-scale system. © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Mineralization of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) over the catalyst CuO-Co3O4-CeO2 and its applications in industrial odor control

KAUST Repository

Somekawa, Shouichi

2011-12-01

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present at ppm levels were decomposed over the catalyst CuO-Co3O4-CeO2 (Cu:Co:Ce = 10:45:45 in mol) in an attempt to scale up for industrial odor control. In addition to enhancing the catalytic activity, CuO-Co3O4 and CeO2 helped, respectively, to maintain the strength of the pelleted catalysts and inhibit their sintering. Using toluene as a VOC model compound, kinetic analysis of the total oxidation to carbon dioxide was conducted. The odor emitted from paint-drying processes could be eliminated effectively using CuO-Co3O4-CeO2 (Cu:Co:Ce = 10:45:45) pelleted catalysts (188 ml) in a large-scale system. © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Removals of aqueous sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide using CeO2-NiAl-LDHs coating activated carbon and its mix with carbon nano-tubes

KAUST Repository

Li, Jing

2015-07-01

Ce-doped NiAl/layered double hydroxide was coated at activated carbon by urea hydrolysis method (CeO2-NiAl-LDHs/AC) in one pot, which was characterized by X-ray diffraction, infrared spectra, field emission scanning electron microscope and electrochemical techniques. CeO2-NiAl-LDHs/AC shows good uptake for aqueous sulfur dioxide (483.09mg/g) and hydrogen sulfide (181.15mg/g), respectively at 25°C. Meanwhile, the electrochemical removals of aqueous sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide were respectively investigated at the mix of CeO2-NiAl-LDHs/AC and carbon nano-tubes modified homed paraffin-impregnated electrode. Both sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide could be effectively oxidized to sulfuric acid at 1.0V in alkaline aqueous solution. © 2015 Elsevier B.V.

Enhanced photocatalytic performance of CeO2-TiO2 nanocomposite for degradation of crystal violet dye and industrial waste effluent

Science.gov (United States)

Zahoor, Mehvish; Arshad, Amara; Khan, Yaqoob; Iqbal, Mazhar; Bajwa, Sadia Zafar; Soomro, Razium Ali; Ahmad, Ishaq; Butt, Faheem K.; Iqbal, M. Zubair; Wu, Aiguo; Khan, Waheed S.

2018-03-01

This study presents the synthesis of CeO2-TiO2 nanocomposite and its potential application for the visible light-driven photocatalytic degradation of model crystal violet dye as well as real industrial waste water. The ceria-titania (CeO2-TiO2) nanocomposite material was synthesised using facile hydrothermal route without the assistance of any template molecule. As-prepared composite was characterised by SEM, TEM, HRTEM, XRD, XPS for surface features, morphological and crystalline characters. The formed nanostructures were determined to possess crystal-like geometrical shape and average size less than 100 nm. The as-synthesised nanocomposite was further investigated for their heterogeneous photocatalytic potential against the oxidative degradation of CV dye taken as model pollutant. The photo-catalytic performance of the as-synthesised material was evaluated both under ultra-violet as well as visible light. Best photocatalytic performance was achieved under visible light with complete degradation (100%) exhibited within 60 min of irradiation time. The kinetics of the photocatalytic process were also considered and the reaction rate constant for CeO2-TiO2 nanocomposite was determined to be 0.0125 and 0.0662 min-1 for ultra-violet and visible region, respectively. In addition, the as-synthesised nanocomposite demonstrated promising results when considered for the photo-catalytic degradation of coloured industrial waste water collected from local textile industry situated in Faisalabad region of Pakistan. Enhanced photo-catalytic performance of CeO2-TiO2 nanocomposite was proposed owing to heterostructure formation leading to reduced electron-hole recombination.

Loss of Wolbachia infection during colonisation in the invasive Argentine ant Linepithema humile

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Reuter, M.; Pedersen, Jes Søe; Keller, L.

2005-01-01

Wolbachia are maternally inherited bacteria, which are very common in arthropods and nematodes. Wolbachia infection may affect host reproduction through feminisation, parthenogenesis, male-killing, cytoplasmic incompatibility and increased fecundity. Previous studies showing discrepancies between...... of Wolbachia were studied in three native and eight introduced populations of the Argentine ant Linepithema humile. The screening shows that the symbiont is common in the three native L. humile populations analysed. In contrast, Wolbachia was detected in only one of the introduced populations. The loss...... transmission of the symbiont may be important in ants as suggested by the sequence similarity of strains in the three genera Linepithema, Acromyrmex, and Solenopsis native from South and Central America....

Differential genomic effects on signaling pathways by two different CeO2 nanoparticles in HepG2 cells

Data.gov (United States)

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency — Differential genomic effects on signaling pathways by two different CeO2 nanoparticles in HepG2 cells. This dataset is associated with the following publication:...

An investigation of Commercial Off-the-Shelf Wireless in support of Complex Humanitarian Disaster Operations in the Argentine Army

OpenAIRE

Perfetti, Marcelo R.

2012-01-01

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited Since the beginning of this century, the Argentine Army has used Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) wireless products, equipment, and communication systems to support Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HA/DR) operations. The participation of Military, Governmental, and Non-Governmental Organizations in these activities requires more wireless coverage area. These communication systems are an integration of several subsystems that...

Taxing Options: Do Ceos Respond To Favorable Tax Treatment Of Stock Options?

OpenAIRE

Martin Gritsch; Tricia Coxwell Snyder

2007-01-01

CEO stock option compensation increased tremendously during the 1990s. During this period, the spread between the marginal income and capital gains tax rates increased substantially, creating the potential for tax avoidance. Using ExecuComp data from 1992-2000, we estimate CEOs’ responsiveness to changes in these tax rates. Our findings show that an increase in the marginal income and a decrease in the capital gains tax rate create a significant increase in stock option compensation. Furtherm...

Yönetim Değişikliği ve Finansal Rapor Manipülasyonları = Ceo Turnover and Financial Report Manipulations

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Selim AREN

2009-01-01

Full Text Available This paper interrogates if a manipulation exists in the financial statements of ISE (Istanbul Stock Exchange traded companies due to the changes of their CEOs in the period of 1998-2003. Analysis of variance has been conducted to clarify if the study variables have significant mean differences among those companies that changed their CEOs and those that did not. As a result, it is found that some types of manipulation might happen related to some study variables ; and beside others, the mostly preferred variables are general managerial costs and long term debts.

The effect of airborne particles and weather conditions on pediatric respiratory infections in Cordoba, Argentine

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Amarillo, Ana C.; Carreras, Hebe A.

2012-01-01

We studied the effect of estimated PM 10 on respiratory infections in children from Cordoba, Argentine as well as the influence of weather factors, socio-economic conditions and education. We analyzed upper and lower respiratory infections and applied a time-series analysis with a quasi-Poisson distribution link function. To control for seasonally varying factors we fitted cubic smoothing splines of date. We also examined community-specific parameters and differences in susceptibility by sex. We found a significant association between particles and respiratory infections. This relationship was affected by mean temperature, atmospheric pressure and wind speed. These effects were stronger in fall, winter and spring for upper respiratory infections while for lower respiratory infections the association was significant only during spring. Low socio-economic conditions and low education levels increased the risk of respiratory infections. These findings add useful information to understand the influence of airborne particles on children health in developing countries. - Highlights: ► Few information is available on children respiratory health from developing countries. ► We modeled the association between PM 10 and children's respiratory infections. ► We checked the influence of weather factors, socio-economic conditions, education and sex. ► Temperature, pressure and wind speed modified the effect of particles. ► Low socio-economic conditions and low education levels increased the risk of infections. - The concentration of airborne particles as well as low socio-economic conditions and low education levels are significant risk factors for upper and lower respiratory infections in children from Cordoba, Argentine.

Development of virtual bait stations to control Argentine ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in environmentally sensitive habitats.

Science.gov (United States)

Choe, Dong-Hwan; Vetter, Richard S; Rust, Michael K

2010-10-01

A novel bait station referred to as a virtual bait station was developed and tested against field populations of the invasive Argentine ant, Linepithema humile (Mayr) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), at White Beach, Camp Pendleton, in Oceanside, CA. White Beach is a nesting habitat for an endangered seabird, the California least tern (Sterna antillarum browni Mearns). The beach is heavily infested with Argentine ants, one of the threats for the California least tern chicks. Conventional pest control strategies are prohibited because of the existence of the protected bird species and the site's proximity to the ocean. The bait station consisted of a polyvinyl chloride pipe that was treated on the inside with fipronil insecticide at low concentrations to obtain delayed toxicity against ants. The pipe was provisioned with an inverted bottle of 25% sucrose solution, then capped, and buried in the sand. Foraging ants crossed the treated surface to consume the sucrose solution. The delayed toxicity of fipronil deposits allowed the ants to continue foraging on the sucrose solution and to interact with their nestmates, killing them within 3-5 d after exposure. Further modification of the bait station design minimized the accumulation of dead ants in the sucrose solution, significantly improving the longevity and efficacy of the bait station. The virtual bait station exploits the foraging behavior of the ants and provides a low impact approach to control ants in environmentally sensitive habitats. It excluded all insects except ants, required only milligram quantities of toxicant, and eliminated the problem of formulating toxicants into aqueous sugar baits.

One-pot synthesis of La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 supported on flower-like CeO2 as electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction in aluminum-air batteries

Science.gov (United States)

Xue, Yejian; Huang, Heran; Miao, He; Sun, Shanshan; Wang, Qin; Li, Shihua; Liu, Zhaoping

2017-08-01

A novel La0.7Sr0.3MnO3-CeO2 (LSM-CeO2) hybrid catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) has been synthesized by a facile one-pot method. The flower-like CeO2 with the diameter of about 3 μm is formed by the agglomeration of nanosheets with the thickness of about 40 nm. The LSM particles with the diameter of about 150 nm are well distributed on the flower-like CeO2, thus the interaction between LSM and CeO2 is built. Therefore, the LSM-CeO2 composite catalyst exhibits the much higher catalytic activity toward ORR with the direct four-electron transfer mechanism in alkaline solution than LSM or CeO2. Furthermore, the stability of LSM-CeO2 is superior to that of Pt/C, and the current retention is 93% after 100000 s. The maximum power density of the aluminum-air battery using LSM-CeO2 as the ORRC can reach 238 mW cm-2, which is about 29% higher than that with LSM (184 mW cm-2). It indicates that LSM-CeO2 composite material is a promising cathodic electrocatalyst for metal-air batteries.

Physical Properties of Mixed Conductor Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Anodes of Doped CeO2

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Mogensen, Mogens Bjerg; Lindegaard, Thomas; Hansen, Uffe Rud

1994-01-01

Samples of CeO2 doped with oxides such as CaO and Gd2O3 were prepared. Their conductivities and expansions onreduction were measured at 1000°C, and the thermal expansion coefficients in the range 50 to 1000°C were determined. Theionic and electronic conductivity were derived from curves of total ...

Photocatalytic performance of TiO2 catalysts modified by H3PW12O40, ZrO2 and CeO2

Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)

CAI Tiejun; LIAO Yuchao; PENG Zhenshan; LONG Yunfei; WEI Zongyuan; DENG Qian

2009-01-01

The binary composite photo-catalysts CeO2/TiO2, ZrO2/TiO2 and the ternary composite photo-catalysts H3PW12O40-CeO2/TiO2,H2PW12O40-ZrO2/TiO2 were prepared by sol-gel method. The catalysts were characterized by thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The photocatalyfic elimination of methanol was used as model reaction to evaluate the photocatalytic activity of the composite catalysts under ultraviolet light irradiation. The effects of doped content, activation temperature, time, initial concentration of methanol and gas flow rate on the catalytic activity were investigated. The results showed that after doping a certain amount of CeO2 and ZrO2, crystaniTation process of TiO2 was restrained, particles of catalysts are smaller and more uniform. Doping ZrO2 not only significantly improved the catalytic activity, but also increased thermal stability. Doping H3PW12O40 also enhanced the catalytic activity. The catalytic activities of binary and ternary composite photocatalysts were significantly higher than tin-doped TiO2. The dynamics law of photocatalytic reaction over the binary CeO2/TiO2 and ZrO2/TiO2 catalysts has been studied. The activation energy 15.627 and 15.631 kJ/mol and pre-exponential factors 0.5176 and 0.9899 s-1 over each corresponding catalyst were obtained. This reaction accords to the first order dynamics law.

Progress Report. Argentine Atomic Energy Commission. March 1971

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1971-03-01

One of the irradiation tubes at the RA-3 Reactor, has been used to extract a 5mm collimated neutron beam for studies of the (n, γ) reaction. Gamma rays are detected with a Ge(Li) detector and Nal scintillator both in singles and coincidences, a target of Cr has been exposed to the beam and the γ-spec- tra analyzed with the purpose of determining the Ge(Li) detector efficiency in the high energy range. Several target elements have been studied; Nd, Y, T,i and As, and branching ratios have been measured. In the particular case of Ti the experiment was carried out in an attempt to establish the existence of low lying excited states due to core excitations. The results of this investigation are being analyzed and will be published in the near future. A set-up for nuclear spectroscopy studies of short-lived, fission-produced radioisotopes became operative at the Argentine AEC, in Buenos Aires, around the beginning of 1969. The system is of the ISOL type, consisting in a continuous production and mass separation of the nuclei, followed by detection of the emitted radiation by means of solid-state detectors coupled to appropriate analysing devices. (author)

The CEOS-Land Surface Imaging Constellation Portal for GEOSS: A resource for land surface imaging system information and data access

Science.gov (United States)

Holm, Thomas; Gallo, Kevin P.; Bailey, Bryan

2010-01-01

The Committee on Earth Observation Satellites is an international group that coordinates civil space-borne observations of the Earth, and provides the space component of the Global Earth Observing System of Systems (GEOSS). The CEOS Virtual Constellations concept was implemented in an effort to engage and coordinate disparate Earth observing programs of CEOS member agencies and ultimately facilitate their contribution in supplying the space-based observations required to satisfy the requirements of the GEOSS. The CEOS initially established Study Teams for four prototype constellations that included precipitation, land surface imaging, ocean surface topography, and atmospheric composition. The basic mission of the Land Surface Imaging (LSI) Constellation [1] is to promote the efficient, effective, and comprehensive collection, distribution, and application of space-acquired image data of the global land surface, especially to meet societal needs of the global population, such as those addressed by the nine Group on Earth Observations (GEO) Societal Benefit Areas (SBAs) of agriculture, biodiversity, climate, disasters, ecosystems, energy, health, water, and weather. The LSI Constellation Portal is the result of an effort to address important goals within the LSI Constellation mission and provide resources to assist in planning for future space missions that might further contribute to meeting those goals.

78 FR 65290 - Request for Applicants for the Appointment to the United States-India CEO Forum

Science.gov (United States)

2013-10-31

... Appointment to the United States- India CEO Forum AGENCY: Global Markets, International Trade Administration... President (or have a comparable level of responsibility) of a U.S.-owned or controlled company that is... doing business in both India and the United States. Each candidate also must be a U.S. citizen or...

Therapeutic Argentine tango dancing for people living with Parkinson’s disease: a feasibility study

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Laura M Blandy

2015-05-01

Full Text Available Background: Individuals living with Parkinson’s disease (PD can experience a range of movement disorders. Therapeutic dance is enjoyable and thought to improve mobility, balance and well being in some people with PD. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of a 4 week Argentine tango dance program for people with PD. Methods: Six community dwelling individuals with mild-moderate PD were recruited from Parkinson’s support groups, movement disorder clinics and the Parkinson’s disease Association in Australia. To minimise falls risk, participants were required to be less than 75 years of age and physically independent (Hoehn and Yahr stages I-III. They were also required to speak English. Participants attended a 1 hour dance class at a dance studio twice per week for 4 weeks. A professional dance instructor led and choreographed the classes. Physiotherapists were present to assist participants during the class and served as dance partners as necessary. The primary outcome was feasibility which was determined by measures of recruitment, adherence, attrition, safety (falls, near misses and adverse events and resource requirements. Secondary measures included the Beck Depression Inventory and the Euroqol-5D, administered at baseline and post intervention. Therapy outcomes pre and post-intervention were analysed descriptively as medians and inter-quartile ranges and using Wilcoxon matched pair signed-rank tests.Results: The Argentine tango dance intervention was shown to be safe, with no adverse events. Adherence to the dance program was 89%. Depression scores improved after intervention (p=0.04. Some challenges were associated with the need to quickly recruitment participants and supplying physiotherapists to act as dance partners. Conclusion: The program was shown to be feasible and safe for people with mild to moderately severe PD.

Building the "fable hospital"--the CEO's perspective: an interview with Michael H. Covert, president and chief executive officer, Palomar Pomerado Health. Interview by David A Tam.

Science.gov (United States)

Covert, Michael

2012-01-01

Hospital construction is a significant event in any health system. The financial implications are great, especially at a time of shrinking capital resources. Personnel are affected, as are the processes to perform their tasks. Often, new facilities are catalysts that change organizational culture; it has been clearly shown that new facilities have a positive impact on patient satisfaction scores. The members of the C-suite of a hospital/health system play important roles in construction projects. However, no one is more critical to the success of such major endeavors than the chief executive officer (CEO). The CEO sets the tone for the project, giving direction to the design and construction process that may have implications for the rest of the organization. Palomar Pomerado Health (PPH) is the largest public health district in California. In 2002, the PPH governing board authorized the creation of a new facility master plan for the district, which included the construction of a replacement facility for its tertiary care trauma center. The new Palomar Medical Center is slated to open in August 2012. HERD had the opportunity to speak with PPH CEO Michael H. Covert on the role of the CEO in the building of this "fable hospital".

So you want to be a CEO: lessons from the field.

Science.gov (United States)

Rothberg, E D

2001-01-01

This article discusses graduate educational options for those seeking to become chief executive officers and examines the subject areas that are important on a practical level. It then discusses six areas that are essential to a successful manager: problem solving, critical thinking, and organizational behavior; breadth of knowledge; financial management; corporate culture; for profit and not for profit, and--politics--internal and external. Each area includes a lesson drawn from experience as a president and CEO. Readers should gain a level of understanding of the scope of responsibilities and skills necessary to succeed in today's health care environment.