The study of metal nitride layer formation by solid-state reactions

A new solid-state reaction to form metal nitrides has been investigated. It was confirmed that single phase chromium nitride is formed by a solid-state diffusion reaction between iron nitride and chromium chloride powders at temperatures between 570-700°C. The discovered reaction can be applied to form chromium nitride coatings on tool steels for metal forming applications.

Reactions with oleum under harsh conditions : characterization of the unique [M(S2O7)3]2- ions (M=Si, Ge, Sn) in A2[M(S2O7)3] (A=NH4, Ag)

The reactions of group 14 tetrachlorides MCl4 (M=Si, Ge, Sn) with oleum (65 % SO3) at elevated temperatures lead to the unique complex ions [M(S2O7)3]2−, which show the central M atoms in coordination with three chelating S2O72− groups. The mean distances M[BOND]O within the anions increase from 175.6(2)–177.5(2) pm (M=Si) to 186.4(4)–187.7(4) pm (M=Ge) to 201.9(2)–203.5(2) pm (M=Sn). These distances are reproduced well by DFT calculations. The same calculations show an increasing positive charge for the central M atom in the row Si, Ge, Sn, which can be interpreted as the decreasing covalency of the M[BOND]O bonds. For the silicon compound (NH4)2[Si(S2O7)3], 29Si solid-state NMR measurements have been performed, with the results showing a signal at −215.5 ppm for (NH4)2[Si(S2O7)3], which is in very good agreement with theoretical estimations. In addition, the vibrational modes within the [MO6] skeleton have been monitored by Raman spectroscopy for selected examples, and are well reproduced by theory. The charge balance for the [M(S2O7)3]2− ions is achieved by monovalent A+ counter ions (A=NH4, Ag), which are implemented in the syntheses in the form of their sulfates. The sizes of the A+ ions, that is, their coordination requirements, cause the crystallographic differences in the crystal structures, although the complex [M(S2O7)3]2− ions remain essentially unaffected with the different A+ ions. Furthermore, the nature of the A+ ions influences the thermal behavior of the compounds, which has been monitored for selected examples by thermogravimetric differential thermal analysis (DTA/TG) and XRD measurements.

Imagining Kyrgyzstan's nationhood and statehood: reactions to the 2010 Osh violence

This article explores the tensions inherent in how Kyrgyzstan's nationhood and statehood have been imagined and practised via an analysis of local reactions to the findings of the Kyrgyzstan Inquiry Commission's (KIC) investigation into the 2010 Osh violence and in particular the threat narrative that developed in opposition to the investigation. In the wake of the clashes that erupted in Osh in June 2010, a recurrent theme was calls from the international community for an independent investigation. Within Kyrgyzstan, however, some politicians argued that investigations violated the republic's sovereignty. Despite local reluctance, a number of investigations did subsequently take place. Yet the reports of the respective investigations did little to quell controversy, with the KIC report being strongly criticized and declared a threat to national security. The strength of feeling demonstrated by this reaction was indicative of long-standing and unresolved tensions in Kyrgyzstan between international and local imaginings of nationhood and statehood. The article concludes by arguing that nationhood and statehood need to be reimagined to focus on re-establishing state–society relations by both local and international actors in order for Kyrgyzstan to begin repairing the already fragile sociopolitical relationships that were grievously damaged by the violence and the subsequent investigations.

Pd embedded in porous carbon (Pd@CMK-3) as an active catalyst for Suzuki reactions: accelerating mass transfer to enhance the reaction rate

Heterogeneous catalysts are promising candidates for use in organic reactions due to their advantages in separation, recovery, and environment compatibility. In this work, an active porous catalyst denoted as Pd embedded in porous carbon (Pd@CMK-3) has been prepared by a strategy involving immersion, ammoniahydrolysis, and heating procedures. Detailed characterization of the catalyst revealed that Pd(0) and Pd(II) species co-exist and were embedded in the matrix of the porous carbon (CMK-3). The as-prepared catalyst has shown high activity toward Suzuki reactions. Importantly, if the reaction mixture was homogenized by two minutes of ultrasonication rather than magnetic stirring before heating, the resistance to mass transfer in the pore channels was significantly reduced. As a result, the reactions proceeded more rapidly and a four-fold increase in the turnover frequency (TOF) could be obtained. When the ultrasonication was employed throughout the entire reaction process, the conversion could also exceed 90% even without the protection of inert gas, and although the reaction temperature was lowered to 30 °C. This work provides a method for fabricating highly active porous carbon encapsulated Pd catalysts for Suzuki reactions and proves that the problem of mass transfer in porous catalysts can be conveniently resolved by ultrasonication without any chemical modification being necessary.[Figure not available: see fulltext.] © 2014 Tsinghua University Press and Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.

Posttraumatic reactions in women with ovarian cancer

The thesis examined the experience of posttraumatic stress symptoms and posttraumatic growth in women with ovarian cancer. Adaptive coping styles were found to be associated with increased growth and fewer symptom of PTSD. Higher levels of psychological distress and social disconnectedness were associated with increased PTSD symptoms and less growth.

Clinical association between pharmacogenomics and adverse drug reactions

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are a major public health concern and cause significant patient morbidity and mortality. Pharmacogenomics is the study of how genetic polymorphisms affect an individual’s response to pharmacotherapy at the level of a whole genome. This article updates our knowledge on how genetic polymorphisms of important genes alter the risk of ADR occurrence after an extensive literature search. To date, at least 244 pharmacogenes identified have been associated with ADRs of 176 clinically used drugs based on PharmGKB. At least 28 genes associated with the risk of ADRs have been listed by the Food and Drug Administration as pharmacogenomic biomarkers. With the availability of affordable and reliable testing tools, pharmacogenomics looks promising to predict, reduce, and minimize ADRs in selected populations.

Exploring nurses' reactions to a novel technology to support acute health care delivery

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To explore nurses' reactions to new novel technology for acute health care. BACKGROUND: Past failures of technology developers to deliver products that meet nurses' needs have led to resistance and reluctance in the technology adoption process. Thus, involving nurses in a collaborative process from early conceptualisation serves to inform design reflective upon current clinical practice, facilitating the cementing of 'vision' and expectations of the technology. DESIGN: An exploratory descriptive design to capture nurses' immediate impressions. METHODS: Four focus groups (52 nurses from medical and surgical wards at two hospitals in Australia; one private and one public). RESULTS: Nursing reactions towards the new technology illustrated a variance in barrier and enabler comments across multiple domains of the Theoretical Domains Framework. Most challenging for nurses were the perceived threat to their clinical skill, and the potential capability of the novel technology to capture their clinical workflow. Enabling reactions included visions that this could help integrate care between departments; help management and support of nursing processes; and coordinating their patients care between clinicians. Nurses' reactions differed across hospital sites, influenced by their experiences of using technology. For example, Site 1 nurses reported wide variability in their distribution of barrier and enabling comments and nurses at Site 2, where technology was prevalent, reported mostly positive responses. CONCLUSION: This early involvement offered nursing input and facilitated understanding of the potential capabilities of novel technology to support nursing work, particularly the characteristics seen as potentially beneficial (enabling technology) and those conflicting (barrier technology) with the delivery of both safe and effective patient care. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Collaborative involvement of nurses from the early conceptualisation of technology development brings benefits that increase the likelihood of successful use of a tool intended to support the delivery of safe and efficient patient care.

Consumer reactions to corporate social responsibility (CSR) in Thailand: the moderating effect of competitive positioning

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to understand the business case for corporate social responsibility (CSR) in Thailand by focusing on the consumer-organisational relationship and test the conceptual framework of Du et al. (2007). Design/methodology/approach – A quantitative study was conducted using a mall intercept survey of 184 Thai mobile phone service provider consumers in Bangkok, Thailand. Findings – A CSR emphasised brand is more likely than non-CSR emphasised brands to accrue consumer CSR awareness, positive attitude to company motivations and beliefs in the CSR of that company. Although beliefs are associated with consumers’ greater identification and advocacy behaviours towards the CSR emphasised brand than the non-CSR emphasised brands, they are not associated with loyalty. Practical implications – The paper provides potential guidance for companies to more effectively position and communicate their CSR activities to create differential advantages. Originality/value – Findings of the study demonstrate some support for a business case for CSR in Thailand.

Crisis communication: organization's reactions to unexpected events

A reputação é considerada o ativo mais importante das empresas. Ela permite o estabelecimento de relações comerciais e garante um bom funcionamento da organização. Quando um evento inesperado surge, a reputação pode ser ameaçada. Os gerentes, líderes da organização, têm então que demonstrar reatividade e capacidade em responder as necessidades dos stakeholders, e capacidade de detectar e consertar as falhas dentro da organização através de um processo de aprendizagem, para evitar conseqüências negativas que poderiam danificar a reputação e impactar o desenvolvimento operacional da empresa. Através da comunicação de crise, observamos que depois da queda do avião AF 447, a companhia Air France adotou diferentes posturas adaptadas ao pedido dos stakeholders e ao grau de ameaça sofrido. Logo depois do acidente, a empresa decidiu adotar a estratégia do reconhecimento, assumindo uma responsabilidade simbólica e comunicando prioritariamente para as famílias das vitimas e para a mídia. Nas seguintes semanas ela utilizou a estratégia do silêncio que consiste em não comunicar diretamente a mídia. Finalmente, ela usou a estratégia do “bode expiatório” quando ela foi sujeita a ataques diretos. As reações da empresa somadas ao avanço das investigações judiciais revelaram falhas organizacionais “históricas” dentro da própria empresa, como por exemplo, a falta de comunicação entre pilotos e gerentes ou uma falha de sensibilidade técnica e operacional da parte dos gerentes. Apesar de problemas interno e externo, a Air France demonstrou que uma comunicação de crise bem gerenciada limita os impactos financeiros e de reputação. As conseqüências negativas sofridas pela companhia Air France foram limitadas.

Hydroalumination of Thioacetylenes: A Versatile Generation and Reactions of -Aluminate Sulfides Intermediates

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Hydroalumination of seleno acetylenes: a versatile generation and reactions of alpha-aluminate vinyl selenide intermediates in the highly regio and stereoselective synthesis of telluro(seleno)ketene acetals

The hydroalumination of butylseleno acetylenes with DIBAL-H followed by addition of n-butyllithium generated in situ the (Z)-butylseleno vinyl alanates intermediates which were captured with C(4)H(9)TeBr furnishing the (E)-telluro(seleno)ketene acetals exclusively. The isomers with opposite stereochemistry (Z)-telluro(seleno)ketene acetals were obtained by the reduction of phenylseleno acetylenes with lithium di-(isobutyl)-n-butyl aluminate hydride (Zweifel's reagent) followed by reaction of (E)-phenylseleno vinyl alanates intermediates with C(4)H(9)TeBr. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Influence of husbandry systems on physiological stress reactions of captive brown brocket (Mazama gouazoubira) and marsh deer (Blastocerus dichotomus)-noninvasive analysis of fecal cortisol metabolites

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)