Characterization of KC60Obtained via a Potassium Carbonate Route

KC_6o synthesized by high temperature annealing of mixture of C₆₀ and K₂C0₃has been characterized by EPR, NMR and differential scanning calorimetry methods. The rich phase diagram with polymeric and dimer phases previously elaborated for KC₆₀ is obtained in present work as well. This suggests that alkaline carbonates can be efficiently used in preparation of C₆₀-based polymer materials where C_6o molecules are charged by alkaline atoms. Another important outcome of present study is that despite high temperatures and presence of oxygen released from K₂CO₃, EPR and NMR spectra did not exhibit signals which might be referred to fullerene epoxides or related species.     

Development of a geospatial screening tool to identify source areas of windblown dust

Soil properties and air-mass backward trajectories were integrated into a geographical information systems (GIS) tool to identify geographical regions that were likely to have significant influence on dust concentrations at Class I national parks and wilderness areas in US. The Windblown Dust Index (WDI) was introduced by spatial analysis of wind erosion and land use/land cover data for North America to identify potential area sources of windblown dust. The spatial probability density maps of backward trajectories were utilized to determine the number of trajectory points that passed near a grid cell at speeds higher than a specified threshold value. Analysis of data for the Salt Creek and White Mountain wilderness areas highlighted the significant potential of both local and regional sources of windblown dust at the two sites, with evidence for seasonal variation. These data are useful in evaluating the importance of windblown dust source areas and developing cost-effective targeted studies and/or mitigation strategies.     

Fiscal Policy Design in Greece in the Aftermath of the Crisis: An Algorithmic Approach

We present a computational approach to the design of fiscal policy that is based on algorithmic, linear feedback control methods. In particular, in the context of a linear, deterministic macro-model, we develop an algorithmic procedure which allows us to design fiscal policy rules for government expenditures so that desired target-levels for GDP are exactly met (that is, complete tracking is achieved). In order to examine the effectiveness of our method we estimate the model for the Greek economy and run some counterfactual policy experiments. These experiments indicate that, for the Greek economy in the beginning of the crisis in early 2010, expansionary fiscal policy would have been able to stimulate growth and reduce the debt-to-GDP ratio.     

Development of a fast,lean and agile direct pelletization process using experimental design techniques

A novel hot melt direct pelletization method was developed, characterized and optimized, using statistical thinking and experimental design tools. Mixtures of carnauba wax (CW) and HPMC K100M were spheronized using melted gelucire 50–13 as a binding material (BM). Experimentation was performed sequentially; a fractional factorial design was set up initially to screen the factors affecting the process, namely spray rate, quantity of BM, rotor speed, type of rotor disk, lubricant–glidant presence, additional spheronization time, powder feeding rate and quantity. From the eight factors assessed, three were further studied during process optimization (spray rate, quantity of BM and powder feeding rate), at different ratios of the solid mixture of CW and HPMC K100M. The study demonstrated that the novel hot melt process is fast, efficient, reproducible and predictable. Therefore, it can be adopted in a lean and agile manufacturing setting for the production of flexible pellet dosage forms with various release rates easily customized between immediate and modified delivery.     

Mediation Model for Improving Cost Factors That Affect Performance of Small-Scale Building Construction Contract Business in Nigeria: A PLS-SEM Approach

Performance of small-scale building construction contract business poses a challenge to the sustainable development of the construction industry, particularly in developing countries like Nigeria. Small-scale construction contract business plays an important role in the economic development of any nation. In Nigeria, small-scale construction contract business has a tremendous role in the development of rural areas. This study assesses the mediation effects of client support with advance payment on cost factors that affect performance of small-scale contract businesses in Nigeria. The study identified three factors that affect cost performance of construction projects in developing countries: cash flow problems, effects of fraudulent practices, and effects of the nature of construction environments. In total, 550 survey questionnaires were administered to stakeholders in the Nigerian construction industry. Stratified proportionate random sampling method was used for the selection of respondents and 387 questionnaires were returned, with 357 used in the analysis.     

Short communication: study of immune parameters in three Greek dairy sheep breeds during the periparturient period

The objective of the present study was to evaluate whether immunosuppression occurs in 3 different Greek dairy sheep breeds during the periparturient period. A total of 33 ewes from 3 breeds [i.e., the low-producing Boutsiko breed (n = 11), which is highly adaptable to harsh environments; the high-producing but environmentally fragile Chios breed (n = 11); and an intermediate synthetic breed (50% Boutsiko, 25% Arta, and 25% Chios, n = 11)] were used. Blood samples were collected at 18 and 2 d before parturition and at 15 d after parturition. Total cell-associated and membrane-bound urokinase plasminogen activator (U-PA) activity, free U-PA binding sites on cellular membranes, and superoxide anion (SA) production by activated phagocytes were determined. Results indicated that all immune parameters measured remained constant during the periparturient period for the Boutsiko breed. In contrast, there were reductions in total cell-associated and membrane-bound U-PA activity by both monocytes-macrophages and neutrophils and in SA production by monocytes-macrophages at d 2 before parturition for the Chios breed. In the synthetic breed, there were reductions in total cell-associated and membrane-bound U-PA activity by monocytes-macrophages and in SA production by both monocytes-macrophages and neutrophils at d 15 after parturition. Thus, mild immunosuppression during the periparturient period was observed in the 2 breeds with the highest milk production.     

Sharp Phylogeographic Breaks and Patterns of Genealogical Concordance in the Brine Shrimp Artemia franciscana

Genealogical concordance is a critical overlay of all phylogenetic analyses, irrespective of taxonomic level. To assess such patterns of congruence we have compiled and derived sequence data for two mitochondrial (16S rRNA, COI) and two nuclear (ITS1, p26) markers in 14 American populations of the hypersaline branchiopod Artemia franciscana. Cladistic analysis revealed three reciprocally monophyletic mitochondrial clades. For nuclear DNA, incomplete lineage sorting was evident presumably as a result of slower coalescence or male-mediated dispersal. Our findings capture the genealogical interval between gene splitting and population divergence. In this sense, strong indications are provided in favour of a superspecies status and ongoing speciation in A. franciscana.