Optimization of the UTC-PD Epitaxy for Photomixing at 340 GHz

We present a method to optimize the epitaxial layer structure of an InGaAs/InP uni-traveling-carrier photo-diode (UTC-PD) for continuous THz-wave generation. The design approach used is general in that it can be applied for any target frequency while this study focuses on 340 GHz. The photodiode epitaxy is modeled and optimized using a TCAD software implementing the hydrodynamic semiconductor equations. This physical device model was found to be in good agreement with reported experimental results. It is shown that the UTC-PD can generate ~1 mW at 340 GHz by choosing the optimum absorption layer and collection layer thicknesses.     

Analysis of service platforms by a portfolio approach

This work provides a framework for techno-business analysis of service platforms that can be used for evaluation of business models and strategic positions in collaborative service provision. It is based on the following modeling tools: techno-business model, generic service platform approximate, scenario modeling techniques, and service and enabler portfolio analysis. Our modeling approach is a synthesis of qualitative and quantitative analyses. We show that Markowitz’ portfolio theory (financial risk-return analysis) can also be applied on service and on enablers portfolios if their specificity is realistically modeled. We demonstrate the most important modeling procedures theoretically and evaluate them practically on a chosen service delivery platform. Our research results and experiences show that service portfolio theory is very useful for evaluation of business strategies of different industrial actors, participating in collaborative service provision.     

Accounting for dynamics in attribute-importance and for competitor performance to enhance reliability of BPNN-based importance-performance analysis

Importance-performance analysis (IPA) is a decision-support tool used in prioritizing quality improvements of products/services. Recently, back-propagation neural network (BPNN)-based approaches have been proposed to deal with the problem of asymmetric effects in customer satisfaction formation. Though reliability of IPA is increased by the integration of BPNN, shortcomings of the analytical framework remain that (a) it does not provide insight into forms and degrees of these asymmetric effects, (b) it does not account for differences between the relevance and determinance of quality attributes, and (c) it neglects the competitor dimension in attribute-prioritization. Since all these issues have important managerial implications, the authors of this study propose an extended BPNN-based IPA that uses a multidimensional operationalization of attribute-importance, and that considers competitive performance levels. Using data from an airline satisfaction survey, an empirical test reveals that the proposed approach significantly outperforms conventional BPNN-based IPA. In particular, conventional BPNN-IPA would mislead managerial action with regard to 3 out of 8 quality components (37.5%).     

Pilot Studies of Ozonation for Inactivation of Artemia salina Nauplii in Ballast Water

A pilot-plant study was conducted in the Republic of Croatia to determine the applicability of ozonation for inactivation of non-indigenous species and to provide necessary information regarding use of ozone as a ballast water treatment option. Nauplii of the brine shrimp Artemia salina were used as model organisms to investigate the efficacy of ozonation at three different ozone dosages (2.4, 3.7 and 10.9 mg L^?1). Mortality of Artemia nauplii at 98.6%, was achieved after 3 h of exposure in ozone-treated water with the highest ozone dosage. Our results indicated that ozonation is a promising treatment for controlling non-indigenous and potentially invasive species; however, to draw more general conclusions, several species with higher level of resistance to ozone are required and will be studied in the future.     

Experimental determination of mechanical properties and short-time creep of AISI 304 stainless steel at elevated temperatures

The high temperature properties of AISI 304 stainless steel were studied.Basic data about the employed experimental equipment,testing procedures,and specimen geometry were given.The experimental setup was used to obtain stress-strain diagrams from tensile tests at room temperature as well as several elevated temperatures.Furthermore,the specimens were subjected to short-time creep tests at various temperatures.Stress levels for creep testing were established as a percentage of yield stress.The results indic...