Ionic Modifiers in Phase Transition Extraction

The influence of the addition of NaCl on the temperature‐induced phase separation of 3‐methoxypropionitrile and water was investigated experimentally and theoretically. Experiments performed under direct microscopic observation revealed an enhanced domain growth speed and an improved clarifying behavior. It was found that the relevant physical properties changed dramatically with the addition of NaCl, which induced a shift of the equilibrium curve and a change of the operational temperature. Dissipative particle dynamics simulations have also predicted this shift, although electrostatic interactions were not taken into account explicitly in the current study.     

Counting with Fuzzy Sets

The notion of fuzzy set cardinality is examined. Zadeh's suggested measure of fuzzy cardinality, the sigma-count, is adopted and shown to generalize classical counting measure. This allows many combinatorial structures and counting techniques to be fuzzified, and hence used in knowledge representation and pattern recognition models. A fuzzy set review is found in the Appendix.     

Apoptosis in the morphology of Lyme borreliosis

BACKGROUND: Morphological, mainly ultrastructural changes in borreliosis has been the matter of contemporary interest indeed and it seems to be more and more clear that they are the product of an immunologic reaction. The aim of this study is to find out the epidermal changes of erythema migrans and acrodermatitis chronica on the ultrastructural level. METHODS AND RESULTS: There were 14 cases of erythema migrans and 5 acrodermatitis examined and many apoptotic keratinocytes, but also Langerhans cells and melanocytes were the dominant findings. Considering the very short time needed for apoptosis there is a good reason to take our findings as an important component of the borreliosis pathogenesis. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of many apoptotic cells in Lyme disease epidermis emphasises the importance of the immunology in the borreliosis pathogenesis. The striking number of apoptotic melanocytes suggests the higher affinity of the borrelia to the neuroectodermal tissue.     

Heavy metal recovery by extraction and permeation in incineration preocesses

Incineration processes are critical for the environment. SO₂ and NO_X removal with processes is nowadays commonplace. Up to now, heavy metal were recovered via precipitation. The alternative use of liquid ion exchange techniques offers an easy re-use of the heavy metals, which are obtained as concentrates. A separation process is described, starting from laboratory experiments and ending with pilot plant field tests. A cost comparison for extraction, permeation and precipitation gives the scope of the necessary expenses for such environmentally controlled processes.     

Properties of poly(butylene terephthatlate) polymerized from cyclic oligomers and its composites

The high viscosity of thermoplastic matrices hampers fiber impregnation. This problem can be overcome by using low viscous polymeric precursors such as cyclic butylene terephthalate (CBT^® resins), which polymerize to form a thermoplastic matrix. This allows thermoset production techniques, like resin transfer molding (RTM), to be used for the production of textile reinforced thermoplastics. Due to the processing route and more specifically the time-temperature profile, inherent to the RTM process, the crystallites of the matrix consist out of well-defined, thick and well-oriented crystal lamellae. Together with a high overall degree of crystallinity and a low density of tie molecules, these large and perfect crystals cause polymer brittleness. Matrix brittleness lowers the transverse strength of unidirectional composites to below the matrix strength, but leaves the mechanical properties in the fiber direction unaffected. Although not a valid option for the RTM production route, crystallization from a truly random melt and at a sufficiently high cooling rate would substantially improve the ductility.     

A Novel Environment Characterization Metric for Clustered MIMO Channels

In this work we introduce a novel metric for characterizing the double-directional propagation environment and use this metric to assess the performance of a SAGE parameter estimator for MIMO channels. Using the IlmProp, a geometry-based MIMO channel modeling tool, we construct synthetic channels for three different scenarios showing: (i) well separated clusters containing dense propagation paths, and single-bounce scattering; (ii) partly overlapping clusters containing widely spread propagation paths, and single-bounce scattering; (iii) unclustered multipath components (“rich scattering”), and double-bounce-only scattering. We model the scatterers and the receiver in the environment as fixed, but the transmitter as moving. The Initialization and Search-Improved SAGE (ISIS) estimation tool is used to extract the propagation paths from the constructed channels. Both true and estimated paths are fed to the new system-independent metric which genuinely reflects the structure of the channel and the compactness of the propagation paths. We use this metric to decide on the accuracy of the channel estimator. The results show a convincing agreement between true and estimated paths.     

Organizing for Continuous Innovation: On the Sustainability of Ambidextrous Organizations

Organizing for innovation does not present itself as a straightforward exercise. The complexities entailed when implementing an innovation strategy can be related directly to the multitude of objectives it comprises. Recently, several scholars have advanced the notions of semi‐ or quasi‐structures and ambidextrous organizations to handle these multiple requirements. These organizational forms imply the simultaneous presence of different activities, exhibiting differences in technology and market maturation. As a consequence, financial returns will reflect this diversified resource allocation pattern. Moreover, as higher levels of complexity are being introduced; ambidextrous organizations will encounter additional, organizational, costs. Compared to organizations that focus on the most profitable part of the portfolio, ambidextrous organizations – ceteris paribus – tend to be inferior in terms of financial returns. Within this contribution we explore under which conditions ambidextrous organizations can outperform focused firms; considered a prerequisite for their sustainability. In order to do so, we develop an analytical framework depicting the differential value dynamics, focused and ambidextrous firms can enact. Our findings reveal the relevancy of adopting extended time frames as well as introducing interface management practices aimed at cross‐fertilization. Finally, the synergetic potential of (underlying) technologies comes to the forefront as necessary in order for ambidextrous organizations to become sustainable.     

A transmission line model for arrays of rectangular microstrip antennas

A very efficient transmission line model for the analysis of arrays of rectangular microstrip antennas is presented. The structure of the model is discussed, and its validity is proved. This is done for the isolated microstrip antenna as well as for the coupling between antennas. Then follows a discussion of the numerical efficiency. And finally a numerical example shows the effect of mutual coupling on the impedance and radiation pattern of a 21 element Chebyshev array at different scanangles.     

The spatial hierarchy of technological change and economic development in Europe

This paper discusses the possibility of a spatial hierarchy of innovation and growth dynamics in Europe. A spatial hierarchy is understood as a geographical clustering of regions, where important differences exist in terms of innovation and growth dynamics between the clusters. The literature on regional growth and innovation is briefly scanned. After this, a database on European regional growth and innovation dynamics is presented. Spatial correlation analysis and spatial principal components analysis are used to explore the possibility of a spatial hierarchy in Europe. The results point to a hierarchy consisting of four groups: South Europe, East Europe, and two groups in West and North Europe. Growth and innovation performance in these clusters are discussed, and some policy conclusions are drawn.