Plasmon spectroscopy and imaging of individual gold nanodecahedra: a combined optical microscopy, cathodoluminescence, and electron energy-loss spectroscopy study

Imaging localized plasmon modes in noble-metal nanoparticles is of fundamental importance for applications such as ultrasensitive molecular detection. Here, we demonstrate the combined use of optical dark-field microscopy (DFM), cathodoluminescence (CL), and electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) to study localized surface plasmons on individual gold nanodecahedra. By exciting surface plasmons with either external light or an electron beam, we experimentally resolve a prominent dipole-active plasmon band in the far-field radiation acquired via DFM and CL, whereas EELS reveals an additional plasmon mode associated with a weak dipole moment. We present measured spectra and intensity maps of plasmon modes in individual nanodecahedra in excellent agreement with boundary-element method simulations, including the effect of the substrate. A simple tight-binding model is formulated to successfully explain the rich plasmon structure in these particles encompasing bright and dark modes, which we predict to be fully observable in less lossy silver decahedra. Our work provides useful insight into the complex nature of plasmon resonances in nanoparticles with pentagonal symmetry.     

Analysis of an automobile assembly line as a network of closed loops working in both,stationary and transitory regimes

In this work a real automobile assembly line and the correspondent preassembly lines have been analyzed as a network of closed loops of machines decoupled by intermediate buffers. This work deals with some important aspects, which have still not been investigated in earlier literature, such as: machines processing pallets, which are not related to each other and depend on an external variable in a network with closed loops of machines and intermediate buffers, machines working at different cycle times in a network of closed loops of machines and intermediate buffers, machines working in both, stationary and transitory regime and the relationships between the cycle times of the machines in the stationary working regime in order to guarantee the production rate of the system. Finally how the transient results can be used to improve the performance of the system under certain working conditions is discussed.     

Blind detection of nonlinearities in multiple-echo ultrasonic signals

In this paper, we propose and analyze by means of simulations the use of surrogate data algorithms for blind detection of nonlinearities in multiple-echo ultrasonic signals.We assume a blind scheme so that no information about the input (emitted ultrasonic pulse) can be used. The metrics and equations that model some nonlinear situations are carefully reviewed. Also, closed form equations of the third-order metrics from a simplified second-order Volterra kernel are derived. Computer simulations show that the surrogate data technique is a potentially powerful tool for blind detection of nonlinearities in multiple-echo ultrasonic signals if adequate metrics are chosen. They also reveal interesting trade-offs among parameters that model ultrasonic systems and detection percentages.     

Ultra thin nickel transparent electrodes

Transparent electrodes made of ultra thin metals have recently been demonstrated with performances comparable to those offered by transparent conductive oxides (TCOs), which are traditionally used in applications such as photovoltaic cells, light emitting devices, photodetectors and electro-optical modulators. In this work we report highly uniform, optically transparent and electrically conductive nickel films. Their good performance, combined with low cost and simplicity in processing, make ultra thin Ni films highly competitive, even with respect to the latest developments in TCO technology. Nickel films can be easily incorporated into an industrial process flow and could therefore be an attractive alternative to TCOs in many industrial applications.     

Magnesium substitution in brushite cements

The use of magnesium-doped ceramics has been described to modify brushite cements and improve their biological behavior. However, few studies have analyzed the efficiency of this approach to induce magnesium substitution in brushite crystals. Mg-doped ceramics composed of Mg-substituted β-TCP, stanfieldite and/or farringtonite were reacted with primary monocalcium phosphate (MCP) in the presence of water. The cement setting reaction has resulted in the formation of brushite and newberyite within the cement matrix. Interestingly, the combination of SAED and EDX analyses of single crystal has indicated the occurrence of magnesium substitution within brushite crystals. Moreover, the effect of magnesium ions on the structure, and mechanical and setting properties of the new cements was characterized as well as the release of Ca^2 + and Mg^2 + ions. Further research would enhance the efficiency of the system to incorporate larger amounts of magnesium ions within brushite crystals.     

Who leads research productivity growth? Guidelines for R&D policy-makers

This paper evaluates to what extent policy-makers have been able to promote the creation and consolidation of comprehensive research groups that contribute to the implementation of a successful innovation system. Malmquist productivity indices are applied in the case of the Spanish Food Technology Program, finding that a large size and a comprehensive multi-dimensional research output are the key features of the leading groups exhibiting high efficiency and productivity levels. While identifying these groups as benchmarks, we conclude that the financial grants allocated by the program, typically aimed at small-sized and partially oriented research groups, have not succeeded in reorienting them in time so as to overcome their limitations. We suggest that this methodology offers relevant conclusions to policy evaluation methods, helping policy-makers to readapt and reorient policies and their associated means, most notably resource allocation (financial schemes), to better respond to the actual needs of research groups in their search for excellence (micro-level perspective), and to adapt future policy design to the achievement of medium-long term policy objectives (meso and macro-level).     

A review of agile manufacturing systems

About a decade ago, the agile manufacturing paradigm was formulated in response to the constantly changing 'new economy' and as a basis for returning to global competitiveness. While agility means different things to different enterprises under different contexts, the following elements capture its essential concept: agility is characterized by cooperativeness and synergism (possibly resulting in virtual corporations), by a strategic vision that enables thriving in face of continuous and unpredictable change, by the responsive creation and delivery of customer-valued, high quality and mass customized goods/services, by nimble organization structures of a knowledgeable and empowered workforce, and facilitated by an information infrastructure that links constituent partners in a unified electronic network. During this period, a significant amount of attention from both the academic and industrial communities has produced a large body of results in research and development related to this topic. Each contribution has tackled a different aspect of this large field. In this paper, we review a wide range of recent literature on agile manufacturing. About 73 papers from premier scientific journals and conferences have been reviewed, and a classification scheme to organize these is proposed. We critique these bodies of work and suggest directions for additional research and identify topics where fruitful opportunities exist.