Nanocomposite glass coatings containing hexagonal boron nitride nanoparticles

Glass coatings composed of SiO2-K2O-Li2O, containing non-modified and fluorosilane modified hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) nanoparticles, were prepared on stainless steel plates through sol-gel spin coating method. Coatings were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). 1.3-2.5 mu m thick uniform coatings were obtained after curing at 500 degrees C for 1 h. The coatings adhered well to the steel substrates. It was determined by salt spray tests that the coatings enhance corrosion resistance. The aim of hydrophobic fluorosilane modification of hBN nano particles was to enrich hBN quantity on the top surface of the coatings. Coatings containing fluorosilane modified hBN nanoparticles presented slightly lower friction coefficient values than the other coatings. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved

EARS Buoy Applications By LADC: I. Marine Animal Acoustics

Littoral Acoustic Demonstration Center (LADC) scientists have investigated sperm and beaked whale clicks as recorded on Environmental Acoustic Recording System (EARS) buoys to analyze whale behavior and the possibility of identifying individual whales acoustically. The research began in 2001 and continues through the present. LADC has conducted three experiments in the northern Gulf of Mexico and participated with the Naval Undersea Research Centre with three experiments in the Ligurian Sea. Initially the research centered on sperm whale coda clicks and echolocation clicks. In 2007 it was extended to the study of beaked whale echolocation clicks. The measured data suggest that click properties can be used to identify individual whales. Initially the identifications were done by grouping clicks using self-organizing maps and other means of cluster analysis. Each cluster or class represents an individual whale. These methods have been refined and have become reasonably robust. Verification of the identification has been a problem since using visual observations has not been satisfactory. Presently localization of the clicking animals is being coupled with cluster analysis to verify the identifications. A new finding that rhythms of echolocation clicks can be used to identify sperm whale individuals is now a part of the research, and cluster analysis, rhythm analysis, and localization are mutually reinforcing the identifications. Other results using EARS buoys for marine animal acoustics are listed among the key findings of LADC acoustic research

Ethical Values and Long-term Orientation

Lapses in ethical conduct by those in corporate and public authority worldwide have given business researchers and practitioners alike cause to re-examine the antecedents to personal ethical values. We explore the relationship between ethical values and an individual’s long-term orientation or LTO, defined as the degree to which one plans for and considers the future, as well as values traditions of the past. Our study also examines the role of work ethic and conservative attitudes in the formation of a person’s long-term orientation and consequent ethical beliefs. Empirically testing these hypothesized relationships using data from 292 subjects, we find that long-term perspectives on tradition and planning indeed engender higher levels of ethical values. The results also support work ethic’s role in fostering tradition and planning, as well as conservatism’s positive association with planning. Additionally, we report how tradition and planning mediate the influence of conservatism and work ethic on the formation of ethical values. Limitations of the study and future research directions, as well as implications for business managers and academics, are also discussed. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media, Inc. 2007time orientation, planning, tradition, formation of ethical beliefs, measurement ,