A model for vortex formation in magnetic nanodots

We use Monte Carlo simulation to study the vortex nucleation on magnetic nanodots at low temperature. In our simulations, we have considered a simple microscopic two-dimensional anisotropic Heisenberg model with term to describe the anisotropy due to the presence of the nanodot edge. We have considered the thickness of the edge, which was not considered in previous works, introducing a term that controls the energy associated to the edge. Our results clearly show that the thickness of the edge has a considerable influence in the vortex nucleation on magnetic nanodots. We have obtained the hysteresis curve for several values of the surface anisotropy and skin depth parameter ($\xi$). The results are in excellent agreement with experimental data

Vectorial channel estimation for uplink MC-CDMA in beyond 3G wireless systems

In beyond 3G wireless systems the bandwidth efficiency can be increased with the use of adaptive antenna arrays. This paper focus on a key issue for adaptive antenna arrays, that is, channel parameters estimation including Direction-Of-Arrival (DOA). In order to estimate DOA. the channel frequency responses for the links between the mobile users and each of base station array elements are estimated by pilot-aided minimum mean square error (MMSE) algorithm. This estimator is not sensitive to the channel statistics. Based on frequency response estimatives DOA's of impinging multipath components to the base station are estimated by a low complex Wlauimuni Likelihood (ML) approach. Furthermore an uplink burst structure with specifically designed midamble field for multiuser channel estimation in MC-CDMA is proposed. The performance is assessed in terms of channel estimation errors for a MC-CDMA TDD system over fast and slow fading mobile channels

Application of game theory in ad- hoc opportunistic radios

The application of mathematical analysis to the study of wireless ad hoc networks has met with limited success due to the complexity of mobility, traffic models and the dynamic topology. A scenario based UMTS TDD opportunistic cellular system with an ad hoc behaviour that operates over UMTS FDD licensed cellular network is considered. In this paper, we describe how ad hoc opportunistic radio can be modeled as a game and how we apply game theory based Power Control in ad-hoc opportunistic radio

Private-label proneness: the case of yogurts

This study aims to point out the main consumer correlates of store brand proneness in a specific industry, the Portuguese yogurt market. This is a booming industry for store brands in Portugal, reaching nearly half of the total market share. Based on the results of a survey we can conclude that consumers base their decisions on adopting a product on three different types of variables: price related variables, quality related variables and involvement with the product category related variables. The price related and the quality related variables have the most influence on consumers when selecting store brands of yogurts.info:eu-repo/semantics/submittedVersio

Determinantes psicográficos da adoção da marca do distribuidor: um estudo no mercado português de iogurtes

This study seeks to point out the main psychographic determinants of private-label brand proneness in a specific industry: the Portuguese yogurt market. This is a booming industry for store brands in Portugal, which account for nearly half of the total market share. An in-depth interview was held with a sales and marketing expert of the leading yogurt company in Portugal. Next, we conducted a survey targeting consumers of yogurt. Based on the results of a Tobit regression, we conclude that consumers base their decisions about private label versus national brands on three different types of variables: price-related variables, quality-related variables and variables related to involvement with the product category. Managerial implications are also discussed.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Characterising the fruit and vegetables consumer ethnocentrism in a Southern European country: an assesment of the reliability and validity of the CETSCALE in Portugal

This paper aims to characterize the consumer ethnocentrism (CE) and its implications on food products evaluation in a Southern European Country-Portugal. The 10-item version of the Consumer Ethnocentric Tendencies Scale (CETSCALE) was used. It’s validity and dimensionality were assessed together with the ethnocentric characteristics among fruit and vegetables consumers. A questionnaire was conducted through Computer Assisted Phone Interviews – (CATI) to the person responsible for the household food purchase in the two largest Portuguese metropolitan areas Lisbon and Oporto resulting in 700 valid responses. The food products under consideration were fruit and vegetables as they represent the largest sales in the major retail chains and also are considered low value products. Moreover, Portuguese consumption of fruit and vegetables is the highest considering the European consumption. The validity and the reliability of the CETSCALE have been confirmed as the showing a high degree reliability. The multidimensionality of the construct has also been validated with two factors obtained and named soft and hight ethnocentrism. As far as authors are aware, this is the first study conducted in Portugal and considering two specific food categories – fruit and vegetables. The present study contributes to the ongoing debate on origin labelling in a time of increasing globalisation markets.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Genetic risk scores: are they important for diabetes management? results from multiple cross-sectional studies.

Several genetic risk scores (GRS) for type 2 diabetes (T2DM) have been published, but not replicated. We aimed to 1) replicate previous findings on the association between GRS on prevalence of T2DM and 2) assess the association between GRS and T2DM management in a sample of community-dwelling people from Switzerland. Four waves from a prospective study conducted in Lausanne. Seven GRS related to T2DM were selected, and compared between participants with and without T2DM, and between controlled and uncontrolled participants treated for T2DM. Data from 5426, 4017, 2873 and 2170 participants from the baseline, first, second and third follow-ups, respectively, was used. In all study periods, participants with T2DM scored higher than participants without T2DM in six out of seven GRS. Data from 367, 437, 285 and 207 participants with T2DM was used. In all study periods, approximately half of participants treated for T2DM did not achieve adequate fasting blood glucose or HbA <sub>1</sub> c levels, and no difference between controlled and uncontrolled participants was found for all seven GRS. Power analyses showed that most GRS needed a sample size above 1000 to consider the difference between controlled and uncontrolled participants as statistically significant at p = 0.05. In this study, we confirmed the association between most published GRS and diabetes. Conversely, no consistent association between GRS and diabetes control was found. Use of GRS to manage patients with T2DM in clinical practice is not justified