Electron scattering from pyrazine: Elastic differential and integral cross sections

We report on new measurements for elastic electron scattering from pyrazine. Absolute differential cross sections (DCSs) at seven discrete energies in the range 3-50 eV, and over the scattered electron angular range 10°-129°, were determined using a crossed electron-molecular beam spectrometer in conjunction with the well-established relative flow technique. Integral elastic cross sections were subsequently derived from those DCS data at each energy. Where possible comparison between the present results and those from sophisticated Schwinger multichannel and R-matrix computations is made, with generally quite good quantitative accord being found. Finally, in order to better study some of the rich resonance structure predicted by theory, results from elastic electron excitation functions are presented.Partial financial support from the Australian Research Council through its Centres of Excellence program is acknowledged

Emancipatory Ethical Social Media Campaigns: Fostering Relationship Harmony and Peace

Whilst emancipatory ethical social media campaigns play an imperative role for fostering relationship and facilitating peace, limited research has examined the motivational response from peace-promoting viral videos. This research scrutinizes the effects of a viral video titled “Peace Anthem”: a mash-up between Pakistani and Indian national anthems, performed by famous artists and broadcasted in the wake of Independence Day in India and Pakistan. We examine the effect of listening to the anthem medley on relationship harmony using a longitudinal study design and contribute to the burgeoning body of knowledge on peace music and relational musicology fostering relationship harmony. Study 1, consisting of 1048 cases, determines the effects of the likeability of the “Peace Anthem” and education on relationship harmony and it also examines the moderating role of education. Study 2 with 605 cases investigates the persistency of these effects over time. The results demonstrate significant relationships between the likeability of the “Peace Anthem” and education with relationship harmony as well as validate the moderating role of education. Although these effects decrease over time, there are noteworthy changes that consequently call for the persistence of ethical social media campaigns for stimulating peace. We discuss the policy implications of these findings and conclude with study limitations and recommendations for further research

Gd-Doped Superparamagnetic Magnetite Nanoparticles for Potential Cancer Theranostics

Nanotechnology has facilitated the applications of a class of nanomaterials called superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) in cancer theranostics. This is a new discipline in biomedicine that combines therapy and diagnosis in one platform. The multifunctional SPIONs, which are capable of detecting, visualizing, and destroying the neoplastic cells with fewer side effects than the conventional therapies, are reviewed in this chapter for theranostic applications. The chapter summarizes the design parameters such as size, shape, coating, and target ligand functionalization of SPIONs, which enhance their ability to diagnose and treat cancer. The review discusses the methods of synthesizing SPIONs, their structural, morphological, and magnetic properties that are important for theranostics. The applications of SPIONs for drug delivery, magnetic resonance imaging, and magnetic hyperthermia therapy (MHT) are included. The results of our recent MHT study on Gd-doped SPION as a possible theranostic agent are highlighted. We have also discussed the challenges and outlook on the future research for theranostics in clinical settings

Experimental and theoretical cross sections for positron collisions with 3-hydroxy-tetrahydrofuran

Cross section results from a joint experimental and theoretical investigation into positron scattering from 3-hydroxy-tetrahydrofuran (3H-THF) are presented. Total and positronium (Ps) formation cross sections have been measured from 1 to 190 eV using the positron beamline at the Australian National University, which has an energy resolution between 60 and 100 meV. The total cross section (TCS) and the elastic and total inelastic integral cross sections in the energy range between 1 and 1000 eV have been computed within the Independent Atom Model using the Screening Corrected Additivity Rule approach. In addition, we have calculated elastic differential cross sections at selected incident energies. Our computations represent the first theoretical results reported for this target species, while our measured Ps formation cross sections are also novel. Comparison of the present TCS with the previous results from the University of Trento shows a good level of agreement at the lowest energies. We also provide a comparison between the present cross sections for 3H-THF and those from our earlier study on the parent molecule tetrahydrofuran.The authors acknowledge the Australian Research Council (ARC) Centres of Excellence Program for funding. C.M. is also grateful to the ARC for financial support under the Australian Postdoctoral Fellowship program. G.G. and F.B. would like to acknowledge the Spanish Ministerio de Economía y Productividad (Project FIS2009-10245) and the European Science Foundation (COST Action MP1002 – Nano-IBCT) for financial support

A joint theoretical and experimental study for elastic electron scattering from 1,4-dioxane

We present results of measurements and calculations of elastic electron scattering from 1,4-dioxane in the energy range of 0–1000 eV. Absolute differential and integral elastic cross sections have been measured using a crossed electron-molecule beam spectrometer and the relative flow technique, at four energies in the 10–30 eV range and for scattered electrons in the angular range 20°–129°. The measured cross sections are compared with results from R-matrix computations, at the static exchange plus polarization level, calculated at energies between 0–20 eV, and with calculations employing the independent atom model with the screening corrected additivity rule (IAM-SCAR). Those latter computations were conducted at energies between 1 and 1000 eV. Agreement between the measured and R-matrix cross sections was typically found to be good at all common energies, whereas agreement with IAM-SCAR was satisfactory only at 30 eV. To the best of our knowledge, the present results are the first absolute data to be published in the literature for this scattering system

Experimental and theoretical cross sections for positron collisions with 3-hydroxy-tetrahydrofuran

Cross section results from a joint experimental and theoretical investigation into positron scattering from 3-hydroxy-tetrahydrofuran (3H-THF) are presented. Total and positronium (Ps) formation cross sections have been measured from 1 to 190 eV using the positron beamline at the Australian National University, which has an energy resolution between 60 and 100 meV. The total cross section (TCS) and the elastic and total inelastic integral cross sections in the energy range between 1 and 1000 eV have been computed within the Independent Atom Model using the Screening Corrected Additivity Rule approach. In addition, we have calculated elastic differential cross sections at selected incident energies. Our computations represent the first theoretical results reported for this target species, while our measured Ps formation cross sections are also novel. Comparison of the present TCS with the previous results from the University of Trento shows a good level of agreement at the lowest energies. We also provide a comparison between the present cross sections for 3H-THF and those from our earlier study on the parent molecule tetrahydrofuran

Total, elastic, and inelastic cross sections for positron and electron collisions with tetrahydrofuran

We present total, elastic, and inelastic cross sections for positron and electron scattering from tetrahydrofuran (THF) in the energy range between 1 and 5000 eV. Total cross sections (TCS), positronium formation cross sections, the summed inelastic integral cross sections (ICS) for electronic excitations and direct ionization, as well as elastic differential cross sections (DCS) at selected incident energies, have been measured for positron collisions with THF. The positron beam used to carry out these experiments had an energy resolution in the range 40–100 meV (full-width at half-maximum). We also present TCS results for positron and electron scattering from THF computed within the independent atom model using the screening corrected additivity rule approach. In addition, we calculated positron-impact elastic DCS and the sum over all inelastic ICS (except rotations and vibrations). While our integral and differential positron cross sections are the first of their kind, we compare our TCS with previous literature values for this species. We also provide a comparison between positron and electron-impact cross sections, in order to uncover any differences or similarities in the scattering dynamics with these two different projectiles

Prevalence and risk factors for impaired kidney function in the district of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka: a cross-sectional population-representative survey in those at risk of chronic kidney disease of unknown aetiology

BACKGROUND: Over the last 20 years there have been reports of a form of chronic kidney disease of unknown cause (CKDu) affecting rural communities in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. Valid prevalence estimates, using a standardised methodology, are needed to assess the burden of disease, assess secular trends, and perform international comparisons. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional representative population survey in five study areas with different expected prevalences of CKDu. We used a proxy definition of CKDu involving a single measure of impaired kidney function (eGFR< 60 mL/min/1.7m2, using the CKD-Epi formula) in the absence of hypertension, diabetes or heavy proteinuria. RESULTS: A total of 4803 participants (88.7%) took part in the study and 202 (6.0%; 95% CI 5.2-6.8) had a low eGFR in the absence of hypertension, diabetes and heavy proteinuria and hence met the criteria for proxy CKDu. The proportion of males (11.2%; 95% CI 9.2-13.1) were triple than the females (3.7%; 95% CI 2.9-4.5). Advancing age and history of CKD among parents or siblings were risk factors for low GFR among both males and females while smoking was found to be a risk factor among males. CONCLUSIONS: These data, collected using a standardised methodology demonstrate a high prevalence of impaired kidney function, not due to known causes of kidney disease, in the selected study areas of the Anuradhapura district of Sri Lanka. The aetiology of CKDu in Sri Lanka remains unclear and there is a need for longitudinal studies to describe the natural history and to better characterise risk factors for the decline in kidney function

Effects of ethical ideologies and perceptions of CSR on consumer behavior

The mutual dependence of businesses and society has emphasized the growing importance of the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR). Despite the fact that CSR has emerged as one of the leading management concerns worldwide, both businesses and academia have largely ignored its application in developing countries. This study aims to fill these gaps by examining consumer perceptions of CSR and their role in the relationships between consumers' ethical ideologies (i.e., idealism and egoism) and evaluations of a company's product offerings. An empirical study among Vietnamese consumers shows that consumers perceive CSR in four dimensions-economic, ethical, philosophical, and legal. Different ethical ideologies have different effects on consumer perceptions of CSR; for example, idealism positively affects these perceptions, whereas egoism's effect is negative. Furthermore, the perceptions of CSR fully mediate the relationships between idealism/egoism and product evaluation

Effective SME import strategy: Its drivers, moderators, and outcomes

The authors propose a conceptual model of the drivers, moderators, and outcomes of a firm's effective import strategy, anchored on the dynamic capabilities and industrial organization theories. Whereas the former theory explains the mechanism through which dynamic capabilities facilitate import strategy effectiveness, which boosts competitive advantage and ultimately enhances financial performance, the latter theory sets the foundation for explaining the contingency role of both competitive intensity and environmental uncertainty on translating effective import strategy into competitive advantage. The model was tested using a sample of 151 small and medium-sized British importers, with results indicating that high levels of certain dynamic capabilities of a generic (i.e., adaptive and entrepreneurial) and import-specific (i.e., source identification and market development) nature are conducive to import strategy effectiveness. Study results also revealed that import strategy effectiveness generates both a product-differentiation advantage and a low-cost advantage, although this is contingent on the degree of competitive intensity and environmental uncertainty prevailing in the importer's home market. Finally, the study confirmed that both productdifferentiation advantage and low-cost advantage have a favorable impact on the importer's financial performance