Dynamics of relaxor ferroelectrics

We study a dynamic model of relaxor ferroelectrics based on the spherical random-bond---random-field model and the Langevin equations of motion. The solution to these equations is obtained in the long-time limit where the system reaches an equilibrium state in the presence of random local electric fields. The complex dynamic linear and third-order nonlinear susceptibilities $\chi_1(\omega)$ and $\chi_3(\omega)$, respectively, are calculated as functions of frequency and temperature. In analogy with the static case, the dynamic model predicts a narrow frequency dependent peak in $\chi_3(T,\omega)$, which mimics a transition into a glass-like state.Comment: 15 pages, Revtex plus 5 eps figure

Mobile Service and Phone as Consumption System -the Impact on Customer Switching

Mobile telecommunications service sector is, in spite of providing high service quality and striving for customer satisfaction, characterized by dynamic customer activities and provider switching. In this research with data from Slovenia we explore the impact of usage, budgetary constraints, involvement and customer characteristics on customers\u27 intention to switch mobile service provider. By using the consumption system perspective on mobile services and mobile phone, we seek to provide explanation on the factors of customer switching. It is shown that the mobile services usage effect on switching intentions is curvilinear (positive linear and negative quadratic) and that only the budgetary constraint regarding the service matters and not the one related to the mobile phone. Past mobile service providers switching experience also contributes to the intention to switch. Mobile phone ego involvement has positive impact on customer retention, however purchase involvement (both mobile phone and mobile services) increases customer risk. This research thus emphasizes the studying of the mobile services system together with its phone subsystem and it based on extensive survey. Managerial implications are discussed

Liqiud-Liquid Extraction as an Alternative Separation Technique for Ethanol-Water Solutions

The feasibility of liquid extraction as an economic alternative to the ternary azeotrope distillation of an ethanol-water fermenta tion mixture was studied. Experimentation included the determination of the attractiveness of the potential solvents Freon TF, 1-pentene, ethyl ether, unleaded gasoline, and #2 diesel fuel. Selectivities and distribution coefficients for these solvents were determined. Analysis included generation of a process flowsheet and the resultant energy requirements and process economics. Unleaded gasoline was selected aver #2 diesel fuel as the more attractive solvent based on the distribution coefficients, and Freon TF, 1-pentene, and ethyl ether were ruled out as potential solvents. A fermentation plant incorporating a gasoline extraction process and a beer still to separate the fermentation mixture, with an ethanol recovery rate of 96 wt%, was found to yield an energy savings of 15.6% over a fermentation plant equipped with only a ternary azeotrope dis tillation separation process. Annual cost for this extraction scheme was found to be $3,998,600, as compared to an annual cost of$1,501,400 for the distillation process. Increasing the recovery rate of ethanol to greater than 99 wt% for the extraction process was suggested as a means to vastly improve its economics. An extraction scheme that did not include the beer still to preconcentrate the alcohol was found to be uneconomical

Creativity of biotechnological immunology: invention, naturalness and being

The article discusses three intertwined issues posed by the modern biotechnological immunology and its creativity potential: invention, naturalness and Being. In the first part, the author reflects on evolutionary paradigm and Peter Sloterdijk’s theory of immunology, particularly in their relation to the biotechnological enhancement of human beings. The second part discusses Being’s own naturalness and the possibility of creative invention. In the third part, the author combines these viewpoints to highlight some metaphysical challenges of biotechnological immunology. Most importantly the forgotten question of what does it mean to be, especially after the postmetaphysical annulment of the possibility of death. The core thesis argues for the naturalness of the creative biotechnological practice for preventive and reparative purposes. First published online: 11 Apr 201

Izbira metode ekstrakcije DNK za spremljanje organizma za biotično zatiranje, Gliocladium catenulatum J1446

Gray mold, caused by the fungus Botrytis cinerea, is one of the most common and serious diseases affecting strawberries. Different fungicides are used to manage this disease but fungi can develop resistance on it. Therefore, much attention is devoted to biological methods of control in recent years. Preparation Prestop® MIX (Verdera Oy, Finland) is available in some European countries. It contains a biocontrol agent (BCA), isolate J1446 of the fungus Gliocladium catenulatum, active against grey mold. In the project Bicopoll, a project of European transnational research cooperation project CORE Organic II, we are monitoring the effectiveness of BCA spreading on strawberry flowers by bees and checking for residues of BSA in bee products (honey, pollen). For this purpose, we developed a new, BCA specific real time PCR, which allows us to detect BCA in different samples and quantify it. In the early stages of development, we focused on the development of DNA extraction methods from product Prestop® MIX