Optimal design of nanoplasmonic materials using genetic algorithms as a multi-parameter optimization tool

An optimal control approach based on multiple parameter genetic algorithms is applied to the design of plasmonic nanoconstructs with pre-determined optical properties and functionalities. We first develop nanoscale metallic lenses that focus an incident plane wave onto a pre-specified, spatially confined spot. Our results illustrate the role of symmetry breaking and unravel the principles that favor dimeric constructs for optimal light localization. Next we design a periodic array of silver particles to modify the polarization of an incident, linearly-polarized plane wave in a desired fashion while localizing the light in space. The results provide insight into the structural features that determine the birefringence properties of metal nanoparticles and their arrays. Of the variety of potential applications that may be envisioned, we note the design of nanoscale light sources with controllable coherence and polarization properties that could serve for coherent control of molecular or electronic dynamics in the nanoscale.Comment: 13 pages, 6 figures. submitted to J. Chem. Phy

Personnel management features of medical institutions

This article summarizes the arguments and counter-arguments within the scientific discussion on personnel management in health care organizations. The study’s main purpose is to identify opportunities to improve the efficiency of medical staff through innovative forms of labor organization and HR management. Systematization of scientific background and approaches on personnel management in health care showed that staff development is a priority in health care. The authors emphasized the high competition in the Ukrainian services market. Thus, improving the service quality is the key element for successful any business activity

Inhibition of carcinogen induced c-Ha-ras and c-fos proto-oncogenes expression by dietary curcumin

BACKGROUND: We investigated the chemopreventive action of dietary curcumin on 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-initiated and 12,0-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-promoted skin tumor formation in Swiss albino mice. Curcumin, a yellow coloring matter isolated from roots of Curcuma longa Linn, is a phenolic compound possessing antioxidant, free radical scavenger, and antiinflammatory properties. It has been shown by previously reported work that TPA-induced skin tumors were inhibited by topical application of curcumin, and curcumin has been shown to inhibit a variety of biological activities of TPA. Topical application of curcumin was reported to inhibit TPA-induced c-fos, c-jun and c-myc gene expression in mouse skin. This paper reports the effects of orally administered curcumin, which was consumed as a dietary component at concentrations of 0.2 % or 1 %, in ad libitum feeding. RESULTS: Animals in which tumors had been initiated with DMBA and promoted with TPA experienced significantly fewer tumors and less tumor volume if they ingested either 0.2% or 1% curcumin diets. Also, the dietary consumption of curcumin resulted in a significantly decreased expression of ras and fos proto-oncogenes in the tumorous skin, as measured by enhanced chemiluminesence Western blotting detection system (Amersham). CONCLUSIONS: Whereas earlier work demonstrated that topical application of curcumin to mouse skin inhibited TPA-induced expression of c-fos, c-jun and c-myc oncogenes, our results are the first to show that orally consumed curcumin significantly inhibited DMBA- and TPA-induced ras and fos gene expression in mouse skin

Demystifying the Impact of Service Recovery Strategies: Evidence From Healthcare and Telecom Sectors

This study investigates the association of emotional (courtesy) and functional (explanation) service recovery strategies with customer responses in the healthcare and telecom sectors. The study also examines the mediation effect of the valence of customer forgiveness (resentment and exoneration) on the association of explanation and courtesy with repeat patronage and negative word-of-mouth (NWOM). In addition, we investigate the moderation effect of the level of dissatisfaction and relationship length on the hypothesized associations. To test the proposed associations, we used the critical incident technique with retrospective experience sampling, collecting data through a large-scale online survey ( n = 478). Results suggest that resentment mediates the association of explanation and courtesy with repeat patronage. Finally, in the telecom industry, dissatisfaction with recent service failure positively and relationship length negatively moderate the association between repeat patronage and NWOM. Our findings enrich the service recovery literature and provide insights for service managers to design suitable strategies to reduce the repercussions of failure events

Current structure in the upper layers of the Arabian Sea during southwest monsoon

1-6Circulation pattern in the Arabian Sea is derived from computation of acceleration potential at 2 isanosteric surfaces (400 and 200 cl/t) using oceanographic data obtained during the International Indian Ocean Expedition. As the current structure in the upper layers of the Arabian Sea varies from season to season, the study is limited to the southwest monsoon, when the surface circulation in the North Indian Ocean differs very much from the other 2 major oceans. Maps showing the distribution of acceleration potential at 400 and 200 cl/t surfaces are presented. Distribution of the thickness of the layer between 10 cl/t above and 10 cl/t below each surface is also presented in order to gain quantitative information about the water volume, water flux and stability according to characteristics

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