Thermodynamic and nonstoichiometric behavior of the lead-doped and lead-free Bi-2212 systems

EMF measurements of oxygen fugacities as a function of stoichiometry were made on pb-doped and Pb-free superconducting ceramics at 700-815 C using oxygen titration. Equations of oxygen partial pressure vs composition and temperature were derived from the EMF measurements. Thermodynamic assessments of the partial molar quantities {Delta}{bar H}(O{sub 2}) and {Delta}{bar S}(O{sub 2}) for Pb-doped Bi- 2212 and Pb-free Bi-2212 indicate that the solid-state decomposition of these Bi cuprates at low oxygen partial pressure can be represented by the diphasic CuO-Cu{sub 2}O system. Comparison of these results with Pb-doped Bi-2223 in powder and silver sheath form is presented

Nanoscale stiffness topography reveals structure and mechanics of the transport barrier in intact nuclear pore complexes

The nuclear pore complex (NPC) is the gate for transport between the cell nucleus and the cytoplasm. Small molecules cross the NPC by passive diffusion, but molecules larger than ∼5 nm must bind to nuclear transport receptors to overcome a selective barrier within the NPC1. Although the structure and shape of the cytoplasmic ring of the NPC are relatively well characterized2, 3, 4, 5, the selective barrier is situated deep within the central channel of the NPC and depends critically on unstructured nuclear pore proteins5, 6, and is therefore not well understood. Here, we show that stiffness topography7 with sharp atomic force microscopy tips can generate nanoscale cross-sections of the NPC. The cross-sections reveal two distinct structures, a cytoplasmic ring and a central plug structure, which are consistent with the three-dimensional NPC structure derived from electron microscopy2, 3, 4, 5. The central plug persists after reactivation of the transport cycle and resultant cargo release, indicating that the plug is an intrinsic part of the NPC barrier. Added nuclear transport receptors accumulate on the intact transport barrier and lead to a homogenization of the barrier stiffness. The observed nanomechanical properties in the NPC indicate the presence of a cohesive barrier to transport and are quantitatively consistent with the presence of a central condensate of nuclear pore proteins in the NPC channel

Big data in an HR context: Exploring organizational change readiness, employee attitudes and behaviors

YesThis research highlights a contextual application for big data within a HR case study setting. This is achieved through the development of a normative conceptual model that seeks to envelop employee behaviors and attitudes in the context of organizational change readiness. This empirical application considers a data sample from a large public sector organization and through applying Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) identifies salary, job promotion, organizational loyalty and organizational identity influences on employee job satisfaction (suggesting and mediating employee readiness for organizational change). However in considering this specific context, the authors highlight how, where and why such a normative approach to employee factors may be limited and thus, proposes through a framework which brings together big data principles, implementation approaches and management commitment requirements can be applied and harnessed more effectively in order to assess employee attitudes and behaviors as part of wider HR predictive analytics (HRPA) approaches. The researchers conclude with a discussion on these research elements and a set of practical, conceptual and management implications of the findings along with recommendations for future research in the area

Complexity Theory for a New Managerial Paradigm: A Research Framework

In this work, we supply a theoretical framework of how organizations can embed complexity management and sustainable development into their policies and actions. The proposed framework may lead to a new management paradigm, attempting to link the main concepts of complexity theory, change management, knowledge management, sustainable development, and cybernetics. We highlight how the processes of organizational change have occurred as a result of the move to adapt to the changes in the various global and international business environments and how this transformation has led to the shift toward the present innovation economy. We also point how organizational change needs to deal with sustainability, so that the change may be consistent with present needs, without compromising the future

Thermodynamic and nonstoichiometric behavior of the GdBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub x} system.

Electromotive force (EMF) measurements of oxygen fugacities as a function of stoichiometry have been made on the GdBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub x} system in the temperature range {approximately}400-600 C by means of an oxygen titration technique with an yttria-stabilized zirconia electrolyte. Equations for the variation of oxygen partial pressure with composition and temperature have been derived from our EMF measurements. The shape of the 400 C isotherms as a function of oxygen stoichiometry for the Gd and Nd cuprate systems suggests the presence of miscibility gaps at values of x that are higher than those in the YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub x} system. For a given oxygen stoichiometry, oxygen partial pressures above Gd-123 and Nd-123 cuprate systems are higher (above x = 6.5) than that for the Y-123 system. A thermodynamic assessment and intercomparison of our partial pressure measurements with the results of related measurements will be presented

Thermodynamic and nonstoichiometric behavior of promising Hi-Tc cuprate systems via EMF measurements : a short review.

Electromotive force (EMF) measurements of oxygen fugacities as a function of stoichiometry have been made on the YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub x}, GdBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub x}, NdBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub x} and bismuth cuprate systems in the temperature range {approximately}400-750 C by means of an oxygen titration technique with an yttria-stabilized zirconia electrolyte. The shapes of the 400 C isotherms as a function of oxygen stoichiometry for the Gd and Nd cuprate systems suggest the presence of miscibility gaps at values of x that are higher than those in the YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub x} system. For a given oxygen stoichiometry, oxygen partial pressures above GdBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub x} and NdBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub x} are higher (above x=6.5) than that for the promising YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub x} system. A thermodynamic assessment and intercomparison of our partial pressure measurements with the results of related measurements will be presented