Ordering of droplets and light scattering in polymer dispersed liquid crystal films

We study the effects of droplet ordering in initial optical transmittance through polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) films prepared in the presence of an electrical field. The experimental data are interpreted by using a theoretical approach to light scattering in PDLC films that explicitly relates optical transmittance and the order parameters characterizing both the orientational structures inside bipolar droplets and orientational distribution of the droplets. The theory relies on the Rayleigh-Gans approximation and uses the Percus-Yevick approximation to take into account the effects due to droplet positional correlations.Comment: revtex4, 18 pages, 8 figure

The effect of culture on Corporate Governance Practices in Nigeria

This study focuses on the effect of culture on the application of corporate governance practices in Nigeria. Corporate governance has been receiving serious attention in emerging markets over the past two decades. But relatively little attention has been given to the study on corporate governance in a country study. The current situations in Nigerian public and private sectors such as the corporate scandal resulting from Lever Brothers Nigeria plc, Siemens, Shell, Halliburton, and Cadbury Nigeria plc, have shown that the issue of fraud, corruption, and corporate scandals cannot be overlooked. Most top management, as this study argues, bring in beliefs acquired from their early childhood into their senior management roles and responsibilities. This study adopts a grounded theory and reports on the effect of culture on the implementation of corporate governance in Nigeria. Based on the interview with 32 staffs, this study identifies the effect of culture that shapes corporate governance and they include abuse of power by top management, weak legal framework, poor recruitment and ineffective control. Although having efficient corporate governance is worth pursuing, this depends on the power of top management, the strength of internal control procedures and the legal framework put in place by management

Free TRAMP flap: dove collocare la microanastomosi vascolare?

The autors relate their experience in breast reconstruction with the use of free {TRAM} flaps with vascular microanastomosis between the deep inferior epigastric system and the internal mammary system. So far, we have treated seven patients with this technique and in all cases we were able to perform termino-terminal anastomoses both of veins and arteries, with no need for vascular grafts. This means that the internal mammary vessels are dependable for microsurgical anastomoses in breast reconstruction, in discordance with international data. Pros and cons of this method are herein discussed. The authors are currently studying its applications on cadavers and results are soon to be published

Managing geographically dispersed teams: from temporary to permanent global virtual teams

The rise and spread of information communication technologies (ICT) has enabled increasing use of geographically dispersed work teams (Global Virtual Teams). Originally, Global Virtual Teams were mainly organised into temporary projects. Little research has focused on the emergent challenge for organisations to move towards establishing permanent Global Virtual Teams in order to leverage knowledge sharing and cooperation across distance. To close this gap, this paper will set the scene for a research project investigating the changed preconditions for organisations. As daily face-to-face communication is not the basis for developing manager-subordinate, as well as member-member relations, the development of teams to work together efficiently and effectively in a virtual setting has often been neglected. Part of this discussion are the changed parameters in relation to increasing global competition; a new generation of self-lead digital natives, who are already practising virtual relationships and a new approach to work, and currently joining the global workforce; and improved communication technologies