Cooperative Purchasing Micro-Evolutions: A Longitudinal International Study

This paper deals with the evolution of relatively young purchasing groups. Although previous research focussed on macro-evolutionary phases of purchasing groups, no attention has yet been paid to the intra-phase developments, the so-called ‘micro-evolutions’. Insight into micro-evolutions is crucial to better understand how purchasing groups (can) develop over time. We conducted three in-depth case studies in different countries and identified five dimensions of micro-evolutions: member relationships, objectives, activities, organisation, and resources. For each dimension, we provide an overview of micro-evolutions to guide purchasing groups in developing the dimension. We conclude that the dimension ‘activities’ is very important and that purchasing groups do not have to develop the dimensions simultaneously

The New Testament Lections in the Euchologium Sinaiticum

Author Institution: University of AmsterdamThis paper gives a text-critical appraisal of the Apostolos and Gospel lections contained in the Euchologium Sinaiticum on the basis of collations with other Glagolitic and Cyrillic manuscripts. It also tries to shed some light on the history of the Euchologium Sinaiticum and to give recommendations for a critical edition of the Old Slavic New Testament

Metabolomic systems biology of trypanosomes

Metabolomics analysis, which aims at the systematic identification and quantification of all metabolites in biological systems, is emerging as a powerful new tool to identify biomarkers of disease, report on cellular responses to environmental perturbation, and to identify the targets of drugs. Here we discuss recent developments in metabolomic analysis, from the perspective of trypanosome research, highlighting remaining challenges and the most promising areas for future research

Magnetic trapping of buffer-gas cooled chromium atoms and prospects for the extension to paramagnetic molecules

We report the successful buffer-gas cooling and magnetic trapping of chromium atoms with densities exceeding $10^{12}$ atoms per cm$^{3}$ at a temperature of 350 mK for the trapped sample. The possibilities to extend the method to buffer-gas cool and magnetically trap molecules are discussed. To minimize the most important loss mechanism in magnetic trapping, molecules with a small spin-spin interaction and a large rotational constant are preferred. Both the CrH ($^6\Sigma^+$ ground state) and MnH ($^7\Sigma^+$) radicals appear to be suitable systems for future experiments.Comment: 9 pages, 4 Figure

Reconsidering Prenatal Hormonal Influences on Human Sexual Orientation: Lessons from Animal Research.

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Diagrammatic Reasoning as the Basis for Developing Concepts: A Semiotic Analysis of Students' Learning about Statistical Distribution

In recent years, semiotics has become an innovative theoretical framework in mathematics education. The purpose of this article is to show that semiotics can be used to explain learning as a process of experimenting with and communicating about one's own representations of mathematical problems. As a paradigmatic example, we apply a Peircean semiotic framework to answer the question of how students learned the concept of "distribution" in a statistics course by "diagrammatic reasoning" and by developing "hypostatic abstractions," that is by forming new mathematical objects which can be used as means for communication and further reasoning. Peirce's semiotic terminology is used as an alternative for notions such as modeling, symbolizing, and reification. We will show that it is a precise instrument of analysis with regard to the complexity of learning and of communication in mathematics classroo

Determinants of physical activity promotion by smoking cessation advisors as an aid for quitting: Support for the Transtheoretical Model

Objectives: Physical activity (PA) can reduce cigarette cravings and aid quitting but little is known about its promotion by smoking cessation advisors. This study aimed to: (1) determine the extent to which smoking cessation advisors promote PA; and (2) examine the relationship between PA promotion as a cessation aid and advisor characteristics and cognitions, within the Transtheoretical Model (TM) framework. Methods: Self-report surveys assessing PA promotion, TM variables, advisors’ own PA levels and demographics were completed by 170 advisors in England and Scotland. Results: Advisors reported spending 29 minutes promoting PA over a 6/7-week clinic. Those in later stages of readiness for promoting PA as a cessation aid and those spending more time promoting PA held more positive beliefs regarding pros and cons, self-efficacy, outcome efficacy and importance of PA within smoking cessation. Time spent promoting PA and stage of readiness were strongly associated. There was a trend for the more physically active advisors to promote PA more often. Conclusions: About half the advisors promoted PA and TM variables predicted this variability. Practice Implications: PA promotion among smoking cessation advisors may be facilitated by enhancing self-efficacy, outcome efficacy and pro and con-beliefs related to PA promotion

3D Printed NMR Spectra: From 1D and 2D Acquisition to 3D Visualization

Visualization of two- dimensional and relaxation NMR spectra can be difficult for students new to the subject. Educators have utilized 3D printing previously to demonstrate concepts such as potential energy surfaces and molecular orbitals, but this technology has yet to be used to create a visual model of NMR data. In order to address this, we have developed an approach for creating 3D printed models of two- dimensional and inversion recovery spectra, which can then be used as an innovative teaching tool. This was done by converting raw FT NMR data into a 3D data graph using Mathematica. This graph is then converted into stereolithography format and printed using a 3D printer. These physical models will allow students to better understand the complex information presented in these NMR spectra