Search

This paper reports the results of two studies undertaken in the same Fortune 500 company as it adopted an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) program. Study 1 assessed employees' perceptions of fairness, trust, and turnover intentions regarding ADR options. Compared with other options for ADR, a program consisting of mandatory mediation followed by mandatory and binding arbitration (MMBA) resulted in significantly lower levels of procedural fairness perception, organizational trust, and intentions to stay with the firm. Contrary to previous research, no significant effects were found related to respondents' demographic characteristics and their reactions to ADR program characteristics. In Study 2, job-applicant flow data were evaluated and compared by corporate region to determine the effects of an MMBA program installed in one region. Results revealed no significant effects related to the MMBA program on the organization's ability to recruit and ultimately fill key positions. As in Study 1, no significant effects were found in Study 2 for the demographic characteristics of applicant race/ethnicity, gender, or age on applicant recruitment decisions. Although Study 2 results indicated job candidates are unaffected by the existence of an MMBA program, given Study 1's results, practitioners should be cautious about implementing such a program for current employees. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PurposeIn light of contradictory research findings, the purpose of this paper is to examine the moderating effects of team setting (face‐to‐face or online) on the relationship that team member affect and interaction processes have on individual team source learning, and at the team level on the relationship between group cohesiveness and perceived team performance.Design/methodology/approachStudents enrolled in graduate level organizational behavior classes at a large university in the southeastern United States responded to the survey. The final sample included 79 students in 21 on‐campus teams and 97 students in 26 online teams. All classes surveyed required a detailed team project. Tests of the moderator hypotheses were conducted using hierarchical linear multiple regression.FindingsTeam setting moderated the relationship that member teamwork orientation and member social interaction had on individual team‐source learning; the relationships were stronger in online teams.Practical implicationsThe results have implications for teams in a variety of settings since the team composition and nature of the work conducted by student teams are similar to that in Western organizational contexts. To avoid possible conflicts that impede learning and performance in online teams, administrators should ensure that team members are chosen carefully and give members a strong reason for being on the team.Originality/valueThis paper extends the model examined by Williams et al. to include member social interaction and consider the context in which teamwork occurs and its effects on personal learning and team performance.

The widespread layoffs of the past 25 years have caused unparalleled levels of distrust and frustration in organizations. Organizational cynicism, which is frequently a manifestation of this pervasive phenomenon, has been shown to affect postlayoff attitudes and behaviors. It is generally assumed that postlayoff cynicism is predictive solely of dysfunctional outcomes. However, there is evidence suggesting that favorable consequences may emerge in some settings. In this exploratory study, the authors examined the postlayoff reactions of managerial employees who survived a corporate downsizing 1 month prior to the onset of the data collection. More specifically, they investigated the interactive effects of organizational cynicism and job insecurity on survivors' inclination to expend work effort. They hypothesized that cynics would report higher levels of work effort when faced with perceived job insecurity than non-cynics. Results provided support for these hypotheses, as work effort increased concurrently with cynicism for those perceiving an insecure work environment. Implication of these results for science and practice, strengths and limitations, and an agenda for future research are provided.

Noncovalent attachment of CdSe quantum dots (QDs) to single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) through an intermediary 1-pyrenebutyric acid N -hydroxy-succinimide ester (PBASE) molecule has been performed. The ligand exchange process from trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO)-capped CdSe to the 4-aminothiophenol (ATP) ligand is supported by solvent solubility, NMR spectroscopy, and IR spectroscopy, with an estimated molecular efficiency > 50:1. Noncovalent coupling of the PBASE molecule causes a redshift in the SWNT interband electronic transitions, consistent with a π–π interaction that promotes electron delocalization. TEM analysis after chemical coupling of the CdSe–ATP QDs to the PBASE–SWNTs shows an abundant coverage of QDs along the SWNT bundles. Raman spectra (1.96 eV excitation) of PBASE–SWNTs and the noncovalent product demonstrate that each of the major Raman modes (RBM, D-, G-, or G′-bands) is unaltered by the noncovalent interaction with PBASE or attachment of CdSe QDs, indicating that the structural integrity of the SWNTs is maintained. However, upshifts in the Raman modes are observed, the largest being for the G′-band, indicating charge transfer between the SWNTs and attached CdSe QDs.

This study tested the recent path-goal leadership theory prediction [House, R.J., 1996. Path-goal theory of leadership: Lessons, legacy, and a reformulated theory. The Leadership Quarterly, 7, 323–352] that leader contingent reward behavior negatively moderates relationships between transformational leadership and subordinate performance and job satisfaction at the individual level of analysis. Also tested was the prediction that transformational leadership would positively augment the effects of leader contingent reward behavior [Bass, B.M., 1985. Leadership and performance beyond expectations. New York: Free Press]. Confirmatory factor analyses, hierarchical linear multiple regression, and within- and between-entity analyses were employed, along with a sample of 169 social services workers in 40 groups. No evidence was found supporting either the path-goal or additive augmentation hypotheses. However, a positive moderator effect was found for some transformational leader behaviors and the leader contingent reward behavior variable, supporting a form of “augmentation effect” that is not incongruent with Bass's [Bass, B.M., 1985. Leadership and performance beyond expectations. New York: Free Press] approach to transformational leadership. Additionally, strong support was obtained for the level of analysis prediction. Future research directions are briefly considered.

We propose that scholars who are interested in group, organizational, or societal constructs should consider three approaches to designing aggregate measures. The typical approach to aggregate measure design in organization studies is to create measures based on individual-level metric structures, then evaluate whether the individual level measures can be aggregated. We propose that the field continue to use this approach for fundamentally individual-level constructs, but to also make greater use of two alternative approaches that are now only occasionally used. One approach used in cross-cultural research is to aggregate items to the target level, then evaluate measurement structure based on the relationships among items at the target level. Another approach is to aggregate individual-level scales to the target level, then evaluate measure characteristics based on the relationships among scales at the target level. We also recommend that constructing measures based on relationships among items or among scales at aggregate levels offers an approach to studying organizational culture that is distinct from organizational climate. We apply the distinctions between different approaches to aggregate measure design to a recent Leadership Quarterly article and to the GLOBE project on which that article is based.

The development of lightweight, flexible polymeric solar cells which utilize nanostructured materials has been investigated. Incorporation of quantum dots (QDs) and single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) into a poly(3-octylthiophene)-(P3OT) composite, has been shown to facilitate exciton dissociation and carrier transport in a properly structured device. Optimization towards an ideal electron acceptor for polymeric solar cells that exhibits high electron affinity and high electrical conductivity has been proposed in the form of QD-SWNT complexes. Specifically, the synthesis of CdSe-aminoethanethiol-SWNT complexes has been performed, with confirmation by microscopy (SEM, TEM, and AFM) and spectroscopy (FT-IR and optical absorption). Polymer composites containing these complexes in P3OT have been used to fabricate solar cells which show limited efficiency due to recombination and surface effects, but an open-circuit voltage ( V OC ) of 0.75 V. However, evaluation of the optical absorption spectra for these nanomaterial-polymeric composites has shown a marked enhancement in the ability to capture the available irradiance of the air mass zero (AM0) spectrum.

Investigation of single wall carbon nanotube (SWNT)-polymer solar cells has been conducted towards developing alternative lightweight, flexible devices for space power applications. Photovoltaic devices were constructed with regioregular poly(3-octylthiophene)-(P3OT) and purified, >95% w/w, laser-generated SWNTs. The P3OT composites were deposited on ITO-coated polyethylene terapthalate (PET) and I-V characterization was performed under simulated AM0 illumination. Fabricated devices for the 1.0% w/w SWNT-P3OT composites showed a photoresponse with an open-circuit voltage (V(sub oc)) of 0.98 V and a short-circuit current density (I(sub sc)) of 0.12 mA/sq cm. Optimization of carrier transport within these novel photovoltaic systems is proposed, specifically development of nanostructure-SWNT complexes to enhance exciton dissociation.

Thermal decomposition of the molecular single-source precursor (PPh3)2CuIn(SEt)4 in the presence of hexanethiol in dioctylphthalate forms colloidal CuInS2 at 200 °C. The colloidal solution displays size-dependent quantum confinement behavior in the absorption and photoluminescence spectra. The average size of the nanocrystals can be increased from 2 to 4 nm by raising the reaction temperature from 200 °C to 250 °C. The nanoparticles are capped with hexanethiol ligands; these ligands can be exchanged with trioctylphosphine oxide or pyridine. The nature of the surface-capping ligands has a significant effect on the photoluminescence emission intensity. Investigation of the effect of synthesis parameters and postsynthesis treatments on the optical properties of the nanocrystals leads to the conclusion that the room-temperature emission originates in donor−acceptor defects.

Nanometer-sized particles of the chalcopyrite compounds CuInS2 and CuInSe2 were synthesized by thermal decomposition of molecular single-source precursors (PPh3)2CuIn(SEt)4 and (PPh3)2CuIn(SePh)4, respectively, in the noncoordinating solvent dioctyl phthalate at temperatures between 200 and 300 °C. The nanoparticles range in size from 3 to 30 nm and are aggregated to form roughly spherical clusters of about 500 nm in diameter. X-ray diffraction of the nanoparticle powders shows greatly broadened lines, indicative of very small particle sizes, which is confirmed by TEM. Peaks present in the XRD can be indexed to reference patterns for the respective chalcopyrite compounds. Optical spectroscopy and elemental analysis by energy dispersive spectroscopy support the identification of the nanoparticles as chalcopyrites.

This study explores the moderating potential of positive affectivity (PA) and perceived collective efficacy (PCE) on the relationship between 3 dimensions of politics perceptions and job satisfaction. We hypothesized that high levels of PA and PCE, in unison, would buffer the harmful effects of perceived politics on job satisfaction. Regression analyses for the 3 dimensions (i.e., general politics, go along to get along, and pay and promotion) yielded a significant finding for the PA × PCE × Go Along to Get Along 3-way interaction only. Consistent with our expectations, low PA-low PCE individuals were less satisfied with their jobs when levels of go-along-to-get-along politics increased. Contrary to our hypothesis, however, high PA-high PCE individuals reported a significant inverse relationship between perceived politics and job satisfaction. Implications of these findings and directions for future research are provided.

Influence tactics are goal-oriented behaviors that individuals use to obtain desired outcomes. Thus, it is important that managers understand subordinates' use of influence tactics and the effects of these tactics on organizational outcomes. In this paper, we argue that positive affect (PA) will moderate the relationship between upward influence tactics and job performance ratings, and that the form of the relationship will differ for males and females. Data were gathered from 287 university administrators to test these questions. Results indicated that PA moderated the relationship between influence tactics and job performance ratings for the entire sample, such that those possessing higher levels of PA were the recipients of higher performance ratings when all influence tactics (i.e., a "Shotgun" approach) were employed and when "hard" influence tactics were employed. Moreover, findings indicated that the use of these approaches was associated with greater performance ratings for females with high PA, but not for males. Implications of these findings, limitations, and directions for future research are discussed.

The present study examined the moderating impact of psychological climate on the relationship between perceived organizational politics and both commitment and turnover intent. Data were gathered from 131 restaurant employees who completed surveys at work. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed that a 6-factor conceptualization (supportive management, role clarity, contribution, recognition, self-expression, and challenge) provided the most adequate model representation of the psychological climate construct. Results indicate that politics perceptions interacted with each climate factor (with the exception of challenge) in predicting commitment. Conversely, politics perceptions interacted only with supportive management and self-expression to predict turnover intent. Implications for theoretical development and empirical research in this domain are provided.

Researchers investigating organizations and leadership in particular are increasingly being called upon to theorize multilevel models and to utilize multilevel data analytic techniques. However, the literature provides relatively little guidance for researchers to identify which of the multilevel methodologies are appropriate for their particular questions. In this final article, the statistical procedures used in the multilevel data analyses in the previous articles of this special issue are compared. Specifically, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), rwg(j), hierarchical linear modeling (HLM), within- and between-analysis (WABA), and random group resampling (RGR) are examined and their results and conclusions discussed. Following comparisons of these methods, recommendations for their use are presented.

We have been investigating the synthesis of quantum dots of CdSe, CuInS2, and CuInSe2 for use in an intermediate bandgap solar cell. We have prepared a variety of quantum dots using the typical organometallic synthesis routes pioneered by Bawendi, et. al., in the early 1990's. However, unlike previous work in this area we have also utilized single-source precursor molecules in the synthesis process. We will present XRD, TEM, SEM and EDS characterization of our initial attempts at fabricating these quantum dots. Investigation of the size distributions of these nanoparticles via laser light scattering and scanning electron microscopy will be presented. Theoretical estimates on appropriate quantum dot composition, size, and inter-dot spacing along with potential scenarios for solar cell fabrication will be discussed.

Cross-national studies of job stress have not kept pace with other streams of research in the international milieu. To begin to address this lack of development, we examined the relationships among role stressors, general self-efficacy (GSE), and burnout across nine regions (i.e., U.S., Germany, France, Brazil, Israel, Japan, China, Hong Kong, and Fiji). Findings indicated GSE had a universally negative association with burnout across all regions. Further, self-efficacy mediated the relationship between role conflict and/or role ambiguity and burnout across eight of the nine cultures. Conclusions center around how low self-efficacy may help to explain why occupational role stressors have a positive association with burnout cross-nationally. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.

This research leverages and integrates previous empirical efforts aimed at identifying and assessing the performance of social entrepreneurial ventures to develop four new measurement scales follow...

Leadership research has recently begun to emphasize the importance of examining the level of analysis (e.g., individual, dyad, group, organization) at which phenomena are hypothesized to occur. Unfortunately, however, it is still not commonplace for theory to clearly specify, and for investigations to directly test, expected and rival level-of-analysis effects. This article first selectively reviews a cross-section of theories, models, and approaches in leadership, showing generally poor alignment between theory and the level of analysis actually used in its testing. A multiple levels of analysis investigation of the Leader–Member Exchange (LMX) model is next presented. This theory has as its foundation the dyadic relationship between a supervisor and his or her subordinates. Yet, less than 10% of published LMX studies have examined level of analysis—and none has employed dyadic analysis. Using within- and between-entities analysis (WABA) and two different samples, four LMX level-of-analysis representations are tested, which involve monosource data; three of these models are then tested using heterosource data. Overall, good support is found for the LMX approach at the within-groups and between-dyads levels. Implications for aligning theory with appropriate levels of analysis in future research are considered.

Research conducted since the construct of leader-member exchange (LMX) was first investigated in 1972 is reviewed with respect to the theoretical, measurement, and analytic adequacy of LMX studies. It is shown that conceptual definitions of LMX and its subdimensions have evolved over time, often with little reason or rationale given for changes. Likewise, the measures employed to assess LMX have varied widely and have included an almost bewildering array of diverse item content. Finally, LMX research has rarely examined the level of analysis at which its findings hold. All of these shortcomings lead to the conclusion that we may know less than we should about fundamental leader-member exchange processes and that future research must be conducted with greater attention devoted to the key issues outlined in this review.

Reactions of VCl3(THF)3, bpy, and NaO2CR (R = Et, Ph; bpy = 2,2‘-bipyridine) in a 1:1:3 ratio in Me2CO give [V4O2(O2CR)7(bpy)2](ClO4) (R = Et, 1; R = Ph, 4) following addition of NBun4ClO4. Use of 4,4‘-dimethyl- or 5,5‘-dimethylbipyridine (4,4‘-Me2bpy and 5,5‘-Me2bpy, respectively) and R = Et leads similarly to [V4O2(O2CEt)7(L−L)2](ClO4) (L−L = 4,4‘-Me2bpy, 2; L−L = 5,5‘-Me2bpy, 3). Yields are in the 38−90% range. The cation of 1 is isostructural with previously prepared [M4O2(O2CR)7(bpy)2]+ (M = CrIII, MnIII, FeIII) species and possesses a [V4O2] butterfly core. 1D and 2D COSY 1H NMR spectra of 1 show the solid-state structure is retained on dissolution. The effective magnetic moment (μeff) per V4 for 1 gradually rises from 5.79 μB at 300 K to a maximum of 6.80 μB at 25.0 K and then decreases rapidly to 4.72 μB at 2.00 K. The data in the 7.00−300 K range were fit to the appropriate theoretical expression (based on Ĥ = −2JSi·Sj) to give Jbb = −31.2 cm-1, Jwb = +27.5 cm-1, and g = 1.82, (b = body, w = wing...

The reaction between [VCl3(thf)3] and Cl– provided a high-yield route to [NEt4]3[V2Cl9] 1, which contains a [V2(µ-Cl)3Cl6]3– face-sharing bioctahedron. The reaction of [VCl3(thf)3] with sodium 2-sulfanylbenzoate (mba2–) in the presence of water and PPh4Cl gave [PPh4]2[V3OCl4(Hmba)5] 2, whose anion contains a triangular [V3(µ3-O)]7+ core. The reaction of [NEt4]2[VOCl4] with H2mba and Li2S gave [NEt4]4[V2Li4O2Cl4(mba)4] 3, whose anion contains two [VO(mba)] fragments bridged by a [Li4Cl4] unit. Compounds 1 and 2 are weakly antiferromagnetically coupled with J = –13.4(4) and –3.2(1.6) cm–1, respectively (Ĥ = –2JSiSj convention).

The structures and characterization are described of complexes that exhibit an out-of-phase AC magnetic susceptibility x m” The dodecanuclear complexes [Mn12O12(O2CR)16(H2O)4]z contain 8MnIII, 4MnIV or MnII, 7MnIII, 4MnIV and possess ground state spins of S = 9 or 10 (z = 0) or S = 19/2 (z = −1). The distorted-cubane complexes [Mn4O3X(O2CR)3(dbm)3] contain 3MnIII, MnIV and have been prepared with a variety of X groups; in every case, the ground state is S = 9/2. The anion [Mn11O10X6(O2CPh)11(H2O)4]2− (9MnIII, 2MnIV; X = NCO−, N3 −) contains two [Mn4O3X] distorted-cubanes linked by a [Mn3O4]+ unit; the ground state is S = 5. The cation [V4O2(O2CEt)7(bpy)2]+ (4VIII) has a [V4O2]8+ butterfly core and a S = 3 ground state. All these complexes exhibit out-of-phase AC magnetic susceptibility signals at low temperatures (

The effects of the base referent or standard stimulus on the scale values obtained in the magnitude estimation scaling of 34 frequency expressions was investigated using 208 subjects and two different referents ("sometimes" and "fairly many times"). MANOVA and ANOVA findings indicated that the two referents yielded statistically significant differences in scale values, and t tests of differences between the current and previously obtained scale values supported this conclusion. Finally, the scale values produced by the two referents led to the selection of different sets of 5-point response anchors, suggesting that the divergence in results was also of practical importance. Implications and future directions for research are discussed.

Promotion satisfaction measures have had serious deficiencies in their domain sampling adequacy. Thus, using a multidimensional theoretical conceptualization, 42 promotion satisfaction items were d...

Reactions of the previously reported dinuclear vanadium(III) thiolate anion [V2(edt)4]2- (edtH2 = ethane-1,2-dithiol) are described. Treatment of (NEt4)2[V2(edt)4] (1) in MeCN with equimolar (C12H8S2)BF4 (C12H8S2+ = the thianthrenium radical cation) results in a one-electron oxidation and isolation of the VIII,VIV complex (NEt4)[V2(edt)4] (2). The same product can also be obtained by controlled-potential electrolysis of 1 at −0.20 V vs Ag/AgCl. Treatment of 1 in CH2Cl2 with py gives no reaction, but addition of Me3SiCl leads to formation of the known V2OCl4(py)6 (3). The latter is also formed by the reduction of a 1:1 mixture of VOCl3 and VCl3(THF)3 in CH2Cl2/py and by the reaction in CH2Cl2 of VCl3(THF)3 and py with edt2-. Treatment of 1 in MeCN with bpy (2,2‘-bipyridine) gives no reaction, but addition of Me3SiCl results in formation and isolation of [V2OCl2(bpy)4]Cl2 (4) identified by spectroscopic comparison with literature data. The reaction of 1 in MeCN with equimolar VCl3(THF)3 and NEt4Cl gives (NE...

Synthetic procedures are described that allow access to the [V(3)O(O(2)CR)(6)L(3)](ClO(4)) (R = various groups; L = pyridine (py), 4-picoline (pic) or 3,5-lutidine (lut)) family of complexes. Treatment of VCl(3)(THF)(3) with NaO(2)CR (R = Me, Et) in RCO(2)H/py, pic/MeCN, or CH(2)Cl(2) solution followed by addition of NBu(n)(4)ClO(4) leads to isolation of [V(3)O(O(2)CR)(6)L(3)](ClO(4)) salts in 47-95% yields. A similar procedure for R = C(6)H(5), C(6)H(4)-p-OMe, C(6)H(3)-m-Me(2), and C(6)H(4)-p-Cl but omitting addition of NaO(2)CR provides the corresponding benzoate or substituted-benzoate derivatives in 24-56% yields. The X-ray structure of [V(3)O(O(2)CEt)(6)(pic)(3)](ClO(4)) (4) shows the anion to consist of a [V(3)O](7+) triangular fragment with amgr;(3)-O(2)(-) ion in the V(3) plane; each triangular edge is bridged by two EtCO(2)(-) groups in their familiar syn,syn modes, and there is a terminal pic group on each V(III) completing distorted octahedral geometries at the metal atoms. The cation has imposed C(2) symmetry (isosceles V(3) triangle), the C(2) axis passing through one V atom and the centralmgr;(3)-O atom, but has D(3)(h)() virtual symmetry (equilateral V(3) triangle). Complex 4 crystallizes in monoclinic space group C2/c with the following unit cell dimensions at -171 degrees C: a = 13.935(2) Å, b = 18.323(2) Å, c = 17.470(2) Å, beta = 95.55(1) degrees, V = 4439.7 Å(3), Z = 4. The structure was solved using 2657 unique reflections with F3sigma(F) and refined on F to conventional R (R(w)) values of 0.058 (0.066). Variable-temperature, solid-state magnetic susceptibility measurements were made on complex 1 in the 5.01-280 K region in a 1 kG magnetic field. The effective magnetic moment (mgr;(eff)) per V(3) unit decreases gradually from 4.64mgr;(B) at 280 K to 1.76mgr;(B) at 5.01 K. The data were fit to the theoretical expression for an isosceles V(III)(3) complex, and the fitting parameters were J = -18.0(7) cm(-)(1), J' = -10.4(4) cm(-)(1), and g = 1.985, with TIP held constant at 600 x 10(-)(6) cm(3) mol(-)(1); J' refers to the unique exchange interaction within the isosceles triangle. The ground state of complex 1 thus has S = 0.

An alpha voltaic battery utilizes a radioactive substance, which emits energetic alpha particles, that is coupled to a semiconductor p/n junction diode. Alpha voltaics have not been technologically successful to date primarily because the alpha particles damage the semiconductor material, thus degrading the electrical output of the solar cell in just a matter of hours. The key to future development resides in the ability to limit this degradation. Several approaches to solving this problem have been investigated. One approach uses photovoltaic devices which have good radiation tolerance such as InGaP. Another involves the use of non-conventional cell designs, such as a lateral junction n-type/intrinsic/p-type/intrinsic cell, which minimizes the effect of radiation damage on the overall cell performance. A third approach uses an intermediate absorber which converts the alpha energy into light which can be converted by the photovoltaic junction. The intermediate absorbers used in this approach are inherently radiation-hard semiconducting quantum dots. The synthesis of both the quantum dots and the InGaP devices are presented. A summary of the various approaches and resulting performance of the alpha voltaic devices is given.

The enhancement of polymeric solar cells through the addition of nanostructured material complexes has been investigated. These novel materials are intended to facilitate exciton dissociation and carrier transport through the polymer matrix. The dispersion of single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) into poly(3-octylthiophene)-(P3OT) has been shown to dramatically improve both the electrical conductivity and optical absorption of the polymer compared to the pure polymer. The photoresponse of solar cells using P3OT doped with SWNTs is significantly improved over the undoped version under simulated AM0 illumination. In addition, CdSe quantum dots (QDs) have been used by several groups to facilitate exciton dissociation and improve the efficiency of P3OT-based solar cells. Through the synthesis of QD-SWNT complexes we have attempted to produce a nanostructured additive for polymeric solar cells which exhibits both a high electron affinity and high electrical conductivity. The synthesis of CulnS/sub 2/-SWNT complexes and an assessment of their viability as an additive in polymeric solar cells is presented.

§Nanocrystals of CuInS2, formed by the thermal decomposition of the molecular single-source precursor (PPh3)2CuIn(SEt)4, are functionalized through surface ligand exchange. Single wall carbon nanotubes are synthesized by a laser evaporation process and are functionalized with carboxylate groups through acid oxidation at the ends of the tubes and at defect sites along the sidewalls. The nanotubes and nanocrystals are linked together both covalently and electrostatically, and the products characterized. Such nanotube/nanocrystal conjugates may prove valuable as additives in flexible polymer photovoltaic devices.

The ability to dissociate the photo-generated excitons and transport the resulting charge carriers are the major impediments in improving the efficiency of polymeric solar cells. In order to simultaneously address both of these issues, we have investigated the use of quantum dotsingle wall carbon nanotube (QD-SWNT) complexes as a suitable nanomaterial dopant in these devices. The formation of CdSe-SWNT complexes occurred through covalent attachment of carboxylic acid-functionalized SWNTs with CdSe-aminoethanethiol (AET) quantum dots. An additional synthetic approach was evaluated using both electrostatic and covalent attachment schemes for CuInS2-mercaptoacetic acid (MA) quantum dots and amine terminated SWNTs. The efficacy of each approach is discussed, including the necessary transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and optical absorption spectroscopy data to probe the interactions between nanomaterials. The potential effects of charge transfer between components may have important implications in the efficiency of these materials for polymeric photovoltaic devices.

The ability to determine the in-situ optoelectronic behavior of semiconductor materials has become especially important as the size of device architectures is reduced and the development of complex microsystems has increased. Scanning Tunneling Optical Resonance Microscopy or STORM has the ability to interrogate the optical bandgap as a function of position within a semiconductor microstructure. This technique uses a tunable solid-state Ti sapphire laser whose output is “chopped” using a spatial light modulator and is coupled by a fiber optic to a scanning tunneling microscope in order to illuminate the tip-sample junction. The photoenhanced portion of the tunneling current is spectroscopically measured using a lock-in technique. The capabilities of this technique were verified using semiconductor microstructure calibration standards that were grown by organometallic vapor phase epitaxy (OMVPE) at the NASA Glenn Research Center. Bandgaps characterized by STORM measurements were found to be in good agreement with the bulk values determined by transmission spectroscopy, photoluminescence, and with the theoretical values that were based on x-ray diffraction results.

Over the last several years, the authors have been investigating nonorganometallic vanadium/sulfide chemistry, concentrating on the higher metal oxidation states (III-V). They have found this area to be rich in structural types and reactivity characteristics. Together with related efforts by others, an impressive pool of complexes has now been made available spanning a variety of nuclearities and oxidation levels, including mixed valency. The authors' interest in this area stems from the conversion of crude oil vanadyl impurities to polymeric vanadium sulfides under the sulfur-rich conditions present during catalytic hydrodesulfurization and hydrodemetalation processes. A variety of discrete V/S species are probably forming as intermediates, and the characterization of V/S species thus becomes of relevance to the understanding of these transformations. The area of impact of the present work is vanadium persulfide chemistry. A number of V complexes of various metal nuclearities are now known that contain S[sub 2][sup 2[minus]] groups, in either terminal or bridging modes. With very few exceptions, these involve V[sup III] or V[sup IV]. Persulfido complexes containing V[sup V] are extremely rare, presumably due to the redox instability of this highest V oxidation state in the presence of moderate reducing agents; in fact, to the authors' knowledge, themore » only characterized example is (Me[sub 3]NCH[sub 2]Ph)[sub 2][VS[sub 2](S[sub 2])(SPh)]. However, they herein report a convenient, high-yield procedure to a second V[sup V] persulfide complex together with its characterization by single-crystal X-ray diffractometry and spectroscopy. 22 refs., 1 fig., 4 tabs.« less

Using a sample of 150 bank employees, span of supervision and subordinate use of influence tactics were examined as moderators of relationships between leader-member exchange (LMX) and subordinate performance and organizational commitment. Raw score analyses indicate that moderators are present. Span of supervision and upward controlling influence tactics moderate relationships between LMX and both performance and commitment. However, using multiple relationship analysis and multivariate within- and between-entities analysis to assess the level of analysis results in some discrepant findings. These discrepancies are discussed, as are implications for future LMX research.

Reactions of the previously reported dinuclear vanadium(III) thiolate anion [V(2)(edt)(4)](2)(-) (edtH(2) = ethane-1,2-dithiol) are described. Treatment of (NEt(4))(2)[V(2)(edt)(4)] (1) in MeCN with equimolar (C(12)H(8)S(2))BF(4) (C(12)H(8)S(2)(+) = the thianthrenium radical cation) results in a one-electron oxidation and isolation of the V(III),V(IV) complex (NEt(4))[V(2)(edt)(4)] (2). The same product can also be obtained by controlled-potential electrolysis of 1 at -0.20 V vs Ag/AgCl. Treatment of 1 in CH(2)Cl(2) with py gives no reaction, but addition of Me(3)SiCl leads to formation of the known V(2)OCl(4)(py)(6) (3). The latter is also formed by the reduction of a 1:1 mixture of VOCl(3) and VCl(3)(THF)(3) in CH(2)Cl(2)/py and by the reaction in CH(2)Cl(2) of VCl(3)(THF)(3) and py with edt(2)(-). Treatment of 1 in MeCN with bpy (2,2'-bipyridine) gives no reaction, but addition of Me(3)SiCl results in formation and isolation of [V(2)OCl(2)(bpy)(4)]Cl(2) (4) identified by spectroscopic comparison with literature data. The reaction of 1 in MeCN with equimolar VCl(3)(THF)(3) and NEt(4)Cl gives (NEt(4))(3)[V(3)Cl(6)(edt)(3)] (5). A more convenient procedure to 5 is the reaction in MeCN of VCl(3)(THF)(3), Na(2)edt, and NEt(4)Cl in a 1:1:1 molar ratio. Complex 5.MeCN crystallizes in triclinic space group Ponemacr; with (at -154 degrees C) a = 14.918(3) Å, b = 17.142(5) Å, c = 11.276(3) Å, alpha = 106.78(1) degrees, beta = 95.03(1) degrees, gamma = 106.18(1) degrees, and Z = 2. The anion contains a near-linear V(3) unit with a face-sharing trioctahedral structure: the three edt(2)(-) groups provide the six bridging S atoms; two edt(2)(-) groups are in amgr;-eta(2):eta(2) mode (as in 1), but the third is in amgr;(3)-eta(1):eta(2):eta(1) mode. The V.V separations (3.1 Å) preclude V-V bonding. Variable-temperature solid-state magnetic susceptibility studies have been performed on complexes 1, 2, and 5 in a 1.0 kG field and 5.00-300 K temperature range. For 1, the effective magnetic moment (mgr;(eff)) gradually decreases from 1.09mgr;(B) at 300 K to 0.26mgr;(B) at 5.00 K. The data were fit to the Bleaney-Bowers equation, and the fitting parameters were J = -419(11) cm(-)(1) and g = 2.05. The singlet-triplet gap is thus 838 cm(-)(1). For 2,mgr;(eff) is essentially temperature-independent, slowly decreasing from 1.90mgr;(B) at 300 K to 1.86mgr;(B) at 55 K and then to 1.63mgr;(B) at 5.00 K. The complex thus is S = (1)/(2) with no thermally accessible S = (3)/(2) state. The combined data on 1 and 2, together with the results of EHT calculations, show that 1 and 2 contain a V-V single bond tying up two of the d electrons and that the remaining two d electrons in 1 are antiferromagnetically coupled to give an S = 0 ground state and S = 1 excited state; for 2, the one remaining d electron gives an S = (1)/(2) state. For 5,mgr;(eff) increases from 5.17mgr;(B) at 320 K to a maximum of 6.14mgr;(B) at 30.0 K and then decreases slightly to 6.08mgr;(B) at 5.00 K. The data were fit to the appropriate theoretical expression to give J = +42.5(6) cm(-)(1), J' = -1.8(5) cm(-)(1), and g = 1.77, where J and J' gauge the interactions between adjacent and terminal V(III) atoms, respectively. The complex has an S = 3 ground state and represents a very rare example of ferromagnetic coupling between V(III) centers.

Research on mentoring has not fully explored the role that negative or dysfunctional behaviors by proteges have on their psychological outcomes. This research examines the effects of protege deception in positive mentoring situations and negative mentoring situations. The results of study 1 indicate that when mentors provided low levels of vocational or psychosocial support, high levels of protege deception were associated with higher levels of protege anxiety than when low levels of protege deception were present. The association between vocational support and protege self-esteem was negative when there were high levels of protege deception (and positive when there were low levels of protege deception). Building on this, in study 2 we examined the importance of mentoring support when the mentor practices negative mentoring. Results indicate that when high levels of protege deception occurred the association between negative mentoring (elements of negative social exchange in mentoring) and self-esteem bec...

The salts of the tetranuclear vanadium(III) ions [V4O2(O2- CEt)7(L–L)2]z (L–L = bpy, z = +1; L–L = pic–, z = –1) with a V4 butterfly topology and a S = 3 ground state have been found to exhibit out-of-phase ac susceptibility signals, a signature of single-molecule magnets.

Unusual thermal robustness is exhibited by a homoleptic ytterbium complex, which sublimes intact at temperatures in excess of 500 °C/760 Torr. Employment of a (N)-nPr substituted ketoiminate ligand provides notable metal encapsulation and ensures substantial air stability and vapor-phase integrity. The octahedral coordination sphere of the metal center is observed as a meridinal (O3,N3) arrangement.

The reaction of [TiCl3(thf)3] with 4 equiv. PhCO2H in refluxing thf or 3 equiv. of Cl– in CH2Cl2 gives [Ti2OCl3(O2CPh)2(thf)3]a and [NEt4]3[Ti2Cl9]2, respectively: crystallography shows them to possess trapped-valence [Ti2(µ-O)(µ-O2CPh)2]3+(TiIIITiIV) and [Ti2(µl)3]3+ cores, respectively, the former with an unusual asymmetrically bridging O2– displaying triple/single bond distances to the metal ions.