bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A people's press
Authors: Foley Michael
Published: October 2007

Local papers still drive news and debate In Northern Ireland, more so than on the mainland. Every facet of the community finds a voice
Beyond sovereignty
Authors: Kearney Richard
Published: October 2007

Dual Identity, Joint sovereignty, the spread of regional and supranational entities and the end of the nation state as we know It... The Good Friday Agreement makes a nonsense of warring nationalities and begs us to reconsider the notion of exclusive territorial sovereignty
One law for all
Authors: Foley Michael
Published: October 2007

Alongside the high profile provisions of the Belfast Agreement- the Assembly, elections, devolved government and the north-south institutions - there are others that have scarcely figured in post-Agreement debate, in particular the creation of human rights commission for north as well as south
Rock - a spiritual pollution
Authors: Reitov Ole
Published: October 2007

A young person's guide to video censorship in Chinese television
White Noise
Authors: Lööw Heléne
Published: October 2007

Neo-Nazi groups are recruiting throughout the developed world; leading the drive are their high energy, punk-derived anthems of hate
Wings of sorrow
Authors: Kenrick Donald
Published: October 2007

One of the most familiar sounds in the fashionable world of café society in the years between the wars was the strain of Gypsy bands who entertained in bars and restaurants across Europe
Rape and the Prophet
Authors: Ceccherini Valerie
Published: October 2007

The women of Pakistan have most to fear from their government's attempts to make sharia law supreme
Speak memory
Authors: Kee Sarah
Published: October 2007

Justice for the victims of Guatemala's dirty war has been slow in coming. Now there are signs of hope
The last Empire
Authors: Duarte Melo Ana
Published: October 2007

A common language is the surviving memorial to the the wreck of the world's oldest - and last - European empire
Empire's revenge
Authors: White Landeg
Published: October 2007

The traumas of decolonisation were not felt in the colonies alone - Portugal itself is still living through the aftershocks of 1974
Out of school
Authors: Lowe Barry
Published: October 2007

It's almost a year before Macau returns to China in December 1999, but some people are already having a foretaste of what that may mean. After four hundred often turbulent years in China, it could be the Jesuits' last stand
Global challenge
Authors: Boff Leonardo
Published: October 2007

Far from spelling the end of revolutionary Catholicism, the triumph of international capital has laid the basis for a qualitative leap forward in the evolution of the spirit
Saramago's voyage
Authors: Hopkinson Amanda
Published: October 2007

Despite International recognition, Portugal's Nobel-winning author has always been an outsider
Forbidden histories
Authors: Babel
Published: October 2007

Photographs and oral testimony from Ukraine's forbidden history by Tim Smith, Rob Perks and Graham Smith
Left off the list of the human race
Authors: Mashtakova Galina
Published: October 2007

When the adult world is about its evil deeds It doesn't give a damn about the children
Graft and graffiti
Authors: Smith Edward Lucie-
Published: October 2007

Two visits to Belgrade in quick succession, in early September and late November, straddling the Kosovo crisis, do little to clarify what must now be the most confusing political and cultural situation in Europe
SLAPPS and Chills
Authors: Petley Julian
Published: October 2007

This year's round-up of television troubles concentrates specifically on the bullying of broadcasters and asks: are they being SLAPPed around?
Libraries and their ashes
Authors: Manguel Alberto
Published: October 2007

No library is perfect - yet their exclusions, ommisions, classifications and obfuscations reveal just as much about their creator's intentions as do their contents
Suddenly last summer
Authors: Diallo Iaguba
Published: October 2007

A nation can lose its memory in one fell swoop as the West African state of Guinea-Bissau discovered in June last year
Places of opportunity
Authors: Holroyd Michael
Published: October 2007

Public libraries have always offered a second chance for those who missed out on formal education: now that safety net is threatened
A tale of three cities
Authors: Foley Michael
Published: October 2007

New Ideas concerning the role and purpose of journalism have provoked debate throughout the former Soviet Union, and more than a little confusion
Witness
Authors: Human Rights Watch
Published: October 2007

Mass killings in Kosovo began within hours of the first NATO bombs on Belgrade. Survivors tell of the execution of 62 ethnic Albanian men of Bela Crkva on 25 March. Forced to flee their homes in the early hours of the morning after Serb forces started burning the village, the villagers fled into the fields toward Rogovo, hiding themselves by the banks of the Bellaj, a stream flowing from Bela Crkva to Rogovo
Russian roulette
Authors: Maryniak Irena
Published: October 2007

Russia's nuclear time-bomb is ticking away unseen and neglected, but whistleblowers are frowned on
Confusing Confucius
Authors: De Kloet Jeroen
Published: October 2007

China's efforts to control 'dangerous music' are as illusory as the social harmony censorship is supposed to enforce
Chinese whispers
Authors: Gittings John
Published: October 2007

The 10th aniversary of the Tiananmen massacre passed quietly enough but the desire for change and for democracy is as strong as ever
Economic dictators
Authors: Kovadloff Santiago , Hopkinson Amanda
Published: October 2007

Globalisation, local rivalries and powerful neighbours in the north together ensure that instability and inequality remain endemic in Latin America
Soldiers' tales
Authors: Mater Nadire
Published: October 2007

Mehmedin Kitab (Mehmed's Book) by Nadire Mater is the Story of life in the Turkish army on the southeastern front as told by 42 of the 220,000 conscripts who have fought for their country in its civil war against the Kurds. On 23 June this year Mehmedin Kitab: soldiers who have fought in the Southeast speak out, to give it its full title, was banned by an Istanbul court on charges of 'insulting and belittling the military'. The court also ordered the seizure of all existing copies.

The military took its time: the book had been around since April and was already in its fourth reprint when it made its views known. Maybe it was the prospect of an English-language translation, already delivered to an editor with a view to UK or US publication, that alarmed the sclerotic generals who still rule Turkey.

This is undoubtedly one of the most important and explosive books to come out of Turkey in the last decade. The soldiers' testimony exposes the army, the politicians and makes it clear that this is an 'unnecessary' and 'unjust' war that is driving the country to bankcrupcy and political suicide. 'I fear we are storing up the wrath to come,' says one of the 'Mehmets' - a generic term for the conscript squaddies
Court in the act
Authors: Robertson Geoffrey
Published: October 2007

In the wake of a war fought for 'ethical values', what price a permanent international criminal tribunal?
Accounting for scattering directivity and fish behaviour in multibeam-echosounder surveys
Authors: Cutter George R. , Demer David A.
Published: October 2007

Cutter, G. R. Jr and Demer, D. A. 2007. Accounting for scattering directivity and fish behaviour in multibeam-echosounder surveys. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 64. Multibeam echosounders can improve the efficiency and the precision of acoustic-survey estimates by providing greater sampling volumes than single-beam echosounders. For a multibeam echosounder, the target strength of fish can vary with its pitch, roll, and yaw. Here, normalized, acoustic backscatter patterns from fish schools are modelled by beam-incidence angle,0–180°, considering the scattering-directivity patterns of each fish. Variation of pitch angle causes a decrease in the mean and an increase in the variance of the backscatter in the vertical beam, but has no effect on the backscatter in the outer beams. Conversely, variation of the yaw causes a decrease in the mean and an increase in the variance of the backscatter in only the outer beams. Because the fish-scattering model predicts different backscatter at dorsal- vs. lateral-incidence angles, backscatter did vary with roll angle. In the hypothetical case of fish avoiding a vessel, the backscatter decreases strongly the outer beams. The results of the model were compared with multibeam measurements of fish schools. In general, the measured mean backscatter vs. beam-incidence angle was nearly uniform. The methods described here provide an approach to accounting for scattering directivity and fish behaviour in multibeam-echosounder surveys.
Tocopherols and Tocotrienols in Barley Oil Prepared from Germ and Other Fractions from Scarification and Sieving of Hulless Barley
Authors: Moreau Robert A. , Wayns Kevin E. , Flores Rolando A. , Hicks Kevin B.
Published: October 2007

Two cultivars of hulless barley (Doyce and Merlin) were scarified to abrade the outer layers of the kernels (germ, pericarp, and aleurone). The resulting scarification fines fractions were then separated into four particle‐size subfractions using sieves. Each of the size subfractions was then extracted with hexane to produce a barley oil, and the levels of free phytosterols, tocopherols, and tocotrienols in the various barley oils were compared. For both cultivars, the fraction with the largest particle size (0.717–1.410 mm) had the highest oil yields (11–12%). Visual examination of this fraction indicated that it consisted almost entirely of small fragments (≈1 mm) of the germ portion of the kernel. The levels of tocopherols were highest in the largest particle‐size fraction and their proportion decreased in the fractions with decreasing particle size. In contrast, the levels of tocotrienols were very low in the largest particle‐size fraction and increased in the fractions with decreasing particle sizes. Intact germ was also prepared by hand‐dissection, extracted, and analyzed. The results indicate that the ≈1 mm germ fragments obtained by scarification‐sieving consisted almost entirely of germ fragments, but these fragments represented only 17.5 and 23.7% of the total mass of the germ, from Merlin and Doyce, respectively. These results also suggest that it may be possible to control the concentrations of tocopherols and tocotrienols in barley oil by controlling the particle size of the feedstock used to extract the oil. Germ fragments isolated by such processes could potentially be used as functional food ingredients or extracted to yield oils enriched in health‐promoting phytosterols, tocopherols, or tocotrienols.
Corrosion of metals at indoor conditions in the electronics manufacturing industry
Authors: Lopez B.G. , Valdez S.B. , Zlatev K.R. , Flores P.J. , Carrillo B.M. , Schorr W.M.
Published: October 2007

Purpose

Aggressive environments that enhance indoor corrosion in industrial plants decrease the yielding of electronic equipment, causing electrical failures. The purpose of the present paper is to evaluate corrosion rates in metals used in electronic devices as a function of temperature, humidity and the concentrations of some air pollutants in order to predict the optimal conditions preventing or minimizing corrosion.

Design/methodology/approach

Atmospheric pollutants mainly sulphur oxides, penetrating through small crevices and holes into electronic plants in combination with climatic factors such as humidity and heat, promote corrosion. The corrosion rate of the five most used metals in the electronics industry: carbon steel, copper, nickel, silver, and tin, were studied gravimetrically as a function of variations in humidity, temperature and air pollutant concentrations from 2003 to 2005. The samples were exposed in an instrumented boot to indoor conditions and gravimetric measurements were performed together with measurements of the above‐mentioned parameters. Mathematical simulation applying Math Lab software was carried out as well. The ternary diagrams for pollutants, temperature and relative humidity were applied as a useful tool to correlate these parameters in indoor conditions with the corrosion rate of metals applied in the electronics industry.

Findings

The obtained results have shown that the presence of even small concentrations of air pollutants promoted corrosion processes when time of wetness conditions were reached.

Practical implications

The study was carried out in order to minimize the corrosion losses of the electronic plants situated especially in Mexicali City located on a semi‐desert zone in the Northwest of Mexico.

Originality/value

This paper establishes the relationship of variations of pollutants concentration, temperature and the relative humidity with the corrosion rate of metals in indoor conditions in the electronics industry located in the semi‐arid zone of Mexicali. Design was characterized and simulated using the MathLab software.
Librarianship: how is the future perceived by librarians in Pakistan?
Authors: Shafique Farzana
Published: October 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review librarianship in different eras and throw light on its foreseeable future, as seen through the eyes of new librarians in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a literature search, website visits, personal communication with related experts and interviews of future librarians. A purposive sample of 20 students of the final semester from the Department of Library and Information Science, University of the Punjab was chosen.

Findings

The electronic environment of the 21st century will demand a range of skills from librarians. Technology alone cannot help bring about the required changes. Attitudes, practices and policies need to change if libraries are to truly benefit themselves and their community of users by the application of new technologies.

Research limitations/implications

The research is mostly based on a small sample of future librarians” perception and researcher”s perception acquired through literature review and personal communication with experts.

Practical implications

The paper can be helpful for both working and future library professionals in planning their professional future tracks.

Originality/value

The paper provides an overview of librarianship in different eras and provides a thorough understanding of the foreseeable future as seen through the eyes of newly qualified Pakistani librarians.
Creating the customer‐responsive supply chain: a reconciliation of concepts
Authors: Reichhart Andreas , Holweg Matthias
Published: October 2007

Purpose

While the concept of supply chain responsiveness (SCR) has received considerable attention in the operations management literature, mostly under the auspices of concepts such as build‐to‐order, mass customisation, lean and agility, so far there is a lack of comprehensive definition of SCR, as well as a defined relationship between “responsiveness” and “flexibility”. Also, the frameworks at hand tend to consider only a subset of factors previously identified in the literature, and thus do not comprehensively portray the cause‐and‐effect relationships involved. This paper aims to address these gaps.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper synthesises the existing contributions to manufacturing and supply chain flexibility and responsiveness, and draws on various related bodies of literature that affect a supply chain's responsiveness such as the discussion of product architecture and modularisation.

Findings

Four types of responsiveness are identified: product, volume, mix, and delivery, all of which can relate to different time horizons, and can be present as either potential or demonstrated responsiveness. It is argued that a supply chain can feature different levels of responsiveness at different tiers, depending on the configuration of the individual nodes, as well as the integration thereof. Furthermore, a holistic framework is proposed, distinguishing between requiring and enabling factors for responsiveness, identifying the key relationships within and between these two categories.

Research limitations/implications

The definition and framework proposed provide novel insights into the concept of SCR as well as a clear terminology that will inform future research. The framework developed in this paper is suitable for both qualitative and holistic quantitative studies.

Originality/value

In addition to a detailed review of the factors associated with SCR, a generic definition of responsiveness is developed. The paper proposes a definition of four types of responsiveness which will support further empirical studies into the concept and its application. Furthermore, a holistic framework is developed that allows for cause‐and‐effect relationships to be investigated and dependencies to be identified.
Inter‐relation of the structural variation theorems and the force method
Authors: Kaveh A. , Najimi M.
Published: October 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to study the variation theorems for pin‐jointed structures and rigid‐jointed frames.

Design/methodology/approach

The generalized force method is explained in a form to illustrate the parallelism of this method and the variation theorem approaches. The inter‐relation between the variation theorems and the force method is then established.

Findings

Examples are presented to illustrate the above‐mentioned parallelism.

Originality/value

The paper shows the power of the force method as a basis of variation theorems.
An under‐relaxation factor control method for accelerating the iteration convergence of flow field simulation
Authors: Min C.H. , Tao W.Q.
Published: October 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to accelerate the iteration convergence for elliptic fluid flow problems, so that an under‐relaxation factor control method is developed.

Design/methodology/approach

There should be an optimal under‐relaxation factor that can result in the equivalence of the global residual norms of momentum equation u and momentum equation v. The two residual norms of the momentum equations will be equivalent through controlling the velocity under‐relaxation factors, and then the iteration convergence can be accelerated. Two expressions (α=(α0)βγ and α=(α0)(1/β)γ) are proposed to adjust the values of under‐relaxation factors for every n iterations.

Findings

From the five preliminary computations it is found that the value of γ can be larger than 1 and of n can be less than 5 for an open system, and the value of γ should be less than 1 and that of n should be larger than 10 for a closed system. These two pairs of parameters are then used in another five examples. It is found that the saving in CPU times is at least 43.9 percent for the closed system and 67.5 percent for the open system.

Research limitations/implications

When the Re or Ra of the two‐dimensional problems are low, this control method is feasible. More research work is needed in order to apply it in three‐dimensional or high Re or Ra problems.

Originality/value

This method is helpful for the acceleration of iteration convergence in simple problems, and is a preparation for the advanced research in complicated problems.
Partnership or self‐reliance: prescriptions for small and medium‐sized enterprises
Authors: Li Lee , Qian Gongming
Published: October 2007

Purpose

The past decade has witnessed the growing importance of partnerships by small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). Yet, despite the popularity and presumed strategic importance of partnerships, partnerships by SMEs often fail and many SMEs turn to self‐reliance operation modes. This study explores industry and firm factors which affect SMEs's choices between partnerships and self‐reliance operation modes. Identification of these factors has important managerial implications for SMEs in their fights to overcome resource and competence limitations.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected data from 68 sample firms and ran regression models to test the propositions.

Findings

SMEs in technology industries should form partnerships. SMEs that are seeking foreign markets should form partnerships to pool their resources and manage diversities, whereas SMEs that focus on their home markets should use self‐reliance operation modes. International expansion requires substantial resources, including country‐specific knowledge. SMEs may not have sufficient resources to overcome market entry barriers and may have to seek resources from external sources. Partnerships are not appropriate for SMEs that focus on market niches. Age places severe constraints on whether an SME should form a partnership or remain self‐reliant. Young SMEs may rely on partnerships to outsource while established SMEs may be uninterested in partnerships. Finally, SMEs that enjoy first mover advantages should not rely too much on partnerships for external resources. In contrast, SMEs that do not enjoy first mover advantages can take partnerships as an important source of external resources.

Originality/value

The findings of this study make important contributions to the existing strategy literature. The study identifies contextual impacts that affect SMEs' choices between partnerships and self‐reliance modes and thus explain why partnerships work for some SMEs but not others. The findings of the study also provide managers with practical guidance as to how to make strategic decisions on partnerships
Sticks and stones: shareholder activists in the public forum
Authors: Dalton Catherine M. , Dalton Dan R.
Published: October 2007

Purpose

This paper discusses shareholder activists in the public forum.

Design/methodology/approach

This as a viewpoint paper in which the authors discuss the roles played by shareholder activists in the public forum.

Findings

There are a variety of responses that companies may take in response to activism.

Originality/value

The authors present some strategies for dealing with shareholder activists and shareholder groups.
High‐functioning business strategy
Authors: Marren Patrick
Published: October 2007

Purpose

The paper expresses the author's viewpoint on business strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on the author's two decades of professional experience as a business strategy consultant.

Findings

There are certain interesting parallels between standard business thinking and autism.

Originality/value

The paper expresses ideas in a way that the author believes they have not been expressed before.
Analysis of transient inductive interference in underground pipelines due to faults on nearby power lines
Authors: Tang Jian , Cui Xiang , Qi Lei , Lu Tiebing , Li Lin , Zhu Puxuan , Yang Guang , Zhang Weizhen
Published: October 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a method to calculate the transient induced voltages along the underground pipelines and analyze the transient interference generated in the pipelines due to the inductive coupling in the fault‐to‐ground condition of power lines in close proximity.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on finite difference‐time domain method, an improved method is proposed to calculate transient inductive interference in underground metallic pipelines due to a fault in nearby power lines. The frequency‐dependent problem in the analysis of transient interference is solved in phase domain. Compared with the traditional method, the disposal of phase‐modal transformation matrices’ frequency‐dependent characteristic is avoided and the calculation is simplified by using vector fitting approach and recursive algorithm greatly in the proposed method.

Findings

A novel improved method is proposed to calculate transient induced voltage distribution along underground metallic pipelines due to a fault in nearby power lines. Results show that the peak value of transient induced voltage at the most critical point is about 1.15 times of the magnitude in the steady state without the fault removed and the analysis of transient inductive interference is necessary in the fault‐to‐ground case of power lines.

Practical implications

In order to mitigate the interference from power lines to nearby pipelines, pipelines should be good grounded and positioned as far away from the power line as possible. In high soil resistivity areas, the common corridor should be avoided.

Originality/value

The paper presents a method to calculate the transient induced voltages along the underground pipelines and analyze the transient interference generated in the pipelines due to the inductive coupling in the fault‐to‐ground condition of nearby power lines. The proposed method is general and can also be applied to other transient interference studies such as crosstalk problems of communication networks and interference between power lines and aboveground pipelines or communication cables. Effects of various parameters upon the inductive interference generated in underground pipelines due to a fault in nearby power lines are analyzed to be a guide for controlling the inductive interference.
Recognition of power transformer winding movement and deformation using FRA
Authors: Saied Mohamed M. , Al‐shaher Meshal A.
Published: October 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a frequency domain technique for the recognition and location of winding movements and mechanical deformations in power transformers. Both, axial and radial coil movements, as well as changes in clamp pressure will be studied.

Design/methodology/approach

The developed algorithm is based on using a distributed s‐domain parameter equivalent network, which is cascaded with other sections to constitute a generalized model. The frequency domain transfer admittance is used as the main criterion to recognize, identify and locate the winding movement and deformation.

Findings

In order to reduce the number of failures due to winding movements and deformations, it is suggested to measure and store the transfer admittance over frequency range 0‐10 MHz region at normal operation as saved data for comparison with the corresponding data during failure. With the proposed technique, the type and the location of eventual displacement, as well as the number discs involved can be identified.

Research limitations/implications

Although the simulation was based on real experimental data adopted from the literature, the algorithm should be tested for real transformers. Several checks have been conducted in order to validate the mathematical model.

Originality/value

A relatively simple mathematical model has been presented. It can be used for any transformer, to check the integrity of the winding in order to meet certain degree of equipment safety and reliability.
Interpolating EFGM for computing continuous and discontinuous electromagnetic fields
Authors: Nelson Marques Gleber , Márcio Machado José , Luis Lopes Verardi Sérgio , Stephany Stephan , Jonatas Preto Airam
Published: October 2007

Purpose

This paper proposes an interpolating approach of the element‐free Galerkin method (EFGM) coupled with a modified truncation scheme for solving Poisson's boundary value problems in domains involving material non‐homogeneities. The suitability and efficiency of the proposed implementation are evaluated for a given set of test cases of electrostatic field in domains involving different material interfaces.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors combined an interpolating approximation with a modified domain truncation scheme, which avoids additional techniques for enforcing the Dirichlet boundary conditions and for dealing with material interfaces usually employed in meshfree formulations.

Findings

The local electric potential and field distributions were correctly described as well as the global quantities like the total potency and resistance. Since, the treatment of the material interfaces becomes practically the same for both the finite element method (FEM) and the proposed EFGM, FEM‐oriented programs can, thus, be easily extended to provide EFGM approximations.

Research limitations/implications

The robustness of the proposed formulation became evident from the error analyses of the local and global variables, including in the case of high‐material discontinuity.

Practical implications

The proposed approach has shown to be as robust as linear FEM. Thus, it becomes an attractive alternative, also because it avoids the use of additional techniques to deal with boundary/interface conditions commonly employed in meshfree formulations.

Originality/value

This paper reintroduces the domain truncation in the EFGM context, but by using a set of interpolating shape functions the authors avoided the use of Lagrange multipliers as well as of a penalty strategy. The resulting formulation provided accurate results including in the case of high‐material discontinuity.
Synthesis, characterisation, monomer reactivity ratios and thermal stabilities of homo and copolymers of 4‐nonylphenyl methacrylate with styrene
Authors: Satapathy H. , Banthia A.K.
Published: October 2007

Purpose

To synthesise and characterise homo and copolymer of 4‐nonylphenyl methacrylate (NPMA) and styrene and to determine monomer reactivity ratios by the application of conventional linearisation methods such as Finemann‐Ross (F‐R) and Kelen‐Tudos (K‐T) methods.

Design/methodology/approach

New methacrylic monomer, NPMA with a pendant nonylphenyl group was copolymerised with styrene. All monomer and polymers (homo and copolymer) are characterised and subsequently the monomer reactivity ratio was determined.

Findings

The monomer reactivity ratios were determined by application of conventional linearisation methods such as F‐R (r1=0.41±0.05; r2=3.47±0.31), K‐T (r1=0.43±0.19; r2=3.54±0.09) methods. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of the polymer in nitrogen reveals that it posses very good thermal stability in comparison to alkyl acrylates due to presence of pendant nonylphnyl group.

Research limitations/implications

New methacrylic monomer, NPMA was synthesised by reacting nonylphenol dissolved in methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) with methacryloyl chloride in the presence of triethylamine as a base. Copolymers of NPMA with styrene were synthesised in MEK using benzoyl peroxide (BPO) as initiator under nitrogen atmosphere at different feed composition.

Practical implications

The method developed is a simple and easy method of copolymerisation of styrene with methacrylate to obtain copolymer of better properties.

Originality/value

The method developed is a novel method for enhancing the thermal, as well as surface adhesion, properties which has several applications in surface coatings and adhesives.
Studies on thermal stress of lac‐polyvinyl butyral resin blends through specular reflectance spectra
Authors: Bhatia D. , Alam M. , Sarkar P.C.
Published: October 2007

Purpose

To study the changes occurring in lac‐polyvinyl butyral (PVB) resin blends at molecular levels on baking the blends at 200°C for different intervals of time. It was also to ascertain the changes in key physico‐chemical parameters of these blends, before and after applying thermal stress on these blends.

Design/methodology/approach

Films of lac‐PVB blends, applied on tin panels were baked at 200°C for different time intervals. The FTIR spectra of the blends were recorded using specular reflectance spectroscopic techniques. The results obtained were compared and reported. The blends were also tested for different physico‐chemical parameters such as scratch hardness, flexibility, adhesion, acid resistance, etc.

Findings

On baking the blends of lac‐PVB resin at 200°C for different time intervals; fragmentation reaction, that is breakdown of products into small molecules, takes place in lac‐PVB blends. Side products such as acetic acid emerge on baking the blends. Probably hydrolysis of oxirane ring also takes place leading to the release of free alcoholic groups. The lac‐PVB blends do not show any improvement in scratch hardness and are also not resistant to the action of acids. The blends made by lac‐PVB resin baked at 200°C do not seem to be compatible as no improvement in any of the physico‐chemical parameters was seen.

Research limitations/implications

Mixtures of solvents were tried for dissolving the PVB resin. In most of the solvent mixtures, PVB resin forms big lumps and is not soluble so there is a need for universal solvent for dissolving the PVB resin. The spectral studies on lac‐PVB blends were conducted qualitatively, although desirable, quantitative studies could not be carried out, due to the inherent difficulties in handling the resins.

Practical implications

The parent resins in lac‐PVB blends (baked at 200°C) do not seem to be compatible with one another as there was no improvement in any of the physico‐chemical parameters of the lac‐PVB blends. For making lac‐PVB blends, low range of baking temperature may be tried.

Originality/value

In literature, there is not much evidence of making lac‐PVB blends. This paper is the first one in attempting to obtain and correlate FTIR spectra of the lac‐PVB blends with physico‐chemical changes of the blends. This paper also highlights the convenience of the method and the scope of sophisticated data analysis such as derivative spectrometry.
Ultrasound assisted pre‐treatment and dyeing of linen fibres with reactive dyes
Authors: Ahmed N.S.E. , El‐Shishtawy R.M. , Kamel M.M.
Published: October 2007

Purpose

To explore the use of power ultrasound as an environmentally friendly heating technology for the pre‐treatment of linen fibres with sodium perborate as the halogen free oxidising agent and to study the impact of this process on its dyeability with reactive dyes.

Design/methodology/approach

Exploiting power ultrasound in the wet processes of linen fibres was made in two steps, i.e. ultrasonic pre‐treatment with sodium perborate followed by ultrasonic dyeing with reactive dyes. Therefore, comparative studies between conventional and ultrasonic techniques as well as the different factors that may affect these processes were investigated. The effect of the pre‐treatment on fibre fine structure using X‐ray diffraction technique was also investigated.

Findings

The results of the increase of whiteness index indicate that ultrasonic pre‐treatment was better at all studied treatment times and at low temperature. X‐ray diffraction studies on blank, ultrasonically and conventionally pre‐treated linen fibres have shown 70.41, 67.51 and 64.90 per cent crystallinity, respectively. The dyeing of the pre‐treated fibres with Reactive Red 24 was simultaneously carried out under both ultrasonic and conventional heating conditions to study the effect of dye concentrations at different dyeing temperatures. The colour strength values obtained for the dyed samples using ultrasonic at 50°C were slightly higher than those obtained using conventional heating at 80°C. Ultrasonic enhancement in the pre‐treatment and dyeing in terms of the percent increase of colour strength of the dyed fabric was estimated to be 157.94 per cent higher than that of conventional heating method. The results of wet fastness properties of the dyed fibres using ultrasonic revealed improvement relative to those obtained using conventional heating method.

Research limitations/implications

The improved wet processes of linen fibres suggest further investigation to exploit power ultrasound in the wet processes of cellulosic fibres at low temperature using different classes of halogen free bleaching agents and dyeing with different classes of heat‐requiring reactive dyes. Also, this work may inspire the synthesis of new generation of heat‐requiring reactive dyes.

Practical implications

The work presented has significant potential industrial application for cleaner production in textile industries.

Originality/value

The present study of linen pre‐treatment with non‐toxic total chlorine free oxidising agent and its dyeability with reactive dyes using power ultrasound is novel and could be used in the wet processes of linen fibres.
Synthesis and application of some new disperse azo dyes derived from 2‐cyanomethyl benzothiazole
Authors: El‐Kashouti M.A. , Elgemeie G.H. , El‐Molla M.M , El‐Sayad H.S. , Ahmed K.A.E.
Published: October 2007

Purpose

To synthesize some new heterocyclic disperse azo dyes and their utilization in textile printing.

Design/methodology/approach

To prepare 1‐cayno‐1‐substituted aryl azo‐2‐methyl benzothiazole by the reaction of 2‐aminothiophenol with malononitrile and the end product coupled with different diazonium salts. The prepared dyestuffs are established using element analysis, IR measurements, 1H‐NMR and Mass spectra. Printing pastes containing the prepared dyestuffs and a thickener were used for printing polyester and/or nylon 6 using either transfer printing or traditional printing.

Findings

New selected arylazo cyanomethyl benzothiazole dyes were obtained from the reaction of diazotized aniline derivatives with 2‐cyanomethyl benzothiazole as a coupling component. The suitability of the prepared dyestuffs for either heat transfer printing or traditional printing on polyester and nylon 6 fabrics has been investigated. The prints obtained from dyes containing non polar groups which have sublimation properties possess high colour strength as well as good overall fastness properties if compared to those obtained using dyes containing polar groups.

Research limitations/implications

The new heterocyclic disperse azo dyes were prepared from 2‐cyanomethylbenzothiazole and were utilized in preparing pastes for textile printing to print polyester and nylon 6 fabrics. In addition, the variation in substituents on the synthesized dyes could also be studied.

Practical implications

The method of synthesis of the new dyestuffs provides a simple and practical solution to prepare some new heterocyclic disperse azo dyes with low molecular weight, suitable for sublimation in heat transfer printing methods.

Originality/value

The methods for synthesis of the new heterocyclic disperse azo dyes are simple. These dyestuffs could be used in textile printing of polyester and nylon 6 on an industrial scale.
The role of cyber‐intermediaries: a framework based on transaction cost analysis, agency, relationship marketing and social exchange theories
Authors: Luo Xueming , Donthu Naveen
Published: October 2007

Purpose

The purpose of his paper is to define the role of cyber‐intermediaries based on several theories such as transaction cost analysis, agency, social exchange, and relationship marketing.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual piece that uses arguments from well‐established theories in marketing and management

Findings

This paper suggests that cyber‐intermediaries will continue to add value to the producer‐consumer chain, benefiting both the producers and the consumers.

Practical implications

The nature and type of products and services will define the role of the intermediary. They may be more useful in the low cost but frequently purchased product categories.

Originality/value

The paper presents an integration of existing theories to understand the role of cyber‐intermediaries.
An analysis of a potential cluster in an energy sector of Albany, NY
Authors: Frisillo Dana
Published: October 2007

Purpose

The idea of business clusters is used more and more in public policy as businesses and governments are noticing their advantages. The purpose of this study was to determine if a business cluster would be possible in an energy sector of Albany, New York, since energy is so diverse.

Design/methodology/approach

The method utilized for this research was a case study approach, whereby data were accumulated through first hand knowledge in a particular study done on a potential cluster in Albany, New York. The aim of the literature review was to decipher which elements would be necessary to develop a cluster.

Findings

The findings concluded that the basic elements of a cluster consist of: geography, the role of government, entrepreneurship, SME's, trust, cooperation and networking. All are necessary for a cluster to succeed. The researcher documented the birth of the cluster by attending several meetings and a trade show. Interviews were conducted with the leaders who were involved in the cluster, which included government, educational and business officials. The results concluded that most of the elements were present in the Albany area to develop a cluster, and therefore the cluster could be possible.

Research limitations/implications

Clusters can take years before they are successful, and this study was not nearly long enough to determine this. Further research will be needed to determine if the cluster could be fully operational.

Originality/value

This study is valuable because it offers a model for future clusters to follow. It is original in nature as there have never been any studies done on this particular topic; especially in an energy sector of Albany, New York. It also serves as foundational and historical evidence for future research.
Consumer adoption of online music services
Authors: Kunze Oliver , Mai Li‐Wei
Published: October 2007

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to offer insights into what consumers are looking for when downloading music and what different consumer groups might look for in commercial online music services, based on their current level of music downloading, and their likelihood of purchasing music online in the near future.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature review focused on the risk and adoption theories. Interviews were used to help derive variables used in the design of a questionnaire. A web survey of 211 samples was used as a data collection method for this study.

Findings

The results suggest that performance and time‐loss aspects of perceived risks are playing an important role, while social and psychological aspects of risks are of the least concern to consumers. Where different types of users are concerned, those with the most experience of downloading music are the least profitable segment to target. Non and Light downloaders, on the other hand, should be the focus of marketing activities, although their needs are different.

Originality/value

This paper highlighted that different groups have different behaviours towards downloading music. The finding helps the online music providers to focus on and capture the new age downloaders.
Managing retail chain profitability based on local competitive conditions: preliminary analysis
Authors: Hernant Mikael , Andersson Thomas , Hilmola Olli‐Pekka
Published: October 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to describe the determinants of profitability in terms of the strategic profitability model (the Du Pont model), depicting the “route” to high profitability in grocery retail stores located in market areas possessing dissimilar competitive conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

Different physical characteristics (e.g. store formats) have traditionally been used as control criteria, but it is argued in this paper that management principles in retail chains should be based on different clusters of stores, formed from local competitive conditions. The paper proposes a clustering method based on five indicators of local competition. The research results are derived from local competitive conditions and the performance of 168 supermarkets, located in Sweden, and controlled by one retail chain.

Findings

The paper identifies four clusters of local markets labeled monopoly, fleet market, venue, and duopoly, based on local competitive conditions. The findings show that the “route” to profitability significantly differs between the clusters. In monopoly the route to high profitability goes through high‐gross margin, while in fleet market the key figures are low cost, large number of shoppers per week, and high productivity. Venue and duopoly both gain from high‐average transactions per shopper.

Practical implications

Supermarkets under different competitive conditions have different critical success factors and would probably be better managed, supported and evaluated on a different basis, i.e. retail chains need to adjust their approach to their supermarkets depending on local competitive conditions.

Originality/value

Based on the findings the paper proposes unique management strategies for different clusters of local markets to further enhance current strength areas.
Assessment of a zero‐dimensional model of tumble in four‐valve high performance engine
Authors: Ramajo Damian , Zanotti Angel , Nigro Norberto
Published: October 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess a phenomenological zero‐dimensional model (0‐D model) in order to evaluate both the in‐cylinder tumble motion and turbulence in high‐performance engine, focusing on the capability and sensitivity of the model.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was performed using a four‐valve pentroof engine, testing two different intake ports. The first one was a conventional port and the second one was design in such a way to promote tumble. CFD simulations for admission and compression strokes under different engine conditions were carried out. Then, the in‐cylinder entrance mass and mean velocities from CFD were imposed as boundary conditions in the 0‐D model.

Findings

Marked discrepancies between 0‐D model and CFD results were found. As expected, for the original port, CFD results displayed a poor tumble generation during the admission period. It was followed by a fast degradation of the tumble momentum along the compression stroke due to it was not dominant over the other two momentum components. 0‐D model overestimated the entrance‐tumble but underestimated the vortex degradation along the compression stroke, resulting in higher tumble predictions, thereby it is not recommended for low‐tumble engines. As for the modified port, 0‐D model assumptions were closer to the in‐cylinder flow field from CFD, but results underestimated the entrance‐tumble during the intake stroke and predicted excessive tumble at the end of the compression stroke. Summarizing, 0‐D model neither showed sensitivity to changes in the intake port because of the scarce information about the entrance‐flow field nor it was not suitable to evaluate the tumble degradation.

Originality/value

The limitations of the current model were highlighted, given possible guidelines in order to improve it.