bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of network variables on the artificial neural network models for yield strength of austenitic stainless steel
Authors: Das K. , Poddar D.R. , Banerjee M.K.
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to model the relationship between the yield strength of austenitic stainless steel and its chemical composition through the employment of artificial neural network (ANN). The effect of annealing temperature is also taken into consideration.

Design/methodology/approach

The influence of network parameters, total number of neurons, number of neurons in a hidden layer, number of hidden layers and the interlayer distribution of neurons with a constant total neuron number, on the achievable training error is studied. Different learning rules available in MATLAB are used to assess the learning efficiencies of various networks.

Findings

It is found that increasing neuron number leads to a lowering of achievable training error up to a certain value beyond which training error remains constant. Increasing number of layers at constant total number of neurons causes a rise in the achievable training error. It is noted that if there is a sudden restriction of data flow in an ANN architecture, the achievable training error becomes higher. Interlayer distribution of neurons in ANNs used with different algorithms is found to have significant influence on the predictive performance of the networks.

Originality/value

From the study on metallurgical validation of the output of various ANNs, it appears that mere attainment of a lower training error is not sufficient to achieve better generalization. A convergent network topology is found to be better than a divergent one in respect of effectively describing the input‐output relationship in austenitic stainless steel.
Multidiscipline Modeling in Materials and Structures
Authors: Yadawa P.K. , Yadav R.R.
Published: November 2014

A simple interaction‐potential model has been established to calculate the higher order elastic constants of intermetallic YbAl2 in the temperature range from 10‐300K. Temperature dependent second and third order elastic constants are used for the determination of the ultrasonic attenuation, velocity, Grüneisen numbers, Acoustic‐coupling constants, and thermal relaxation time at the different temperatures. Temperature dependency of the ultrasonic properties of YbAl2 is similar at low temperatures to that of pure metals and the low carrier heavy fermion systems ‐ LaSb, YbAs and YbP having simple NaCl‐type structures. Thermal energy density makes significant contribution to the total attenuation in the compound at the higher temperatures from 100‐300K. Effect of the magnetic field on the ultrasonic attenuation is also evaluated using the magneto resistance data. At 100K, the effect of the magnetic field becomes insignificant. The attenuation decreases with the field at 3K to 50K.
Objective Stress Rates and Residual Strains in Stress Cycles
Authors: Zhang X.Q.
Published: November 2014

widely‐used hypoelastic model for four well‐known objective stress rates under a four‐phase stress cycle associated with axial tension and/or torsion of thin‐walled cylindrical tubes. Here, two kinds of models based upon the Cauchy stress and the Kirchhoff stress will be treated. The reduced systems of differential equations of these rate constitutive equations are derived and studied for Jaumann, Green‐ Naghdi, logarithmic and Truesdell stress rates, separately. Analytical solutions in some cases and numerical solutions in all cases are obtained using these reduced systems. Comparisons between the residual deformations are made for different cases. It may be seen that only the logarithmic stress rate results in no residual deformation. In particular, results indicate that Green‐Naghdi rate would generate unexpected residual deformation effect that is essentially different from that resulting from Jaumann rate. On the other hand, it is realized that this study accomplishes an alternative, direct proof for the nonintegrability problem of Truesdell’s hypoelastic rate equation with classical stress rates. This problem has been first treated successfully by Simo and Pister in 1984 using Bernstein’s integrability conditions. However, such treatment needs to cope with a coupled system of nonlinear partial differential equations in Cauchy stress. Here, a different idea is used. It is noted that every integrable hypoelastic equation is just an equivalent rate form of an elastic equation and hence should produce no residual deformations under every possible stress cycle. Accordingly, a hypoelastic model with a stress rate has to be non‐integrable, whenever a stress cycle can be found under which this model generates residual deformation. According to this idea of reductio ad absurdum, a well‐designed stress cycle is introduced and the corresponding residual deformations are calculated. Unlike the treatment of Bernstein’s integrability conditions, it may be a simple and straightforward matter to calculate the final deformations for a given stress cycle. This has been done in this study for several well‐known stress rates.
Do male and female forensic patients with learning disabilities differ on subscales of the Novaco Anger Scale and Provocation Inventory (NAS‐PI)?
Authors: Chilvers Jane , Thomas Cathy
Published: November 2014

Purpose

High levels of anger have been associated with forensic learning disabled populations. The role of gender within the experience of anger is not clear. This study aims to start exploring the question “Do female forensic patients with learning disabilities have different needs in relation to anger?”

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a between‐subjects design with one independent variable: gender. The Novaco Anger Scale and Provocation Inventory was applied. Scores obtained by 12 females were compared with those of 23 males within a forensic psychiatric service for learning disabled patients.

Findings

Significant differences were found between scores, suggesting female forensic patients with learning disabilities experience higher levels of anger than do males, particularly in the arousal domain, and demonstrate difficulties in regulating anger.

Research limitations/implications

The use of a single measure of anger and the small, forensic nature of the sample limits this study. It is recommended that further research address these issues and extend the exploration of this issue to non‐forensic populations.

Practical implications

Gender specific differences, and the potential influence of learning disabilities should be considered when assessing and treating anger difficulties. Female forensic patients with learning disabilities may benefit from a greater emphasis on anger arousal reduction work.

Social implications

This study highlights how the impact of gender and learning disabilities on the experience of anger is currently insufficiently understood.

Originality/value

This study forms a preliminary study of anger in the under‐researched population of females with learning disabilities.
Social psychiatry and social policy for the twenty‐first century – new concepts for new needs: relational health
Authors: Johnson Robin , Haigh Rex
Published: November 2014

Purpose

This final article in the series of three identifies and illustrates the links between the “enabling environment” approach and contemporary social policy themes such as relational health, public health, social inclusion; and the “Big Society”.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper begins with an example of the standards‐based approach in practice. It then indicates other areas where this approach is currently being explored. Finally it summarises recent contemporary policy frameworks for which the EE approach, it is suggested, supplies both a shared vocabulary and a practical, evidence‐able agenda.

Findings

There is growing recognition of the need for a “sea change” away from a simple clinical interventions framework for community mental health and addressing health inequalities. There are clear linkages in this new approach with past and emerging policy frameworks in public health and corporate social responsibility, including the need for more “bottom up” solutions with local ownership.

Originality/value

This series of three papers is the first introduction to psychologically informed environments and the enabling environment approach to be made available to the general and specialist public.
Group singing fosters mental health and wellbeing: findings from the East Kent “singing for health” network project
Authors: Clift Stephen , Morrison Ian
Published: November 2014

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the development and evaluation of an innovative community singing initiative with mental health services users and supporters in East Kent, UK.

Design/methodology/approach

A network of seven singing groups was established between September 2009 and June 2010. The choirs met weekly in three terms with breaks for Christmas and Easter, and joined together for two public performances in February and June 2010. In total, 137 participants were involved in the evaluation processes over this period. Of these, 42 provided complete data on the CORE questionnaire, a widely used clinical measure of mental distress, at baseline and eight months later.

Findings

Clinically significant improvements were observed in response to the CORE. These changes, together with qualitative feedback from participants, demonstrate that group singing can have substantial benefits in aiding the recovery of people with a history of serious and enduring mental health problems. A limited body of research has also shown that singing can be helpful for people with existing mental and physical health problems.

Originality/value

The research finds marked improvements in mental wellbeing on a clinically validated measure for people with a range of enduring mental health issues participating in a network of small choirs. Qualitative evidence indicates that group singing can offer a wide range of emotional and social benefits for mental health service users.
Co‐operative Leadership: Supervisory Training at Ford, Cologne
Authors: Schaefer Christopher , Stahlke Ulf
Published: November 2014

Training and learning can be two different events. This is especially so in the field of production supervision. Ford in all its European Operations knows the difficulties and constantly seeks improvement. Ford of Britain presented a paper at an IPM conference on its supervisory training programme. This article describes a similar approach in Ford of Germany.
American Library Association Toronto Conference
Authors: MITCHELL COL. J.M.
Published: November 2014

WHEN I left Toronto on the third day of the Conference it was not known how many delegates would ultimately be found to have attended it. Some had still to arrive. More than 1,700, however, had registered, and it was thought quite likely that as many as 2,000 would be the ultimate total—a “record” figure, outstripping even the attendance at the Jubilee Conference at Atlantic City. The other British representatives were Miss Overbury (West Riding); Miss Anne Rankin of the John Rylands Library, Manchester; Mr. G. T. Shaw (Liverpool); and Dr. Lowe (Leicester).
The McColvin Report: further comments
Authors: L.R.
Published: November 2014

THE following further comments are to hand dealing with Mr. McColvin's Report, and we have pleasure in publishing them.
The Scottish Central Library
Authors: H.R.H.
Published: November 2014

Librarians are aware of the fact that for some years the Carnegie United Kingdom Trustees have had in view the time when the Scottish Central Library would be given official recognition and find its home in the setting of Edinburgh. The premises at Dunfermline were just good enough for a slowly developing scheme, but as the years passed it became obvious that other arrangements would have to be made, and the capital city was looked upon as the natural setting for the extending enterprise.
The Library Association Syllabus and Proposed Amendments: A Symposium
Authors: L.R.
Published: November 2014

During the past two years a Joint Committee of representatives of the Library Association and Aslib has met at intervals to consider ways in which the syllabus of the Library Association could be made to suit more fully the needs of all types of library and information work. The aim has largely been to discover how the present syllabus could be changed so that anyone holding the chartered qualification of the Library Association would be competent to work effectively, on the basis of the knowledge they had gained, in any type of library. In the March, 1957, Library Association Record, there was published a draft scheme, and this scheme has formed the basis of the comments in this Symposium. The draft has been fairly well surveyed by our contributors, but we are open to publish further comment.
Equity‐Linked Cross‐Currency International Financial Instruments: A Study of the Pricing of Euro‐Warrants
Authors: Folks William R. , Ferri Michael G.
Published: November 2014

Although the Eurobond market has been reasonably welldeveloped for almost two decades, only recently has there been a proliferation of equity‐linked Eurobonds, as issuers have attempted to respond to historically high Eurobond interest rates and the opportunities to reduce the nominal yield of issues by providing for conversion of the bond or by attaching warrants for purchase of the stock of the issuer. From 1979 to 1983, some twenty‐three corporate issuers have attached warrants for stock purchase to Eurobond issues which were denominated in a currency different from that of the jurisdictional headquarters of the parent; twenty‐one issues were denominated in dollars, one (Jusco) in German marks, and one (Schering AG) in sterling. By nationality, nine issues were made by German firms, all of which are industrial leaders or major banks; seven issuers were Japanese; three, British; two, Swiss (both banks); and two Canadian (both Seagrams Co.).
Risk and Managerial Finance
Authors: Allen D.E.
Published: November 2014

This edition of managerial finance is concerned with various aspects of risk considered in terms of the manner in which it affects investors in companies, the companies themselves, and financial institutions which lend funds to companies. Risk is usually interpreted as referring to the fact that events may turn out differently from prior expectations. Risk cannot be divorced from business life but some of the consequences of risk can be anticipated and either avoided, limited or insured against in various ways. The identification, assessment and management of risk is the subject of this set of papers.
Business Investment Strategy and Firm Performance: A Comparative Examination of Accounting and Market‐Based Measures
Authors: Wayne Rockmore B. , Jones Foard F.
Published: November 2014

This study examined the relationship between 130 firm's business investment strategy and their firm performance, as measured by return on investment (ROI) and earnngs per share (EPS). ROI was used as the accounting performance measure and EPS was used as the market‐based performance measure. Results indicate that the accounting performance measure (ROI) may be more appropriate for firms pursuing share‐increasing and turnaround business investment strategies. Whereas both accounting (ROI) and market‐based (EPS) measures may be more appropriate for firms pursuing less risky profit‐oriented business investment strategies.
WOODHOUSE AND ANOTHER v. PETER BROTHERHOOD LTD.
Authors: Donaldson John , Arkell J.H. , Briggs H.
Published: November 2014

December 17, 1971 Master and Servant — Redundancy — Redundancy payment — Continuity of employment — Transfer of trade or business — Sale of factory and equipment to new employers — Transfer of labour force to employers — Similar work carried on at factory for new employers — Vendors of factory carrying on same business elsewhere — Whether “trade or business … transferred … to [new employers]” — Contracts of Employment Act 1963 (c.49) s.l(S), Sch. 1 para. 10(2) — Redundancy Payments Act 1965 (c.62) s.l(l), Sch. 1 para. 1(1).
H.W. SMITH (CABINETS) LTD. v. BRINDLE
Authors: Denning  , Megaw L.J. , Willmer Gordon
Published: November 2014

November 7, 1972 Industrial Relations — Unfair dismissal — Statutory compensation — Month's notice of dismissal given before coming into force of statutory protection — Notice expiring after provisions in force — Whether contract of employment terminated when notice given or when expiring — Whether jurisdiction to award compen‐sation for unfair dismissal where period of notice straddling date of coming into force of statutory protection — Act with retrospective effect — No room for interpreting clear words to avoid retrospective effect — Industrial Relations Act 1971 (c.72) ss. 22,23(2)(a)(3), 167.
MAYHEW v. RICHARD ALEXANDER & SON
Authors: Donaldson John , Fielding F.J. , Lawder F.H.
Published: November 2014

May 22, 1973 Industrial Relations — Unfair dismissal — Jurisdiction — Employee dismissed — Four employees at termination of employment — Three employed for more than 13 weeks — Fourth employed for less than 13 weeks — Whether less than four employees “who” had been continuously employed — Industrial Relations Act, 1971(c.72), s.27( l )(a).
SUTCLIFFE v. HAWKER SIDDELEY AVIATION LTD.
Authors: Donaldson John , Henniker‐Heaton C. , Roberts H.
Published: November 2014

September 10, 1973 Industrial Relations — Unfair dismissal — Constructive unfair dismissal — Notice tendered by employee having no other option — Application for redundancy payment dismissed — Aircraft electrician contracting to work at employer's request at any station within United Kingdom — Refusal to work in Scotland — Acceptance by employer of notice terminating employment — Whether constructive unfair dismissal — Whether dismissed by reason of redundancy — Deprecation of technicalities — Industrial tribunal's duty to consider alternative view of party's contention — Redundancy Payments Act, 1965 (c. 62), s. l(2)(b) — Industrial Relations Act, 1971 (c. 72), s. 23(2).
Primary Bases for Decision Making in Small Business
Authors: Rice George H.
Published: November 2014

An examination of the decision‐making activity of 45 owner‐managers of small businesses in four Texas cities. The dominant factor in most identified decisions was either economic benefit or social relationships.
Risk Insurance and Underinvestment in Education
Authors: Wallace Richard M.
Published: November 2014

Introduction In recent years considerable attention has been given to the role of the State in the financing and provision of education. Public financing of education has, in particular, been widely justified on the grounds that there are external benefits from education (1). Underinvestment in education occurs because the individual equates private benefits and private costs. But social costs equal private costs while social benefits exceed the private ones. This situation can be corrected by reducing private costs through public subsidies.
Property Taxation and Efficient Urban Land Allocation: The Land Value Tax Revisited
Authors: Miley Harry W.
Published: November 2014

Introduction During the last quarter of the nineteenth century and the first quarter of the twentieth, a great deal of literature was devoted to the virtues and deficiences of the general property tax and its proposed replacements — a system of land value taxation, or the more extreme single‐tax advocated by Henry George. The controversy may seem academic to many who claim that the property tax is adequate and fulfills its purpose to the city — as its chief source of local government revenue. But the relationship between the far‐reaching economic effects of the property tax and the economic forces which help shape urban development warrants further study in order to clarify the issue for urban planners and developers attempting to solve cities' problems.
Coatings update: a review of new raw materials
Authors: Americus
Published: November 2014

The new raw materials which have appeared in the two years have been heavily weighted towards water‐based coatings. Thus, these will be emphasised in the discussion that follows. Also of considerable interest are a variety of new solvent‐based acrylic raw materials. Beyond this, there has been only modest variations of existing products useful in the formulation of coatings.
Coatings update: Scientific studies Part 2
Authors: Americus
Published: November 2014

The overall concept of permeability in paint films has been reviewed by Boxall and von Fraunhofer [Paint Manufacture, 45, November (1975) p. 14] who point out that as a result of their research the efficiency of anti‐corrosion pigments is closely related to water permeability in the paint film. Indeed, pigments like basic zinc chromate are only cabale of inhibiting substrate corrosion when in contact with water. This raises an interesting question relative to the effectiveness of anticorrosive pigments in highly water‐resistant films. Of course, as the authors point out, all films have a degree of permeability. No doubt this permeability increases as the film ages and, accordingly, the anticorrosive pigment may become more effective as the film ages and loses some of its protective properties.
Recent applications of gel permeation chromatography in the paint industry Part 1
Authors: Ellis R.A.
Published: November 2014

Gel permeation chromatography is an analytical technique that separates molecules according to their size. The size of a molecule in solution depends upon its molecular weight and stereochemistry. Therefore, for solutions of highly‐polymerised materials of regular structure, the sizes are a direct indication of molecular weight. For solutions of low‐molecular‐weight species on the other hand, the size of the molecule will vary considerably to its chemical constituents and may also be affected by polar interactions with the solvent or between the individual molecules themselves.
Coatings update: Pollution and the paint industry
Authors: Americus
Published: November 2014

An interesting article by Brown [Journal of Paint Technology, 47, January (1975) p.69] describes the technical impact of government pollution regulations with particular emphasis on the coatings industry. In his article, he discusses vinyl chloride, pointing out that as of January 1, 1975, the maximum allowable level of vinyl chloride monomer is 1 p.pm. averaged over any eight‐hour period and not more than 5 p.p.m. averaged over any 15‐minute period.
Some misconceptions about comminution and particle size
Authors: Smith Edward A. , Pemberton Ernest W.
Published: November 2014

Excellent though they are for quality control, instruments which measure particle size by non‐optical means, tend to pass over features in powders and dispersions which can throw light on production problems or in product formulation. In effect, this is a plea for chemists to recruit optical methods in the study of powders, dry or wetted, alongside the indirect, instrumental methods which, it must be granted, have revolutionized quality control, and in some instances, research.
Coatings update: the immediate outlook
Authors: Americus
Published: November 2014

All was not bright in the coatings industry in 1981. Although the final figures are not in at the time this report is being written, it is likely that gallonage will be down in 1981 just as it was in 1980. Of course dollar figures were up, a consequence, as everyone knows, of inflation. But the true test of performance of an industry is whether the actual units of the product increase.
Coatings update: Scientific articles
Authors: Americus
Published: November 2014

Polymer Structure. A number of articles describe basic research on polymers of interest to the paint industry. Thus Sperling [Journal of Polymer Science, Macromolecular Reviews, 12 (1977) p. 141] describes interpenetrating polymer networks as structures which result when a crosslinked polymer is swelled by a monomer which contains also a crosslinking or polymerising agent. The monomer is thus polymerised in situ, presumably in the voids and intersticies provided by the initial crosslinked polymer. In this way, Sperling describes the morphology and mechanical properties of interpenetrating polymer networks.
Coatings update: specialty coatings and new coating processes
Authors: Americus
Published: November 2014

A large number of coatings have been described which serve very specific purposes. An example is a foam coating which may be applied by spraying, dipping, or other normal procedures. On curing, however, there is sufficient gas generation to foam the coating. A fine cellular structure results. The resulting layer is thick but light and has a very high strength‐to‐volume ratio as well as insulating properties [Downey Finishing Corp., 1629 S. 55th Ave., Cicero, IL 60650].
Coatings update: new raw materials for waterborne coatings
Authors: Americus
Published: November 2014

New raw materials which are announced each year for coatings are largely variations on products that have existed for a long time. Very little basically new has appeared for several years, a consequence of a general trend in the chemical industry in which the introduction of new products has decreased markedly. This is not to say, however, that there have not been marked improvements in many areas, and one such area comprises waterborne vehicles.
Coatings update: silicone resins
Authors: Americus
Published: November 2014

Finzel (American Paint and Coatings Journal, January 19 (1981) p. 19; Metal Finishing, June (1982) p. 49) has authored two review articles on silicones. He points out that silicones are mature products having first been introduced over thirty years ago. Their major use in the coatings field is for maintenance to provide protection against weathering, temperature extremes, and corrosive atmospheres. Silicones, when combined with other vehicles, impart increased resistance to moisture, chemicals, ultraviolet degradation, thermal shock, chalking, fading, and peeling. The major use, however, for silicones is for high temperature coatings as reactive intermediates and as paint additives.
Security ink developments
Authors: Smith Tony
Published: November 2014

The development of security inks and their applications are often clothed in mystery, and precise details can be difficult to obtain. Forgery and counterfeits are becoming more sophisticated, and security ink manufacturers are in competition not only with other suppliers, but against an expanding, knowledgeable criminal fraternity. Security inks are a growth area in printing ink development, as a wide range of customers require them; these inks are now used even on concert and lottery tickets.
Innovation in the coatings industry
Authors: Americus
Published: November 2014

It goes without saying that a large portion of the technology in the coatings industry is mature and not subject to revolutionary change. In an industry as large as the coatings industry, however, there is continual innovation. Often this innovation does not come from the industry itself but from related industries. These include raw materials suppliers as well as high technology aerospace and electronics industries. Indeed these two industries in particular require highly specialised types of coatings unavailable from the conventional coatings manufacturer. Many specialized coatings have been developed which command a high price but which can expect only small, specialized usage within the aerospace and electronics industry. For the most part, the coatings industry does not participate in these areas. These coatings are manufactured either by specialty companies or by the industries that need them.
The applications of gel permeation chromatography in the paint and allied industries. Part 2
Authors: Ellis R.A.
Published: November 2014

Vinyl acetate was polymerised at −24°C, under an atmosphere of nitrogen and using an Hanovia 100‐W mercury arc lamp, by Atkinson et al. (2) who then subjected the product to preparative GPC using a Waters Associates AnaPrep chromatography unit fitted with columns (1.2m × 2.5cm dia. or 1.2m × 6.25cm dia.) that were packed with Styragel chosen to suit the MSD of the samples as previously determined in a separate analytical GPC run. Fractions from several runs, that were obtained by elution with toluene at a flow rate of 15mL min−1, were combined together prior to recovery of the polymer samples by freeze drying the solutions now in benzene. The Mn of each fraction so obtained was determined in toluene at 40°C using a Hewlett‐Packard model 502 osmometer fitted with Arro 450 special membranes.
The application of gel permeation chromatography in the paint and allied industries. Part 4
Authors: Ellis R.A.
Published: November 2014

Harmon has reported the use of GPC and differential scanning calorimetry in order to select hydrocarbon waxes from a possible thirty samples as replacements for five waxes that were used in the formulation of elastomers. Hydrocarbon resins of the type used in paint production were fractionated by GPC according to Christakundes et al. who measured the molecular weights of the individually‐collected fractions by VPO. By employing further analytical techniques such as infrared and NMR spectroscopy, these authors were able to study the distribution of chemical composition and ring content as a function of molecular weight in the resins. The average degree of polymerisation of the samples was then determined from the ring content without the need for exact knowledge of the chemical composition.
A new range of crosslinkers
Authors: Barrett R.McD.
Published: November 2014

‘Beetle’ etherified amino resins have been widely used as components in industrial stoving finishes and in lacquers for more than 40 years. The success of these resins rests chiefly on their ability to react with other polymers as well as to undergo self condensation. They are extremely versatile and as new film forming polymers have been introduced, amino resins have been modified appropriately. Thus their essential characteristics of compatibility, solubility and reactivity have been retained.
Comment
Authors: J.E.B.
Published: November 2014

The issue of TBT in antifoulant paints has been the subject of several proposals in the United States Congress. Just recently, an amended version of H.R. 2210 was enacted into law as Public Law 100–333. This law established an interim prohibition on the sale and use of any organotin‐containing antifoulant paint having a standard release rate greater than 4.0 mcg/cm2 /day. It also strictly prohibits the use of any TBT containing marine coating on vessels less than 25 metres or 82 ft in length (exempting aluminium hull vessels and the outboard motor or lower drive unit of a vessel less than 25 metres in length).
Letter from America USA
Authors: Paintman
Published: November 2014

Chemists at Cornell University have developed a series of monomolecular and polymeric precursors that photolyze to yield amine catalysts. These compounds could find use as additives in ultraviolet‐cured coatings and adhesives.
Letter from America USA
Authors: Paintman
Published: November 2014

A new high‐gloss HDPE resin is for continuous extrusion blow moulding of personal care, pharmaceutical, and food bottles. The 1.4‐melt‐index, 0.952‐density material is said to offer a good balance of room‐ and low‐temperature impact strength and stiffness. With a 75°C melting point, the product's superior melt strength ensures absence of melt fracture, supplier says.
Developing a harvesting strategy for mature products
Authors: Barnes James H.
Published: November 2014

Strategic market planning for the multi‐product, multimarket firm is a particularly complex problem. The company may have many different products serving similar numbers of markets with widely different potentials. Some of the products may be in a strong position relative to competitors while others may be in a weak position. Each product will have its own strategy.
Shareholder value and executive compensation
Authors: Brindisi Louis J.
Published: November 2014

The creation of shareholder value should be the springboard for executive reward. This principle is based on the simple precept that the market is rational—that it responds quickly and efficiently to change, and that it rewards sustained high performance with high market to book ratios.
The changing role of the Chief Information Officer
Authors: Passino Jacque H. , Severance Dennis G.
Published: November 2014

Two large sample surveys of chief information officers (CIOs) were sponsored by Arthur Andersen & Co. in the last three years to analyze the market served by its consulting practice. Beginning in April of 1986, and then again in February of 1988, samples of 120 companies representing both the service and industrial segments of the Fortune 500 were selected. CIOs from those organizations were interviewed on issues, trends, and problems in the deployment of information technology (IT) within their corporation. A clear profile of evolving CIO responsibilities and the roles that information and technology played in those organizations emerged from these surveys. Below we have summarized the results of each study, and outlined the concerns of the CIOs who were given the task of establishing IT plans. We then go on to offer some advice to general management for overcoming obstacles that we see as inherent in executing such plans.
Alliances speed knowledge transfer
Authors: Badaracco Joseph L.
Published: November 2014

Joint ventures aren't usually thought of as being faster ways to exchange know‐how than acquisitions. But alliances are sometimes the only way to speedily transfer a successful company's “embedded knowledge.”
Time‐based competition and beyond: Competing on capabilities
Authors: Stalk George
Published: November 2014

Strategies of the past and the present have been based on structural advantages — e.g., products and markets, geography and cost, technologies. These patterns explain much of the nature of competition between business entities. Structural advantages can be identified and measured; they are differentiated among competitors, and their differences explain profitability.
Human Resource Flexibility — Some Necessary Conditions for Success
Authors: van Ham J. , Philips  , Williams R.
Published: November 2014

Much publicity has recently been given to the attempts of a number of organisations to improve the flexibility of their human resources. By this is normally meant keeping their labour costs closely related to their level of business activity. We are particularly concerned in this article with the problems of those enterprises for whom the latter is often unpredictable. There are two major ways in which such organisations attempt to link their human resource costs to their business operations — either some variety of payment by results or profit sharing system and/or changing the numbers and contractual relationships of those employed. It is generally accepted that flexible pay systems cannot be totally flexible, but require some core proportion of earnings to be stable over time. The necessity for stability arises because of the difficulty for the organisation of managing a totally flexible system and because of the individual's need, in his/her own life, for some element of income predictability and security.
New foods for special diets
Authors: Greer Rita , Zalcman Mary
Published: November 2014

When my first article appeared in the July 1975 issue of Nutrition and Food Science, describing the research I had carried out into the problems involved in integrating a special diet into family meal patterns, I concluded that there was a deficiency in the services provided to cope with the problems that arise in adjusting to the diets. One of my suggestions to help improve the situation was for food concerns to increase their practical guidance. What could be more practical than to launch a range of convenience foods? Recently I was asked to try a new range of food mixes designed for those on certain exclusion diets and I am now more hopeful that people on special diets can look forward to more interesting meals.
Coatings update:review articles on “what's new”
Authors: Americus
Published: November 2014

Titanate coupling agents have been described for the past decade. What they will do and how they are used has been summarised in an article by Monte, Sugerman, and Seeman [Modern Paint & Coatings, 67, July (1977) p. 27]. Thus the authors point out that the titanate coupling agents, which are basically organotitanium compounds whose structures are shown in the article, can make possible the formulation of metal oxides, pigments, and extenders into organic systems to produce coatings with improved physical properties, higher solids, and advantages from the points of view of manufacturing and application. In other words the organotitanium compound will couple a pigment or related material with the vehicle by forming chemical bonds. Thus, the authors propose that metal chromates may be replaced in corrosion‐resistant coatings with silica extenders if these silica extenders are coupled to the vehicle with an organopyrophosphatotitanate.
The Archive Management System in Shizuoka Prefecture
Authors: Itoh
Published: November 2014

Because there are some differences between England's county system and Japan's system of urban and rural prefectures, before introducing the archive management system in my prefecture, I will first comment briefly on the general state of my prefecture and the organization of the prefectural government.
Exercise training protects against atherosclerotic risk factors through vascular NADPH oxidase, extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 and stress‐activated protein kinase/c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase downregulation in obese rats
Authors: Touati Sabeur , Montezano Augusto CI , Meziri Fayçal , Riva Catherine , Touyz Rhian M , Laurant Pascal
Published: November 2014

Exercise training reverses atherosclerotic risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome and obesity. The aim of the present study was to determine the molecular anti‐inflammatory, anti‐oxidative and anti‐atherogenic effects in aorta from rats with high‐fat diet‐induced obesity. Male Sprague‐Dawley rats were placed on a high‐fat (HFD) or control (CD) diet for 12 weeks. The HFD rats were then divided into four groups: (i) sedentary HFD‐fed rats (HFD‐S); (ii) exercise trained (motor treadmill 5 days/week, 60 min/day, 12 weeks) HFD‐fed rats (HFD‐Ex); (iii) modified diet (HFD to CD) sedentary rats (HF/CD‐S); and (iv) an exercise‐trained modified diet group (HF/CD‐Ex). Tissue levels of NADPH oxidase (activity and expression), NADPH oxidase (Nox) 1, Nox2, Nox4, p47phox, superoxide dismutase (SOD)‐1, angiotensin AT1 and AT2 receptors, phosphorylated mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK; extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, stress‐activated protein kinase (SAPK)/c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK)) and vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1) were determined in the aorta. Plasma cytokines (tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and interleukin (IL)‐6) levels were also measured. Obesity was accompanied by increases in NADPH oxidase activity, p47phox translocation, Nox4 and VCAM‐1 protein expression, MAPK (ERK1/2, SAPK/JNK) phosphorylation and plasma TNF‐α and IL‐6 levels. Exercise training and switching from the HFD to CD reversed almost all these molecular changes. In addition, training increased aortic SOD‐1 protein expression and decreased ERK1/2 phosphorylation. These findings suggest that protective effects of exercise training on atherosclerotic risk factors induced by obesity are associated with downregulation of NADPH oxidase, ERK1/2 and SAPK/JNK activity and increased SOD‐1 expression.
The Pepsin Digestibility of Thermal Gel Products Made from White Croaker (Pennahia argentata) Muscle in Associating with Myosin Polymerization Levels
Authors: Ueki Nobuhiko , Wan Jianrong , Watabe Shugo
Published: November 2014

Thermal gels were made from white croaker (Pennahia argentata) surimi at various polymerization levels of myosin heavy chains induced by suwari treatment at 38 °C for various time periods and subsequently heated at 85 °C for 20 min. Myosin heavy chain polymerization levels were also achieved in the presence of microbial transglutaminase (MTG) added at various concentrations in the surimi. The breaking strength and breaking strain rate were markedly increased during suwari treatment up to 60 min in accordance with the increased levels of myosin heavy chain polymerization. MTG enhanced myosin heavy chain polymerization during suwari treatment for 15 and 30 min, resulting in the increase of breaking strength. The solubilization in 8 M urea and pepsin digestibility of these gels as well as angiotensin I‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity of their pepsin digests were decreased with the increased levels of myosin heavy chain polymerization. These results suggest that myosin heavy chain polymerization affects not only rheological properties of thermal gels but also their functional properties for human health.
Testis structure, spermatogenesis and sperm morphology in pipefishes of the genus Syngnathus
Authors: Biagi Francesca , Piras Francesca , Farina Vittorio , Zedda Marco , Mura Emilio , Floris Antonello , Franzoi Piero , Fausto Anna Maria , Taddei Anna Rita , Carcupino Marcella
Published: November 2014

Testes, spermatogenesis and sperm morphology have been analysed in four species of the Syngnathus genus. All species show testes of unrestricted lobular type, characterized by a single germinal compartment, with central lumen, and an external tunica albuginea. The spermatogenesis occurs throughout a process of semicystic type, in which germinal spermatocysts open precociously, so germ cells complete maturation in the testis lumen. Amongst them, aflagellate and flagellate multinucleate cells are recognizable. This type of spermatogenesis may be therefore related to the reduced number of simultaneously mature sperm produced by syngnathids. Only one type of mature sperm has been identified in all examined species. It is always a monoflagellate cell, characterized by an elongated head. Elongated head has generally been correlated with the internal fertilization and/or to the production of spermatophore. As this is not the case of syngnathids, a possible function to explain the particularly elongated head of syngnathids is discussed.
Long‐term incidence of vitrectomy and associated risk factors in young Danish patients with Type 1 diabetes: the Danish Cohort of Paediatric Diabetes 1987
Authors: Broe R. , Rasmussen M. L. , Frydkjaer‐Olsen U. , Olsen B. S. , Mortensen H. B. , Peto T. , Grauslund J.
Published: November 2014

Aims

To examine the long‐term incidence of vitrectomy in young people with Type 1 diabetes.

Methods

We prospectively studied 324 people with Type 1 diabetes who participated in baseline examinations in 1995. Surgical history was obtained from the Danish National Patient Registry in April 2012.

Results

During the 17‐year study period, 39 people (12.0%) underwent vitrectomy at least once. The mean age and diabetes duration at first vitrectomy were 29.8 and 22.9 years, respectively, and 64.1% of the participants were men. In multivariable Cox regression analysis, baseline age (hazard ratio 0.81 per 1 year increase), BMI (hazard ratio 1.21 per 1 kg/m2 increase), HbA1c (hazard ratio 1.72 per 1% increase) and diabetic retinopathy (hazard ratio 2.85 and 6.07 for mild and moderate/severe diabetic retinopathy vs none, respectively) were independent predictors of vitrectomy (P < 0.05 for all variables).

Conclusions

Vitrectomy is a relatively common procedure in young people with Type 1 diabetes, with poor glycaemic control being the strongest modifiable risk factor.
Interactions between temperature and nutrients across levels of ecological organization
Authors: Cross Wyatt F. , Hood James M. , Benstead Jonathan P. , Huryn Alexander D. , Nelson Daniel
Published: November 2014

Temperature and nutrient availability play key roles in controlling the pathways and rates at which energy and materials move through ecosystems. These factors have also changed dramatically on Earth over the past century as human activities have intensified. Although significant effort has been devoted to understanding the role of temperature and nutrients in isolation, less is known about how these two factors interact to influence ecological processes. Recent advances in ecological stoichiometry and metabolic ecology provide a useful framework for making progress in this area, but conceptual synthesis and review are needed to help catalyze additional research. Here, we examine known and potential interactions between temperature and nutrients from a variety of physiological, community, and ecosystem perspectives. We first review patterns at the level of the individual, focusing on four traits – growth, respiration, body size, and elemental content – that should theoretically govern how temperature and nutrients interact to influence higher levels of biological organization. We next explore the interactive effects of temperature and nutrients on populations, communities, and food webs by synthesizing information related to community size spectra, biomass distributions, and elemental composition. We use metabolic theory to make predictions about how population‐level secondary production should respond to interactions between temperature and resource supply, setting up qualitative predictions about the flows of energy and materials through metazoan food webs. Last, we examine how temperature–nutrient interactions influence processes at the whole‐ecosystem level, focusing on apparent vs. intrinsic activation energies of ecosystem processes, how to represent temperature–nutrient interactions in ecosystem models, and patterns with respect to nutrient uptake and organic matter decomposition. We conclude that a better understanding of interactions between temperature and nutrients will be critical for developing realistic predictions about ecological responses to multiple, simultaneous drivers of global change, including climate warming and elevated nutrient supply.
Relative Recovery of Thermal Energy and Fresh Water in Aquifer Storage and Recovery Systems
Authors: Miotliński K. , Dillon P.J.
Published: November 2014

This paper explores the relationship between thermal energy and fresh water recoveries from an aquifer storage recovery (ASR) well in a brackish confined aquifer. It reveals the spatial and temporal distributions of temperature and conservative solutes between injected and recovered water. The evaluation is based on a review of processes affecting heat and solute transport in a homogeneous aquifer. In this simplified analysis, it is assumed that the aquifer is sufficiently anisotropic to inhibit density‐affected flow, flow is axisymmetric, and the analysis is limited to a single ASR cycle. Results show that the radial extent of fresh water at the end of injection is greater than that of the temperature change due to the heating or cooling of the geological matrix as well as the interstitial water. While solutes progress only marginally into low permeability aquitards by diffusion, conduction of heat into aquitards above and below is more substantial. Consequently, the heat recovery is less than the solute recovery when the volume of the recovered water is lower than the injection volume. When the full volume of injected water is recovered the temperature mixing ratio divided by the solute mixing ratio for recovered water ranges from 0.95 to 0.6 for ratios of maximum plume radius to aquifer thickness of 0.6 to 4.6. This work is intended to assist conceptual design for dual use of ASR for conjunctive storage of water and thermal energy to maximize the potential benefits.