bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Controlling domain wall pinning in planar nanowires by selecting domain wall type and its application in a memory concept
Authors: Atkinson D. , Eastwood D. S. , Bogart L. K.
Published: January 2008

Here, we report on the control of domain wall pinning at notch features patterned in Permalloy planar nanowires by selecting the micromagnetic configuration of the domain wall using a transverse magnetic field. The domain wall behavior was investigated both experimentally using focused magneto-optic Kerr effect measurements of lithographically patterned nanowires and with micromagnetic simulations. The pinning behavior observed is utilized in a concept for multibit memory cells applicable as the free layer in magnetic random access memory where the domain structure is defined by the location of domain walls that either pin or passby pinning structures depending upon the domain wall configuration selected.
Mist fabrication of light emitting diodes with colloidal nanocrystal quantum dots
Authors: Zhu T. , Shanmugasundaram K. , Price S. C. , Ruzyllo J. , Zhang F. , Xu J. , Mohney S. E. , Zhang Q. , Wang A. Y.
Published: January 2008

In this letter, we report a mist-deposition process for the assembly and patterning of nanocrystal quantum dots (NQDs) during the fabrication of quantum dot light emitting diodes (QD-LEDs), which allows for tight controls over the thickness, surface morphology, composition, and resolution of NQD emissive layers. A defect-free featuring uniform brightness QD-LED containing a mist-deposited emissive CdSe(ZnS) NQD layer was demonstrated. Additionally, the technique of successive mist deposition of multicolor NQDs through a set of registered shallow masks was employed to create a 6×6 matrix of alternating pixels composed of 5nm diameter CdSe(ZnS) NQDs (green) and 8nm diameter CdSe(ZnS) NQDs (red) on the same substrate. The results obtained demonstrate the potential of mist-deposition technology in the future development of full-color QD-LED displays.
Wide band focusing x-ray spectrograph with spatial resolution
Authors: Pikuz S. A. , Douglass J. D. , Shelkovenko T. A. , Sinars D. B. , Hammer D. A.
Published: January 2008

A new, wide spectral bandwidth x-ray spectrograph, the wide-bandwidth focusing spectrograph with spatial resolution (WB-FSSR), based on spherically bent mica crystals, is described. The wide bandwidth is achieved by combining three crystals to form a large aperture dispersive element. Since the WB-FSSR covers a wide spectral band, it is very convenient for application as a routine diagnostic tool in experiments in which the desired spectral coverage is different from one test to the next. The WB-FSSR has been tested in imploding wire-array experiments on a 1MA pulsed power machine, and x-ray spectra were recorded in the 1–20Å spectral band using different orders of mica crystal reflection. Using a two mirror-symmetrically placed WB-FSSR configuration, it was also possible to distinguish between a real spectral shift and a shift of recorded spectral lines caused by the spatial distribution of the radiating plasma. A spectral resolution of about 2000 was demonstrated and a spatial resolution of ∼100μm was achieved in the spectral band of 5–10Å in second order of mica reflection. A simple method of numerical analysis of spectrograph capability is proposed.
Mechanisms of amorphous-phase-dependent grain growth in two-phase nanocomposite films: A Monte Carlo analysis
Authors: Hu X. J. , Liu Z. J. , Shen Y. G.
Published: January 2008

Monte Carlo calculations of the grain growth in two-phase nanocomposite films with microstructures comprising of nanocrystalline (n) and amorphous (a) phases are presented based on a modified Q-state Potts model. The mechanisms of amorphous-phase-volume-fraction-(Va)-dependent grain growth are observed by analyzing the microstructure evolution. The results show that with Va values increasing to a critical value of 23%, the grain growth transforms from a n-∕n-grain boundary (GB)-curvature-driven growth to the a-∕n-GB-curvature-driven growth. The driving force for the transition is caused by the energy difference exerted on n∕n or a∕n boundaries. With further increasing Va, nanograins are completely surrounded by amorphous matrices and the diffusion-controlled growth mode driven by the difference between a-∕n-interfacial energies and n-∕n-boundary energies has been found. The homogeneity of the grain growth in the nanocomposite films with different Va values is also discussed.
A simple method for producing flattened atomic force microscopy tips
Authors: Biagioni P. , Farahani J. N. , Mühlschlegel P. , Eisler H.-J. , Pohl D. W. , Hecht B.
Published: January 2008

We describe a simple and reliable procedure for obtaining a flat plateau on top of standard silicon nitride atomic force microscopy tips by scanning them over the focus of a high-numerical-aperture objective illuminated by near-infrared ultrashort laser pulses. Flattened tips produced this way exhibit a plateau that is parallel to the substrate when the cantilever is mounted. They represent a valid and cost-effective alternative to commercially available plateau tips.
Harish-Chandra modules over the twisted Heisenberg-Virasoro algebra
Authors: Liu Dong , Jiang Cuipo
Published: January 2008

In this paper, we classify all indecomposable Harish-Chandra modules of the intermediate series over the twisted Heisenberg-Virasoro algebra. Meanwhile, some bosonic modules are also studied.
Modulation of the two-photon absorption by electric fields in HgCdTe photodiode
Authors: Cui H. Y. , Li Z. F. , Liu Z. L. , Wang C. , Chen X. S. , Hu X. N. , Ye Z. H. , Lu W.
Published: January 2008

We demonstrate the tunability of the two-photon absorption (TPA) coefficient by adjusting the electric field in a HgCdTe (MCT) photodiode with cutoff wavelength of 5.2μm. The TPA coefficient was measured by using a picosecond pulsed laser with wavelength of 7.92μm. An enhancement of the TPA coefficient occurs in the space charge region of the MCT pn junction, which can be attributed to the Franz–Keldysh effect induced by the built-in electric field. By applying a reverse bias to intensify the built-in field, the TPA coefficient is found to be further enhanced by a factor of 18.9. This electric field dependence of the TPA coefficient has been fairly interpreted by the pn junction model with the Franz–Keldysh effect included.
Phosphor-conversion white light using InGaN ultraviolet laser diode
Authors: Xu Yun , Chen Lianghui , Li Yuzhang , Song Guofeng , Wang Yuping , Zhuang Weidong , Long Zhen
Published: January 2008

We fabricated a phosphor-conversion white light using an InGaN laser diode that emits 405nm near-ultraviolet (n-UV) light and phosphors that emit in the blue and yellow regions when excited by the n-UV and blue light, respectively.The relationship of the luminous flux and the luminous efficacy of the white light with injection current was discussed. The luminous flux increased linearly with increasing current above the threshold of the laser diode, and at 80mA injection current, the luminous flux and luminous efficacy were estimated to be 5.7lm and 13lm∕w, respectively. The shift of the Commission International de I’Eclairage coordinates, color temperature, and color rendering index with current are very slight and negligible, which indicates that the blue and the yellow phosphors have an excellent stability and a highly stable white light can be obtained by this way.
Electron field emission from patterned nanocrystalline diamond coated a-SiO2 micrometer-tip arrays
Authors: Madaleno J. C. , Singh M. K. , Titus E. , Cabral Gil , Grácio J. , Pereira L.
Published: January 2008

We report the fabrication of patterned nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) submicrometer-tip arrays. This includes synthesis of silica (a-SiO2) templates by conventional vapor-liquid-solid method and conformal coating of the a-SiO2 nanowires with 5–10nm sized nanodiamond grains by microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition. Detailed structural investigations were carried out by high resolution transmission electron microscopy. Electron field emission of nanodiamond emitter arrays was observed with a threshold field of 5.5V∕μm. A high emission current density of 10mAcm−2 at 11V∕μm has been obtained. This value is comparable to those of high quality NCD films deposited on silicon substrates.
Simulated [111] Si–SiGe terahertz quantum cascade laser
Authors: Lever L. , Valavanis A. , Ikonić Z. , Kelsall R. W.
Published: January 2008

The prospect of developing a silicon laser has long been an elusive goal, mainly due to the indirect band gap and large effective carrier masses. We present a design for a terahertz intersubband laser grown on the [111] crystal plane and simulate performance using a rate equation method including scattering due to alloy disorder, interface roughness, carrier-phonon, and Coulombic interactions. We predict gain greater than 40cm−1 and a threshold current density of 70A∕cm2.
Generation of submicrojoule high harmonics using a long gas jet in a two-color laser field
Authors: Kim I Jong , Lee Gae Hwang , Park Seung Beom , Lee Yong Soo , Kim Tae Keun , Nam Chang Hee , Mocek Tomas , Jakubczak Krzysztof
Published: January 2008

We have achieved very efficient high-harmonic generation in a two-color laser field using a long gas jet of He. With the optimization of laser parameters and target conditions, strong harmonics were produced at 2(2n+1)th orders in an orthogonally polarized two-color field. The strongest harmonic at the 38th order (21.6nm) reached an energy of 0.6μJ with a 6mm gas jet, giving a conversion efficiency as high as 2×10−4.
Stable efficiency roll-off in phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Kim Sung Hyun , Jang Jyongsik , Yook Kyoung Soo , Lee Jun Yeob
Published: January 2008

Origin of efficiency roll-off in phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes was investigated with triplet mixed host devices and stable devices with little efficiency roll-off was developed. Efficiency roll-off was significant in the device with narrow recombination zone (RZ) and charge leakage out of emitting layer at high luminance was critical to efficiency roll-off. Efficiency roll-off could be reduced in triplet mixed host device with broad RZ and little charge leakage at high driving voltage. Triplet mixed host devices with an exciton blocking layer showed a quantum efficiency over 90% of maximum quantum efficiency at a luminance of 20000cd∕m2.
Sparse representation and Bayesian detection of genome copy number alterations from microarray data
Authors: Pique-Regi Roger , Monso-Varona Jordi , Ortega Antonio , Seeger Robert C. , Triche Timothy J. , Asgharzadeh Shahab
Published: January 2008

Motivation: Genomic instability in cancer leads to abnormal genome copy number alterations (CNA) that are associated with the development and behavior of tumors. Advances in microarray technology have allowed for greater resolution in detection of DNA copy number changes (amplifications or deletions) across the genome. However, the increase in number of measured signals and accompanying noise from the array probes present a challenge in accurate and fast identification of breakpoints that define CNA. This article proposes a novel detection technique that exploits the use of piece wise constant (PWC) vectors to represent genome copy number and sparse Bayesian learning (SBL) to detect CNA breakpoints.

Methods: First, a compact linear algebra representation for the genome copy number is developed from normalized probe intensities. Second, SBL is applied and optimized to infer locations where copy number changes occur. Third, a backward elimination (BE) procedure is used to rank the inferred breakpoints; and a cut-off point can be efficiently adjusted in this procedure to control for the false discovery rate (FDR).

Results: The performance of our algorithm is evaluated using simulated and real genome datasets and compared to other existing techniques. Our approach achieves the highest accuracy and lowest FDR while improving computational speed by several orders of magnitude. The proposed algorithm has been developed into a free standing software application (GADA, Genome Alteration Detection Algorithm).

Availability:  http://biron.usc.edu/~piquereg/GADA

Contact:  shahab@chla.usc.edu and rpique@ieee.org

Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Multiple testing on the directed acyclic graph of gene ontology
Authors: Goeman Jelle J. , Mansmann Ulrich
Published: January 2008

Motivation: Current methods for multiplicity adjustment do not make use of the graph structure of Gene Ontology (GO) when testing for association of expression profiles of GO terms with a response variable.

Results: We propose a multiple testing method, called the focus level procedure, that preserves the graph structure of Gene Ontology (GO). The procedure is constructed as a combination of a Closed Testing procedure with Holm's method. It requires a user to choose a ‘focus level’ in the GO graph, which reflects the level of specificity of terms in which the user is most interested. This choice also determines the level in the GO graph at which the procedure has most power. We prove that the procedure strongly controls the family-wise error rate without any additional assumptions on the joint distribution of the test statistics used. We also present an algorithm to calculate multiplicity-adjusted P-values. Because the focus level procedure preserves the structure of the GO graph, it does not generally preserve the ordering of the raw P-values in the adjusted P-values.

Availability: The focus level procedure has been implemented in the globaltest and GlobalAncova packages, both of which are available on www.bioconductor.org.

Contact:  j.j.goeman@lumc.nl

Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Predicting disulfide bond connectivity in proteins by correlated mutations analysis
Authors: Rubinstein Rotem , Fiser Andras
Published: January 2008

Motivation: Prediction of disulfide bond connectivity facilitates structural and functional annotation of proteins. Previous studies suggest that cysteines of a disulfide bond mutate in a correlated manner.

Results: We developed a method that analyzes correlated mutation patterns in multiple sequence alignments in order to predict disulfide bond connectivity. Proteins with known experimental structures and varying numbers of disulfide bonds, and that spanned various evolutionary distances, were aligned. We observed frequent variation of disulfide bond connectivity within members of the same protein families, and it was also observed that in 99% of the cases, cysteine pairs forming non-conserved disulfide bonds mutated in concert. Our data support the notion that substitution of a cysteine in a disulfide bond prompts the substitution of its cysteine partner and that oxidized cysteines appear in pairs. The method we developed predicts disulfide bond connectivity patterns with accuracies of 73, 69 and 61% for proteins with two, three and four disulfide bonds, respectively.

Contact: rrubinst@aecom.yu.edu, andras@fiserlab.org
BEN: a novel domain in chromatin factors and DNA viral proteins
Authors: Abhiman Saraswathi , Iyer Lakshminarayan M. , Aravind L.
Published: January 2008

We report a previously uncharacterized α-helical module, the BEN domain, in diverse animal proteins such as BANP/SMAR1, NAC1 and the Drosophila mod(mdg4) isoform C, in the chordopoxvirus virosomal protein E5R and in several proteins of polydnaviruses. Contextual analysis suggests that the BEN domain mediates protein–DNA and protein–protein interactions during chromatin organization and transcription. The presence of BEN domains in a poxviral early virosomal protein and in polydnaviral proteins also suggests a possible role for them in organization of viral DNA during replication or transcription.

Contact:  aravind@ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Supplementary information: Supplementary data for this study can also be accessed at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/CBBresearch/Lakshmin/BEN/
Inferring horizontal transfers in the presence of rearrangements by the minimum evolution criterion
Authors: Birin Hadas , Gal-Or Zohar , Elias Isaac , Tuller Tamir
Published: January 2008

Motivation: The evolution of viruses is very rapid and in addition to local point mutations (insertion, deletion, substitution) it also includes frequent recombinations, genome rearrangements and horizontal transfer of genetic materials (HGTS). Evolutionary analysis of viral sequences is therefore a complicated matter for two main reasons: First, due to HGTs and recombinations, the right model of evolution is a network and not a tree. Second, due to genome rearrangements, an alignment of the input sequences is not guaranteed. These facts encourage developing methods for inferring phylogenetic networks that do not require aligned sequences as input.

Results: In this work, we present the first computational approach which deals with both genome rearrangements and horizontal gene transfers and does not require a multiple alignment as input. We formalize a new set of computational problems which involve analyzing such complex models of evolution. We investigate their computational complexity, and devise algorithms for solving them. Moreover, we demonstrate the viability of our methods on several synthetic datasets as well as four biological datasets.

Availability: The code is available from the authors upon request.

Contact:  tamirtul@post.tau.ac.il

Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Evaluating the Quality of Randomized Controlled Trials that Examine the Efficacy of Natural Health Products: A Systematic Review of Critical Appraisal Instruments
Authors: Whelan Anne Marie , Jurgens Tannis M. , Lord Lindsay
Published: January 2008

The purpose of this project was to conduct a systematic review to identify instruments designed to evaluate the quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of natural health products (NHPs). Instruments were examined for inclusion of items assessing methods, identity and content of the NHP, generalizability of results and instructions for use. Online databases, websites, textbooks and reference lists were searched to identify instruments. Relevance assessment and data extraction of articles were completed by two investigators and disagreements were settled by the third investigator. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Of the 4442 citations identified, 29 were potentially relevant with 16 meeting the criteria for inclusion. None of the instruments stated they were validated; content in the four areas of interest varied considerably. The most common items included randomization sequence generation (100%), blinding (100%), allocation concealment (75%) and participant flow (75%). Only nine of the NHP instruments included at least one item to appraise the specific content of the NHP. The CONSORT Statement for Herbal Interventions most closely addressed the four areas of interest; however, this instrument was specific for herbs. There is a need for the development of a validated instrument for assessment of the quality of RCTs that would be useful for herbs as well as other NHPs.
Minimum landing size for Northeast Atlantic stocks of deep-water red crab, Chaceon affinis (Milne Edwards and Bouvier, 1894)
Authors: Robinson Martin
Published: January 2008

Robinson, M. 2008. Minimum landing size for Northeast Atlantic stocks of deep-water red crab, Chaceon affinis (Milne Edwards and Bouvier, 1894). – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 65: 148–154. Annual landings of the deep-water red crab (Chaceon affinis) in the NE Atlantic have fluctuated around 1000 t for much of the past decade, but they dropped significantly in 2006. No EU or National Member State legislation governs the harvest of the species, and because of the on-board processing, it is difficult to set a single minimum landing size (MLS) based on carapace width (CW) alone. As the claws are detached during processing and represent the most valuable component of the catch, a supplementary MLS based on claw length (CL) for onshore inspection and enforcement would seem appropriate. Physiological size-at-maturity and morphometric claw data were used to derive primary (CW) and secondary (CL) MLS. All males and females are mature at 110 and 125 mm CW, respectively, and 50% of females are mature at 109 mm CW. Because of a lack of information relating to the biology, distribution, and fishing mortality of the species, and a doubt as to real landing statistics, a conservative MLS of 120 mm CW and 72 mm CL is suggested, representing the first use of commercial fisheries data to suggest MLS for this otherwise unregulated fishery.
Positive selection acting on splicing motifs reflects compensatory evolution
Authors: Ke Shengdong , Zhang Xiang H.-F. , Chasin Lawrence A.
Published: January 2008

We have used comparative genomics to characterize the evolutionary behavior of predicted splicing regulatory motifs. Using base substitution rates in intronic regions as a calibrator for neutral change, we found a strong avoidance of synonymous substitutions that disrupt predicted exonic splicing enhancers or create predicted exonic splicing silencers. These results attest to the functionality of the hexameric motif set used and suggest that they are subject to purifying selection. We also found that synonymous substitutions in constitutive exons tend to create exonic splicing enhancers and to disrupt exonic splicing silencers, implying positive selection for these splicing promoting events. We present evidence that this positive selection is the result of splicing-positive events compensating for splicing-negative events as well as for mutations that weaken splice-site sequences. Such compensatory events include nonsynonymous mutations, synonymous mutations, and mutations at splice sites. Compensation was also seen from the fact that orthologous exons tend to maintain the same number of predicted splicing motifs. Our data fit a splicing compensation model of exon evolution, in which selection for splicing-positive mutations takes place to counter the effect of an ongoing splicing-negative mutational process, with the exon as a whole being conserved as a unit of splicing. In the course of this analysis, we observed that synonymous positions in general are conserved relative to intronic sequences, suggesting that messenger RNA molecules are rich in sequence information for functions beyond protein coding and splicing.
AnAGAMOUS-Related MADS-Box Gene,XAL1(AGL12), Regulates Root Meristem Cell Proliferation and Flowering Transition in Arabidopsis
Authors: Tapia-López Rosalinda , García-Ponce Berenice , Dubrovsky Joseph G. , Garay-Arroyo Adriana , Pérez-Ruíz Rigoberto V. , Kim Sun-Hyung , Acevedo Francisca , Pelaz Soraya , Alvarez-Buylla Elena R.
Published: January 2008

MADS-box genes are key components of the networks that control the transition to flowering and flower development, but their role in vegetative development is poorly understood. This article shows that the sister gene of the AGAMOUS (AG) clade, AGL12, has an important role in root development as well as in flowering transition. We isolated three mutant alleles for AGL12, which is renamed here as XAANTAL1 (XAL1): Two alleles, xal1-1 and xal1-2, are in Columbia ecotype and xal1-3 is in Landsberg erecta ecotype. All alleles have a short-root phenotype with a smaller meristem, lower rate of cell production, and abnormal root apical meristem organization. Interestingly, we also encountered a significantly longer cell cycle in the strongest xal1 alleles with respect to wild-type plants. Expression analyses confirmed the presence of XAL1 transcripts in roots, particularly in the phloem. Moreover, XAL1∷β-glucuronidase expression was specifically up-regulated by auxins in this tissue. In addition, mRNA in situ hybridization showed that XAL1 transcripts were also found in leaves and floral meristems of wild-type plants. This expression correlates with the late-flowering phenotypes of the xal1 mutants grown under long days. Transcript expression analysis suggests that XAL1 is an upstream regulator of SOC, FLOWERING LOCUS T, and LFY. We propose that XAL1 may have similar roles in both root and aerial meristems that could explain the xal1 late-flowering phenotype.
Electropolymerization and corrosion protection of polyaniline and its copolymer on carbon steel
Authors: Srikanth A.P. , Raman V. , Tamilselvi S. , Nanjundan S. , Rajendran N.
Published: January 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the protection efficiency of a thin film of electrochemically synthesized conducting polymers, such as poly m‐toluidine, poly N‐methyl aniline, and its copolymer, poly (aniline‐co‐N‐methyl aniline) (PANINMA), on plain carbon steel in 0.1 M HCl. It also attempts to compare the protection efficiency of these compounds with polyaniline (PANI)‐coated carbon steel.

Design/methodology/approach

The green coloured and adherent coatings were obtained by cyclic voltammetry during sequential scanning of the potential region between −0.6 and 1.6 V at a scan rate of 10 mVs−1. Potentiodynamic polarization measurement (DC) was used to obtain an estimate of the corrosion rate and protection efficiency for these electrodeposited polymers on the carbon steel. Scanning electron micrographs (SEM) also were obtained to characterize the deposited coatings.

Findings

It was observed that these polymer coatings showed better protection efficiency than the PANI coating. Of the compounds studied, the copolymer PANINMA coating showed higher protection efficiency than other coatings. The SEM observations revealed that the compact continuous dense morphology of PANINMA provided better protection than other coatings.

Originality/value

This paper explains the protection efficiency of the substituted and copolymer coatings of PANI on carbon steel.
Failure investigation of stainless steel piping in a sulphur recovery unit of a gas‐processing plant
Authors: Cherian V. , Srivastava S.K. , Katarki M.V.
Published: January 2008

Purpose

This paper seeks to determine the causes and mechanism of failure of stainless steel piping in a sulphur recovery unit of a gas‐processing plant and to recommend suitable measures to avoid recurrences.

Design/methodology/approach

The integrity of the material of construction was verified using various laboratory and analytical techniques. Standard metallographic techniques were used to prepare representative samples obtained from failed stainless steel piping for metallurgical evaluation. Microstructural characterization was carried out in an inverted metallurgical microscope equipped with an imaging facility. Elemental analysis and hardness were used to confirm the identification of the material. Corrosion product/deposits were analyzed using wet chemistry supported by X‐ray diffraction analysis. Microbes were enumerated through standard methods.

Findings

The piping failed due to severe pitting corrosion, which resulted in the formation of holes. Microbial‐induced corrosion (MIC) and under‐deposit corrosion were chief contributing factors that caused the failure in stainless steel piping. In addition, the HAZ near welds at some places was found to be sensitized causing accelerated pitting corrosion at these sites.

Practical implications

The expected service life of stainless steel piping could not be realized as the piping failed due to the combined effect of MIC and under‐deposit corrosion. Periodic monitoring of sulphate‐reducing bacteria and sulphur‐oxidizing bacteria coupled with implementation of an effective biocide treatment programme in process fluid was recommended, together with the introduction of a procedure for frequent cleaning of the pipe walls to minimize under‐deposit attack.

Originality/value

The paper – a technical case study of process industry – provides an account of failure investigation. It identifies the causes and mechanism of failure and suggests suitable preventive and corrective measures. This is useful industrial experience that provides valuable information for process and plant corrosion engineers involved in the operation of this type of equipment.
A study of the influence of chloride ion concentration on the corrosion behavior of carbon steel in phosphate high‐temperature boiler water chemistries
Authors: Shun'an Cao , Qing Zhu , Zhixin Zhang
Published: January 2008

Purpose

This paper sets out to study the corrosion of No. 20 carbon steel without film and with films of different qualities in high‐temperature boiler water with different Cl− concentrations.

Design/methodology/approach

The static simulated experiment in high‐pressure autoclave and the surface analysis methods of EPMA and XRD were carried out to study the corrosion effect.

Findings

Under the following conditions: T=360±3°C, pH = 9.40±0.10, cO2<0.020 mg/l, the density of pitting corrosion on specimens without a protective film increased with the increase of CCl− content, while CCl− was > 0.2 mg/l. The film on specimens with integral films would not dissolve observably even until the CCl− concentration was as high as 0.8 mg/l. Films with corrosion pits would begin dissolving when the Cl− concentration reached 0.4 mg/l. The main constituents of the oxidative films in the gas and liquid phases both were Fe3O4.

Practical implications

In order to prevent carbon steel from corroding in boiler water containing Cl− under conditions of low‐phosphate and low‐sodium hydroxide treatment, the concentration of Cl− should be strictly controlled.

Originality/value

It was found that the presence of excessive Cl− in boiler water accelerated the corrosion of No. 20 carbon steel and the maximum permissible concentration of Cl− under the conditions (temperature and pressure) of sub‐critical drum boilers was 0.2 mg/l. The research results can provide theoretical guidelines for preventing the facilities of power plants from corroding.
Safari books online: currency, usage and book release policies of an e‐book database
Authors: Stephens Jane , Melgoza Pauline , Wan Gang (Gary)
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the overall currency of electronic books in the Safari database; to determine currency and release policies of the individual publishers who contribute books to the Safari database; to compare the usage patterns of Safari books to their print counterparts at Texas A&M University; and to discuss the impact of the Safari e‐book collection and chosen purchase model upon collection management at the university.

Design/methodology/approach

To determine currency of titles in Safari, the availability of the most recent edition of a title in the Safari database was checked against the availability of the print edition on the publisher's website. To determine the publishers' release policies, a questionnaire was developed and e‐mailed to them.

Findings

Of the titles in the Safari database 98.4 percent were the most current edition available. Release policies of the major Safari publishers (O'Reilly and Pearson) indicate that the electronic version of a title is released when the print version is sent to press. No Starch Press, a minor Safari publisher releases its books in Safari 90 days after the print goes on sale. Thomson would not make this information public and the remainder did not respond to the questionnaire.

Practical implications

Subscription to the Safari database (current file) makes available to multiple users the most current computer science and information technology books released by popular publishers. It eliminates the need to expend funds for multiple and replacement copies of this highly requested material.

Originality/value

The current file purchase model assumes that the most recent editions of these popular books are available in Safari. The study indicates that librarians and patrons can be assured that they are accessing the most current editions available.
A survey of manufacturing engineering databases
Authors: Osorio Nestor L. , Otieno Andrew W.
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine current databases available for manufacturing engineering and summarizes their relevance.

Design/methodology/approach

To promote research in manufacturing engineering, comprehensive literature should be made accessible through relevant databases. Databases not only provide information on global research but aid in assessing the impacts of research and identify promising research directions. The databases are presented in eight sections according to the type of document being sought.

Findings

The manufacturing engineering literature is robust; there are excellent products available to support this highly technical field. The databases found are from many different sources: commercial publishers, professional organizations, national and international agencies, and collaborative endeavors.

Research limitations/implications

Sources found originate mainly from the USA and Europe.

Originality/value

This paper demonstrates the importance of literature mining in manufacturing engineering which is ingrained in the processes to designing, developing and producing goods and services. It is also a teaching tool for students, a guide to professional engineers, and a valuable resource for librarians.
Project portfolio management for product innovation
Authors: Killen Catherine P. , Hunt Robert A. , Kleinschmidt Elko J.
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to create a benchmark and identify best practices for Project Portfolio Management (PPM) for both tangible product‐based and service product‐based development project portfolios.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was developed to gather data to compare the PPM methods used, PPM performance, PPM challenges, and resulting new product success measures in 60 Australian organisations in a diverse range of service and manufacturing industries.

Findings

The paper finds that PPM practices are shown to be very similar for service product development project portfolios and tangible product development project portfolios. New product success rates show strong correlation with measures of PPM performance and the use of some PPM methods is correlated with specific PPM performance outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

The findings in this paper are based on a survey of a diverse sample of 60 Australian organisations. The results are strengthened by comparisons with similar North American research; however, they may not be representative of all environments. Research in other regions would further qualify the findings. As each organisation's PPM process is unique, case study methods are recommended for future studies to capture more of the complexity in the environment.

Practical implications

The paper shows that PPM practitioners and executives who make decisions about the development of tangible products and/or service products will benefit from the findings.

Originality/value

This paper extends the existing understanding of PPM practices to include service development project portfolios as well as tangible product development project portfolios and strengthens the links between PPM practices and outcomes.
Risk management in a multi‐project environment
Authors: Olsson Rolf
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify differences in managing a single project compared with that of a project portfolio, where focus and requirements are expanded, and where clear links to organizational objectives exist. Further, the aim is to propose a methodology for the management of risk within the context of a project portfolio.

Design/methodology/approach

The concepts and framework described in this paper have emerged primarily from an in‐depth action research study in a major provider of transport solutions. The work has been conducted within one division, with presence in most of mainland Europe, Scandinavia, and the UK.

Findings

The paper finds that the proposed methodology would manage portfolio risk in two ways. First, it provides a means for single projects to gain experiences from other projects within the portfolio. Second, portfolio common risks and trends of issues can be identified. Such risks can become risks for succeeding projects, or require action from outside the single project.

Research limitations/implications

The paper shows that the pilot study consisted of 16 projects within one project portfolio. Other project portfolios, with other prerequisites, might result in different findings, since some factors not included in this research such as cultural aspects or organizational factors could affect the findings.

Practical implications

In this paper the identification and analysis of commonalities and risk trends between projects provide the possibility to manage risks from a portfolio perspective.

Originality/value

The paper sees that existing risk management processes do not support projects in managing risk within a project portfolio. Instead, the proposed methodology provides the project portfolio manager with a consolidated view of the total risk exposure within the portfolio. Additionally, this methodology finds risks and trends not otherwise possible to identify.
Modelling resource allocation of R&D project portfolios using a multi‐criteria decision‐making methodology
Authors: Morcos Maged S.
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to outline a structured Multi‐Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) methodology to help organisations efficiently allocate limited resources (investments in this case) to different R&D projects within attainable project portfolio strategy packages and select the efficient portfolios that align R&D investments to the corporate long‐term objectives.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper a case study is used to present a proposed multi‐criteria methodology approach for project resource allocation. The method provides the decision maker with an ability to easily assess the impact of trading off R&D project portfolios tangible benefits (short‐term profits) and intangible benefits (reliability and risk) against constrained budget resources (investment costs), without the requirement for sophisticated and time‐consuming mathematical formulations.

Findings

Superior findings are achieved when decisions are assisted by computer‐based MCDM methodology.

Practical implications

The paper shows that the concept embodied in this multi‐criteria approach is applied in a case study to identify and select the efficient R&D project portfolios of a multi‐national manufacturing company.

Originality/value

The novelty of this paper lies in applying a multi‐criteria methodology that offers an integrated framework that allows efficient modelling of resource allocation of project portfolios. The ultimate benefit of this work can be seen in its dual effect of specifying efficient R&D projects within different attainable portfolio packages and in defining appropriate R&D investment strategies based on trading off benefits against organisationally constrained budget resources.
From models to practice: decision making at portfolio meetings
Authors: Christiansen John K. , Varnes Claus
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the behavior of decision makers in portfolio management meetings on innovation projects and to study decision‐making behavior at these meetings.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on the case‐study approach; a theoretical framework is derived from sociology to direct the analysis of a portfolio management meeting. Four factors explain the behavior of decision making: the portfolio models as defined by organizational rules; issues related to the organizational context; a tendency to behave as others expect and to make appropriate decisions; and organizational learning processes.

Findings

The paper finds that the set of rules for conducting portfolio meetings was only partially followed. The identity of decision makers was not as calculating actors, but was shaped and influenced by four things: the formal system and rules, observations of others, the organizational context, and organizational learning. Systems other than the portfolio management systems compete for the decision makers' attention, as multiple criteria are manifest. Signals from top management influenced the decision makers' interpretations of the organizational context and framed the decision making. As learning showed decision makers what behavior was acceptable, this behavior seems to be further enforced. Decision making thus becomes more a matter of making appropriate decisions than of optimal or rational decision making.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to a single case study in one organization. Replications among other samples are needed to validate current findings.

Originality/value

This paper presents a framework for understanding how portfolio decision making is shaped and molded through appropriate decision making rather than by following the normative calculative approach. In practice, the decision maker must deal with multiple factors and criteria that make it difficult to carry out a traditional rational decision‐making process. Still, the functions of decision making meetings can extend beyond decision‐making. They may also serve as social occasions and as occasions for interpreting possible actions and sharing that information, making it possible to make appropriate decisions. Decisions are thus a construct rather than a calculative outcome.
Managing knowledge for quality assurance: an empirical study
Authors: Yang Jie
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between knowledge management and the quality of new product and identify different hidden patterns in which knowledge acquisition and dissemination affect the quality of new product.

Design/methodology/approach

Employs Additivity and Variance Stabilization (AVAS) analysis.

Findings

The quality of new product is related to knowledge management significantly.

Research limitations/implications

Implies that if organizations fail to understand the subtle ways by which different dimensions of knowledge acquisition and dissemination influence product quality, they may fail to harvest the full value of knowledge management in quality assurance.

Originality/value

It is one of the first to assess the link between knowledge management and quality assurance.
The influence of the auditor's report on investors' evaluations after the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act
Authors: Waller Shelton Sandra , Whittington O. Ray
Published: January 2008

Purpose

This research study aims to examine how differences in opinions on the material weaknesses identified in the auditor's assessment of the financial statements, and the auditor's assessment of internal control affect investment analysts' assessment of the financial strength of the company and willingness to recommend the stock for purchase to clients. It also aims to examine how the auditor's opinion on management's assessment of internal control affects investment analysts' assessment, providing additional evidence of the appropriateness of the elimination of this requirement under Auditing Standard No. 5.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines these research questions using data from a laboratory experiment with investment analysts as participants in the study.

Findings

The findings indicate that adverse audit opinions on the effectiveness of internal control result in investment analysts making a higher assessment of company risk, a lower assessment of the strength of internal control over financial reporting, and a marginally significant difference in the likelihood of recommending stock to their client.

Research limitations/implications

These findings provide evidence that auditors' assessment of internal control risk provides information to investment analysts.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by examining the implications of Section 404 of the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act on the judgment of users of financial statements.
The effect of audit partner tenure on client managers' accounting discretion
Authors: Fargher Neil , Lee Ho‐Young , Mande Vivek
Published: January 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the effect of audit partner tenure (PARTEN) on client managers' accounting discretion.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors contend that, when a new audit partner is from the same audit firm as the outgoing audit partner (audit partner rotation), audit quality increases because the new audit partner brings “fresh eyes” to the engagement.

Findings

The results confirm this conjecture. The authors find that, in the initial years of tenure of a new audit partner, client managers' accounting discretion decreases when the new partner is from the same audit firm as the outgoing partner. However, when the new audit partner is from a different audit firm as the outgoing partner (audit firm rotation), it is found that client managers' accounting discretion increases in those initial years.

Originality/value

The results provide support for recent legislation in the US restricting audit PARTEN and should be of interest to other regulatory bodies contemplating mandatory audit partner rotation.
Nokia: a case study in managing industry downturn
Authors: Carral Raúl , Kajanto Markus
Published: January 2008

Purpose

Changing industry dynamics can significantly impact the fortunes of companies. This creates a need for them to have an effective linkage of industry analysis and strategy process as a source of competitive advantage. The purpose of this paper is to describe how Nokia, a major global manufacturer of equipment solutions and services for network operators and corporations, implemented an effective method for dynamic industry analysis linked to strategy making with positive results.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is part of an ongoing research project that tracks the strategic direction of Nokia and took place between 1997 and 2003. Internal documents, databases, archival and interviews were collected and analyzed.

Findings

This article examines how companies could become more competitive by using forward looking industry analysis in their strategy process. Industry analysis within the strategy process helped Nokia to become the world leader in mobile communications equipment, and prominently in mobile phones during the late‐1990s and 2000s.

Originality/value

The authors aim to contribute to strategic management and industry analysis knowledge by designing, implementing and documenting a tangible and practical example on how it could help companies to reach global leadership as illustrated in the article.
Invasion of the Kravarites
Authors: Marren Patrick B.
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to express a viewpoint on business strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

This article is based on author's two decades of professional experience as a business strategy consultant.

Findings

Jargon serves a dual function: as shorthand for experts, and as a way of separating those experts from normal human beings.

Originality/value

Expresses ideas in a way that the author believes they have not been expressed before.