bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationships of TQM philosophy, methods and performance: a survey in Taiwan
Authors: Huarng Fenghueih , Chen Yao‐Tzung
Published: October 2002

Total quality management (TQM) has been a widely applied process for improving competitiveness around the world. The implementation of TQM usually consists of both TQM philosophy from Deming’s “14 points”, Juran’s “ten steps”, and Crosby’s “14 steps” and techniques such as SPC, QCC, benchmark, QFD, etc. The integration of philosophy and methods are usually used in implementing practices of TQM. Some researches indicated only TQM philosophy enhances quality performances; the others indicated both philosophy and methods help. This research conducts a questionnaire survey in Taiwan to test the following propositions: TQM philosophy enhances quality performance; TQM methods enhance quality performance; and the integration of TQM philosophy and TQM tools enhances quality performance. The results showed TQM philosophy, and TQM tools have a positive relationship with business performance. The integration of TQM philosophy and tools positively influenced both cost reduction and business performance.
Measuring cross‐cultural service quality
Authors: Smith Anne M. , Reynolds Nina L.
Published: October 2002

The trend towards internationalisation in many service industries has increased the need for both managers and academics to collect cross‐cultural/national consumer‐perceived service quality data. Failure to establish cross‐cultural equivalence and to detect differences in cross‐national response bias will, however, affect data comparability, may invalidate the research results and could therefore lead to incorrect inferences about attitudes and behaviours across national groups. By initially focussing on developments in the mono‐cultural service quality literature, a framework is presented whereby academics and managers can assess the potential impact of these international measurement issues. Existing cross‐cultural service quality literature is reviewed and the extent to which these issues are addressed is highlighted. Methods for detecting and correcting cross‐national response biases are discussed.
Limits of internationalization theories in an unlimited world
Authors: Axinn Catherine N. , Matthyssens Paul
Published: October 2002

This paper proffers the viewpoint that existing theory in internationalization is insufficient to explain the currently observed behaviors of firms in the international business marketplace. It examines the impact of the global economy, the service economy, the new economy, the high technology and connected knowledge/network economy, and the value economy on the changing shape of international business behavior. Drawbacks to traditional theories are explored in terms of the speed of internationalization, the limits of psychic distance, the range of entry modes accommodated, the unit of analysis used, the absence of portfolio logic, experiential learning, manufacturing focus, undervaluing managers and incorporating customer value, while encouraging theorists to both adapt current models and develop new ones.
A multinational examination of the “(non‐) domestic product” effect
Authors: Loeffler Michael
Published: October 2002

This paper discusses country‐of‐origin effects for automotive brands in France, Germany, Italy and Spain. The focus is on two subdimensions of country‐of‐origin effects: perception of quality and emotions‐related aspects. Based on car drivers’ self‐images of various makes it is delineated that brands are perceived to have lower quality when evaluated in foreign markets. For Germany, Italy and Spain different results were found concerning the perception of emotional aspects. With respect to this dimension, foreign brands are evaluated superior in Germany. The opposite situation was found for foreign brands in Italy and Spain. Significant differences in country‐specific brand images were identified within the countries under consideration. The results apply to brands of the low/medium as well as luxury segment.
Selecting marketing managers to effectively control global channels of distribution
Authors: Harvey Michael , Novicevic Milorad M.
Published: October 2002

Globalization of organizations necessitates the development of a network organizational configuration. This new form of organization requires managers to become boundary spanners between the various organizations aligned in the global business network. The question becomes how are these boundary‐spanning managers going to be identified and selected for global assignments. This paper examines the staffing options for marketing managers of integrative (i.e. relational) and market (i.e. transactional) modes of norm‐based control of global channels of distribution. Both transaction cost analysis and focus theory are used to identify which control mechanism would be most appropriate for each inter‐organizational situation.
Online banking in transition economies: the implementation and development of online banking systems in Romania
Authors: Guraău Caălin
Published: October 2002

Internet banking is one of the newest Internet technology applications, which promises multiple benefits both for the financial institutions and for clients. In the last five years a large number of banks have launched Web sites, offering online banking services. While the implementation and the functioning of these digital systems seem to be relatively smooth in the developed economies, the situation may be different in countries with economies in transition. The present paper investigates and analyses the present situation of online banking in Romania, and the appropriate strategies for the successful implementation and development of online banking services in the Romanian context.
Transformational leader behavior, proximity and successful services marketing
Authors: Humphreys John H.
Published: October 2002

This research examined the relationship between the behaviors associated with transformational, transactional, and laissez‐faire leadership and followers’ success in marketing financial services in a proximal sales unit environment. Although transformational leadership has received significant support in non‐sales settings, empirical research investigating the transformational sales manager/sales follower dyad is limited. Recent research has suggested that a transactional style of sales management may be preferable when attempting to influence follower work outcomes. This examination reports results that support the notion that transformational sales leadership may be advantageous to services sales organizations in settings where sales managers and their followers are in close proximity.
Developing a new generation of educational leaders by capitalizing on partnerships
Authors: Grogan Margaret , Roberson Stewart
Published: October 2002

This article describes a new partnership for leadership preparation between the University of Virginia and three school districts in the metropolitan area of Richmond, Virginia: Hanover County Public Schools, Chesterfield County Public Schools and Henrico County Public Schools. A brief history of the establishment of the partnership is given along with some of the key planning details that helped create it. The initiative is grounded in the current literature on new programs for principal preparation and some reflections are offered on its potential strengths. Other school districts and universities are encouraged to form similar partnerships for the benefit of future educational leaders.
The development of the Professional Headship Induction Programme in Wales
Authors: Connolly Michael , Dunning Gerald , James Chris
Published: October 2002

In September 2001, the Professional Headship Induction Programme was implemented in Wales. This programme is intended to support the professional development of new headteachers and is made up of a professional headship profile, mentor support, peer networking and a directory of training resources. The programme was developed by a consortium comprising the Glamorgan University, the educational advisory service for the Bridgend, Caerphilly, Merthyr Tydfil and Rhondda‐Cynon‐Taf local education authorities, the Welsh Primary Schools Association and the Welsh Secondary Schools Association. This paper describes the programme and its development and, on the basis of interviews with those involved, reports the tensions and shifts that emerged during the development process. These include the timescale of the development, the programme structure and content, determination of the balance between support and challenge for new headteachers, historical and political tensions and the inter‐relationship between the participants in the development. In the final section, success factors are identified.
Rationalizing the promotion of non‐rational behaviors in organizations
Authors: Smith Peter A.C. , Sharma Meenakshi
Published: October 2002

Contends that organizations designed according to current theories require that traits of leadership and personal responsibility be developed in employees at all levels of the organization, not just the formal leaders. Asserts that to develop these traits, organizations must strike an adequate balance between rationality/technical efficiency and non‐rational factors such as emotion. States that organizations currently operate with a facade of rationality, ignoring emotional reality. Argues that leverage for such change lies in working at team/group level meetings, changing the quality of interactions to enhance authenticity and create emotional openness. Maintains that action learning has so far proven the best vehicle for releasing emotional energy into the workplace if facilitators are utilized who can enrich the action learning process with skills drawn from disciplines such as counseling, Gestalt, psychodynamics, and psychoanalysis. Claims that familiarity with the principles of Eastern philosophies is also helpful.
Emotion, learning and organizing
Authors: Gabriel Yiannis , Griffiths Dorothy S.
Published: October 2002

Far from being emotional deserts, organizations are full of emotion and passion. Increasingly, management has sought to harness emotion to increase work motivation, enhance customer service and work performance and the “emotional intelligence” advocates have sought to develop a toolkit for the smarter deployment of emotions in organizations. Using social constructionist and psychoanalytic ideas, the author argues that the management of emotions is problematic and precarious. Some emotions may be contained or re‐directed, but many arise from deeper unconscious sources and are impervious to learning. Two specific emotions, anxiety and love, are discussed.
Constructing the knowledge base for knowledge‐driven development
Authors: Mansell Robin
Published: October 2002

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) represent a major opportunity for world development. However, the “digital divide” is increasing rather than diminishing existing inequalities. This paper suggests several ways in which experiences with ICTs can be shared and in which more resources could be mobilised to support local ICT projects and locally‐defined goals. The activities of the Commonwealth’s agencies in this area are used to provide illustrations of a variety of initiatives. It is argued that strategic action on the part of agencies within their own organisations and in co‐operation with others is likely to help to facilitate the process of constructing a stronger knowledge base for knowledge‐driven development, but that there is no room for complacency. In addition to improved co‐ordination and co‐operation, effort is needed to focus on the purposes and goals of knowledge‐driven development, rather than on the short‐term interests of individual stakeholder organisations.
Knowledge clusters of technological innovation systems
Authors: Scheel Carlos
Published: October 2002

One of the main producers of wealth and prosperity of industrialized countries is the existence of sustainable systems, capable of converting technological innovation assets into substantial levels of industrial productivity, wealth and global competitiveness. However, very little has been capitalized from these cases for less developed regions. A framework is proposed (5Ls model), capable of empowering firms from industrial sectors of developing countries to: reach competitive Leverages; to Link and aLign these industrial clusters to their empowerment external drivers (academia, banking, complementary industries and government); to benchmark the cluster performance, against the best practices and Learn from the gaps; and, finally, to Lead and integrate the well performing clusters into world class value systems. To achieve these performances, a knowledge system architecture is proposed, which includes the 5Ls model supported by an effective structure of technological innovation systems (TIS), designed to administrate the collaboration network of diverse organizations, aligned to a common goal: the economic, social, political and cultural development of developing regions.
Knowledge partnerships for a sustainable, equitable and stable society
Authors: Malone Thomas F. , Yohe Gary W.
Published: October 2002

Continued exponential and asymmetrical growth in both population and individual economic productivity would propel world society along a path that is environmentally unsustainable, economically inequitable, and hence socially unstable. Terrorist activity in September 2001 may be vivid evidence of that instability. Revolutionary developments in communications technologies can, however, enable partnerships among scholarly disciplines and among societal institutions to harness rapidly expanding human knowledge (broadly construed) to pursue goals in both population and individual economic productivity that would lead to a sustainable, equitable, and stable world society. Such a knowledge‐based strategy could enable us to pursue the vision of a global society in which all of the basic human needs and an equitable share of human wants can be met by successive generations while maintaining a healthy, physically attractive, and biologically productive environment. Several scenarios are presented to illustrate the promise of cooperative efforts to pursue this vision, and to highlight some obstacles to that pursuit.
Guiding innovation socially and cognitively: the innovation team model at Skanova Networks
Authors: Hellström Tomas , Jacob Merle , Malmquist Ulf
Published: October 2002

This paper presents a case study describing the development of an innovation team in a large Swedish telecom company, the aim of which is to find, test and promote new product and service concepts. Drawing on experience from the team’s first year of operation, it is concluded that certain roles given within the team, especially that of the manager in charge of boundary work vis‐à‐vis the line organization, actualize a range of issues pertinent to the study of corporate venturing but redress these in a new light. For instance the notion of guiding an innovation through a locally conceived “innovation space” is presented, and shown to require a previously under‐emphasized measure of social and cognitive engagement on the part of the team.
Updating Performance and Reliability of Concrete Structures Using Discrete Empirical Bayes Methods
Authors: Maes Marc A.
Published: October 2002

When performing a probabilistic assessment of the reliability of deteriorating structures, we often need to integrate the results of different inspections in time, within the models used to analyze the progress of deterioration. A new framework is described in this paper. It rests on a special case of the empirical Bayes method where the non-observable parameter is a discrete random variable with a relatively small number of outcomes. Various likelihood functions are derived. They are based on mixtures of deterioration scenarios. It is shown how the method can be used to calibrate the response of a stochastic deterioration model and to merge with a time-dependent reliability analysis. Examples relating to the long-term chloride corrosion in a reinforced concrete slab are presented in the paper.
Risk Assessment of Decommissioning Options Using Bayesian Networks
Authors: Havbro Faber Michael , Kroon Inger B. , Kragh Eva , Bayly David , Decosemaeker Patrick
Published: October 2002

For complex and costly decommissioning activities, it is beneficial, if not necessary, that all relevant risks are identified and assessed on an overall basis, treating and assessing all risks within the same theoretical framework. Only then may the different options be consistently compared and the risks associated with decommissioning demonstrated and documented to the different parties of interest. The present paper suggests an approach for assessing the risks associated with the decommissioning of offshore facilities. The approach takes basis in a discrete point in time representation of the considered decommissioning options where important phases of the options are represented in terms of event scenarios. Using the possibilities of Bayesian Probabilistic Networks (BPN), the failure probabilities and risk events involved in the modeling of an option may then be analyzed for each phase and added up time-wise over the entire decommissioning process. The principles of BPNs are shortly described, and the proposed approach is illustrated by an example linking the operational and structural risks in connection with a re-float decommissioning option for a concrete offshore platform. It is shown how the sensitivity may be evaluated on the basis of the BPNs, thus providing a valuable framework to first improve the risk model in terms of the representation of important scenarios, then for deciding where to apply additional safety measures most effectively, and last but not least, to demonstrate and document the contributions to the mission failure probability.
Hydrodynamic Physical Modeling of Laser Drilling
Authors: Low D. K. Y. , Li L. , Byrd P. J.
Published: October 2002

Laser drilling is a complex process that involves material removal through both vaporization and hydrodynamic melt ejection. The process is further complicated when an assist gas is incorporated, which is often the case under most practical drilling conditions. It is the intent of this article to investigate these effects through both experiments and theoretical analysis. The analysis accounts for conduction in the solid, vaporization, vaporization-induced recoil pressure melt ejection, convection due to the melt flow as well as the effects of using an O2 assist gas, which includes the effective assist gas pressure exerted on the melt surface, the forced convection cooling and the additional energy generated due to the oxidation of the melt surface by O2. The effects of the absorbed laser intensity on the melt surface temperature, melt ejection velocity and drilling velocity were studied for both cases of laser drilling with and without O2 assist gas and compared to experimental results obtained for EN3 low carbon steel. The dependence of threshold time on the absorbed laser intensity for either vaporization-dominated or melt ejection-dominated (hydrodynamic-dominated) material removal was studied and subsequently related to the threshold conditions for spatter formation. The model was subsequently optimized by examining the significance of the O2 effects considered.
Time Series Control Charts in the Presence of Model Uncertainty
Authors: Apley Daniel W.
Published: October 2002

Time series control charts are popular methods for statistical process control of autocorrelated processes. In order to implement these methods, however, a time series model of the process is required. Since time series models must always be estimated from process data, model estimation errors are unavoidable. In the presence of modeling errors, time series control charts that are designed under the assumption of a perfect model may have an actual in-control average run length that is substantially shorter than desired. This paper presents a method for incorporating model uncertainty information into the design of time series control charts to provide a level of robustness with respect to modeling errors. The focus is on exponentially weighted moving average charts and Shewhart individual charts applied to the time series residuals.
Hydrodynamic Model Induced Differences in SPM Post Pitchfork Bifurcation Paths
Authors: Simos Alexandre N. , Pesce Celso P. , Bernitsas Michael M. , Cohen Stuart B.
Published: October 2002

Several models of the hydrodynamic forces acting on a ship hull in maneuvering have been developed in the last 50 years. These models make possible analysis of ship maneuverability in high and low speeds. Following Bernitsas et al. [1], such hydrodynamic models may be classified into two major schools: the hydrodynamic derivatives (HD) models (first school) and “cross-flow” models (second school). The former is based on Taylor series expansion of the forces while the corresponding coefficients are determined experimentally and remain velocity independent for relatively low velocities. The second school heuristically combines short-wing theory (Jones) and cross-flow experimental data. The aim of this work is to establish and review a certain discrepancy observed in post pitchfork bifurcation paths depending on which school of modeling is adopted. This discrepancy exists in the practical problem of a Single-Point Mooring (SPM) system in a steady ocean current. This discrepancy appears immediately after the point of pitchfork bifurcation of the equilibrium yaw angle versus the longitudinal position of the line attachment point on the hull. According to HD models (e.g., Abkowitz [2]) such a bifurcation curve is a square-root post pitchfork path (e.g., Papoulias and Bernitsas [3]) while cross-flow models (e.g. Leite et al. [4]) predict a different shape of this path at the onset of the post bifurcation curve. Although the practical effect of such a discrepancy may be negligible for SPM systems, this is valuable in assessing an important difference in the distinct approaches followed by the hydrodynamic schools of modeling. Specifically, viscous forces are modeled by odd nonlinear terms in velocity, which are bilinear in the cross-flow models and cubic in the HD models. In this work, experimental results on the aforementioned post pitchfork bifurcation paths are presented and the origin and relevance of the observed discrepancy are discussed. Finally, results presented by Hooft [5] show that yaw angle dependence on bilinear velocity terms regarding cross-flow coefficients would be necessary for a more precise representation of bifurcation patterns near the pitchfork bifurcation. Such patterns may be strongly influenced by hull form.
Sensitivity and Robustness of Hydrodynamic Mooring Models
Authors: Matsuura Joa˜o Paulo J. , Bernitsas Michael M. , Garza-Rios Luis O. , Nishimoto Kazuo
Published: October 2002

Various hydrodynamic maneuvering models are available for modeling the slow motion horizontal plane dynamics of mooring and towing systems. In previous work, we compared four representative and widely used maneuvering models and assessed them based on the design methodology for mooring systems developed at the University of Michigan. In this paper, we study the impact of experimental uncertainties in the maneuvering coefficients on mooring system dynamic analysis. Uncertainties in higher order coefficients may even result in sign change as measured by different experimental facilities. This may indicate lack of robustness in maneuvering modeling. In our recent work, maneuvering models were classified in two schools of thought, each having a different set of coefficients subject to uncertainties. The first school is represented by the Abkowitz (A-M) and the Takashina (T-M) models, and the second by the Obokata (O-M) and the Short Wing (SW-M) models. The design methodology developed at the University of Michigan uses time independent global properties of mooring system dynamics to compare the maneuvering models, and assess their sensitivity and robustness. Equilibria, bifurcation sequences and associated morphogeneses, singularities of bifurcations, and secondary equilibrium paths are such global properties. Systematic change of important coefficients in each model shows that, for both schools of thought, sensitivity to first order terms is high while sensitivity to higher order terms is low. Accuracy in measurement of first order terms is high while accuracy in measurement of higher order terms is low. These two tendencies reduce each other’s impact, providing acceptable robustness.
Distortion of Rectangular Tubes in Stretch Bending
Authors: Zhu Hong , Stelson Kim A.
Published: October 2002

During stretch bending, considerable in-plane distortion occurs when a thin-walled rectangular tube is plastically bent. To minimize the distortion, fixed walls are used to limit the bulging of the side walls of the tube. Internal pressure can also be used to compensate for distortion. In this paper, analytical expressions for the amount of distortion and the needed internal pressure are derived based on energy minimization. The theory is in fairly good agreement with experiments.
Modelling and Experimental Study Into the Laser Assisted Nitriding of Ti-6Al-4V Alloy
Authors: Yilbas B. S. , Naqavi I. Z. , Shuja S. Z.
Published: October 2002

Laser gas assisted processing offers advantages over commercial nitriding processes due to precise operation and local treatment. In the present study, laser gas assisted nitriding of Ti-6Al-4V alloy is considered. Temperature field is simulated using a nonconduction laser heating model, in which the phase change is accommodated. Temperature dependent nitrogen diffusion coefficient is used when computing the nitrogen concentration distribution in the substrate material. Thermal stresses due to temperature gradient are predicted in the solid region of the substrate material. Experimentation is carried out in an effort to nitride the Ti-6Al-4V alloy surface employing a pulsed Nd:YAG laser. Laser treated surfaces are examined using SEM, XRD, and XPS. It is found that the temperature gradient reduces sharply while the nitrogen concentration gradient reduces gradually inside the substrate material. The depth of the nitride layer almost matches the depth of the melt layer. It is observed from the experimental study that the nitride compound in the surface region of the substrate material is TiN and neither microcracks nor microvoids are observed in the nitrided region.
An Experimental Study on Fatigue Life Variance, Residual Stress Variance, and Their Correlation of Face-Turned and Ground Ti 6Al-4V Samples
Authors: Yang Xiaoping , Richard Liu C. , Grandt A. F.
Published: October 2002

It is well known that there is a large variance associated with fatigue life. However, in literature little is found on the relationship between manufacturing processes and fatigue variance of the manufactured components. In this research, the influence of machining processes on the fatigue variance of the machined Ti 6Al-4V samples is studied experimentally. The impact is evaluated by comparing the safety ratios of face-turned samples with those of ground samples. The safety ratio is defined as the average fatigue life over the fatigue life with a reliability of 95%. In the computation, it is assumed that fatigue life follows Weibull distribution. Two sets of faced samples and two sets of ground samples are tested for bending fatigue. The test is under constant amplitude in high cycle fatigue regime under room temperature. The results show that the safety ratios of face-turned samples are significantly smaller than are those of ground samples. Consequently, it is suggested that fatigue life variance be considered as a new process capability. This capability serves as a basis in choosing manufacturing processes for making fatigue critical products such as aircraft. Another finding is the positive correlation between the residual stress variation and fatigue life variation. This correlation suggests that a better understanding and prediction of residual stress lead to a better prediction of fatigue life.
A Grammar-Based Framework for Integrating Design and Manufacturing
Authors: Kwon Patrick , Chung Moon Jung , Pentland Brian
Published: October 2002

In this paper, we present an engineering framework called Manufacturing Integration and Design Automation System (MIDAS). The core of MIDAS is a process grammar, which provides the theoretical foundation to represent, manipulate and execute design and manufacturing processes. The important properties offered by MIDAS, which are especially useful for integrating design and manufacturing, are generativity and abstraction. Given a set of rules and objects, it generates feasible alternative processes that can be represented at varying levels of abstraction. Generativity and abstraction allow users of MIDAS to explore alternative processes while coordinating and integrating iterative engineering activities concurrently in a distributed environment. When design and manufacturing processes are integrated within the framework of MIDAS, it helps engineers to navigate through the process alternatives and to foresee the effects of particular design choices in subsequent stages of design and manufacturing, even with an incomplete set of design data. Using a shared representation of design and manufacturing processes, MIDAS facilitates communication among engineers through a collaborative browser and various visualization tools.
A Data Mining Approach for Generation of Control Signatures
Authors: Kusiak Andrew
Published: October 2002

Data mining offers methodologies and tools for data analysis, discovery of new knowledge, and autonomous process control. This paper introduces basic data mining algorithms. An approach based on rough set theory is used to derive associations among control parameters and the product quality in the form of decision rules. The model presented in the paper produces control signatures leading to good quality products of a metal forming process. The computational results reported in the paper indicate that data mining opens a new avenue for decision-making in material forming industry.
A Procedure to Analyze the Maneuvering Stability of FPSO Systems in the Design Stage
Authors: Matter Ge´rson B. , Sales, Joel S. , Sphaier Sergio H.
Published: October 2002

The use of large floating units to operate in deep water appears as a solution adopted by the industry to produce and storage the oil and finally to transfer the oil to shuttle ships. In the particular case of Petrobras the conversion of VLCC to FPSO has been adopted to work in the exploitation of oil in deep water. This has motivated many studies about the dynamics of this kind of structures exposed to the environmental conditions: wind, currents and waves. The present paper deals with the dynamics of ships in the horizontal plane under the action of a current. A maneuvering model is used to express the hydrodynamic forces. Analytical expressions for the eigenvalues of the linear stability analysis are obtained. These expressions are used to analyze the influence of the main dimensions in the design of new structures and the use of some stabilizers.
Comparing Different Test Procedures to Determine the Coefficients of the Maneuvering Model for an FPSO
Authors: Wichers Johan E. W.
Published: October 2002

Maneuvering models for tanker based FPSOs are somewhat different from the classical maneuvering models. The reasons are zero or low forward speed (current), large mean drift angles, small values of rate of turn and relatively large low frequency (lf) transverse and yaw motions around the mean drift angle. A maneuvering model for a FPSO will be described in the paper. For a FPSO the maneuvering model must comply with both still water and a current field condition. Also the “twilight” zone being defined as the transient from a current field to still water and from still water to a current field (tidal change current) must be considered. In a current field, the coefficients of such a model consist of added mass coefficients, stationary current coefficients and dynamic current coefficients. In still water the coefficients should consist of added mass coefficients and the still water dynamic coefficients. The added mass coefficients ω→0rad/s can be determined by 3-D potential theory. For the stationary current coefficients, classical towing tests for different headings may be carried out. For the determination of the hydrodynamic reaction force coefficients in both still water and in current two methods can be distinguished. With both methods the tanker is connected to the towing carriage by means of the PMM (Planar Motion Mechanism). By running the carriage current can be simulated. The test methods are either the yaw-rotating test or the yaw-oscillatory test. The pure yaw-rotating test is a dynamic test exposing the hull to different low advance velocities while the model rotates with constant rate of turn. In this way the hull will be exposed to the current for the full circle of 360 degrees. The pure yaw-oscillatory test is a dynamic test exposing the hull under a number of headings to different low advance speeds. The model is subjected to a low frequency and a large amplitude yaw motion around the mean yaw heading with regard to the current direction. If the maneuvering model is provided with the dynamic coefficients obtained from either the yaw-rotating tests or the oscillatory tests the results may differ. Model tests have been carried out using both methods. Results will be shown illustrating the difference in the force/moment components of the maneuvering models for a FPSO hull. In this paper the coefficients as used for the maneuvering model are derived from pure yaw-oscillatory tests. To validate the model recently PMM test series were carried for the combined sway and yaw modes of motion. The test series were performed in both still water and forward velocities. The formulation as derived from the pure yaw oscillating tests was applied to the combined yaw-sway motion and the results are presented.
Maneuvering Model for FPSOs and Stability Analysis of the Offloading Operation
Authors: Sphaier Sergio H. , Fernandes Antonio C. , Correa Sylvio H. S. , Castro Gustavo A. V.
Published: October 2002

The discovery of new fields in deep water brought back the use of large ships such as FPSOs. This seems to be the trend toward ultra deep water units at least in offshore Brazil. At about the same time, VLCCs (very large crude carriers) have been converted to work as FPSOs. However, working as a stationary unit a VLCC presents directional stability problems. In the present paper a methodology is discussed to develop a mathematical model for the simulation and the verification of the stability of a VLCC working as a FPSO. To express the forces and moments acting on the ship hull the results of a group of experiments are described in the classical sense of the maneuverability theory, although they concern large angles of attack and low advance velocity. Besides, a procedure to determine the stability of the floating system is also presented. This is based on local analysis and follows the classical theory of dynamic systems. Further, the use of stabilization devices for a floating unit and the offloading operation are discussed. Finally, an experimental test is proposed, in order to take into account scale effects.
Treatment of Ischemic Brain Damage by Perturbing NMDA Receptor- PSD-95 Protein Interactions
Authors: Aarts Michelle , Liu Yitao , Liu Lidong , Besshoh Shintaro , Arundine Mark , Gurd James W. , Wang Yu-Tian , Salter Michael W. , Tymianski Michael
Published: October 2002

N
-methyl-
d
-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) mediate ischemic brain damage but also mediate essential neuronal excitation. To treat stroke without blocking NMDARs, we transduced neurons with peptides that disrupted the interaction of NMDARs with the postsynaptic density protein PSD-95. This procedure dissociated NMDARs from downstream neurotoxic signaling without blocking synaptic activity or calcium influx. The peptides, when applied either before or 1 hour after an insult, protected cultured neurons from excitotoxicity, reduced focal ischemic brain damage in rats, and improved their neurological function. This approach circumvents the negative consequences associated with blocking NMDARs and may constitute a practical stroke therapy.
Alzheimer's Disease Is a Synaptic Failure
Authors: Selkoe Dennis J.
Published: October 2002

In its earliest clinical phase, Alzheimer's disease characteristically produces a remarkably pure impairment of memory. Mounting evidence suggests that this syndrome begins with subtle alterations of hippocampal synaptic efficacy prior to frank neuronal degeneration, and that the synaptic dysfunction is caused by diffusible oligomeric assemblies of the amyloid β protein.
Timing Requirements for Insulin/IGF-1 Signaling in
C. elegans
Authors: Dillin Andrew , Crawford Douglas K. , Kenyon Cynthia
Published: October 2002

The insulin/IGF-1 (where IGF-1 is insulin-like growth factor–1) signaling pathway influences longevity, reproduction, and diapause in many organisms. Because of the fundamental importance of this system in animal physiology, we asked when during the animal's life it is required to regulate these different processes. We find that in
Caenorhabditis elegans
, the pathway acts during adulthood, to relatively advanced ages, to influence aging. In contrast, it regulates diapause during development. In addition, the pathway controls longevity and reproduction independently of one another. Together our findings show that life-span regulation can be dissociated temporally from phenotypes that might seem to decrease the quality of life.
Transcriptional Regulatory Networks in
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Lee Tong Ihn , Rinaldi Nicola J. , Robert François , Odom Duncan T. , Bar-Joseph Ziv , Gerber Georg K. , Hannett Nancy M. , Harbison Christopher T. , Thompson Craig M. , Simon Itamar , Zeitlinger Julia , Jennings Ezra G. , Murray Heather L. , Gordon D. Benjamin , Ren Bing , Wyrick John J. , Tagne Jean-Bosco , Volkert Thomas L. , Fraenkel Ernest , Gifford David K. , Young Richard A.
Published: October 2002

We have determined how most of the transcriptional regulators encoded in the eukaryote
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
associate with genes across the genome in living cells. Just as maps of metabolic networks describe the potential pathways that may be used by a cell to accomplish metabolic processes, this network of regulator-gene interactions describes potential pathways yeast cells can use to regulate global gene expression programs. We use this information to identify network motifs, the simplest units of network architecture, and demonstrate that an automated process can use motifs to assemble a transcriptional regulatory network structure. Our results reveal that eukaryotic cellular functions are highly connected through networks of transcriptional regulators that regulate other transcriptional regulators.
The Developing Synapse: Construction and Modulation of Synaptic Structures and Circuits
Authors: Cohen-Cory Susana
Published: October 2002

Synapse formation and stabilization in the vertebrate central nervous system is a dynamic process, requiring bi-directional communication between pre- and postsynaptic partners. Numerous mechanisms coordinate where and when synapses are made in the developing brain. This review discusses cellular and activity-dependent mechanisms that control the development of synaptic connectivity.
Progression of Vertebrate Limb Development Through SHH-Mediated Counteraction of GLI3
Authors: te Welscher Pascal , Zuniga Aimée , Kuijper Sanne , Drenth Thijs , Goedemans Hans J. , Meijlink Frits , Zeller Rolf
Published: October 2002

Distal limb development and specification of digit identities in tetrapods are under the control of a mesenchymal organizer called the polarizing region.
Sonic Hedgehog
(SHH) is the morphogenetic signal produced by the polarizing region in the posterior limb bud. Ectopic anterior SHH signaling induces digit duplications and has been suspected as a major cause underlying congenital malformations that result in digit polydactyly. Here, we report that the polydactyly of
Gli3
-deficient mice arises independently of SHH signaling. Disruption of one or both
Gli3
alleles in mouse embryos lacking
Shh
progressively restores limb distal development and digit formation. Our genetic analysis indicates that SHH signaling counteracts GLI3-mediated repression of key regulator genes, cell survival, and distal progression of limb bud development.
Heterogeneous Atmospheric Aerosol Production by Acid-Catalyzed Particle-Phase Reactions
Authors: Jang Myoseon , Czoschke Nadine M. , Lee Sangdon , Kamens Richard M.
Published: October 2002

According to evidence from our laboratory, acidic surfaces on atmospheric aerosols lead to potentially multifold increases in secondary organic aerosol (SOA) mass. Experimental observations using a multichannel flow reactor, Teflon (polytetrafluoroethylene) film bag batch reactors, and outdoor Teflon-film smog chambers strongly confirm that inorganic acids, such as sulfuric acid, catalyze particle-phase heterogeneous reactions of atmospheric organic carbonyl species. The net result is a large increase in SOA mass and stabilized organic layers as particles age. If acid-catalyzed heterogeneous reactions of SOA products are included in current models, the predicted SOA formation will be much greater and could have a much larger impact on climate forcing effects than we now predict.
Neural and Immunological Synaptic Relations
Authors: Dustin Michael L. , Colman David R.
Published: October 2002

A synapse is a stable adhesive junction between two cells across which information is relayed by directed secretion. The nervous system and immune system utilize these specialized cell surface contacts to directly convey and transduce highly controlled secretory signals between their constituent cell populations. Each of these synaptic types is built around a microdomain structure comprising central active zones of exocytosis and endocytosis encircled by adhesion domains. Surface molecules that may be incorporated into and around the active zones contribute to modulation of the functional state of the synapse.
Human Occupations and Climate Change in the Puna de Atacama, Chile
Authors: Núñez Lautaro , Grosjean Martin , Cartajena Isabel
Published: October 2002

Widespread evidence for human occupation of the Atacama Desert, 20° to 25°S in northern Chile, has been found from 13,000 calibrated
14
C years before the present (cal yr B.P.) to 9500 cal yr B.P., and again after 4500 cal yr B.P. Initial human occupation coincided with a change from very dry environments to humid environments. More than 39 open early Archaic campsites at elevations above 3600 meters show that hunters lived around late glacial/early Holocene paleolakes on the Altiplano. Cessation of the use of the sites between 9500 and 4500 cal yr B.P. is associated with drying of the lakes. The mid-Holocene collapse of human occupation is also recorded in cave deposits. One cave contained Pleistocene fauna associated with human artifacts. Faunal diversity was highest during the humid early Holocene.
Ideal Pure Shear Strength of Aluminum and Copper
Authors: Ogata Shigenobu , Li Ju , Yip Sidney
Published: October 2002

Although aluminum has a smaller modulus in {111}〈112̄〉 shear than that of copper, we find by first-principles calculation that its ideal shear strength is larger because of a more extended deformation range before softening. This fundamental behavior, along with an abnormally high intrinsic stacking fault energy and a different orientation dependence on pressure hardening, are traced to the directional nature of its bonding. By a comparative analysis of ion relaxations and valence charge redistributions in aluminum and copper, we arrive at contrasting descriptions of bonding characteristics in these two metals that can explain their relative strength and deformation behavior.
Effects of Multiple Deletions of Murein Hydrolases on Viability, Septum Cleavage, and Sensitivity to Large Toxic Molecules in
Escherichia coli
Authors: Heidrich Christoph , Ursinus Astrid , Berger Jürgen , Schwarz Heinz , Höltje Joachim-Volker
Published: October 2002

The multiplicity of murein hydrolases found in most bacteria presents an obstacle to demonstrating the necessity of these potentially autolytic enzymes. Therefore,
Escherichia coli
mutants with deletions in multiple murein hydrolases, including lytic transglycosylases, amidases, and
dd
-endopeptidases, were constructed. Even a mutant from which seven different hydrolases were deleted was viable and grew at a normal rate. However, penicillin-induced lysis was retarded. Most of the mutants were affected in septum cleavage, which resulted in the formation of chains of cells. All three enzymes were shown to be capable of splitting the septum. Failure to cleave the septum resulted in an increase in outer membrane permeability, and thus the murein hydrolase mutants did not grow on MacConkey agar plates. In addition, the hydrolase mutants not only could be lysed by lysozyme in the absence of EDTA but also were sensitive to high-molecular-weight antibiotics, such as vancomycin and bacitracin, which are normally ineffective against
E. coli.
The PrpC Serine-Threonine Phosphatase and PrkC Kinase Have Opposing Physiological Roles in Stationary-Phase
Bacillus subtilis
Cells
Authors: Gaidenko Tatiana A. , Kim Tae-Jong , Price Chester W.
Published: October 2002

Loss of the PrpC serine-threonine phosphatase and the associated PrkC kinase of
Bacillus subtilis
were shown to have opposite effects on stationary-phase physiology by differentially affecting cell density, cell viability, and accumulation of β-galactosidase from a general stress reporter fusion. These pleiotropic effects suggest that PrpC and PrkC have important regulatory roles in stationary-phase cells. Elongation factor G (EF-G) was identified as one possible target of the PrpC and PrkC pair in vivo, and purified PrpC and PrkC manifested the predicted phosphatase and kinase activities against EF-G in vitro.
Expression, Purification, and Characterization of AknX Anthrone Oxygenase, Which Is Involved in Aklavinone Biosynthesis in
Streptomyces galilaeus
Authors: Chung Jin-young , Fujii Isao , Harada Shigeharu , Sankawa Ushio , Ebizuka Yutaka
Published: October 2002

In streptomycete anthracycline biosynthetic gene clusters, small open reading frames are located just upstream of minimal polyketide synthase genes.
aknX
is such a gene found in the aklavinone-aclacinomycin biosynthetic gene cluster of
Streptomyces galilaeus
. In order to identify its function, the
aknX
gene was expressed in
Escherichia coli
. The cell extract prepared from
E. coli
cells overexpressing AknX protein exhibited anthrone oxygenase activity, which converted emodinanthrone to anthraquinone emodin. This indicates that AknX and related gene products such as DnrG and SnoaB are involved in the formation of aklanonic acid from its anthrone precursor, as suggested by their homology with TcmH and ActVA6. The AknX protein fused with a His
6
tag was efficiently purified to homogeneity by Ni
2+
affinity and anion-exchange column chromatography. The native molecular mass of AknX was estimated to be 42 kDa by gel filtration. Thus, native AknX is considered to have a homotrimeric subunit structure. AknX, like TcmH and ActVA6, possesses no apparent prosthetic group for oxygen activation. Site-directed mutagenesis was carried out to identify the key amino acid residue(s) involved in the oxygenation reaction. Of seven AknX mutants expressed, the W67F mutant showed significantly reduced oxygenase activity, suggesting the important role of the W67 residue in the AknX reaction. A possible mechanism for the reaction via peroxy anion intermediate is proposed.