bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robust adaptive fault‐tolerant control for linear systems with actuator failures and mismatched parameter uncertainties
Authors: Wu Li‐Bing , Yang Guang‐Hong , Ye Dan
Published: March 2014

In this study, a direct adaptive control scheme is developed to solve the robust fault‐tolerant control problem for linear systems with mismatched parameter uncertainties, disturbances and actuator faults including loss of effectiveness, outage and stuck. Although the unparameterisable time‐varying stuck faults and the upper bounds of disturbances are unknown, the adaptive laws are proposed to estimate the unknown controller parameters online. Then, by using the information from the adaptive mechanism, a class of robust adaptive state feedback controllers are constructed for automatically compensating the actuator faults, external disturbances and mismatched parameter uncertainties. Moreover, on the basis of Lyapunov stability theory, it is proved that the resulting adaptive closed‐loop system can be guaranteed to be asymptotically stable in the presence of actuator faults, disturbances and mismatched parameter uncertainties. Finally, simulation results are presented to illustrate the efficiency of the proposed fault‐tolerant design approach.
Defect induced ferromagnetism in undoped ZnO nanoparticles
Authors: Rainey K. , Chess J. , Eixenberger J. , Tenne D. A. , Hanna C. B. , Punnoose A.
Published: March 2014

Undoped ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) with size ∼12 nm were produced using forced hydrolysis methods using diethylene glycol (DEG) [called ZnO-I] or denatured ethanol [called ZnO-II] as the reaction solvent; both using Zn acetate dehydrate as precursor. Both samples showed weak ferromagnetic behavior at 300 K with saturation magnetization Ms = 0.077 ± 0.002 memu/g and 0.088 ± 0.013 memu/g for ZnO-I and ZnO-II samples, respectively. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra showed that ZnO-I nanocrystals had DEG fragments linked to their surface. Photoluminescence (PL) data showed a broad emission near 500 nm for ZnO-II which is absent in the ZnO-I samples, presumably due to the blocking of surface traps by the capping molecules. Intentional oxygen vacancies created in the ZnO-I NPs by annealing at 450 °C in flowing Ar gas gradually increased Ms up to 90 min and x-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) suggested that oxygen vacancies may have a key role in the observed changes in Ms. Finally, PL spectra of ZnO showed the appearance of a blue/violet emission, attributed to Zn interstitials, whose intensity changes with annealing time, similar to the trend seen for Ms. The observed variation in the magnetization of ZnO NP with increasing Ar annealing time seems to depend on the changes in the number of Zn interstitials and oxygen vacancies.
Stochastic bifurcation and fractal and chaos control of a giant magnetostrictive film-shape memory alloy composite cantilever plate subjected to in-plane harmonic and stochastic excitation
Authors: Zhu Zhiwen , Zhang Qingxin , Xu Jia
Published: March 2014

Stochastic bifurcation and fractal and chaos control of a giant magnetostrictive film–shape memory alloy (GMF–SMA) composite cantilever plate subjected to in-plane harmonic and stochastic excitation were studied. Van der Pol items were improved to interpret the hysteretic phenomena of both GMF and SMA, and the nonlinear dynamic model of a GMF–SMA composite cantilever plate subjected to in-plane harmonic and stochastic excitation was developed. The probability density function of the dynamic response of the system was obtained, and the conditions of stochastic Hopf bifurcation were analyzed. The conditions of noise-induced chaotic response were obtained in the stochastic Melnikov integral method, and the fractal boundary of the safe basin of the system was provided. Finally, the chaos control strategy was proposed in the stochastic dynamic programming method. Numerical simulation shows that stochastic Hopf bifurcation and chaos appear in the parameter variation process. The boundary of the safe basin of the system has fractal characteristics, and its area decreases when the noise intensifies. The system reliability was improved through stochastic optimal control, and the safe basin area of the system increased.
Magnetic field emissions for ferrite and non-ferrite geometries for wireless power transfer to vehicles
Authors: Batra T. , Schaltz E.
Published: March 2014

Minimizing magnetic field emissions to surroundings are one of the most challenging design criteria for wireless power transfer to vehicles. In this paper, concept of division of the emissions into three zones (primary, secondary, and combined zone) in the vertical direction is introduced. For geometries without ferrite, these zones can be defined only on basis of distance from coils. The simulation results indicate that magnetic field profile in the surroundings is influenced for ferrite based geometries and the three zones tend to overlap. This overlapping is studied via Comsol simulations for vertical separation between the coils in range of 100–180 mm. It is observed that lower vertical separation results in higher overlapping of the zones and the coils behave as they are effectively placed close to center of air gap. The analysis in this work provides a better understanding of the space profile of magnetic field emissions (with and without ferrite) for wireless power transfer to vehicles.
A 7.5 ps single-shot precision integrated time counter with segmented delay line
Authors: Klepacki K. , Szplet R. , Pelka R.
Published: March 2014

This paper describes the design and test results of time interval counter featuring the single-shot precision of 7.5 ps root mean square (rms) and measurement range of 1 ms. These parameters have been achieved by combining direct counting method with a two-stage interpolation within a single clock period. Both stages of interpolation are based on the use of tapped delay lines stabilized by delay locked loop mechanism. In the first stage, a coarse resolution is obtained with the aid of high frequency multiphase clock, while in the second stage a sub-gate delay resolution is achieved with the use of differential delay line. To reduce the nonlinearities of conversion and to improve the precision of measurement, a novel segmented delay line is proposed. An important feature of this segmented delay line is partial overlapping of measurement range and resulting enhancement of both resolution and precision of time interval counter. The maximum integral nonlinearity error of the fine-stage interpolators does not exceed 16 ps and 14 ps in START and STOP interpolators, respectively. These errors have been identified by statistical calibration procedure and corrected to achieve single-shot precision better than 7.5 ps (rms). The time counter is integrated in a single ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) chip using a standard cost-effective 0.35 μm CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) process.
A dynamic model for hysteresis in magnetostrictive devices
Authors: Trapanese M. , Franzitta V. , Viola A.
Published: March 2014

In this paper, a dynamic model for the description and design of hysteresis in magnetostrictive devices is presented. The model is based on Preisach theory and its dynamic extension. A procedure for determining the Preisach distribution function is given. This procedure is based on neural networks. The model is able to reconstruct both the magnetization relation and the field-strain relation. The model is validated through comparison and prediction of data collected from a typical Terfenol-D sample and a novel experimental technique dedicated to the validation of dynamic models is proposed.
Determination of the Fermi level position in dilute magnetic Ga1-xMnxN films
Authors: Barthel S. , Kunert G. , Gartner M. , Stoica M. , Mourad D. , Kruse C. , Figge S. , Hommel D. , Czycholl G.
Published: March 2014

We report on a combined theoretical and experimental determination of the Fermi level position in wurtzite Ga1−xMnxN films with x=4% and x=10% as grown by molecular beam epitaxy. By means of ellipsometric measurements, the real part of the frequency-dependent conductivity is determined. An electronic model in the framework of the effective bond-orbital model is parameterized in order to theoretically reproduce the measured transport properties. Predictions for the long-wavelength behaviour as a function of the Fermi level are made. The corresponding density of states obtained in this model is in qualitative agreement with first-principle calculations. The absence of a significant experimental peak in the AC conductivity for small frequencies indicates that the Fermi level lies in a gap between two Mn-related impurity bands in the host band gap.
Structural and magnetic etch damage in CoFeB
Authors: Krayer L. , Lau J. W. , Kirby B. J.
Published: March 2014

A detailed understanding of the interfacial properties of thin films used in magnetic media is critical for the aggressive component scaling required for continued improvement in storage density. In particular, it is important to understand how common etching and milling processes affect the interfacial magnetism. We have used polarized neutron reflectometry and transmission electron microscopy to characterize the structural and magnetic properties of an ion beam etched interface of a CoFeB film. We found that the etching process results in a sharp magnetic interface buried under a nanometer scale layer of non-magnetic, compositionally distinct material.
Nonstochastic magnetic reversal in artificial quasicrystalline spin ice
Authors: Farmer B. , Bhat V. S. , Sklenar J. , Woods J. , Teipel E. , Smith N. , Ketterson J. B. , Hastings J. T. , De Long L. E.
Published: March 2014

We have measured the isothermal DC magnetization of Penrose P2 tilings (P2T) composed of wire segments of permalloy thin film. Micromagnetic simulations reproduce the coercive fields and “knee anomalies” observed in experimental data and show magnetic shape anisotropy constrains segments to be single-domain (Ising spins) at low fields, similar to artificial spin ice (ASI). Mirror symmetry controls the initial reversal of individual segments oriented parallel to the applied field, followed by complex switching of multiple adjacent segments (“avalanches”) of various orientations such that closed magnetization loops (“vortices”) are favored. Ferromagnetic P2T differ from previously studied ASI systems due to their aperiodic translational symmetry and numerous inequivalent pattern vertices, which drive nonstochastic switching of segment polarizations.
Simultaneous determination of the elastic modulus and density/thickness of ultrathin films utilizing micro-/nanoresonators under applied axial force
Authors: Stachiv I. , Zapomel J. , Chen Y.-L.
Published: March 2014

Thin films are widely used in microelectronics, optics, filters, and various sensing devices. We propose a method to simultaneously determine the elastic modulus and density or thickness of ultrathin films deposited on various substrate materials. This methodology utilizes measurement of the resonant frequencies of the micro-/nanoresonator under intentionally applied axial tension and, consequently, the beam to string transition. Elastic modulus and density/thickness of thin film are obtained from the ratio between the resonant frequencies of the nanoresonator with and without applied axial force.
Dynamic hysteresis and scaling behavior for Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 ceramics
Authors: Chen Xuefeng , Dong Xianlin , Zhou Zhiyong , Wang Junxia , Cao Fei , Wang Genshui , Zhang Hongling
Published: March 2014

The dynamic hysteresis of Nb-doped Pb(ZrxTi1−x)O3 (PZT, 0.40 ≤ x ≤ 0.60) ceramics with different phase structures was investigated as functions of frequency f and electric field amplitude E0. When E0 grows over ∼1.5 times of coercive field Ec, all the loops become well saturated and their scaling relations of hysteresis area ⟨A⟩ against f and E0 can be expressed with an identical form as ⟨A⟩∝f0.01E00.10 for either tetragonal phase or morphotropic phase, which is in good agreement with our previous result of rhombohedral PZT [Chen et al., J. Appl. Phys. 114, 244101 (2013)]. The results indicate that ferroelectrics with fairly distinct domain structures could have similar dynamic hysteresis and scaling behavior at high-E0 region.
Raman peak enhancement and shift of few-layer graphene induced by plasmonic coupling with silver nanoparticles
Authors: Zhang S. G. , Zhang X. W. , Liu X. , Yin Z. G. , Wang H. L. , Gao H. L. , Zhao Y. J.
Published: March 2014

Few-layer graphene was transferred directly on top of Ag nanoparticles, and the coupling between graphene and localized surface plasmons (LSPs) of Ag nanoparticles was investigated. We found that the surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy of graphene was increased approximately 7-fold by near-fields of plasmonic Ag nanoparticles and the enhancement factor of graphene G peak increased with the particle size. Meanwhile, the LSP resonances of Ag nanoparticles exhibit a 10 nm redshift and a 13 nm broadening by the presence of graphene, which can be attributed to the coupling between the Ag LSPs and the graphene.
Near-field thermodynamics: Useful work, efficiency, and energy harvesting
Authors: Latella Ivan , Pérez-Madrid Agustín , Lapas Luciano C. , Miguel Rubi J.
Published: March 2014

We show that the maximum work that can be obtained from the thermal radiation emitted between two planar sources in the near-field regime is much larger than that corresponding to the blackbody limit. This quantity, as well as an upper bound, for the efficiency of the process is computed from the formulation of thermodynamics in the near-field regime. The case when the difference of temperatures of the hot source and the environment is small, relevant for energy harvesting, is studied in detail. We also show that thermal radiation energy conversion can be more efficient in the near-field regime. These results open new possibilities for the design of energy converters that can be used to harvest energy from sources of moderate temperature at the nanoscale.
Enhancement of short-circuit current density in polymer bulk heterojunction solar cells comprising plasmonic silver nanowires
Authors: Yang Yuzhao , Lin Xiaofeng , Qing Jian , Zhong Zhenfeng , Ou Jiemei , Hu Chenglong , Chen Xudong , Zhou Xiang , Chen Yujie
Published: March 2014

We demonstrate that the influence of plasmonic effects based on silver nanowires (Ag NWs) on the characteristics of polymer solar cells (PSCs). The solution-processed Ag NWs are situated at the interface of anode buffer layer and active layer, which could enhance the performance especially the photocurrent of PSCs by scattering, localized surface plasmon resonance, and surface plasmon polaritons. Plasmonic effects are confirmed by the enhancement of extinction spectra, external quantum efficiency, and steady state photoluminescence. Consequently, the short-circuit current density (Jsc) and power conversion efficiency enhance about 24% and 18%, respectively, under AM1.5 illumination when Ag NWs plasmonic nanostructure incorporated into PSCs.
Magnetoresistance reversal in antiperovskite compound Mn3Cu0.5Zn0.5N
Authors: Zhang X. H. , Yin Y. , Yuan Q. , Han J. C. , Zhang Z. H. , Jian J. K. , Zhao J. G. , Song B.
Published: March 2014

We report detailed investigations of the structure, magnetic properties, electronic transport, and specific heat in Mn-based antiperovskite compounds Mn3Cu0.5Zn0.5N. Most strikingly, there are several fascinating features: (i) The magnetoresistance at 30 kOe (40 kOe) exceeds ∼1% (∼2%) over a temperature span of ∼70 K (∼25 K) from 5 to 140 K; (ii) magnetoresistance fluctuates at temperatures of 100–200 K, including an obvious sign reversal from negative to positive at ∼140 K. Analysis of the specific heat reveals that the magnetoresistance reversal may originate from the reconstruction of the Fermi surface accompanying an antiferromagnetic-ferromagnetic transition.
SPR imaging combined with cyclic voltammetry for the detection of neural activity
Authors: Li Hui , Zhang Lulu , Chen Xing , Sun Jianhai , Cui Dafu
Published: March 2014

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) detects changes in refractive index at a metal-dielectric interface. In this study, SPR imaging (SPRi) combined with cyclic voltammetry (CV) was applied to detect neural activity in isolated bullfrog sciatic nerves. The neural activities induced by chemical and electrical stimulation led to an SPR response, and the activities were recorded in real time. The activities of different parts of the sciatic nerve were recorded and compared. The results demonstrated that SPR imaging combined with CV is a powerful tool for the investigation of neural activity.
Note: Measurement speed improvement of microchip Nd:YAG laser feedback interferometer
Authors: Zhang Song , Tan Yidong , Zhang Shulian
Published: March 2014

We analyze the measurement speed limit of the quasi-common-path laser feedback interferometer and demonstrate a much improved measurement speed from 100 μm/s to 60 mm/s owing to the optimized system parameters and a novel signal processing method. The performance is experimentally verified by comparing to an Agilent 5529A dual-frequency laser interferometer.
Sustaining supply of senior academic leadership skills in a shortage environment: a short review of a decade of dental experience
Authors: Kruger Estie , Heitz-Mayfield Lisa , Tennant Marc
Published: March 2014

For the past decade, and expected for the next decade, Australia faces a significant health workforce shortage and an acute maldistribution of health workforce. Against this background the governments at both national and state level have been increasing the training places for all health practitioners and trying to redress the imbalance through a strong regional focus on these developments. Dentistry has been an active participant in these workforce initiatives. This study examines the increasing demand for academics and discusses the existing pathways for increase, and also examines in detail the advantages of a sustainable, shared-model approach, using dentistry as a model for other disciplines. Three non-exclusive pathways for reform are considered: importation of academics, delayed retirement and the shared resource approach. Of the various solutions outlined in this review a detailed explanation of a cost-effective shared model of senior academic leadership is highlighted as a viable, sustainable model for ameliorating the shortage. What is known about the topic? Little if any peer review literature has examined the academic workforce in oral health in Australia (or overseas). However, the lessons from other disciplines (including medicine) are that there is a growing shortage as the baby boomers move to retirement. What does this paper add? This manuscript provides some perspectives on the growing shortage of dental academics in Australia and examines one sustainable model for ameliorating this effect while Australia makes a fundamental shift in addressing academic workforce needs. What are the implications for practitioners? Academics and universities are facing growing issues with providing skilled, sustainable academic profiles in dentistry. This manuscript starts a dialogue as to options to address this issue into the future.
Validity of the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool in four subgroups of premature ejaculation syndrome: data from the Korean Internet Sexuality Survey – part 1
Authors: Song Sang Hoon , Choi Woo Seok , Son Hwancheol , Paick Jae-Seung
Published: March 2014

Background The premature ejaculation diagnostic tool (PEDT) is a brief, multidimensional validated instrument devised for diagnosing premature ejaculation (PE). However, there is insufficient evidence regarding its ability to differentiate subgroups of PE. We assessed the ability of the PEDT to differentiate four subgroups of PE (lifelong, acquired, variable and subjective PE). Methods: An internet-based survey was conducted with a population-based sample of males aged 20–59 years. Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire requesting detailed medical and sexual histories. The questionnaire including questions from the PEDT and from the Medical Outcome Study Short-form 36-Item Health Survey (SF-36). Using the PEDT, PE was defined as a cutoff score of ≥11. Results: In this study, 443 subjects (mean age 39.3 ± 10.1 years) were included. PEDT-PE prevalence was 14.6%. The proportions of PE subgroups and their mean PEDT scores were: lifelong PE, 2.9% and 15.5; acquired PE, 7.0% and 11.2; variable PE, 7.4% and 10.4; subjective PE, 3.2% and 9.0. PEDT scores were significantly higher in the lifelong PE group than in other the subgroups of PE (P < 0.001). The subjective PE group had the lowest PEDT score, and their physical and mental component scores for the SF-36 were similar to those of non-PE subjects. Conclusions: This population-based cross-sectional survey has demonstrated that the PEDT is not appropriate for research into four subgroups of PE when used in an general male population study, unless the PEDT is combined with an additional questionnaire with specific questions on the four PE subgroups.
Dynamic regulation of FGF23 by Fam20C phosphorylation, GalNAc-T3 glycosylation, and furin proteolysis
Authors: Tagliabracci Vincent S. , Engel James L. , Wiley Sandra E. , Xiao Junyu , Gonzalez David J. , Nidumanda Appaiah Hitesh , Koller Antonius , Nizet Victor , White Kenneth E. , Dixon Jack E.
Published: March 2014

Significance

The family with sequence similarity 20, member C (Fam20C) is a secretory pathway-specific kinase that phosphorylates secreted proteins on Ser-x-Glu/pSer motifs. Mutations in human
FAM20C
cause a devastating childhood disorder known as Raine syndrome. Some patients with
FAM20C
mutations as well as
Fam20C
KO mice develop hypophosphatemia due to elevated levels of the phosphate-regulating hormone FGF23. In this paper, we show that Fam20C phosphorylates FGF23 on a Ser-x-Glu motif that lies within a critical region of the hormone. The phosphorylation promotes FGF23 proteolysis by furin by blocking O-glycosylation by polypeptide
N
-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 3. Our results have important implications for patients with abnormalities in phosphate homeostasis.
Effects of Dose and Age on Adverse Events Associated with Tadalafil in the Treatment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Berman‐Rosenzweig Erika , Arneson Carl , Klinger James R.
Published: March 2014

There are limited data on the management of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in the elderly; therefore, this analysis compared the safety and efficacy of tadalafil between patients >65 and <65 years old. This was a post hoc analysis of the randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled phase 3 Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension and Response to Tadalafil (PHIRST‐1) study. Patients who completed the 16‐week study or who discontinued because of clinical worsening and were not receiving tadalafil 40 mg were eligible for a long‐term, open‐label extension study. Adverse events (AEs) and efficacy outcomes were assessed in patients >65 versus <65 years old, and the dose dependency of common AEs was determined. Twenty‐eight percent (112 of 405) of patients were >65 years of age (mean in this subset, 72 ± 5 years). Compared with younger patients, elderly patients were more likely to be World Health Organization functional class III/IV (75% vs. 65%, respectively) and to have lower exercise capacity as assessed by 6‐minute walk distance (6MWD; mean, 299 vs. 366 m). Compared with placebo, tadalafil increased 6MWD by a mean of 35 and 43 m in patients >65 and <65 years, respectively. Common AEs (including headache, dyspepsia, and myalgia) were similar in both groups and tended to decrease in incidence with longer treatment duration. No differences in AEs were observed between elderly patients who received tadalafil 20 or 40 mg. In conclusion, the safety and efficacy of tadalafil for treatment of PAH are similar between elderly patients and patients < 65 years old.
The KSR2-calcineurin complex regulates STIM1-ORAI1 dynamics and store-operated calcium entry (SOCE)
Authors: Giurisato E. , Gamberucci A. , Ulivieri C. , Marruganti S. , Rossi E. , Giacomello E. , Randazzo D. , Sorrentino V.
Published: March 2014

Store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) is the predominant Ca2+ entry mechanism in nonexcitable cells and controls a variety of physiological and pathological processes. Although significant progress has been made in identifying the components required for SOCE, the molecular mechanisms underlying it are elusive. The present study provides evidence for a direct involvement of kinase suppressor of Ras 2 (KSR2) in SOCE. Using lymphocytes and fibroblasts from ksr2−/− mice and shKSR2-depleted cells, we find that KSR2 is critical for the elevation of cytosolic Ca2+ concentration. Specifically, our results show that although it is dispensable for Ca2+-store depletion, KSR2 is required for optimal calcium entry. We observe that KSR2 deficiency affects stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1)/ORAI1 puncta formation, which is correlated with cytoskeleton disorganization. Of interest, we find that KSR2-associated calcineurin is crucial for SOCE. Blocking calcineurin activity impairs STIM1/ORAI1 puncta-like formation and cytoskeleton organization. In addition, we observe that calcineurin activity and its role in SOCE are both KSR2 dependent.
Extreme Weather and Civil War: Does Drought Fuel Conflict in Somalia through Livestock Price Shocks?
Authors: Maystadt Jean-François , Ecker Olivier
Published: March 2014

A growing body of evidence shows a causal relationship between extreme weather events and civil conflict incidence at the global level. We find that this causality is also valid for droughts and local violent conflicts in a within‐country setting over a short time frame in the case of Somalia. We estimate that a one standard deviation increase in drought intensity and length raises the likelihood of conflict by 62%. We also find that drought affects conflict through livestock price changes, establishing livestock markets as the primary channel of transmission in Somalia.
Alkalibacillus almallahensis sp. nov., a halophilic bacterium isolated from an inland solar saltern
Authors: Pérez-Davó Azahara , Aguilera Margarita , Ramos-Cormenzana Alberto , Monteoliva-Sánchez Mercedes
Published: March 2014

A halophilic, Gram-staining-positive, non-motile, endospore forming rod-shaped bacterial strain, S1LM8T, was isolated from a sediment sample collected from an inland solar saltern located in La Malahá, Granada (Spain). Growth was observed in media containing 7.5–30 % total salts (optimum 15 % total salts), at pH 7–10 (optimum pH 8) and at 15–50 °C (optimum 35–38 °C). The predominant isoprenoid quinone was MK-7. It contained A1γ-type peptidoglycan with meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid. The major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C17 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0. The G+C content of its genomic DNA was 38.2 mol%. The affiliation of strain S1LM8T with the species of the genus

Alkalibacillus

was determined by 16S rRNA gene sequence comparison. The most closely related species were

Alkalibacillus halophilus

YIM 012T with 99.8 % similarity,

Alkalibacillus salilacus

BH163T with 99.8 % similarity and

Alkalibacillus flavidus

ISL-17T with 98.1 % similarity between their 16S rRNA gene sequences. However, DNA–DNA relatedness between the novel isolate and the related species of the genus

Alkalibacillus

was less than 34 %. Based on the phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic features, a novel species, Alkalibacillus almallahensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is S1LM8T ( = CECT 8373T = DSM 27545T).
Defluviimonas indica sp. nov., a marine bacterium isolated from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent environment
Authors: Jiang Lijing , Xu Hongxiu , Shao Zongze , Long Minnan
Published: March 2014

A Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, chemoheterotrophic marine bacterium, designated 20V17T, was isolated from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent chimney collected from the South-west Indian Ridge. Cells of strain 20V17T were motile, short rods, 1.2–1.8 µm in length and 0.5–0.7 µm in width. Growth was observed at between 20 and 37 °C (optimum 25 °C–28 °C), pH 5.0 and 8.0 (optimum pH 7.0) and 0.5 and 8 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum 1.5–2.0 % NaCl). The major fatty acids were C18 : 1ω7c (74.4 %), C19 : 0 cyclo ω8c (11 %), C18 : 0 (5.1 %) and C18 : 0 3-OH (2.8 %), and the polar lipid profile comprised diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, an unidentified glycolipid and four unidentified phospholipids. Ubiquinone 10 was the major quinone. The G+C content of genomic DNA was 66.3 mol%. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain 20V17T belonged to the genus

Defluviimonas

and shared 96.5 and 96.1 % sequence similarity with

Defluviimonas denitrificans

D9-3T and

Defluviimonas aestuarii

BS14T, respectively. On the basis of the taxonomic data obtained in this study, strain 20V17T represents a novel species of the genus

Defluviimonas

, for which the name Defluviimonas indica sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 20V17T (CGMCC 1.10859T = JCM 17871T = MCCC 1A01802T).
Methanohalophilus levihalophilus sp. nov., a slightly halophilic, methylotrophic methanogen isolated from natural gas-bearing deep aquifers, and emended description of the genus Methanohalophilus
Authors: Katayama Taiki , Yoshioka Hideyoshi , Mochimaru Hanako , Meng Xian-Ying , Muramoto Yoshiyuki , Usami Jun , Ikeda Hidefumi , Kamagata Yoichi , Sakata Susumu
Published: March 2014

A mesophilic, slightly halophilic, obligately methylotrophic, methanogenic archaeon, designated strain GTA13T, was isolated from natural gas-bearing confined aquifers in the Minami-Kanto gas field, Japan. The cells were non-motile, slightly irregular cocci, 0.7–1.0 µm in diameter and occurred singly, in pairs or as small aggregates. The cells grew with tri- or dimethylamine but not with H2/CO2, formate, acetate, methanol or dimethyl sulphide. Vitamins, sodium and magnesium were required for growth. Optimal growth occurred at pH 7.0–7.5, 35 °C, 0.35–0.40 M NaCl and 15–50 mM MgCl2. The NaCl range for growth was 0.2–1.3 M. The DNA G+C content was 43.7 mol%. Strain GTA13T showed highest levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with

Methanohalophilus portucalensis

FDF-1T (96.4 % sequence similarity) and

Methanohalophilus halophilus

DSM 3094T (96.0 %). On the basis of physiological and phylogenetic features, strain GTA13T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus

Methanohalophilus

, for which the name Methanohalophilus levihalophilus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is GTA13T ( = NBRC 110099T = DSM 28452T). An emended description of the genus

Methanohalophilus

is also proposed.
Therapy modifies cystine kidney stones at the macroscopic scale. Do such alterations exist at the mesoscopic and nanometre scale?
Authors: Bazin Dominique , Daudon Michel , André Gilles , Weil Raphael , Véron Emmanuel , Matzen Guy
Published: March 2014

With an incidence of 1:7000 births, cystinuria, the most frequent cause of stone formation among genetic diseases, represents a major medical problem. Twenty-five cystine stones randomly selected from cystinuric patients were investigated. From a crystallographic point of view, cystine stones are composed of micrometre size crystallites, which are made up of an aggregation of nanocrystals. Through scanning electron microscopy, the morphology and size of the crystallites have been described, while the size of the nanocrystals was investigated by means of powder neutron diffraction. Powder neutron diffraction analysis and/or scanning electron microscopy examination of cystine stones provide evidence that usual alkalinization by sodium bicarbonate associated with high diuresis significantly reduces the size of both nanocrystals and crystallites, while for other treatments, including alkalinizing drugs and thiol derivatives, the data suggest mainly changes in the topology of crystallites. Alkalinization with sodium bicarbonate affects cystine kidney stones at the mesoscopic and nanoscopic scales, while other medical treatments only alter their surface. Such an approach may help to assess the interaction between drugs and cystine stones in cystinuric patients.
How do people attempt to integrate the management of their paper and electronic documents?
Authors: Jervis Matthew , Masoodian Masood
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– This article aims to describe how people manage to integrate their use of paper and electronic documents in modern office work environments.

Design/methodology/approach

– An observational interview type study of 14 participants from 11 offices in eight organizations was conducted. Recorded data were analysed using a thematic analysis method. This involved reading and annotation of interview transcripts, categorizing, linking and connecting, corroborating, and producing an account of the study.

Findings

– The findings of the study can be categorized into four groups: the roles paper and electronic documents serve in today's offices, the ways in which these documents are managed, the problems associated with their management, and the types of fragmentation that exist in terms of their management and how these are dealt with.

Practical implications

– The study has identified the need for better integrated management of paper and electronic documents in present-day offices. The findings of the study have then been used to propose a set of guidelines for the development of integrated paper and electronic document management systems.

Originality/value

– Although similar studies of offices have been conducted in the past, almost all of these studies are prior to the widespread use of mobile and network-based shared technologies in office environments. Furthermore, previous studies have generally failed to identify and propose guidelines for integration of paper and electronic document management systems.
Reconfiguration of supply chain network: an ISM-based roadmap to performance
Authors: K. Dev Navin , Shankar Ravi , Kumar Dey Prasanta
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– Short product life cycle and/or mass customization necessitate reconfiguration of operational enablers of supply chain (SC) from time to time in order to harness high levels of performance. The purpose of this paper is to identify the key operational enablers under stochastic environment on which practitioner should focus while reconfiguring a SC network.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper used interpretive structural modeling (ISM) approach that presents a hierarchy-based model and the mutual relationships among the enablers. The contextual relationship needed for developing structural self-interaction matrix (SSIM) among various enablers is realized by conducting experiments through simulation of a hypothetical SC network.

Findings

– The research identifies various operational enablers having a high driving power towards assumed performance measures. In this regard, these enablers require maximum attention and of strategic importance while reconfiguring SC.

Practical implications

– ISM provides a useful tool to the SC managers to strategically adopt and focus on the key enablers which have comparatively greater potential in enhancing the SC performance under given operational settings.

Originality/value

– The present research realizes the importance of SC flexibility under the premise of reconfiguration of the operational units in order to harness high value of SC performance. Given the resulting digraph through ISM, the decision maker can focus the key enablers for effective reconfiguration. The study is one of the first efforts that develop contextual relations among operational enablers for SSIM matrix through integration of discrete event simulation to ISM.
Effect of change – a longitudinal study into the changing manufacturing structures
Authors: Kuula Markku , Putkiranta Antero , Toivanen Jarmo
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyze changes in the supply chain and production process, and the effects these changes have had on competitive performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study is longitudinal and was conducted in 1993, 2004 and 2010 with a standard questionnaire. The data have been analyzed by using the Mann-Whitney U-test.

Findings

– The study indicates that changing a role within the supply chain may help a company to adapt to surrounding changes, but there is no single best way to react to such changes. Companies must be able to position themselves in the new situation.

Research limitations/implications

– Even though the study itself and the data are unique, there are still some limitations. Although the results are limited to the sample, they nevertheless give a good insight into the changes that occurred within the sample.

Originality/value

– This study is the only longitudinal study in this field to compare three periods of time. This gives a unique perspective to study the changes that have occurred during the last 15 years.
Benchmarking to improve a strategy and marketing in pharmaceuticals
Authors: G. Goncharuk Anatoliy , Getman Maryna
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The paper is devoted to benchmark strategic ideas, organizational culture, marketing business processes and key marketing performance measures of the pharmaceutical companies that operate on Ukrainian pharma market in order to determine the best practices and possibilities of their use for the purpose of improving performance outcomes of companies participating in the research.

Design/methodology/approach

– The AllFusion Process Modeler 7 software was used for processes modeling. The Balanced Scorecard Designer software was used to create balanced scorecard. The classifier of processes at pharmaceutical companies designed by American Productivity and Quality Center (APQC) was used when determining marketing processes and building process maps. A marketing analysis (value market share, share of voice, secondary sales dynamics and companies' market share growth dynamics) was carried out in order to estimate the efficiency of marketing process.

Findings

– The study showed that three pharmaceutical companies have different strategic aims, mission and vision. For the global companies, a strategic aim is “Market takeover”, while the local company tries just to retain its position on the market due to some historically prevailing conditions. The study showed that local company's management does not consider marketing as a driving force of the development and sales growth; that is why company lacks marketing culture and marketing department as such is substituted with sales and distribution department. The authors find the needs of structural changes in order to develop, yield profit and avoid acquisition by local pharmaceutical company using the better practice of the global companies.

Research limitations/implications

– The research is limited by a little number of companies (three) and one country market (Ukraine).

Practical implications

– The study includes practical recommendations focused on the improvement of financial indicators and profitability of the local pharmaceutical company with a use of benchmarking tools. They can be useful for the other local companies that try to compete with global pharmaceutical companies on the local markets.

Originality/value

– This paper adopts the various benchmarking tools to improve a strategy and marketing processes for pharmaceutical companies.
Outsiders within: non-conformity among four contemporary black female managers in South Africa
Authors: Canham Hugo
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to foreground non-conformity in organisational life as it relates to black female managers. My intervention here is to problematise organisational theory in relation to its limited ability to engage with affect and to point to a more generative framework. Through centering the body, the author also seeks to offer a counter narrative to the field of Positive Organisation Scholarship and its drive to primarily engage with happy feelings and harmony.

Design/methodology/approach

– The author gives a close reading of four black women's interview-based narratives to engage with the ways in which they refuse to conform to organisational scripts of happiness. The author makes a case for using both critical discourse-based and affective readings of everyday experience which social science readings cannot readily account for.

Findings

– Non-conformity has a number of local effects including negotiating the present from a position of alternative histories of struggle and cultural values, and holding different and conflicting realities and subject positions. Moreover, a reading of these women's accounts suggests that affect is both personal and social and can manifest in multiple, embodied, transformative, and potentially destructive ways. The author comes to new ways of understanding organisations and resistance when the author uses affect as an investigative lens.

Research limitations/implications

– By virtue of the close reading necessitated by the nature of the study, the sample of this research is small. While the intention is not generality, the findings of the research have to be understood in context and applied within different settings with caution. The implications of this research are that there remains an urgent need for critical-orientated research which centers affect in order to counter the growing positive psychologies which relegate asymmetries to the margins.

Social implications

– In South Africa where black women constitute the numerical majority, there is an urgent need to understand and reverse their status as a minority in management and social life. This research goes some way in explicating this process.

Originality/value

– While there is well-developed body of feminist research which seeks to study black women in South Africa, there is a dearth of research into black women in the workplace. This paper therefore presents an original look at black female managers by applying international theoretical tools to a context that is under theorised. This research presents new methodological and theoretical tools and analysis to the South African workplace.
DSS for rural domestic energy planning – case study of a block in central India
Authors: J. Deshmukh Samir , Stasiak-Betlejewska Renata , Ingole Sachin , Bhuyar Lalit
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– Most energy planning exercises are carried out with aggregate data at the national level. At regional level namely village, block/district, there have been fewer efforts for energy planning. This paper aims to present a conceptual framework for analyzing energy consumption pattern at rural domestic sector. The entire framework is designed in such a way that user is provided with helpful tips and context-sensitive help options.

Design/methodology/approach

– Decision support system (DSS) is developed with a graphical user interface (GUI) which helps to compute domestic energy consumption at a specific location. This user interface is fully menu-driven GUI in which different types of data are handled, maintained and displayed. Using this GUI, administrator can generate various reports regarding energy requirements from which decision maker can analyse the energy consumption pattern, per capita energy consumption (PCEC), adult equivalent, etc.

Findings

– DSS assists in analyzing the energy sources and demand spatially. The technologies and methods used to develop and deploy DSS to aid in domestic energy consumption make work easier for a decision maker. GUI provides user an easy access of data analysis and the design and evaluation of domestic energy consumption strategies. DSS is validated with the data pertaining to energy situation of a block in central India. Stratified sampling survey, energy analysis covering 100 households from ten villages revealed that the average value of PCEC (in kWh/day) resource-wise ranges and activity wise for the surveyed block are as follows: fuel wood (0.60), dung cake (0.085), kerosene (0.18), liquefied petroleum gas (0.052) and electricity energy for lighting and appliances (0.353) and on the other hand it is observed that cooking PCEC is highest (0.505), followed by heating (0.24), lighting (0.162), cooling (0.162) and electrical appliances (0.108).

Originality/value

– Energy analysis shows energy DSS will improve the quality of decision making at the block, district, and state level and enable the analysis and understanding of energy impacts of various decisions. Considering the Indian rural energy availability scenario, possible renewable energy solutions are also suggested to meet the current domestic energy requirements partially or fully.
Schedule delays in engineering, procurement, and construction petrochemical projects in Vietnam
Authors: Hong Pham Linh , Hadikusumo Harimurti
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– Petrochemical projects play a very important role in the economic development of Vietnam. For the past ten years, many large-scale petrochemical plants have been developed using the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) project delivery system for completing the project faster. However, many projects have suffered from schedule delays. In order to solve the delay problem, a clear understanding of the EPC business model and its delays problems are studied in this research. A qualitative research method by using case study on selected EPC projects was adopted. This paper aims to define the current business models used in the Vietnamese petrochemical industry and explores the root cause of delays.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research methodology used in this study is multiple case studies by purposive sampling on EPC projects. This is chosen due to the limited number of EPC projects in petrochemical in Vietnam and to obtain schedule delay factors from both delayed and on-time projects. In this purposive sampling, the researcher decided on what needs to know and sets out to find the people who can and are willing to share their information. From each project, project manager and project engineer were interviewed to understand the delay factors in their EPC projects. Data from the interview were analyzed by using “pattern coding” described by Miles and Huberman. Then, cross-case analysis was used to identify the common and unique factors occurring in each case. By comparing the three cases, the authors can identify the delay factors in EPC petrochemical in Vietnam.

Findings

– By interviewing the management level officers in three cases and performing exploratory work on the secondary data, it was observed that the local and foreign contractors of EPC projects in Vietnam have generally similar business process. Then, the codes were grounded based on the EPC business process, and subjected to the cross-case analysis. The root cause of problems in each phase was provided.

Originality/value

– The paper fulfills an identified root cause of EPC projects in Vietnam.
Assessing the development of combined heat and power generation in the EU
Authors: Stankeviciute Loreta , Krook Riekkola Anna
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to quantify the potentials for the development of combined heat and power (CHP) in Europe.

Design/methodology/approach

– To this end, it uses the TIMES-EU energy-economic model and assesses the impact of key policy options and targets in the area of CO2 emissions reduction, renewable energies and energy efficiency improvements. The results are also compared with the cogeneration potentials as reported by the Member States in their national reports.

Findings

– The paper shows that CHP output could be more than doubled and that important CHP penetration potential exists in expanding the European district heating systems. This result is even more pronounced with the far-reaching CO2 emissions reduction necessary in order to meet a long-term 2 degree target. Nevertheless, the paper also shows that strong CO2 emission reductions in the energy sector might limit the CHP potential due to increased competition for biomass with the transport sector.

Originality/value

– Given the proven socio-economic benefits of using CHP, the paper identifies the areas for future research in order to better exploit the potential of this technology such as the combination of CHP and district cooling or country- and industry-specific options to generate process heat.