bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The finite‐element analysis of slider‐induced convection in two‐phase lpe growth system
Authors: Chao Fang‐Lin , Wang Way‐Seen
Published: July 2007

In this study, the finite‐element method is used to simulate the steady‐state slider‐induced convection of the confined melt cavity. The flux distribution within the melt cavity is analyzed and the relative momentum transfers on the poly GaAs melt and GaAs‐melt interface are calculated for several kinds of cavity geometries. It is found that the amount of momentum transfer is related to the skew angle of the cavity, and therefore, proper choice of the cavity angle is needed.
Study of slits in microstrip ring resonators for microwave and optoelectronic applications
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Ganesh K. , Chang Kal
Published: July 2007

Distributed transmission line theory is used to accurately model microstrip ring resonator circuits. The dependence of the resonant modes on the azimuthal position of slits in the ring resonator is clearly demonstrated. The results form the basis for the design of resonators for microwave and optoelectronic applications.
Plane‐wave reflection from a bi‐isotropic (nonreciprocal chiral) interface
Authors: Lindell Ismo V. , Sihvola Ari H. , Viitanen Ari J.
Published: July 2007

Reflection dyadic for an incident plane wave reflecting at a planar interface between isotropic and bi‐isotropic (nonreciprocal chiral) half spaces is presented. The result generalizes earlier expressions for Fresnel's formulas for different isotropic and chiral half spaces and is roughly of the same order of complexity as that for the reciprocal chiral half space.
On a simple diffraction tomography technique based on a modified newton‐kantorovich method
Authors: Takenaka Takashi , Harada Haruyuki , Tanaka Mitsuru
Published: July 2007

A study of a simple reconstruction algorithm for diffraction tomography based on the modified Newton‐Kantorovich method is presented. In situations where the Born approximation fails, the algorithm provides high‐quality reconstructed images without employing the usual regularization technique. Computer simulations demonstrate fast convergence properties of the iterative procedure.
Balun networks using coupled‐line structures
Authors: Iwakura Hiroshi
Published: July 2007

In this article a new kind of balun network with filter characteristics and with arbitrary impedance transformation ratios is introduced, and a synthesis method for such balun networks using interdigital‐line structures is described.
Impact of local oscillator intensity noise on the performance of the optical phase‐diversity fsk receiver using delay‐and‐multiplying discriminator
Authors: Lee Yang‐Han , Kuo Ching‐Chih , Tsao Hen‐Wai
Published: July 2007

The impact of local oscillator intensity noise on the performance of an optical phase‐diversity FSK receiver using a delay‐and‐multiplying discriminator is analyzed. Given the data rate, frequency deviation, laser linewidth, RIN noise, and thermal noise, we can obtain the minimum received signal power together with the corresponding optimal local oscillator power to achieve the required BER. Numerical results with system parameters given in [1] show that (PL)opt is ‐1.46 dBm for RIN = ‐160 dB/Hz and ‐6.4 dBm for RIN = ‐150 dB/Hz when the thermal noise is 9 × 10−24 A2/Hz.
Radiation from dielectric waveguide step discontinuities—a bounded approach
Authors: Chen Tzong‐Jey , Chang Hung‐Chun
Published: July 2007

The bounded approach proposed by Brooke and Kharadly is a simple but accurate approximate method for analyzing the discontinuity problems of the open‐type planar dielectric waveguides; its usefulness in calculating the power properties has been illustrated [1, 2]. We find that the radiation patterns can also be obtained by using the bounded approach. The results present good agreement with those based on other rigorous approaches, in particular, around the mainbeam direction, which is usually the most important part to be determined.
Circularly polarized far fields of an axially magnetized circular ferrite microstrip antenna
Authors: Roy Jibendu Sekhar , Vaudon Patrick , Reineix Alain , Jecko FrançOise , Jecko Bernard
Published: July 2007

The theoretically derived far‐field components of a circular ferrite microstrip antenna (FMA), biased axially by a steady magnetic field, are reported in this letter. The circular polarization, obtained theoretically, is compared with the measured result.
Superstrate effect on the resonant frequency of microstrip antennas
Authors: Ramahi Omar M. , Lo Y. T.
Published: July 2007

A computer code based on the full‐wave analysis and the spectral domain approach was developed to predict the effect of superstates on the resonant frequency of rectangular microstrip antennas. The formulation is based on the method of moments using Galerkin technique with entire‐domain basis functions. The resonant frequency is calculated by using an optimization routine that searches for the stationary condition of the characteristic equation. Numerical solutions are obtained for some test cases and are verified by comparison with experimental results.
On the mode spectrum of a parallel‐plate waveguide filled with a two‐layer uniaxial medium
Authors: Hsu Chung‐I G. , Harrington Roger F. , Michalski Krzysztof A. , Zheng Dalian
Published: July 2007

A simple and reliable procedure is described for finding the complete spectrum of modes that may be excited in a parallel‐plate waveguide filled with a two‐layer uniaxial medium. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
On the reciprocity of bi‐isotropic media
Authors: Lindell Ismo V.
Published: July 2007

It is well known that the bi‐isotropic medium with four independent parameters is not reciprocal unless one of the parameters, the Tellegen parameter, vanishes. This property is not, however, easily seen from the Green dyadics and the subject has been under some controversy, because for electric or magnetic sources alone the medium appears reciprocal. In the present article it is demonstrated in terms of a simple example that for the nonzero Tellegen parameter the medium is truly nonreciprocal and the effect appears in the cross coupling of electric and magnetic sources. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Angular spectral inversion for reconstruction of complex permittivity profiles
Authors: Lee Kyeong‐Soo , Ra Jung‐Woong
Published: July 2007

Formulation in cylindrical coordinates for the reconstruction of the permittivity profiles using the moment method is presented. Angular spectral domain reconstruction is shown to be less sensitive to the ill‐posedness due to the noise in the scattered field than the configuration‐domain reconstruction. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Finite‐element analysis of superconducting microstrip line for mmic applications
Authors: Kinowski D. , Pribetich P. , Kennis P.
Published: July 2007

In this Letter a new finite‐element formulation, which has been found to provide no spurious mode, has been applied to superconducting microstrip lines. Very good agreement is exhibited with the spectral domain approach, modified by the surface impedance concept, in the simple case of a rectangular‐shape superconducting strip. This makes it possible, in the future, to use this finite‐element formulation for any shape of strip and for anisotropic material. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Performance of a wideband gaas low‐noise amplifier at cryogenic temperatures
Authors: Toncich S. S. , Bhasin K. B. , Chen T. K. , Claspy P. C.
Published: July 2007

The gain, noise figure, and 1‐dB compression point of a commercially available GaAs amplifier were measured at cryogenic temperatures. The gain and noise figure characteristics were improved by decreasing temperature, while the 1‐dB compression point remained unchanged. Repeated temperature cycling had no adverse effect on amplifier performance. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A novel approach for designing GaAs FET frequency multipliers with optimum conversion gain and power efficiency
Authors: Lé D. L. , Ghannouchi F. M. , Bosisio R. G.
Published: July 2007

This article reports a new experimental design technique for GaAs FET frequency multipliers based on harmonic load‐pull measurements [1]. The choices of biasing point, input power level, and load impedances at the fundamental and harmonic frequencies are examined to optimize the conversion gain and the multiplier power efficiency. This technique was validated by designing a 2.5–7.5‐GHz frequency tripler, using the NE 71083 GaAs FET. The performance of the frequency tripler built in MIC technology was found comparable to the multiharmonic load‐pull results and simulation results. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The design of an all‐optical spatial soliton switch in a lossy nonlinear medium
Authors: Bian Jieren , Chan Andrew K.
Published: July 2007

This design improves the authors' previous work by including losses in the nonlinear medium. Unlike other all‐optical switches, the nonlinear region for soliton interaction in this design is much shorter. This provides greater flexibility on the choices of nonlinear material as well as reduction of the threshold soliton power. The coupling between the signal and control beams is included in our numerical experiments. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Full‐wave analysis of open microstrip transmission lines printed on anisotropic substrates with a protective layer
Authors: Chen Yinchao , Beker Benjamin
Published: July 2007

The dispersion characteristics of single and coupled open microstrip transmission lines, printed on anisotropic substrates with an added protective layer (superstrate), are reported in this article. The theoretical analysis is based on the rigorous formulation of the dyadic impedance Green's function in the spectral domain. The substrate materials are characterized by both their permittivity [ε] and permeability [μ] tensors, while the superstrate is assumed to be isotropic. The Galerkin procedure is applied to find the propagation constants numerically for different geometrical, substrate, and superstrate parameters of the covered guiding structure. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Optical chip implementation of cellular automata
Authors: Lin Senmao , Kumazawa Itsuo , Wu Jie
Published: July 2007

The optical implementation of the elementary cellular automaton based on a two‐layer chip architecture is reported. All 256 cellular automaton local rules can be performed by programming the transparency of a SLM mask. Simulations and experimental results are also given. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The TM mode in the self‐focusing dielectric planar waveguide
Authors: Lian Han‐Xiong , Stapleton Shawn
Published: July 2007

The TM0 guided mode in the self‐focusing dielectric planar waveguide and its universal dispersion curves are obtained by an approximation method, The single mode propagation condition of the fundamental mode TE0 in the self‐focusing planar waveguide is discussed based on the cutoff wavelengths of the higher‐order TE modes and the higher‐order TM modes. The coupling between the fundamental mode TE0 and the second mode TM0 is described by the calculation of the birefringence between the TE0 mode and the TM0 mode. It was found that the Kerr effect with α > 0 (α is a parameter which describes the film nonlinearity) causes the fields to be confined in the self‐focusing film, which results in the waveguide wavelength decreasing and the cutoff wavelength increasing as α is increased. In addition, the range of the single mode propagation is increased as α is increased. If the self‐focusing planar waveguide can support both the TE0 mode and the TM0 mode, then the coupling between the TE0 mode and the TM0 mode is very strong and can be decreased by increasing α. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The characteristic impedance of the stripline and microstrip line of the elliptic cone
Authors: Yuan Naichang , Ruan Chengli , Lin Welgan
Published: July 2007

Expressions for the characteristic impedance of the two new kinds of transmission lines—elliptic cone stripline and microstrip line, are derived. The formulas are based on the TEM or Quasi‐TEM modes assumption and the transformation of the spherical‐conal coordinate into a two‐dimensional plane and the known results for planar transmission lines. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A new characterization method for few‐moded optical fibers
Authors: Hosain S. I. , Meunier J. P.
Published: July 2007

A new simple method of characterization has been proposed for a few‐moded optical fiber from the knowledge of the cutoff wavelengths of the first few modes. The method gives firsthand information about the various parameters of interest of the fiber. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons. Inc.
Appropriate boundary conditions for applying the fem to the analysis of scattering from periodic structures embedded in a stratified medium
Authors: Pelosi G. , Freni A. , Coccioli R.
Published: July 2007

An appropriate set of boundary conditions which allows application of the FEM to the analysis of arbitrarily complex periodic structures embedded in a stratified medium is discussed. These allow the use of all the potentiality of the FEM without limitations as to the geometry or material properties of the scatterer. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons. Inc.
Polarimetric signatures of a layer of nonspherical discrete scatterers overlying a homogeneous half‐space based on full multiple scattering vector radiative transfer theory
Authors: Chen Zhengxiao , Tsang Leung
Published: July 2007

Complete polarimetric signatures of a layer of random nonspherical discrete scatterers overlying a homogeneous half‐space are studied with a full multiple scattering solution of the vector radiative transfer equation. The results are compared with that of the second‐order multiple scattering solution of the vector radiative transfer equation. It is found that the multiple scattering effects generally enhance the pedestal in copolarization return, decrease the degree of polarization, affect phase difference, and also enhance the depolarization return. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Quasi‐tem analysis of thick multistrip lines using an efficient iterative method
Authors: Drake Enrique , Medina Francisco , Horno Manuel
Published: July 2007

An efficient iterative technique—the generalized biconjugate gradient method (GBGM)—is extended to the quasi‐TEM treatment of multi‐conductor multilayered thick‐strip MIC and MMIC transmission lines. A new simple model is proposed to account for finite thickness metallizations having rectangular and trapezoidal cross sections. The convergence of the model is analyzed. Asymptotic extraction techniques are introduced to work out the spatial Green's function. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Novel electrical noise source based on lightwave components
Authors: Van Brink R. F. M. Den
Published: July 2007

A novel electrical noise source is proposed, based on lightwave components and internal shot‐noise calibration, which offers an attractive alternative to conventional 50‐Ω noise sources. This report describes the principle, and the experimental verification of various quality aspects like linearity, absolute accuracy, and impedance robustness. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
On the synthesis of some ring junctions for six‐port measurement applications
Authors: Dueñas‐Jiménez A. , Serrano‐Santoyo A. , Mendieta F. J.
Published: July 2007

The article presents a methodology to generalize the branching synthesis method for synthesizing symmetrical ring structures with transmission‐line section branches of any electrical length. The procedure is applied to a five‐port junction which, in connection with a directional coupler, forms a six‐port for measurement applications. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Analysis of the coupling characteristics of a three‐guide coupler with symmetric tuning
Authors: Chang Wen‐Chung , Chuang Wei‐Ching , Wang Way‐Seen
Published: July 2007

A novel tuning structure for the identical three‐guide coupler is proposed to obtain high power transfer efficiency without waveguide bending. The basic principles of three‐guide couplers with a symmetric tuning are analyzed by applying the exact slab theory. Based on numerical calculations, novel coupling characteristics of the tuning structure, compared with those of the identical three‐guide coupler, are demonstrated, and their possible applications are discussed. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
On the Green's function of the transverse scalar potential and the exact evaluation of its corresponding Sommerfeld integral
Authors: Sattler Sebastian , Russer Peter
Published: July 2007

In this article the Green's function of the transverse scalar potential V is studied extensively. For a grounded single‐layered substrate the analytical expressions are derived and a detailed discussion of the quadrature of the Sommerfeld integral is given. The singularity due to the surface wave is examined by means of a Taylor expansion and constitutes the correct evaluation of the integral. By separating the function into a regular and a singular part the Green's function is calculated exactly. The results are compared with the static approximation in the space domain. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons. Inc.
A beam‐propagation technique to analyze integrated photonic circuits
Authors: Tamil Lakshman S. , Yu Yi‐Sheng
Published: July 2007

An explicit central difference scheme to implement the beam‐propagation algorithm for analyzing pulse propagation in photonic integrated circuits is discussed. The method has been successfully applied to planar waveguides, channel waveguides, and waveguide couplers. The method shows stability even after long propagation distances and does not involve computation of fast Fourier transform at any step, contrary to the methods discussed earlier. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Process‐induced lateral asymmetry of a Y junction
Authors: Jeng Jyh‐Yuan , Tsui Ching‐Long , Wang Way‐Seen
Published: July 2007

The influence of lateral asymmetry on the electro‐optic effect of a Ti:LiNbO3 Y‐junction waveguide for integrated optical devices is investigated. The characteristic discrepancy of a Y junction related to the photolithographic process constraint is simulated. It is found that the half‐wave voltage will increase 50% if the width of waveguide is 4 μm and the branch angle is rounded by a circular shape with a radius of about 5 μm. Also, if the Y branch has a lateral offset of 2.5 μm with respect to the central axis of the input waveguide, the extinction ratio will decay to 5 dB. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Optical fuzzy logic array using shadow casting
Authors: Lin Senmao , Zhing Shuqun , Chen Caisheng , Liu Ruitang , Wu Jie
Published: July 2007

Optical implementation of pattern fuzzy logic based on shadow casting is reported. In particular, a new spatial encoding method for fuzzy logic variables is proposed to optically realize the maximization and minimization operations needed by fuzzy logic. Experimental results are also given. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
General solution for a multiport network
Authors: El‐Sheikh A. N. A. , Langley R. J.
Published: July 2007

A general solution is obtained for the transmission and reflection characteristics of a multiport transmission‐line network. The solution is applied to a strip grating filter in free space with a plane wave incident. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons. Inc.
Optical implementation of hopfield associative memory based on imaging system using a liquid crystal device
Authors: Zhou Changhe , Liu Liren , Wang Zhijiang , Mo Yulong
Published: July 2007

An imaging system with the use of a liquid crystal device for two‐dimensional optical Hopfield associative memory is described. Experimental operations for 7 × 7–pixel patterns are demonstrated. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Millimeter‐wave signal generation using semiconductor diode lasers (invited paper)
Authors: Helkey R. J. , Derickson D. J. , Mar A. , Wasserbauer J. G. , Bowers J. E.
Published: July 2007

Methods of millimeter‐wave signal generation are presented using frequency multiplication by optical comb generation, direct generation using optical oscillators, and mixing between CW optical sources. © 1993 John Wiley & sons, Inc.
High‐speed quantum‐well interferometric modulators for InP‐based photonic integrated circuits (invited paper)
Authors: Zucker J. E.
Published: July 2007

We discuss high‐speed waveguide modulators for optical fiber communications that employ semiconductor quantum wells, with emphasis on electrorefractive devices. The prime advantages of quantum‐well material in this application are provided by enhanced electro‐optic effects that allow ultracompact devices with low drive voltage requirements. The small size is particularly important for low‐cost monolithic integration with other components for guided‐wave photonic integrated circuits. In our devices, compactness is also key for obtaining high electrical modulation bandwidth. © 1993 John Wiley & sons, Inc.
Intermixing optical and microwave signals in GaAs microstrip circuits and its applications
Authors: Li M. G. , Lee Chi H. , Hung Hing‐Loi A.
Published: July 2007

A novel intermixing technique which combines microwaves with ultrafast optics in GaAs MMIC is presented. This technique has many features and applications. On‐wafer phase locking of a free running microwave source to the optical pulses, displaying a high‐frequency waveform by a low‐frequency replica using sequential optical sampling and high‐sensitivity field, mapping of a GaAs microstrip circuit, is demonstrated. The electro‐optical and photoconductive mixers are compared. © 1993 John Wiley & sons, Inc.
Fabrication and performance of high‐power optically activated GaAs opening switch
Authors: Liu S. G. , Subbarao S. N. , Rosen A. , Sarnoff David , Lee C. H.
Published: July 2007

Cubic‐ and wafer‐shaped GaAs p‐i‐n diodes fabricated with ion‐implanted p/n contact layers have been operated as optically activated opening switches with high‐power output performances. © 1993 John Wiley & sons, Inc.
Microwave photonics R&D in BRAZIL (invited paper)
Authors: de Salles Alvaro Augusto A.
Published: July 2007

Significant research and development in the areas of microwave photonics in Brazil are presented in this paper. These include direct microwave modulation of semiconductor laser diodes, optical control of MESFETs and HEMT's as well as high speed fiber optic components. Future directions for research in this area are discussed. © 1993 John Wiley & sons, Inc.
A miniaturized frequency‐compensated six‐port junction using mhmic technology
Authors: Ghannouchi Fadhel M. , Maurin David , Cuhaci Michel , Bosisio Renato G.
Published: July 2007

CAD of a six‐port junction using miniature hybrid microwave‐integrated circuit technology (MHMIC) is presented. Frequency compensation of the q/s points is introduced and studied. The design is suited for use in swept frequency measurements covering a relatively wide frequency band. The junction incorporates three branch‐line couplers, an edge‐line coupler, a Wilkinson power divider, and a 3‐dB attenuator. The physical dimensions of the junction are 2 m × 1.5 cm. The practical operating frequency of the six‐port junction is measured to be 6–12 GHz in spite of a 3‐dB bandwidth limitation of about 20% for the branch line couplers. Some interesting applications of MHMIC/MMIC six‐port junctions are suggested. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A direct optically injection‐locked 2.6‐GHz HBT oscillator
Authors: Karakuguk M. , Li W. Q. , Freeman P. N. , East J. R. , Haddad G. I. , Bhattacharya P. K.
Published: July 2007

Measurements on direct optical injection locking of GaAs/Al0.2Ga0.8As heterojunction bipolar transistor oscillators at 2.65 GHz are reported. An oscillator locking range of nearly 6 MHz has been achieved. Optical tuning by dc light is also observed with a tuning range up to 5 MHz. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The performance of a novel simulated corrugated surface for the reduction of radar cross section
Authors: Mathew Thomaskutty , Stephen D. Saji , Jose K. A. , Aanandan C. K. , Mohanan P. , Nair K. G.
Published: July 2007

The development of a new simulated corrugated surface (SCS), which eliminates specular reflection and backscattering simultaneously for TE and TM polarizations, is reported. This surface, designed for blazing at non‐Bragg angles, is suitable for the reduction of radar cross section and frequency scanning. It is also established that the behavior of the SCS is equivalent to that of three‐dimensional (3D) metallic corrugations having the same grating parameters. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Transient decrease of sensory perception after thermoalgesic stimuli for quantitative sensory testing
Authors: Schestatsky Pedro , Algaba Rebeca , Pérez Daniel , Casanova‐Molla Jordi , León Lucia , Costa Joao , Valls‐Solé Josep
Published: July 2007

Transient decrease in the excitability of a reflex circuit following its activation by appropriate stimuli is a well‐recognized phenomenon, but it is unclear how this applies to thermoalgesic stimuli during quantitative sensory testing (QST). We examined the effects induced by a thermoalgesic (conditioning) stimulus on the response to a subsequent (test) stimulus of the same characteristics. All tests were done using a Peltier thermode with a surface area of 12.5 cm2 using ramp rates of 2°C/s and variable interstimulus intervals (ISIs) ranging from 10 to 60 s. Perception was measured with an electronic visual analog scale. No changes were observed in latency of pain perception. However, latency of warm perception was significantly delayed and pain perception intensity was significantly reduced with respect to conditioning stimuli at ISIs below 60 s. Our results indicate a transient saturation of warm and heat pain perception systems after a thermoalgesic stimulus. We therefore recommend that time intervals of >1 min be used between two consecutive thermoalgesic stimuli when examining QST. Muscle Nerve, 2007
Higher‐order finite elements based on generalized eigenfunctions of the Laplacian
Authors: Šolín Pavel , Vejchodský Tomáš
Published: July 2007

We present a new class of higher‐order finite elements based on generalized eigenfunctions of the Laplace operator, which are suitable for both product and simplicial geometries in ℝd. Due to simultaneous orthogonality of the generalized eigenfunctions under both the H and L2 products and their almost negligible dependence on reference maps, such finite elements are an excellent choice for the discretization of second‐order elliptic problems by the hp‐FEM. Analysis is illustrated by numerical results
and comparisons with other popular higher‐order finite elements are presented. The new elements are used to compute efficiently the model of an electrostatic micromotor. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Motorola's participative management program
Authors: Simpson Eugene L.
Published: July 2007

Motorola encourages ongoing employee involvement in problem‐solving and decision‐making processes. Cost‐saving suggestions and profits are rewarded with bonuses.
Using the nominal group technique effectively
Authors: Sink D. Scott
Published: July 2007

The Nominal Group Technique helps groups generate ideas and reach consensus through a five‐stage structured process.
Targeted productivity at equitable life
Authors: Kinder Randolph S. , Henze Catherine A.
Published: July 2007

Equitable's Targeted Productivity Program develops productivity improvement plans while training managers to be their own productivity analysts.
Improving performance through self‐leadership
Authors: Manz Charles C.
Published: July 2007

Self‐leadership can be a crucial component for achieving high performance on a job. It can naturally “pull” managers and subordinates to excellence.
Building productivity into business school programs
Authors: Starr Martin K.
Published: July 2007

An important conference has proposed many ways for schools of business to contribute to productivity improvement.
A point of view: Sharing information spawns trust, productivity, and quality
Authors: Finkelstein Marvin S. , Harrick Edward J. , Sultan Paul E.
Published: July 2007

Product quality improvements and new labor‐management relationships are critical variables in enhancing productivity. America's future competitive position will be directly influenced by quality orientations at all levels of the organization. Trust between labor and management is equally important; therefore, new modes of labor‐management interaction must be implemented. Both quality and trust must be earned. The achievement of each will improve our quality of life, which results from producitivity growth.
Merit pay and organizational performance: Is there an effect on the bottom line?
Authors: Kopelman Richard E. , Ravenpor Janet L. , Cayer Mo
Published: July 2007

Although merit pay plans are widely advocated and extensively implemented, little rigorous evidence of effectiveness exists. Evaluating merit pay is deceptively difficult because: (1) it is necessary to parametrize and measure actual merit pay practices (as distinct from stated policies), and (2) it is necessary to obtain cross‐level organizational performance data. The present study, the first to obtain performance‐pay correlational data and objective organizational performance evidence, examined merit pay practices within 398 stores of a large retail chain. As hypothesized, the within‐store performance‐pay correlation was positively correlated with store profitability. Although the lagged effect of merit pay practices slightly exceeded the concurrent effect, the hypothesized difference was not significant. With respect to utility, had the merit pay practices of all stores matched those in the “High” performance‐pay correlation group, annual profits would have increased by roughly $30 million.
Examining barriers to integrating EIP into daily operations
Authors: Magjuka Richard
Published: July 2007

Many firms attempt to integrate employee involvement programs (EIPs) into daily operations to improve competitiveness. One firm that tried to do so encountered a number of barriers. This article identifies these obstacles and how to avoid their creation.
Overcoming obstacles to public‐sector improvement efforts
Authors: Wooldridge Blue
Published: July 2007

It has been suggested that implementation is a very large part of most public policy problems—in some cases 90 percent of the problem. This cause of failure of many productivity improvement efforts might be mitigated by a systematic approach to the identification of potential obstacles to successful implementation. Such an analysis would take place during the planning phase of the productivity improvement project. This article will present a replicable methodology that public managers can use in this identification process.
Survey finds low office productivity linked to staffing imbalances
Authors: Sassone Peter G.
Published: July 2007

According to a series of twenty case studies on office productivity and technology in major U.S. corporations, there is a significant lack of intellectual specialization among managers and professionals. Thai is, managers and professionals devote a relatively small fraction of their work time to management‐ and professional‐level work, and a relatively large fraction of their time to support and nonproductive tasks. In addition, the study found significant staffing imbalances throughout the cases: In nearly every office, there were more managers and professionals, and fewer support workers, than were required to perform the work cost‐effectively. An analysis of this situation suggests that a typical organization could reduce its annual office payroll costs by over 15 percent by calibrating its staffing mix and increasing the intellectual specialization of its office workers. Further, the apparent failure of massive corporate investments in office technology to achieve commensurate increases in white‐collar productivity is likely due, in large measure, to reductions in the intellectual specialization of office workers resulting from myopic staffing decisions. The article concludes with advice on measuring and tracking office productivity, developing a coherent office productivity strategy, and making office staffing and technology decisions.
Action teams in the total quality process: Experience in a job shop
Authors: Blest John P. , Hunt Raymond G. , Shadle Carolyn C.
Published: July 2007

With increasing competition from overseas producers, it is becoming increasingly clear that the only way for high‐wage nations like the United States to succeed is by producing quality products. To boost performance, organizations must implement a total quality process by reducing their bureaucracy and giving more authority to workers. Never‐ending and all‐encompassing, the road to the implementation of quality service depends on senior management commitment, which sets a compass course for the journey, though not a specific destination. The essence of ibis commitment is dedicated support of the total quality process, which means an enlightened adherence to a participative style of management and willingness to provide the necessary training. This article presents a case study of a job shop's progress along this road.
Beyond functional excellence: Organizing for results at london life
Authors: Warren Steve , Weizer Tim
Published: July 2007

Organizational productivity (or revenues per employee) has long been an important factor in the financial services industry. London Life Insurance Company, a leading individual life insurer in Canada, has achieved an average rate of productivity improvement of 7.1 percent over the past five years and in 1986, the company was awarded the Canada Award for Excellence with a gold medal for productivity. But London Life recognized that to sustain and improve on such a performance level would require breakthrough thinking. This article demonstrates how the company went beyond traditional approaches to find new ways to maximize the effectiveness of its organization and, thus, improve value for policyholders.
Service quality measurement at American express traveler's cheque group
Authors: Welch James F.
Published: July 2007

Combining fact‐based management with executive vision is necessary to fully satisfy the expectations of customers. The American Express Traveler's Cheque Group uses a quality measurement tool called the Service Tracking Report to scrutinize service from the viewpoint of the customers. They also have developed a process which applies traditionally manufacturing‐focused statistical tools to service industry quality improvement.
Managing process improvement at the cherry point naval aviation depot
Authors: Fargher John S. W.
Published: July 2007

Organizations that want to improve the quality of their products or services must analyze the processes that produce those goods and services, with an eye to making them more efficient and cost‐effective. This article details the process improvement efforts made at the Naval Aviation Depot in Cherry Point, North Carolina. Although those efforts generated significant benefits, managers learned that even more could be done.
Getting organizational buy‐in for benchmarking: Environmental management at weyerhaeuser
Authors: Karch Kenneth M.
Published: July 2007

Benchmarking is a process companies use to identify and evaluate the best practices, both inside and outside their industry, intheir field of interest. The goal is to identify gaps between their performance and the benchmarks so that they can find ways to improve their performance. This article describes an early benchmarking effort in the environmental management area of the Weyerhaeuser Company.
Baxter healthcare uses its own quality award to help achieve excellence
Authors: Sanford Roy L.
Published: July 2007

In its quest to satisfy customers in a rapidly changing industry, Baxter Healthcare Corporation has integrated quality into its business strategy. To accelerate the move toward quality, the corporation formed the Baxter Quality Award. The award criteria help Baxter organizations understand not only what is possible but also where they presently stand. The gap between vision and reality provides the impetus for change; thus, the Baxter Quality Award serves as an internal vehicle for achieving continuous quality improvement and business excellence.
The effect of gainsharing on business performance at a Papermill
Authors: Rossler Paul E. , Koelling C. Patrick
Published: July 2007

Despite gainsharing's long history and its increasing use, little attention has been directed toward understanding how it works to affect organizational performance. The most common explanations are either philosophical claims (for example, gainsharing provides identity, equity, and involvement), single‐cause/either‐or explanations (for example, money or employee involvement motivates, gainsharing changes the culture), or static lists that emphasize management issues and tend to ignore dynamic relationships among the many factors identified. These explanations do not provide much help to someone designing a gainsharing program. An answer to the “how” question is important because it would provide gainsharing program designers with a useful model by which to guide their efforts. In addition, it would help those individuals interested in the gainsharing concept to distill higher quality information from gainsharing literature, discussions with gainsharing experts, and site visits.

To find out how gainsharing affects organizational performance, the authors asked managers at a papermill identified here as “Commonwealth Paper” to note the company operations and performance areas that they believed were affected by their gainsharing program and to describe how they believed the program affected those operations and areas. On the basis of their descriptions, a causal model was developed that depicts the key variables, cause‐and‐effect relationships, and feedback loops that show how the gainsharing program works to affect Commonwealth Paper's performance. The core of the model suggests that gainsharing affects organizational performance by providing additional forces—both financial and social‐psychological—for achieving performance goals. This article presents that model, the general insights that it provides, and what it suggests for gainsharing program design.
GE's financial services operation achieves quality results through “work‐out” process
Authors: Frigo Robert , Janson Robert
Published: July 2007

The General Electric Company's centralized accounting unit, the Financial Services Operation (FSO), bas become an internal leader of. cultural change by developing its own strategy for reducing corporate hierarchy, encouraging teamwork, and empowering employees. After establishing a vision of what they wanted their organization to become, FSO's top managers called “town meetings” at all FSO locations, conducted local “sensing sessions” with rank‐and‐file workers, and implemented leadership workshops for supervisors to explain why FSO had to change and how people had to work differently. Using a highly participative, multiphased approach, multiskilled work teams called Customer‐Focused Groups were then piloted in FSO's center in Ft. Myers, Florida. These changes helped increase participation within the organization and drive accountability and decision making downward. At the same time, they brought about significant gains in work productivity and service quality.
Infectious diseases and eating habits at Herculaneum (1st century AD, southern Italy)
Authors: Capasso L.
Published: July 2007

This paper shows that many food remains excavated from Herculaneum were microbiologically contaminated, and that the Romans probably had continuous exposure to gastrointestinal diseases. However, palaeopathological analysis of skeletal remains from Herculaneum shows a low prevalence of non‐specific bone inflammation. Pomegranates and figs, consumed by the population, were mainly dried and invariably contaminated byStreptomyces, a bacterium that produces natural tetracycline, an antibiotic. Histological analysis of the human remains demonstrates fluorescence typical of this substance. The tetracycline‐labelled human remains show that the Roman inhabitants of Herculaneum ate food contaminated byStreptomyces, and this may explain the rarity of inflammatory bone diseases at the site due to non‐specific infection in the living population. This interpretation fits with therapeutic indications suggested by Roman physicians that preserved fruits were used to cure some inflammatory diseases. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and photocuring of cinnamoyl trehalose esters
Authors: Teramoto Naozumi , Shibata Mitsuhiro
Published: July 2007

A trehalose cinnamoyl ester (TC) was synthesized from trehalose and cinnamoyl chloride in dimethylformamide (DMF) in the presence of triethylamine and 4‐(N,N‐dimethylamino)pyridine. The product was characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy to reveal that the reaction proceeded. Two different types of TCs were synthesized by changing the feed ratio of cinnamoyl chloride to trehalose. When the feed ratio of cinnamoyl chloride to trehalose was 8 (TC8), the degree of substitution (DS) was 8.0, while it was 4.2 when the feed ratio was 4 (TC4). Photocuring was confirmed by observing changes in UV absorption spectrum and FT Infrared (IR) spectrum. After 5 min of UV irradiation, solubility in chloroform significantly decreased. A transparent thin coating film of TC was easily prepared by casting from a chloroform solution on a Petri dish and UV irradiation was carried out over a simple photomask. After TC within the non‐irradiated region was removed by flash soaking with chloroform, the shape of the photomask appeared. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) measurement revealed that the surface of the photocured coating film was smooth and that the edge of the photocured TC had a characteristic feature. Biodegradation of the photocured TC and non‐irradiated TC was examined by the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) method using activated sludge. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Schwimmende Tröpfchen — die Lösung des Phänomens
Authors: Geilhaupt Manfred
Published: July 2007

In Heft 2, 1983 hatten wir die anregende Frage von Herrn Dr. M. Geilhaupt, 4800 Bielefeld, Stralauer Weg 18, wiedergegeben, warum Wasserströpfchen so überraschend lange auf einer Wasseroberfläche bestehen können. Hier ist seine Erklärung des Phänomens
Kernwaffentests weltweit durch Seismographie erfaßbar
Authors: Redaktion
Published: July 2007

Durch die Vermessung und richtige Interpretation seismischer Wellen lassen sich Ort und Stärke von Kernwaffenexplosionen zuverlässig angeben.
Die Sozialismus‐Maschine
Authors: Bürger Wolfgang
Published: July 2007

Das Leben spielend bewältigen ist sicher die höchste Kunst. Daß man auch aus einem physikalischen Spiel Lebensweisheiten ableiten kann, soll hier gezeigt werden.
Three Mile Island — 9 Jahre nach dem Unfall
Authors: Weiglein Georg
Published: July 2007

Erst die Dekontaminationsarbeiten brachten das Ausmaß der Kernschmelze im Reaktor bei Harrisburg ans Licht.
Energie‐Einsparung durch Abwärmetransformation
Authors: Fleischmann Robert , Schaper Wolfgang
Published: July 2007

Mit Hilfe von Wärmetransformatoren lassen sich „Abwärmen”︁ (z.B. mit T ≈︁ 80°C) wieder auf ein für die Nutzung geeignetes Niveau (T = 130°C) hochtransformieren. Aus thermodynamischen Gründen muß dabei allerdings ein Teil des ursprünglichen Abwärmestroms an die Umgebung abgegeben werden.
Augerelektronen‐Spektroskopie (AES)
Authors: Jitschin Wolfgang
Published: July 2007

Als quantitatives Analyseverfahren erlaubt die AES die Analyse von Oberflächen bis zu einer Tiefe von ca. 1 nm, mit einer lateralen Auflösung von 100 nm und einer Nachweisempfindlichkeit noch unterhalb 1% Anteil.
FCKW — Verwendung, Schadwirkungen, Ersatzmöglichkeiten
Authors: Fricke Jochen
Published: July 2007

Die Fluor‐Chlor‐Kohlenwasserstoffe (FCKW) zerstören den Ozonschild der Atmosphäre und verstärken den Treibhauseffekt.
Physik der thermischen Behaglichkeit
Authors: Mayer Erhard
Published: July 2007

Das Wärme‐Wohlbefinden des Menschen wird von der Temperatur der Umgebungsflächen, der Lufttemperatur, der Bewegung der Luft sowie der Luftfeuchte wesentlich bestimmt.
Treibhauseffekt, Eisschilde und Meeresspiegel
Authors: Hutter Kolumban , Blatter Heinz , Ohmura Atsumu
Published: July 2007

Die Konzentration der Treibhausgase in der Atmosphäre nimmt ständig zu; schon um 2030 wird eine Verdopplung des effektiven CO2‐Gehaltes erreicht. Bis dahin erwartet man eine Temperaturerhöhung um 2 bis 4 K, Veränderungen im globalen Niederschlagsmuster und ein Ansteigen des Meeresspiegels um 30 bis 60 cm. Beim Abschmelzen des westantarktischen Eisschelfes stiege der Meeresspiegel um katastrophale 6 m an.
Lärmminderung durch Antischall
Authors: Lang Walter
Published: July 2007

Destruktive Interferenz von Schallwellen erlaubt die Unterdrückung von Lärm und die Stabilisierung von Feuerungsanlagen. Man unterscheidet zwischen aktiver Dämpfung und aktiver Stabilisierung.
Fusion mit schnellen D2O‐Clustern
Authors: Fricke Jochen
Published: July 2007

Ein neues Fusionsverfahren wurde entdeckt: Durch den Beschuß eines deuteriumhaltigen Targets mit schnellen D2O‐Clustern entstehen 3 MeV‐Protonen aus der Fusionsreaktion 2H + 2H → 1H + 3H; vorerst sind die Ausbeuten für technische Anwendungen jedoch bei weitem noch zu gering.
Der Geschmackssinn
Authors: Glaser Dieter
Published: July 2007

Der Geschmackssinn ist bei Tier und Mensch ein Kontrollorgan bei der Nahrungsaufnahme. Darüber hinaus trägt er wesentlich zum Wohlbefinden bei.
Dreidimensionale optische Datenspeicher
Authors: Fricke Jochen
Published: July 2007

Experimente mit photochromen Molekülen zeigen, daß durch Zweiphotonenabsorption binäre Information eingeschrieben, ausgelesen und gelöscht werden kann.
Wachstum des Grönland‐Eisschildes
Authors: Kohlweyer Sebastian
Published: July 2007

Satellitenbeobachtungen zeigen, daß der Eispanzer Grönlands derzeit um 0,28 Meter/Jahr wächst; dies entspricht einer Absenkung des Weltmeeresspiegels um 0,2 bis 0,4 Millimeter/Jahr.
Der Röntgensatellit ROSAT
Authors: Gottwald Manfred , Hasinger Günther
Published: July 2007

Am 1. Juni wurde der Röntgensatellit ROSAT gestartet. Er wird die erste vollständige Himmelskarte im weichen Röntgen‐ und extremen UV‐Bereich erstellen. Man erwartet, daß ROSAT schätzungsweise 100000 neue Röntgenquellen entdecken wird.
Mehrdimensionale Morse‐Thue‐Folgen
Authors: Hilberg Wolfgang
Published: July 2007

Die Morse‐Thue‐Zahlenfolgen sind in der Theorie der Fraktale und in der Chaostheorie von fundamentaler Bedeutung. Sie sind alles andere als periodisch, haben aber nur bei flüchtiger Betrachtung Zufallscharakter. Diese Folgen lassen sich in den n‐dimensionalen Raum erweitern, wodurch man weitere Einsichten in die Eigenschaften dieser seltsamen Folgen, Funktionen und Verteilungen erhält.
Tunneltransistoren
Authors: Fricke Jochen
Published: July 2007

In Halbleitern mit Abmessungen im nm‐Bereich bestimmen quantenmechanische Effekte die Funktionsweise; damit wird die Konzeption neuer, extrem schneller, analoger und digitaler elektronischer Bauelemente möglich.
Erkundung der Radioplaneten durch Voyager
Authors: Rucker Helmut O.
Published: July 2007

Die Vermessung der Radioemission der äußeren großen Planeten durch die Sonden Voyager 1 und 2 hat erheblich zum heutigen Kenntnisstand über diese Himmelskörper beigetragen.
Industrieruße — Nanostruktur nach Maß
Authors: Kuhn Joachim
Published: July 2007

Ruß wird seit Jahrtausenden von den Menschen als Pigment bei der Herstellung von Farben verwendet. Wie die moderne Strukturforschung zeigt, ist Ruß eine nano‐strukturierte, zum Teil hochgeordnete Zusammenlagerung von Kohlenstoffatomen. In der Herstellung läßt sich diese Zusammenlagerung im Hinblick auf verschiedene Anwendungen gezielt beeinflussen.
Vom Holz zum Papier
Authors: Patt Rudolf , Schmitt Uwe , Neumann Jens , Kordsachia Othar
Published: July 2007

Papiere und Pappen werden in einem breiten Spektrum vom Verpackungsbereich über graphische Sorten, von Hygieneartikeln bis hin zu technischen Spezialpapieren und Pappen eingesetzt. Der weltweite Verbrauch dürfte sich in diesem Jahr auf etwa 250 Mio. t belaufen. Die Papierherstellung hat eine jahrhundertelange Tradition. Dennoch erfüllt dieses Produkt die Erfordernisse der Zukunft. Es basiert auf einem erneuerbaren Rohstoff und ist wiederverwendbar.