bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synergistic approach to improve “alchemical” free energy calculation in rugged energy surface
Authors: Min Donghong , Li Hongzhi , Li Guohui , Bitetti-Putzer Ryan , Yang Wei
Published: April 2007

The authors present an integrated approach to “alchemical” free energy simulation, which permits efficient calculation of the free energy difference on rugged energy surface. The method is designed to obtain efficient canonical sampling for rapid free energy convergence. The proposal is motivated by the insight that both the exchange efficiency in the presently designed dual-topology alchemical Hamiltonian replica exchange method (HREM), and the confidence of the free energy determination using the overlap histogramming method, depend on the same criterion, viz., the overlaps of the energy difference histograms between all pairs of neighboring states. Hence, integrating these two techniques can produce a joint solution to the problems of the free energy convergence and conformational sampling in the free energy simulations, in which λ parameter plays two roles to simultaneously facilitate the conformational sampling and improve the phase space overlap for the free energy determination. Specifically, in contrast with other alchemical HREM based free energy simulation methods, the dual-topology approach can ensure robust conformational sampling. Due to these features (a synergistic solution to the free energy convergence and canonical sampling, and the improvement of the sampling efficiency with the dual-topology treatment), the present approach, as demonstrated in the model studies of the authors, is highly efficient in obtaining accurate free energy differences, especially for the systems with rough energy landscapes.
Representability problems for coarse-grained water potentials
Authors: Johnson Margaret E. , Head-Gordon Teresa , Louis Ard A.
Published: April 2007

The use of an effective intermolecular potential often involves a compromise between more accurate, complex functional forms and more tractable simple representations. To study this choice in detail, we systematically derive coarse-grained isotropic pair potentials that accurately reproduce the oxygen-oxygen radial distribution function of the TIP4P-Ew water model at state points over density ranges from 0.88to1.30g∕cm3 and temperature ranges from 235to310K. Although by construction these effective potentials correctly represent the isothermal compressibility of TIP4P-Ew water, they do not accurately resolve other thermodynamic properties such as the virial pressure, the internal energy, or thermodynamic anomalies. Because at a given state point the pair potential that reproduces the pair structure is unique, we have therefore explicitly demonstrated that it is impossible to simultaneously represent the pair structure and several key equilibrium thermodynamic properties of water with state-point dependent radially symmetric pair potentials. We argue that such representability problems are related to, but different from, more widely acknowledged transferability problems and discuss in detail the implications this has for the modeling of water and other liquids by coarse-grained potentials. Nevertheless, regardless of thermodynamic inconsistencies, the state-point dependent effective potentials for water do generate structural and dynamical anomalies.
Direct optimization of nodal hypersurfaces in approximate wave functions
Authors: Lüchow Arne , Petz René , Scott Tony C.
Published: April 2007

The fixed-node variant of the diffusion quantum Monte Carlo method (FN-DMC) is capable of obtaining the exact eigenvalues (albeit numerically with statistical error) of a many-electron Hamilton operator, provided that the nodal hypersurface of the exact wave function is given. The use of nodes of a trial wave function leads to the node location error. The authors have developed local criteria to assess the accuracy of the nodes based on the distances of the nodal hypersurfaces of ΨT, TΨT, and HΨT which coincide for the exact wave function. These criteria are used to develop direct optimization methods for the nodal hypersurface. The optimization of the nodes is demonstrated for simple wave functions of the Be atom and the C2 molecule and verified with FN-DMC calculations.
Zinc-blende ZnO and its role in nucleating wurtzite tetrapods and twinned nanowires
Authors: Ding Yong , Wang Zhong Lin , Sun Tianjun , Qiu Jieshan
Published: April 2007

In this letter, the authors directly observed the zinc-blende (ZB) ZnO core in the initial formation of wurtzite (WZ) ZnO tetrapods. The formation of the wurtzite (011¯3) twined nanowires is proposed based on the ZB core. Simple bonding density calculation shows that the wurtzite nanowires with {011¯0} side surfaces have the lowest surface energy. A favorable choice of WZ phase over ZB when forming nanostructures is likely to be a result of surface energy minimization. This could be the reason that ZnS nanowires take WZ rather than ZB.
Structure and spectral characteristics of the nanoalloy Ag3Au10
Authors: Chen F. Y. , Johnston R. L.
Published: April 2007

A structure for the nanoalloy Ag3Au10 has been identified by a combination of genetic algorithm global optimization and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The global minimum of the Ag3Au10 cluster is identified as a wedge-shaped nanoshell with Cs point group symmetry. The infrared spectrum and optical absorption spectra of the ground state structure are also investigated by DFT calculations within the local density approximation. The optical absorption spectrum of the Ag3Au10 nanoalloy has four absorption peaks at 2.18, 2.92, 3.28, and 3.60eV, which contrasts with pure Ag13 and Au13 clusters.
Phosphor-free white-light light-emitting diode of weakly carrier-density-dependent spectrum with prestrained growth of InGaN∕GaN quantum wells
Authors: Huang Chi-Feng , Lu Chih-Feng , Tang Tsung-Yi , Huang Jeng-Jie , Yang C. C.
Published: April 2007

The authors grew a white-light InGaN∕GaN quantum-well (QW) light-emitting diode epitaxial structure with its electroluminescence spectrum close to the ideal condition in the Commission International de l’Eclairage chromaticity based on the prestrained metal-organic chemical vapor deposition technique. The prestrained growth leads to the efficient yellow emission from three InGaN∕GaN QWs of increased indium incorporation. The color mixing for white light is implemented by adding a blue-emitting QW at the top of the yellow-emitting QWs. The blueshifts of the blue and yellow spectral peaks of the generated electroluminescence spectra are only 1.67 and 8nm, respectively, when the injection current increases from 10to70mA. Such small blueshifts imply that the piezoelectric fields in their QWs are significantly weaker than those previously reported.
The role of plant-parasitic nematodes in reducing yield of sugarcane in fine-textured soils in Queensland, Australia
Authors: Blair B. L. , Stirling G. R.
Published: April 2007

Damage to sugarcane caused by root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne spp.) is well documented in infertile coarse-textured soils, but crop losses have never been assessed in the fine-textured soils on which more than 95% of Australia’s sugarcane is grown. The impact of nematodes in these more fertile soils was assessed by repeatedly applying nematicides (aldicarb and fenamiphos) to plant and ratoon crops in 16 fields, and measuring their effects on nematode populations, sugarcane growth and yield. In untreated plant crops, mid-season population densities of lesion nematode (Pratylenchus zeae), root-knot nematode (M. javanica), stunt nematode (Tylenchorhynchus annulatus), spiral nematode (Helicotylenchus dihystera) and stubby-root nematode (Paratrichodorus minor) averaged 1065, 214, 535, 217 and 103 nematodes/200 mL soil, respectively. Lower mean nematode population densities were recorded in the first ratoon, particularly for root-knot nematode. Nematicides reduced populations of lesion nematode by 66–99% in both plant and ratoon crops, but control of root-knot nematode was inconsistent, particularly in ratoons. Nematicide treatment had a greater impact on shoot and stalk length than on shoot and stalk number. The entire community of pest nematodes appeared to be contributing to lost productivity, but stalk length and final yield responses correlated most consistently with the number of lesion nematodes controlled. Fine roots in nematicide-treated plots were healthier and more numerous than in untreated plots, and this was indicative of the reduced impact of lesion nematode. Yield responses averaged 15.3% in plant crops and 11.6% in ratoons, indicating that nematodes are subtle but significant pests of sugarcane in fine-textured soils. On the basis of these results, plant-parasitic nematodes are conservatively estimated to cost the Australian sugar industry about AU$82 million/annum.
Agent-based modelling as scientific method: a case study analysing primate social behaviour
Authors: Bryson Joanna J , Ando Yasushi , Lehmann Hagen
Published: April 2007

A scientific methodology in general should provide two things: first, a means of explanation and, second, a mechanism for improving that explanation. Agent-based modelling (ABM) is a method that facilitates exploring the collective effects of individual action selection. The explanatory force of the model is the extent to which an observed meta-level phenomenon can be accounted for by the behaviour of its micro-level actors. This article demonstrates that this methodology can be applied to the biological sciences; agent-based models, like any other scientific hypotheses, can be tested, critiqued, generalized or specified. We review the state of the art for ABM as a methodology for biology and then present a case study based on the most widely published agent-based model in the biological sciences: Hemelrijk's DomWorld, a model of primate social behaviour. Our analysis shows some significant discrepancies between this model and the behaviour of the macaques, the genus used for our analysis. We also demonstrate that the model is not fragile: its other results are still valid and can be extended to compensate for these problems. This robustness is a standard advantage of experiment-based artificial intelligence modelling techniques over analytic modelling.
Investigation into network architecture and modulation scheme for MIL‐STD‐1773 optical fiber data buses
Authors: Zhang Jian‐Guo , Sharma A.B. , Ni Yu‐De , Li Zheng
Published: April 2007

The design issues on network architecture and modulation scheme that can be used to implement reliable MIL‐STD‐1773 avionics optical fiber data buses are discussed. Both single‐star and multi‐star architectures are presented to such optical fiber data buses. Several network configurations based on passive and/or active coupling components are also considered, and they are compared in terms of system complexity and reliability. Moreover, three modulation schemes are presented, i.e. partial trilevel Manchester II bi‐phase coding, extended Manchester II bi‐phase coding with beginning‐stopping flags, and pseudo‐four‐ary pulse width modulation, respectively. Their use can feasibly solve the problem associated with fast identification of correct operation states of an active transmitter at the output of optical receivers.
A coupled FE‐BE analysis of acoustic cavities confined inside laminated composite enclosures
Authors: Guha Niyogi Arup , Laha M.K. , Sinha P.K.
Published: April 2007

The structural acoustic problem, wherein an acoustic domain is confined within a partly flexible laminated composite enclosure is presented. From the finite element free vibration analysis of the laminated folded plate structure a mobility relation is derived between the normal velocity of the structure and normal pressure on the structure. A boundary element solver for the Helmholtz equation with quadratic isoparametric elements is developed using pressure‐velocity formulation. Velocity is known over certain parts of the boundary, the rest being the interactive boundary, where the mobility relation correlates nodal pressures and velocities, neither explicitly known. The pressure boundary values are solved from the boundary element and the mobility relations, while the nodal particle velocities and domain pressures are computed at desired points thereafter. New results presented here reveal the effects of the variation in magnitude of structural damping, fiber angles and the thickness of walls.
Parachute recovery for UAV systems
Authors: Wyllie Tim
Published: April 2007

Parachute recovery systems are described from a systems perspective. Parachute recovery is particularly suited to tactical fixed wing UAV systems that require a high degree of mobility by allowing air vehicle recovery onto unprepared terrain. The descent environment is described, and the impact of wind on recovery is considered. The relative merits of cruciform, round and parafoil canopies are assessed, taking three real‐world systems as design examples. Throughout, design considerations are approached from a systems perspective, with a view to producing safe, autonomous and accurate recovery systems.
Stress corrosion cracking behaviour of precipitation hardened stainless steels in high purity water environments
Authors: Gaona‐Tiburcio C. , Almeraya‐Calderón F. , Martínez‐Villafañe A. , Bautista‐Margulis R.
Published: April 2007

The susceptibility of 17‐4PH and 17‐7PH stainless steels to stress corrosion cracking (SCC) is examined in the present investigation. The specimens were tested in the presence of NaCl and NaOH (20%) at 908C and various pH values. The evaluations were carried out using the CERT test, at a speed of 10‐6s‐1, supplemented by anodic polarisation and electrochemical noise analysis. The main objective was to identify the conditions of both susceptibility and performance of these materials. Fractographic analyses revealed both ductile and brittle fractures. Also, the presence of intergranular cracks was a clear indication of a characteristic anodic dissolution of the material. Nevertheless, the main mechanism for stress corrosion crack propagation was hydrogen embrittlement. From the experimental results, it was concluded that electrochemical noise analysis is a reliable technique for the identification of crack nucleation and growth.
Attitudes towards organic foods among Swedish consumers
Authors: Magnusson Maria K. , Arvola Anne , Koivisto Hursti Ulla‐Kaisa , Åberg Lars , Sjödén Per‐Olow
Published: April 2007

The present study reports demographic differences with respect to Swedish consumers’ attitudes towards organic foods (milk, meat, potatoes, bread), purchase frequency, purchase criteria, perceived availability, and beliefs about organic foods. A random nation‐wide sample of 2,000 respondents, aged 18‐65 years, were mailed a questionnaire and 1,154 (58 per cent) responded. The majority of consumers, and particularly women and young respondents (18‐25 years) reported positive attitudes, but purchase frequency was low. A total of 13 per cent stated that they regularly bought organic milk. Corresponding figures for organic meat, potatoes, and bread were 13, 16, and 8 per cent respectively. The most important purchase criterion was good taste, and the least important was “organically produced”. Approximately half of the respondents were satisfied with the availability of the organic foods. The organic foods were perceived to be more expensive and healthier than conventionally produced alternatives. A major obstacle to the purchase of organic foods was reported to be premium prices. The results suggest that the consumption will not increase as long as important purchase criteria and perceived beliefs about organic foods do not match.
From high maintenance to high productivity
Authors: Martin Carolyn A.
Published: April 2007

Purpose

To offer managers insights into Generation Y and practical suggestions on how to turn this high maintenance workforce into a high productivity workforce.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is based on RainmakerThinking Inc.’s ongoing workplace interviews with hundreds of Generation Yers and managers.

Findings

Like their Gen X siblings, the most talented members of Generation Yers are independent, entrepreneurial thinkers who relish responsibility, demand immediate feedback, and expect a sense of accomplishment hourly. They thrive on challenging work and creative expression, love freedom and flexibility, and hate micromanagement. Guided by managers who are willing to confront their challenges and meet their expectations, they have the potential to become the highest performers in history. They have 14 expectations of managers that can create the type of professional relationships they want to build.

Research limitations/implications

Generation Y is just beginning to gain pull in the workplace as full‐time workers. Ongoing research is needed to see how our initial conceptions of them as high school and university students plays out as they mature in their professional lives.

Practical implications

This paper not only offers managers insights into this highly diverse, contradictory generation, but suggests best practices they can implement to communicate with and motivate this emerging workforce.

Originality/value

As organizations compete to attract and retain the best new talent, this paper offers managers a strategic advantage: a practical guide to the characteristics, needs and expectations of Generation Y.
Library anxiety and characteristic strengths and weaknesses of graduate students’ study habits
Authors: Jiao Qun G. , Onwuegbuzie Anthony J.
Published: April 2007

This study was conducted to identify graduate students’ predominant study habit strengths and weaknesses as well as to examine empirically the relationship between specific study habits and library anxiety. Participants were 133 graduate students in the field of education at a university in the southeast of the USA. These individuals were administered the study habits inventory (SHI) and the library anxiety scale (LAS). Findings revealed that students’ responses to 62.9 per cent of the 63 study habit statements in the SHI were indicative of appropriate study habits. Study habit weaknesses were identified in the areas of note‐taking and reading skills. An all possible subsets multiple regression analysis led to the identification of eight specific study behaviours that predicted levels of library anxiety. These study habits explained 45.8 per cent of the variance in library anxiety, which, using Cohen’s criteria, represents a large effect size. Implications for library anxiety reduction as a study habits intervention are discussed.
Managing adaptation of buildings to library use: a case study of community libraries in Kenya
Authors: Atuti Richard M.
Published: April 2007

Adapted library buildings hinder rather than aid the optimum organisation and use of the library and information services, a situation which often puts librarians in difficulties by their reacting to problems, rather than anticipating them. A survey of some ten community libraries of the Kenya National Library Service (KNLS) was carried out in September 2000, the findings of which revealed to the contrary that most buildings had fulfilled their changed function and are effective functional libraries that provide “customers” with a choice of best value. In the survey, overall characteristics of the buildings are reflected in terms of type, size, method and calculations. Factors affecting use were examined using interview and observation methods.
The false promise of “what gets measured gets managed”
Authors: Emiliani M.L.
Published: April 2007

Discusses the importance of precise communication as a prerequisite to achieving alignment between internal and external stakeholders. Consideration is given to popular management catch‐phrases in general, with specific analysis of the widely‐used statement: “what gets measured gets managed”. The application of mathematical logic shows this to be a false statement, yet one that precipitates the management of measurements that may not add value as seen by the end‐use customer.
Miller Beer
Authors: Pratesi Carlo Alberto
Published: April 2007

Miller Brewing Company (USA) is the second biggest world beer producer.
In autumn 1991 it signed an agreement with the Italian food broker,
“Eurofood”, to distribute Miller High Life, leader in the American
market of low‐alcoholic beer. The Italian beer market has reached the
maturity phase: in 1991 the sales decreased by 1.4 per cent. Imports
seem not to respect the rule. The Italian beer market is significantly
different from the other European countries as far as the alimentary
styles are concerned and the competition between producers. The
marketing junior assistant has to define a marketing plan that should
let Eurofood reach four million bottles of sales in the mescita channel
(restaurants, pubs, etc.) by maintaining the main features of the
product and the 10 per cent of gross profit.
Euromanagement competences in small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises: a development path for the new millennium?
Authors: Eyre Phil , Smallman Clive
Published: April 2007

Having noted the importance of small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in Europe, this paper describes the derivation of a competence list for the development of Euromanagement in SMEs. The potential of the model is illustrated with reference to two small scale surveys, one in Bradford, UK and the other in the Rhône‐Alpes region of France.
Tea as a protective agent in cardiovascular health
Authors: Langley‐Evans Simon
Published: April 2007

Tea is one of the most popular and widely consumed beverages in the world. This product of Camellia sinensis is a rich source of polyphenolic flavonoids. These agents are known to possess potent antioxidant activity in vitro and may contribute up to 45 per cent of daily antioxidant intake in the United Kingdom. A range of epidemiological evidence suggests that tea consumption may have a protective effect against cardiovascular disease. It is inferred that this effect is a consequence of flavonoids protecting low density lipoprotein from oxidative damage. This assertion however is as yet not supported by a large body of in vivo observations. There is now a great need to explore alternative mechanisms for the cardioprotective actions of tea flavonoids.
Dietary intake of pre‐adolescent children in Greece
Authors: Hassapidou Maria N. , Bairaktari M.
Published: April 2007

The traditional Greek diet, a variant of the Mediterranean diet, has attracted the interest of scientists for many years as a health promoting nutritional model. Many studies have shown that Mediterranean food habits are associated with low rates of ischaemic heart disease and of various types of cancer. Although some data exist on the dietary intakes of young children and adolescents, there are no data regarding dietary intakes and food habits of pre‐adolescents in Greece. The present study tries to partly cover this gap by studying the anthropometric characteristics, dietary intakes and food habits of 65 pre‐adolescent children, aged ten to 12 years. The results of this study show the gradual abandonment of the traditional diet by pre‐adolescent children, in Greece, in favour of a more Westernized diet. They also show the urgent need for nutrition education in order to try to reverse this trend.v
Pyramid or Plate?
Authors: Hunt Paula , Rayner Mike , Gatenby Sue
Published: April 2007

A National Food Guide (NFG) for the UK will enable all nutrition
educators to use the same vehicle for conveying food and health
messages. The public will, thus, receive a consistent message, visually
reinforced through a variety of channels. The development of a NFG for
the UK is a priority project for the Government′s Nutrition Task Force
and is a tripartite project between the Department of Health (DoH),
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF) and the Health
Education Authority (HEA). Discusses the main aim of the HEA funded
research project (Stage III): to assess actual consumer understanding
and recall of information contained within the guide (as opposed to
stated preferences) when the information was presented in different
ways. The research experimentally tested the pyramid and plate formats
of a food selection guide with a sample of 2,000 consumers in the UK.
Presents the research design and methodology; results will appear in a
later issue. It is planned to launch the final NFG in summer 1994.
Factors that Affect Food Choice
Authors: Keane Anne , Willetts Anna
Published: April 2007

Calls to adopt a healthier diet are a key part of current health
policies. Argues, however, that what people eat is more than a matter of
nutritional value. While economic constraints are vital in determining
food choice, we need also to take account of the social and cultural
meanings of food and eating. Food is an important marker of identity at
many different levels: national, regional, familial and individual. For
the individual, gender, class and ethnicity also define the parameters
within which choices are made. Popular concepts about what is healthy or
good are similarly important. While health policies tell people what
they should eat, any attempt to change people′s diet requires an
understanding of these complex factors that govern food choice.
Resistant starch
Authors: Johnson I.T. , Gee J.M.
Published: April 2007

Resistant starch is that fraction which escapes digestion and absorption in the small intestine of healthy individuals. Recent studies have focused attention on the origin and quantity of this material in our diets, and its role as a source of fermentable carbohydrate for the colonic flora.
Microfriction studies of filled PPS/PTFE‐composite blends
Authors: Han Yanchun , Schmitt Stefan , Friedrich Klaus
Published: April 2007

The lateral force mode of atomic force microscopy (AFM) was applied to conduct friction tests on a filled PTFE/PPS‐composite blend. This method distinguishes between the individual phases of the blend, i.e. carbon fibers, PPS‐particles, PTFE‐matrix and graphite flakes. The relative frictional behaviours of the different filler types were compared and the law of microfriction was discussed.
Using inquiry methods to foster information literacy partnerships
Authors: Dennis Nancy
Published: April 2007

By broadening the definition of information literacy to include classroom activities, the Association of College and Research Libraries’ (ACRLs) Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education challenge academic librarians to reach beyond the library to teach critical thinking. This article explains how the American Social History Project’s New Media Classroom initiative fosters active utilization of primary sources on the Web. After placing NMC’s inquiry activities within educational, school librarian, and academic librarian debates, their use within women’s studies classes at Salem State College is demonstrated. It is argued that such activities help academic librarians to achieve parity with discipline faculty members by encouraging librarians to become integrally involved in classroom activities.
The fad motif in management scholarship
Authors: Collins David
Published: April 2007

This paper offers a critical reappraisal of the nature and significance of guru theory. Noting that critical scholars of management have sought to dismiss guru theory as an insubstantial and ephemeral body of knowledge, dedicated to the production of fads, which are said to obscure the reality of management, the paper attempts to encourage academics and practitioners to reconsider the implications of the fad motif. Offering six objections to the fad motif in management scholarship, which variously discuss the realities of managerial toil and the nature of management scholarship, the paper argues that so‐called faddish developments in management knowledge actually offer persuasive and substantial representations of reality. However, the paper concludes that while guru theory may be substantial, it is also flawed because it offers a self‐privileging form of analysis, which obscures the many realities of organizing and managing, which might otherwise be subject to serious inquiry.
Meeting the library needs of distance learners without additional funding
Authors: Gadd Elizabeth
Published: April 2007

States the problem of incorporating distance learning (DL) library services without additional funding. Describes the work of a distance learning working group at Loughborough University Library. Activities included an analysis of the characteristics of DL courses and students at Loughborough; a comparison of library services to on‐ and off‐campus students; a survey of DL students and academics; and a benchmarking exercise comparing DL library services at Loughborough with those at local and peer group institutions. Key outcomes of the research are presented. Details the suggested methods of funding the working group’s recommendations.
Preservation management in private subscription libraries in the United Kingdom
Authors: Fenn Kirsty , Muir Adrienne
Published: April 2007

Presents case studies of preservation management policies and practice in six independent libraries. The nature of the library buildings, collections, finance and management, preservation policies and practice were investigated. The libraries face similar preservation problems and constraints as other libraries, including a lack of awareness, lack of space, unfavourable environmental conditions and a lack of resources. However, the central role of members, and the fact that many independent libraries are housed in listed buildings, pose additional constraints that make current preservation standards difficult to achieve. User education is essential to understanding the need for preservation activities and to overcome resistance to activities that affect member privileges. Communication and co‐operation between independent libraries is also recommended. Independent Libraries have to engage more with the outside world to gain access to sources of funding and assistance.
Skills obsolescence: causes and cures
Authors: van Loo Jasper , de Grip Andries , de Steur Margot
Published: April 2007

Until now there has been surprisingly little research on the causes of and the remedies for skills obsolescence. This study tries to fill that gap to some extent by analysing the relation between risk factors and skills obsolescence. Moreover, the role remedies play to counter skills obsolescence is analysed. Four empirical analyses that relate skills obsolescence to risk factors and remedies are presented. We find that most risk factors identified in the literature can be validated empirically. The remedies for skills obsolescence are not effective in all situations: the results show that there is considerable variation in the effectiveness of the remedies across different types of skills obsolescence. Although current available data do not allow a comprehensive analysis, which also takes account of relations between the various types of skills obsolescence, the results obtained are plausible and offer a starting point for further research.
Redefining human resource management
Authors: Dawson Patrick
Published: April 2007

Summarizes the main objectives of the Australian Best Practice
Demonstration Program and identifies a number of key human resource (HR)
management issues. Argues that there has been a general shift in HR
strategy away from the more adversarial, tightly controlled work regimes
towards work structures which allow career development, skill
enhancement and facilitate greater employee involvement. Examines some
of these HR dimensions in an organizational setting – workplace
restructuring at Mobil Adelaide Refinery. Presents a new approach to
industrial relations which this company has developed: continual and
open discussions between union delegates, employees and management to
bring about new methods of work and pay agreements. Concludes with an
overview of the process and outcomes of change and an appraisal of HR
dimensions. Argues that it is only through consultative processes, which
allow real gains for employees as well as management, that long‐term
changes towards collaborative employee relations can be sustained.
CAD‐guided robot motion planning
Authors: Sheng Weihua , Xi Ning , Song Mumin , Chen Yifan
Published: April 2007

This paper presents a new method to automate robot motion planning in automotive manufacturing environments. A general framework is developed for CAD‐guided robot motion planning. The problem is formulated as a constraint‐satisfying problem of tool configurations or, robot hand poses. Two types of robot motion are considered: discrete motion, or point to point motion, and continuous motion. Triangular facets are used to approximate the part surfaces. A pre‐partition process decomposes the complex part surfaces into several simple, easy‐to‐solve patches. For each patch, robot hand poses are determined to satisfy certain task constraints. In this paper, the approach is applied to two applications: vision sensor planning and spray painting gun path planning. It is our belief that more robot planning applications in manufacturing can benefit from this method.
Children Raised by Grandparents: Implications for Social Policy
Authors: Edwards Oliver W. , Mumford Vincent E.
Published: April 2007

Purpose. This work provides information about households where grandparents assume roles as full‐time surrogate parents to their grandchildren. Social policy implications of these relationships and potential social policy changes to help these families are presented. Methodology. A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted to appropriately represent the phenomenon of grandparents raising grandchildren. Information regarding the functioning of both grandparents and grandchildren are addressed. Findings. Grandparents who raise their grandchildren tend to experience elevated levels of stress that negatively impact their social, emotion, and physical well‐being. Children in these families may encounter problems with psychological development, adjustment, and educational functioning. Grandparents who raise their grandchildren significantly influence the development of these children in the social and educational environments. The children also impact their grandparents’ well‐being. The findings underscore the need to consider social policy implications for these families. Originality/Value. This work emphasises the functioning of not only grandparents in these families, but grandchildren as well. Additionally, information is provided regarding the pejorative impact of certain social policies on grandparents’ social‐emotional well‐being and the grandchildren’s behavioural and educational functioning. Social policy propositions are offered to help these families. The information in this article will likely help professionals in governmental, social service, and educational agencies work better with these families.
Benchmarking and performance management in clinical pharmacy
Authors: Fowler Alan , Campbell David
Published: April 2007

The article features a study based on postal questionnaires and structured interviews, targeting senior members of the hospital pharmacy profession. The aim was to examine the potential of practice and performance benchmarking as a means of improving competence and capabilities within the clinical pharmacy service of NHS Trust hospitals. Postulation of models and analysis of data is followed by discussion of results. This leads to a number of suggestions and conclusions with respect to the potential role of benchmarking including an assessment of its suitability, limitations, and implementation issues associated with this particular service sector.
The role of customer relationships in the growth of small‐ to medium‐sized manufacturers
Authors: Valsamakis Vassilios P. , Sprague Linda G.
Published: April 2007

This work is focused on small‐ to medium‐sized manufacturers (SMMs) within supply chains and, in particular, on how such SMMs develop effective working relationships with customers. Development of a model based on the literature was followed by a mail survey, augmented by semi‐structured interviews with SMMs. Factor analysis and multiple regression analysis were used to provide an understanding of the underlying processes.
Quality management in a supply chain perspective
Authors: Romano Pietro , Vinelli Andrea
Published: April 2007

Supply chain management (SCM) is conceived by academics and practitioners as either an extension of logistics or an all‐encompassing approach to business integration. From the authors’ point of view, SCM involves not only logistic activities but also other processes such as quality management. This paper seeks to understand how quality can be managed using a supply chain perspective and what the operative and strategic consequences are for both the individual companies and the whole supply network. It reports a case study conducted on Marzotto, an important Italian textile and apparel company, and its supply chain relationships. The study compares the quality practices in the two different kinds of supply network of which Marzotto is the focal firm. One is managed using a traditional customer‐supplier approach and the other a broader and more co‐ordinated perspective. In the latter case, it was found that the whole supply network could improve its ability to meet the expectations of the final consumer in terms of quality through the joint definition and co‐management of quality practices/procedures.
Virtual factory: an integrated approach to manufacturing systems modeling
Authors: Jain Sanjay , Fong Choong Ngai , Maung Aye Khin , Luo Ming
Published: April 2007

Rapid product/process realization and enterprise integration have been identified among the major imperatives for enabling the next generation manufacturing paradigm. This paper proposes a virtual factory modeling approach to support these imperatives. A virtual factory is defined as an integrated simulation model of major subsystems in a factory that considers the factory as a whole and provides an advanced decision support capability. It seeks to go beyond the typical modeling of one sub‐system at a time, such as the manufacturing model, the business process model and/or the communication network model developed individually and in isolation. A basic virtual factory model of a semi‐conductor backend factory has been developed for concept demonstration. Application examples are used to demonstrate the integration between business processes and manufacturing system performance. Future work will move further towards the development of the complete virtual factory and its industry applications.
Agile manufacturing in practice ‐ Application of a methodology
Authors: Sharifi H. , Zhang Z.
Published: April 2007

An evolutionary transformation of business environment, with change as a main characteristic, is taking place. Manufacturing companies, even those operating in relatively stable conditions with good market positions, are facing rapid and often unanticipated changes in their business environment. Agile manufacturing is proposed in response to the circumstances as a solution and is perceived as a vital characteristic that manufacturing companies need to have in order to maintain their competitive advantages in the new order of world business. Each company will respond in a specific and different way to the changing circumstances by deploying its own agile characteristics. Agility in manufacturing may be achieved through the implementation and integration of appropriate practices which provide the required abilities for a company to respond properly to changes. Based on this concept, a methodology for achieving agility in manufacturing organisations is developed. The methodology is applied in two manufacturing companies and data collected from the applications are used to validate the methodology. This paper provides a brief summary of the methodology and details its implementation and validation in the two case study companies. Practices are proposed to support the achievement of agility in the two organisations.
Sensors for dynamic characterisation of magnetic storage systems
Authors: Jenkins D.F.L , Clegg W.W. , He L. , Windmill J. , Tunstall G. , Liu X. , Chilumbu C. , Li A.
Published: April 2007

The areal (surface area density of bits) storage density of magnetic hard disks is continually increasing, with typical available commercial storage densities being around 10Gbits/in2. It is predicted that densities in excess of 40Gbits/in2 will be possible before the year 2003. A number of key issues arise from this development, such as the need to determine and control accurately the dynamic flying height (z‐axis) of the read‐write head, which is affected by the apparent distortion of the disk surface due to rotation‐induced disk resonance. As a result of the increasing storage density the positional control of the head in the plane of the disk (x‐y plane) also becomes more critical. This paper deals generally, but with a particular emphasis on optical and piezoelectric sensors used in our laboratory for characterisation of storage media and systems.
Video cameras: CMOS technology provides on‐chip processing
Authors: Loinaz Marc , Ackland Bryan
Published: April 2007

Compares the relative merits of CCD and CMOS based video cameras. Describes the design and fabrication of CMOS sensors which include considerable hardware computational elements on the same chip as the sensor array. These enable the device to output picture information in a form that is directly compatible with multimedia PC application requirements.
Ultrasonic cure monitoring of advanced composites
Authors: Shepard David D. , Smith Kim R.
Published: April 2007

Measurements of the ultrasonic sound speed of thermosetting resins and composites can be used as an in‐process cure monitoring technique. Ultrasonic measurements have an advantage over other in‐process techniques in that ultrasonic sensors do not make contact with the part (thus leaving no imbedded sensor or witness mark) and can make true bulk measurements of the part. A new commercially available ultrasonic cure monitoring system for the cure monitoring of thermosetting resins and composites has been developed. Advancements in ultrasonic sensor technology enable the self‐contained ultrasonic sensor to be easily installed in a mold and maintain good coupling to the part during thermal cycling to 260°C. Data are presented showing the change in ultrasonic sound speed during the compression molding of epoxy prepregs. The data show a good relationship to the electrical resistivity data collected via dielectric cure monitoring. The ultrasonic technique is also applicable to phenolic based materials.
Alternative work arrangements among professionals and managers
Authors: MacDermid Shelley M. , Dean Lee Mary , Buck Michelle , Williams Margaret L.
Published: April 2007

This study examines part‐time work arrangements among 78 women professionals and managers to learn more about their implications for career development. Specifically, it documents the level of success of the work arrangements, their expected career implications, and the factors distinguishing less successful arrangements. Results revealed specific career development challenges unique to part‐time workers, as well as challenges common among full‐time workers. Part‐time workers already adopting a protean career model may fare better in alternative work arrangements. Lessons learned in dealing with diversity may be helpful to organizations in achieving fit between workers’ personal definitions of success and their work arrangements.
Executive education: yesterday and today, with a look at tomorrow
Authors: Crotty Philip T. , Soule Amy J.
Published: April 2007

Describes the early stages of university executive education, including MBA and non‐degree executive development programmes, and gives examples of early in‐house executive education. Examines the current university EMBA and speciality programmes and today’s in‐house facilities. Sets out advantages and disadvantages of the two approaches, and considers a customized approach ‐ a movement towards jointly designed executive education, combining university and in‐house features. Looks at the future of executive education, the two most important trends being the effects of global competition and evolving corporate needs, and discusses future executive programmes ‐ university, in‐house and cutomized. Highlights the implications of recent developments in technology, and suggests that the underlying theme for tomorrow’s executive education is the likelihood of more company involvement.
Time you did your homework?
Authors: Bricknell Graham
Published: April 2007

Notes that teleworking, or working away from the conventional office setting, has been with us for some time and, with steadily, though slowly, growing numbers of people working this way, it is accepted by an increasing number of companies as a serious approach to work. Describes teleworking and examines a range of issues with particular emphasis on the costs and benefits to the business, management in a teleworking environment, the various approaches that can be taken, the human aspects and what you can expect to achieve.
Raising the efficiency of the building lifetime with special emphasis on maintenance
Authors: Zavadskas E. , Kaklauskas A. , Bejder E.
Published: April 2007

The problems of creating buildings with efficient lifetime has been analysed with special emphasis on their maintenance. First, the principles of a complex analysis, functional considerations, cost‐benefit ratio optimization, interrelation of sciences, mathematical simulation, etc., had been analysed which enabled the authors to work out various systems of decision making. In this paper, one of these systems ‐ “housing refurbishment decision making”, is described at length. Also, a number of ways of achieving more efficient lifetime of a building, with special emphasis on its maintenance, are presented.
Bringing alive a paradisal novel or the never‐ending wedding of art and consumption: the case of the “Ami Fritz” in Alsace over the last century
Authors: Hetzel Patrick
Published: April 2007

In 1864 two famous novelists: Erckmann and Chatrian co‐edited a fiction called L’Ami Fritz. Very quickly this work had a tremendous success. It was the story of a fellow named “Fritz Kobus” who was living in Alsace. He could be seen as the stereotype of how the “collective unconscious” in France was imagining a prosperous Alsatian fellow. In a very short period of time this fiction became a significant link between the Alsace region and the whole French nation. We will use this example in order to show that the links with consumption and art are very peculiar. It is not only companies that are interested in the appropriation of art, but also consumers. This will help us to show that for example in postmodern times the distinction between high and low culture is not as clear as it may first appear. High and low culture are blending together in interesting ways. What we would like to show here, is that the novel sometimes gives a landmark to the consumers, telling them what their ideal aspirations should be and then the society tries to reflect the novel.
Benefits of information sharing with supply chain partnerships
Authors: Yu Zhenxin , Yan Hong , Edwin Cheng T.C.
Published: April 2007

The power of information technology can be harnessed to help supply chain members establish partnerships for better supply chain system performance. Supply chain partnerships can mitigate deficiencies associated with decentralized control and reduce the “bullwhip effect”. This study illustrates the benefits of supply chain partnerships based on information sharing. For a decentralized supply chain comprising a manufacturer and a retailer, we derive the members’ optimal inventory policies under different information sharing scenarios. We show that increasing information sharing among the members in a decentralized supply chain will lead to Pareto improvement in the performance of the entire chain. Specifically, the supply chain members can reap benefits in terms of reductions in inventory levels and cost savings from forming partnerships with one another. A case study is provided for illustration.