bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of oxygen on the tribological behavior of CrNiMo steel
Authors: Du San‐ming , Zhang Yong‐zhen , Chen Yue , Liu Wei‐min 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the friction and wear properties of CrNiMo steel pin against brass disk in different oxygen fractions. CrNiMo steel is currently widely used in industry and military fields for its excellent performance in some severe environments. The atmosphere and temperature are key factors affecting the wear behaviors of CrNiMo steel. The study aims to make better use of CrNiMo steel in different atmospheres.Design/methodology/approachFriction and wear experiments were conducted using a pin‐on‐disk tribometer equipped in an atmosphere controllable chamber. The chamber allows switch between vacuum and gas mixtures of N2 and O2. The oxygen content was managed by magnetic coupling flow meter. The sliding speed of 1, 2, 3, 4 m/s and the applied sliding contact load of 5, 6.5, 8, 9.5 N were used in friction test. In order to obtain information on the wear mechanisms, the worn surface of the pin was examined by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy.FindingsA close dependence is clearly shown of the friction and wear on the content of oxygen gas in elevated temperature. Increasing the content of oxygen in the atmosphere under higher normal load condition is beneficial to friction reduction of the steel/brass pair. Different wear mechanisms were found with a transition from the adhesive wear in nitrogen, to a mixed adhesion and oxidation wear when increasing the content of the oxygen in the atmosphere.Originality/valueThis paper provides a reference for the similar steel used in severe environments.
Effects of using smart fluid in lubrication on skirt‐liner friction
Authors: Mahdavi S.H. , Mansouri S.H. , Kimiaeifar A. 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present, for the first time, a mathematical model for a piston skirt in mixed lubrication with respect to applying a smart fluid in lubrication. In this way, the smart fluid, as a lubricant with controlled variable viscosity, is proposed and applied to minimize the power loss in the interaction between liner and skirt.Design/methodology/approachBased on signal processing, the relationships between viscosity of lubricant and the friction loss, the hydrodynamic and contact friction force consequently are found, as part of an effective approach to acquire the function of variable viscosity.FindingsIt is shown that hydrodynamics and contact friction forces can be controlled and minimized by using the variable viscosity signal with the optimized viscosity signal technique.Originality/valueIn this paper, a mathematical model for a piston skirt in mixed lubrication with respect to applying a smart fluid in lubrication is presented for the first time.
Trust and normative democratic peace theory: nexus between citizens and foreign policies?
Authors: Zimelis Andris 
Published: February 2012

PurposeDespite the burgeoning literature dealing with the democratic peace theory, there seems to be surprisingly little research done in actually analyzing how and why democracies cause peace. There is even less research done in empirically analyzing the “how” part of the normative aspects of the democratic peace theory. The purpose of this paper is to explain the theoretical assumptions and how interpersonal trust is linked to a country's preferences to go to war. In addition, a direct comparison is made between democratic and non‐democratic states to ascertain more clearly the effect of trust on decisions to go to war.Design/methodology/approachThis study quantitatively examines the period from 1980 to 2001 and considers 62 democratic countries and 30 non‐democratic countries in their choices to engage in conflict.FindingsThe research project finds that interpersonal trust is strongly correlated with states' decisions to go to war.Originality/valueThis is the first time that a study has examined the role of interpersonal trust on a state's decision to go to war, as no scholarly work has been done in applying the study of interpersonal trust to studying the theory of democratic peace.
A family‐friendly policy for Hong Kong: lessons from three international experiences
Authors: Lai‐ching Leung , Kam‐wah Chan 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to compare the family‐friendly policies developed in Sweden, the UK and Singapore and discuss the implications on family‐friendly policies in Hong Kong.Design/methodology/approachThe study draws on policy documents of the three countries, to examine the welfare model, the service provisions and the outcomes of the family‐friendly policies.FindingsIn the study, the paper finds that considerable differences exist among the three countries in their conception of the role and responsibility of government in the reconciliation of family and work conflict. Strategies ranging from a high degree of intervention to minimal intervention are closely related to the social welfare regime of a country. Learning from the international experiences, it is important to link work and family policies in developing family‐friendly policy in Hong Kong because work and family are not two separate worlds.Originality/valueNumerous studies have documented the effectiveness and impact of family‐friendly policies in their own countries, but little has been done to compare the international experiences. The analysis contributes to offer a clear direction of developing family‐friendly policy in Hong Kong.
Ethics of property, illegal settlements and the right to subsistence
Authors: Sanghera Balihar , Satybaldieva Elmira 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine how illegal settlers and poor families struggle for basic necessities through land invasions, covert practices and illegal sabotage, examining how fundamental rights to subsistence and dignity are superior to private property claims.Design/methodology/approachThe paper combines two qualitative research projects that examined property rights in Kyrgyzstan, conducting semi‐structured interviews with poor groups, elites and state officials. One project was conducted between 2009‐2010, examining two illegal settlements and a squatted building in the capital Bishkek, and the other project took place between 2007‐2008 in four villages in Osh region.FindingsIt was found that illegal settlers and poor families deliberate upon the moral aspects of land and property, though sometimes their judgements are distorted by nationalist feelings and racialised identities. Poor and propertyless groups struggle for basic necessities, lacking access to social rights and facing class contempt and state coercion.Research limitations/implicationsThe authors criticise de Soto's ideas on legalising squatters' holdings, suggesting that his property rights approach to land offers a flawed moral vision for society and a mis‐understanding of illegal settlements.Practical implicationsInternational donors need to re‐think development strategies for increasing growth and reducing poverty, and for Kyrgyzstan to abandon the national residential registration system (propiska).Originality/valueThe authors' moral responsibilities approach on property recognises the importance of land and valuable resources for human capabilities, the competing obligations of the state and the role of moral propriety and sentiments in shaping responsibilities towards vulnerable and poor groups.
Formulation of secant and reloading soil deformation moduli using multi expression programming
Authors: Hossein Alavi Amir , Mollahasani Ali , Hossein Gandomi Amir , Boluori Bazaz Jafar 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop new constitutive models to predict the soil deformation moduli using multi expression programming (MEP). The soil deformation parameters formulated are secant (Es) and reloading (Er) moduli.Design/methodology/approachMEP is a new branch of classical genetic programming. The models obtained using this method are developed upon a series of plate load tests conducted on different soil types. The best models are selected after developing and controlling several models with different combinations of the influencing parameters. The validation of the models is verified using several statistical criteria. For more verification, sensitivity and parametric analyses are carried out.FindingsThe results indicate that the proposed models give precise estimations of the soil deformation moduli. The Es prediction model provides considerably better results than the model developed for Er. The Es formulation outperforms several empirical models found in the literature. The validation phases confirm the efficiency of the models for their general application to the soil moduli estimation. In general, the derived models are suitable for fine‐grained soils.Originality/valueThese equations may be used by designers to check the general validity of the laboratory and field test results or to control the solutions developed by more in‐depth deterministic analyses.
Novel guess functions for efficient analysis of Raman fiber amplifiers
Authors: Serdar Gokhan Fikri , Yilmaz Gunes 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThe aim of the paper is to demonstrate a fast numerical solution for Raman fiber amplifier equations using proposed guess functions and MATLAB intrinsic properties. MATLAB BVP solvers are addressed for the solution.Design/methodology/approachThe guess functions proposed for the solution of RFA equations using MATLAB BVP solvers are derived from Taylor expansion of pump and signal wave near the boundary to specifically obtain convergence for the initial mesh point. The guess functions increase simulation speed significantly. In order to improve the simulation speed further, vectorization and analytical Jacobians are introduced. Comparisons among bvp4c and bvp5c have been made with respect to total pump power, number of signals, vectorization with/without analytical Jacobians, fiber length, relative tolerance and continuation method. The simulations are performed to determine the effect of the run time on the choice of the number of equally spaced mesh points (N) in the initial guess, and thus optimal N values are found.FindingsMATLAB BVP solvers have been proven to be effective for the numerical solution of RFAs with the proposed guess functions. In particular, with vectorizing, run time reduction is between 2.1 and 5.4 times for bvp4c and between 1.6 and 2.1 times for bvp5c and in addition to vectorizing, with the introduction of the analytical Jacobians, the reduction is between 2.4 and 6.2 times for bvp4c and 1.7 and 2.2 times for bvp5c, respectively, depending on the total pump power between 1,000 mW and 2,000 mW and the number of signals. Also, simulation results show that the efficiency of the solution with proposed guess functions is improved more than six times compared with those of previously reported continuation methods. Results show that the proposed guess functions with the vectorization and analytical Jacobians can be used for the performance evaluation of RFAs for the high power systems/long gain fiber span.Practical implicationsThe robust improvement of the solution proposed in this paper lies in the fact that the derived guess functions for the RFAs are highly effective in the sense that they assist the solver to converge to the solution for any total pump power value in a wide range from 1 to 3,000 mW and for any fiber lengths ranging 1 to 200 km which are used in practical applications. Hence, it is practicable for the performance evaluation of the existing RFA networks.Originality/valueThe novelty of this method is that, starting with the co‐propagating single pump and signal RFA schema, the authors derived the guess function specifically for the initial mesh points rather than using its analytical approximations. Moreover, the solution is generalized for co‐/counter propagating pumps/signals with the curve fitted coefficient(s).
Identification of an equivalent model for the permanent magnets of a magnetron sputtering device
Authors: Desideri Daniele , Maschio Alvise , Doru Micu Dan , Ramona Miron Olivia 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThe aim of the work was to obtain an auxiliary instrument able to give the magnetic configuration of a magnetron sputtering device for operation with targets, magnetic and non magnetic, with different heights, starting from a device with no detailed information of the source.Design/methodology/approachAn inverse problem has been dealt with. A 2D numerical analysis has been performed, which utilizes as a starting point a model identified with a simple analytical procedure based on measurements.FindingsA satisfactory equivalent model has been identified, and validated in several different conditions.Originality/valueThe proposed approach can be applied when no detailed information of the source is available, in the case of a cathode without a ferromagnetic yoke.
Automatic presser‐foot force control for industrial sewing machines
Authors: Carvalho Helder , Silva Luís F. , Rocha Ana , Monteiro João 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop and test control methods for real‐time automatic presser‐foot force control in industrial sewing machines. In this work, a closed‐loop controller that controls presser‐foot maximum vertical displacement is presented and compared to existing solutions that adjust force depending on sewing speed. Automatic force control can reduce problems such as stitch irregularity, stitch distortions and material damage, besides making material handling easier.Design/methodology/approachAn electromagnetic force actuator was integrated in an industrial lockstitch machine. A computer‐based control system was designed implementing either speed‐variable force control, closed‐loop control, or emulating a traditional constant‐force system. Maximum presser‐foot displacement values were measured and analysed in relevant sewing situations, and seam quality was assessed.FindingsConstant‐force control does not allow optimal force setting at all speeds. Speed‐variable force control is an improvement, but requires empirical setting of the speed‐force relation, not always assuring optimal operation. Closed‐loop control adapts force to the requirement of each sewing situation more precisely. Sewing quality is good and material handling is eased.Research limitations/implicationsThe actuator has to be optimised regarding response time and maximum force. Some aspects in the behaviour of the control system and actuator have to be further studied.Practical implicationsThe proposed control system enables the automatic setting and adaptation of force to all sewing situations, making material handling easier at low speeds without compromising feeding performance at high speed. The closed‐loop controller may be used as a teach‐in system for speed‐dependent control.Originality/valueThis is the first prototype of a closed‐loop control system for presser‐foot force on a lockstitch sewing machine and the first comparative study of control methods for presser‐foot force control.
Examining the planning and management of principal succession
Authors: Zepeda Sally J. , Bengtson Ed , Parylo Oksana 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine principal succession planning and management by analyzing current practices of handling school leader succession in four Georgia school systems.Design/methodology/approachLooking through the lens of organizational leadership succession theory, the practices of school systems as they experienced changes in school leadership were examined. Participants included superintendents, assistant superintendents, other central office leaders, and principals. A multiple‐case approach was selected with semi‐structured interviews providing the major source of data.FindingsFindings suggest the following: there is a difference in the sense of urgency for the planning and management of the succession of principals; the development of aspiring leaders was identified as a critical component of planning and management of succession; mentoring was an essential practice through the succession process; and reliance on collaborative partnerships with outside organizations was highly valued.Practical implicationsThe implications of the study include a call for further research to determine the differences in leader succession planning and management needs related to the varying contexts. In addition, the study implies that building collaborative partnerships with university preparation programs and other external professional development organizations may assist systems in the planning and management of principal succession.Originality/valueThe originality of this study stems from the lack of literature that directly examines the experiences and practices of principal succession. The findings can inform school system leaders of succession planning and management issues and practices that exist in the four systems studied. As leadership becomes more recognized for its impact on student achievement and school performance, it is imperative that succession is managed and planned to ensure sustainability and effectiveness.
Third sector involvement in public education: the Israeli case
Authors: Berkovich Izhak , Jonathan Foldes Vincent 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to address the involvement of third sector organizations in state public education in Israel, with emphasis on the decision‐making processes affecting the geographic distribution of service provision.Design/methodology/approachA collective case study approach was used to investigate non‐governmental organization (NGO) procedures for the deployment of the educational services they provide. The study was based on semi‐structured interviews with key personnel and on documents from four NGOs operating in the Israeli public education system.FindingsThe article illustrates the extent of third sector organizations' involvement in the Israeli public educational system, in most cases operated with significant governmental funding. The findings reveal two main factors in the NGOs' decision‐making process that affect their operational deployment: the type of financing model they adopted and the nature of their relationship with the Ministry of Education.Practical implicationsThe paper's findings have led to several policy recommendations. It recommends that NGOs be more aware of their financing model and more critical in its appraisal. It also recommends that the state take into account the vision and financing model of NGOs and its own strategic responsibility for reaching nationwide social goals when selecting partners.Originality/valueThe study examines the increasing involvement of NGOs in state public education. As trends of privatization and democratization continue, the number of NGOs operating in the public education system continues to rise, and their importance continues to increase.
The negotiation and selection of horizontal mechanisms to support post‐implementation ERP organizations
Authors: Gallagher Kevin P. , “Jamey” Worrell James L. , Mason Robert M. 
Published: February 2012

PurposeFor an organization to realize the intended benefits of an enternprise resource planning (ERP) investment, it must integrate both technical expertise and functional area knowledge, and it must have continuing support after implementation. The study aims to expand understanding of how organizations ensure the necessary support from functional experts during and after ERP installations. In particular, the study aims to address the question of the type of horizontal support mechanism chosen for this support and how managers make these choices.Design/methodology/approachThe study is a replicated case study based on interviews with project leaders in nine universities judged to have successful PeopleSoft ERP implementations. Thematic analysis is applied to identify the factors influencing managerial choices and organizational decisions made to assure post‐implementation ERP support.FindingsThe findings indicate that managers of ERP implementations recognize the necessity for horizontal coordinating mechanisms both during and after implementation. The paper finds no single “best” structure in the cases, nor does it observe that the support structure decision is always based on a deliberate organizational strategy. The findings indicate that selection of post‐implementation support structure is often a negotiated outcome. Ultimately, the paper finds that the outcomes were based on three factors: the situated context of the original implementation project goals; the nature of early commitments made to functional subject matter experts and their departments; and the initial project structure used during the implementation phase.Originality/valueThis research fills a gap in research on ERP support structures by examining how localized organizations assure the necessary support from subject matter experts, commencing with project inception and continuing through post‐implementation. The results contribute to theory by illustrating the value of a process‐based approach to understanding the factors that affect the choice of support structures. The findings contribute to practice by highlighting how early management decisions and the methods executives chose to assure commitments from key stakeholders can restrict the range of options for post‐implementation organizational structures.
Using cognitive conflict to promote the use of dialectical learning for strategic decision‐makers
Authors: Woods Jeffrey G. 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual model that uses dialectical inquiry (DI) to create cognitive conflict in strategic decision‐makers for the purpose of improving strategic decisions. Activation of the dialectical learning process using DI requires strategic decision‐makers to integrate conflicting information causing cognitive conflict. Cognitive conflict is the catalyst that stimulates the creation of new knowledge in strategic decision‐makers resulting in improved organizational performance.Design/methodology/approachA conceptual model is developed that explicitly links DI to the dialectical learning process of strategic decision‐makers. This model extends previous research on DI by identifying cognitive conflict as the critical component that links DI as a learning method to the process of dialectical learning in strategic decision‐making.FindingsThe major finding of the model of dialectical learning is that the model is an important resource that can be applied to create cognitive conflict in strategic decision‐makers for the purpose of expanding the strategic options of organizations.Research limitations/implicationsEmpirical research on DI that focuses on the role of cognitive conflict in the dialectical learning process is lacking. It is hoped that this conceptual paper will stimulate further interest on the topic and a greater appreciation of this method of learning. Strategic decision‐makers must consider alternative ways of generating new knowledge that is crucial for organizational performance.Practical implicationsIt is important that the benefits of creating cognitive conflict in the dialectical learning process are understood by strategic decision‐makers. Training for participants in a DI learning intervention is essential to help minimize any dysfunctional behaviors that could result from affective conflict.Originality/valueThis conceptual model identifies the importance of cognitive conflict in the dialectical learning process of strategic decision‐makers and the critical role of cognitive conflict rather than affective conflict in the use of this learning method.