bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electrodeposition of iron‐enriched nanocrystalline Fe‐Ni alloy foil from chloride‐sulfate solutions
Authors: Yang Xiyun , Duan Xitao , Yuan Haiwei 
Published: December 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to obtain iron‐enriched Fe‐Ni alloy foil on Ti substrates with good quality from a chloride‐sulfate bath used in a normal DC plating mode. The effects of iron content on the hardness, surface morphology and microstructure of the foil were clarified.Design/methodology/approachFe‐Ni alloy foil was prepared by electrodeposition in a chloride‐sulfate based solution. The effects of current density, temperature, stirring rate and sodium propargyl sulfonate concentration on the iron contents of the Fe‐Ni alloy foils were studied. The phase composition and surface morphology with various iron contents were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), respectively. Cathodic polarization curves were used to evaluate the role of sodium propargyl sulfonate (PS).FindingsNanocrystalline Fe‐Ni alloy foil containing up to 64 wt. percent iron can be obtained from a chloride‐sulfate based solution. The foil converts from a face‐centered cubic (fcc) Fe3Ni2 phase to a mixture of fcc and body‐centered cubic (bcc) Fe7Ni3 with increase in iron content from 55.0 wt. percent to 63.5 wt. percent. AFM studies revealed that the foil had a fine grain structure with a roughness of 30 nm and grain size of 30 nm. With iron increasing to 63.5 wt. percent some islands appeared on the surface. This structure was related to the development of a (200) fiber texture in the BCC phase. Sodium propargyl sulfonate accelerates the discharge of nickel and inhibits the discharge of Fe.Practical implicationsThe foil has many industrial applications in the area of memory devices for computers, laser components and precise instruments.Originality/valueThe paper presents a process to produce a foil with iron up to 64 wt. percent from a chloride‐sulfate based solution used in normal DC mode. The dependence of microstructure and surface morphology on iron contents also is presented. Until now, there has been little research or reports on this subject.
Multi‐faceted views on a Lean Six Sigma application
Authors: Assarlind Marcus , Gremyr Ida , Bäckman Kristoffer 
Published: December 2011

PurposeAs Lean and Six Sigma have become established as influential concepts in the process improvement area, observers, researchers and managers are awaiting the next step, which many feel could take the form of a combination of the two concepts, known as Lean Six Sigma. A considerable amount of literature has been produced regarding the possible benefits of combining Lean and Six Sigma, which has led to greater support for the idea. The purpose of this paper is to explore an application of Lean Six Sigma in practical improvement work.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical study was conducted through interviews, meetings, document analysis and observations over a period of four months.FindingsBased on this paper, it seems unfeasible to apply one standardised approach to improvements in one company. Continuous smaller improvements and larger improvement projects demand different formulas. It seems that using both Lean and Six Sigma in parallel is appropriate but this should be done through clever cross‐fertilisation.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper shows one possible way of working with one improvement concept in one company. It does not claim to present the only possible way of combining Lean and Six Sigma nor does it suggest universal applicability. Further research on other possible combinations would therefore be valuable.Practical implicationsThis paper provides an outline of how to structure a combination of Lean and Six Sigma. It can provide valuable insights to managers who wish to structure their improvement processes.Originality/valueThis paper expands the theoretical foundation for combining Lean and Six Sigma by studying and analysing a practical application of the concept. Apart from the paper's value for managers, it can also help researchers understand the compatibility of Lean and Six Sigma.
Application of Six Sigma DMAIC methodology in a transactional environment
Authors: Antony Jiju , Singh Bhuller Anmol , Kumar Maneesh , Mendibil Kepa , Montgomery Douglas C. 
Published: December 2011

PurposeCommunication and Information Management (CIM) is crucial for any organisation and effectiveness of CIM can result in significant improvement to the bottom line and customer satisfaction. The purpose of this paper is to investigate and streamline the communication and information system within an “infrastructure support service” company using Six Sigma methodology.Design/methodology/approachThe research involved a triangulation approach of case study and use of survey instrument to find a solution to the problem.FindingsThe paper highlights a significant concern with regard to CIM within all the business units of the group. The effectiveness of the present CIM system for the whole group is below industry average with regard to accuracy and timeliness of CIM, resulting in an inefficient management reporting system. Operating in a highly competitive and time‐bound environment, correct and real time reporting is paramount. The main reasons for the ineffectiveness of CIM across the group can be attributed to two main factors; data management and communication systems being used. The paper also illustrates an appreciation of the use of Six Sigma within a transactional environment.Originality/valueThis study is a novel application of Six Sigma methodology within the communication and information management system.
Does investment improve when firms go private?
Authors: Straska Miroslava , Waller Gregory , Yu Yao 
Published: December 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to examine whether investment efficiency improves after publicly‐traded firms are taken private.Design/methodology/approachThe analysis uses univariate comparisons and regression analysis of panel data.FindingsBefore going private, firms' investment ratios and investment opportunities are similar to investment ratios and investment opportunities of peer firms. However, after going private, the investment ratios significantly decrease to levels significantly below the investment ratios of peer firms. Additionally, investment becomes less sensitive to investment opportunities and more sensitive to operating profits and cash holdings. Finally, cash becomes more sensitive to cash‐flow after going private. These results suggest that firms become more financially constrained, under‐invest relative to their industry peers, and invest less efficiently after going private.Originality/valueImprovements in investment efficiency are often cited as a contributing factor to the value gains associated with going‐private transactions. However, whether investment efficiency improves when firms go private remains unanswered by prior research. In theory, investment efficiency should improve if private firms are shielded from the market pressure for short‐term earnings and better able to invest for long‐term value creation. Conversely, it is possible that the high levels of debt associated with these transactions impose financial constraints that reduce investment efficiency. The results of this study suggest that investment efficiency does not improve after going private.
Electrokinetic properties of hybrid pigments obtained via adsorption of organic dyes on the silica support
Authors: Jesionowski Teofil , Nowacka Magdalena , Ciesielczyk Filip 
Published: December 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to characterise the electrokinetic properties of pigments supported on both unmodified and modified silica. The paper describes the preparation of hybrid pigments via adsorption of organic dyes on silica supports and determination of the zeta potential and electrophoretic mobility of the materials obtained.Design/methodology/approachThe materials studied were hybrid pigments obtained as a result of adsorption of two basic dyes: C.I. Basic Red 1 and C.I. Basic Orange 14 and one acidic dye C.I. Mordant Red 3 from solutions of concentrations of 500, 2,000 and 3,000 mg/dm3 on the surface of both unmodified and modified silica supports. The agent used for modification of the silica surface was N‐2‐(aminoethyl)‐3‐aminopropyltrimethoxysilane.FindingsThe modification of the silica surface with aminosilane was found to change, significantly, the electrokinetic character of the inorganic support. This change was interpreted as being due to the ionisation of −NH2 groups from the modifier molecule, which changes the surface charge. Electrokinetic curves of the pigment composites changed considerably as a function of the type and concentration of the organic dye adsorbed.Research limitations/implicationsOnly SiO2 supports (unmodified and aminosilane‐grafted) and C.I. Basic Red 1, C.I. Basic Orange 14 or C.I. Mordant Red 3 dyes adsorbed on its surface were evaluated. Other dyes could also be studied.Practical implicationsMeasurements of the zeta potential were used to characterise the stability of colloidal dispersions of paints or dyes and to control the stability of paints on storage and their performance on painting and drying.Originality/valueThe paper demonstrates that the measurements of zeta potential permit determination of the optimum conditions for the use of a given pigment. The finding of the change of the zeta potential of a given pigment and so, also its application properties as a result of different functional groups in the dye or the modifying agent molecules.
Effect of thermal‐oxidative aging on carbon fibre‐bismaleimide composites
Authors: Lv Xinying , Wang Rongguo , Liu Wenbo , Jiang Long 
Published: December 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of thermal‐oxidative aging at 150°C on the mechanical properties of carbon fibre reinforced bismaleimide composites.Design/methodology/approachComposites specimens after thermo‐oxidative aging at 150°C for various times (up to 1,000 h) were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for fracture morphology, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy for chemical structures, and flexural strength test and inter‐laminar shear strength (ILSS) test for mechanical properties.FindingsThe results indicated that the mechanical properties of carbon fibre/BMI composites were affected significantly by testing temperature rather than by aging time. SEM results showed that the good adhesion of fibre and matrix resulted in the better mechanical properties. The composites showed lower flexural strength and ILSS at 150°C due to the viscoelastic behaviour of matrix resin. The FTIR spectra confirmed the decomposition of crosslinked maleimide occurred just on the surface of composites during various aging times.Research limitations/implicationsResults indicated that carbon fibre/BMI composites had excellent heat resistance and aging resistance.Practical implicationsDue to their excellent thermal and mechanical properties, the carbon fibre/BMI composites show greater potential for their applications in some extreme fields such as aerospace and machine.Originality/valueThe paper investigates the relationships of the fracture morphologies of composites and chemical structures of matrix resin to the mechanical properties after thermo‐oxidative aging.
Effect of heating on the performance of anticorrosive coatings
Authors: Estefanía Angeles M. , Rodríguez Francisco , Magaña Carlos 
Published: December 2011

PurposeWhen coatings are applied to industrial equipment, they have to be able to stand the heat produced by solar energy and/or by different conditions on the process. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to study the effect of temperature on the protective properties of coatings since this parameter degrades the polymer structure. In addition, the temperature effects on dry coating can also be specified.Design/methodology/approachIn order to know the behaviour of an organic coating at different temperatures, a drying aging cycle was performed by heating on substrate steel and free‐of‐substrate films during ten uninterrupted days at three and different temperatures: 65, 85 and 100°C. At the end of this period, the aged films were analyzed by means of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements, thermal analysis (DSC and TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electronic microscopy (SEM).FindingsThe most critical temperature for the aging was 85°C and “over‐cured” phenomenon were observed on the aged films which were reported by EIS, thermal and IR analyses.Practical ImplicationsThese aging conditions were tested on a very strong and rigid resin containing a barrier pigment. Thus, it can also be applied to other plastic coatings, such as vinyl or alkyd ones, by modifying the temperatures according to glass transition temperature (Tg), as well as the ageing time depending on the hardness and resistance of such coatings and, of course, the protective effect of the pigment. In addition, another aggressive electrolyte, such as synthetic sea water, chloride, sulphide media, as well as inhibitors or ecological pigments could be used in order to predict its behaviour in different corrosive media.Originality/valueThe value of this work is on the specific temperatures used for the aging method applied to a rigid resin which revealed the over‐cured phenomena and the behaviour of the pigment; so if it is applied to a more plastic and flexible coating, it may reveal other phenomena and promote other kind of degradation, maybe even more aggressive ones.
Awareness and use of online information resources by medical students at Delta State University in Nigeria
Authors: Baro Emmanuel E. , Endouware Benake‐ebide C. , Ubogu Janet O. 
Published: December 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to present the results of a study which was carried out to find out whether the undergraduate students in the College of Health Sciences in Delta State University are aware of and fully utilize the medical databases and other online information resources within and outside the medical library.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire and interview methods were used to elicit data from the students.FindingsThe results revealed that majority of the students are not aware and do not use the online information resources such as: MEDLINE, HINARI, CINAHL databases, NUC virtual library as sources of information to retrieve materials related to medical literature. This could be as a result of lack of training for information literacy skills and ineffective user education programmes in the medical libraries and medical schools to equip the medical students with necessary skills to use the medical databases and other online information resources. Problems such as lack of skills to use the online information resources, lack of time, poor user education programmes, and slowness of server were mentioned by the students as some factors militating against the effective use of online information resources.Originality/valueThe findings will be useful for medical librarians and faculty in highlighting the need to collaborate in integrating information literacy skills into the medical school curricula in developing countries.Paper typeResearch paper
Numerical analysis of steady non‐Newtonian flows with heat transfer analysis, MHD and nonlinear slip effects
Authors: Ellahi R. , Hameed M. 
Published: December 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the effects of nonlinear partial slip on the walls for steady flow and heat transfer of an incompressible, thermodynamically compatible third grade fluid in a channel. The principal question the authors address in this paper is in regard to the applicability of the no‐slip condition at a solid‐liquid boundary. The authors present the effects of slip, magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) and heat transfer for the plane Couette, plane Poiseuille and plane Couette‐Poiseuille flows in a homogeneous and thermodynamically compatible third grade fluid. The problem of a non‐Newtonian plane Couette flow, fully developed plane Poiseuille flow and Couette‐Poiseuille flow are investigated.Design/methodology/approachThe present investigation is an attempt to study the effects of nonlinear partial slip on the walls for steady flow and heat transfer of an incompressible, thermodynamically compatible third grade fluid in a channel. A very effective and higher order numerical scheme is used to solve the resulting system of nonlinear differential equations with nonlinear boundary conditions. Numerical solutions are obtained by solving nonlinear ordinary differential equations using Chebyshev spectral method.FindingsDue to the nonlinear and highly complicated nature of the governing equations and boundary conditions, finding an analytical or numerical solution is not easy. The authors obtained numerical solutions of the coupled nonlinear ordinary differential equations with nonlinear boundary conditions using higher order Chebyshev spectral collocation method. Spectral methods are proven to offer a superior intrinsic accuracy for derivative calculations.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors' knowledge, no such analysis is available in the literature which can describe the heat transfer, MHD and slip effects simultaneously on the flows of the non‐Newtonian fluids.
A spectral model for shallow geothermal systems
Authors: Al‐Khoury Rafid 
Published: December 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to introduce a spectral model capable of simulating fully transient conductive‐convective heat transfer processes in an axially‐symmetric shallow geothermal system consisting of a borehole heat exchanger embedded in a soil mass.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed model combines the exactness of the analytical methods with important extent of generality in describing the geometry and boundary conditions of the numerical methods. It calculates the temperature distribution in all involved borehole heat exchanger components and the surrounding soil mass using the discrete Fourier transform, for the time domain, and the Fourier‐Bessel series, for the spatial domain.FindingsThe paper calculates the temperature distribution in all involved borehole heat exchanger components and the surrounding soil mass in a robust and computationally very efficient procedures. Analysis which might take long time in a work station, if use is made of standard numerical procedures, takes only 1 second in an Intel PC with the proposed model.Practical implicationsThe model is capable of simulating fully transient heat transfer in a shallow geothermal system subjected to short and long‐term time varying boundary conditions. The CPU time for calculating temperature distributions in all involved components; pipe‐in, pipe‐out, grout, and soil, using 2048 FFT samples, for the time domain, and 100 Fourier‐Bessel series samples, for the spatial domain, was in the order of 1 second in an Intel PC. The accuracy and computational efficiency of the model makes it, if elaborated, vital for engineering practice.Originality/valueThe proposed model is original and generic. The idea behind it is new and has not been utilized in this field of application. The model can be extended easily to include other types of borehole heat exchangers embedded in multi‐layer systems.
Numerical simulation of instabilities in lean premixed hydrogen combustion
Authors: Bastiaans Rob , Vreman A.W. 
Published: December 2011

PurposeThe present paper is about numerical simulations of one‐ and two‐dimensional lean hydrogen combustion at an equivalence ratio of 0.7. The initial flat two‐dimensional flames show unstable behavior. The instabilities generate flame wrinkling and flame induced turbulence. As a result, cusp‐like structures arise that both merge and break up in new cusps. Therefore, physically, the laminar burning velocity associated to an adiabatic flat flame does not exist. Instead, a statistical effective burning velocity and flame width develop in which the cusp like structures and their effects are included. The purpose of this paper is to describe the phenomena with a reduced chemical approach.Design/methodology/approachSimulations are performed with detailed kinetics, to study the main properties and dynamics of the wrinkling. An attempt is made to reduce the chemistry employing flamelet generated manifolds to make a step towards large‐scale, low cost simulations, which are still able to capture the physics. Here the manifold was built of premixed flames with variations of stretch, unburnt temperature and equivalence ratio. A priori correlations are presented, together with results from actual reduced chemistry simulations.FindingsIt was found that with introduction of variation of equivalence ratio into the manifold the main physical phenomena are captured. Moreover, an effective inclusion of differential diffusion was succesfully tested and applied. Results of effective burning velocities and flame widths are presented.Originality/valueThe paper shows the potential of performing accurate simulations using the chemical reduction technique of flamelet generated manifolds for pure lean hydrogen flames.
Why we ignore social networking advertising
Authors: Hadija Zeljka , Barnes Susan B. , Hair Neil 
Published: December 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to focus on college students, users of online social networks, as main sources of information that helps advertisers understand the ways in which advertisements are perceived online.Design/methodology/approachResults were reached through qualitative research. Personal in‐depth interviews, utilizing Zaltman Metaphor Elicitation Technique (ZMET), were conducted among 20 college students. Interviews consisted of using screenshots of advertisements in online social networks to uncover respondents' reactions.FindingsIt was generally concluded that the users of online social networks do not dislike advertisements, but they simply do not notice them. Other content found in online social networks mitigates the attractiveness of the advertisements. Hence, the respondents reported that the brand recognition in online social networks was found to be much lower than the one created through other media channels.Practical implicationsAdvertising in online social networks is a major unexplored advertising area. Interactivity on the internet shifts the ways in which users perceive advertising, and whether they perceive it at all. The paper discusses content that catches users' attention and its relation to advertisements.Originality/valueThrough literature review it has been revealed that no similar research exists. The findings of this research will aid advertisers in recognizing the possibility of advertising to the online social networks' population, taking into consideration different needs, and preferences of such users.