bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An under‐relaxation factor control method for accelerating the iteration convergence of flow field simulation
Authors: Min C.H. , Tao W.Q. 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to accelerate the iteration convergence for elliptic fluid flow problems, so that an under‐relaxation factor control method is developed.Design/methodology/approachThere should be an optimal under‐relaxation factor that can result in the equivalence of the global residual norms of momentum equation u and momentum equation v. The two residual norms of the momentum equations will be equivalent through controlling the velocity under‐relaxation factors, and then the iteration convergence can be accelerated. Two expressions (α=(α0)βγ and α=(α0)(1/β)γ) are proposed to adjust the values of under‐relaxation factors for every n iterations.FindingsFrom the five preliminary computations it is found that the value of γ can be larger than 1 and of n can be less than 5 for an open system, and the value of γ should be less than 1 and that of n should be larger than 10 for a closed system. These two pairs of parameters are then used in another five examples. It is found that the saving in CPU times is at least 43.9 percent for the closed system and 67.5 percent for the open system.Research limitations/implicationsWhen the Re or Ra of the two‐dimensional problems are low, this control method is feasible. More research work is needed in order to apply it in three‐dimensional or high Re or Ra problems.Originality/valueThis method is helpful for the acceleration of iteration convergence in simple problems, and is a preparation for the advanced research in complicated problems.
Partnership or self‐reliance: prescriptions for small and medium‐sized enterprises
Authors: Li Lee , Qian Gongming 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe past decade has witnessed the growing importance of partnerships by small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). Yet, despite the popularity and presumed strategic importance of partnerships, partnerships by SMEs often fail and many SMEs turn to self‐reliance operation modes. This study explores industry and firm factors which affect SMEs's choices between partnerships and self‐reliance operation modes. Identification of these factors has important managerial implications for SMEs in their fights to overcome resource and competence limitations.Design/methodology/approachThe authors collected data from 68 sample firms and ran regression models to test the propositions.FindingsSMEs in technology industries should form partnerships. SMEs that are seeking foreign markets should form partnerships to pool their resources and manage diversities, whereas SMEs that focus on their home markets should use self‐reliance operation modes. International expansion requires substantial resources, including country‐specific knowledge. SMEs may not have sufficient resources to overcome market entry barriers and may have to seek resources from external sources. Partnerships are not appropriate for SMEs that focus on market niches. Age places severe constraints on whether an SME should form a partnership or remain self‐reliant. Young SMEs may rely on partnerships to outsource while established SMEs may be uninterested in partnerships. Finally, SMEs that enjoy first mover advantages should not rely too much on partnerships for external resources. In contrast, SMEs that do not enjoy first mover advantages can take partnerships as an important source of external resources.Originality/valueThe findings of this study make important contributions to the existing strategy literature. The study identifies contextual impacts that affect SMEs' choices between partnerships and self‐reliance modes and thus explain why partnerships work for some SMEs but not others. The findings of the study also provide managers with practical guidance as to how to make strategic decisions on partnerships
Sticks and stones: shareholder activists in the public forum
Authors: Dalton Catherine M. , Dalton Dan R. 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThis paper discusses shareholder activists in the public forum.Design/methodology/approachThis as a viewpoint paper in which the authors discuss the roles played by shareholder activists in the public forum.FindingsThere are a variety of responses that companies may take in response to activism.Originality/valueThe authors present some strategies for dealing with shareholder activists and shareholder groups.
High‐functioning business strategy
Authors: Marren Patrick 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe paper expresses the author's viewpoint on business strategy.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on the author's two decades of professional experience as a business strategy consultant.FindingsThere are certain interesting parallels between standard business thinking and autism.Originality/valueThe paper expresses ideas in a way that the author believes they have not been expressed before.
Analysis of transient inductive interference in underground pipelines due to faults on nearby power lines
Authors: Tang Jian , Cui Xiang , Qi Lei , Lu Tiebing , Li Lin , Zhu Puxuan , Yang Guang , Zhang Weizhen 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a method to calculate the transient induced voltages along the underground pipelines and analyze the transient interference generated in the pipelines due to the inductive coupling in the fault‐to‐ground condition of power lines in close proximity.Design/methodology/approachBased on finite difference‐time domain method, an improved method is proposed to calculate transient inductive interference in underground metallic pipelines due to a fault in nearby power lines. The frequency‐dependent problem in the analysis of transient interference is solved in phase domain. Compared with the traditional method, the disposal of phase‐modal transformation matrices’ frequency‐dependent characteristic is avoided and the calculation is simplified by using vector fitting approach and recursive algorithm greatly in the proposed method.FindingsA novel improved method is proposed to calculate transient induced voltage distribution along underground metallic pipelines due to a fault in nearby power lines. Results show that the peak value of transient induced voltage at the most critical point is about 1.15 times of the magnitude in the steady state without the fault removed and the analysis of transient inductive interference is necessary in the fault‐to‐ground case of power lines.Practical implicationsIn order to mitigate the interference from power lines to nearby pipelines, pipelines should be good grounded and positioned as far away from the power line as possible. In high soil resistivity areas, the common corridor should be avoided.Originality/valueThe paper presents a method to calculate the transient induced voltages along the underground pipelines and analyze the transient interference generated in the pipelines due to the inductive coupling in the fault‐to‐ground condition of nearby power lines. The proposed method is general and can also be applied to other transient interference studies such as crosstalk problems of communication networks and interference between power lines and aboveground pipelines or communication cables. Effects of various parameters upon the inductive interference generated in underground pipelines due to a fault in nearby power lines are analyzed to be a guide for controlling the inductive interference.
Recognition of power transformer winding movement and deformation using FRA
Authors: Saied Mohamed M. , Al‐shaher Meshal A. 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a frequency domain technique for the recognition and location of winding movements and mechanical deformations in power transformers. Both, axial and radial coil movements, as well as changes in clamp pressure will be studied.Design/methodology/approachThe developed algorithm is based on using a distributed s‐domain parameter equivalent network, which is cascaded with other sections to constitute a generalized model. The frequency domain transfer admittance is used as the main criterion to recognize, identify and locate the winding movement and deformation.FindingsIn order to reduce the number of failures due to winding movements and deformations, it is suggested to measure and store the transfer admittance over frequency range 0‐10 MHz region at normal operation as saved data for comparison with the corresponding data during failure. With the proposed technique, the type and the location of eventual displacement, as well as the number discs involved can be identified.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the simulation was based on real experimental data adopted from the literature, the algorithm should be tested for real transformers. Several checks have been conducted in order to validate the mathematical model.Originality/valueA relatively simple mathematical model has been presented. It can be used for any transformer, to check the integrity of the winding in order to meet certain degree of equipment safety and reliability.
Interpolating EFGM for computing continuous and discontinuous electromagnetic fields
Authors: Nelson Marques Gleber , Márcio Machado José , Luis Lopes Verardi Sérgio , Stephany Stephan , Jonatas Preto Airam 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThis paper proposes an interpolating approach of the element‐free Galerkin method (EFGM) coupled with a modified truncation scheme for solving Poisson's boundary value problems in domains involving material non‐homogeneities. The suitability and efficiency of the proposed implementation are evaluated for a given set of test cases of electrostatic field in domains involving different material interfaces.Design/methodology/approachThe authors combined an interpolating approximation with a modified domain truncation scheme, which avoids additional techniques for enforcing the Dirichlet boundary conditions and for dealing with material interfaces usually employed in meshfree formulations.FindingsThe local electric potential and field distributions were correctly described as well as the global quantities like the total potency and resistance. Since, the treatment of the material interfaces becomes practically the same for both the finite element method (FEM) and the proposed EFGM, FEM‐oriented programs can, thus, be easily extended to provide EFGM approximations.Research limitations/implicationsThe robustness of the proposed formulation became evident from the error analyses of the local and global variables, including in the case of high‐material discontinuity.Practical implicationsThe proposed approach has shown to be as robust as linear FEM. Thus, it becomes an attractive alternative, also because it avoids the use of additional techniques to deal with boundary/interface conditions commonly employed in meshfree formulations.Originality/valueThis paper reintroduces the domain truncation in the EFGM context, but by using a set of interpolating shape functions the authors avoided the use of Lagrange multipliers as well as of a penalty strategy. The resulting formulation provided accurate results including in the case of high‐material discontinuity.
Synthesis, characterisation, monomer reactivity ratios and thermal stabilities of homo and copolymers of 4‐nonylphenyl methacrylate with styrene
Authors: Satapathy H. , Banthia A.K. 
Published: October 2007

PurposeTo synthesise and characterise homo and copolymer of 4‐nonylphenyl methacrylate (NPMA) and styrene and to determine monomer reactivity ratios by the application of conventional linearisation methods such as Finemann‐Ross (F‐R) and Kelen‐Tudos (K‐T) methods.Design/methodology/approachNew methacrylic monomer, NPMA with a pendant nonylphenyl group was copolymerised with styrene. All monomer and polymers (homo and copolymer) are characterised and subsequently the monomer reactivity ratio was determined.FindingsThe monomer reactivity ratios were determined by application of conventional linearisation methods such as F‐R (r1=0.41±0.05; r2=3.47±0.31), K‐T (r1=0.43±0.19; r2=3.54±0.09) methods. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of the polymer in nitrogen reveals that it posses very good thermal stability in comparison to alkyl acrylates due to presence of pendant nonylphnyl group.Research limitations/implicationsNew methacrylic monomer, NPMA was synthesised by reacting nonylphenol dissolved in methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) with methacryloyl chloride in the presence of triethylamine as a base. Copolymers of NPMA with styrene were synthesised in MEK using benzoyl peroxide (BPO) as initiator under nitrogen atmosphere at different feed composition.Practical implicationsThe method developed is a simple and easy method of copolymerisation of styrene with methacrylate to obtain copolymer of better properties.Originality/valueThe method developed is a novel method for enhancing the thermal, as well as surface adhesion, properties which has several applications in surface coatings and adhesives.
Studies on thermal stress of lac‐polyvinyl butyral resin blends through specular reflectance spectra
Authors: Bhatia D. , Alam M. , Sarkar P.C. 
Published: October 2007

PurposeTo study the changes occurring in lac‐polyvinyl butyral (PVB) resin blends at molecular levels on baking the blends at 200°C for different intervals of time. It was also to ascertain the changes in key physico‐chemical parameters of these blends, before and after applying thermal stress on these blends.Design/methodology/approachFilms of lac‐PVB blends, applied on tin panels were baked at 200°C for different time intervals. The FTIR spectra of the blends were recorded using specular reflectance spectroscopic techniques. The results obtained were compared and reported. The blends were also tested for different physico‐chemical parameters such as scratch hardness, flexibility, adhesion, acid resistance, etc.FindingsOn baking the blends of lac‐PVB resin at 200°C for different time intervals; fragmentation reaction, that is breakdown of products into small molecules, takes place in lac‐PVB blends. Side products such as acetic acid emerge on baking the blends. Probably hydrolysis of oxirane ring also takes place leading to the release of free alcoholic groups. The lac‐PVB blends do not show any improvement in scratch hardness and are also not resistant to the action of acids. The blends made by lac‐PVB resin baked at 200°C do not seem to be compatible as no improvement in any of the physico‐chemical parameters was seen.Research limitations/implicationsMixtures of solvents were tried for dissolving the PVB resin. In most of the solvent mixtures, PVB resin forms big lumps and is not soluble so there is a need for universal solvent for dissolving the PVB resin. The spectral studies on lac‐PVB blends were conducted qualitatively, although desirable, quantitative studies could not be carried out, due to the inherent difficulties in handling the resins.Practical implicationsThe parent resins in lac‐PVB blends (baked at 200°C) do not seem to be compatible with one another as there was no improvement in any of the physico‐chemical parameters of the lac‐PVB blends. For making lac‐PVB blends, low range of baking temperature may be tried.Originality/valueIn literature, there is not much evidence of making lac‐PVB blends. This paper is the first one in attempting to obtain and correlate FTIR spectra of the lac‐PVB blends with physico‐chemical changes of the blends. This paper also highlights the convenience of the method and the scope of sophisticated data analysis such as derivative spectrometry.
Ultrasound assisted pre‐treatment and dyeing of linen fibres with reactive dyes
Authors: Ahmed N.S.E. , El‐Shishtawy R.M. , Kamel M.M. 
Published: October 2007

PurposeTo explore the use of power ultrasound as an environmentally friendly heating technology for the pre‐treatment of linen fibres with sodium perborate as the halogen free oxidising agent and to study the impact of this process on its dyeability with reactive dyes.Design/methodology/approachExploiting power ultrasound in the wet processes of linen fibres was made in two steps, i.e. ultrasonic pre‐treatment with sodium perborate followed by ultrasonic dyeing with reactive dyes. Therefore, comparative studies between conventional and ultrasonic techniques as well as the different factors that may affect these processes were investigated. The effect of the pre‐treatment on fibre fine structure using X‐ray diffraction technique was also investigated.FindingsThe results of the increase of whiteness index indicate that ultrasonic pre‐treatment was better at all studied treatment times and at low temperature. X‐ray diffraction studies on blank, ultrasonically and conventionally pre‐treated linen fibres have shown 70.41, 67.51 and 64.90 per cent crystallinity, respectively. The dyeing of the pre‐treated fibres with Reactive Red 24 was simultaneously carried out under both ultrasonic and conventional heating conditions to study the effect of dye concentrations at different dyeing temperatures. The colour strength values obtained for the dyed samples using ultrasonic at 50°C were slightly higher than those obtained using conventional heating at 80°C. Ultrasonic enhancement in the pre‐treatment and dyeing in terms of the percent increase of colour strength of the dyed fabric was estimated to be 157.94 per cent higher than that of conventional heating method. The results of wet fastness properties of the dyed fibres using ultrasonic revealed improvement relative to those obtained using conventional heating method.Research limitations/implicationsThe improved wet processes of linen fibres suggest further investigation to exploit power ultrasound in the wet processes of cellulosic fibres at low temperature using different classes of halogen free bleaching agents and dyeing with different classes of heat‐requiring reactive dyes. Also, this work may inspire the synthesis of new generation of heat‐requiring reactive dyes.Practical implicationsThe work presented has significant potential industrial application for cleaner production in textile industries.Originality/valueThe present study of linen pre‐treatment with non‐toxic total chlorine free oxidising agent and its dyeability with reactive dyes using power ultrasound is novel and could be used in the wet processes of linen fibres.
Synthesis and application of some new disperse azo dyes derived from 2‐cyanomethyl benzothiazole
Authors: El‐Kashouti M.A. , Elgemeie G.H. , El‐Molla M.M , El‐Sayad H.S. , Ahmed K.A.E. 
Published: October 2007

PurposeTo synthesize some new heterocyclic disperse azo dyes and their utilization in textile printing.Design/methodology/approachTo prepare 1‐cayno‐1‐substituted aryl azo‐2‐methyl benzothiazole by the reaction of 2‐aminothiophenol with malononitrile and the end product coupled with different diazonium salts. The prepared dyestuffs are established using element analysis, IR measurements, 1H‐NMR and Mass spectra. Printing pastes containing the prepared dyestuffs and a thickener were used for printing polyester and/or nylon 6 using either transfer printing or traditional printing.FindingsNew selected arylazo cyanomethyl benzothiazole dyes were obtained from the reaction of diazotized aniline derivatives with 2‐cyanomethyl benzothiazole as a coupling component. The suitability of the prepared dyestuffs for either heat transfer printing or traditional printing on polyester and nylon 6 fabrics has been investigated. The prints obtained from dyes containing non polar groups which have sublimation properties possess high colour strength as well as good overall fastness properties if compared to those obtained using dyes containing polar groups.Research limitations/implicationsThe new heterocyclic disperse azo dyes were prepared from 2‐cyanomethylbenzothiazole and were utilized in preparing pastes for textile printing to print polyester and nylon 6 fabrics. In addition, the variation in substituents on the synthesized dyes could also be studied.Practical implicationsThe method of synthesis of the new dyestuffs provides a simple and practical solution to prepare some new heterocyclic disperse azo dyes with low molecular weight, suitable for sublimation in heat transfer printing methods.Originality/valueThe methods for synthesis of the new heterocyclic disperse azo dyes are simple. These dyestuffs could be used in textile printing of polyester and nylon 6 on an industrial scale.
The role of cyber‐intermediaries: a framework based on transaction cost analysis, agency, relationship marketing and social exchange theories
Authors: Luo Xueming , Donthu Naveen 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of his paper is to define the role of cyber‐intermediaries based on several theories such as transaction cost analysis, agency, social exchange, and relationship marketing.Design/methodology/approachThis is a conceptual piece that uses arguments from well‐established theories in marketing and managementFindingsThis paper suggests that cyber‐intermediaries will continue to add value to the producer‐consumer chain, benefiting both the producers and the consumers.Practical implicationsThe nature and type of products and services will define the role of the intermediary. They may be more useful in the low cost but frequently purchased product categories.Originality/valueThe paper presents an integration of existing theories to understand the role of cyber‐intermediaries.
An analysis of a potential cluster in an energy sector of Albany, NY
Authors: Frisillo Dana 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe idea of business clusters is used more and more in public policy as businesses and governments are noticing their advantages. The purpose of this study was to determine if a business cluster would be possible in an energy sector of Albany, New York, since energy is so diverse.Design/methodology/approachThe method utilized for this research was a case study approach, whereby data were accumulated through first hand knowledge in a particular study done on a potential cluster in Albany, New York. The aim of the literature review was to decipher which elements would be necessary to develop a cluster.FindingsThe findings concluded that the basic elements of a cluster consist of: geography, the role of government, entrepreneurship, SME's, trust, cooperation and networking. All are necessary for a cluster to succeed. The researcher documented the birth of the cluster by attending several meetings and a trade show. Interviews were conducted with the leaders who were involved in the cluster, which included government, educational and business officials. The results concluded that most of the elements were present in the Albany area to develop a cluster, and therefore the cluster could be possible.Research limitations/implicationsClusters can take years before they are successful, and this study was not nearly long enough to determine this. Further research will be needed to determine if the cluster could be fully operational.Originality/valueThis study is valuable because it offers a model for future clusters to follow. It is original in nature as there have never been any studies done on this particular topic; especially in an energy sector of Albany, New York. It also serves as foundational and historical evidence for future research.