bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The appraisal of data centres: deconstructing the cash flow
Authors: McAllister Patrick , Loizou Pavlos 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to analyse the appraisal of a specialised form of real estate – data centres – that has a unique blend of locational, physical and technological characteristics that differentiate it from conventional real estate assets. Market immaturity, limited trading and a lack of pricing signals enhance levels of appraisal uncertainty and disagreement relative to conventional real estate assets.Design/methodology/approachGiven the problems of applying standard discounted cash flow, an approach to appraisal is proposed that uses pricing signals from traded cash flows that are similar to the cash flows generated from data centres. Based on “the law of one price”, it is assumed that two assets that are expected to generate identical cash flows in the future must have the same value now. It is suggested that the expected cash flow of assets should be analysed over the life cycle of the building. Corporate bond yields are used to provide a proxy for the appropriate discount rates for lease income. Since liabilities are quite diverse, a number of proxies are suggested as discount and capitalisation rates including indexed‐linked, fixed interest and zero‐coupon bonds.FindingsThe application of conventional discounted cash flow approaches to the appraisal of data centres requires information about a wide range of inputs that is difficult to derive from market signals or estimate analytically. In practice, discounted cash flow appraisals of data centre facilities are forced to incorporate non‐market assumptions that are inevitably subjective. Cash flows from data centres tend to be more complicated because of the high levels of current and capital expenditure compared with conventional assets. This requires an understanding of the appraisal of liabilities as well as income. Whilst the use of price information from similar cash flows such as corporate bonds is helpful, there are rarely assets and liabilities that have identical cash flows and risks and some approximation is necessary.Originality/valueThe digitalisation of business and society has produced a different form of real estate asset that is specialised, physically complex and whose operation, maintenance and management require specialist staffing and high levels of current and capital expenditure. The complexity of the cash flows and the lack of active trading create significant appraisal problems. This paper proposes an alternative approach to appraisal that utilises external pricing signals to appraise the various incomes and costs.
Reasons for implementing public private partnership projects
Authors: Cheung Esther , Chan Albert P.C. , Kajewski Stephen 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThis paper sets out to present the findings of a study to investigate the reasons for implementing Public Private Partnership (PPP) projects.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire survey was conducted in Hong Kong (also commonly referred to as the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region), Australia and the United Kingdom. The survey respondents were asked to rate the importance of nine identified reasons for implementing PPP projects.FindingsThe findings of the top three ranks for each respondent group were investigated. Ranked top by the survey respondents in Hong Kong was “Private incentive”. Ranked second by all three groups of survey respondents was “Economic development pressure demanding more facilities”. Third in Hong Kong and first in Australia was “High quality of service required”. The reason “Inefficiency because of public monopoly and lack of competition” was ranked third by the Australian respondents. And finally ranked first and third by the British respondents was “Shortage of government funding” and “Avoid public investment restriction”. The rankings showed that in general those rated highly in the United Kingdom focused on financial elements whereas those rated highly in Hong Kong and Australia were more related to the overall performance of improving public projects.Originality/valueThese findings were believed to provide an idea of the possible reasons for implementing PPP projects, and as a result illustrate a clearer understanding of the process.
Business process verification – finally a reality!
Authors: Wynn M.T. , Verbeek H.M.W. , van der Aalst W.M.P. , ter Hofstede A.H.M. , Edmond D. 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that process verification has matured to a level where it can be used in practice. This paper reports on new verification techniques that can be used to assess the correctness of real‐life models.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed approach relies on using formal methods to determine the correctness of business processes with cancellation and OR‐joins. The paper also demonstrates how reduction rules can be used to improve the efficiency. These techniques are presented in the context of the workflow language yet another workflow language (YAWL) that provides direct support for 20 most frequently used patterns found today (including cancellation and OR‐joins). But the results also apply to other languages with these features (e.g. BPMN, EPCs, UML activity diagrams, etc.). An editor has been developed that provides diagnostic information based on the techniques presented in this paper.FindingsThe paper proposes four properties for business processes with cancellation and OR‐joins, namely: soundness, weak soundness, irreducible cancellation regions and immutable OR‐joins and develop new techniques to verify these properties. Reduction rules have been used as a means of improving the efficiency of the algorithm. The paper demonstrates the feasibility of this verification approach using a realistic and complex business process, the visa application process for general skilled migration to Australia, modelled as a YAWL workflow with cancellation regions and OR‐joins.Originality/valueBusiness processes sometimes require complex execution interdependencies to properly complete a process. For instance, it is possible that certain activities need to be cancelled mid‐way though the process. Some parallel activities may require complex “wait and see” style synchronisation depending on a given context. These types of business processes can be found in various domains, such as application integration, B2B commerce, web service composition and workflow systems. Even though cancellation and sophisticated join structures are present in many business processes, existing verification techniques are unable to deal with such processes. Hence, this paper plays an important role in making process verification a reality.
An object oriented intelligent environment for ERP systems
Authors: Subramoniam Suresh , Tounsi Mohamed 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to demonstrate object‐oriented (OO) features in a language, suitable for artificial intelligence (AI), which will execute in a web environment. Earlier researchers have claimed that such a possibility will pave the way for better enterprise systems of tomorrow.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, the key OO features, inheritance and polymorphism, are presented using suitable examples. Visual Prolog™ is the language used to demonstrate the examples and the same executes in web environment.FindingsThis premise definitely matches the fundamental rethinking and radical redesign of existing systems which can aptly be called business process reengineering (BPR) in this field of study. A monolithic/homogeneous expert database design based system supporting AI and OO capabilities which executes in web environment is the result of this study.Research limitations/implicationsThere is no argument about the optimality of the search which is carried out while using this environment, which is purely based on the computer language used.Practical implicationsThe power of similar environment has enormous potential in developing better enterprise systems of tomorrow. This declarative environment helps enterprise resource planning (ERP) evolve faster towards strategic decision making rather than remaining as transaction processing systems.Originality/valueIt is hoped that this paper will inspire other researchers in the field of BPR of existing ERP systems.
Information flows and business process integration
Authors: Berente Nicholas , Vandenbosch Betty , Aubert Benoit 
Published: January 2009

PurposeMany business process improvement efforts emphasize better integration, yet process integration can mean many things. The purpose of this paper is to emphasize the importance of information flows to modern business processes, and draw upon recent organizational and information systems literature to characterize process integration and to derive four principles of process integration: accessibility, timeliness, transparency, and granularity of information flows.Design/methodology/approachUsing a field study, the four principles of process integration are applied to analyze ten different business processes across five organizations.FindingsIn total, 18 generalized activities are identified that describe non‐integrated behavior, and “keying in known data” was found to be the most common. Among other findings, analysis highlights the importance of documentation to modern business processes, especially for coordination roles, and the paper describes three different purposes for documentation found in the data: content, process validation, and posterity.Research limitations/implicationsThe articulation of “business process integration” offers a foundation for future research in this area. Findings are limited in generalizability to various levels of processes, as well as possible instrument‐related biases.Practical implicationsThe principles of process integration provide a lens through which practitioners can analyze processes. Empirical findings stress the role of documentation, forms of documentation, and types of non‐integrated work.Originality/valueThe paper characterizes process integration in relation to other commonly‐used constructs such as organizational integration, data integration, and application integration. Principles are derived from the literature that can guide future inquiry and practice associated with business process improvement.
Weak links in the supply chain: measuring fragility and sustainability
Authors: Stonebraker Peter W. , Goldhar Joel , Nassos George 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThere is significant anecdotal evidence of increasing global supply chain fragility; and, for this reason, robustness and operational sustainability are of notable concern to senior executives. Though the issues are myriad, four factors dominate these concerns: increasing complexity of products, processes, and technologies, increasing structural complexity of supply chains, increasing diversity and global nature of business systems, and the environmental costs and impacts of extended supply chains. This paper aims to focus on these factors.Design/methodology/approachThis conceptual, theoretical paper differentiates corporate sustainability and operational robustness in terms of profitability and costs, then defines and develops internal, external, and uncontrollable fragility factors. A process that measures and integrates these factors is proposed for brainstorming and decision making. Additionally, methods to represent and compare alternatives, progress against internal or external targets, and industry goals or known competitor values are offered.FindingsThis study describes and demonstrates an easy‐to‐implement process to address the potentially disastrous consequences of supply chain fragility.Practical implicationsThis study offers both academicians and practitioners a model to research, assess, and identify the risks and costs of current levels of supply chain fragility and to weigh various solutions.Originality/valueUnfortunately, few research efforts define these issues or identify the associated risks. Further, little has been put forward to posit, model, and facilitate the practical decision process to address these factor relationships. To these ends, the paper proposes a “fragility index” to help supply chain managers assess sources and potential costs of fragility, sustainability, and the associated environmental stress in their supply chains.
Information enabling production ramp‐up
Authors: Fjällström Sabina , Säfsten Kristina , Harlin Ulrika , Stahre Johan 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThis paper seeks to identify information enabling and supporting production ramp‐up processes, by exploring critical events and the role of information in such events.Design/methodology/approachThe research approach was based on empirical and theoretical investigations. A selection of 30 events, considered the most critical for production ramp‐up realization and/or performance at one Swedish automotive company, were categorized and constituted the base for the analysis which focused information types and sources enabling event handling.FindingsInformation enabling event handling is a balanced combination of problem and domain information, regardless of event category. However, a differentiation concerning preference and usage of information types between experienced and less experienced personnel is identified. Problem‐solving information has the character of pragmatic information, composed of complementary parts of confirmation and novelty in terms of domain and problem information. The preferred information source in all event categories was “other people”.Research limitations/implicationsThe study focuses on the application of information in relation to critical events during production ramp‐up. General information theory is not addressed in depth.Practical implicationsInformation type and information source are not dependent on certain event categories, which allows a general information strategy enabling production ramp‐up. To facilitate production ramp‐up and event handling managers and key personnel need to apply a holistic perspective and need to be updated on domain information of the products, the equipment, and the production process during production ramp‐up.Originality/valueThe originality is in the focus and role of information to achieve an efficient production ramp‐up performance. A supporting model is developed which describes the structure of pragmatic information for personnel with various levels of experience, regardless of event category.
Agility through CAD/CAM integration
Authors: Vinodh S. , Sundararaj G. , Devadasan S.R. , Rajanayagam D. 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThis paper's aim is to examine the application feasibility of Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technologies for achieving agility in a typical manufacturing organization.Design/methodology/approachA literature study was conducted. It was found out that CAD/CAM technology is not fully utilised for achieving agility in certain traditional manufacturing sectors. An implementation study was conducted in an electronics switches manufacturing company to identify the causes of this insufficient utilisation. Finally, a feedback session was conducted to explore the practitioners' views of this research.FindingsThe outcome of this research indicated the feasibility of adopting CAD/CAM as a technology for infusing agility in contemporary manufacturing organisations.Research limitations/implicationsThis research was conducted in only one electronics switches manufacturing company situated in India. This may lead to the impression that the findings from this research may not represent all manufacturing companies. However, the environment prevailing in the above company is similar to that prevailing in any other contemporary manufacturing organizations. Hence, the outcome of the research could represent other manufacturing organisations situated throughout the world.Practical implicationsThe research reported in this paper has shown the way of adopting CAD/CAM as a technology for achieving agility and examined the hindrances that have to be overcome in future to integrate CAD/CAM in practical scenario.Originality/valueSignificant researches have been pursued in agile manufacturing and CAD/CAM fields. However, no researcher has attempted to examine the practicality of adopting CAD/CAM as a technology for infusing agility in practical scenario. Hence, this work is original and valuable.
Array comparative genomic hybridization in retinoma and retinoblastoma tissues
Authors: Sampieri Katia , Amenduni Mariangela , Papa Filomena Tiziana , Katzaki Eleni , Mencarelli Maria Antonietta , Marozza Annabella , Epistolato Maria Carmela , Toti Paolo , Lazzi Stefano , Bruttini Mirella , De Filippis Roberta , De Francesco Sonia , Longo Ilaria , Meloni Ilaria , Mari Francesca , Acquaviva Antonio , Hadjistilianou Theodora , Renieri Alessandra , Ariani Francesca 
Published: January 2009

In retinoblastoma, two RB1 mutations are necessary for tumor development. Recurrent genomic rearrangements may represent subsequent events required for retinoblastoma progression. Array‐comparative genomic hybridization was carried out in 18 eye samples, 10 from bilateral and eight from unilateral retinoblastoma patients. Two unilateral cases also showed areas of retinoma. The most frequent imbalance in retinoblastomas was 6p gain (40%), followed by gains at 1q12‐q25.3, 2p24.3‐p24.2, 9q22.2, and 9q33.1 and losses at 11q24.3, 13q13.2‐q22.3, and 16q12.1‐q21. Bilateral cases showed a lower number of imbalances than unilateral cases (P = 0.002). Unilateral cases were divided into low‐level (≤4) and high‐level (÷7) chromosomal instability groups. The first group presented with younger age at diagnosis (mean 511 days) compared with the second group (mean 1606 days). In one retinoma case ophthalmoscopically diagnosed as a benign lesion no rearrangements were detected, whereas the adjacent retinoblastoma displayed seven aberrations. The other retinoma case identified by retrospective histopathological examination shared three rearrangements with the adjacent retinoblastoma. Two other gene‐free rearrangements were retinoma specific. One rearrangement, dup5p, was retinoblastoma specific and included the SKP2 gene. Genomic profiling indicated that the first retinoma was a pretumoral lesion, whereas the other represents a subclone of cells bearing ‘benign’ rearrangements overwhelmed by another subclone presenting aberrations with higher ‘oncogenic’ potential. In summary, the present study shows that bilateral and unilateral retinoblastoma have different chromosomal instability that correlates with the age of tumor onset in unilateral cases. This is the first report of genomic profiling in retinoma tissue, shedding light on the different nature of lesions named ‘retinoma’. (Cancer Sci 2009; 100: 465–471)
Hypofibrinolysis is a risk factor for arterial thrombosis at young age
Authors: Guimarães Ana H. C. , De Bruijne Emile L. E. , Lisman Ton , Dippel Diederik W. J. , Deckers Jaap W. , Poldermans Don , Rijken Dingeman C. , Leebeek Frank W. G. 
Published: January 2009

SummaryThe relationship between defective fibrinolysis and arterial thrombosis is uncertain. The evaluation of the plasma fibrinolytic potential might provide stronger evidence linking fibrinolysis to arterial thrombosis than the evaluation of the individual fibrinolytic factors. We determined the plasma fibrinolytic potential of 335 young survivors of a first arterial thrombosis, including coronary artery disease (n = 198), ischaemic stroke (n = 103) and peripheral artery disease (n = 34), enrolled in a population‐based case–control study and of 330 healthy individuals. Patients had significantly higher clot lysis times (CLTs) than the controls. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated as a measure of relative risk. The OR for arterial thrombosis was determined in these subjects who had a CLT above the 60th, 70th, 80th, 90th and 95th percentiles of the values found in the control subjects. We found a progressive increase in risk of arterial thrombosis in subjects with hypofibrinolysis (OR: 1·7, 2·0, 2·3, 2·3 and 2·9, respectively). Relative risk estimates obtained in the whole group were comparable those obtained in the event‐subgroups. In conclusion, a low plasma fibrinolytic potential, found in 10% of the population, increases the relative risk of arterial thrombosis twofold. This points to an important contribution of hypofibrinolysis to the burden of arterial thrombosis.
Effects of soil frost on nitrogen net mineralization, soil solution chemistry and seepage losses in a temperate forest soil
Authors: HENTSCHEL KERSTIN , BORKEN WERNER , ZUBER TOBIAS , BOGNER CHRISTINA , HUWE BERND , MATZNER EGBERT 
Published: January 2009

AbstractFreezing and thawing may alter element turnover and solute fluxes in soils by changing physical and biological soil properties. We simulated soil frost in replicated snow removal plots in a mountainous Norway spruce stand in the Fichtelgebirge area, Germany, and investigated N net mineralization, solute concentrations and fluxes of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and of mineral ions (NH4+, NO3−, Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+). At the snow removal plots the minimum soil temperature was −5 °C at 5 cm depth, while the control plots were covered by snow and experienced no soil frost. The soil frost lasted for about 3 months and penetrated the soil to about 15 cm depth. In the 3 months after thawing, the in situ N net mineralization in the forest floor and upper mineral soil was not affected by soil frost. In late summer, NO3− concentrations increased in forest floor percolates and soil solutions at 20 cm soil depth in the snow removal plots relative to the control. The increase lasted for about 2–4 months at a time of low seepage water fluxes. Soil frost did not affect DOC concentrations and radiocarbon signatures of DOC. No specific frost effect was observed for K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ in soil solutions, however, the Na+ concentrations in the upper mineral soil increased. In the 12 months following snowmelt, the solute fluxes of N, DOC, and mineral ions were not influenced by the previous soil frost at any depth. Our experiment did not support the hypothesis that moderate soil frost triggers solute losses of N, DOC, and mineral ions from temperate forest soils.
Components of Vane Yield Stress of Structured Food Dispersions
Authors: Genovese Diego B. , Rao M. Anandha 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACT:The vane technique was used to determine the static (σos) and dynamic (σ0d) yield stresses of 6 commercial foods: mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, applesauce, and 2 brands of tomato puree (samples TD and TR). The samples, other than TR, exhibited shear‐thinning behavior. For those samples, based on a model proposed earlier, the contributions of bonding (σ‐b), network (σ‐n), and viscous (σv to yield stress of the products were determined. For the homogenized products, σb > σn, whereas for those processed in a finisher, σn > σb. Because sample TR exhibited shear‐thickening behavior, the model to estimate yield stress components was not applicable. The structural conditions necessary for the validity of the proposed model are established. Equilibrium stress (σ∞) values obtained by extrapolation of vane torque data to infinite time were comparable to σ0d values.