bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Removal of Pb++ in presence of surfactants
Authors: El‐Batouti Mervette 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe object of the present work is to study the kinetics of removal of Pb++ on zinc rods in the presence and absence of three surface active substances (SAS) at different concentrations of SAS and different temperatures.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses a range of recently published (1973‐2003) works, which aim to provide practical and theoretical information about lead, which is a very toxic metal.FindingsLead tends to accumulate a sediment, from which it can be released by various processes of remobilization and in many cases it enters the food chain and is concentrated in fish and other edible organisms. The reaction can be considered as taking place via six steps.Research limitations/implicationsThe work is a list of recent papers which have been published in different European journals and magazines.Practical implicationsThe determination of change of Pb++ concentrations was carried out using a Perkin‐Elmer atomic absorption Spectrophotometer.Originality/valueThe rate of PbII/Zn cementation reaction in the presence of surfactants as non‐ionic (Triton‐X‐100), anionic (SDS) and cationic (CTAB) decreased compared with the blank solution (lead nitrate solution). The order of decreasing rate was as follows: Triton‐X‐100 > CTAB > SDS. The rate of cementation was increased by temperature and the value of ΔE* ranged between 27 and 33 kJmol−1, which indicated that the reaction is a diffusion‐controlled process. The presence of two different SAS in the solution is more effective than the presence of one only.
Electrochemical study of nanocrystalline plasma electrolytic carbonitriding of CP‐Ti
Authors: Aliofkhazraei M. , Salasi M. , Sabour Rouhaghdam A. , Taheri P. 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to obtain optimal corrosion resistance of certain differently treated samples by investigation of their electrochemical properties.Design/methodology/approachNanocrystalline plasma electrolytic carbonitriding (PEC/N) treatments were applied on the surface of commercially pure titanium in a glycerol bath with different additives. The carbonitriding process was performed in a glycerol bath with different additives such as carbamide, natrium nitrate and triethanolamine. The effects of electrolyte composition on chemical composition and corrosion resistance of the PEC/N films were examined by means of X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in a Ringer solution.FindingsThe results showed that the PEC/N films obtained in solutions with triethanolamine (T‐film) had better corrosion resistance. All coated samples had a better electrochemical behaviour compared with the untreated substrate. Different nano‐structures and morphologies were obtained by different additives in electrolyte.Practical implicationsThe results obtained in this research into nanocrystalline PEC/N can be used wherever good corrosion and wear resistance with the highest efficiency is required.Originality/valueThe speed of treatment by this technique makes this method very suitable for the industrial surface treatment of different components.
Dietary assessment, anthropometric measurements and nutritional status of Greek professional athletes
Authors: Papandreou Dimitrios , Eystathiadis Panagiotis , Bouzoukiu Vassiliki , Hassapidou Maria , Tsitskaris George , Garefis Andreas 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the anthropometric characteristics and to assess dietary intakes of professional athletes, of four different sporting teams, in Northern Greece.Design/methodology/approachHeight and weight was measured using stasiometer and a scale devise, respectively. Body fat was measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis with multiple frequencies. A five‐day questionnaire was used to assess the dietary intakes of athletes. The sample consisted of male and female athletes, of ten volleyball and 21 basketball players, 20 weightlifters and 31 distance runners.FindingsDistance runners had the lower percentage of body fat and volleyball players the higher ones. In men, basketball players reported the lowest amounts for energy intake (1,900 kcal/day) and for carbohydrates (2 g/kg). In women, the lowest carbohydrate intake was reported in volleyball players. Volleyball men players consumed the highest amount of fat 110 g/day or 1.4 g/kg. Protein intakes were below the recommended values for weightlifters and distance runners for both male and female subjects.Practical implicationsThe study indicated dietary problems that could limit the performance of the Greek athletes and calls for nutrition monitoring and assessment.Originality/valueThe article should be of value to nutritionists, athletes and coaches.
Mix flexibility and volume flexibility in a build‐to‐order environment
Authors: Salvador Fabrizio , Rungtusanatham Manus , Forza Cipriano , Trentin Alessio 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the factors enabling or hindering the simultaneous pursuit of volume flexibility and mix flexibility within a supply chain through the lens of a manufacturing plant seeking to implement a build‐to‐order (BTO) strategy.Design/methodology/approachTo accomplish this empirical investigation, an in‐depth case study involving a manufacturing plant and its supply chain was designed. Prior to primary and secondary data collection, this research setting had already decided to implement a BTO strategy and had, moreover, carefully assessed several practices for BTO strategy implementation, as well as their interactions.FindingsThe studied case suggests that a number of approaches typically used to increase volume flexibility, actually negatively affect mix flexibility and vice versa. The existence of such trade‐offs may ultimately inhibit the implementation of a BTO strategy and this was the case in the studied company. Nevertheless, empirical evidence also suggests that, to some extent, volume flexibility and mix flexibility may be achieved synergistically, as initiatives such as component standardization or component‐process interface standardization would improve both volume flexibility and mix flexibility.Research limitations/implicationsThe pursuit of volume flexibility and mix flexibility in implementing a BTO strategy in a specific setting and from primarily an operations management perspective was investigated. As such, the findings can be complemented by viewing the case study results through the lens of other established general management theories or by replicating the study in different research settings.Originality/valueWhile past research informs us about how manufacturing firms can successfully achieve mix flexibility or volume flexibility, there are few insights for understanding how volume flexibility and mix flexibility can both be simultaneously achieved within a manufacturing plant and its supply chain. This research fills this gap in the literature and contributes to the development of a theory of BTO strategy implementation, especially in terms of volume flexibility, mix flexibility and their interactions.
Modularization and the impact on supply relationships
Authors: Howard Mickey , Squire Brian 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the role of product architecture in supply chain design. Specifically, it seeks to resolve confusion over the impact of modularisation on supplier relationship management. On the one hand, the introduction of modularisation suggests that buyer and supplier firms should move towards greater collaboration in order to co‐develop products and reduce interface constraints. On the other hand, the standardisation of interfaces suggests that buyer firms could introduce a “black box” approach to component design, holding suppliers at arm's‐length and reducing dependence. These conflicting views form the focus of the research: under what conditions does modularity lead to increasing collaboration?Design/methodology/approachThe data are drawn from UK manufacturing firms across eight industry sectors using a sample from the Conquest Business Media database. Three hypotheses are tested through a three‐step hierarchical regression analysis.FindingsThe findings provide support for the notion that product modularization will lead to greater levels of buyer‐supplier collaboration, but that this relationship is mediated by relationship‐specific assets and information sharing.Originality/valueThe paper supports the argument that modularised components require collaborative sourcing practices in order to co‐develop products and reduce interface constraints. This suggests that outsourcing requires a high level of integration, creating dependencies between firms representing considerable investment in equipment and sharing through proprietary information systems. As interest in build‐to‐order supply chains and flexible product architecture grows; this emphasizes the importance of specifying the exact nature of relationship processes without stifling product innovation.
A strategic model for agile virtual enterprise partner selection
Authors: Sarkis Joseph , Talluri Srinivas , Gunasekaran A. 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to provide a practical model usable by organizations to help form agile virtual enterprises. The model helps to integrate a variety of factors, tangible and intangible, strategic and operational, for decision‐making purposes.Design/methodology/approachA comprehensive development of factors is determined from the literature and an analytical network process (ANP) methodology is introduced for decision model development. An illustrative example is presented.FindingsThe results provide a robust model that will aid decision makers and agile virtual enterprise brokers form partnerships within these organizational structures.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper introduces a conceptual model with an illustrative validating example. A practical application and reapplication of the model are required to further validate the model. ANP can require significant managerial input for its application, potentially causing fatigue for decision makers.Practical implicationsPractical implications include a partner selection tool and framework for decision makers. The model may be easily tweaked by the elimination or addition of decision factors and their relationships.Originality/valueThe paper is useful to practitioners and organizations seeking to manage partnership formation of agile virtual enterprises, an emerging organizational form. This work expands the number of factors and interrelationships among these factors that no other model has explicitly addressed for the agile virtual enterprise formation situation.
On the temporal and spatial fourth‐order finite volume velocity de‐averaging for unsteady incompressible flows simulation
Authors: Trindade J.M.F. , Pereira J.C.F. 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to focus on the temporal and spatial fourth‐order finite volume discretization of the incompressible form of the Navier‐Stokes equations on structured uniform grids. The main purpose of the paper is to assess the accuracy enhancement with the inclusion of a high‐order reconstruction of the point‐wise velocity field on a fourth‐order accurate numerical scheme for the solution of the unsteady incompressible Navier‐Stokes equations.Design/methodology/approachThe present finite volume method uses a fractional time‐step for decoupling velocity and pressure. A Runge‐Kutta integration scheme is implemented for integrating the momentum equation along with a polynomial interpolation and Simpson formula for space‐integration. The formulation is based on step‐by‐step de‐averaging process applied to the velocity field.FindingsThe reconstruction of the point‐wise velocity field on a higher‐order basis is essential to obtain solutions that effectively stand for a fourth‐order approximation of the point‐wise one. Results are provided for the Taylor vortex decay problem and for co‐ and counter‐rotating vortices to assess the increase in accuracy promoted by the inclusion of the high‐order de‐averaging procedure.Research limitations/implicationsHigh‐order reconstruction of the point‐wise velocity field should be considered in high‐order finite volume methods for the solution of the unsteady incompressible form of the Navier‐Stokes equations on structured grids.Practical implicationsThe inclusion of a high‐order reconstruction of the point‐wise velocity field is a simple and effective method of enhancing the accuracy of a finite volume code for the computational fluid dynamics analysis.Originality/valueThe paper develops an improved version of a fourth‐order accurate finite volume projection method with the inclusion of a high‐order reconstruction step.
Analysis of dynamic stresses in Kaplan turbine blades
Authors: Zhou Lingjiu , Wang Zhengwei , Xiao Ruofu , Luo Yongyao 
Published: October 2007

PurposeSome comparison of unsteady flow calculation and the measured stress showed that the dynamic stresses in blades are closely related to hydraulic instability. However, few studies have been conducted for the hydraulic machinery to calculate dynamic stresses caused by the unsteady hydraulic load. The present paper aims to analyse the stresses in blades of a Kaplan turbine.Design/methodology/approachBy employing a partially coupled solution of 3D unsteady flow through its flow passage, the dynamic interaction problem of the blades was analyzed. The unsteady Reynolds‐averaged Navier‐Stokes equations with the SST κ‐ω turbulence model were solved to model the flow within the entire flow path of the Kaplan turbine. The time‐dependent hydraulic forces on the blades were used as the boundary condition for the dynamics problem for blades.FindingsThe results showed that the dynamic stress in the blade is low under approximately optimum operating conditions and is high under low‐output conditions with a small guide vane opening, a small blade angle and a high head.Research limitations/implicationsIt is assumed that there is no feedback of blade motion on the flow. Self‐excited oscillations are beyond the scope of the present paper.Originality/valueThe authors developed a code to transfer the pressure on blades as a boundary condition for structure analysis without any interpolation. The study indicates that the prediction of dynamic stress during the design stage is possible. To ensure the safety of the blades it is recommended to check the safety coefficient during the design stage for at least two conditions: the 100 percent output with lower head and the 50 percent output with the highest head.
Control of cyclic variations by computing the cycle‐to‐cycle air‐fuel ratio by neuro fuzzy technique
Authors: Robinson Y. , Dhandapani S. 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe problem of cyclic variation has been an interesting area of research and has been investigated by many researchers. It is more severe in the case of two‐stroke engines compared with four‐stroke engines. One of the reasons for these cycle‐to‐cycle variations is the variations in the air‐fuel ratios of individual cycles and, if these values of individual cycle air‐fuel ratios are available by some means, they can be used for controlling the cyclic variations. The purpose of this paper is to find a technique to predict the air‐fuel ratio of the individual cycles and use the same for reducing cyclic variations.Design/methodology/approachIn this work, a neuro‐fuzzy model was developed using MATLAB software to compute the air‐fuel ratio of the individual cycles based on the relationship between the air‐fuel ratio and the combustion parameters such as those indicating mean effective pressure (IMEP), crank angle occurrence of peak pressure, and angles of different percentages of heat releases. In‐cylinder pressure traces of 1,000 continuous cycles were measured using a Personal Computer (PC)‐based data acquisition system and an investigation was carried out. The readings were taken for two modes of operations, namely gasoline carburetion and electronic gasoline injection. The engine was loaded by an eddy current dynamometer. The air‐fuel ratio was varied from rich to lean by adjusting the fuel quantity in the carburetion mode and adjusting the pulse width (measure of quantity of fuel to be injected) in the injection mode, at constant throttle. The cyclic variation was identified by the variations in the peak pressures and IMEPs of the individual cycles. The stored data were given as input to the developed neuro‐fuzzy model and, using SIMULINK, the air‐fuel ratios of individual cycles were obtained. These predicted values are fed to the electronic control module (ECM) (meant for injecting the fuel) for refining the pulse width to get cyclic variations reduced.FindingsResults show that cyclic variation increases when the mixture becomes lean. It was also found that cyclic variation in an injected engine was less in comparison with the carbureted engine, as the precise control of air‐fuel mixture was possible in the case of the injected engine.Research limitations/implicationsThe technique used in this work may be modified to give more precise pulse width by incorporating various other parameters like exhaust temperature, etc. Future research may be focused to incorporate this system in a moving vehicle to get more fuel efficiency and fewer emissions.Practical implicationsThe design of vehicle and engine should be slightly modified to incorporate the ECM and various sensors.Originality/valueThe originality in this paper is that a new technique was developed to find the air‐fuel ratio of individual cycles. This will be useful for the engine manufacturers and for those researchers doing research on the engine side.
The customer‐led bank: how to retain customers and boost top‐line growth
Authors: Symonds Matt , Wright Tim , Ott John 
Published: October 2007

PurposeBanks have worked hard to improve their bottom‐line performance by focusing relentlessly on cutting costs. The effort made banks leaner, but essential as those efficiency gains have been, they did little to reduce costly customer defections. This article demonstrates that banks' long‐term growth and profitability hinge on their ability to attract and retain loyal customers and describes the key disciplines they need to master to become customer‐led organizations.Design/methodology/approachThe article is based on the results of a global benchmarking survey of senior executives and customers at 30 major retail banks serving 170 million clients in 15 countries to ascertain what factors they saw to be most important to the success of strategies to promote organic revenue and profit growth.FindingsThe study revealed that the best‐performing banks garner the highest marks across the entire spectrum of managing the customer relationship. On average, banks that excel across all dimensions of acquiring and retaining loyal customers outgrow their peers and boost their return on equity.Originality/valuePutting customer loyalty at the heart of their growth efforts requires banks to nurture the faithful core of their customer base and hone their skills for spotting and attracting the right new customers. The article describes how banks can design the right propositions by identifying target segments and crafting experiences to delight them, deliver on these promises by focusing the entire company on them, and use customer metrics to refine their products and services and develop organizational capabilities to delight customers again and again.
Overcoming change fatigue: lessons from Glasgow's National Health Service
Authors: MacIntosh Robert , Beech Nic , McQueen Juli , Reid Ian 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThis paper explores the practicalities of organizational change in complex settings where much change has already occurred. It therefore offers insights into tackling and overcoming change fatigue.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses a longitudinal study of change within a healthcare organization. The paper draws on interviews, focus groups and observations during a 2.5‐year long action research project.FindingsThe paper reports findings on the speed at which change takes place, the importance of communication and the burden placed on senior officers during such communication and consultation processes, the use of appropriate external resources and expertise, the benefits of sharing best practice across sectors and the role of academic researchers in change processes.Originality/valueThe paper offers valuable insights to those charged with effecting organizational change in change fatigued settings.
Issue or problem? Managing the difference and averting crises
Authors: Jaques Tony 
Published: October 2007

PurposeModern managers are expected to deal with a wide range of problems – only some of which are properly defined as organizational issues. The purpose of this paper is to distinguish true issues from other day to day problems and to offer guidelines to a strategic approach for identifying and managing such issues.Design/methodology/approachThe paper briefly introduces the established discipline of issue management with criteria and examples to illustrate how issues differ from general business problems. Six key guidelines are then introduced to ensure that organizational responses to issues are focused on a single objective, which is aligned with overall strategy, which addresses the issue in a manner which is clear, unambiguous and easily communicated, and which has proper support from top management.FindingsIt is too easy to develop an issue response which simply meets the need for action or which assigns responsibility solely to the public affairs or communication function. To be effective issue management requires a cross‐functional approach aligned to organizational strategy and with hands‐on commitment by the managers most directly impacted.Originality/valueBy exploring the vital link between issue management and strategic planning the paper demonstrates that issue management must directly involve line managers and offers practical guidelines for how managers can positively influence setting strategic objectives to deliver bottom line results.
Creating value through acquisitions
Authors: Jackson Stuart E. 
Published: October 2007

PurposeAcquisitions can be a powerful tool to achieve growth, enter new markets and expand the range of a firm's capabilities. But with the highly competitive market for acquisitions and the correspondingly high acquisition prices, all too often transactions fail to create value for shareholders. Does this mean companies should avoid acquisitions and focus solely on organic growth? If acquisitions are to be part of a company's growth strategy, how can management identify which targets have the potential to more than justify the required investment and create value. In this article, the author shows how the discipline of strategic market position (SMP) can be used to test whether a proposed acquisition will really improve a company's overall competitive position and enhance its ability to deliver strong profitability for the future.Design/methodology/approachUsing the example of Northrop Grumman, the author shows how to apply a four‐part “SMP test” to assess potential deals.FindingsThe example serves to illustrate how a merger to increase scale within a broad industry may contribute little to improved performance, but an acquisition of a company with distinctive, but complementary capabilities targetting a shared set of customer needs can deliver a very successful outcome. In particular, the author discusses the case of Northrop's acquisition of Ryan Aeronautical, a supplier of unmanned aircraft. The deal enabled Northrop to win new contracts worth many times the acquisition cost for Ryan.Originality/valueThe lesson is that if acquirers understand the true strategic value of an asset, measured in terms of stronger SMP and increased revenues, and/or higher profitability for the combined organization, then they can identify situations when the value opportunity will more than offset the premium required to complete the transaction.