The use of electrochemical noise methods (ENM) to study thick, high impedance coatings

Thick, high impedance organic coatings are those class of coatings used to provide corrosion protection to naval vessels, pipelines, gasoline storage tanks, and other large structures such as bridges and plant structures. These coatings, especially the newest generations now being used in practice, can provide exceptional protection and lifetime of performance such that properly and accurately assessing and differentiating among competing coatings is a very difficult task. The standard protocol of salt fog testing (ASTM B117), immersion testing, and outdoor exposure in a corrosive environment with subjective evaluation of a coating's performance durings and after testing, does not adequatcly rank and predict coating lifetimes for new coating systems, especially for the environmentally compliant coating systems such as powder coatings (especially the thick, fusion bonded epoxy (FBE) coatings used for pipelines), two component epoxy and urethane coatings and waterborne coatings. New, objective test methods are desperately needed by users and manufacturers of coatings. A relatively new electrochemical test procedure, electrochemical noise methods (ENM), as developed by Skerry and Eden, has been shown in our laboratory to be very successful in the ranking and prediction of relative coating performance. We have used the method successfully on naval ship coatings, several pipeline coatings and other related systems, and Skerry has used them successfully on industrial maintenance coatings. We have used these methods in conjunction with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, d.c. resistance measurements and cyclic salt fog testing of the Prohesion^TM type. In our studies of pipeline coatings, we needed to investigate thermal effects because of their extended range of use temperature. In these studies, we have discovered that electrochemical methods can be used for an in situ measurement of the T_g of coatings in electrolyte immersion. Further, the ‘plasticizing’ effect of aqueous electrolyte absorption as well as its relative irreversibility has been shown. For all coatings studied, ENM provided useful, objective, numerical data which rapidly ranks coatings and provides useful information on the relative lifetime prediction of coatings which may provide up to 30 years of service.     

A legitimacy challenge of a cross-cultural interorganizational information system

This paper studies the adoption and diffusion of a cross-cultural Interorganizational Information System (IOS), which is used to streamline the processing of financial transactions between European investment fund companies and Taiwanese banks. Drawing from institutional and organizational legitimacy theory, we argue that the adoption and implementation of technological innovation is contingent upon its alignment with three institutional pillars in different countries and the deployment of legitimation strategies by stakeholders. Departing from classical innovation diffusion theory, our empirical investigation reveals that the implementation of a cross-cultural IOS is a dynamic process involving the recognition, understanding, and management of the regulative, normative, and cognitive challenges arising in two different institutional settings. This paper contributes to the growing body of research that highlights the significance of social and institutional influences on the adoption of IOS in a global environment.     

Toward a classification of discourse patterns in asynchronous online discussions

The goal of this study was to develop a classification for a range of discourse patterns that occur in text-based asynchronous discussion forums, and that can aid in the distinction of three modes of discourse: knowledge sharing, knowledge construction, and knowledge building. The dataset was taken from Knowledge Forum® databases in the Knowledge Building Teacher Network in Hong Kong, and included three discussion views created for different classes: Grade 5 Science, Grade 10 Visual Arts, and Grade 10 Liberal Studies. We used a combination of qualitative coding and narrative analysis as well as teachers’ understanding of online discourse to analyze student discussions. Nine discourse patterns were identified. These patterns revealed a variety of ways in which students go about their collaborative interactions online and demonstrated how and why students succeed or fail in sustaining collaborative interactions. This study extended the three modes of online discourse and developed different discourse patterns, which are efforts to provide instructional guidance. The implications of supporting productive discourse and the enactment of CSCL innovations in classrooms are discussed.     

Justifications,Strategies, and Critical Success Factors in Successful ITIL Implementations in U.S. and Australian Companies: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

A growing number of organizations are implementing the ITIL (IT Infrastructure Library) “best practice” framework in an attempt to improve their IT service management processes. However, not all ITIL implementations are successful and some companies have been disappointed with the outcomes. This exploratory research reports on four case studies of “successful” implementations of IT service management using the process-based ITIL V2 framework. Two companies are located in the U.S. and two in Australia. The cases demonstrate a mix of implementation justifications and strategies. Critical success factors (CSFs) suggested in the literature are compared against those attributed to these successful ITIL implementations. Some CSFs, including executive management support, interdepartmental communication and collaboration, use of consultants, training and careful software selection are confirmed. Three new CSFs are identified: creating an ITIL-friendly culture, process as a priority, and customer-focused metrics. Practitioner guidelines, to assist IT managers, who are contemplating adopting ITIL for process improvement and organisational transformation, are also provided together with some challenges encountered and their associated resolutions.     

Exploring Virtual Librarianship: Second Life Library 2.0

ABSTRACT

In April 2006, Alliance Library System and Online Programming for All Libraries partnered to start the Second Life Library 2.0 in the online world Second Life and in August 2006 purchased an island on the Teen grid of Teen Second Life. Second Life is a virtual world, a descendant of multiplayer online games. Educational institutions have recently been drawn into Second Life's robust economy and vibrant cultural life. The Second Life Library 2.0 works with librarians from around the world and with other educational partners such as TechSoup, WorldBridges, and the New Media Consortium. Second Life Library 2.0 provides “traditional” library services such as ready reference, book discussions, and search assistance, but, at heart, it explores what it means to be a virtual library in a virtual world.     

Isolation and identification of (3-methoxyphenyl)acetonitrile as a phytotoxin from meadowfoam (Limnanthes alba) seedmeal

Ethyl ether, ethanol, and water extracts of meadowfoam (Limnanthes alba Hartweg ex. Benth.) seedmeal were prepared and bioassayed against velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medicus) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L. Cardinal). Both the ethyl ether and ethanol fractions, but not the water extract, inhibited velvetleaf and wheat radicle elongation. Fractionation of the extracts indicated that (3-methoxyphenyl)acetonitrile (3-MPAN) was the active compound from both extracts, comprising >97% of the active ethanol fraction. 3-Methoxybenzyl isothiocyanate, which had been previously shown to be the major breakdown product of glucolimnanthin, the majorL. alba glucosinolate, was not detected in either extract. Radicle elongation of velvetleaf and wheat were inhibited by 3-MPAN with I₅₀ (the concentration required to inhibit growth by 50%) values of approximately 4 × 10^–4 M (velvetleaf) and 7×10^–4 M (wheat).Mention of firms or products does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture over other firms or products not mentioned.     

Trust Management and Admission Control for Host-Based Collaborative Intrusion Detection

The accuracy of detecting an intrusion within a network of intrusion detection systems (IDSes) depends on the efficiency of collaboration between member IDSes. The security itself within this network is an additional concern that needs to be addressed. In this paper, we present a trust-based framework for secure and effective collaboration within an intrusion detection network (IDN). In particular, we design a trust model that allows each IDS to evaluate the trustworthiness of other IDSes based on its personal experience. We also propose an admission control algorithm for the IDS to manage the acquaintances it approaches for advice about intrusions. We discuss the effectiveness of our approach in protecting the IDN against common attacks. Additionally, experimental results demonstrate that our system yields significant improvement in detecting intrusions. The trust model further improves the robustness of the collaborative system against malicious attacks. The experimental results also support that our admission control algorithm is effective and fair, and creates incentives for collaboration.     

Understanding buyers' loyalty to a C2C platform: the roles of social capital,satisfaction and perceived effectiveness of e‐commerce institutional mechanisms

Drawing upon social capital theory, this study aims to investigate how different dimensions of social capital affect online buyers' satisfaction and ultimately boost their loyalty to a Consumer‐to‐Consumer (C2C) platform. Specifically, we propose that three dimensions of social capital (i.e., cognitive, structural and relational capital) contribute positively to the two types of online buyers' satisfaction (i.e., economic and social satisfaction). In addition, we posit that perceived effectiveness of e‐commerce institutional mechanisms (PEEIM) moderates the relationships between economic and social satisfaction and buyers' loyalty to the platform. Three hundred buyers on the Consumer‐to‐Consumer platform, TaoBao, were surveyed to test the proposed model. The results suggest that buyers' evaluation of social capital with the community of sellers can enhance their satisfaction with the sellers, which subsequently affect their loyalty to the platform. Furthermore, perceived effectiveness of e‐commerce institutional mechanisms negatively moderates the effect of economic satisfaction and positively moderates the effect of social satisfaction on buyers' loyalty to the platform. The theoretical contributions and practical implications are discussed.     

An observational study of undergraduate students’ adoption of (mobile) note-taking software

Mobile learning is increasing in popularity, but not all university students have mobile devices to support it. Our study investigated cross-platform software that has the potential to allow education practitioners to provide mobile support to their students’ learning, while offering similar functionality to non-mobile users via more traditional computing platforms. Undergraduate students were trained in the use of multi-platform cloud-based note-taking software (Evernote), and used the software in independent study for 8 weeks. Data show adoption for a range of functions, particularly gathering and managing information, organisation and planning, and the recording of ideas. Multimedia functions were also adopted innovatively by some students. Use for reflection was rare. Non-adopters were in a minority, giving low utility appraisals and difficulty in changing habits as reasons. Subjective evaluations and recommendations showed that a majority of students felt positive about the software and found it quick and easy to use. Mobile and non-mobile users only differed on the number of locations in which they used the software, and the proportion of notes classified as ideas, both being higher in mobile users. The data provide decision support for education practitioners who wish to provide mobile learning to their students alongside traditional platforms.