On the Plane Symmetric Bricard Mechanism

In this paper the motion of the plane symmetric Bricard 6R mechanism is studied. A simple method based on the dimensions of intersecting varieties in the Study quadric is used to show that the mechanism is mobile. The degree of the motion of the third link (the one adjacent to the plane of symmetry) relative to the plane of symmetry is found. The degree and genus of the motion of the third link relative to the first link is also found. This curve in the Study quadric is given as the intersection of the variety generated by the RR dyad formed by second and third joints with the variety of displacements that keep the fourth joint axis in the special linear line complex whose axis is the axis of the first joint. Finally, the motion of the symmetry plane when the second link is fixed is considered. The symmetry planes comprise the common tangent planes to a pair of circularly symmetric hyperboloids

Reactions of technetium hexafluoride with nitric acid, nitrosyl fluoride, and nitryl fluoride

Stoichiometry of technetium hexafluoride reactions is studied. Magnetic properties and infrared spectra of reaction products are studied and compared with those of analogous complexes of the hexafluorides of tungsten, rhenium, and osmium

Synthesis of Planar Stiffness

In this work the problem of designing systems of springs to achieve a desired stiffness matrix is considered. Only planar configurations are studied. After a brief section outlining the theory of the stiffness of planar systems the planar stiffness matrix of three typical design elements are found, simple springs, beams and pairs of stretched springs. A final section shows how arbitrary stiffness matrices can be achieved using three simple springs or two stretched spring pairs

On Plane-Symmetric Rigid-Body Motions

This work studies the neglected subject of plane symmetric rigid-body motions. A plane symmetric motion is generated by reflecting a rigid body in successive planes of a one parameter family of planes. To make this a rigid-body motion we begin by reflecting the body in a fixed initial plane before reflecting in the next plane of the family. In particular the twist velocity and fixed axodes of these motion are investigated. Three families of planes can be associated to a space curve, the osculating, normal and rectifying planes. The plane symmetric motions generated by each of these families is investigated. The acceleration centre of the general plane symmetric motion is found together with some other properties of the acceleration of this motion. Special curves are known that have partner curves, the relationship between motions defined by some of these curves and their partners is studied. Finally, line symmetric motions generated by the normal and binormal lines to a curve are studied as combinations of pairs of plane symmetric motions

Xenon forms stable compound with fluorine

Experiments show that xenon and fluorine combine readily at 400 deg C to form xenon tetrafluoride, which is colorless, crystalline, chemically stable and solid at room temperature. This process can be used for the separation of xenon from mixtures with other noble gases

IT Governance-An Integrated Framework and Roadmap: How to Plan, Deploy and Sustain for Improved Effectiveness

The issues, opportunities and challenges of effectively managing and governing an organization’s Information Technology (IT) demands, investments and resources has become a major concern of the Board and executive management in enterprises on a global basis. A rapidly growing number of organizations have become increasingly dependent on a broad array of technologies to manage and grow their businesses. IT is an integral part of most organizations today and will certainly become more critical in the future. This paper proposes a comprehensive and integrated IT governance framework and roadmap which identifies the appropriate current and emerging best practices methodologies for each of the major IT Governance components that must be addressed in any approach and is critical for companies to achieve more effective alignment and management of IT. The framework can serve as a guideline for any organization to select and customize the appropriate approach applicable to its environment, plans, priorities, capabilities and available resources. The findings and implications are based on extensive primary and secondary research and are grounded in a review of current and emerging industry and government best practices and select case studies of leading global and regional organizations based on the recently published book by the author entitled, “Implementing Effective IT Governance and IT Management,” published by Van Haren Publishers, 2015

Franchising and Entrepreneurship: High Reward or High Risk?

According to the Department of Commerce, start-up, small, and family businesses are among the fastest growing areas of employment. Even under the best economic environment, starting a business is risky. To reduce the risks and to establish their own businesses, an increasing number of entrepreneurs and corporate converts are buying franchises. Franchising has enjoyed a major increase in popularity during the early 1990s, fueled largely by the growing pool of available candidates made possible by significant corporate and government downsizing. According to the Department of Commerce, franchising accounts for nearly one-third of all U.S. retail sales and employs over 7 million people. If an individual has the motivation, skills, capital, leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, and risk-taking attributes required to start and manage a business, franchising provides a structured alternative to accomplish this objective. Franchising encompasses both high risks and high rewards. While it is not for everyone, franchising represents a method to start and/or transition into your own business. This refereed article describes the why, what, and how of franchising. It discusses the driving forces for franchising from both the franchiser\u27s and franchisee\u27s perspective, what it takes to be a franchisee, how to become an educated businessperson, what to do once you have selected a franchise, the do\u27s and don\u27ts, the risks and rewards, and how to sell a franchise

Introduction to IT/business alignment, planning, execution and governance

This chapter contains: An overview and execution summary of the key IT/business alignment, planning, execution, governance issues, constraints and opportunities and processes Discussion of the roles of the Board, and responsibilities of executive management and the CIO A review of the value propositions for IT governance An overview of IT demand management, decision rights, Balanced Scorecard metrics and how much governance is required Identifying the steps in making IT governance real Discussion of an assessment technique to determine the current level of IT governance maturity in an organization, and illustration of a blueprint for an ideal future target state of IT governanc