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The strong matching preclusion number of a graph is the minimum number of vertices and edges whose deletion results in a graph that has neither perfect matchings nor almost-perfect matchings. This is an extension of the matching preclusion problem and has recently been introduced by Park and Ihm.15 In this paper, we examine properties of strong matching preclusion for alternating group graphs, by finding their strong matching preclusion numbers and categorizing all optimal solutions. More importantly, we prove a general result on taking a Cartesian product of a graph with K2 (an edge) to obtain the corresponding results for split-stars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we study the fault diameter of the n-dimensional hypercube (or n-cube for short), Qn, for n ≥ 3. Let F be a set of hybrid node-faults and/or link-faults in Qn such that every node of Qn is still connected to at least one fault-free node by a fault-free link. Then we compute the exact diameter of Qn - F for |F| ≤ 2n - 3. As an immediate consequence, our result improves upon those presented by S. Latifi (1993), in which only node-faults were addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The local connectivity of two vertices is defined as the maximum number of internally vertex-disjoint paths between them. In this paper, we define two vertices as maximally local-connected, if the maximum number of internally vertex-disjoint paths between them equals the minimum degree of these two vertices. Moreover, we show that an (n-1)-regular Cayley graph generated by transposition tree is maximally local-connected, even if there are at most (n-3) faulty vertices in it, and prove that it is also (n-1)-fault-tolerant one-to-many maximally local-connected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a multi-level decision making perspective of the innovation process. First, by considering the innovation process as a type of decision. Second, by viewing innovation as composed of multiple decision processes. Third, by analyzing innovation in terms of decision domains that "enable" innovation and that "execute" innovation. Fourth, by discussing how decision factors act as determinants of innovation. Implications are discussed and propositions are offered which consider several critical tasks in the successful management of innovation decision process(es). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Services form an important part of the economy today. Innovation for service firms is as important as for manufacturing, but the innovation process for service firms is comparatively little studied. In this paper, I review the literature there is on the innovation process for service firms, and make two suggestions for formalizing that process. The common thought that service firms do not innovate does not hold. Innovation is, however, often ad hoc for services, and it can therefore be difficult to measure firms' innovation efforts. These points are related to issues of appropriability of the benefits of innovation in services. The two issues primarily discussed in this paper — the possibilities of formalizing and appropriating in case of new service development — are central issues for service firms. It is here that this paper offers some contributions to the existing literature; it does not so much present an overview thereof. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a new processing method to produce nanotube reinforced composites by using single-walled nanotube (SWNT) bucky paper as reinforcement. The SWNT bucky paper is an entangled mat of SWNTs, which is a highly porous mesh structure. To successfully produce SWNT bucky paper reinforced composites, it is essentially important to prepare a high-quality bucky paper. In this study, the quality of the bucky paper related to the dispersion of nanotubes within the bucky paper, which was quantitatively-characterized with rope size distribution and pore size distribution. An experimental study was conducted to investigate the effects of various process parameters on the dispersion of nanotubes using design of experiments (DOEs) approach. Based on the experimental analysis, the dispersion process of nanotubes within the bucky paper was optimized by selecting appropriate process parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]