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The influence of a commonly used antibacterial mouth rinse, Listerine, on the corrosion behavior of one of the commonly used titanium alloys Ti6Al4V (two-phase structure, i.e., α and β) and a newer Ti15Mo (single β phase) in normal saline solution has been investigated using electrochemical techniques. Interfacial electrochemical changes occurring at the oxide-solution interface have been analysed using EIS circuit modeling. Listerine acts as a corrosion inhibitor for Ti15Mo alloy and a corrosion promoter for Ti6Al4V alloy.

Purpose - A key process involved in supply chains is a priori evaluation of potential partners, not only in terms of expected cost (which includes exchange rate risk), but also in terms of other risks. These risks can include product failure, producing company failure (such as bankruptcy), and even political risk. This paper aims to compare tools to aid supply chain organizations in measuring, evaluating, and assessing risk in this environment. Design/methodology/approach - The authors demonstrate the use of DEA, followed by a DEA simulation model and also a Monte Carlo simulation using a risk-adjusted cost concept. Once non-dominated partners are identified by DEA, simulation analysis is applied to compare expected performance of vendors, and the range of expected outcomes can be identified, aiding supply chain core organizations to better select producing partners. Findings - The authors consider strategies of outsourcing to China, as well as other nations under various forms of risk. A scenario analysis using risk management models indicates outsourcing to Great China is a good strategy. Originality/value - The authors conducted a thorough review of supply chain risk management and identified criteria and various risk performance measures for outsourcing under risk and uncertainty in a supply chain. The benefit of outsourcing to China is discussed. The authors have designed an international outsourcing problem, where foreign exchange risk, product failure, organizational failure, and political risks are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - Globalization and digitalization have led to the need for a different view of international business. Computer technology, especially in the form of enterprise systems, presents the opportunity to apply best (or at least better) practices. Twentieth century enterprise systems were focused on internal optimization. Twenty-first century enterprise systems need to be much more open, and to focus on the demand chain, driven by serving customers better. To better fulfill this need, this paper aims to present a method for evaluation of business process alternatives focusing on demand chain needs. Design/methodology/approach - A method integrating decision making and system approach principles is presented that includes use of soft systems approaches to identify goals and interrelationships among system parts, generation of alternatives, analysis of alternative performance on goals, refining alternatives to better satisfy goals, and multiple criteria selection analysis to recommend choice. Findings - The method is demonstrated on a small business process design. This process can allow broader consideration of organizational goals and focus on customer demands. Originality/value - The paper demonstrates how such a method might work to better support the design of enterprise systems in this dynamic new environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]