bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perceived effects of dog-training programmes in correctional settings
Authors: J. Cooke Barbara , P. Farrington David
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– Offender-led dog-training programmes (DTPs) are increasingly used throughout US correctional facilities. The rather sparse literature on these programmes is outlined in this manuscript, including the reported benefits of participation. The purpose of this paper is to examine the opinions of programme coordinators and staff from 13 programmes.

Design/methodology/approach

– The perceived effects were measured using an open-ended questionnaire, with attention paid to those benefits reported in the extant literature.

Findings

– Respondents noted improvements in several factors including impulsivity, self-efficacy, empathy, social skills, emotional intelligence, and employability.

Practical implications

– It is argued that DTPs should be implemented in other countries including the UK, and that well-designed, larger scale evaluations are needed.

Originality/value

– Though potentially limited by sample size and self-selection biases, these findings expand on the existing literature by supporting existing reports as well as expanding the breadth of the DTPs that have been studied.
Bank capital: the case against Basel
Authors: Pakravan Karim
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to focus on the “Basel Illusion”, the belief that a model-driven quantitative approach to capital adequacy can lead to a more robust and shock-proof system. The author analyzes the Basel framework and its role as a major source of systemic risk. Furthermore, the Basel framework is unlikely to enhance the safety of the financial system and prevent future crises. As such, Basel should be scrapped and regulators should revert to a simple tangible common equity (TCE) leverage rule.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper aims to review the extensive existing literature and analytic approach to the problem, trying to answer the question: why Basel? The paper looks at the Basel methodology of calculating risk-weighed assets.

Findings

– The paper looks at the basic reasons underlying the Basel failure: complexity, variations in measurement of risk-weighed assets across banking institutions, ability to game the system and amplification of systemic risk. The research concludes that a simple TCE leverage rule is superior to Basel in controlling systemic risk.

Research limitations/implications

– Further research will be needed in determining the “optimal” level of capital.

Practical implications

– Regulators and bankers should seek simplicity in capital rules. The dubious use of quantitative models can only lead to spurious precision.

Originality/value

– This article synthesizes an extensive body of work on the issue of bank capital to demonstrate the superiority of a simple capital rule.
Comprehensive risk measure – current challenges
Authors: Prorokowski Lukasz , Prorokowski Hubert
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– This paper, based on case-studies with five universal banks from Europe and North America, aims to investigate which types of comprehensive risk measure (CRM) models are being used in the industry, the challenges being faced in implementation and how they are being currently rectified. Undoubtedly, CRM remains the most challenging and ambiguous measure applied to the correlation trading book. The turmoil surrounding the new regulatory framework boils down to the Basel Committee implementing a range of capital charges for market risk to promote “safer” banking in times of financial crisis. This report discusses current issues faced by global banks when complying with the complex set of financial rules imposed by Basel 2.5.

Design/methodology/approach

– The current research project is based on in-depth, semi-structured interviews with five universal banks to explore the strides major banks are taking to introduce CRM modelling while complying with the new regulatory requirements.

Findings

– There are three measures introduced by the Basel Committee to serve as capital charges for market risk: incremental risk charge; stressed value at risk and CRM. All of these regulatory-driven measures have met with strong criticism for their cumbersome nature and extremely high capital charges. Furthermore, with banks facing imminent implementation deadlines, all challenges surrounding CRM must be rectified. This paper provides some practical insights into how banks are finalising the new methodologies to comply with Basel 2.5.

Originality/value

– The introduction of CRM and regulatory approval of new internal market risk models under Basel 2.5 has exerted strong pressure on global banks. The issues and computational challenges surrounding the implementation of CRM methodologies are currently fiercely debated among the affected banks. With little guidance from regulators, it remains very unclear how to implement, calculate and validate CRM in practice. To this end, a need for a study that sheds some light on practices with developing and computing CRM emerged. On submitting this paper to the journal, we have received news that JP Morgan is to pay four regulators $920 million as a result of a CRM-related scandal.
Creating a fractal-based quality management infrastructure
Authors: Pronovost Peter J , Marsteller Jill A
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe how a fractal-based quality management infrastructure could benefit quality improvement (QI) and patient safety efforts in health care.

Design/methodology/approach

– The premise for this infrastructure comes from the QI work with health care professionals and organizations. The authors used the fractal structure system in a health system initiative, a statewide collaborative, and several countrywide efforts to improve quality of care. It is responsive to coordination theory and this infrastructure is responsive to coordination theory and repeats specific characteristics at every level of an organization, with vertical and horizontal connections among these levels to establish system-wide interdependence.

Findings

– The fractal system infrastructure helped a health system achieve 96 percent compliance on national core measures, and helped intensive care units across the USA, Spain, and England to reduce central line-associated bloodstream infections.

Practical implications

– The fractal system approach organizes workers around common goals, links all hospital levels and, supports peer learning and accountability, grounds solutions in local wisdom, and effectively uses available resources.

Social implications

– The fractal structure helps health care organizations meet their social and ethical obligations as learning organizations to provide the highest possible quality of care and safety for patients using their services.

Originality/value

– The concept of deliberately creating an infrastructure to manage QI and patient safety work and support organizational learning is new to health care. This paper clearly describes how to create a fractal infrastructure that can scale up or down to a department, hospital, health system, state, or country.
Sustainable development, e-learning and Web 3.0
Authors: binti Mohamed Sofiadin Aidrina
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a descriptive literature review and a classification scheme for studies on sustainable development, e-learning and Web 3.0 that contribute toward sustainable e-learning. The aims are to discover and highlight some ideas on developing a sustainable learning in higher education in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper examines the elements of e-learning, technology, application, sustainable development and teaching and learning principles that contribute toward a sustainable e-learning through a descriptive literature review approach and a classification scheme.

Findings

– The findings show that even though sustainable e-learning research is still limited, contributions to sustainable e-learning were recognized and some ideas and perspectives for the development of a sustainable e-learning framework were identified. Furthermore, this paper identified the gaps in the findings; therefore, this paper will try to minimize these gaps through the initial sustainable e-learning framework.

Originality/value

– The paper is expected to provide further ideas of developing a sustainable e-learning framework, as well as the importance of a sustainable e-learning to provide quality learning through technology, application, sustainable development and teaching and learning principles perspectives.
The FATF’s customer identification framework: fit for purpose?
Authors: de Koker Louis
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to investigate the purpose, reach and effectiveness of the customer identification framework of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

Design/methodology/approach

– The article draws on relevant research and documents of the FATF, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and the Alliance for Financial Inclusion to determine whether compliance with the standards and practices of the FATF would prevent anonymous usage of financial services.

Findings

– The FATF’s identification principles, guidance and practices resulted in processes that are largely bureaucratic and do not ensure that identity fraud is effectively prevented. Strict identification requirements on the other hand may impact on financial inclusion, leaving the FATF with little leeway to raise its standards. There are potential solutions, but they are longer-term and partial in nature.

Originality/value

– Current identification and verification practices affect the lives of millions of people around the globe. The measures are being enforced to ensure that users are appropriately identified. This article informs the debate by highlighting the weaknesses of the current approach.
To be corrupt or not to be corrupt
Authors: Yogi Prabowo Hendi
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper, which is based on author’s study, is to shed light on the behavioral elements of corruption in particular the decision-making process undertaken by potential offenders to construct a solid basis for effective corruption eradication strategy in Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study examines corruption cases in Indonesia in the past two years which have been investigated by the Indonesian Corruption Eradication Commission as well as relevant literature on corruption to gain a better understanding of corruption offenders’ behavior.

Findings

– The author establishes that by looking at the behavioral side of corruption we may gain more understanding on potential offenders’ way of thinking as a reference in dealing with corruption. The discussions in this paper suggest that when potential offenders are exposed to pressure/motivation, opportunity and rationalization to commit corruption, they will (consciously or subconsciously) assess all the perceived benefits and costs before deciding to commit (or not to commit) corruption. Understanding the mechanics by which potential offenders decide to engage (or not to engage) in corruption will provide government and decision makers with a solid basis for formulating an effective corruption eradication strategy.

Research limitations/implications

– This study utilizes only secondary data sources to build its analysis on the perceived benefits and costs of engaging in corrupt practices. For future studies, primary sources, such as incarcerated corruption offenders, will offer a more accurate view of the actual decision-making process behind corrupt practices.

Practical implications

– This paper contributes to the development of effective corruption eradication strategy in Indonesia by introducing the fraud decision scale as a framework by which appropriate measures will be devised so as to yield the intended results.

Originality/value

– Instead of taking the more popular legal or political standpoint, this paper takes an unconventional view of assessing corruption problem from the behavioral perspective.
Signaling eco-certification
Authors: J. Zhang Jie , Joglekar Nitin , Verma Rohit
Published: August 2014

Purpose –

The purpose of this paper is to use an eco-friendly service concept framework to demonstrate the effect of credible eco-certification signaling.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors examine a cross-sectional data set consisting of 2,481 hotel sites across the US. The authors measure the performance of the operations component of eco-friendly service by operations-driven resource efficiency (ODF), and the performance of the marketing component by customer-driven resource efficiency (CDF). A series of multivariate regressions compare these two resource efficiency measures between credibly eco-certified hotel sites and others.

Findings

– The results indicate that credible eco-certifications achieve the signaling effect. Eco-certified hotels outperform others in both ODF and CDF measures; and eco-certified hotels still achieve higher CDF after controlling for ODF.

Practical implications

– The findings suggest that eco-friendly service design requires not only eco-friendly operations but also a built-in credible signaling mechanism. This mechanism engages the customers in eco-friendly service coproduction and in doing so integrates the operations and marketing components of eco-friendly service strategy through eco-certifications.

Originality/value

– This study is among the first to demonstrate empirically the signaling effect of credible eco-certifications in services. It increases understanding of eco-friendly service design and delivery by exploring the role of credible eco-certifications in linking customer benefits with the service organization's strategic intent.
Strategic positioning and strategic types of small firms
Authors: María García-Pérez Ana , Yanes-Estévez Vanessa , Ramón Oreja-Rodríguez Juan , González-Dávila Enrique
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to study the strategic process of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) including strategic reference points (SRP) (Fiegenbaumet al., 1996).

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper identifies the strategic positioning of SMEs (Lavie and Fiegenbaum, 2000, 2003) according to the importance that their managers give to internal and external SRP. Their influence on strategic types (Miles and Snow, 1978) and performance are analysed. This study uses information, from 83 SMEs in the Canary Islands (Spain), collected with a questionnaire.

Findings

– SMEs are primarily adaptive firms followed by narcissist ones: numerous SMEs focus their attention on internal SRPs. SMEs strategic positioning determines their strategic orientations to a much lesser extent than their characteristics (sector, size and age) do. The results show that product specialisation, the only difference between adaptive SMEs and narcissist and amorphous ones, is not evident in their performance.

Practical implications

– Decision makers and institutions should reflect about the maturity of the strategic process and the adaptation dynamic of SMEs. The need for SMEs to focus on their external vision should be highlighted.

Originality/value

– The study includes SRP in the strategic process of SMEs. It contributes to the literature by drawing a map of the strategic positioning of SMEs, based on their SRPs (Lavie and Fiegenbaum (2000, 2003) and by linking the strategic positioning of SMEs with their strategic types. It also has the value of applying the Rasch Rating Scale Model (Andrich, 1978, 1988).
Prior knowledge: the role of virtual worlds in venture creation
Authors: Noke Hannah , Chesney Thomas
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– Creating a new business often ends in failure arguably the more knowledge of the start-up process an entrepreneur has the more successful the outcome. Whilst business simulations have been researched, the role of virtual worlds in aiding nascent entrepreneurs in gaining important experiential learning is lacking. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– This qualitative research involved six months observational data, with nine in-depth semistructured interviews with the small business owners based in the virtual world Second Life.

Findings

– The findings highlight important similarities between “real world” and “virtual world” businesses. The nascent entrepreneurs reported a sense of running the business as any other business. The level of risk, in terms of capital, for setting up a virtual business is far less than the real world. However, risks are still associated with a virtual business with entrepreneurs investing time to run the business.

Originality/value

– The findings of this study provide important insight into how prior knowledge can be gained through participating in “real” business activities, other than business simulations. Virtual worlds provide can play an important role in aiding nascent entrepreneurs to gain important prior knowledge of the start-up process, that the authors can anticipate will aid the entrepreneur in further ventures.
Learning film production
Authors: Bunting Leona , Herrman Margaretha , Johanson Marita
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to contribute knowledge about learning linked to the film industry by investigating how film producers reason about learning for and in the profession.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study is based on semi-structured interviews with 20 film producers, both university and workplace trained (UWT) and workplace trained (WT). The content analysis is based on the transcribed dialogues. The study is empirical, explorative and qualitative.

Findings

– The interviewees consider networks to be of utmost importance for gaining entrance to and continuously finding work in the film industry. They also reason about required knowing and what learning practices are available. Although formal education is not advocated by all, it can hold intrinsic value for the individual. Traditions of learning are being scrutinized, and critical reflection is replacing naivety and emotionality.

Practical implications

– Different aims regarding learning in the formal education system and film industry result in a gap which needs to be bridged to challenge conserving and reproducing patterns of learning. Collaboration is suggested as a solution benefiting both the individual learner and the film industry. The resulting knowledge from this study can thus be used by the formal education system and the film industry when developing forms for collaboration surrounding learners of film production.

Originality/value

– The focus presented in this paper of learning in and for film production has been sparingly addressed in previous research.
Adjusting book budget divisions to improve advocacy
Authors: Erik Moll Michiel , Louise Patrick Audrey , Petronella Coreejes-Brink Anna
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– Collection development is a key function of the university library, and is a collaborative effort. The purpose of this paper is to show how the Cape Peninsula University of Technology divides the budget between departments in such a way that it is seen as supporting key university initiatives and strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper outlines the development of a formula to be used to divide the budget equitably as well as changes done.

Findings

– The factors needed to develop this formula were those seen as mutually important by both parties, and even changes in university strategy could be reflected by adjusting the statistics and divisions within the formula.

Research limitations/implications

– This study was restricted to only one institution.

Originality/value

– The value lies in showing how what is usually seen as a purely administrative or operational tool, the book collection budget, can also be used as a tool to show support for key institutional strategies and prove library support for wider institutional changes and initiatives.
Leadership approaches of university library managers in Turkey
Authors: Konya Umit , Gurel Neslihan
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– Libraries need library leaders who are able to follow the changes and developments and keep pace with them, manage and shape the changes, bring theories and practices together, be solution-oriented, people-oriented, environment-oriented, well-appointed, successful, and creative, because of the rapid developments and continuous changes. In this context, it has become more important for library managers to improve their leadership skills. In the scope of this study, a questionnaire study has been conducted with staff working in 168 different university central libraries. Information form, consisting of 16 questions about librarians’ demographic characteristics and manager satisfaction and Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire is used for data accumulation. The purpose of this paper is to determine library managers’ leadership approaches in private and public university libraries of Turkey and to survey library staff's satisfaction with their managers.

Design/methodology/approach

– This research is a methodological and descriptive research. Original sample of this research consists of 168 university central library in total (103 public-65 private) and approximately 500 library employee 183 library employees from 20 public university central libraries (108 employees) and 13 private university central libraries responded. Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire, so sample of this research consists of 33 libraries and 183 questionnaire answers. 20.62 percent of the library employees of the target group had responded the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire.

Findings

– In total, 183 employees (108 public and 75 private university central libraries) from 33 university central libraries are responded to Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire. Multiple responses were gained from 183 library employees of whom 57.4 percent (105) were female and 42.6 percent (78) were male. When the age distribution is concerned it has determined that 25.1 percent (46) of the participants were centered on 26-34 age group. Other age distributions are defined as in the following: ages 20-25, 19.7 percent (36); ages 31-35, 18.6 percent (34); ages 36-40, 13.7 percent (25); ages 41-45, 15.8 percent (29); and age 46 and over, 7.1 percent.

Originality/value

– As with all organizations, library managers with leadership qualities are needed in the field of library science. Organizational structures of libraries are constantly changing. Libraries need library leaders who are able to follow the changes and developments and keep pace with them, manage and shape the changes, bring theories and practices together, be solution-oriented, people-oriented, environment-oriented, well-appointed, successful, and creative, because of the rapid developments and continuous changes.
Leadership for future libraries
Authors: O'Connor Steve
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– Leadership is always important but is especially important at times of rapid and even fundamental change. The purpose of this paper is to discuss and evidence the changes and decisions facing librarians in our world against the backdrop of international disrupted business models for libraries. The traditional mode of operation for libraries is changing dramatically in order to stay relevant and connected to our library users. This paper will aim to explore future leadership styles which will be required for special librarians. This will be set in the context of the NextGen Leadership program which this author established and conducted across Hong Kong, Singapore and Shanghai. The paper will also seek to draw on the author's experiences seeking new scenario futures for special libraries in Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper will explore future leadership styles which will be required for special librarians. This will be set in the context of the NextGen Leadership program which this author established and conducted across Hong Kong, Singapore and Shanghai. It will also draw on the author's experiences seeking new scenario futures for special libraries in Australia.

Findings

– The evaluation of the Next Gen Leadership program is reviewed in this paper.

Research limitations/implications

– The implications are that librarians need programs such as Next Gen in order to be able to test new ways of adopting management behaviours. These new ways of operating can be tested through programs such as Next Gen which operate over a lengthy period of time.

Practical implications

– It is crucial that existing managers of academic libraries establish these leadership programs into the future as a means of ensuring good succession planning.

Originality/value

– This is a genuinely original program spanning three countries/cities; Hong Kong, Singapore and Shanghai. The opportunity for participants in this course to meet, inter-mingle and network into the future with similar colleagues is unique. The opportunities to test new modes of management in such a course, remote from the work environment, are of value to the management styles of each individual into the future.
Service decision-making processes at three New York state cooperative public library systems
Authors: Ren Xiaoai
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to look at the organizational structure and service provisions of cooperative public library systems in New York State. The study also seeks to ask questions of how cooperative public library systems decide what services to provide.

Design/methodology/approach

– Descriptive statistics, factor analysis and cluster analysis were applied on New York State public library systems’ 2008 annual reports to generate quantitative profiles of public library systems and their service transactions. Three cooperative public library systems displaying different service features were purposefully selected for further study of their service decision-making processes. The face-to-face and phone interviews were adopted in the study.

Findings

– Research findings from this study provide information on specific service variations across cooperative public library systems. The findings also provide differences of service decision-making processes in addition to the factors that might cause these differences.

Originality/value

– This study adds knowledge of public library systems’ management and organizational structures, therefore fills a knowledge gap on public library systems. It can also serve as the baseline for future studies using newer annual report data and therefore to study the changing roles and services of cooperative public library systems in New York State.
Self-management and information services delivery of library and information science professionals in federal universities in Nigeria
Authors: Mbofung Ucha
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to report on ongoing research examining the current level of self-management of library and information science (LIS) professionals in federal universities in Nigeria. The long-term objective of the study is to determine the effect of self-management on information services delivery of LIS professionals.

Design/methodology/approach

– A descriptive survey method was adopted to gather data from the LIS professionals in the selected 24 universities. The questionnaire was administered on 429 professionals (census) and all were received, processed, analysed and the results presented.

Findings

– The study reveals that majority of respondents have high level of self-management and applied relevant strategies that enabled them identify opportunities and act on them for personal and professional growth.

Research limitations/implications

– The study was limited to practising professionals in the federal university libraries but has implications for implementing continuing professional development for all professionals in similar institutions across Nigeria.

Practical implications

– The study places emphasis on professionals, library management and library schools that they cannot downplay the relevance of self-management in the workplace, consequently training should be ongoing.

Originality/value

– The future of LIS professionals has not been viewed in the light of adopting self-management competence on such a broad scale, and with a view to assessing how this skill can help change the perception of professionals to its relevant contribution to personal development and professional growth.
Using strategic assessment to demonstrate impact: a case study at the HKUST learning commons
Authors: Ka Wai Wong Gabrielle
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe how the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) Library collected a rich set of assessment data for its Learning Commons (LC), and how it analyzed, summarized and presented the data to drive improvement as well as to demonstrate impact.

Design/methodology/approach

– The assessment targeted at exploring users’ perception of and experience in using the LCs. It employed multiple channels to collect data. It comprised of three student focus groups, and two questionnaire surveys for students and service partners, respectively. They were planned strategically, with clear objectives and a phase-by-phase design, so that the instruments can be fine-tuned based on the findings and experience of the previous one.

Findings

– The assessment collected a good amount of qualitative and quantitative data. It showed that the LCs had become a very important part of students’ campus life. Students’ experience reported through the focus groups and survey helped the Library to make a number of improvement in services and facilities. The result was tactfully presented to senior university administrators as a proof of the Library's impact.

Practical implications

– The case study showed how an assessment, when strategically planned, can generate findings that help libraries to demonstrate their capability and impact on students’ academic life. The methods applied in this case study can also be used by other functional areas.

Originality/value

– The assessment went beyond quantitative measures, it tapped into students’ experience. The paper illustrates how HKUST Library analyzed and presented the data to achieve results and changes. Other libraries may find this process helpful for future assessment planning.
Preliminary thermal annealing tests of OLED glass samples
Authors: Arazna Aneta , Kozioł Grażyna , Futera Konrad , Janeczek Kamil , Lipiec Krzysztof
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper was to determine the influence of thermal aging on the stability of organic light-emitting diode (OLED) glass samples made in ambient condition.

Design/methodology/approach

– The samples with yellow emitting layer (named as ADS5) and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) hole transport layer were examined. Some of the devices were ultraviolet-curable epoxy encapsulation directly after performance. All samples were thermally annealed at 70°C for 1, 2, 3 and 4 hours. The characteristics current–voltage for fresh and aging samples in the range of voltage from 0-15 V were made. The temperature of OLEDs samples in real-time with a thermographic camera was measured too. Additionally, scanning electron microscope image of surface Al cathode immediately after OLED performance and after annealing tests was made.

Findings

– The authors stated, that irrespective of the type, the samples were undergoing the degradation. The decrease in value of the current density was registered. That were about 44 per cent and about 24 per cent after thermally annealing the samples with and without encapsulation, respectively (at tension 13 V). Additionally, there were observed massive delamination of the metal cathode.

Originality/value

– Influence of thermal annealing and encapsulation on the dynamic characteristics of the OLED devices fabricated in ambient condition was analyzed. There are not many papers in the literature describing examinations of OLED samples which were made in environmental conditions.
LTCC/PZT accelerometer in SMD package
Authors: Dabrowski Arkadiusz , Elkjaer Karl , Borregaard Louise , Zawada Tomasz , Golonka Leszek
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to develop the device made of low temperature co-fired ceramics (LTCC) and lead zirconate titanate (PZT) by co-firing both materials. In the paper, the technology and properties of a miniature uniaxial ceramic accelerometer are presented.

Design/methodology/approach

– Finite element method (FEM) is applied to predict properties of the sensor vs main dimensions of the sensor. The LTCC process is applied during manufacturing of the device. All the advantages of the technology are taken into account during designing three-dimensional structure of the sensor. The sensitivity and resonant frequency of the accelerometer are measured. Real material parameters of PZT are estimated according to measurement results and FEM simulations.

Findings

– The ceramic sensor integrated with SMD package with outer dimensions of 5 × 5 × 5 mm3 is manufactured. The accelerometer exhibits sensitivity of 0.75 pC/g measured at 100 Hz. The resonant frequency is equal to about 2 kHz. Useful frequency range is limited by 3 dB sensitivity change at about 1 kHz.

Research limitations/implications

– Sensitivity of the device is limited by interaction between LTCC and PZT materials during co-firing process. The estimated d parameters are ten times worse comparing to bulk Pz27 material. Further research on materials compatibility should be carried out.

Practical implications

– The sensor can be easily integrated into various devices made of standard electronic printed circuit boards (PCBs). Applied method of direct integration of piezoelectric transducers with LTCC material enables manufacturing of complex ceramic systems with built-in accelerometer in the substrate.

Originality/value

– The accelerometer is a sensor and a package simultaneously. The miniature ceramic device is compatible with surface mounting technology; hence, it can be used directly on PCBs for vibration monitoring inside electronic devices and systems.
Influence of firing process quality on dielectric constant of microwave LTCC substrates
Authors: Barteczka Beata , Slobodzian Piotr , Dabrowski Arkadiusz , Golonka Leszek
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper was to investigate the influence of non-uniform temperature distribution inside a box furnace during the firing process on electrical properties of the low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) materials used in radio frequency (RF)/microwave applications.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors studied the change in dielectric constant of two popular LTCC materials (DP 951 and DP 9K7) depending on the position of their samples inside the box furnace. Before firing of the samples, temperature distribution inside the box furnace was determined. The dielectric constant was measured using the method of two microstrip lines.

Findings

– The findings showed that non-uniform temperature distribution with spatial difference of 6°C can result in 3-4 per cent change of the dielectric constant. It was also found that dielectric constant of the two tested materials shows disparate behavior under the same temperature distribution inside the box furnace.

Practical implications

– The dielectric constant of the substrate materials is crucial for RF/microwave applications. Therefore, it was shown that 3-4 per cent deviation in dielectric constant can result in considerable detuning of microwave circuits and antennas.

Originality/value

– To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the quantitative description of the impact of temperature distribution inside a box furnace on electrical properties of the LTCC materials has never been published in the open literature. The findings should be helpful when optimizing production process for high yield of reliable LTCC components like filters, baluns and chip antennas.
Measurements of thermal resistance of power LEDs
Authors: Górecki Krzysztof
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a new method of measuring thermal resistance of power light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Properties of power LEDs strongly depend on their internal temperature. The value of this temperature depends on the cooling conditions characterized by thermal resistance.

Design/methodology/approach

– The new method of measuring the value of this parameter belongs to the group of electric methods. In this method, the problem of estimating the value of electrical power converted into light is solved. By comparing the values of the case temperature obtained for the LED operating in the forward mode and the reverse-breakdown mode, the thermal power is estimated. On the basis of the measured value of the thermally sensitive parameter (the LED forward voltage) and the estimated value of the thermal power, thermal resistance is calculated.

Findings

– The elaborated method was used to measure thermal resistance of the selected types of power LEDs operating at different cooling conditions. The correctness of the elaborated measurement method was proved by comparing the results of measurements obtained with the use of the new method and the infrared method.

Research limitations/implications

– On the basis of the obtained results of measurements and the catalog data of the tested diodes, the dependence of the measurement error of thermal resistance of the LED on its luminous efficiency is discussed.

Originality/value

– The new measurement method is easy to use and more accurate than the classical method of thermal resistance measurement of the diode.
Exploring the factors affecting sponsored search ad performance
Authors: Gupta Agam , Mateen Arqum
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to conceptualize a model for sponsored search advertising by incorporating a number of factors which affect the performance of these ads.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors draw upon the professional experience and practitioner as well as academic literature to build and analyze the model. Propositions have been forwarded to delineate the various relationships at work in a sponsored search process.

Findings

– The extant literature on this topic has so far been unable to provide a holistic overview. The paper offers propositions for explaining the role of various factors like the ad rank, branding, role of ad extensions and how impact of these factors may be sensitive to the device used for search.

Practical implications

– This work is derived primarily from practice. It is hope that after due empirical validation, advertisers, users as well as search engines will benefit from this stream of research.

Originality/value

– This is one of the first works to analyze a sponsored search ad at a micro level. It brings into focus one of the largely unexplored facets of sponsored search advertising.
Temperature stress for bending beam with different moduli under different constraints
Authors: Yao Wenjuan , Liu Jiankang
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to solve temperature stress for bending beam with different moduli under different constraints subject to nonlinear temperature.

Design/methodology/approach

– The equations of neutral axis position, normal stress, and displacement of bending beam with different moduli subjected to nonlinear temperature were derived based on different moduli elasticity theory. Meanwhile, iterative procedure was programmed to solve the nonlinear equations. The analytical solution can return back into the result of the same modulus theory, and the analytical solution was compared with finite element numerical solution. It shows that the analytical model proposed in this paper is reliable to use. Furthermore, the influence of different moduli characteristics on the temperature stress and deformation is discussed.

Findings

– The mechanical behavior of the bending beam with different moduli subject to nonlinear temperature is quite different from the one that is subjected to force. The bending beam maybe exist two neutral axis, and the reasonable selection of tension modulus and compression modulus can improve the distribution of the normal stress and reduce the maximum tensile stress or the maximum compressive stress.

Originality/value

– The crack produced by temperature stress will affect the integrity and the durability of the structure. The solution for temperature problem with different moduli theory is rarely reported at home and board. In view of this, this paper will do some exploratory research-temperature stress for bending beam with different moduli.
Reflection of plane waves from a thermo-microstretch elastic solid with temperature dependent elastic properties
Authors: Qin Song Ya , I.A. Othman Mohamed , Zhao Zheng
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to study the reflection of a plane harmonic wave at the interface of thermo-microstretch elastic half space. The modulus of elasticity is taken as a linear function of reference temperature. The formulation is applied to generalized thermoelasticity theories, the Lord-Shulman and Green-Lindsay theories, as well as the classical dynamical coupled theory. Using potential function, the governing equations reduce to ten-order differential equation.

Design/methodology/approach

– Coefficient ratios of reflection of different waves with the angle of incidence are obtained using continuous boundary conditions. By numerical calculations, the variation of coefficient ratios of reflection with the angle of incidence is illustrated graphically for magnesium crystal micropolar material under three theories.

Findings

– The effect of different temperature-dependent constants and frequency on the coefficient ratios of reflection is illustrated graphically in context of Lord-Shulman theory.

Originality/value

– The reflection coefficient ratios are given analytically and illustrated graphically. The effects of thermal relaxation times are very small on reflection coefficient ratio. The temperature-dependent constant and wave frequency have a strong effect on the reflection coefficient ratios.
Curing behaviour and mechanical properties of pigmented UV-curable epoxy acrylate coatings
Authors: Kardar Pooneh , Ebrahimi Morteza , Bastani Saeed
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this work was to study the effect of chemical structure of reactive diluents on the curing behaviour and physical–mechanical properties of a titanium dioxide pigmented UV-curable epoxy acrylate system.

Design/methodology/approach

– Two different tri-functional and two different tetra-functional acrylate monomers were used as reactive diluents in the formulations. The curing behaviour of the formulations was studied by using photo-differential scanning calorimetry analysis. The rate of curing, conversion at the maximum rate and ultimate conversion for different formulations were calculated. In addition, the physical and mechanical characteristics of the cured films, including glass transition temperature and modulus, were measured by using a dynamic mechanical analysis technique.

Findings

– The results showed that the ultimate conversion for non-pigmented pentaerythritol triacrylate (PETA) and trimethylol propane triacrylate (TMPTA) formulations were almost similar, but the interference effect of titanium dioxide particles on the curing of the PETA formulations was found to be more considerable in comparison to the TMPTA formulations. The extent of reaction for tetra-functional acrylate monomers was considerably less than those for tri-functional acrylate monomers. The Tg and storage modulus of non-pigmented PETA, TMPTA and pentaerythritol tetraacrylate (PE4TA) formulations were almost the same and higher than that for ditrimethylol propane tetraacrylate (DiTMP4TA) formulations. However, Tg and storage modulus of pigmented tetra-functional acrylate monomer formulations were higher than those for tri-acrylate monomer formulations.

Research limitations/implications

– The curing conditions (temperature and UV intensity) can affect the network formation and consequently will affect on the properties of the cured films.

Practical implications

– The pigmented UV-curable coatings are interested for many industries such as wood and automotive industries. The reported data can be used by the formulators working in the R&D departments. In addition, the results obtained can be used by the researchers who are active in the field of structure–property relationship for UV-curable coatings.

Social implications

– UV-curing systems are considered as one of the most environment-friendly coatings system. Therefore, the developing of its knowledge can help to extend its usage to different applications.

Originality/value

– The photopolymerisation of pigmented coatings is a great challenge and is hardly investigated in the literature. Therefore, in this research, the effect of chemical structure and functionality of different multifunctional acrylate monomers on the curing behaviour of pigmented formulations was investigated.
New thermal deblocking characterisation method of aqueous blocked polyurethane
Authors: Zhang Yanhua , Cao Jun , Tan Haiyan , Gu Jiyou
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The mechanisms of the deblocking reaction of the polyurethane with blocking agent were investigated in detail relatively using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). This kind of method for polyurethane as the application of wood adhesives can provide the conditions of application and the main theoretical basis.

Design/methodology/approach

– The blocking rate and latex particle size distribution were determined using the titrimetric analysis and the laser particle analysis, respectively. TGA, FTIR, XPS and differential scanning calorimetry were used to investigate the deblocking temperature and time of the blocked isocyanate in detail.

Findings

– The results indicated that the blocking rate was approximately 97 per cent and the average particle size was 360 nm. The results of laser particle analysis have confirmed that the dispersivity of the blocked polyurethane emulsion was good. XPS results showed that the amount of –O = C-N-benzyl groups increased with an increasing deblocking temperature and subsequently reached equilibrium. In summary, the blocked isocyanate was deblocked at temperatures ranging from 50 to 90°C.

Research limitations/implications

– An important approach in future wood adhesive work would be to gain access to man-made board application data.

Practical implications

– The paper provided some useful information about deblocking mechanisms of blocked polyurethane that would be helpful to guide applied practical applications as wood adhesive.

Social implications

– To promote China’s wood processing technology progress and solve the problem of shortage of the natural quality of wood is of important practical significance.

Originality/value

– The paper is the first to use the XPS characterisation method to characterise deblocking polyurethane solution.