bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The ideal employee: context and leaders’ implicit follower theories
Authors: Derler Andrea , Weibler Jürgen
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between leaders’ work context and their prototypical implicit follower theories (pIFT). The authors assume a dual structure of pIFT and argue that leader preferences for certain employee traits and behaviours are influenced by their perception of the prevailing market conditions and organizational coordination mechanisms.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study was conducted via an online-questionnaire with 182 US leaders from different industries. It surveyed leader's preferences for abstract and specific employee traits and behaviours, as well as their perceptions of the explorative and exploitative elements in their work context. To test for associations of corresponding variables representing leaders’ context and their employee prototype, data analysis was performed via multiple linear regression analysis.

Findings

– The paper provides evidence for associations between leaders’ pIFT and their work context. The data suggest that leaders who perceive their organizational work environment as formalized consider Enthusiasm (p=0.003) and the pursuit of exploitative activities (p=0.023) as important employee characteristics, and those who experience the market conditions as dynamic show a preference for Good Citizenship behaviours (p=0.027) and the search for explorative activities (p=0.034). In terms of control variables the authors found that more mature leaders favour both exploration and exploitation in employees, while managers of larger teams emphasize exploitation in their pIFT.

Research limitations/implications

– The study was conducted with leaders in the USA; results are cross-sectional and representative for for-profit organizations. Potential limitations arise from a lack of generalizability of the results to others forms of organizations, cultures and work settings.

Practical implications

– The paper provides the outline of an “ideal employee profile” for the leaders in the sample and describes potential implications of pIFT for organizational strategy relating to personnel-related decisions.

Originality/value

– This study provides the first empirical link between leaders’ ideal employee image and work context, and enables a deeper understanding of the structure and content of pIFT.
Analytical redefinition of DOL and managerial investment decisions
Authors: Kroll Yoram , Yechiam Aharon David
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to develop alternative analytical measures for the degree of operating leverage (DOL) that reflect the impact of uncertain demand shocks in the product's market on optimal production levels, sales and profits of the firm.

Design/methodology/approach

– The elasticity measures are constructed according to a theoretical formulation of optimal production level that corresponds to demand shocks for given predetermined levels of fixed cost.

Findings

– The paper suggests two main findings. First, the analytical marginal DOL is at least twice the traditional DOL depending on the structure of the shock, the production function and demand's elasticity. The traditional DOL is equal to the measure only when large-scale negative demand prompts the firm to abandon production. Second, the paper also provides an analytical measure of DOL in terms of elasticity of profit to sales rather than to production level. Both theoretically and empirically elasticity of profit to sales can be better measured and better reflects risk.

Research limitations/implications

– This paper should be extended to encompass multiple shocks on demand and supply while investigating the empirical multi variants distribution of the shocks.

Practical implications

– The model can be used by managers who are well informed about the fixed and variable costs of their firm. The model determines the mean profit- risk trade off which is an important factor in all investment decision problems.

Originality/value

– Surprisingly and according to the best knowledge, this paper is the first attempt in the literature for alternative analytical DOLs’ formulations that is coherent with basic economic theories of optimal production level under risk.
Modeling asset allocation and liability composition for Indian banks
Authors: Viswanathan P.K. , Ranganatham M. , Balasubramanian G.
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– Asset liability management is a multi-dimensional set of activities. Against this backdrop, the purpose of this paper is to build a goal programming model for optimally determining the asset allocation and liability composition for Indian Banks.

Design/methodology/approach

– The conceptual model framework has been developed and then tested for four banks that typically represent the Indian banking sector. Published balance sheet data were used for the model that span over 1995-2009. The veracity of the model has been tested in terms of its ability to project the optimum asset allocation and liability composition for the year 2010.

Findings

– The model has been able to generate the optimum asset and liability mix that meets the goals set on the key drivers. The solution provided is realistic and compatible with the actual figures. Sensitivity analysis including current and savings account and interest rate changes has been successfully performed to study impact they cause on profitability.

Research limitations/implications

– The model provides an overall approach to asset allocation and liability composition based on past data reflecting the preferences and priorities of the banks with regard to their outlook on setting targets. This may change. The variables like return and risk are stochastic in nature.

Practical implications

– The model demonstrated in this paper would be useful to the policy makers in any bank for decision support and planning in view of its ability to incorporate a large number of constraints. Changes in profit could be instantaneously captured through sensitivity analysis.

Originality/value

– The goal programming model used here is invariant to the type of bank and year of consideration.
“Time series momentum” in commodity markets
Authors: Chevallier Julien , Ielpo Florian
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to contain an empirical application of the concept of “time series momentum” – as developed by Moskowitzet al.(2012) – to commodity markets with daily data during 1995-2012.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper applies the new concept of “time series momentum” to the sphere of commodity markets.

Findings

– The paper extends the results previously obtained by Moskowitzet al.(2012) to a second category labeled “breakout strategy.”

Research limitations/implications

– Further management strategies can be elaborated for investment management purposes, based on the suggested inclusion of the “time series momentum” in commodities.

Practical implications

– The empirical evidence gathered in this paper bears practical significance for portfolio managers and commodity tradings advisors relying on trend following strategies.

Originality/value

– Commodity markets are quickly developing to an alternative asset class for investors. Discovering their properties and characteristics has a broad appeal in finance.
The value of people
Authors: Town Stephen
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to reflect on advances in the understanding and practice of people evaluation in libraries. The paper is conceptual and offers a framework for human capital evaluation.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research approach has been to employ a mixed method research strategy (multi-methodology), combining desk research exploring quantitative capital assessment methods from other industries, sectors and libraries; phenomenological observation of existing data collection and development concepts; and survey data from staff in case studies of the author's own and other organizations.

Findings

– The synthesis suggests the measures required to populate the library capital dimension of the value scorecard, thereby providing an estimation of the value of a library's human capital.

Originality/value

– The paper fills a gap through a broad survey of advances in people assessment in libraries, and provides a unique framework for human capital measurement in libraries.
Method emerging: a statement of poetics for a project-based PhD
Authors: Lyall Mark
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to give an account of the methods used for the author's project-based doctoral thesis,Hatred and History. The methodology is offered not as an exemplar, but rather as a case study of an integrated approach where exegesis and creative work are conceived as intertwining explorations of the same research materials.

Design/methodology/approach

–Hatred and Historycreatively explores the idea that science and intuition frame our experience of the world in distinct ways, and is expressed across an audio production and a written exegesis. The dyad of scientific and intuitive knowledge is embedded deeply within the production, from the initial choice of subject through the structuring and writing of the script to the techniques employed to write the music. This paper traces the transformation of the dyad from academic construct to creative construct, and should therefore be considered a statement of poetics.

Findings

– The creative exploration of science and intuition encouraged me to consider the “double articulation” of theory and practice, where poetics ceases to be merely a theory of rhetorical design and is assimilated into a theory of self-knowledge.

Originality/value

– This paper is offered in the hope that it will be of value to commencing PhD candidates in the creative arts who must navigate the waters between exegesis and creative output for themselves.
Expanding the debate
Authors: M. Carrington Ann
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The current exploration and inclusion of spirituality across disciplines has, up to this point, focused largely on defining spirituality and creating practice and assessment tools. Little has been done in building the foundational structures at the level of paradigm, theory, methods, measures and research methodology. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper presents a section of findings resulting from a comprehensive qualitative research program using the process of meta-triangulation, which explored spiritual perspectives from paradigm to practice.

Findings

– The results of this research begin to address gaps at these levels through the articulation of spiritual ways of knowing and the methods and measures that stem from them. Once articulated, it was possible to explore the parallels and differences between spiritual and physical ways of knowing, their methods and measures.

Originality/value

– It is acknowledged that such research may be resisted by some factions as they attempt to maintain positions of power and privilege. Thus, this paper presents the research within this contested and turbulent landscape.
Using pictures innovatively to determine workplace hazard identification skills
Authors: Bahn Susanne
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a data collection tool that is not new, however, has been very effective as an assessment tool in a 2012 research study investigating the ability of new entrants to underground mining to effectively identify hazards within their work areas.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study set about to determine if after a full days’ health and safety induction training entrants new to the mining industry could identify hazards contained in photographs of the work areas they would be working in the next day.

Findings

– Using a picture-based survey as an assessment or data collection tool provides a fun way to access data. This is particularly useful when trying to engage participants who are unwilling to provide data, as in this case, after a full day's health and safety induction. The tool was viewed as a puzzle and therefore encouraged completion. In addition, if the tool is used to feedback the “answers” to the group after they have been assessed it also serves as a learning device.

Research limitations/implications

– The results of the research have been published elsewhere and are not the topic of this paper; instead in this paper a picture-based survey tool is presented as a valid and useful data collection method for qualitative research.

Originality/value

– The study results in terms of the use of a picture-based tool as an assessment is of value to those conducting health and safety induction training as it may achieve better engagement.
Using transaction log analysis to assess student search behavior in the library instruction classroom
Authors: Avery Susan , G. Tracy Daniel
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to determine how undergraduate students search in the context of a library instruction session. The results of an assessment of transaction logs are shared to provide evidence of student search behavior within a class setting.

Design/methodology/approach

– Transaction logs from 29 library instruction sessions using the library’s federated search tool were analyzed. Using a rubric, the authors assessed the logs to discover if students followed the instruction provided to construct more relevant, targeted searches, if they selected recommended resources and if they exhibited persistence in their searching.

Findings

– The study found most students had difficulty translating instruction on how to use quotation marks into their own searches, were mostly successful when choosing a database and notes varying participation patterns in classes taught at different times.

Practical implications

– Implications of this study include greater awareness of student search behaviors during library instruction sessions as well as guidance for providing reference services, particularly virtual reference where it is not possible to see how students construct searches.

Originality/value

– Although there have been studies of student search behaviors, examining behaviors during the context of a library instruction session is unique. This study provides an opportunity to observe student searching in a classroom setting and provides recommendations for more effective library instruction, both in the classroom and at the reference desk.
Crowdsourcing the curriculum
Authors: White-Farnham Jamie , Caffrey Carolyn
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this article is to describe the rationale, process and results of an integrated curricular intervention for information literacy instruction in a first-year writing program.

Design/methodology/approach

– The information literacy coordinator collaborated with writing instructors and the Writing Program Administrator on the initial design of information literacy outcomes. The librarian and instructors created a modular curriculum with multiple lessons and activities aligned to each outcome. The curriculum was housed in the course management system for easy updating and distribution. Finally, instructors taught the embedded information literacy activities for two semesters and measured student improvement through a pre-/post-survey and a rubric-based assessment of students’ citation and documentation.

Findings

– Students saw significant gains over the course of the semester in their ability to use Boolean operators, identify the purpose of sources and understand citation styles. As a related and valuable measure, writing program assessment results showed an improvement in students’ performance in citation and documentation in researched writing assignments after a one-year implementation of the intervention. Writing instructors reported an increased awareness of information literacy pedagogy and intentionality in their teaching. Finally, the librarian was able to leverage this collaboration to highlight the teaching roles of librarians beyond the one-shot.

Originality/value

– Well-known temporal and logistical limits exist in regard to embedded, one-shot and multi-shot approaches to information literacy. The latter two are especially unsustainable when implemented at scale, such as within a first-year writing program that serves hundreds or thousands of students each semester. This study documents a faculty development approach in which writing instructors integrate information literacy (IL) into their own instruction. This offers a model that makes explicit IL processes and skills to writing instructors, results in high student performance and allows especially the small college librarian to manage his/her other strategic information literacy partnerships.
Using a brief questionnaire to assess the overall perceptions of basketball spectators
Authors: Calabuig Moreno Ferran , Crespo Hervás Josep , J. Prado-Gascó Vicente , M. Núñez-Pomar Juan
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is twofold. The first aim is to obtain a valid and reliable instrument for the holistic analysis of sporting events, and the second is to test a causal model in which future intentions depend on spectators’ perceptions of quality, satisfaction, and value of these events.

Design/methodology/approach

– A total of 493 spectators of a professional basketball team in the Spanish ACB league responded to a survey to measure the overall performance of the sporting event service. Exploratory factor analysis and further confirmatory factor analysis using structural equation models provides the methodology for testing the reliability and validity of the instrument.

Findings

– The scales have adequate reliability and validity indices. The path model explains 35.8 percent of the variance in future intentions, 54.0 percent in perceived value, and 49.5 percent in spectators’ satisfaction. Quality proves a better predictor of perceived value than satisfaction. Both perceived value and satisfaction have a similar weight in predicting spectators’ future intentions. The data indicate that quality has an effect on spectators’ future intentions, by altering their perceptions of value and satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

– The research findings are somewhat limited, due to the sample consisting entirely of spectators of a single team in the Spanish ACB league.

Practical implications

– Managers can use these findings to develop loyalty strategies by creating service value and increasing spectators’ satisfaction through quality improvements.

Originality/value

– This study contributes to the literature on service quality by providing an overall measure to assess service in professional sporting events in a Latin-American context.
The impact of supply chain integration on firm performance
Authors: Huo Baofeng , Qi Yinan , Wang Zhiqiang , Zhao Xiande
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to provide empirical evidence of the effectiveness of various supply chain integration (SCI) practices under different competitive strategies in terms of cost leadership and differentiation.

Design/methodology/approach

– Survey methodology was used to collect data from 604 Chinese manufacturers. Hierarchical linear regression was used to analyze the moderating effects.

Findings

– The results showed that competitive strategies significantly influenced the effectiveness of SCI practices, including internal, process and product integration. More specifically, internal integration significantly affected the financial performance of cost leaders, while process integration contributed more to the financial performance of differentiators. However, competitive strategies had no significant moderating effect on the relationship between SCI and operational performance.

Research limitations/implications

– This study contributes to the literature by exploring the effectiveness of various SCI practices in relation to firm performance under different competitive strategies. The results should be treated with caution, as they may be more meaningful in China.

Practical implications

– The findings clarify the alignment of SCI with competitive strategies for practitioners, so that they can allocate their limited resources to build various SCI capabilities based on their strategic choices.

Originality/value

– The results enhance the body of knowledge on SCI from the perspective of contextual factors to explore its effectiveness at a more detailed level. This study extends the literature on the match between competitive strategies and SCI in improving financial performance.
Digital manufacturing-driven transformations of service supply chains for complex products
Authors: Holmström Jan , Partanen Jouni
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the forms that combinations of digital manufacturing, logistics and equipment use are likely to take and how these novel combinations may affect the relationship among logistics service providers (LSPs), users and manufacturers of equipment.

Design/methodology/approach

– Brian Arthur’s theory of combinatorial technological evolution is applied to examine possible digital manufacturing-driven transformations. The F-18 Super Hornet is used as an illustrative example of a service supply chain for a complex product.

Findings

– The introduction of digital manufacturing will likely result in hybrid solutions, combining conventional logistics, digital manufacturing and user operations. Direct benefits can be identified in the forms of life cycle extension and the increased availability of parts in challenging locations. Furthermore, there are also opportunities for both equipment manufacturers and LSPs to adopt new roles, thereby supporting the efficient and sustainable use of digital manufacturing.

Research limitations/implications

– The phenomenon of digital manufacturing-driven transformations of service supply chains for complex product does not yet fully exist in the real world, and its study requires cross-disciplinary collaboration. Thus, the implication for research is to use a design science approach for early-stage explorative research on the form and function of novel combinations.

Practical implications

– Digital manufacturing as a general-purpose technology gives LSPs an opportunity to consolidate demand from initial users and incrementally deploy capacity closer to new users. Reengineering the products that a manufacture currently uses is needed to increase the utilization of digital manufacturing.

Originality/value

– The authors outline a typology of digital manufacturing-driven transformations and identify propositions to be explored in further research and practice.
Putting sustainability into supply chain management
Authors: Beske Philip , Seuring Stefan
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The aim of this paper is to identify key categories of Sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) and related practices that are required to fulfill the demands of sustainability and, therefore, contributing to sustainability performance. As part of this, the authors will identify different approaches in practice implementation in SSCM and supply chain management (SCM). SSCM has become a topic of great interest and is linked to the assumption that a more sustainable performance for businesses would be achieved on its implementation. Such performance has to be achieved with respect to all three dimensions of sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper is conceptual in nature. The authors draw from literature on SSCM and examine frameworks and critical accounts on the topic. This allows identifying key aspects of SSCM and pointing out differences and overlaps with SCM.

Findings

– The authors identify five key categories which are of high importance for the sustainable management of supply chains: orientation toward SCM and sustainability, continuity, collaboration, risk management and proactivity. In a second step, the authors describe distinctive practices which allow organizations to follow the goals formulated in the five key categories. Finally, they highlight issues preventing companies that follow a rather “conventional” approach to SCM to reach the level where it can be called SSCM, i.e. how to reach sustainability performance in SCM.

Research limitations/implications

– The work presented is conceptual in nature. It would be required to operationalize respective categories and, therefore, test them in empirical research.

Practical implications

– The categories and practices identified within the framework can be used for guiding managers toward the implementation of SSCM. This is the case when management takes performance implication into account without solely considering rather simplistic indicators. At the same time, differentiating a company based on the implementation of sustainability practices has become more difficult, due to the proliferation of sustainability in a wider field.

Social implications

– Social aspects are integrated into the framework on the same level as environmental and economic aspects, emphasizing the triple bottom line orientation.

Originality/value

– While all practices applied in SSCM have originally been identified and described by researchers for the case of “conventional” SCM, their particular interrelation and joint implementation makes up SSCM and ensures a contribution to sustainability performance.
Sustainable supply chain and company performance
Authors: Ortas Eduardo , M. Moneva José , Álvarez Igor
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to investigate the link between a sustainable supply chain and companies’ financial performance (FP) and provide empirical evidence about the relationship between these two constructs. This link is an important, but still unclear, subject.

Design/methodology/approach

– Multivariate measures of sustainable supply chain performance and companies’ FP are used for Granger causality tests on a large, diverse sample of 3,900 companies in a time frame of eight years (2004-2011).

Findings

– Results indicate general bidirectional causality between sustainable supply chain performance and companies’ margins and revenue. However, the link between firms’ profitability and sustainable supply chain performance is unidirectional. In addition, the recent financial crisis altered this link between the studied constructs. Finally, a wide diversity in relationship patterns between sustainable supply chain performance and companies’ FP emerges when the full sample is divided into different geographical regions and economic sectors as specified by the Global Industry Classification Standard system.

Practical implications

– This research makes recommendations for improving several processes, such as stakeholder evaluation of the sustainable supply chain performance of companies worldwide and manager testing of environmental policy outcomes.

Originality/value

– Building on the mostly qualitative literature on sustainable supply chain performance and companies’ FP, this research provides quantitative evidence of the gaps between these constructs. This research contributes to the discussions of supply chain management, environmental practices and the drivers of companies’ environmental and financial success.
“Performance Accelerators” push the frontiers of CFO leadership
Authors: Fuessler Bill
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– Through interviews last year with 576 CFOs to find out how they’re contributing to the revenue, growth and foresight of the enterprises they represent, IBM researchers sought to identify the best practices of leading companies.

Design/methodology/approach

– IBM researchers identified a cohort of companies with outstanding finance units they called Value Integrators, organizations that were more effective than their peers in almost every area assessed. The finance units were especially good at measuring and monitoring business performance, managing risk and generating predictive insights.

Findings

– A subset of this group of successful firms far outperformed the rest. The researchers dubbed these superstars Performance Accelerators because they’ve mastered their core duties so thoroughly that they’ve taken a leap ahead of every other kind of finance organization.

Practical implications

– The Performance Accelerators’ particular blend of skills equipped them to help their companies make smarter decisions.

Originality/value

– Performance Accelerators exert more influence on the enterprises they serve, and make a bigger contribution to performance than any other kind of finance organization. And they do so because they are particularly adept at generating deep insights that can be used to stimulate profitable growth.
Sensors now looking for leaks, contaminates and damage, and not just counting or weighing packages
Authors: Bloss Richard
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to review the most recent innovations in sensor technology for better quality in packaging. Checking for container seals, damaged product, contaminates as well as tracking product to meet government requirements.

Design/methodology/approach

– In-depth interviews with both the exhibitors and integrators of sensors at the recent PackExpo show.

Findings

– Sensor technology continues to address an ever increasing number of packaging applications including quality, safety, product tracking, correct labeling as well as counting, weighing and other more traditional applications.

Practical implications

– Sensor technology advances with greater use of X-ray, magnetic detection and remote chemical monitoring that are addressing an ever increasing number of packaging applications including quality, safety as well as counting, weighing and other more traditional applications.

Originality/value

– Customers will learn about the latest in X-ray, magnetic sensing and the application of vision, weighing and counting technologies for improved products as they pass through the packaging phase of production.
A novel sensor array and classifier optimization method of electronic nose based on enhanced quantum-behaved particle swarm optimization
Authors: Jia Pengfei , Tian Fengchun , Fan Shu , He Qinghua , Feng Jingwei , X. Yang Simon
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of the paper is to propose a new optimization algorithm to realize a synchronous optimization of sensor array and classifier, to improve the performance of E-nose in the detection of wound infection. When an electronic nose (E-nose) is used to detect the wound infection, sensor array’s optimization and parameters’ setting of classifier have a strong impact on the classification accuracy.

Design/methodology/approach

– An enhanced quantum-behaved particle swarm optimization based on genetic algorithm, genetic quantum-behaved particle swarm optimization (G-QPSO), is proposed to realize a synchronous optimization of sensor array and classifier. The importance-factor (I-F) method is used to weight the sensors of E-nose by its degree of importance in classification. Both radical basis function network and support vector machine are used for classification.

Findings

– The classification accuracy of E-nose is the highest when the weighting coefficients of the I-F method and classifier’s parameters are optimized by G-QPSO. All results make it clear that the proposed method is an ideal optimization method of E-nose in the detection of wound infection.

Research limitations/implications

– To make the proposed optimization method more effective, the key point of further research is to enhance the classifier of E-nose.

Practical implications

– In this paper, E-nose is used to distinguish the class of wound infection; meanwhile, G-QPSO is used to realize a synchronous optimization of sensor array and classifier of E-nose. These are all important for E-nose to realize its clinical application in wound monitoring.

Originality/value

– The innovative concept improves the performance of E-nose in wound monitoring and paves the way for the clinical detection of E-nose.
Improved image defogging method and its application in video monitoring system based on ARM
Authors: Zhu Haijiang , Yin Xiupu , Wang Xuan
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to improve an image defogging algorithm based on a dark channel prior and use this method to clear the foggy image on the Advanced RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computing) Machines (ARM) platform.

Design/methodology/approach

– The divided strategy of the foggy image was proposed through the estimation of the brightness and transmission thresholds. The two regions of the foggy image were processed using two transmissions. Many foggy images were tested using the improved method.

Findings

– The finding resulting from this study is that a divided strategy has been proposed to use the image defogging. Compared with the existing methods, the running time of the improved method is less on the ARM platform.

Practical implications

– Image enhancement is an important technology of digital images, and the quality of images plays a key role in the video monitoring and the intelligent transportation system.

Originality/value

– This paper presented an improved image defogging method using the divided strategy and a substantial number of experimental results was provided to demonstrate this method.
Tunnel-based method of sensitivity matrix calculation for 3D-ECT imaging
Authors: Wajman Radosław , Banasiak Robert
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to introduce a significant modification of the sensitivity maps calculation process using electric field distribution analysis. A sensitivity matrix is typically a crucial part of a deterministic image reconstruction process in a three-dimensional capacitance tomography (3D ECT) and strictly decides about a final image quality. Commonly used sensitivity matrix computation methods mostly provide acceptable results and additionally allow to perform a recalculation of sensitivity maps according to the changing permittivity distribution.

Design/methodology/approach

– The new “tunnel-based” algorithm is proposed which traces the surfaces constructed along the electric field lines. The new solution is developed and tested using experimental data.

Findings

– To fully validate the new technique both linear and non-linear image reconstruction processes were performed and the criteria of image error estimation were discussed. This paper discusses some preliminary results of the image reconstruction process using the new proposed algorithm. As a result of this research, an increased accuracy of the new method is proved.

Originality/value

– The presented results of image reconstruction with new sensitivity matrix in comparison with the classic matrix proved that the new solution is able to improve the convergence and stability of image reconstruction process for 3D ECT imaging.
Formaldehyde sensing properties of ZnO-based hollow nanofibers
Authors: Wei Shaohong , Zhang Youjuan , Zhou Meihua
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to synthesize SnO2–ZnO hollow nanofibers, study their sensing properties and introduce an attractive candidate for formaldehyde detection in practice.

Design/methodology/approach

– Pure and SnO2–ZnO hollow nanofibers were synthesized by electrospinning method and characterized via X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The formaldehyde-sensing properties were investigated.

Findings

– The optimum performance was obtained at 260°C by the 14 at.% SnO2–ZnO hollow nanofiber sensor. The sensor could detect formaldehyde down to 0.1 ppm with rapid response–recovery time (4-6 s and 7-9 s, respectively), high sensitivity, good selectivity and stability. The relationship between the sensor’s sensitivity and formaldehyde concentration suggests that the adsorbed oxygen species on the sensor’s surface is O2−. The prominent sensing properties are attributed to the one dimensional hollow nanofiber structures and the promoting effects of SnO2.

Practical implications

– The sensor fabricated from 14 at.% SnO2–ZnO fibers exhibits excellent formaldehyde-sensing characteristics. It can be used for formaldehyde detection in practice.

Social implications

– The electrospinning method is a very simple and convenient method for fabricating hollow nanofibers and the sensing material is of low cost.

Originality/value

– To the best of the authors’ knowledge, studies on formaldehyde sensing of SnO2–ZnO hollow nanofibers have not been reported before.
The assessment of structural concretes during construction phases
Authors: Uva Giuseppina , Porco Francesco , Fiore Andrea , Mezzina Mauro
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to collect the numerical elaboration of resistances measured on cubes made during the concrete casting and on cores extracted after the completion of the structure, for the concrete used in the construction of the “Esaro” Dam facilities (Cosenza, Italy). In addition to the statistical treatment of the sample, aimed at assessing the analytical congruence with the homogeneous classes provided in the design, the influence of compaction degree on in place strength value was qualitatively evaluated.

Design/methodology/approach

– The reliability of the concrete during the construction phases was evaluated by two analytical control types according to Italian and European technical rules: “production controls” based on statistical processing of resistance values; “laying controls” that serve to assess the compaction degree with a statistical approach.

Findings

– Results highlighted in the assessing of compliance checks of the mixture, the fundamental relation between statistical approach and concrete laying control. They become important when is necessary to quantify, especially in the case of great infrastructure, the gap between “potential” and “structural” concrete.

Originality/value

– The advantage obtained by controlling the compaction degree in the construction phase is unquestionable. Specifically, it might allow a reduction of the drilling cores, and so minor structural damage, especially for relatively recent structures favouring extensive non-destructive tests.
The consideration of trees in rights of light cases: part 1
Authors: S. Defoe Peter , Spence Catherine
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to establish a methodology by which the impact of trees may be assessed in rights of light cases.

Design/methodology/approach

– By considering the available technologies and theoretical modelling, the research demonstrated that the loss of daylight resulting from the existence of trees can be evaluated to a reasonable degree such that their effect in rights of light cases may be taken into account by the courts.

Findings

– The extent of obstruction to daylight that is caused by trees changes from season to season, i.e. trees grow in height and/or width and deciduous trees tend to lose their leaves during the winter. Measurement of the trees should occur during winter months and reasonable approximations can be made.

Research limitations/implications

– Further research is advisable to provide a more complete compendium of tree types and to build a reliable database of transparency values and rights of light software will need to be modified to simplify the calculation process.

Practical implications

– The consideration of trees in rights of light cases may be very significant. A dominant owner may be more affected by a proposed development if part of their light is already obstructed by trees and a servient owner may have an argument that existing trees cause a significant obstruction which might, in the right circumstances, reduce or remove the actionability of their proposals.

Social implications

– This research will have considerable benefit to anyone contemplating rights of light involving obstruction by trees.

Originality/value

– This is the first time that the use of BRE transparency factors for trees has been considered in connection with rights of light.
Building heritage in Enterprise Zones: the latest threat or opportunity?
Authors: Birch Justin , Squires Graham
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to consider heritage for buildings within Enterprise Zones – a programme promoted by central government to improve the UK economy. A central view has been focusing on economic growth, with little thought given to the wider implications of heritage when imposing these zones of deregulation.

Design/methodology/approach

– An illustrative case study of Bristol Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone is used that includes primary interviews with key stakeholders involved in the zone. This is synthesised with secondary literature review allowing an investigation of the way in which heritage issues are being dealt with and the resulting implications for both Bristol and in other zones in the UK.

Findings

– Conflicts are demonstrated between the objectives of the Enterprise Zone scheme and those of heritage protection, indicating that they are not natural partners. It is argued that existing statutory protection is not necessarily enough to safeguard the heritage of these areas, given that the balance of power is now tipped in favour of economic growth.

Originality/value

– If lessons can be learnt from this study then potential heritage issues from similar zoned developments can be avoided. The study encourages positive engagement with heritage by central government. Furthermore, it presents the first academic study that considers heritage within the latest tranche of spatially targeted fiscal incentive programmes.
ICT enabled participatory urban planning and policy development
Authors: Khan Zaheer , Ludlow David , Loibl Wolfgang , Soomro Kamran
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The aim of this paper is to present the effectiveness of participatory information and communication technology (ICT) tools for urban planning, in particular, supporting bottom-up decision-making in urban management and governance.

Design/methodology/approach

– This work begins with a presentation on the state of the art literature on the existing participatory approaches and their contribution to urban planning and the policymaking process. Furthermore, a case study, namely, the UrbanAPI project, is selected to identify new visualisation and simulation tools applied at different urban scales. These tools are applied in four different European cities – Vienna, Bologna, Vitoria-Gasteiz and Ruse – with the objective to identify the data needs for application development, commonalities in requirements of such participatory tools and their expected impact in policy and decision-making processes.

Findings

– The case study presents three planning applications: three-dimensional Virtual Reality at neighbourhood scale, Public Motion Explorer at city-wide scale and Urban Growth Simulation at city-region scale. UrbanAPI applications indicate both active and passive participation secured by applying these tools at different urban scales and hence facilitate evidence-based urban planning decision-making. Structured engagement with the city administrations indicates commonalities in user needs and application requirements creating the potential for the development of generic features in these ICT tools which can be applied to many other cities throughout Europe.

Originality/value

– This paper presents new ICT-enabled participatory urban planning tools at different urban scales to support collaborative decision-making and urban policy development. Various technologies are used for the development of these IT tools and applied to the real environment of four European cities.
Passive crowdsourcing in government using social media
Authors: Charalabidis Yannis , N. Loukis Euripidis , Androutsopoulou Aggeliki , Karkaletsis Vangelis , Triantafillou Anna
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to develop a novel approach to e-participation, which is based on “passive crowdsourcing” by government agencies, exploiting the extensive political content continuously created in numerous Web 2.0 social media (e.g. political blogs and microblogs, news sharing sites and online forums) by citizens without government stimulation, to understand better their needs, issues, opinions, proposals and arguments concerning a particular domain of government activity or public policy.

Design/methodology/approach

– This approach is developed and elaborated through cooperation with potential users experienced in the design of public policies from three countries (Austria, Greece and the UK), using a combination of quantitative and qualitative techniques: co-operative development of application scenarios, questionnaire surveys, focus groups and workshops and, finally, in-depth interviews.

Findings

– A process model for the application of the proposed passive crowdsourcing approach has been developed, which is quite different from the one of the usual active crowdsourcing. Based on it, the functional architecture of the required supporting information and communication technologies (ICT) infrastructure has been formulated, and then its technological architecture has been designed, addressing the conflicting requirements: low response time and, at the same time, provision of sufficiently “fresh” content for policymakers.

Practical implications

– Taking into account that traditionally government agencies monitor what the press writes about them, our research provides a basis for extending efficiently these activities in the new electronic media world (e.g. newspapers websites, blogs and microblogs, online forums, etc.) to understand better the needs, issues, opinions, arguments and proposals raised by the society with respect to important domains of government activity and public policies.

Social implications

– The proposed approach provides a new channel for the “voice” of the society to be directly communicated to the government so that the latter can design its policies and activities based on the social needs and realities and not on oversimplified models and stereotypes.

Originality/value

– Our paper proposes a novel approach to e-participation, which exploits the Web 2.0 social media – but in a quite different way from previous approaches – for conducting “passive crowdsourcing”, and elaborates it: it develops an application process model for it and also an ICT infrastructure for supporting it, which are quite different from the ones of the existing “active crowdsourcing” approaches.