bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Life cycle costing: a review of published case studies
Authors: Korpi Eric , Ala‐Risku Timo
Published: April 2008

Purpose

Despite existing life cycle costing (LCC) method descriptions and practicable suggestions for conducting LCC analyses, no systematic analyses on actual implementations of LCC methods exist. This paper aims to review reports on LCC applications to provide an overview of LCC uses and implementation feasibility.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of LCC cases reported in academic and practitioner literature. Case reports were compared against one another and against the defining articles in the field.

Findings

Most of the reported LCC applications were far from ideal. Compared to the methods suggested in the literature many of the case study applications: covered fewer parts of the whole life cycle, estimated the costs on a lower level of detail, used cost estimation methods based on expert opinion rather than statistical methods, and were content with deterministic estimates of life cycle costs instead of using sensitivity analyses.

Research limitations/implications

This review is limited to reported LCC applications only. Further research is encouraged in the form of a field‐based multiple‐case study to reveal context‐specific dimensions of LCC analysis and implementation challenges in more detail.

Practical implications

This review highlights the difficulty of conducting a reliable LCC analysis, and points out typical problems that should be carefully considered before drawing conclusions from the LCC analysis.

Originality/value

First systematic analysis of LCC applications that gives directions for further research on the LCC concept.
To what extent does internal control effectiveness increase the value of internal evidence?
Authors: Janvrin Diane
Published: April 2008

Purpose

This research seeks to examine whether two relevant characteristics, source objectivity and internal control effectiveness, influence how auditors evaluate evidence items supporting accounting estimates.

Design/methodology/approach

A controlled experiment approach with a sample of 24 auditors from one large international firm.

Findings

Results indicate that effective internal controls reduce the impact of relying on internal as opposed to external evidence items. Results also suggest that auditors place reliance on internal control effectiveness when they evaluate external evidence items.

Practical implications

Recent professional trends, such as the demand for faster financial reporting, put pressure on auditors to rely on internal rather than more persuasive external evidence items. Relying on less persuasive evidence items reduces audit effectiveness. Auditors may respond by examining a second evidence characteristic; US audit standards suggest evaluating internal control effectiveness if evidence was generated from internal (i.e. client) sources. Thus, this study explores whether internal control effectiveness reduces the impact of relying on evidence items with lower source objectivity.

Originality/value

Prior research has concentrated on examining the impact of a change in one evidence characteristic on audit judgment; this study expands the understanding of the evidence evaluation process by exploring how auditors evaluate multiple evidence characteristics. Furthermore, as suggested by Bonner, this research identifies an audit judgment deficiency (i.e. reliance on less persuasive internal evidence due to the demand for faster financial reporting) and examines one potential remedy (i.e. consideration of internal control effectiveness).
Auditing students’ professional commitment and anticipatory socialization and their relationship to whistleblowing
Authors: Elias Rafik
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The accounting profession has emphasized the need for professionals to develop ethical attitudes early in their career, even before they enter the profession. The current study aims to examine the attitude of 128 US auditing students regarding whistleblowing.

Design/methodology/approach

Some determinants of whistleblowing perception such as professional commitment and anticipatory socialization (as operationalized by perception of financial reporting) are explored.

Findings

The results indicate that auditing students very close to graduation with more commitment to their profession and higher perception of financial reporting are more likely to blow the whistle on illegal management actions.

Originality/value

The results of the research have implications for the accounting profession and accounting education.
Globalization, growth, and poverty: the missing link
Authors: Akoum Ibrahim F.
Published: April 2008

Purpose

To review the literature on the relationship between growth, globalization, and poverty, and present empirical evidence on whether countries registering high growth rates do necessarily succeed in reducing the incidence of poverty.

Design/methodology/approach

Notwithstanding data and methodological problems cited in the literature, this paper makes an effort to quantitatively examine the issue of statistical correlation between growth and poverty variables, through regressing the share of population in poverty on growth rates of countries for which data is available from World Bank surveys.

Findings

The paper concludes that countries registering high growth rates do not necessarily succeed in reducing poverty, thereby, holding that a wide‐ranging policy approach could be more effective in poverty reduction than the broad‐based growth policy approach.

Originality/value

The debate among academics and practitioners over the causal relationship between growth and poverty has not rendered any conclusive evidence that growth is a sufficient condition for reducing poverty, hence the difficulty facing policy makers on the most effective approach for poverty reduction. This paper is an attempt to contribute to this debate and assessing whether to embrace the broad‐based growth or pro‐poor growth policies.
Islam versus liberalism: contrasting epistemological inquiries
Authors: Alam Choudhury Masudul
Published: April 2008

Purpose

To address the much heated debate now raging in the international scene, namely between Islam and the West as two great civilization forces of mankind.

Design/methodology/approach

The objective is achieved by studying it in the light of rigorous analysis involving the world‐systems of the two paradigms and by subjecting the analysis to mathematical investigation as necessary.

Findings

Some specific issues, such as epistemology and the associated phenomenological model, its application for economy, markets, money and globalization are investigated to establish the arguments of the paper.

Research limitations/implications

If research is reported on in the paper this section must be completed and should include suggestions for future research and any identified limitations in the research process.

Practical implications

Some practical implications arising from the theoretical basis of the paper are shown in the areas of money and real economy, globalization and the economy.

Originality/value

Such a contrasting scientific argumentation between Islam and neoliberalism as the contrasting paradigms has not been undertaken in any paper that I know of. Thus, this is an original paper in argumentation rather than polemics.
Challenging trickle‐down approach
Authors: Azeem Qureshi Muhammad
Published: April 2008

Purpose

Successive governments in Pakistan have been pursuing pro‐growth trickle‐down approach with the proclaimed intent that benefits of growth will ultimately reach all. The purpose of this paper is to challenge this intent with a systemic model and suggest alternative policy.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper develops a model of system structure of public expenditure and human development (HD) using System Dynamics method. The theoretical and empirical literature provides the conceptual framework to model the paradoxical case of Pakistan.

Findings

The simulation results show that high economic growth may not result into better HD indicators. This is in conflict with the trickle‐down approach of economic growth which advocates the economically disadvantaged segments of the society ultimately reap the long‐term benefits of economic growth. On the contrary, high spending on education and health will yield better results even if the economy grows at a relatively lower rate. This paper suggests that the demographic and human development of Pakistan has strong linkages with the public expenditure on HD and weak linkages with the economic growth.

Practical implications

The paper suggests a threshold of 3 percent of sustained economic growth rate as a pre‐requisite to plan for HD in Pakistan. With that in place the government should adhere to high public spending on education and health for HD which is not only an end in itself but is also a must for sustainable development.

Research limitations/implications

This paper assumes exogenous gross domestic product (GDP). The future research requires relaxing of exogenous assumption for GDP to make it endogenous to reflect two‐way feedback relationship of HD and GDP in the long run. Moreover, it will be useful to model the role of HD to promote equitable income distribution in this context where asymmetric income distribution is especially pronounced and may have causal links with HD.

Originality/value

A detailed and robust population cohorts' structure that provides demographic development over time is a unique feature of the model developed for this paper. This is a conscious effort to reflect the causal links of economic growth and HD that involve nonlinearity and delays.
Should we replace the environment?
Authors: Antoci Angelo , Borghesi Simone , Galeotti Marcello
Published: April 2008

Purpose

To protect against the increasing environmental degradation many agents choose today to replace consumption of depleted environmental goods with that of privately produced substitute goods. The present paper aims to highlight how this “self‐protective” behaviour that is increasingly frequent in modern societies may affect the welfare of the individuals.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a combination of narrative with argument and analysis. It first provides several examples of self‐protective choices to give a heuristic view of this phenomenon and then examines their effects through a simple evolutionary model that leads the reader beyond a purely intuitive understanding of the substitution mechanism described in the first part.

Findings

The paper shows that replacing environmental goods with artificial substitute goods may give rise to an “undesiderable growth” process, that is, a vicious circle between environmental degradation and private consumption which contributes to economic growth but may have negative effects on the welfare of the agents.

Originality/value

The paper investigates an aspect of the link between environmental degradation and economic growth that has been mainly ignored in the literature so far. While most contributions have underlined that self‐protective choices can boost economic growth, the paper goes one step forward and shows that they can actually give rise to a self‐reinforcing growth process in which environmental degradation increases economic growth and viceversa, leading the economy on a welfare‐reducing path.
Can education affect pro‐social behavior?
Authors: Ahmed Ali
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether education and training affect pro‐social behavior. Economics students are often accused of being less pro‐social. The explanations given are that less pro‐social people choose to study economics or that economics studies indoctrinate students to selfish behavior. The paper experimentally tests these postulations.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses the prisoner's dilemma game and stag hunt game to study cooperation across different groups of students.

Findings

The experiment supports neither of the postulations: economics students would be indoctrinated or less pro‐social people choose to study economics. However, the study shows that police cadets, who go through an education where teamwork and cooperation is promoted, become more cooperative and pro‐social after their completed education.

Originality/value

In contrast to earlier studies, this paper does not simply study economics students, but also examines if students in educational programs that promote loyalty and cooperation and encourage teamwork are more pro‐social than other students.
A note on mergers and acquisitions
Authors: Cigola Margherita , Modesti Paola
Published: April 2008

Purpose

Recently numerous mergers have been realized. The paper aims to discuss famous static models about the exchange ratio. The paper then seeks to propose a simple dynamical model to valuate both the immediate merger's effects and the delayed ones.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines from an analytical viewpoint the inequalities of Larson and Gonedes and of Yagil about the exchange ratio. Then, it looks for a possible valuation of future dividends through a dynamical approach.

Findings

The paper shows that the results of Larson and Gonedes and of Yagil are substantially the same and, in spite of appareances, do not propose real limitations, but only formal constraints, which need to be further treated before obtaining useful information. The paper then provides sufficient conditions to have dividends and/or prices greater than dividends and/or prices in absence of merger. Finally, an index to valuate synergy is proposed.

Research limitations/implications

On the basis of real data, the model may be tested. Moreover, non‐linear models and a stochastic framework could be considered.

Practical implications

The paper provides a critical viewpoint to consider classical models. Furthermore, the valuation method for future dividends may be applied and the synergy index may be calculated.

Originality/value

Both the results about the classical inequalities (to the authors' knowledge, there is no study in such a sense) and the dynamical model (the paper studies possible gains within a time horizon T and not only at time 0 and it does not obtain the fundamental value of stocks, as Yagil does, but their market price) are original.
Exchange ratios in a merger with stochastic capital reserves: fair valuation and embedded options
Authors: Giacomello Bruno
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze how exchange ratios in mergers can be assessed when the companies economic capital valuation is carried out in a stochastic framework with financial assets and minimum guarantees.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a theoretical one. Its main objective is to present a quantitative model for exchange ratios accounting, introducing a stochastic pricing model in the presence of stochastic cash‐flows and representing contractual embedded real option such as minimum guarantees.

Findings

The paper presents a financial model to evaluate the differences in exchange ratios induced by stochastic capital reserves in the merging companies.

Research limitations/implications

Stochastic cash‐flows in the economic capital of the merging companies set up a stochastic capital reserve which represents an additional value and could induce important differences in exchange ratios.

Practical implications

The model is fully applicable, also in the presence of embedded real options such as minimum guarantees, but requires the volatility of the underlying.

Originality/value

The paper should be useful under both a managerial and a theoretical use in order to evaluate stochastic exchange ratios.
Synergies, shareholder value and exchange ratios in “value‐creating” mergers
Authors: Kürsten Wolfgang
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this research paper is to clarify why shareholders should be prudent when managers promise value gains from a synergetic merger.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper proposes a simple two‐state model of stochastic firm cash flows which allows for a discussion of wealth redistribution in conglomerate mergers, both under perfect information and moral hazard.

Findings

It is found that shareholders regularly lose in non‐synergetic mergers, and will not necessarily gain if synergies are positive. In the model, a corresponding critical level of synergies is calculated explicitly. It is shown that there are also new value effects induced by moral hazard, which constitute genuine financial synergies of their own.

Research limitations/implications

The positive synergies are due to the mitigation of asset substitution problems after the merger, and they are an interesting question for generalization in future research.

Practical implications

As one of its practical implications, the findings suggest that managers should provide shareholders with concrete ideas of where promised synergies might come from, and why there should exist any bargaining range for equilibrium exchange ratios which leaves all shareholders better off.

Originality/value

The paper shows that these questions can be answered on a rigorous basis which might improve the pre‐merger decision process between managers, shareholders and the affected groups of stakeholders, respectively.
Exchange ratio determination in a market equilibrium
Authors: Moretto Enrico , Rossi Stefano
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The paper aims to present an exchange ratio for merging companies that incorporates the change in the level of riskiness.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a theoretical one. Its main objective has been achieved exploiting standard modern finance results such as Capital Asset Pricing Model Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM).

Findings

The paper offers a formula that determines a risk‐adjusted exchange ratio that takes into account both risk and synergy.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the fact that CAPM is applied and beta factors are required, the formula is fully applicable only to companies whose stocks are traded on a financial market. Empirical test of the exchange ratio formula (using, for instance, an event‐study methodology) should be performed.

Practical implications

The use of the formula allows the identification of whether the offered exchange ratio fully reflects the expected return/risk profile for stockholders of the merging companies.

Originality/value

The paper should be useful in both theoretical and managerial conditions. It carries a way to embed relative riskiness of two companies into a simple formula.
The alchemy of acquisition currency: exclusive advantages of listed companies
Authors: Tagliavini Giulio
Published: April 2008

Purpose

Acquisition currency is the possibility, enjoyed mainly by listed companies, of paying for acquisitions with paper (i.e. with conversion shares) instead of financial means, decreasing the participating share of the controlling shareholder as little as possible. The paper seeks to address the issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes an original model to deal with the conceptual framework of the problem.

Findings

The acquisition currency game is interesting and it is worth playing it. It is clear that at a certain point the mechanism breaks and it is useful to see what happens. A mechanism that continues to increase the P/E does not exist; at a certain point there must be a limit.

Originality/value

The paper illustrates that the model convincingly describes some current behaviour of stock exchange prices and alerts about some dangerous situations.
Location and shelf mapping from OPAC search results: with reference to Wichita State University
Authors: Li Hongfei , Deng Sai
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine dynamic mapping of holding locations to the animated maps in a library catalog which aims to resolve complex shelving situations, augment the user experience in locating library materials and enrich the Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) by integrating external programming into the Integrated Library System (ILS).

Design/methodology/approach

Dynamic mapping displays animated direction maps for users to locate quickly the items found in the library catalog. The maps are displayed in accordance with various shelving policies. At Wichita State University Libraries, the original bibliographic data are captured from the record results page in the OPAC and transferred to a processing program residing on another server. Instead of transferring ISBN/ISSN (International Standard Book Number/ International Standard Serial Number, as practiced by some libraries) to display the Syndetic cover images, it transfers bibliographic ID and a few other fields from MARC (MAchine‐Readable Cataloging) records to a processing program which queries the ILS database for extracting data needed for the dynamic map processing. The dynamic map system consists of three sections: queried data from the ILS database, programming logic, and dynamic maps.

Findings

Compared to title‐level shelving map displays that have been implemented in some libraries, holding level map displays solve the problem of complex shelving situations, such as a title with multiple copies shelved in different locations and/or in different formats.

Originality/value

This project received very positive feedback from the library community and this paper will provide information to those libraries which are interested in dynamically presenting holding information in their OPAC.
Using blogs in academic libraries: versatile information platforms
Authors: Schrecker Diane L.
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of the paper was to provide an in‐depth discussion of the poster session, Keep Blogging Along: Side by Side Library Blogs, presented at the American Library Association's Annual Conference in Washington, DC, June 27, 2007.

Design/methodology/approach

Complete with each blog discussed is a distinction of purpose, basic elements of blog design including organizational labels and tags, enhancement and usability tools, and a statement of success or failure for each project.

Findings

Comprehensive information concerning three academic library blogs; topics of collection development, children's literature review, a collaborative professional development project, and a supplemental academic course blog is provided.

Practical implications

To make available basic tools and resources for readers to create a blog, or blogs; keep statistical and evaluative information on individual projects; and enhance project usability with tools and widgets.

Originality/value

This paper details various innovative uses for blogs, or web logs, in an academic library setting and provides constructive resources to assist readers with researching and utilizing this technology.
Diversity: the research and the lack of progress
Authors: Winston Mark
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address the profession's focus on diversity, including the original research, and analyze the research beyond the profession to understand better the bases for the limited progress in fulfilling diversity goals. The paper focuses on the fact that diversity has been equated with race and the potential implications of that relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

An overview and analysis of diversity research, including factors associated with the success of diversity programs, is presented, focusing on research regarding the relationship between diversity and race. The article also considers how perceptions of race and racism have been manifested across sectors and in various countries. Based upon the fact that diversity and race have been equated, the discussion focuses on the extent to which this relationship is connected to the limited progress associated with diversity goals.

Findings

Research related to race, diversity, and affirmative action indicate both the complexity of the concepts among scientists, social scientists, and members of the general public, as well as the biases reflected in the viewpoints, often manifested in public policy. The research among communication scholars also indicates a predisposition to avoiding communication about difficult topics, such as race and racism, reflective in the use of more benign terminology, such as diversity.

Practical implications

While diversity research continues to be necessary in the profession, going beyond that which documents the levels of under‐representation, there is also the need for further consideration of the applicability of research beyond the LIS profession. In this regard, the understanding of research related to diversity, race, and affirmative action, and the relationship among the three provides the basis for further research in LIS and a more informed approach in addressing diversity issues in the profession.

Originality/value

The primary focus of the discussion of the paper is that of the nature of diversity, race and racism, as defined in the context of the USA. However, research related to race, racial classifications and hierarchies, and diversity in other parts of North America, Australia, Europe, and Africa are considered to a limited extent as well.
Smart spaces: creating new instructional space with smart classroom technology
Authors: Wang Zhonghong
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to describe the Long Island University Brooklyn Campus Library's experience with a Smart Space Project. This paper recounts how the library creates new instructional spaces, through the use of smart technologies. This study illustrates challenges facing the library, recounts collaboration with other campus units, and describes support service provided by Library Information Technology. This account contributes to the sharing and discussion of experiences among modern academic libraries regarding needs assessment, space planning, and utilization of technology to support library services.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature review includes space planning, building renovation and construction, and instructional technology. Various aspects of the Smart Space Project are described and analyzed. Studies and experiences from other academic libraries are also discussed.

Findings

Space renovation projects may be complex, requiring a systematic approach encompassing vision, needs assessment, funding, planning, technological considerations, and collaboration with other campus units. Creativity, flexibility, open‐mindedness, and attention to details are keys to the success of renovation projects.

Research limitations/implications

In the areas of library space, student learning behaviour, utilization of technology, and smart technology's impacts on online/distance library instruction, more research needs to be conducted.

Practical implications

This account provides useful information and first‐hand experience for library administrators and faculty planning instructional space projects.

Originality/value

This article provides a snapshot of the efforts of a mid‐sized urban library to address issues of limited space, budgetary constraints, growing collections, and increasing user needs. It provides practical lessons and suggestions for other library administrators and faculty seeking to make building and instructional technology improvements. It also offers valuable information for library information technology units implementing smart instructional projects.
User involvement in the Open University library building project
Authors: Hunt Mary
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to show that the Open University library building project was particularly successful for its inclusion of library staff. This was mainly due to the emphasis on a partnering ethos with integrated workshops. The paper identifies the value of such approaches in all building projects and highlights additional factors that enabled a full contribution from the Library.

Design/methodology/approach

The Open University project is used as a case study of user involvement in a building project.

Findings

The paper finds that making partnering work is dependent on putting in place a structured approach that incorporates all the elements included in the definition: delivering better value for partners; reducing duplication and waste of resources; identifying and evaluating progress towards mutual objectives; developing an issue resolution process; and measuring through the use of performance indicators.

Originality/value

This is the only example of a partnering project used for a library building known to the author. Promoting the advantages of partnering and integrated teamworking is of value to the construction industry as well as to clients (Estates departments) and building users (library staff and customers).
Exploring common ground: US Writing Center/Library Collaboration
Authors: Mahaffy Mardi
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how library reference departments and writing centers have extended their services to reach audiences beyond their respective locations, and to analyze the experiences of one university in collaboration between the two entities. The aim is to provide insight into the advantages and disadvantages of two approaches toward collaboration: that of a reference librarian holding office hours in a writing center, and writing center consultants providing service hours within the library.

Design/methodology/approach

Reference/consultation logs and input from participating consultants and librarians are utilized to explore the usage and effectiveness of the two collaborative approaches.

Findings

Analyzing student participation in the library and writing center services indicate that, while students are not likely to seek library reference services in the writing center, they appreciate having writing consultation services available within the library at times when the writing center is not open. Observation also suggests that students use services differently at the two locations, preferring extended interactions at the writing center where hour‐long consultations are customary.

Practical implications

This work conveys first hand experiences and makes suggestions regarding scheduling, staffing, equipment, and publicity.

Originality/value

Little has been written about the feasibility and practical implications of writing center consultants working within libraries.
How safe is your library?
Authors: Topper Elisa F.
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The paper seeks to draw attention to the fact that libraries need to be on alert about security in the workplace. Management needs to be sure that safety and security policies and procedures are in place for all types of libraries and staff is trained in how to deal with the various issues that may arise.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of a literature review and provides suggestions that may be used to train staff.

Findings

There is awareness that situations happen in libraries but how well staff are trained in dealing with these situations is questionable.

Originality/value

The paper stresses the value of being aware of the safety and security issues that need to be part of ongoing training for all staff, no matter what type of library.
American Library Association Conference 2007
Authors: Ashcroft Linda
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is too provide a flavour of the content of the American Library Association Annual Conference held in Washington DC in June 2007.

Design/methodology/approach

An outline description of the issues, content, networking, speakers and participants of this conference.

Findings

This major conference covered many topical issues and themes, latest trends and research and leading edge technology applicable to librarians and information professionals internationally. It facilitated many networking opportunities.

Originality/value

A conference report of value to librarians and information professionals as the variety of themes apply to the various aspects of library and information work.
Catalytic effects of transition metals in the form of the salts of organic acids in the cross linking of alkyds
Authors: Šťáva V. , Veselý D. , Kalenda P.
Published: April 2008

Purpose

To study the drying effects of cobalt, manganous and mixed salts for their catalytic action in cross linking reactions occurring during the creation of an alkyd resin film.

Design/methodology/approach

The driers of Co‐octoate, Mn‐octoate, Mn‐octoate with an active organic ligand, and mixed drier containing the salts of Mn, Ca, and Zn were employed in the cross linking reactions of alkyls. The study verified the possibility of using manganese as an active cation in catalytic curing reactions. The course of the cross‐linking of alkyds was monitored on a model system of the reactions of drier with ethyl linoleate, using FTIR spectroscopy. Reaction‐rate constants corresponding to the first phase of cross linking were obtained. The driers under scrutiny were used to identify the time of the drying of alkyd resin modified with flax oil. The final phase of the cross linking reactions was monitored by means of measurement the hardness of the created alkyd film depending on time.

Findings

The driers under scrutiny were found to have catalytic effects in auto‐oxidation reactions. Very high efficiency was found with all of the driers. The highest efficiency was found with Co‐octoate resulting in the development of the highest hardness of coatings. Mn‐octoate and mixed driers show a steeper increase in film hardness than Co‐drier, yet the final films are suppler.

Practical implications

The driers studied can be conveniently used to accelerate creation of alkyd coatings modified with natural oils and designed for both industrial and decorative purposes.

Originality/value

The method of identifying the kinetic parameters of the cross‐linking reactions of alkyds is relatively new and facilitates the localisation of driers that are optimum for specific paints formulations. Of benefit is also the study of Mn‐driers that are more environmentally acceptable than Co‐driers.
Effect of sequence concentrations on segmented polyurethanes properties
Authors: Elidrissi A. , Krim O. , Ousslimane S.
Published: April 2008

Purpose

To evaluate in the first stage, the efficiency of changing the nature and the length of diols on the properties of perfectly hard sequences polyurethanes (PU). In the second, the thermal properties of a new series of segmented PU with different concentrations of soft sequences were determined.

Design/methodology/approach

The synthesis of segmented PU has been realised in two stages known as the pre‐polymer method. Various compositions of PU were obtained by keeping the poly(tetramethylene glycol) – PTMG molecular weights constant, but varying its concentration. The products obtained were characterised by IR, NMR, gel permeation chromatography and studied by differential scanning calorimetry.

Findings

The level of phase segregation depends on several parameters, especially the nature of the soft segment and its average molecular weight, nature of the hard sequence and the number of hydrogen bonds established in the PU sequences.

Research limitations/implications

The segmented PU obtained were synthesised from PTMG of number molecular weight 2,000. They could also be synthesised from PTMG of molecular weight 600, 1,000, 2,000, 4,000, etc. The effect of change of PTMG molecular weight on PU properties could also be studied.

Practical implications

Better understanding of the morphology of segmented PU and its effect in the practical domains.

Originality/value

Novel perfectly hard sequences PU have been synthesised and characterised. The effect of soft sequence nature and concentration on the phase segregation in these new series of segmented PU is discussed.
Synthesis of several new pyridine‐2(1H) thiones containing an arylazo function and their applications in textile printing
Authors: El‐Kashouti M.A. , El Molla M.M. , Elsayad H.S. , Ahmed K.A. , Helal M.H. , Elgemeie G.H.
Published: April 2008

Purpose

To synthesise several new pyridine‐2(1H)thione containing an arylazo function and their applications in textile printing.

Design/methodology/approach

To prepare substituted 5‐arylazopyridine‐2(1H)thione by the coupling of diazonium salts of aniline derivatives with dibenzoyl methane (1,3‐diphenyl‐1,3‐propanedione) to form arylhydrazone of dibenzoylmethane which react with cyanothioacetamide in boiling ethanolic sodium ethoxide to yield the 5‐arylazo‐2(1H)‐pyridinethione derivatives. The printing properties by screen printing or transfer printing technique of these dyes are reported by using sodium alginate as thickening agent.

Findings

The structure of 5‐arylazopyridine‐2(1H)thione dyes were established and confirm for the reaction products on the basis of their element analysis and spectral data (MS, IR and 1H‐NMR). The suitability of the prepared dyestuffs for either heat transfer printing or traditional printing on polyester and nylon 6 fabrics has been investigated. The prints obtained from dyes possess high‐colour strength as well as good overall fastness properties.

Research limitations/implications

Synthesis of azo dyes containing pyridinethiole moiety has never been reported in textile printing.

Practical implications

Production of simple and less costly dyes.

Originality/value

5‐arylazo pyridine‐2(1H)thione, the result of our work aimed to define the scope of and limitation of our procedures for the synthesis of novel 5‐arylazopyridine‐2(1H)thione.
A soy‐based adhesive from basic modification
Authors: Wang W.H. , Li X.P. , Zhang X.Q.
Published: April 2008

Purpose

To investigate a new approach for making soy‐based adhesive having appropriate properties for potential application in wood industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Three chemicals were used for modifying protein contained in soy flour. According to orthogonal experiment design, nine soy‐based adhesives were prepared. Shearing strength of plywood bonded with these adhesives was measured to evaluate the bonding strength of nine formulas. Based on statistic analysis, the main effect factor and an optimised formula were determined. Further investigation on the modification effect to protein molecule was conducted by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. In order to facilitate practical application, the viscosity of optimum formula adhesive was measured to determine possible working life. Three additives were added to optimise formula for reducing mould growth.

Findings

Based on soy‐flour mass, the best combination of lime milk, sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and sodium silicate was 10, 2, and 20 per cent, respectively. NaOH was considered the main effect factor on bonding strength, and sodium silicate was of the second importance. The viscosity of the optimised adhesive changed lightly in 2 h, and significantly increased from 2 to 4 h. However, it still could spread on veneer, which indicated a reasonable working life for practical application. Based on soy flour mass, when 0.5 per cent sodium benzoate or 25 per cent phenol formaldehyde was added, mould growth could be restrained after early stage.

Research limitations/implications

Though the studied soy‐based adhesive had a good bonding strength and comparative water resistance, its pH was a little too high, which may cause risks of discolour of light coloured wood. Further study is needed to solve this problem.

Practical implications

The approach provided a bio‐adhesive with good bonding strength, comparative water resistance, reasonable working life, and without formaldehyde emission. Soy‐based adhesive is considered a promising alternate adhesive in wood industry and other applications because of the above mentioned advantages.

Originality/value

It provided a potential way to utilise by‐product of agriculture, soy‐flour, as industrial raw material. This will benefit farmers significantly. Meanwhile, the modified soy‐based adhesive is promising to partly or completely replace urea formaldehyde resin that are mainly used in wood industry, avoiding formaldehyde emission and reducing the dependence on petroleum products.
Adsorption and corrosive inhibitive properties ofVigna unguiculatain alkaline and acidic media
Authors: Umoren S.A. , Obot I.B. , Akpabio L.E. , Etuk S.E.
Published: April 2008

Purpose

To investigate the adsorption behaviour and inhibitive effect ofVigna unguiculata(VU) extract (agricultural waste material) for aluminium corrosion in 0.5 M NaOH and H2SO4.

Design/methodology/approach

The inhibitive effect of the plant extract was assessed using weight loss method at 30 and 60oC. The trend of inhibition efficiency with temperature was used to propose the mechanism of inhibition and type of adsorption.

Findings

VU extract effectively inhibited aluminium corrosion in both alkaline and acidic media. Inhibition efficiency (I %) of the extract increased with increase in concentration of the extract and temperature. Inhibitor adsorption characteristics were approximated by Freunlich and Temkin adsorption isotherms at all the concentrations and temperatures studied. The phenomenon of chemical adsorption is proposed from the activation parameters obtained.

Research limitations/implications

The mechanistic aspect of the corrosion inhibition can be better understood using electrochemical studies such as polarization and AC impedance spectra.

Practical implications

The findings may be useful in metal surface anodizing and metal coating.

Originality/value

This paper provides new information on the possible application of VU extract as eco‐friendly inhibitor. It has not been reported elsewhere.
Smoking cessation: why do smokers fail?
Authors: Wolburg Joyce M.
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to probe three explanations for the difficulty that cigarette smokers have in quitting: the addictive nature of the product; the failure to deliver messages with effective quit strategies; and the resistance to enacting smoking bans in bars and restaurants. It aims to argue that the latter two issues result in misplaced marketing.

Design/methodology/approach

This article examines data from published research, interviews with smokers who have successfully quit, and government statistics to have a clearer picture of the issues.

Findings

Smokers are exposed to anti‐smoking messages created to discourage youth from starting to smoke, but smokers seldom encounter smoking cessation messages that offer realistic quit strategies. Instead, too many messages offer overly simplistic solutions. Furthermore, smokers in many states continue to find smoking permitted in bars – a place that typically triggers the desire to smoke due to associations between drinking and smoking. Arguments favoring smoking bans have concentrated on the health benefits to those who want to avoid second‐hand smoke but have neglected to address the added benefits to smokers.

Practical implications

Creators of messages can focus more specifically on successful quit strategies, and legislators can add a compelling argument for banning smoking in bars and restaurants.

Originality/value

The article calls for an end to misplaced thinking that leads to ineffective campaign message strategy and resistance to smoking bans for bars and restaurants.
Chinese children's perceptions of advertising and brands: an urban rural comparison
Authors: Chan Kara
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how perceptions of truthfulness of television advertising and perceptions of brands vary among urban and rural children in Mainland China and also to collect information about the basis of judgment children used to determine whether commercials are true.

Design/methodology/approach

Descriptive statistics were compiled to give the perceptions of television advertising and brands of the overall sample, as well as the urban and rural sub‐samples. Chi‐square tests and independent sample t‐tests were conducted to examine the urban‐rural difference in perceptions of television advertising and brands. The sample was divided into two groups that were of similar size (age six to nine and age ten‐15). Chi‐square tests were conducted to examine the age difference in advertising perceptions.

Findings

The urban‐rural difference in consumer perceptions of advertising and brands indicates that children's development in consumer socialization depends on the environment. Urban respondents were more skeptical towards advertising than rural children. Urban and rural children shared two similarities: older children were less likely to perceive television commercials truthful than younger children. Younger children liked television commercials more than older children.

Research limitations/implications

The three surveyed urban cities were highly advanced in terms of their economies and advertising development compared with all other Chinese cities. The seven surveyed rural counties cannot be generalized to the very poor rural provinces in China.

Practical implications

The study should serve as an advertising guideline for marketers and advertisers that target urban and rural children in China.

Originality/value

This paper offers insights for employing different advertising message strategies to disseminate market information to urban as well as rural children in China.
The moderating effects of product involvement on situational brand choice
Authors: Xue Fei
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the moderating role of product involvement in predicting the effects of self‐concept and consumption situation on consumers' situational decision making.

Design/methodology/approach

An experiment was conducted based on a two (self‐concept) × two (consumption situation) between group design. Participants' product involvement was treated as a covariate in repeated measures test to analyze the relationships between product involvement, self‐concept and consumption situation.

Findings

Results suggested that, for consumers who were highly involved with the product, self‐concept and consumption situation were both determinant factors in a situational brand choice. For consumers who were not highly involved with the product, however, their situational brand choice was based solely on the situational factor, not their self‐concept.

Research limitation/implications

Participants' pre‐existing attitude towards the brands might have influenced their answers. Only a single product category was used. The findings of this study can help us understand the underlying mechanism for the impact of self‐congruity and situational congruity. From a marketer's perspective, it seems logical to assume that both self‐concept and consumption situation are influential factors for those who find the product personally relevant, while only consumption situation is influential for those who are not.

Originality/value

The paper examines the interaction effect between self‐concept and consumption situation. It introduces a new variable, product involvement, to self‐concept research to extend our understanding of when self/situation congruity effects occur.