bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improvements for multi‐objective optimizations using output space mapping technique
Authors: Vivier Stéphane , Lemoine Didier , Friedrich Guy
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the implementation and management of multi‐objective optimizations, with the help of heuristic algorithms such as space mapping methods.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors consider the design of electromechanical actuators by the use of mathematical and computer means. Experiments are then virtual, because they correspond to numerical simulations. Dimensioning is then ensured by an optimization procedure of the space mapping type, whose main characteristic consists in using two models of the same size actuator (instead of a single one for classical optimization methods). Moreover, one considers here that multiple outputs are defined: this defines a multi‐objective optimization. This paper proposes several techniques making it possible to include the definition of multiple objectives to be fulfilled as part of an output space mapping optimization process.

Findings

The proposed approaches make it possible to stabilize and accelerate the convergence of multi‐objective optimizations performed by space mapping. This is illustrated by the example of the dimensioning of a resonant linear electromagnetic actuator.

Originality/value

The approach presented in the paper is original because it allows finding of a solution to the multi‐objective problem, without building any Pareto front, and most effectively by improving the convergent behavior of the optimization algorithm.
Robust design of a passive wind turbine system
Authors: Hoan Tran Duc , Sareni Bruno , Roboam Xavier , Bru Eric , De Andrade André
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The effectiveness of full passive wind turbine (WT) systems has been recently demonstrated. Such low cost and reliable structures without active control and with a minimum number of sensors can be efficient only if the system design parameters are mutually adapted through an integrated optimal design approach. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the effectiveness of a passive WT with regard to the variations of PMSG electrical parameters.

Design/methodology/approach

This work is more specifically devoted to the sensitivity analysis of a passive WT system according to the electrical variable variations of a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator (PMSG). It also investigates the interest of a robust design approach for reducing the sensitivity of the WT efficiency to the most influencing variables.

Findings

It is shown that efficiency of the passive WT system is rather sensitive to the variation of the stator flux and DC voltage at the system output.

Originality/value

A robust design approach is investigated in order to reduce the passive WT sensitivity to the stator flux and DC voltage variations.
Multi‐objective optimization of a linear induction motor using 3D FEM
Authors: Gong Jinlin , Claudiu Berbecea Alexandru , Gillon Frédéric , Brochet Pascal
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a low evaluation budget optimization strategy for expensive simulation models, such as 3D finite element models.

Design/methodology/approach

A 3D finite element electromagnetic model and a thermal model are developed and coupled in order to simulate the linear induction motor (LIM) to be conceived. Using the 3D finite element coupling model as a simulation model, a multi‐objective optimization with a progressive improvement of a surrogate model is proposed. The proposed surrogate model is progressively improved using an infill set selection strategy which is well‐suited for the parallel evaluation of the 3D finite element coupling model on an eight‐core machine, with a maximum of four models running in parallel.

Findings

The proposed strategy allows for a significant gain of optimization time. The 3D Pareto front composed of the finite element model evaluation results is obtained, which provides the designer with a set of optimal trade‐off solutions for him/her to make the final decision for the engineering design.

Originality/value

An infill set selection strategy is proposed, which allows the parallel evaluation of the finite element model, and at the same time guides the progressive construction of an improved surrogate model during the multi‐objective optimization run. The paper may stand as a good reference for researchers/engineering designers who have to deal with optimal design problems implying costly simulation models.
A priori experimental design for inverse identification of magnetic material properties of an electromagnetic device using uncertainty analysis
Authors: Abou‐Elyazied Abdallh Ahmed , Crevecoeur Guillaume , Dupré Luc
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine a priori the optimal needle placement so to achieve an as accurate as possible magnetic property identification of an electromagnetic device. Moreover, the effect of the uncertainties in the geometrical parameter values onto the optimal sensor position is studied.

Design/methodology/approach

The optimal needle placement is determined using the stochastic Cramér‐Rao lower bound method. The results obtained using the stochastic method are compared with a first order sensitivity analysis. The inverse problem is solved starting from real local magnetic induction measurements coupled with a 3D finite element model of an electromagnetic device (EI core inductor).

Findings

The optimal experimental design for the identification of the magnetic properties of an electromagnetic device is achieved. The uncertainties in the geometrical model parameters have a high effect on the inverse problem recovered solution.

Originality/value

The solution of the inverse problem is more accurate because the measurements are carried out at the optimal positions, in which the effects of the uncertainties in the geometrical model parameters are limited.
Approximation of a double‐peaked lightning channel‐base current
Authors: Javor Vesna
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a new function for approximating lightning channel‐base currents which is useful in return stroke modelling and for calculating lightning electromagnetic fields and induced effects in conductive structures, installations and systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The derivative and integral of the function are obtained analytically. Function parameters are calculated to approximate theoretically assumed or experimentally measured first stroke channel‐base currents using least‐squares method. The proposed expressions are useful for calculating lightning electromagnetic field using thin wire antenna approximation and lightning stroke models. Analytically obtained Fourier transform of the function is needed in the case of a lossy ground.

Findings

The function can approximate both double and one‐rise front waveshapes, so as faster and slower decaying tails. Some important function characteristics can be chosen prior to the approximation procedure, such as the current peak and rise‐time to peak, which is an advantage in comparison to other functions from literature. Parameters can be calculated so to obtain the desired decreasing‐time to half of the peak value; maximum current steepness due to analytically obtained derivative; charge transfer corresponding to the function integral; the specific energy corresponding to integral of the square of the function, etc.

Research limitations/implications

This function can be used also for approximation of other impulse quantities of interest.

Originality/value

The new proposed function for lightning current modelling is suitable for generalization of the procedure for computing electromagnetic fields and induced effects.
“Discovering” what's changed: a revisit of the OPACs of 260 academic libraries
Authors: Hofmann Melissa A. , Yang Sharon Q.
Published: May 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to determine the current usage of next generation online public access catalogs (OPACs) and discovery tools in academic libraries in the USA and Canada.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the same random sample of 260 colleges and universities in the USA and Canada from their original study, the authors revisited each institution's library web page to ascertain whether the OPAC interface(s) offered were the same or different than in their initial data collection. Data was collected and analyzed in October and November 2011.

Findings

Discovery tool use has practically doubled in the last two years, from 16 percent to 29 percent. A total of 96 percent of academic libraries using discovery tools still provide access to their legacy catalog. The percentage of institutions using ILS OPACs with faceted navigation has increased from 2 percent to 4 percent. Combining the use of discovery tools and faceted OPACs, at least 33 percent of academic libraries are now using a faceted interface. Discovery tools that aim to be the “single point of entry for all library resources” are the most recently popular.

Research limitations/implications

About 16 percent of the institutions (n=43) in the sample either did not have web sites or did not provide access to their online catalogs. Thus, some data might be underreported.

Practical implications

The findings identify trends that may inform academic libraries in the quest to providing next generation interfaces to their varied resources.

Originality/value

This study gives a timely update of next generation catalog (NGC) and discovery tool usage in academic libraries in the USA and Canada.
Towards an understanding of the participatory library
Authors: Cuong Nguyen Linh , Partridge Helen , Edwards Sylvia L.
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to debate the evolving relationship between libraries and users, and to justify the idea of participatory library and the use of the “participatory library” term. The paper also discusses the development trend of the participatory library and calls for empirical research on this area.

Design/methodology/approach

Various sources of literature are collected and examined. Together with the inclusion of personal ideas and experience, a wide range of opinions on the contemporary library is compared and synthesised.

Findings

The paper presents changes in the relationship between libraries and users in various periods of library development. It indicates an excessive attention on Library 2.0 while neglecting the participatory nature of the contemporary library. It also suggests that the term “participatory library” should be used as this term reflects the true nature of the contemporary library, and calls for empirical work on participatory library.

Originality/value

This discussion is moving forward and challenging our thinking about the participatory library. It provides librarians, library managers, scholars, and the library community with a fresh perspective on the contemporary library.
Does faceted display in a library catalog increase use of subject headings?
Authors: Bauer Kathleen , Peterson‐Hart Alice
Published: May 2012

Purpose

This research aimed to explore whether subject facets would increase patron use of subject headings in a faceted (Yufind) versus a non‐faceted (Orbis) catalog interface at Yale University.

Design/methodology/approach

Two rounds of think aloud protocol testing were done with students to measure the acceptance and use of subject heading facets. After a faceted and non‐faceted interface were implemented, side‐by‐side, log file analysis was employed to measure and compare use of subject headings in both interfaces.

Findings

Initial usability testing showed that patrons would try facets, but had some problems effectively using them. In production from January to May 2011, at least one facet was used in 25.4 percent of Yufind searches, and subject facets were used in 5.1 percent of searches, while in Orbis subject headings were used in 6.4 percent of searches. Facets were used less than subject heading links in records in either interface.

Practical implications

The findings are important as libraries spend significant staff time adding subject headings to records, and their use by patrons is declining. As measured in two production systems running on exactly the same catalog records, subject heading facets did not successfully increase use of subject headings. Without further refinements, faceted display may not be a successful strategy to increase patron use of subject headings.

Originality/value

A comparison of patron generated subject heading use in two concurrently running interfaces, one faceted and one not, has not been done before.
Archiving in the digital world: the scholarly literature
Authors: Seadle Michael
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this article is an ethnographic description of a particular slice of the digital archiving scholarship. The point is to get a sense of where the library and information science profession is today in dealing with the issues of long‐term digital archiving.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology comes from cultural anthropology. It looks at a particular virtual place (ProQuest's Library and Information Science Abstracts database), a particular time period (2000‐2012) and a particular set of authors writing about digital archiving.

Findings

The topics of migration, emulation, integrity, authenticity, LOCKSS and Portico have limited resonance among the authors in LISA in the last dozen years. Articles about repositories and metadata are more common. Technical topics in digital archiving may be better suited to a computer science database, though this is surprising considering how information science borders on computer science. LISA remains, at least as far as digital archiving is concerned, strongly library oriented.

Practical implications

The digital archiving community that LISA reflects and represents is a community with a concern about the long‐term future, but one that has not come to terms with the core technical issues necessary to enable content to survive in a useful form over long periods.

Originality/value

This paper investigates the issues of long‐term digital archiving from the perspective of the library and information science profession by examining a particular database, time period and set of authors on the topic.
Modeling customer satisfaction and loyalty: survey data versus data mining
Authors: Baumann Chris , Elliott Greg , Burton Suzan
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The loyalty literature has investigated the association between customer satisfaction and customer loyalty and revealed mixed results. Some studies have indicated that the relationship is linear, whereas others have found it to be non‐linear. This study examines the nature of this association in retail banking, an issue that has not been tested empirically.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey study examined bank customers' attitudes, perceptions, and behavior. Bivariate and multivariate testing was applied to develop two loyalty models: one based only on variables typically known to a bank, such as demographics and recent consumer behavior, and the other based on additional survey data.

Findings

A non‐linear relationship between customer satisfaction and customer loyalty was found, and a model explaining 56.9 percent of the variation in customer loyalty was developed. Predictors of loyalty beyond the attitudinal dimensions traditionally tested for their association with loyalty were found to be associated with customers' intentions to remain with their bank. In particular, market conditions such as switching costs and benefits as well as recent consumer behavior were found to add explanatory power. Further, this study contrasted a full model explaining 56.9 percent of the variation in loyalty with a model based only on variables known to banks, which explained only 8.4 percent. Profiling customers based on survey data can thus provide additional explanatory power compared to data mining models

Originality/value

The models can be used by bankers to profile customers who are likely to remain loyal, allowing practitioners to implement proactive marketing action to reward such loyalty. Customers least likely to defect have high satisfaction levels, perceive switching as an unattractive option, and typically have a long‐established banking relationship.
The effects of dining atmospherics on behavioral intentions through quality perception
Authors: Ha Jooyeon , Jang SooCheong (Shawn)
Published: May 2012

Purpose

This study aims to identify how the perception of atmospherics in an ethnic restaurant setting influences customers' perceptions of service quality and food quality, as well as the extent to which perceptions of quality mediate the relationship between perception of atmospherics and customer behavioral intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducted structural equation modeling (SEM) to test the mediating effects of quality perception, and also performed multiple regression analyses to identify the influences of specific environmental factors on quality perception and behavioral intentions.

Findings

Perceived quality regarding services and foods had a partially mediating effect. Further, the indirect effect of perceived atmospherics on behavioral intentions through perceived quality was greater than the direct effect.

Research limitations/implications

This study emphasized the important role of atmospherics on quality perception to induce favorable behavioral intentions, suggesting that atmospherics could enhance or attenuate customers' perceived quality.

Practical implications

The environment may encourage customers to perceive service and food quality correctly, or even more positively, regardless of the actual quality level. In this respect, restaurateurs should increase their efforts to provide a better environment, which will encourage customers to evaluate the quality of services or foods more highly.

Originality/value

This study extended the existing literature by postulating the direct impact of perceived atmospherics on customers' behaviors by proposing that quality perceptions act as a link between atmospherics and behavioral intentions.
Dynamic capability, knowledge, learning, and firm performance
Authors: Chien Shih‐Yi , Tsai Ching‐Han
Published: May 2012

Purpose

This paper seeks to apply the dynamic capability framework to explore why store managers within the same chain of restaurants perform differently. Specifically, this paper argues that knowledge resources and learning mechanisms are critical to the development of dynamic capabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach takes the form of an empirical data analysis. Hypotheses are tested on 132 store managers in a leading fast‐food restaurant chain in Taiwan.

Findings

The findings indicate that dynamic capabilities increase store performance, and that both knowledge resources and learning mechanisms have a positive effect on dynamic capabilities. In addition, the effect of knowledge resources on dynamic capabilities is partially mediated by the type of learning mechanism.

Practical implications

Store managers must be able to develop dynamic capabilities if they are to deal with the rapidly changing environment they are facing. Knowledge resources and learning mechanisms both improve the development of dynamic capabilities.

Originality/value

This paper conceptualizes and empirically tests the relationships between knowledge resources, learning mechanisms, dynamic capabilities, and performance in the restaurants of a fast‐food chain. In addition, this paper investigates how dynamic capabilities work from a process perceptive by examining the mediation effect of the learning mechanisms.
An empirical study comparing Guatemalan and United States logistics strategies
Authors: McGinnis Michael A. , Spillan John E. , Virzi Nicholas
Published: May 2012

Purpose

This manuscript aims to empirically examine logistics strategy in Guatemalan firms and compare the findings to recent research into logistics strategy research of USA firms.

Design/methodology/approach

Data on logistics strategies and logistics outcomes were gathered from Guatemalan logistics managers and then compared with empirical data gathered from US logistics managers.

Findings

While the fundamentals of logistics strategy in Guatemala were similar to those of USA firms, it was found that Guatemalan logistics managers place somewhat less importance on process strategy but greater importance on market strategy and information strategy to achieve logistics coordination effectiveness, customer service commitment, and organization competitive responsiveness. Possible reasons for these differences include culture and size of the economy.

Practical implications

The results suggest that logistics strategies in different countries may be affected by differences in culture, the size of an economy, and possibly other considerations.

Originality/value

These findings should be considered as a point of departure for those conducting research into cross‐cultural logistics and supply chain management strategies.
Supply chain innovation diffusion: going beyond adoption
Authors: Hazen Benjamin T. , Overstreet Robert E. , Cegielski Casey G.
Published: May 2012

Purpose

A comprehensive evaluation of the constructs that contribute to the incorporation of a supply chain innovation into an organization is markedly absent in the literature. Even in academic fields where the post‐adoption diffusion stages of acceptance, routinization, and assimilation are often investigated, no study integrates these constructs and their constituent dimensions into a unified framework. In addition, these post‐adoption activities are largely ignored in the supply chain innovation literature. This paper aims to integrate extant literature regarding acceptance, routinization, and assimilation for the purpose of clarifying the definitions and identifying the dimensions of each construct to provide guidance to scholars who are investigating innovation diffusion in the supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

Through the lens of diffusion of innovation theory, a broad base of literature both within and beyond the scope of traditional supply chain management (SCM) journals is considered to develop a unified framework of post‐adoption activities.

Findings

This research effort provides an in‐depth analysis of the post‐adoption stages of the organizational diffusion process and suggests 17 activities that support diffusion. Relationships between and within these stages of the process are inferred to create a unified framework of post‐adoption activities.

Research limitations/implications

The resultant framework provides a reference point for future research. Although providing motivation for this study, this research is limited by the fact that few studies in the SCM literature consider organizational diffusion beyond adoption. The proposed framework is contingent on generalizing literature from related academic disciplines. Future SCM research can validate these findings and further tailor the framework to be more specific to supply chain applications.

Practical implications

This article provides insight for supply chain professionals who seek to not just adopt, but also to fully embed a newly acquired innovation into their organization. Managers can use this article's resulting framework as a reference to determine what actions they should take to fully incorporate an innovation.

Originality/value

Although recognized as an important area of investigation in other literature streams, post‐adoption activities are almost entirely overlooked in SCM research. This study provides both the motivation and a starting point for scholars to consider such activities.
Improving safety, quality and efficiency through the management of emerging processes
Authors: Bonometti Patrizia
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The aim of this contribution is to describe a new complexity‐science‐based approach for improving safety, quality and efficiency and the way it was implemented by TenarisDalmine.

Design/methodology/approach

This methodology is called “a safety‐building community”. It consists of a safety‐behaviour social self‐construction process management method that makes it possible to significantly reduce the frequency and severity of on‐the‐job accidents and meet the company's commitment to safety.

Findings

This new approach to spontaneous‐organisation management has generated remarkable effects. Improved spontaneous organisation promises to boost production quality and efficiency, two aspects which had fallen into a major slump when spontaneous organisation was not working properly.

Originality/value

The paper examines through TenarisDalmine's experience a method that enabled the company to go beyond traditional behavioural approaches and increase the workers' commitment to safety, sharing the common zero‐accident goal.
Designing a strategic plan through an emerging knowledge generation process
Authors: Zanotti Francesco
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The aim of this contribution is to describe a new methodology for designing strategic plans and how it was implemented by ATM, a public transportation agency based in Milan, Italy.

Design/methodology/approach

This methodology is founded on a new system theory, called “quantum systemics”. It is based on models and metaphors both of quantum mechanics and quantum field theory. It provides a real conceptual guide to creating profoundly participative strategic plans which are self‐implementing. In synthesis this methodology is a new operational model for “strategy government”.

Findings

The output of this experience has been the validation of the methodology: the strategic plans have been self‐implemented and planned objectives have been reached. As by‐product, taking part in this process enabled all the fundamental communicative and relational skills to be developed.

Originality/value

The originality consists in the “foundation” of methodology (quantum physics). The value consists in the process which generates very participative and, because of that, self‐implementing strategic plans.
Knowledge, management, and learning when the context of the organization is planetary
Authors: Collen Arne
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to expound the view that knowledge of a special kind, which the author terms open knowledge, has a central place in the conduct of human activities at the global level.

Design/methodology/approach

The author advances the concept of open knowledge in a global context by examining key constructs in the field, such as knowledge, management, learning and complexification, considering some consequences and implications, and applying his personal experience, interpretations, and insights.

Findings

The paper finds that this particular kind of knowledge, open knowledge, is becoming increasingly important due to operational complexities associated with global outreach. Appearance of and application of open knowledge brings consequential modifications of familiar and established local‐regional managerial practices.

Originality/value

The author expounds the concept of open knowledge which is “knowledge proven useful regardless of field of study and discipline to know how best and effectively to manage global processes of human activity defining global organizations”.
Wine label design and personality preferences of millennials
Authors: Elliot Statia , Barth J.E. (Joe)
Published: May 2012

Purpose

To better understand the unique preferences of the newest segment of wine consumers, the purpose of this paper is to explore the design and brand personality of wine labels, and their appeal to the millennial market.

Design/methodology/approach

The study methodology comprised two components: an experimental design of wine label creations by millennial students of a university beverage management course; and a survey of over 400 millennial consumers to assess wine label design and brand personality preferences.

Findings

Wine labels created by millennials tend to be very non‐traditional in terms of the image selected, name of wine, color choice and overall label design. New wine consumers in the 19 to 22 year‐old category are much more likely to select wine based on package features, such as name and image, than based on product features, such as producer and country‐of‐origin. Spirited, up‐to‐date brand personalities appeal to this generation.

Originality/value

The millennial market is a large, important segment new to wine consumption. The experimental creation of wine label designs by millennials themselves provides a unique insight in terms of the new, and somewhat hedonistic, images that appeal specifically to this growing market.
Consumer processing of bundled prices: when do discounts matter?
Authors: Harris Judy , Blair Edward A.
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how factors that affect the processing of bundled price information moderate consumer response to a price discount on the bundle. Literature on categorical vs piecemeal processing of information predicts that consumers will be inclined to process a bundled price categorically unless circumstances encourage a piecemeal processing approach. Marketing relevant variables that foster piecemeal processing should result in stronger effects for discount size on bundle choice.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reports two experiments that demonstrate that the effect of discount size on bundle choice is moderated by increased salience of price information and lower familiarity with the purchase situation, both of which increase item price processing.

Findings

When the presentation format encouraged item price processing with more salient item prices or a less familiar purchase situation, a discount on the bundle significantly increased the likelihood of bundle choice. When circumstances did not encourage item price processing, discounts on the bundle relative to the item prices had little effect on choice.

Research limitations/implications

Additional research is recommended to test boundary conditions, the effects of additional presentational/situational factors and explicit consumer welfare implications.

Practical implications

Results indicate that a price discount on a bundle is only effective/necessary when the purchase situation motivates and enables consumers to engage in piecemeal processing of item price information. When large price discounts are offered on the bundle, marketers should create a situation that encourages item price processing, in order to maximize the effect.

Originality/value

This paper adds to a relatively new perspective in the bundling literature which has not fully examined if and when consumers process item price information. It is found that responsiveness to price discounts is enhanced by managerially relevant variables that increase the likelihood of item price processing.
An 11 GHz low‐phase‐noise voltage‐controlled oscillator
Authors: Yeh Mei‐Ling , Lin Yao‐Chian , Chang Wei‐Chieh
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to design a low phase noise and high figure of merit, fully integrated, voltage‐controlled oscillator (VCO) which was fabricated in TSMC CMOS 0.18‐μm 1P6M process.

Design/methodology/approach

A differential PMOS cross‐coupled architecture VCO with the capacitive feedback technology was designed to increase the linearity of frequency tuning range and decrease the phase noise. Varactor determining the performance of tuning range is also a key component in the design of VCO. The authors adopt the accumulation‐mode MOS varactor. The output spectrum and the phase noise are measured by E5052A spectrum analyzer.

Findings

The VCO is successfully fabricated in TSMC RF CMOS 0.18um 1P6M process. The measured tuning range is from 10.875 GHz ∼ 11.1 GHz with control voltage from 0 to 1.5 V. The measured phase noise is as low as −120.42 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset and the high FOM is −189.5 dBc/Hz. The output spectrum is −10.51dBm with center oscillator frequency of 10.942 GHz. The core circuit without buffer consumes power of 15 mW from a 1.8 V supply voltage.

Originality/value

This paper shows a fully integrated CMOS LCVCO architecture using capacitive feedback technology with low phase noise and high figure of merit for OC‐192 SONET applications.
The bulk alloy microstructure and tensile properties of Sn‐1Ag‐0.5Cu‐xAl lead‐free solder alloys (x=0, 1, 1.5 and 2 wt.%)
Authors: Abdul‐Ameer Shnawah Dhafer , Faizul Mohd Sabri Mohd , Anjum Badruddin Irfan , Xing Che Fa
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of Al addition on the bulk alloy microstructure and tensile properties of the low Ag‐content Sn‐1Ag‐0.5Cu (SAC105) solder alloy.

Design/methodology/approach

The Sn‐1Ag‐0.5Cu‐xAl (x=0, 1, 1.5 and 2 wt.%) bulk solder specimens with flat dog‐bone shape were used for tensile testing in this work. The specimens were prepared by melting purity ingots of Sn, Ag, Cu and Al in an induction furnace. Subsequently, the molten alloys were poured into pre‐heated stainless steel molds, and the molds were naturally air‐cooled to room temperature. Finally, the molds were disassembled, and the dog‐bone samples were removed. The solder specimens were subjected to tensile testing on an INSTRON tester with loading rate 10−3 s−1. The microstructural analysis was carried out using scanning electron microscopy/Energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) analysis was used to identify the IMC phases. To obtain the microstructure, the solder samples were prepared by dicing, molding, grinding and polishing processes.

Findings

The addition of Al to the SAC105 solder alloy suppresses the formation of Ag3Sn and Cu6Sn5 IMC particles and leads to the formation of larger Al‐rich and Al‐Cu IMC particles and a large amount of fine Al‐Ag IMC particles. The addition of Al also leads to refining of the primary β‐Sn grains. The addition of Al results in a significant increase on the elastic modulus and yield strength. On the other hand, the addition of Al drastically deteriorates the total elongation.

Originality/value

The addition of Al to the low Ag‐content SAC105 solder alloy has been discussed for the first time. This work provides a starting‐point to study the effect of Al addition on the drop impact and thermal cycling reliability of the SAC105 alloy.
Liquidity risk and performance of banking system
Authors: Arif Ahmed , Nauman Anees Ahmed
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine liquidity risk in Pakistani banks and evaluate the effect on banks' profitability.

Design/methodology/approach

Data are retrieved from the balance sheets, income statements and notes of 22 Pakistani banks during 2004‐2009. Multiple regressions are applied to assess the impact of liquidity risk on banks' profitability.

Findings

The results of multiple regressions show that liquidity risk affects bank profitability significantly, with liquidity gap and non‐performing as the two factors exacerbating the liquidity risk. They have a negative relationship with profitability.

Research limitations/implications

The period studied in this paper is 2004‐2009, due to availability of the data. However, the sample period does not impair the findings since the sample includes 22 banks, which constitute the main part of the Pakistani banking system. Moreover, only profitability is used as the measure of performance. Economic factors contributing to liquidity risk are not covered in this paper.

Originality/value

This is the first paper addressing the liquidity risk faced by the Pakistani banking system. Past researchers and practitioners have not given the proper attention to liquidity risk. This paper helps in understanding the factors of liquidity risk and their impact on the profitability of the banking system. The authors emphasise contemporary risk managers to mitigate liquidity risk by having sufficient cash resources. This will reduce the liquidity gap, thereby reducing the dependence on repo market.
Central clearing for credit default swaps
Authors: Cerulus Stan
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to answer a specific research question: How have EU and US regulators translated the idea of central clearing into law?

Design/methodology/approach

A meticulous legal research is carried out. First, the pre‐crisis regulatory regime for credit default swap (CDS) is reviewed, from a securities law angle as well as from a comparative Euro‐American perspective. Next, the regulatory processes leading to the adoption of the central clearing regulations are discussed. Thereafter, a material comparative analysis is made of the provisions related to central clearing in the EU and US regulatory initiatives. Finally, the paper is concluded with an evaluation of both legislations in the light of all previous analyses.

Findings

The research first shows that central clearing regulations rely on a series of presumptions, both concerning the gravity of counterparty risk threats and the necessity of central clearing. Additionally, the EU and US clearing regulations are similar with regard to the broad innovations they introduce, i.e. the mandatory central clearing of a variety of over‐the‐counter derivatives and counterparty risk management requirements for central clearing institutions and for non‐cleared swaps. However, the specific content of the provisions often differs. Furthermore, both legislations are limited to enouncing broad principles. This is also the case for the crucial provisions related to counterparty risk management. Therefore, these provisions in se do not guarantee the proper regulation of counterparty risk management practices. Consequently, much is to be expected from the implementing measures adopted by regulatory institutions.

Originality/value

The paper provides an overview of those provisions in the European and US regulations that specifically concern central clearing for CDS. It is one of the first papers which does this in a very well‐structured and clearly written manner. Also it is one of the first to provide a clear comparison between the provisions in the EU and the US regulations.
The route to employability
Authors: Hetty van Emmerik I.J. , Schreurs Bert , de Cuyper Nele , Jawahar I.M. , Peeters Maria C.W.
Published: May 2012

Purpose

Drawing from the job characteristics model and the job demands‐resources model, this study aims to examine the associations of resources (i.e. feedback, autonomy, and variety) with intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and employability.

Design/methodology/approach

Hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling on data from 611 employees of a Dutch municipality.

Findings

Consistent with the hypotheses, the authors' results indicated that resources are related to both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and that the association between resources and employability was mediated by extrinsic motivation but not by intrinsic motivation.

Research limitations/implications

The authors use a one‐dimensional measure of perceived employability and do not make a distinction between internal and external employability and other dimensions of employability. The authors feel that distinguishing between internal employability and external employability will contribute to understanding if internal and external opportunities relate differently to perceptions of employability with the same organization and with a different organization.

Originality/value

Job resources are important for improvement of both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, but the route from job resources to employability is via extrinsic job opportunities and not via intrinsic job opportunities. That is, the perception of performance outcome goals by employees is important for the association between job resources and employability. The paper shows that, without denying the value of intrinsic motivation, it is important for management to emphasize the instrumental value of resources embedded in the job itself that have implications for employability and career advancement.
Commissioning emergency accommodation for children and young people who run away
Authors: Smeaton Emilie
Published: May 2012

Purpose

This paper outlines best practice in the commissioning of emergency accommodation for children and young people who run away, identifying: levels of need; models of accommodation provision that have existed in the UK; approaches to funding; costs of emergency accommodation; the commissioning process; and service delivery issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is an expert opinion piece drawing upon a project commissioned by The Scottish Government based on extensive research including a review of the pre‐existing evidence base and new data.

Findings

Fixed refuge has been the most common form of emergency accommodation for young runaways in the UK and provides positive outcomes for young runaways relating to improved general well‐being, mental health and schooling. The costs of refuge can compare favourably to alternative specialised accommodation and support and prevent other costs relating to future episodes of running away, future offending, substance misuse and youth homelessness.

Practical implications

Evidence‐based learning has identified best practice in the commissioning of emergency accommodation related to a number of issues including: scoping activity; the commissioning process; costs; approaches to funding; effective future commissioning of emergency accommodation; why the third sector is best placed to deliver emergency accommodation; and ensuring key elements of service delivery are included to meet children and young people's need and achieve positive outcomes.

Originality/value

The commissioning of emergency accommodation for young runaways has received little attention in research; this paper goes some way to rectifying this omission alongside providing evidence‐based learning for commissioners and service delivery organisations.
How to abuse biometric passport systems
Authors: Heimo Olli I. , Hakkala Antti , Kimppa Kai K.
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show that most, if not all RFID/biometric passports have clear technical and social problems in their intended use and that there are clear problems with the databases into which biometric data are being collected, due to use of this data for other (publicly), non‐intended uses.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach of this paper is both a meta‐study of the flaws in the technological specifications as well as the social implementation of RFID/biometric passports. Finland is used as a case, but the results extend beyond Finland in most, if not all the topics presented – not necessarily all results to all implementations, but all to some others.

Findings

The current implementations of RFID/biometric passports are lacking in both technical and social implementations and pose clear risks to their use, both due to lax implementation of the technology itself but specifically due to the social changes brought about. These problems cause both erosion of privacy and trust.

Research limitations/implications

Further research into other potential social implications on a national level is required. The authors fear that the cases presented do not necessarily reflect all the potential problems, but just the most evident ones.

Practical implications

The problems with the technological implications can be averted by using the best technological solutions, and thus the best technological solutions should be used instead of the ones proven to be lacking.

Social implications

The social implications should at least be brought forth for public discourse and acknowledged, which currently does not seem to happen.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the understanding of problems with current RFID/biometric passport implementations as well as inherent social problems that are hard, if not impossible to avoid. The problems belong under the category of critical eGovernment applications, and similar issues are visible in other eGovernment applications.
Revealing the commercialized and compliant Facebook user
Authors: Lilley Stephen , Grodzinsky Frances S. , Gumbus Andra
Published: May 2012

Purpose

Facebook users are both producers and consumers (i.e. “prosumers”), in the sense that they produce the disclosures that allow for Facebook's business success and they consume services. The purpose of this paper is to examine how best to characterize the commercialized and compliant members. The authors question the Facebook assertion that members knowingly and willingly approve of personal and commercial transparency and argue, instead, that complicity is engineered.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of Facebook users was conducted between December 2010 and April 2011 at one private and four public universities. Respondents were questioned about: the level of their consumer activity on Facebook; their knowledge of Facebook advertiser data sharing practices and their attitude toward such; their use of sharing restrictions and the groups targeted; and their assessment of transparency benefits versus reputation and consumer risks.

Findings

No evidence was found to support the Facebook account of happy prosumers. Members reported that they avoided advertisements as much as possible and opposed data sharing/selling practices. However, many respondents were found to be relatively uneducated and passive prosumers, and those expressing a high concern for privacy were no exception.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the nonprobability sampling method, the results may lack generalizability.

Practical implications

To avoid unwanted commercialization, users of social networking sites must become more aware of data mining and privacy protocols, demand more protections, or switch to more prosumer‐friendly platforms.

Originality/value

The paper reports empirical findings on Facebook members' prosumption patterns and attitudes.
A library is not the books: an ethical obstacle to the digital library
Authors: Donovan James M.
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that libraries do not inevitably arise from the aggregation of information, and to apply this result to critique the meaningfulness of the idea of a “digital library.”

Design/methodology/approach

Three independent arguments demonstrate that libraries are more than the sum of the books that they contain: first, the logical argument, which analyses the internal consistency of claims for the superiority of electronic formats; second, the semantic argument, which examines ordinary language to isolate the core requirements of what it means to be a “library”; and third, the ethical argument, which identifies the source of the unique phenomenological experience of encounter with the library.

Findings

It is found that the three arguments each refute the view that “library” is the collective noun for “book,” and argue instead that it is an emergent concept that offers to its community a reflection of the local cultural knowledge through the ordinary selection and organization practices that distinguish libraries from other book accumulations. Against that understanding the idea of a comprehensive and universal digital library fails on the essential criteria of selectivity and organization. While such products can be powerfully useful, they offer something distinct from libraries. When we lose sight of this difference we risk losing the inherent and irreducible values embodied by libraries.

Originality/value

The paper's arguments provide a reasoned infrastructure to several beliefs that are both common and unexamined.