bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cellular injuries on spray‐dried Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and its stability during food storage
Authors: Oluwaseun Sunny‐Roberts Elizabeth , Knorr Dietrich
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate the cellular injuries associated with spray‐drying of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) in trehalose/monosodium glutamate (MSG) media by means of flow cytometry measurements; and also whether, and to what extent, the probiotic remain stable and viable in food formulations.

Design/methodology/approach

Spray‐drying was applied in the production of trehalose‐based preparations containing LGG. To gain more insights on the cellular damages that must have occurred during drying, flow cytometric analysis was applied in combination with carboxyfluorescein diacetate (cFDA) and PI stains. Spray‐dried samples were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The storage stability of spray‐dried LGG was monitored in food samples over a period of time.

Findings

It was observed that during spray‐drying, 1.80×109 CFU/ml viable counts, which were equivalent of 68.8 per cent cells, were recovered in trehalose matrices but on incorporating 12.5 g/l MSG as a carrier component, survival rates were significantly improved. Density plot analysis showed a higher degree of membrane damage in cells spray‐dried in trehalose without MSG. SEM revealed no difference in the shapes and surfaces of spray‐dried samples. Evaluation of the recovery rates of LGG, initial count of ∼109 CFU/ml or g, at storage time intervals revealed a minimum level of ∼105 CFU/ml in apple juice after 12 days and ∼107 CFU/g in chocolate beverages after ten weeks.

Originality/value

The potential contribution of MSG as a carrier component with trehalose in preventing higher losses during spray‐drying and food storage is pointed out in this study.
Food neophobia and the adoption of new food products
Authors: Johns Nick , Edwards John S.A. , Hartwell Heather
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This research aims to explore the scope of the food neophobia scale (FNS) as a means of identifying classes of adopters in the market diffusion of new food products.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire incorporating the FNS, together with a number of demographics questions, was administered to 226 postgraduate students. Data from the questionnaire were analysed using t‐testing, one‐way analysis of variance, cluster and discriminant analysis.

Findings

There were small differences between recently arrived and long‐term residents, between men and women, and, more significantly, between Europeans and East Asians, although not between other groups. A two‐cluster structure was revealed within the data which broadly conformed to the expected pattern of adopters, but did not provide a more precise discrimination. This suggests that the FNS is dichotomous rather than continuous.

Practical implications

The FNS provides a potential tool for marketers of food products, but it would need to be used with other measures to identify all five classes of adopters.

Originality/value

This study addresses a gap in current knowledge, since food neophobia and the FNS have not been considered before in the context of market diffusion of new food products.
Heavy metals in drinking water and human health, Egypt
Authors: Badr Eman A.E. , Agrama Asmaa A.E. , Badr Safaa A.E.
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This study seeks to find out if chronic exposure via drinking water to high doses of a mixture of metals found as contaminants in tap and bottled water sources can alter the systemic physiology of residents.

Design/methodology/approach

A case control study was designed, 18 subjects drinking mainly tap water as main group (group I) and 15 subjects drinking exclusively bottled water as control group (group II) for a minimum of two years. Cadmium, lead, chromium and iron concentrations in drinking tap and bottled water samples were measured. The effect potential of the same metals were evaluated by assessing liver and kidney functions and haemoglobin levels for the studied subjects.

Findings

Iron concentration was found to be significantly higher in drinking tap water samples compared to bottled. Chromium, lead and iron were significantly higher in blood samples of group I subjects compared to the control group. Blood creatinine levels were positively correlated with that of chromium and cadmium of group I; and chromium levels of group II. Urea levels was positively correlated with lead levels of group I. Haemoglobin was positively correlated with iron blood levels of group I and negatively with lead levels of group II. No appreciable changes were found in the blood clinical markers of the liver functions of either group.

Originality/value

This study gives a concise idea about the higher level of some heavy metals in tap water compared to bottled and how heavy metal contaminants in drinking water may affect kidney function and haemoglobin level of consumers.
Educating engaged citizens: four projects from Ireland
Authors: O'Flaherty Joanne , Liddy Mags , Tansey Lorraine , Roche Cathy
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the four education projects that demonstrate how Irish education provision is adapting to meet social and economic changes: Ubuntu Network working to integrate education for sustainable development (ESD) into teacher education; Community Knowledge Initiative (CKI) facilitating service learning modules at higher education; Young Social Innovators (YSI), a social justice education programme for 15‐18 year olds; and a study of Irish students' levels of moral reasoning. Four commonalities are identified between the projects: critical thinking, active and participatory learning, knowledge skills and social justice. Discussion highlights features of the Irish education system that contrast with these commonalities and impact on their long‐term objectives, which may in fact hinder the development of engaged learners.

Design/methodology/approach

Four commonalities were identified at the roundtable discussions at the Irish Aid Sustainable Global Development Conference. Each commonality is discussed from the perspective of the projects described and contrasted against core features of Irish education.

Findings

All four education projects make positive contributions to civic engagement in Irish education, acknowledging education as central to active citizenship, social awareness, and empowerment of learners.

Originality/value

Discussion centres on how Irish education provision is adapting to meet social and economic changes. The paper argues that distinctive features of the Irish education system and the prevailing culture of Irish education do not lend themselves to social justice concerns such as education for sustainable development, moral reasoning or civic engagement.
Reflective practice in service learning: possibilities and limitations
Authors: Gibson Murray , Hauf Petra , Long Brad S. , Sampson Gina
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The paper seeks to promote the integration of reflective learning within a broader service learning pedagogy at the undergraduate university level. Furthermore, it aims to illustrate various models for service learning that span multiple academic disciplines.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper illustrates three ways in which reflective learning can be used to enhance the learning potential of service learning pedagogy. The subjective experiences inform its own stories that it presents as examples, supported as they are by the findings of prior empirical studies.

Findings

The paper believes that multi‐dimensional learning has been achieved in each of the three examples presented. Service learning extends the academic learning of students and allows for personal and societal learning to occur, not simply as a result of having a service experience, but of spending time reflecting on it.

Practical implications

Practical implications are particular to the students themselves, as the service experiences it describes have, in some instances, helped to clarify individual students' values and vocational interests.

Social implications

Given the range of service learning models contained in these examples, the social implications likewise range, yet share common dimensions of increasing students' social consciousness, appreciation of diversity, and their own capacities to contribute.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper lies in the linking of reflective learning to service learning best practices to highlight the particular role of reflection in the production of multi‐dimensional learning.
Do apprentices' communities of practice block unwelcome knowledge?
Authors: Sligo Frank , Tilley Elspeth N. , Murray Niki
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This study aims to examine how well print‐literacy support being provided to New Zealand Modern Apprentices (MAs) is supporting their study and practical work.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors undertook a qualitative analysis of a database of 191 MAs in the literacy programme, then in 14 case studies completed 46 interviews with MAs, their employers, industry coordinators and adult literacy tutors to obtain triangulated insights into each MA's learning.

Findings

A strong sense of disjunction appeared between the work culture and the norms of being print literate which adult literacy tutors worked to draw apprentices into. Interviewees perceived a divide between practice and theory, or “doing the job” and “doing bookwork”, so that MAs were faced with trying to be two different kinds of people to succeed in their apprenticeship.

Research limitations/implications

Future research may explore the ways in which differing value‐sets that apprentices encounter can compete with and undermine creation of knowledge and skills.

Practical implications

Desirably, apprentices' literacy tutors should possess sufficient familiarity with trade terminology and practices to help bridge the divide between trade and print‐literate assumptions and values to the extent possible.

Originality/value

This study questions Lave and Wenger's assumption that mastering knowledge and skill requires newcomers to participate fully within their community of practice. It proposes instead that varying values, which apprentices must come to grips with need to be better aligned with one another.
The graduate job search process – a lesson in persistence rather than good career management?
Authors: McKeown Tui , Lindorff Margaret
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The paper seeks to provide perspectives on the job search expectations and job seeking strategies of Australian graduates, including their perceptions of University Careers Centres (UCCs).

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 45 new graduates and representatives of five UCCs were interviewed.

Findings

Both Australian graduates and UCCs are aware of the misalignment between graduates' high expectations and job search realities, but currently do little to proactively redress it. The study also found major inconsistencies between the viewpoints of graduates and UCCs regarding the usefulness of UCCs, as not only did most graduates not use these services, they were often completely unaware of them. This suggests that many graduates find employment based on learning through adversity and persistence rather than good career management.

Research limitations/implications

The research interviewed a small number of new graduates across many disciplines. Focussed interviews from more students in specific discipline areas would be useful.

Practical implications

UCCs should develop strategies for engaging students in the career seeking process early in their studies, and promote the availability and utility of their services. In addition, strategies should be developed to increase students' awareness of the realities of job and career seeking, and to develop their resilience in this area.

Originality/value

The paper increases understanding of student experiences when job seeking, which can be used by universities and UCCs to better prepare students for, and support students during, this process.
An Excel‐based dice game: an integrative learning activity in operations management
Authors: Gupta Mahesh , Boyd Lynn
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to extend the role of the theory of constraints (TOC) to complement, reinforce, and help integrate conventional operations management (OM) concepts by using an Excel‐based version of the dice game discussed in The Goal by Goldratt.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses the motivation for and the development and evaluation of an Excel‐based dice game model of a production system for novice managers to experiment with. A set of experiments related to OM concepts (e.g. inventory, capacity, and variability) is designed and counterintuitive results are discussed. The paper concludes by demonstrating how TOC provides an integrative OM framework.

Findings

The novel The Goal by Goldratt serves as a comprehensive case study in OM. The computerized dice game provides a mechanism for understanding relationships among various OM concepts. The proposed set of experiments strengthens the linkages between OM and TOC concepts. Managers can conduct additional experiments and predict/interpret the results without spending time in the logistics of setting up the manual dice game repeatedly.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed dice game simulates a fairly simple serial production system so the generalization of results obtained might not be intuitively convincing for more complex production systems. More advanced OM concepts such as push (MRP) and pull (JIT) systems can easily be investigated using the underling logic of the dice game proposed here.

Practical implications

The model provides an innovative way to integrate TOC concepts with mainstream OM concepts and thereby, renews interest in OM.

Originality/value

Several versions of dice games, both manual and spreadsheet based, have appeared in the literature, however, none attempt to address as wide a variety of operations issues as the game proposed here.
The important role of change management in environmental management system implementation
Authors: Ronnenberg Shannon K. , Graham Mary E. , Mahmoodi Farzad
Published: May 2011

Purpose

There is increasing concern about the environmental aspects of business and production processes, and many companies have chosen to implement environmental management systems (EMSs). The purpose of this paper is to examine whether change management efforts improve the perceived success of EMS implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyzes empirical survey data using hierarchical regression analyses with a sample of mid‐level engineers and managers in manufacturing facilities.

Findings

Change management efforts appear to enhance the perceived environmental performance of manufacturing establishments, primarily driven by top management support for EMS implementation and efforts to institutionalize the EMS.

Research limitations/implications

Results are generalizable to large manufacturing facilities implementing EMSs. Results should be replicated with a larger sample and using measures of actual environmental performance.

Practical implications

Change management techniques can enhance the environmental performance outcomes of EMS implementations.

Originality/value

Change management concepts have been neglected in examinations of EMS implementation outcomes, and they may help explain mixed findings on EMS success to date. The findings suggest that change management efforts can enhance the value of firms' EMS implementations.
Exploring quality management for business services from a buyer's perspective using multiple case study evidence
Authors: Holschbach Elmar , Hofmann Erik
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate how buying companies manage the quality for their externally sourced business services. It explores how quality management for business services influences the performance of the buying company and what the major determinants of quality management are. The paper presents case evidence on which a conceptual model with preliminary propositions is built upon.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses case study evidence from eight manufacturing and eight service companies. Drawing on the findings of these case studies, a conceptual model with propositions is presented.

Findings

The paper suggests that buying companies do not yet use quality management for externally sourced business services to its full potential. However, buying companies using quality management practices for business services report positive effects on service quality and satisfaction of internal or external customers. The major determinants affecting the intensity of quality management are the usage of the service by the buying company, the risk associated with quality failures, the degree of standardization, and volume of the purchased service.

Research limitations/implications

The research is based on information from 16 companies located in Germany and the conducted study is exploratory in nature. The collection of statistical data will be subject to future research as suggested in this paper.

Practical implications

The insights obtained from this paper can assist purchasers in their decision on how to design quality management practices. By understanding, what determines the quality management practices of buying companies, service providers may better adjust their service offerings to customers' requirements.

Originality/value

Quality management for business services in professional procurement has not attracted much academic attention so far, as literature on quality management has mainly adopted the perspective of a goods or service provider. Literature on the purchasing of services concentrates on the differences between the purchasing of goods and services and literature on service quality focuses on consumer services. This paper fills this gap conceptually with a multiple case study and offers guidance for further research.
Supply network delegation and intervention strategies during supplier involvement in new product development
Authors: Johnsen Thomas E.
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This paper proposes and empirically investigates two strategies that companies can employ to involve indirect suppliers in new product development (NPD): supply network delegation; and supply network intervention. The implications of the two strategies are explored.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper brings together the traditional NPD literature, organizational behaviour and organizational economics literature, and reports on three in‐depth case studies of NPD projects, involving 39 semi‐structured interviews across three supply networks.

Findings

The findings reveal different manifestations of the two strategies of supply network intervention and delegation, when applied as part of supplier involvement in product development, and positive and negative indications of delegation and intervention, depending on the actor perspective: manufacturers perceive a need to control the product development process across several supply network tiers through intervention in supplier selection and communication, but these actions are likely to “tie the hands of the suppliers”.

Practical implications

Managers are advised to explicitly delegate decisions to suppliers, for example, by issuing parts approval lists and encouraging communication and problem solving amongst suppliers, and to exercise caution in applying the intervention strategy.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to a better understanding of how to involve indirect (sub‐) suppliers in product development, and the implications of these actions for multiple supply network actors.
Learning in the panic zone: strategies for managing learner anxiety
Authors: Palethorpe Rob , Wilson John P.
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This study aims to highlight the value of stressful and challenging environments as a strategy to enhance learning and to provide an inventory of strategies for use in cases where participants experience anxiety‐related blockages to learning.

Design/methodology/approach

This article adopted a qualitative research strategy which consisted of a literature review which was then triangulated with a survey and practitioner interviews.

Findings

This paper describes the behaviour of anxious learners when faced with a stressful learning environment. It then reviews suggestions from the literature which indicate theoretical solutions to debilitating anxiety and, finally, reports on the techniques that trainers actually use when helping delegates to overcome anxiety‐related blockages to learning. The Yerkes‐Dodson law, and not Rohnke, would appear to be the foundation for the various “comfort‐stretch‐panic” models. Moderate levels of stress would appear to encourage and stimulate learning.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are presented as an initial investigation only, and further work would be required to indicate if the experiences of this small sample are representative of the wider population of training and development practitioners. Further work is being undertaken to categorise approaches to resolving debilitating learner anxiety and to develop a simple practitioner‐oriented model which may assist trainers who face this issue.

Practical implications

Anxiety is idiosyncratic and therefore it is difficult to design programmes which provide optimum development opportunities for all delegates. The article provides practical guidelines for trainers who wish to make use of challenging activities but who, as a result, need occasional recourse to strategies to alleviate any temporary debilitating state anxiety that delegates might experience.

Originality/value

This paper investigates the role of anxiety on learning and makes the case for the inclusion of carefully‐managed challenging learning environments in contrast to the majority of articles which advocate supportive learning environments.
The growing concept and uses of training needs assessment
Authors: Zahid Iqbal Muhammad , Khan Rashid Ahmad
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to review the relevant literature on training needs assessment (TNA) with an objective to provide users/beneficiaries of TNA with the understanding of its growing concept, multiple uses (outcomes), and valuing these uses (antecedents).

Design/methodology/approach

To conduct the literature review on uses of TNA, the authors used the systematic search comprising four stages: selection of appropriate search terms such as training, needs assessment, needs analysis, training needs assessment, and training needs analysis; carrying out search in established databases such as EBSCOhost, Emerald, JSTOR, SpringerLink, and Wiley‐Blackwell; initial sample filtering (relevance‐based); and further sample filtering (access‐based). Based on this review, a conceptual framework for examining the forward and backward linkages between TNA and nine human resource management and development areas is proposed for further examination.

Findings

This paper highlights training plans, goal setting, employee development, managing change, career development, knowledge, skills, and attitude, learning motivation, cost effectiveness, and performance appraisal as nine major human resource management and development areas revealing different uses of TNA. This gives an appropriate place to the expanding view of TNA.

Practical implications

This paper offers important implications for human resource professionals. Their learning about multiple uses of TNA can help them attain comprehensive solutions of varied organisational problems.

Originality/value

This paper attempts to make a significant contribution towards understanding the growing concept of TNA by expanding the long‐established way of looking at it through increasing its potential effects and subsequently enhancing its purposes and uses for both training and non‐training initiatives.
Policy, professionalism, professionality and the development of HR practitioners in the UK
Authors: Bailey Moira
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to explore the role of relevant policies in the professional development of HR practitioners in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of literature was carried out on the subject of the role of relevant policies in the professional development of HR practitioners in the UK. In doing so, the issues of profession and professionalism in the context of the HR occupation were explored.

Findings

The paper highlights the importance of HRD in the improvement of HR practitioners’ practice, and as a result, enhancing the status of the occupation.

Research limitations/implications

A number of areas which are potentially worthy of further empirical investigation have been identified as a result of the review in this paper.

Practical implications

The paper highlights the importance of policy and changing working environments on professional practice. It illustrates the importance of HRD on improving that practice and suggests the use of informal learning mechanisms as a cost effective means of going some way to achieve that improvement.

Originality/value

The value of this paper is its contribution to the discussion on professional development in the context of the HR occupation.
Impact of impregnation with Imersol Aqua on the surface adhesion strength of synthetic, acrylic, polyurethane, and water‐based varnishes
Authors: Keskin Hakan , Atar Musa , Korkut Süleyman , Sevim Korkut Derya
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the effect of Imersol Aqua impregnation of Scotch pine, Oriental spruce, and Uludağ fir on the surface adhesion strength of various types of varnishes. The finding obtained would benefit the manufacturers of building materials and furniture, where the surface adhesion strength of water‐based varnishes is a concern.

Design/methodology/approach

For this purpose, test samples were prepared from Scotch pine, Oriental spruce, and Uludağ fir woods that met the requirements of ASTM D 358. The samples were impregnated with Imersol Aqua using short‐, medium‐, and long‐term immersion techniques according to ASTM D 1413 and the manufacturer's instructions. After impregnation, surfaces were coated with synthetic, acrylic, polyurethane, and water‐based varnishes in accordance with ASTM D 3023 standards. After the varnishing process, the adhesion strength of the samples was determined in accordance with ASTM D 4541.

Findings

It was also found that among the wood samples, the adhesion strength was highest in Scotch pine and lowest in Uludağ fir. The synthetic varnish produced the highest adhesion strength, whereas polyurethane and acrylic varnishes had the lowest adhesion strength. The adhesion strength was highest after medium‐term immersion and lowest after long‐term dipping. The highest adhesion strength (4.299 MPa) was produced by a combination of Scotch pine, medium‐duration immersion, and the use of a wood‐based varnish. The lowest adhesion strength (2.090 MPa) resulted from the combination of Uludağ fir, long‐term immersion, and a water‐based varnish.

Research limitations/implications

Impregnating woods using materials with appropriate water repellent, biotic, and abiotic effects before the application of varnishes and paints is important for long‐term protection against photochemical degradation, dimensional changes, biological factors, and fire.

Practical implications

The effect of a varnish on surface adhesion strength can determine the usefulness of the varnish.

Originality/value

Improving surface adhesion of some varnishes via medium‐term impregnation with Imersol Aqua impregnation should be used on Scotch pine, Oriental spruce, and Uludağ fir woods which could be used in the manufacturing of building materials and furniture, where the surface adhesion strength of water‐based varnishes is a concern.
Crosslinkable poly(vinyl acetate) emulsions for wood adhesive
Authors: Lu Jia , Easteal Allan J. , Edmonds Neil R.
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to enhance the water resistance and the heat resistance of poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) emulsion adhesive, by providing the emulsion with controllable thermosetting capability.

Design/methodology/approach

Emulsion polymerisation was used to synthesise PVAc/VeoVa 10 copolymers with varying proportions of acetoacetoxyethyl methacrylate (AAEM) incorporated in the copolymer chains. The AAEM component provided sites for crosslinking the chains via reaction of diamines with AAEM. The emulsion copolymers formed crosslinked films on addition of a range of diamines, during drying at ambient temperature. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy were employed to characterise the copolymerisation and crosslinking reaction. Glass transition temperatures of the polymer films were measured using dynamic mechanical thermal analysis to quantify the effects of copolymer composition variation and crosslinker. The performance of the crosslinked emulsions as wood adhesives was evaluated in accordance with the ISO 6238 standard by measuring the maximum shear stress of wood joints.

Findings

The crosslinking reaction between acetoacetoxy groups in the copolymer chains and the added diamines gives enamine structures, and occurs rapidly at ambient temperature. Major changes in the 13C NMR spectrum include the appearance of an enamine signal at 82 ppm, and disappearance of the acetoacetoxy carbonyl signal at 202 ppm. The new vibrational band at 1,597‐1,606 cm−1 in the FTIR spectrum is assigned to the vibrations of the enamine double bond. The experimental results showed substantial increases in Tg and viscosity as the AAEM proportion in the copolymer emulsion increased. The crosslinked adhesives showed superior wood adhesive performance to unmodified PVAc emulsion.

Research limitations/implications

It was necessary to adjust the pH of the emulsion for extended shelf life.

Practical implications

The method developed provides a simple and practical route to emulsions with improved water and heat resistance and bonding strength.

Originality/value

The method for enhanced water and heat resistance of PVAc wood adhesive was novel, straightforward and environmental friendly.
Preparation, optimisation and characterisation of lignin phenol formaldehyde resin as wood adhesive
Authors: Abdelwahab N.A. , Nassar M.A.
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the preparation of adhesive by incorporation of kraft lignin as an agricultural waste into phenol formaldehyde (PF) resin structure and to evaluate the mechanical properties of lignin phenol formaldehyde (LPF) as wood adhesive.

Design/methodology/approach

PF resin (resole) was prepared using sodium hydroxide as a catalyst. Different concentrations of lignin were incorporated into PF resin structure. The effect of lignin concentration, formaldehyde to phenol molar ratio, catalyst concentration, temperature and time upon solid content, adhesive strength and gel time was studied. The kraft lignin, PF and LPF resins were characterised using FT‐IR and thermal analysis.

Findings

The incorporation of lignin into PF resin (resole) increases adhesive strength and decreases gel time. The highest adhesive strength and the lowest gel time were achieved at 90 per cent of kraft lignin, formaldehyde to phenol molar ratio, 7.2 and 10 per cent of catalyst, after 4 h and at 80°C.

Research limitations/implications

The effect of different concentrations of kraft lignin, formaldehyde/phenol molar ratio, catalyst concentration, temperatures and time upon solid content, gel time and adhesive strength was studied.

Practical implications

Incorporation of kraft lignin into resole leads to adhesive with improved mechanical properties.

Originality/value

It was found that LPF resin is better than PF resin from the economical point of view and has the better mechanical properties.
Electrochemical properties of carbon aerogels derived from resorcinol‐formaldehyde‐aniline for supercapacitors
Authors: Jin Zheng , Liu Yuxi , Bai Xuduo , Ren Xiaomin , Qin Chuanli , Wang Yunhua
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a facile method to synthesise nitrogen‐doped carbon aerogels to increase the capacity of supercapacitors.

Design/methodology/approach

Nitrogen‐doped carbon aerogels are prepared as electrode materials through sol‐gel method, using resorcinol, formaldehyde and aniline as raw materials. A series of symmetric supercapacitors are assembled by putting Ni‐MH battery separator between two carbon aerogels electrodes. The electrochemical performances of carbon aerogels and supercapacitors are studied.

Findings

The results show that the optimal molar percentage of aniline in the total molar ratio of resorcinol and aniline is 15 per cent, the mass specific capacitance of which is supposed to be about three times that of RF carbon aerogels. This result could be attributed to the pseudocapacitive effect of nitrogen heteroatoms. Moreover, the nitrogen‐doped carbon aerogels are found to exhibit lower charge transfer resistance at the electrolyte/carbon aerogels interface and lower Warburg impedance.

Practical implications

The supercapacitors can be used in the field of automobile and can solve the problems of energy shortage and environmental pollutions.

Originality/value

For the first time, nitrogen‐doped carbon aerogels are prepared through sol‐gel method, using resorcinol, formaldehyde and aniline as raw materials.
Novel urethane/acrylic hybrid emulsions for VOC compliant coatings
Authors: Athawale V.D. , Nimbalkar R.V.
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a volatile organic component‐free water‐based binder with improved coating properties from urethane‐alkyd acrylate by emulsion polymerisation.

Design/methodology/approach

Alkyd resin based on interesterification of sardine fish and linseed oil (50:50 w/w) was synthesised and reacted with isophorone diisocyanate to form urethane alkyd. The resultant urethane alkyd and acrylic monomers in different ratios were polymerised by emulsion polymerisation to form air‐drying water‐based binders and studied for physicochemical and other coating properties.

Findings

Urethane alkyd, co‐polymerised with acrylates by emulsion polymerisation process, can be used to prepare water‐based air‐drying binders with excellent coating and application performance. The increase in acrylate component in the system resulted in improvement of performance properties.

Research limitations/implications

In the present study, refined fish oil (FO) was obtained from sardine fish. Different FOs can be used to produce alkyd resin. Urethane alkyd and acrylic monomers in different ratios can be polymerised by emulsion polymerisation techniques.

Practical implications

The emulsion polymerisation is the most effective technique used to produce water‐based binders with excellent coating properties.

Originality/value

Water‐based binders can be widely used in exterior coatings and waterproofing of cement and roofs.
Soy protein adhesives improved by SiO2 nanoparticles for plywoods
Authors: Xu Hua‐Neng , Ma Shufeng , Lv Wenping , Wang Zhouping
Published: May 2011

Purpose

Soy protein has been considered as a renewable and environmentally friendly source of adhesives. The purpose of this paper is to investigate a new approach for making a soy protein adhesive modified by SiO2 nanoparticles.

Design/methodology/approach

The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the adhesive properties by determining the viscosity, wettability and shear strength of soy protein adhesive. The effects of nano‐SiO2 content, wood surface roughness and processing pressure on shear strength between soy protein adhesive and wood were investigated. Four nano‐SiO2 contents (0, 0.5, 1 and 2 percent), two wood surface roughness (40 and 280 grits), and two processing pressure (1 and 2 MPa) were tested. Adhesive performance was evaluated based on the maximum force required for shearing the adhesive bond between cherry wood pieces.

Findings

The modified soy protein adhesives by SiO2 nanoparticles showed a significant enhancement in dry strength with nano‐SiO2 content of 1 percent. The mechanism appears to be related to the increased interaction between adhesive and wood and the elimination of voids on the wood surface by SiO2 nanoparticles.

Research limitations/implications

The adhesive resins used in the present context was soy protein isolate, not from commercially available soy flour. The wet strength was not satisfactory. Further study is needed to solve this problem.

Practical implications

The method developed provided a simple and practical solution to improving the shear strength of soy protein adhesives.

Originality/value

The enhancement method for adhesion strength of soy protein was novel and could find numerous applications in wood industry, avoiding formaldehyde emission and reducing the dependence on petroleum products.
Researching the Information Commons (RIC)
Authors: Smith Kerry
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The paper seeks to describe the establishment and progress of an online initiative: RIC – Researching the Information Commons.

Design/methodology/approach

Who has really challenged and thought through in a research sense about the issues that surround the commons provision of information; a concept dear to the hearts of many of the world's librarians? This question leads to the development of a researcher networking initiative, represented on the web as RIC (http://infocommons.curtin.edu.au).

Findings

The web site has a growing number of participants, not all working together, but who are interested in information commons matters from a research point of view.

Research limitations/implications

RIC is a federated network of colleagues researching in this many faceted arena and it is slowly gathering momentum. Expressions of interest to join have been sought, and a web site has been developed.

Practical implications

RIC will operate through: openness and feedback; shared decision making; diversity within the commons; honouring social and legal equity amongst its members; and fostering sociability within the commons.

Social implications

The vision for the RIC Group is to nurture and mentor a community of researchers interested in matters relating to the information commons, by being in itself an information commons.

Originality/value

The topic of information commons has considerable use and currency but there appears to be only one RIC.
Comparative study and review of grid, cloud, utility computing and software as a service for use by libraries
Authors: Patel Ahmed , Seyfi Ali , Tew Yiqi , Jaradat Ayman
Published: May 2011

Purpose

Grid computing, cloud computing (CC), utility computing and software as a service are emerging technologies predicted to result in massive consolidation as meta‐level computing services of everything beneath one umbrella in the future. The purpose of this study is to foster the understanding and differentiation, by using the three aforementioned types of computing technologies and software, as a service by both public and private libraries to meet their expectations and strategic objectives.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach in this study is a review based on comparing the four computing technologies with a brief analysis for researching and designing the mind map of a new meta‐level computing service approach, taking into consideration the need for new economic tariff and pricing models as well as service‐level agreements.

Findings

Since it is anticipated that there will be likely potential consolidation and integration of computing services, a study of these four most advanced computing technologies and their methodologies is presented through their definition, characteristics, functionalities, advantages and disadvantages. This is a well‐timed technological advancement for libraries.

Practical implications

It appears that the future of library services will become even more integrated, running over CC platforms based on usage rather than just storage of data.

Social implications

Libraries will become an open useful resource to all and sundry in a global context, and that will have huge societal benefits never imagined before.

Originality/value

Concisely addresses the strategies, functional characteristics, advantages and disadvantages by comparing these technologies from several service aspects with a view to assisting in creating the next generation outer space computing.
Indian Citation Index: a new web platform for measuring performance of Indian research periodicals
Authors: Giri Rabishankar , Das Anup Kumar
Published: May 2011

Purpose

With a sustainable knowledge economy in the backdrop, India has seen an exponential growth of academic and sponsored research programmes across all major disciplines. There has been an exponential proliferation of Indian research journals to disseminate results of research carried out in India, by Indian researchers, from collaborative global research programmes. This paper aims to briefly describe a new initiative, the Indian Citation Index (ICI), which is a web‐based citation database of India‐based or India‐focused research journals.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper gives a glimpse of the new ICI initiative. It briefly describes its promises and coverage. This paper is based on data available in the ICI portal and its information brochure.

Findings

The ICI has made an attempt to create a web‐based citation database covering a whole range of disciplines, i.e. sciences, technologies, social sciences and humanities. This paper also identifies similar initiatives in the past, which failed due to the absence of web technologies and web‐based business models.

Research limitations/implications

This paper informs the availability of a web‐based ICI to a worldwide audience. Many in‐depth studies can now be undertaken to measure productivity of Indian research journals vis‐à‐vis Indian researchers using datasets of this citation database. Some studies can also be made to measure popularity of Indian journals amongst foreign researchers and foreign research collaborators.

Social implications

If this initiative is successful, other countries will be inspired to have their own country‐specific citation database to measure performance of home‐grown research periodicals.

Originality/value

This is an informative news article to keep abreast of latest development of a country‐specific citation database.
The interrelationship between Islamic epistemological considerations, “IEC”, and resolution of actual economic problems
Authors: Dadgar Yadollah
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The basic aim behind this paper is to explain disregarding of a paramount point in Islamic economic research and its actual performances. That is the significant relationship between Islamic epistemological considerations (IEC), and its related actual works (both theoretical and empirical ones). Considering this crucial bridge, in the author's opinion, has been neglected.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper has been developed, mainly, by using an analytical and descriptive method along with logical reasoning. Applying the Islamic approach along with consistent economic theories (linked with some compatible doctrines of philosophy of science) and using some statistical analysis indicates the basic theoretical and subject scope of the paper.

Findings

One finding of this paper is that a considerable number of Islamic economic works do not consider their own epistemological doctrines. Second, paying attention to IEC is helpful for both researchers and the policy makers. Through which, researchers can realize the scientific difficulties much more easily, and explain and predict the behavior of variables more carefully. Some findings of this paper can also help policy makers to resolve their problems through increased confidence. It might also have some policy implications regarding the recent economic crisis.

Originality/value

This paper is considered to have its own originality in framework of Islamic literature, for actually there is some kind of dichotomy between that literature and IEC. In addition, this paper does have its own recommendation regarding the recent economic crisis.
The current world business meltdown: Islamic religion as a regulator
Authors: Almoharby Darwish
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an account of how Islam regulates the processes and interactions in areas of the economy and trade. It seeks to provide insights on business ethics and social responsibility from the perspective of the Islamic religion.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of literature on the two issues business ethics and social responsibility is carried out. The various arguments advanced here rest on the teachings of the holy book of Islam (The Quran) and the teachings of the Prophet of Islam (Mohammed).

Findings

For Muslims, ethics in business may only be obtained if one has complete faith in God. From the perspective of the Quranic revelations, it is apparent that Islam has given the solution for ethical problems and the religion of Islam teaches about good morals and ethics in a business life.

Research limitations/implications

The paper can be enhanced and extended further to examine the reality of business ethic conduct and social responsibility in Muslim countries.

Practical implications

The existence of irregularity in the spheres of honesty and transparency (i.e. information), and the existence of uncontrolled greed have led to the deterioration of morals in business dealings. The world has an opportunity to share information and learn.

Originality/value

The paper provides good information on the two issues of business ethics and social responsibility particularly from the view point of Islam. This is very important since the provided insights will add to the body of knowledge in those areas in business. The originality of the paper is based on the careful interpretation of some Quranic verses and the teachings of the Prophet Mohammed. It can be a good source of information for persons who have business dealings in Muslim countries.
Ethical issues as competitive advantage for bank management
Authors: Hossan Chowdhury Maruf
Published: May 2011

Purpose

Ethics have always played a crucial role in the realm of business and commerce. This paper aims to extract the principle factors of ethical practices to develop a model for competitive advantage in banking and to show the relation between ethical practice and customer satisfaction and the linked reason for satisfaction as a tool for competitive advantage.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the literature review, ethical issues in banking have been identified as a foundation work. Then an empirical study using survey research has been completed. The survey questionnaire has been designed using the literature and pilot survey input. Factor analysis has been conducted to derive ethical factors for competitive advantage from the survey data, which included 186 responses. χ2 tests were also carried out to show the linked relationship between ethical practice, customer satisfaction and reason for satisfaction.

Findings

From the analysis, two principle factors have been extracted: the cost leveraging factor; and the value leveraging factor which lead to competitive advantage. More over, it also revealed that high ethical practice results in high customer satisfaction and performance.

Practical implications

This study develops a guideline of competitive advantage for bank management through ethical practice.

Originality/value

The paper extracts how ethical factors create competitive advantage in banking and the linked reason of ethical practice and performance of banks which has not often received much focus from previous studies.