bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Technology, theory and learning
Authors: Herther Nancy K.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to advocate for a broader discussion of potential needs for better communication and theory in the areas of technological adoption, management and application in libraries and information centers.

Design/methodology/approach

From personal readings, reflection, experience and the insights of others in the field, the paper considers movements in the larger library and information science (LIS) theoretical literature and its potential application to technology issues.

Findings

Numerous areas of potential future research and action in the field are identified to stimulate further discussion and efforts.

Originality/value

Although these newer theoretical discussions have stimulated research and reflection in the few, few discussions have been made in the information technology arena, an area ripe for such consideration.
Assessing the IBSS database from a novice user perspective
Authors: Lockyer Suzanne , Creaser Claire , Eric Davies J.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the methodology used in the 2004 user survey of the International Bibliography of the Social Sciences (IBSS).

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey of users of the IBSS was combined with hands‐on sessions with novice users of the system at three UK universities. The online survey was a structured questionnaire aimed at experienced users, whilst the hands‐on sessions sought more qualitative data on the novice users' reported and observed use of the IBSS.

Findings

In addition to data specific to each part of the study, the findings from the online survey and hands‐on survey showed some convergence, strengthening the value of the overall results. In particular, the demand for full text links and the advantage of some user training were features of both parts of the study.

Originality/value

This was neither an in‐house survey nor an academic investigation, but a project undertaken for a client, and thus subject to the client's specifications and a strict time‐scale. The request for hands‐on sessions in addition to the usual online survey required design of an instrument which could elicit the maximum amount of data within the time available (about two hours at each institution).
The study of integrated frameworks for library and digital archives
Authors: Yu Shien‐Chiang
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to recommend a proposed systemic framework for enhancing the application scope of library automation systems.

Design/methodology/approach

Analysis of the differences leads to a discussion of the possibilities for integration. Applies related technological practices and standards which were developed for digital archives, and manages existing operational process in libraries and digital library/archives systems.

Findings

In order to integrate library and digital archives systems, the core of library systems should revolve around XML for the standard of cataloguing markup and operate with OAI‐PMH for union catalog and distributed retrieval.

Originality/value

Analyzes and proposes a framework on how to effectively integrate the standard technology of digital library/archives systems with library automation systems.
RFPs: a necessary evil or indispensable tool?
Authors: Calvert Philip , Read Marion
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess attitudes amongst librarians and system vendors towards the use of the Request for Proposal (RFP) process for selecting a library management system; and to use the results as the basis of recommendations for best practice.

Design/methodology/approach

A focus group of librarians and a focus group of system vendors were asked open‐ended questions. Similar groups answered quantitative questions through an electronic survey.

Findings

Librarians and vendors both found some value in the RFP process provided it was done well.

Practical implications

Best practice is recommended in three aspects of the RFP process: communication, preparation, and documentation.

Originality/value

No previous research has assessed attitudes to the RFP process amongst librarians and vendors, and compared the results.
Preparedness for personalizing content in IIT libraries
Authors: Jeevan V.K.J. , Padhi P.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The paper aims to assess the level of preparedness of the Central Libraries of the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) to personalize content and seeks to determine whether the personalization service prototype being developed at IIT Kharagpur can be extrapolated to the remaining IITs.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was sent to the Librarians of the seven IITs, designed to compare the available information resources and services, with special emphasis on user interests and personalization aspects. The survey was supplemented by study visits to a couple of the Institutes.

Findings

Kharagpur and Mumbai have implemented personalization services in some form while the remaining IITs plan to adopt them in the near future. There is also a strong case for extending Kharagpur's personalization service, currently in project mode, to the other IITs.

Research limitations/implications

IIT Madras and IIT Kanpur failed to return the questionnaires, so relevant information regarding these Institutes had to be collected from their web sites and other available sources. There is also scope for further research to accurately access the current status of personalization activities in all the IITs.

Practical implications

With parallel interests and similar research and information facilities, personalization services in one IIT can be replicated and utilized by all the others, leading to greatly enhanced library services in all the Institutes.

Originality/value

This one of a kind survey underlines the need for and possibility of making content personalization a reality in advanced technical libraries. The results obtained are valuable to all IIT libraries in particular and academic/technical libraries in general.
An assessment of the use of information technology facilities for academic pursuit
Authors: Emojorho Daniel , Adomi Awhefe
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This study is aimed at looking at the extent to which staff of Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria, are acquainted with and use information technology facilities for academic pursuit.

Design/methodology/approach

The main instruments used for collecting data were questionnaires and interviews. Simple percentage was the statistical method employed.

Findings

Data gathered through the use of the questionnaire and interviews reveal that most of the staff are not only aware of the existence of information technology (IT) facilities, but also employ them to satisfy their academic desires. From the study, epileptic power supply was adjudged the worst problem encountered in the use of IT facilities, while other problems include high internet service charges, unreliable telecommunication infrastructure, internet traffic congestion due to limited bandwidth and unsatisfactory performance of internet service provider.

Originality/value

The study acts as an eye‐opener to the staff and management of Delta State University, those of institutions of higher learning in Nigeria as a whole, as well as the government of the day, as to the true state of affairs relative to how far and well we have advanced in the application of IT for developmental purposes in a world that has gone so far in it, and try as much as possible to bridge the gap.
Current status and needs of Chinese e‐government users
Authors: Anna Xiong Jian
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This article seeks to investigate unequal access of Chinese citizens to Chinese e‐government. The study promotes wide access to declassified and uncensored Chinese government information and services published on Chinese government web sites for Chinese citizens.

Design/methodology/approach

This article reviews relevant literature and independent surveys as well as government survey reports in consecutive years. It investigates the current status and needs of the Chinese e‐government users – who they are, who are not and why not, as well as what they need to use and benefit from Chinese e‐government.

Findings

This article finds that the current Chinese e‐government is still at an immature stage and serves too few people. There is a need for Chinese e‐government information and services, but the awareness and usage of e‐government is very low among the Chinese people. People need all kinds of education and assistance, from general computer and internet literacy to specialized government information related education and assistance, all of which should be free or inexpensive.

Research limitations/implications

This article suggests that research delving into the following questions needs to be done in future: what government information and services do people need; how do they search it; what are their experiences of using e‐government; what are their problems and solutions; and what improvements do they expect?

Practical implications

The study exposes the problem of unequal access of Chinese citizens to Chinese e‐government.

Originality/value

It is important to regularly study the status and the needs of the users along with the Chinese e‐government development. Literature review shows that the research on Chinese e‐government tends to focus on the technical aspects. There is little research on the users. This article, from a librarian's perspective, provides better knowledge of the Chinese e‐government users and their deeper need to use and benefit from e‐government information and services.
Virtual reference services in China: helping the information‐poor
Authors: Zheng Songhui
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the construction pattern and the difficulties for China to develop virtual reference services (VRS).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper first analyzes the definition and features of the digital library, and is followed by an introduction to the development of VRS in China. Through literature search and checking web sites, some 400 documents in CNKI have been analysed on VRS from the period of January, 1990 to June, 2005, and the situation in developing VRS and problems existing in the course of doing it in China have been summarized. On the basis of connecting theory and practice on VRS, the paper provides general tactics on how to develop VRS for libraries in China.

Findings

There are some problems existing for China to develop VRS, namely shortage of funds, the information poor, the digital divide, restrictions of information infrastructure, library management, shortage of technical knowledge and user training. The paper projects what may be needed for China to continue its development of VRS in the future. There is a need for appropriate infrastructures, strategies and mechanisms to be established in order to support the diffusion of VRS principles throughout China.

Originality/value

This paper provides some observations and insights on the design and development of VRS in China. It suggests that decision makers in government agencies need to understand the existing gaps in VRS in China. Constructive suggestions are made for China to construct VRS and improve the service level.
How the presentation of electronic gateway pages affects research behavior
Authors: Finder Lisa , Dent Valeda F. , Lym Brian
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The paper aims to provide details of a study conducted at Hunter College Libraries in fall 2005, the focus of which was how presentation of initial digital resource pages (or gateway pages) on the library's web site impacted students' subsequent steps in the research process.

Design/methodology/approach

A group of 16 students from English and History classes at Hunter College were recruited to participate after having had basic library instruction. They were given computer‐based key tasks to perform in a proctored classroom setting, using the library's homepage. A second group of students was recruited to participate in two small focus groups. The methodology and exercises were developed in part using guidelines from a taxonomy of user behavior developed by librarians at Hunter College, and recommendations from usability literature by Krug, Neilsen and Rubin.

Findings

Results from the computer‐based key tasks exercises were bifurcated. Completion rates for computer‐based key tasks using the in‐house developed Hunter College Library database grid, with less than 80 percent (37 percent‐73 percent) students successfully completing all the tasks, was inferior compared to performance using the Serial Solutions access page and the Academic Search Premier database, both commercially‐developed products, with most of the tasks successfully completed by at least 80 percent of the students.

Originality/value

This study is unique in that the focus is not on the usability of an entire library web site, rather, on the presentation of select, highly visible gateway pages that get a lot of use.
Introducing e‐journal services: an experience
Authors: Patra Chandana
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This case study seeks to discuss the author's experience of providing e‐journal services to the scientists at the Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute – a centre of excellence in the field of glass and ceramics situated in Kolkata, India. It describes the developmental activities involved in providing user access to the e‐journals and its impact on library operations.

Design/methodology/approach

The article begins with background information on the Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute and its parent body, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, and then goes on to discuss the development of e‐journal services within the library of the Institute.

Findings

The author shows that providing training to the staff as well as library users and managing services of the e‐journals were the most important issues. The author also shows that e‐journals have added enormous resources to the collection and improved the service of the library, enhanced access to journal literature, and decreased the demand for photocopy services as well as document delivery of single articles.

Originality/value

This case study of the Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute experience should be useful to others for deciding their activities to access e‐journals as well as the library community in general
Developing and evaluating an IT specification extraction system
Authors: Yang Chyan , Chen Liang‐Chu , Peng Chun‐Yen
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to establish an extraction system for an information technology (IT) product specification named ITSIES which combines the natural language process (NLP) with the ontology concept and also to evaluate the system's effectiveness in advance.

Design/methodology/approach

The development of the system is based on a prototype design and performance validation. This study adopts four classes of IT specification (PC, Unix server, Monitor, and Printer) that follow IBM's and HP's product lines as the baseline information in order to construct the extraction system in GATE (General Architecture for Text Engineering) tools and to examine the IT product specification with other brands and patterns. Additionally indices are adopted such as precision, recall, and F‐measure as the matrices for evaluating system performance.

Findings

The performance shows that the average recall, precision, and F‐measure are all over 90 per cent, revealing that the JAPE (Java Annotation Patterns Engine) grammar rules in the IT domain are reasonably good and generally in line with expectations.

Originality/value

The paper proposes an integrative framework to examine IT product specification information and demonstrates that the system is effective for IT application.
Managing information and technology: critical roles for librarians in developing countries
Authors: Obiora Omekwu Charles
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The paper sets out to provide a critical overview of the contribution of information technology to the current shift from information to knowledge processing. It situates that shift in the context of the management challenges for librarians from the developing countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach adopted was to review the development challenges of developing countries, the in‐trends information handling and the transition from information to knowledge management systems. The next approach was to examine statistically, the internet usage status and information and communication technology facilities in Africa. Based on the data provided and discussed the final approach was to draw up critical roles for developing countries' librarians in the knowledge age.

Findings

The findings indicate the abysmal state of internet usage and ICT facilities in Africa in particular and the rest of the developing countries in general.

Research limitations/implications

Librarians will be called upon to provide authentic and reliable information, evolve strategic alliances, participate in network activities and contribute to the bridging of the digital divide. They will emerge as technology experts, guides, scouts, researchers, analysts, knowledge engineers, editors, navigators, gatekeepers, brokers and asset managers. Conclusively, librarians will need to acquire new skills to access net resources, and develop new strategies and services to meet the challenges of the knowledge age.

Originality/value

The results and discussions imply that it is critically important for information professionals from developing countries to begin to re‐evaluate their roles in terms of how they contribute to the management of technology and information in the knowledge age. They must participate in information and knowledge creation, undertake information resources documentation, provide an information identification service and evolve new means of resource preservation.
E‐books: how to make them work: a seminar organised by the Multimedia Information and Technology Group (North West) on 10 November 2004 at Liverpool John Moores University
Authors: Allen Stephanie , Bucknell Terry
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Aims to provide a review of the seminar which concentrated on the developments in e‐books within higher education and the lead taken by this sector in the development of e‐book practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The article is based on the proceedings of the seminar.

Findings

Concludes that the future challenges for e‐books include the need to find ways of getting users to choose library resources before the web; the need for libraries to improve awareness of new e‐resources; and the need to work closely with academics to embed e‐books in VLEs.

Originality/value

Provides some useful insights into the development of e‐books within the higher education community.
“Beyond the photocopy machine” revisited: document delivery in a digital library environment
Authors: Dehlez Paula , de Leeuwe Just , Dekker Ronald
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To discuss the recent strategic developments of Library at TU Delft.

Design/methodology/approach

Developments at TU Delft are contrasted with the five key requirements for document delivery identified in an earlier article in 2001.

Findings

That the strategy in most libraries is to evolve rapidly to a digital library as far as possible. That there is still an important role for libraries as document suppliers. That much discussion between libraries and suppliers will be necessary in order to give document delivery a stable position within the digital library.

Originality/value

Gives an insight into the working and thinking of a major European document supplier operating from the Technical University in Delft.
FIZ AutoDoc: a web‐based full‐text broker service
Authors: Detemple Wendelin , Herlan Gerhard , Keil Ulrike
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To describe the services offered by FIZ Karlsruhe.

Design/methodology/approach

Descriptive.

Findings

FIZ AutoDoc is suitable for end‐users without specific knowledge of document delivery services. The depth of integrating FIZ AutoDoc into a company's full‐text supply and the degree of using it are arbitrary and depend on each company's specific situation. The whole spectrum of sci‐tech literature is made available: journal articles, reports, patent documents, books, etc., whatever publishers and scientific libraries offer. The usage via a portal on the web, integrated in intranets, or linked with other information providers' systems, makes FIZ AutoDoc the solution for all full‐text requirements.

Originality/value

Provides an insider description of an important document supplier both in Germany and internationally which uses the collections of other libraries to satisfy customer demand. Some trend statistics of demand are given.
Between open access and copyright: document supply in France
Authors: Schöpfel Joachim
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The article aims to provide an update on the situation of document supply and interlibrary loan in France in the first months of 2005. The main topic is open access to scientific information.

Design/methodology/approach

Describes open access, consortial purchasing, national archives, portals, electronic delivery and legal issues. Some evidence is given on the impact of electronic journals on document supply.

Findings

In the France of 2005, the legal environment and the (science, technical and medical) STM lobby continue to strengthen the position of rights‐holders (publishers) and to increase restrictions and prices of access to scientific information, fixing unrealistic copyright fees around a US$30 level.

Originality/value

Provides international interlending and document supply (ILDS) practitioners with intelligence on the current developments in interlending and document supply in France.
A new approach towards a national inter‐library loan system in The Netherlands: introducing VDX
Authors: Braun Paula , Hörnig Leo , Visser Friso
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to describe the development and implementation of a new service, (zoek&boek), that provides the Dutch public with a resource that allows them to search and request items from regional, provincial and national catalogues should their request be unavailable from their local library. The new digital system is able to handle both the logistic and cost considerations involved. By checking holdings and availability of the requested item, a rota is drawn up listing the libraries that can supply the item, whilst also considering the maximum cost a customer is prepared to pay for their request.

Design/methodology/approach

A descriptive approach is provided.

Findings

The article finds that Zoek&boek will be implemented during 2006 and available for public use from the autumn. A number of issues relevant to establishing a cultural shift in attitudes to resource sharing are discussed and the article looks at the resulting increased efficiency of such a collaborative approach, as well as the hurdles to be overcome in order to achieve the final implementation. In this project, a layered network was established consisting of a national organisation and national, provincial and local players. Key considerations of the initiative were national vs provincial and local requirements, multi‐system integration using standards, resource sharing policies, ease of use for customers, authentication policies, logistical and cost implications, and the requirement for a stable and versatile system.

Originality/value

Of particular importance to public librarians internationally. This service goes well beyond what is available in most countries in giving direct access to regional and national resources for the individual citizen.
Implementing a collaborative digital repository: the dCollection experience in South Korea
Authors: Shin Eun‐Ja
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to describe the background, purpose, and achievement of the digital repository, dCollection, which preserves the research outputs of colleges and universities in South Korea. dCollection is a platform designed to assist college and university libraries in creating, managing, and maintaining digital collections.

Design/methodology/approach

The article describes the experience of dCollection.

Findings

The findings describe several strategies to develop a nationwide digital repository taking into consideration the research outputs of colleges and universities in South Korea. One strategy is to encourage several large‐sized university libraries to participate as partners at the beginning of the project since they can be more influential than smaller ones to successfully set the project in motion. Another strategy is to provide advantages for small‐sized college and university libraries to participate in a collaborative digital repository without any additional expenditure. Small‐sized college and university libraries should be able to upload metadata and full texts to the KERIS server without the purchase of hardware and software and they can create and access a collaborative digital repository for free. Nationwide access of dCollection is valuable as it encourages both large and small college and university libraries to join in the project.

Originality/value

The article shares dCollection experiences with the wider community and to guide the best practices in the development of a national and global digital repository.
Our digital world and the important influences on document supply
Authors: McGrath Mike
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to identify and evaluate the influences acting upon document supply today.

Design/methodology/approach

The article provides an analytical approach.

Findings

It is clear that paid for document supply will continue to decline for some time.

Research limitations/implications

The article is based on desk research and hence cannot provide specific answers to some of the issues raised.

Practical implications

The article demonstrates the need for document supply practitioners to consider their changing role and for document suppliers to consider the implications of a shrinking market.

Originality/value

A broader view is given of the document supply market than is normally given and based upon the extensive practical and theoretical knowledge of the author.
Analysis of the downward trend in document supply in pharmacology: a case study from INIST in France (part 1)
Authors: Boukacem‐Zeghmouri Chérifa , Bador Pascal , Lafouge Thierry , Prost Hélène , Schöpfel Joachim
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The article seeks to investigate the evolution of document supply of print serials.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on data from INIST‐CNRS – document supply requests and access to electronic resources – of 95 serials with JCR impact factors in pharmacology. Data were collected from 1992 to 2003.

Findings

The results distinguish four groups of serials each with a different evolution of document supply requests. Nevertheless, the overall decline from 1999 is a global phenomenon linked to growing access to online journals and there seems little likelihood of a slowdown for the next few years.

Originality/value

This is the first of three articles on a longitudinal study over 12 years on different aspects of the relationship between document supply and impact factor (citations) in pharmacology, a scientific domain with a high use of scientific information.
Interlending and document supply: a review of the recent literature – 57
Authors: McGrath Mike
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to provide a review of the most recent literature concerning document supply and related matters.

Design/methodology/approach

The article provides the reading of over 150 journals as well as monographs, reports and web sites.

Findings

The article finds that usage statistics are still not giving a clear indication of the importance of document supply but it is confirmed that the large proportion of demand comes from a small number of titles. Open access continues to be top news along with the mass digitisation of books.

Originality/value

The article provides a useful source of information for librarians and others interested in document supply and related matters.
International sharing and delivery of library resources
Authors: Gatenby Janifer , Goldner Matt
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to report on the latest developments at OCLC and OCLC PICA to facilitate resource sharing and end user delivery.

Design/methodology/approach

The article provides a descriptive insight into the work of OCLC and OCLC PICA.

Findings

Three key strategies underlie the joint OCLC and OCLC PICA approach to resource sharing: fulfillment by any means; support for both mediated and unmediated request and delivery; and provision of a comprehensive, modular framework with entry at any level.

Practical implications

The widening of the international discovery network for materials, better knowledge, use of loan and alternative supply policies, and simplified cooperative payment systems. Libraries are encouraged to broaden their supply options, including digitize or index on demand or reference lookup.

Originality/value

Provides an insight into the current work of OCLC and OCLC PICA in three areas of concern to librarians involved in resource sharing, particularly at an international level.
The impact of consortia purchasing of periodical publications on the document supply service
Authors: San José Blanca , Pacios Ana R.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to show the impact of consortia purchased periodical publications on document supply services. These services have undergone considerable changes over the last five years, first decreasing but now recovering.

Design/methodology/approach

First, this paper reviews the most recent specialised literature, focusing mainly on the impact of electronic journals in libraries, their effects, and proposed actions. Second, as an example of this new behaviour, presents the document supply service data, as collected in one hospital's health‐science library in the last four years.

Findings

As evidenced by the literature, the users' acceptance of electronic journals has undoubtedly been excellent. Consortia purchasing projects have become a basic tool that expand collections, support cooperative technological development, and require negotiating skills from librarians. But these mass purchases do not seem to be the ideal solution for libraries, they entail losing freedom when choosing the collection and often make library collections homogeneous by publisher.

Originality/value

Reflects on what possible causes have led to the current situation and the current way to manage the collection.
IRIS: a resource‐sharing initiative in Ireland
Authors: McGoldrick Fiona
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to document the history, development and current status of the IRIS Consortium in Ireland.

Design/methodology/approach

This article provides a summary of the early history of IRIS.

Findings

The environment within which IRIS operates has changed significantly since its beginnings in the early 1990s. The worldwide web and open access repositories have introduced new modes of information delivery and access. The development of a knowledge‐based economy as a natural strategic imperative for Ireland has placed a much greater emphasis on research in the third‐level sector. This is a context that encourages cooperative library solutions, consortial approaches to information resource development, and joint development of new services, in all of which IRIS has a central role to play.

Originality/value

This article provides an insight into planning, developing, managing a consortium and resource sharing to other consortia.
Computing surface area and volume of parachutes from 3D scans
Authors: Li Peng , Lee Calvin , Corner Brian
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To explore three‐dimensional scanning technology in capturing the shape of inflated parachutes for accurate estimation of surface area and volume.

Design/methodology/approach

The volume and surface area of an inflated round parachute are important parameters for the design and analysis of its performance. However, it is difficult to acquire the three‐dimensional (3D) surface shape of a parachute due to its flexible fabric and dynamic movement. This paper presents how we collect 3D data with a laser scanner and calculate volume and surface area of parachutes from their scans. The necessary data clean and approximation steps with non‐uniform B‐spline function are introduced and implemented. Numerical integration methods are employed to estimate surface area and volume. The approximation of the parachute based on an ellipsoid is compared with the numerical integration approach in their volumes and surface areas.

Findings

It is found that 3D scanning technology, with help of mathematic program developed, provides a feasible mean to estimate the surface area and volume of inflated parachutes. The numerical integration method derived in this paper is reliable and robust for the computation.

Originality/value

It is the first time that the 3D shape of an inflated parachute has been scanned with a laser scanner. The mathematical methods developed for processing of scan data are useful for others who use 3D scanning technology. The computational approach and results of surface area and volume of inflated parachutes are valuable to parachute performance modeling and design community.
Structural optimization strategies for simple and integrally stiffened plates and shells
Authors: Afonso S.M.B. , Sienz J. , Belblidia F.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Shells are widely used structural systems in engineering practice. These structures have been used in the civil, automobile and aerospace industries. Many shells are designed using the finite element analysis through the conventional and costly trial and error scheme. As a more efficient alternative, optimization procedures can be used to design economic and safe structures.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents developments, integration and applications of reliable and efficient computational tools for the structural optimization of variable thickness plates and free‐form shells. Topology, sizing and shape optimization procedures are considered here. They are applied first as isolated subjects. Then these tools are combined to form a robust and reliable fully integrated design optimization tool to obtain optimum designs. The unique feature is the application of a flexible integrally stiffened plate and shell formulation to the design of stiffened plates and shells.

Findings

This work showed the use of different optimization strategies to obtain an optimal design for plates and shells. Both topology optimization (TO) and structural shape optimization procedures were considered. These two optimization applications, as separate procedures produce new designs with a great improvement when compared to the initial designs. However, the combination of stiffening TO and sizing optimization using integrally stiffened shells appears as a more attractive tool to be used. This was illustrated with several examples.

Originality/value

This work represents a novel approach to the design of optimally stiffened shells and overcomes the drawbacks of both topology optimization and structural shape optimization procedures when applied individually. Furthermore, the unique use of integrally stiffened shell elements for optimization, unlike conventional shell‐stiffening optimization techniques, provided a general and extremely flexible tool.
Non‐linear dynamic analysis by three‐dimensional ordinary differential equations
Authors: Ladopoulos E.G.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Aims to propose a new dynamic model for the solution of the three‐dimensional structural analysis problem of a non‐linear (non‐symmetrical) structure which is subjected under seismic forces.

Design/methodology/approach

This problem is reduced to the solution of a system of ordinary differential equations of the second kind and such a system is numerically solved by using a special kind of finite elements and by solving the corresponding eigenvalues‐eigenvectors problem.

Findings

The proposed finite element method is much smaller in degree of freedom size than commercial software, as classical linear stiffness matrices of three‐dimensional beam element have six degrees of freedom per node.

Research limitations/implications

Future research should concentrate on the application of the new dynamic model to solve more complicated forms of non‐symmetrical structures.

Practical implications

Practical implications are given to structural analysis problems to the determination of the eigenvalues‐eigenvectors. As an example, an application is given to the determination of the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of a 15‐floor building consisting of reinforced concrete and subjected to an horizontal seismic vibration.

Originality/value

The new dynamic model which is proposed is addressed to researchers of dynamic analysis and civil engineers.
Finite element simulation for design optimisation of shape memory alloy spring actuators
Authors: Dumont Georges , Kühl Christofer
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is the optimisation of shape memory alloy (SMA) spring actuators. The purpose of these actuators is to control active endoscopes. The objective for such endoscopes is to minimize one patient pain during operation.

Design/methodology/approach

A range of recently published (1990‐2002) works, which aim to provide models for SMA actuators, do not focus on the simulation and on the design of such actuators. SMAs have two main characteristics, namely the phase change and non‐linear behaviour in each phase. The proposed model is based on a mixed approach combining an Euler‐Bernoulli beam model and a bi‐dimensional finite element model. It allows the modelling of plastic behaviour and drives the phase evolution in the beam cross‐section.

Findings

The physical properties of SMAs are described and modelled. A new beam model and a numerical algorithm are proposed. Preliminary results demonstrate the performance of our method on two problems and lead to determine the actuator capability. The resulting actuator model is then integrated into an optimisation process based on genetic algorithms. The overall approach provides a design tool for SMA spring actuator subjected to design constraints.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed method is only validated for our practical purposes. However, we believe that the optimisation methodology may have other implications in structure design.

Originality/value

This paper provides an optimisation approach that is valuable for scientists and engineers in engineering computations.
Denoising using linear and nonlinear multiresolutions
Authors: Amat Sergio , Cherif Hedi , Carlos Trillo J.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To provide several comparisons between linear and nonlinear approaches in denoising applications.

Design/methodology/approach

The comparison is based on the peak signal noise ratio (PSNR) image quality measure. Which one of the algorithms gives higher PSNR and then denoises more the original picture is studied.

Findings

Nonlinear reconstruction operators can improve the accuracy of the prediction in the vicinity of isolated singularities. A better treatment of the singularities corresponding to the image edges and, therefore, an improvement on the sparsity of the multiresolution representation of images are then expected.

Research limitations/implications

In this paper the point‐value framework is considered. Other frameworks, as the cell‐average discretization, are more suitable for image processing where noise and texture appear. But, the point value schemes can be adapted to the cell‐average discretization using primitive function.

Practical implications

People can use the new denoising algorithm presented in the paper.

Originality/value

In this paper nonlinear schemes in the Harten's multiresolution framework that improve the results of the classical linear schemes are presented.
A simple method for improving the SIMPLER algorithm for numerical simulations of incompressible fluid flow and heat transfer problems
Authors: Liu X.L. , Tao W.Q. , He Y.L.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To provide an improved version of SIMPLER algorithm which can enhance the convergence rate of the iterative solution procedure in the field of computational fluid dynamics analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The improved version of SIMPLER algorithm is developed by modifying the coefficients of the velocity correction equation and implementing the correction of pressure within an iteration cycle.

Findings

The CSIMPLER algorithm (the improved version) can enhance the convergence rate for almost all cases tested, especially for the low under‐relaxation factor situations. The pressure correction term even can be overrelaxed to further enhance the convergence rate.

Research limitations/implications

The CSIMPLER algorithm can enhance the rate of convergence to different degree for different problems. It can only be adopted to solve the incompressible fluid flow and heat transfer.

Practical implications

CSIMPLER is a simple and effectual method to enhance the convergence rate of the iterative process for the computational fluid dynamics analysis. The existing code of SIMPLER can be easily changed to CSIMPLER.

Originality/value

The paper developed an improved version of SIMPLER algorithm with some minor changes in the existing SIMPLER code.
Optimal design of preform geometry and tribological conditions in can forming
Authors: Rodič Tomaž , Cukjati Domen , Grešovnik Igor
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To present numerical techniques and results of finite element based optimisation of material forming process for production of shaped food and beverage cans.

Design/methodology/approach

The objectives were achieved by combining finite element system ELFEN with optimisation shell INVERSE. These computer systems were applied to optimisation of preform design, optimisation of tribological conditions between can body and individual segments of the tooling system as well as to optimisation of kinematics of the tooling segments.

Findings

Numerical analyses show that preform design offers the highest optimisation potential. For preform shape optimisation a very efficient algorithm has been developed which enables effective minimisation of the objective function.

Originality/value

The paper identifies three main technological possibilities to optimise production process for shaped cans and quantifies the effects of each option. It also identifies the most efficient optimisation techniques to improve the investigated process.
Discrete element simulation of the behavior of bulk granular material during truck braking
Authors: Zuo Shu‐chun , Xu Yong , Yang Quan‐wen , Feng Y.T.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To simulate the dynamic feature of bulk granular material (such as agricultural products) during sudden braking of a truck by applying discrete element method.

Design/methodology/approach

The bulk granular material was modeled by the discrete element approach, in which the spherical elements were used to represent the granular particles; the interaction between two in‐adhesive particles was modeled by Hertz for normal interaction, and by Mindlin and Deresiewicz for tangential interaction; the interaction between two particles with adhesion was modeled by the JKR theory for normal interaction, and by Thornton's theory for the tangential interaction. Different initial conditions (braking speeds/accelerations) were considered. The dynamic system was numerically solved by the central difference based explicit time integration, and the dynamic impact forces were recorded to further analysis.

Findings

The computation predicted that the resultant dynamic force acting upon the front wall behaves in four stages, i.e. increasing, plateau, sharp increasing and drop with damped fluctuation. It was observed that, the shorter the breaking time is, the faster the force reaches its peak, and the greater the peak value is. The phenomenon was in good agreement with physical principals and common knowledge.

Research limitations/implications

It is an application of the discrete element method and, therefore, no important contribution is made to advance the methodology.

Practical implications

The proposed modeling approach may serve as a useful tool for advanced design of trucks.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to apply the advanced discrete element method to the problem concerned.
Iterative preform design technique by tracing the material flow along the deformation path
Authors: Hong J.T. , Lee S.R. , Park C.H. , Yang D.Y.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

In the finite element analysis of a hot forging process, it is difficult to design an optimal preform because of highly nonlinear characteristics of design variables. In this paper, a new preform design method which can reduce the forming load and the die wear by removing the flash is developed and applied to the pre form design of a piston.

Design/methodology/approach

After finite element analyses of hot forging processes, if the final product is found to have excessive flash and cause high die wear, a new preform design technique, so‐called iterative preform design technique is applied to obtain an optimal preform design. From the results of FE simulations, a boundary region at the outlet of the flash is first selected. Then, by tracing the section along the deformation path to the initial billet, it is possible to obtain a mapped section boundary in the initial billet. After updating the initial shape by removing the exterior region of the mapped section boundary, a finite element simulation is carried out with the updated initial shape. Iterations should be continued until a desired result is obtained.

Findings

It has been confirmed that the proposed preform design technique has a negligible effect on the initial forgeability of the workpiece. It is expected that the tool life will be increased, because the forming load and die wear are reduced as the number of iterations are increased. Moreover, because the preform design reduces the flash, it thereby reduces the waste of material.

Originality/value

In the 3D finite element analysis of a hot forging process, several optimal preform design techniques have been developed. However, it is difficult to use the techniques in general problems because it is difficult to formulate cost functions, which mainly depend on the experience and physical insight of the designer. In addition, tremendous time is consumed in optimizing a problem as a large number of iterations are required in minimizing the objective function. The proposed preform design technique is simple enough to apply to general hot forging problems involving excessive flash. The proposed preform design technique is an offline method and easy to apply to any other analysis program, including commercial programs.