bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physicomechanical, phytochemical, volatile compounds and free radical scavenging properties of eight pomegranate cultivars and classification by principal component and cluster analyses
Authors: Amos Fawole Olaniyi , Linus Opara Umezuruike
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study was to characterize fruit properties of pomegranate cultivars grown in South Africa in order to provide information to assist in selecting cultivars for food and industrial purposes, as well as to optimize postharvest handling and processing.

Design/methodology/approach

– The physical, textural and chemical properties as well as volatile profile and free radical scavenging capacity of eight cultivars (cvs “Acco”, “Arakta”, “Bhagwa”, “Ganesh”, “Herskawitz,” “Molla de Elche”, “Ruby”, and “Wonderful”) were quantified to demonstrate the diversity among the characters of the commercially grown cultivars.

Findings

– Statistically significant differences were found between cultivars for most of the evaluated characters, primarily highlighting the genetic diversity among the cultivars. The classification of fruit cultivars based on quality traits (such as size, texture, colour, soluble solids, acidity, juiciness and phenolics) showed the great potential of the cultivars for processing and fresh market. The relationship among these quality traits was analysed by principal component analysis (PCA) resulting in the separation of the investigated cultivars into two groups (cluster 1=Ruby, Arakta and Ganesh; Class 2=Bhagwa, Acco and Herskawitz) and two ungrouped cultivars (Molla de Elche and Wonderful). Specific understanding about quality traits of each cultivar was established using the correlation coefficients obtained.

Originality/value

– This study provides valuable fundamental information that can be useful for commercial and industrial purposes, as well as the development of optimal postharvest handling and processing parameters for the investigated South African grown pomegranate cultivars.
A framework for investigating blended learning effectiveness
Authors: Wong Lily , Tatnall Arthur , Burgess Stephen
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The move towards “blended learning”, consisting of a combination of online and face-to-face teaching, continues to gain pace in universities around the world. It is important, however, to question the quality of this learning. The OECD has made use of a model of “Readiness, Intensity and Impact” for investigating the adoption and use of eBusiness technologies. The purpose of this paper is to propose a framework, based on this model and adapted for blended learning, to assess the readiness, intensity of adoption and impact on blended learning offerings. The framework is tested via a description of how one university has adopted and used blended learning, and investigates the quality of the learning from this approach.

Design/methodology/approach

– The framework is tested via a case study involving the assessment of a blended learning approach to the delivery of a first-year undergraduate accounting unit at Victoria University, Australia. Various approaches to delivery are assessed over a two-year period. The results are drawn from a survey specifically designed to identify students’ attitudes towards blended learning.

Findings

– Despite having three new online options readily available for students to access, there was strong support for face-to-face delivery methods. In relation to the framework, the assessment suggested that certain aspects of the university's blended learning approach could be investigated further (particularly student readiness for different blended learning options and an overall assessment of the impact of a blended approach), to provide a more holistic view of the readiness to adopt and impact of the blended learning offerings.

Originality/value

– The value of this contribution lies in the development of a unique framework to assess the impact of blended learning approaches from the viewpoint of student readiness and intensity of separate delivery approaches – whilst maintaining the need to evaluate the effectiveness of blended learning as an overall package.
A study on the validity of a four-variant diagnostic learning styles questionnaire
Authors: Goulding Jack , Syed-Khuzzan Sharifah
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the use, construct, and pervasiveness of learning styles theory. Whilst extant literature has provided educational theorists with a temporal landscape for promoting or critiquing the surfeit of “models” and “diagnostic tools”, there has been little empirical research evidence undertaken on the adoption and adaptation of learning styles in the e-Learning environment, especially in respect of personalised learning environments (PLEs). In this respect, evidence identifies that the more thoroughly instructors understand the differences in learning styles, the better chance they have of meeting the diverse learning needs of their learners.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper provides a critical review of the development of learning styles inventories and instruments of learning styles. It focuses specifically on the reliability, validity, and rubrics behind these models. A positivist stance was adopted, using a structured case study methodology with learners as the main unit of analysis. This was undertaken to statistically explore and confirm the validity and reliability of a Diagnostic Questionnaire (DQ).

Findings

– A new Diagnostic Learning Styles Questionnaire was developed based upon the amalgamation of three existing models of learning styles (Kolb; Honey and Mumford; and Felder and Silverman). Research findings identified four principal learning styles categories (A, B, C, D). These are supported by Cronbach's α results ranging from 0.57 to 0.80 for the learning styles within the DQ, which provides new insight into these relationships.

Research limitations/implications

– This research suggests that improved construct validity can be achieved if relationships are fully understood. However, research findings need to be countered by extending the embedded case study presented in this paper to include other case studies for comparison (within this context). Further research is also needed on examining learner traits in more detail with a wider data set.

Practical implications

– The DQ can be used to explore different approaches to use in learning environments. Specifically, it allows training providers to understand the nuances and dependencies associated with learner styles, behaviour, learner effectiveness, and motivation.

Originality/value

– This paper uncovers new understanding on the learning process and how this links to pedagogy and learning styles. It presents a mechanism for embedding a DQ into a PLEs.
Creating the asset base – a review of literature and policy on housing with care
Authors: June Atkinson Teresa , Evans Simon , Darton Robin , Cameron Ailsa , Porteus Jeremy , Smith Randall
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– Appropriate housing for the growing population of older adults is becoming an international concern. The purpose of this paper is to report on a review of UK and international literature carried out as part of a project exploring the commissioning and delivery of social care in housing with care settings. The paper also considers housing with care in the context of UK policy and practice.

Design/methodology/approach

– The peer literature review process used a range of academic databases as well as government and third sector web sites, drawing on relevant material in English published from 1990 to 2012.

Findings

– Findings are presented within three main themes: how care and support is provided; the role of the built environment; and the benefits for resident well-being. The review found a paucity of literature focusing specifically on care and support in housing with care settings, particularly in terms of how social care is delivered, but the evidence base suggests that housing with care is in a strong position to deliver on most if not all UK government aspirations.

Practical implications

– Despite a growing literature both in the UK and internationally exploring the characteristics and benefits of housing with care for older people, substantial gaps remain in the research evidence.

Originality/value

– This paper presents an up to date review of the housing with care literature in the context of current UK policy.
Implementing a psychologically informed environment in a service for homeless young people
Authors: Woodcock Jeremy , Gill Jamie
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe the attempts by one youth homelessness service to implement the conceptual ideas of the psychologically informed environment (PIE) into a practical and beneficial service for very challenging young people who have been homeless, are leaving care or have left custody.

Design/methodology/approach

– The approach of the paper is descriptive, outlining the thinking behind a PIE with young people and the operationalising of this understanding in the day-to-day practice of the service.

Findings

– Although homelessness and housing support staff are not therapists, the nature of the work entails a need for understanding and sensitivity, and the activities of the service are designed to create positive opportunities and relationships. Reflective practice, supervision and evaluation are then essential tools in developing a “learning organisation”, where the collective dynamics at an organisational level support the psychological work of the PIE.

Research limitations/implications

– The implications for homelessness work that can be drawn from the outcome of this project is to better understand how the PIE linked to the concept of a learning organisation can provide a truly robust framework for providing a service that can evolve harmoniously, tying in disparate funding streams to offer very challenging young people an outstanding service that addresses their homelessness and its underlying causes.

Practical implications

– The practical implications shown are the psychological skills that can be developed in housing workers; the limits of those skills and how they are complemented by partnership work with other voluntary sector organisations and mainstream health providers; how the ideas of the learning organisation can naturally underpin the work of the PIE.

Originality/value

– The combination of the concept of the learning organisation, reflective practice and the PIE provides a highly original and truly robust framework for providing housing workers with the psychological tools to make a transformative difference in the lives of especially vulnerable young homeless people.
Consumer attitudes on mobile payment services – results from a proof of concept test
Authors: Arvidsson Niklas
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– A society's potential economic gains from replacing cash-based payments with electronic payments are large, and mobile payments may help this transition. The purpose of this paper is to understand consumers’ attitudes on start using mobile payment services.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study builds on quantitative data from a proof of concept test of a mobile payment service that was done in Sweden in 2011. The theoretical foundation rests on technology adoption models (TAM) and diffusion of innovation theories.

Findings

– The study finds that the most important factor explaining whether consumers are likely to use a mobile payment service is ease of use. In addition, relative advantage, high trust, low perceived security risks, higher age and lower income were associated with a positive view on adopting the service.

Research limitations/implications

– The results leads to the conclusion that studies of innovation in the payment industry cannot rely on TAM and innovation diffusion theory alone. Theories on learning, network economies and value-creation must also be included if change processes in payment systems are to be fully understood.

Practical implications

– Companies aiming to launch mobile payment services must understand that consumers’ put high importance on reliability of such services and that trust in services is built via learning process. If consumers learn to use the service, the probability they also start to trust it increases. This means that the launch of services must be designed as learning processes for consumers and merchants.

Originality/value

– The newness in this paper is, first, that the TAM model is tested quantitatively in a regression analysis using data from Sweden, and, second, that the traditional theories used to explain consumers’ use of new types of payment services are discussed and suggestions for additional, complementary theories are proposed.
Critical success factors for the “unbanked” customers in Kenya
Authors: Mulengani Katwalo Allan , Isendi Muhanji Stella
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this research paper is to define the factors that a bank would require to have in order to succeed in the traditionally unbanked segment of the East African region. The paper specifically looks at approaches used by banks to make banking affordable and accessible to most Kenyans. Most banks are turning their focus to the traditionally unbanked with all of them competing in an ever decreasing market.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research was carried out by using both primary and secondary data. Primary data were collected using a survey questionnaire administered to customers of banks in Kenya whilst secondary data were collected from the banking survey of Kenya reports. Respondents were sampled using convenient sampling method.

Findings

– The paper found empathy and satisfaction to be the major critical success factors (CSFs) for these banks. This implies that customers who visit these banks are more concerned with the attention they receive when they seek financial services. It was also found that there was significant difference between banks that cater for the traditionally unbanked customers (TUC) and those that do not.

Research limitations/implications

– Management of banks should put into cognizance aspects of empathy and satisfaction which are the identified CSFs. This will enable them to improve and sustain their competitiveness in the banking sector.

Practical implications

– The paper puts forward market practices which can inform policies and guide other financial institutions that would want to provide services to the TUC.

Originality/value

– The paper introduces the concept of service quality for TUC who were left out in the banking sector in Kenya.
The abject of entrepreneurship: failure, fiasco, fraud
Authors: Olaison Lena , Meier Sørensen Bent
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– Failure as an integral part of the entrepreneurial process has recently become a hot topic. The purpose of this paper is to review this debate as expressed both in research on entrepreneurship and in the public discourse, in order to understand what kind of failure is being incorporated into the entrepreneurship discourse and what is being repressed.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research design is twofold: an empirical investigation modelled as a discourse analysis is followed by a psychoanalytically inspired deconstruction of the identified hegemony. Where the discourse analysis treats what is omitted, the purpose of the psychoanalytic analysis is to point out more concretely what is being repressed from the hegemonic discourses that the first part of the paper identified.

Findings

– The paper identifies a discursive shift from focusing on entrepreneurial success while at the same time negating failure, to embracing failure as a “learning experience”. Second, we trace this “fail better”-movement and identify a distinction between the “good failure” from which the entrepreneur learns, and the “bad failure” which may also imply a moral breakdown. Finally, the paper attempts to deconstruct this discourse deploying Kristeva's idea of the abject. The paper argues that the entrepreneurship discourse seeks closure through abjecting its own, real kernel, namely: the everyday, common, entrepreneurial failure. This image comprises the abject of entrepreneurship, and abject which does becomes visible, however, rarely: Bernie Madoff, Jeff Skilling, Stein Bagger.

Originality/value

– This paper fulfils an identified need to study the darker and unwanted sides of entrepreneurship and extends our understanding of failure in entrepreneurial processes.
When entrepreneurial identity meets multiple social identities
Authors: Chasserio Stephanie , Pailot Philippe , Poroli Corinne
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims at exploring the dynamics of multiple identities of women entrepreneurs (WE). The paper analyse how WE do identity work in relation to specific identity regulations in the particular French cultural context. The objective is to understand how the entrepreneurial identity process of women is built through both confrontation and synergy with other social identities.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper opted for a qualitative and abductive methodological design. In total, 41 French WE from diverse business activities were interviewed. The empirical material was subject to thematic analysis.

Findings

– The findings reveal the ability of these WE to deal with numerous and various identities. Their daily strategies to accommodate different roles depict how their entrepreneurial activity is intertwined with their personal and social life. The paper are far away from the picture of a monolithic entrepreneur without social dimensions. Given that, the findings broaden the too simplistic vision of WE as an homogeneous whole. Within this group of French WE, the analysis reveals that forms of identity work are along a continuum from accepting conventional norms and social expectations and integrating them in self-identity, or challenging them by accommodation or transformation, or, in turn, by redefining and proposing new norms. It also brings a nuanced understanding of complexity and multidimensionality of their daily life.

Originality/value

– Finally by studying French WE, the paper identify new practices, new interactions between social roles which could be also relevant for men. In fact, the study challenges the traditional framework on entrepreneurship, which produces an incomplete view of entrepreneurs, by omitting historical and social variables. This disembodied vision of entrepreneur could not be applied to women and probably could not be applied to contemporaneous men either.
Entrepreneuring together: his and her stories
Authors: Bruni Attila , Perrotta Manuela
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– Among the various “critical” voices which have contributed to problematizing the discourse on entrepreneurship, that of gender studies is indubitably one of the most significant and fruitful. Applying a gender perspective to the study of entrepreneurship has led to the uncovering of the (male) gender assumptions embodied in the dictates of entrepreneurship and to distinguish between study of women entrepreneurs and study of the relationship between gender and entrepreneurship. One aspect little explored within this diversified array of studies concerns “mixed” situations in which a firm's management is shared between a woman and a man. Such situations are interesting in that: first, they make it possible to problematize the economic rhetoric which promulgates entrepreneurship as an individual and isolated, activity; second, the simultaneous presence of a man and a woman allows observation of whether and how gender stereotypes and practices are at work in the process of positioning Him and Her within the firm. In order to investigate both these aspects, the paper considers 18 verbal histories of women and men entrepreneurs, showing how entrepreneurship can be conceived as a distributed activity, as well as a playground for gender dynamics. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– Narrative analysis of 18 “two-voice” interviews (for a total of 36 individual interviews) collected in artisanal activities characterized by the concomitant presence of a Him and a Her within the firm.

Findings

– First, interweaving between doing gender and doing business; second, entrepreneurship as a distributed activity; third, entrepreneurial environment sets out opportunities and contingent factors which can be used as resources for the positioning of Him and Her in the story and the construction of different narratives. This confirms the multi-dimensionality of entrepreneurial experience and suggests that future research should pay closer attention to the aspects of business activity sharing and reciprocity in the construction and positioning of gender.

Research limitations/implications

– Main implication for future research is to pay closer attention to aspects of reciprocity sharing and gender positioning in entrepreneurship.

Originality/value

– “Mixed” entrepreneurial experiences (firm's management is shared between a woman and a man) are little explored and it is still uncommon to frame entrepreneurship as a distributed activity.
Project management maturity in the age of big data
Authors: Williams Nigel , P. Ferdinand Nicole , Croft Robin
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– While the area of project management maturity (PMM) is attracting an increased amount of research attention, the approaches to measuring maturity fit within existing social science conventions. This paper aims to examine the potential contribution of new data collection and analytical approaches to develop new insights in PMM.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper takes the form of a literature review.

Findings

– The current trends of rapidly growing digital data collection and storage may have the potential to develop approaches to PMM assessment that overcome the limitations of existing qualitative and quantitative approaches.

Research limitations/implications

– Future research in PMM can employ techniques such as social network analysis and text analysis to develop insights based on the flow and content of information in organizations.

Practical implications

– Adoption of data analytical approaches from big data can enable the creation of new types of holistic and adaptive maturity models. Holistic maturity models provide insights based on both structured and unstructured data within organizations. Adaptive maturity models provide rapid insights based on the flow of information within an enterprise.

Originality/value

– The recent trend towards digitising of organizational knowledge and interactions has created the possibility to apply new analytical approaches and techniques to the understanding of PMM in firms. This paper identifies possible tools and approaches that can be applied to create new types of maturity models based on structured and unstructured data.
Governing knowledge and the scope of the firm
Authors: Paul Hallwood Clifford
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The paper aims to investigate how failure of markets for commercially useful knowledge can lead to the broadening of the scope of a firm.

Design/methodology/approach

– Design: case study methodology: selective literature review as relating to the findings of the case study approach: theoretical as built on the case study and literature review.

Findings

– Failure in the market between firms for new commercial knowledge led the case study firm to broaden the scope of its operations. Creation of special corporate culture to govern team performance was crucial for this process.

Originality/value

– Originality lies in: the case study, theoretically linking failure in the markets for knowledge to broadening of the scope of the firm. Identifying the firm's corporate culture as a team motivational and cost control device making broadening of scope of the firm cost efficient.
Characterising spatial logistics employment clusters
Authors: Chhetri Prem , Butcher Tim , Corbitt Brian
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is twofold. First to identify economic activities and broader spatial logistics functions that characterise an urban setting, and second to delineate significant spatial logistics employment clusters to represent the underlying regional geography of the logistics landscape.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using the four-digit Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification, industries “explicitly” related to logistics were identified and aggregated with respect to employment. A principal component analysis was conducted to capture the functional interdependence of inter-related industries and measures of spatial autocorrelation were also applied to identify spatial logistics employment clusters.

Findings

– The results show that the logistics sector accounts for 3.57 per cent of total employment and that road freight, postal services, and air and space transport are major employers of logistics managers. The research shows significant spatial clustering of logistics employment in the western and southern corridors of Melbourne, associated spatially with manufacturing, service industry and retail hubs in those areas.

Research limitations/implications

– This research offers empirically informed insights into the composition of spatial logistics employment clusters to regions that lack a means of production that would otherwise support the economy. Inability to measure the size of the logistics sector due to overlaps with other sectors such as manufacturing is a limitation of the data used.

Practical implications

– The research offers policymakers and practitioners an empirically founded basis on which decisions about future infrastructure investment can be evaluated to support cluster development and achieve economies of agglomeration.

Originality/value

– The key value of this research is the quantification of spatial logistics employment clusters using spatial autocorrelation measures to empirically identify and spatially contextualize logistics hubs.
ISO 9001 in health service sector: a review and future research proposal
Authors: Rakhmawati Tri , Sumaedi Sik , Judhi Astrini Nidya
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to describe the state-of-the-art in ISO 9001 research in healthcare service sector and propose the future research agenda.

Design/methodology/approach

– A comprehensive literature review of the ISO 9001 studies in healthcare service sector was carried out.

Findings

– The effectiveness of ISO 9001 implementation in healthcare service sector is still not clear. Previous researches show common stages for implementing ISO 9001 in a healthcare service organization. However, there is no previous research that reveals the content of the system implemented. In addition, there is no previous research that reveals the interpretation of ISO 9001 based on the practice of ISO 9001 implementation in an organization. Based on the review, eight future research agendas were proposed.

Originality/value

– The paper is believed to be the first to discuss the state-of-the-art of ISO 9001 researches in healthcare service sector.
Experimental study on the water lubrication of non-contacting face seals for turbopumps
Authors: Guo-yuan Zhang , Zhao Wei-gang , Xiu Tian Yan
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– A new type of hydrostatic and hydrodynamic non-contacting face seals has been designed to meet the requirements of lower leakage, longer life and more repeatedly start and stop on shaft seals raised by liquid rocket engine turbopumps. And an experimental study on the performance of the face seal in the actual liquid oxygen turbopump was completed where low-viscosity water was selected as the seal fluid for the sake of safety. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– Different performances of face seals under preset conditions were obtained by repeatedly running tests, and the main performance parameters encompass leakage, fluid film pressure between the faces, operating power, face temperature, and so on.

Findings

– The results indicate that the designed face seal has a smaller amount of leakage, with a minimum value of 3 ml/s. Furthermore, the designed face seal has been proved to demand lower operating power. Since its operating power changes slightly with different sealed fluid pressures, the new seal can be deployed in the harsh working condition with high pressure or with high speed (greater than 20,000 rpm). However, one proviso is that when liquid is employed as the seal fluid, the groove depth should be relatively deeper (greater than 10 μm).

Research limitations/implications

– In response to future engineering requirements, study on the controllable spiral-groove face seals to improve the current design is being conducted.

Originality/value

– The advancement of such non-contacting face seals proffers important insights to the design of turbo-pump shaft seal in a new generation of liquid rocket engine with regard to the requirement of frequent start and stop as well as long life on it.
Engine piston rings improvement through effective materials, advanced manufacturing methods and novel design shape
Authors: Senatore Adolfo , Aleksendric Dragan
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to propose a literature review of the main physical phenomena considered by previous studies focusing on the modelling and the numerical simulation of frictional behaviour of piston rings, in the first section. In the second section, the more recent technical papers and patents about piston ring pack are briefly discussed. They deal with novel materials, innovative manufacturing methods and modified shape for improving frictional, stability and blow-by behaviours.

Design/methodology/approach

– This review paper aims at covering last period technical efforts about engine piston ring pack friction reduction through novel materials and manufacturing methods as well as new surface profiles according to the last outcomes of multiphysics numerical simulation.

Findings

– The paper type is “literature review”. The findings of the authors of papers and patents are described.

Originality/value

– This review paper proposes a survey of recent papers and patents on piston rings topic.
Design for static stiffness of hydrostatic bearings: double-action variable compensation of membrane-type restrictors and self-compensation
Authors: Kang Yuan , Peng De-Xing , Hung Yu-Hong , Hu Sheng-Yan , Lin Chorng-Shyan
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– This article is the fourth part of a serial studies about constant and variable compensations of the closed-type hydrostatic plane-pad bearing, which is presented for the double-action membrane-type restrictor and self-type compensation. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– The load capacity and static stiffness in thrust direction of the planar bearing is determined by the flow continuity equation which belongs to the same approaches as shown in previous parts of this serial studies.

Findings

– The results reveal that the appropriate range of recess pressure ratio and design parameters of bearing and restrictor for the infinite or maximum stiffness can be obtained. Also, the influence of design parameters on negative stiffness that should be avoided in bearing design is revealed in detail.

Originality/value

– The determination of design parameters of a double-action membrane-type restrictor can be yielded from finding results of this study for maximum stiffness in design of hydrostatic bearings.
Experimental study of friction and wear characteristics of titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) under lubricated sliding condition
Authors: Dutt Sharma Mukund , Sehgal Rakesh
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– In the present study, an attempt has been made to examine friction and wear behaviour of Ti-6Al-4V alloy sliding against EN-31 steel under lubricative media of common commercial grade oil (hydrol-68). The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– Tribological properties of Ti-6Al-4V under hydrol-68 as lubricative media are measured using multi-tribo tester. Lubricating oil samples at different normal loads have also been analysed with the help of laser net fines (LNF) as per ISO 4406:1999. Experiments have been designed by two level full factorial method.

Findings

– Experimental results indicate that the wear rate of Ti-6Al-4V alloy decreases as sliding speed increases. But it shows typical transition characteristics as the normal load increases; till 30 N wear rate decreases then it increases from 30 to 50 N. Also for all loads and at every speed, the average wear increases as the sliding distance increases. The average coefficient of friction of the Ti-6Al-4V alloy decreases with the increase in sliding velocity and normal load. Lubricating oil analysis indicates that the maximum wear particle size (5-15 μm) was obtained at a normal load of 50 N.

Originality/value

– This paper shows that considerable reduction in friction and wear is achieved by using common grade oil hydrol-68 as lubricative media. Further, the analysis of lubricating oil using LNF at different normal loads indicates the co-existence of various wear phenomena such as cutting, fatigue, and sliding wear simultaneously.
Characterization of properties in friction-welded austenitic-stainless steel and aluminium joints
Authors: Sahin Mumin
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The main purpose of the present study was to evaluate the metallurgical and mechanical properties of dissimilar metal friction welds (FWs) between aluminium and type 304 stainless steel.

Design/methodology/approach

– One of the manufacturing methods used to produce parts made from different materials is the FW method. Therefore, in the present study, austenitic stainless steel and aluminium parts were joined by FW. Tensile, fatigue and notch-impact tests were applied to FW specimens, and the results were compared with those for the original materials. Microstructure, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and hardness variations were conducted on the joints.

Findings

– It was found from the microstructure and XRD analysis that inter-metallic phases formed in the interface which further caused a decrease in the strength of the joints.

Research limitations/implications

– In this study, the rotation speed was kept constant. The effects of the rotation speed on the welding quality can be examined in future. It is important to note that the FW process was successfully accomplished in this study although it was particularly difficult to obtain the weld due to the large deformations at the interface.

Practical implications

– Low-density components such as aluminium and magnesium can be joined with steels owing to being cost-effective in industry. Application of classical welding techniques to such materials is difficult because they have different thermal properties. Their welding plays a key part in industrial quality and process control, in the efficient use of energy and other resources, in health and safety. Then, this study will contribute for welded, brazed and soldered materials.

Originality/value

– The main value of this paper is to contribute and fulfill the influence of the interface on properties in welding of various materials that is being studied so far in the literature.
Wear behavior of ceramic powder and nano-diamond cladding on carbon steel surface
Authors: Peng De-Xing , Kang Yuan
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– Thick composite claddings of carbides on a metal matrix are ideal for use in components that are subject to severe abrasive wear. It is a metal matrix composite (MMC) that is reinforced by an appropriate ceramic phase and nano-diamond cladding to reduce friction and to protect the opposing surface. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– This work evaluated the wear performance of carbon steel cladded with TiC/nano-diamond powders by gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) method. The microstructures, chemical compositions, and wear characteristics of cladded surfaces were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX).

Findings

– The cladding was uniform, continuous, and almost defect-free, and particles were evenly distributed throughout the cladding layer. The results of wear test indicate that the friction coefficient of the TiC+1.5% nano-diamond cladding is lower than that of AISI 1020 carbon steel. Thus, the wear scar area of the TiC+1.5% nano-diamond cladding is only one-tenth of the AISI 1020 carbon steel.

Originality/value

– The experiments in this study confirm that, by reducing friction and anti-wear, the cladding layer prepared using the proposed methods can prolong machinery operating life.
Analysis of a circular journal bearing lubricated with micropolar fluids including EHD effects
Authors: Chetti Boualem
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The performance of finite circular journal bearing lubricated with micropolar fluids taking into account the elastic deformation of the bearing liner is presented. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– The modified Reynolds equation is obtained using the micropolar lubrication theory. The solution of the modified Reynolds equation is determined using finite difference technique. The static characteristics in terms of load-carrying capacity, attitude angle, side leakage and friction coefficient for micropolar and Newtonian fluids are determined for various values of eccentricity ratio and different values of elastic coefficient.

Findings

– Compared with Newtonian fluids, the micropolar fluids produce an increase in the load-carrying capacity and a reduction in the attitude angle, the friction factor and side leakage for both the rigid and deformable bearings.

Originality/value

– It is concluded that the influence of elastic deformation on the bearing characteristics lubricated with micropolar fluids is significantly apparent compared with bearing lubricated with Newtonian fluids.
Faking it: incentives and malingered PTSD
Authors: A. Peace Kristine , E.S. Richards Victoria
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to address how context for malingering and the provision of incentives influence malingered symptom profiles of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Design/methodology/approach

– A 2 (case context)×3 (incentive) factorial design was utilized. Participants (n=298) were given an incentive (positive, negative, or no incentive), randomly assigned to a criminal or civil context, and asked to provide a fake claim of child abuse with corresponding malingered symptoms of PTSD. Under these conditions, participants completed several questionnaires pertaining to symptoms of trauma and PTSD.

Findings

– Results indicated that negative incentives were primarily associated with lower symptom scores. Therefore, “having something to lose” may result in more constrained (and realistic) symptom reports relative to exaggeration evidenced with positive incentives.

Originality/value

– These results have implications for forensic settings where malingered claims of PTSD are common and incentives for such claims (e.g. having something to gain or lose) frequently exist. Previous studies have failed to address incentives (positive and negative) in relation to a crime (i.e. abuse) that can span both criminal and civil contexts.
Biosignal measures of female sexual interest: their feasibility in a forensic context
Authors: Staunton Ciara , Hammond Sean , Perkins Derek , Lambert Sharon
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to review the status of biosignal measures of female sexual arousal with a view to examining the feasibility of such procedures in a forensic context. Although adult women represent the minority of sexual offenders, female perpetrated sexual abuse has been gaining increasing attention in the forensic psychological literature as criminal justice is confronted with female offending populations to a greater extent than previously recognised.

Design/methodology/approach

– Psychological assessments of sex offenders have tended to be over-dependent on the use of self-report measures (i.e. an individual's appraisal and report of their emotional state of sexual arousal). There is a dearth of empirical knowledge concerning the psychophysiological assessment of female sexual interest in general and especially so for female sex offenders. Physiological measures are those that rely on directly observable physiological responses of the individual in order to identify patterns of sexual interest or arousal.

Findings

– Because deviant sexual interest (in children or the use of violence) as assessed by penile plethysmography, has been established as one of the strongest predictors of recidivism in male sex offenders (and as a viable alternative to self-report methodologies), an analogue measurement approach for female sex offenders is desirable. This paper considers: first, theoretical problems (e.g. what does female physiological arousal mean in terms of sexual arousal/desire?; second, technical measurement problems (e.g. reactivity of the measure in within subject designs); and third, procedural/ethical problems (e.g. invasiveness of the application).

Originality/value

– While a number of physiological assessment devices are considered in this paper, the paper discusses the labial photoplethysmograph as a promising method for female sexual offender populations.
Between ideal and reality
Authors: Yoo Sungae , Jeong Kim Hye , Young Kwon So
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to examine similar and/or different perspectives on, and practices of online-learning interaction as projected by the participating educators who are from either Korea or the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this study, the authors analyzed how college instructors from two countries, Korea and the USA, consider the role of online-learning interaction in their students' learning by interviewing nine instructors from both countries. The authors examined the educators' responses using constructivism and Confucianism as the frame of reference.

Findings

– The analysis showed that the US instructors tend to focus on learner-to-learner interaction, whereas Korean instructors emphasized teacher-to-learner interaction. Korean instructors perceived a gap between ideal and reality in integrating interaction as a part of online activities in the course.

Originality/value

– This study focuses on a cross-national comparison of online-learning interaction between Korea and the USA. Thus, it will provide practical ideas for global or multicultural user experiences on online-learning courses.
Incentives for complexity in financial regulation
Authors: Berglund Tom
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of the paper is to find out which incentives are present for persons who are taking care of financial regulation in practice, and how these incentives impact their attitudes towards complexity of financial regulation.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on recent contributions, reasons behind the increase in complexity observed in financial regulation are discussed. The role of actual incentives for the persons involved in setting up and enforcing regulation is detailed.

Findings

– Incentives for persons that impact drafting and implementation of financial regulation produce a bias towards excessive complexity. Additional complexity reduces the risk for being exposed to aggressive journalism and pressure from populist politicians. Increasing complexity of regulation will also benefit large players since the costs are largely fixed.

Research limitations/implications

– Careful studies measuring the costs of increased complexity in terms of increased resource requirements are needed.

Practical implications

– To reduce the bias towards excess complexity, a body consisting of knowledgeable persons with high integrity is required with an explicit mandate of scrutinising regulation in order to reduce, or at least not increase, complexity. This body must be empowered with sufficient discretion to tackle cases that lack precedents.

Originality/value

– The paper introduces an explicit discussion of existing incentives on the regulator side of financial markets to increase the understanding of the issues involved in the increased complexity that we observe in the rules that are implemented to guide behaviour in financial markets.
Learning processes across knowledge domains
Authors: Bjerg Hall-Andersen Lene , Broberg Ole
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to shed light on the problematics of learning across knowledge boundaries in organizational settings. The paper specifically explores learning processes that emerge, when a new knowledge domain is introduced into an existing organizational practice with the aim of creating a new combined practice.

Design/methodology/approach

– A case study was carried out as a “natural experiment” in an engineering consultancy, where emerging initiatives to integrate the newly acquired competencies into the existing practice were explored. A theoretical framework informed by selected perspectives on learning processes and boundary processes was applied on three illustrative vignettes to illuminate learning potentials and shortcomings in boundary processes.

Findings

– In the engineering consultancy, it was found that while learning did occur in the consultancy organization, it remained discrete in ‘pockets’ of learning; mainly at an individual level, at project level or as domain-specific learning. Learning processes were intertwined with elements of domain-specific interests, power, managerial support, structural conditions, material and epistemic differences between knowledge domains.

Research limitations/implications

– The finding in this paper is based on a single case study: hence, the findings' generalizability may be limited.

Practical implications

– The paper argues that learning across knowledge domains needs various forms of supporting initiatives and constant readiness to alter or counteract when an initiative's shortcomings appear or undesired learning loops arise.

Originality/value

– The paper contributes to understanding the complexity of learning across knowledge boundaries in organizational settings.