bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Marinomonas hwangdonensis sp. nov., isolated from seawater
Authors: Jung Yong-Taek , Oh Tae-Kwang , Yoon Jung-Hoon
Published: October 2011

A Gram-negative, motile, rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated HDW-15T, was isolated from seawater of the Yellow Sea, Korea, and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. Strain HDW-15T grew optimally at pH 7.0–8.0, at 25 °C and in the presence of 2 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain HDW-15T fell within the clade comprising

Marinomonas

species, joining the type strain of

Marinomonas arctica

, with which it exhibited highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (97.7 %). The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values between strain HDW-15T and the type strains of other

Marinomonas

species were in the range 93.7–97.2 %. Mean DNA–DNA relatedness values between strain HDW-15T and the type strains of

M. arctica

,

Marinomonas polaris

and

Marinomonas pontica

were 5.0–9.9 %. The DNA G+C content of the isolate was 48.7 mol%. Strain HDW-15T contained Q-8 as the predominant ubiquinone and C18 : 1ω7c, summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or iso-C15 : 0 2-OH) and C16 : 0 as the major fatty acids. The major polar lipids found in strain HDW-15T were phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. Differential phenotypic properties, together with phylogenetic and genetic distinctiveness, showed that strain HDW-15T can be differentiated from other

Marinomonas

species. On the basis of the data presented, strain HDW-15T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus

Marinomonas

, for which the name Marinomonas hwangdonensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is HDW-15T ( = KCTC 23661T = CCUG 61321T).
Functional specialization within the striatum along both the dorsal/ventral and anterior/posterior axes during associative learning via reward and punishment
Authors: Mattfeld Aaron T. , Gluck Mark A. , Stark Craig E.L.
Published: October 2011

The goal of the present study was to elucidate the role of the human striatum in learning via reward and punishment during an associative learning task. Previous studies have identified the striatum as a critical component in the neural circuitry of reward-related learning. It remains unclear, however, under what task conditions, and to what extent, the striatum is modulated by punishment during an instrumental learning task. Using high-resolution functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during a reward- and punishment-based probabilistic associative learning task, we observed activity in the ventral putamen for stimuli learned via reward regardless of whether participants were correct or incorrect (i.e., outcome). In contrast, activity in the dorsal caudate was modulated by trials that received feedback—either correct reward or incorrect punishment trials. We also identified an anterior/posterior dissociation reflecting reward and punishment prediction error estimates. Additionally, differences in patterns of activity that correlated with the amount of training were identified along the anterior/posterior axis of the striatum. We suggest that unique subregions of the striatum—separated along both a dorsal/ventral and anterior/posterior axis— differentially participate in the learning of associations through reward and punishment.
Is all motivation good for learning? Dissociable influences of approach and avoidance motivation in declarative memory
Authors: Murty Vishnu P. , LaBar Kevin S. , Hamilton Derek A. , Adcock R. Alison
Published: October 2011

The present study investigated the effects of approach versus avoidance motivation on declarative learning. Human participants navigated a virtual reality version of the Morris water task, a classic spatial memory paradigm, adapted to permit the experimental manipulation of motivation during learning. During this task, participants were instructed to navigate to correct platforms while avoiding incorrect platforms. To manipulate motivational states participants were either rewarded for navigating to correct locations (approach) or punished for navigating to incorrect platforms (avoidance). Participants’ skin conductance levels (SCLs) were recorded during navigation to investigate the role of physiological arousal in motivated learning. Behavioral results revealed that, overall, approach motivation enhanced and avoidance motivation impaired memory performance compared to nonmotivated spatial learning. This advantage was evident across several performance indices, including accuracy, learning rate, path length, and proximity to platform locations during probe trials. SCL analysis revealed three key findings. First, within subjects, arousal interacted with approach motivation, such that high arousal on a given trial was associated with performance deficits. In addition, across subjects, high arousal negated or reversed the benefits of approach motivation. Finally, low-performing, highly aroused participants showed SCL responses similar to those of avoidance–motivation participants, suggesting that for these individuals, opportunities for reward may evoke states of learning similar to those typically evoked by threats of punishment. These results provide a novel characterization of how approach and avoidance motivation influence declarative memory and indicate a critical and selective role for arousal in determining how reinforcement influences goal-oriented learning.
Profiling information behaviour of nursing students: part 1: quantitative findings
Authors: Stokes Peter , Urquhart Christine
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to profile the information seeking behaviour of nursing students, according to learning style, personality and self‐efficacy in information literacy. Such profiles should help students to reflect on their information seeking, and should help librarians in designing information literacy programmes that are targeted to student needs.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire using existing validated scales for learning styles, personality, and information literacy self‐efficacy was developed. The information seeking portion was based on an information behaviour model with core processes (opening, orientation and consolidation) and corresponding micro‐processes. The questionnaire was administered to nursing students (n=261, response rate 74 per cent, 194/261) at one UK university.

Findings

Neither information literacy self‐efficacy, nor learning style on their own appeared to change as students progressed. There is a significant association between learning style and self‐efficacy. There appears to be some associations between personality and learning style, and between personality, learning style and preferred information seeking processes. Odds ratios analyses were used to help in preliminary development of profiles. Students with a higher degree of confidence about their information literacy are more likely to: think about their search; work out strategies; and build and adapt their searches. Deep learners take a broad, exploratory approach to searching and score highest for the openness personality trait; whilst strategic learners think about their search, adapt as they progress and score highest for conscientiousness and emotional stability. Surface learners do less planning. Additionally, personality traits (which are essentially stable over time) are positively or negatively associated with various aspects of information seeking.

Research limitations/implications

The sample size limits the extent of statistical analyses and possible generalizations. The planned qualitative research may help in confirmation of the information seeking profiles.

Originality/value

The research extends existing research evidence on the impact of personality and learning style on student information behaviour by including an information literacy scale and information seeking micro‐processes.
Unprepared for information interactions: abuse survivors and police
Authors: Finn Jeanine , Westbrook Lynn , Chen Tiffany , Mensah Priscilla
Published: October 2011

Purpose

Working towards a broader understanding of information provision by agencies responding to crisis situations, the aim of this paper is to examine mandated information provision on the part of law enforcement to survivors of intimate partner violence at the scene of an emergency response.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a detailed content analysis of 1,851 documents supplied by local law enforcement agencies from 755 US cities. A 29‐element coding framework was developed to identify five key content areas of information: the nature of abuse, survivor norms, police information, legal options, and community resources.

Findings

The best represented content areas related to police information, legal options, and community resources. Information on the nature of abuse and survivor hood was dramatically less well represented. Law enforcement understandably privileges that information which involves immediate, concrete action and within which the officer may have a responsibility (for example, to obtain a temporary restraining order). Correlations between city size and the presence of information elements were minimal, while several significant correlations based on region were noted.

Originality/value

This is the first nationwide study of the information that police are required to provide to survivors of intimate partner violence. Understanding the features of this seldom‐discussed yet vital interaction can help IS professionals support practices and protocols of other agencies responding to crisis situations who may be struggling with minimal preparation for information interactions.
Micro‐credits in scientific publishing
Authors: Casati Roberto , Origgi Gloria , Simon Judith
Published: October 2011

Purpose

New technologies allow for efficient dissemination of scientific knowledge objects (SKOs). Yet they are likely to transform SKOs as well. The aim of this paper is to propose a way to structure SKOs that allows for both a clear individuation of the main scientific contributions and a fine‐grained structure of credits and evaluation.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors review and analyze existing practices of structuring SKOs in different disciplines.

Findings

Provisionally considering the published paper as an atomic SKO, possible subatomic structures of SKOs are investigated. It is hypothesized that SKOs are meant to satisfy two separated but interdependent sets of constraints, one related to the contribution the SKO makes to the body of knowledge, and another related to the contribution the SKO makes to the reputation of its authors. It is hypothesized that existing SKO structures are not optimal for satisfying both sets of constraints at once.

Research limitations/implications

A broader analysis may be needed that covers the totality of existing practices.

Practical implications

Guidelines are offered. This paper, including the present abstract, is an example of what the scientific paper of tomorrow could be like.

Social implications

The paper proposes better apportioning of scientific credits and evaluation; substantive evolution of the academic publishing and credit attribution models.

Originality/value

The idea that the communication and evaluation function of a SKO are differently reflected in their structure is novel. The proposed fine‐grained credit attribution system is novel. The molecular/atomic/sub‐atomic distinction is a new way to fix the terminology.
Citation systems in the biosciences
Authors: Williams R.B.
Published: October 2011

Purpose

Several bibliographical citation systems are in regular use in scholarly literature, associated with various intellectual disciplines. The aim of this paper is to document an analysis of their designs in the biosciences in order to construct a classification and to assess their comparative effectiveness for information transfer.

Design/methodology/approach

A historical survey of communications between scholars, including the reasons why authors cite others' works, was completed. The development of citation systems, specifically the Harvard system and various numeric systems, was traced, following which a universal classification with a new descriptive terminology was constructed.

Findings

Citation systems are defined herein as direct (with citation and reference together in the text) or indirect (with citation within the text, and reference outside the text). Direct systems may be described as implicit (the Linnaean style with abbreviated, undated, conceptual reference) or explicit (with full, dated, bibliographical reference). All indirect systems are explicit: the text citation (the referens) may be alphabetic, symbolic, numeric or alphanumeric and the reference (the referendum) may be a marginal note, footnote or end reference. A survey of citation systems in 101 bioscience journals is presented. Within indirect systems, most biomedical journals use a numeric system, but most veterinary, zoological and general biological journals use the Harvard system, which is considered herein to be the most effective for information transfer.

Originality/value

No philosophical analysis of citation systems appears to have been carried out before. Based upon historical, conceptual and logical aspects, a robust universal classification with a new descriptive terminology is presented to facilitate the unambiguous discussion of the principles and designs of citation systems. The classification and terminology are applicable to citation systems in any discipline.
Facets of user‐assigned tags and their effectiveness in image retrieval
Authors: Ransom Nicola , Rafferty Pauline
Published: October 2011

Purpose

This study aims to consider the value of user‐assigned image tags by comparing the facets that are represented in image tags with those that are present in image queries to see if there is a similarity in the way that users describe and search for images.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample dataset was created by downloading a selection of images and associated tags from Flickr, the online photo‐sharing web site. The tags were categorised using image facets from Shatford's matrix, which has been widely used in previous research into image indexing and retrieval. The facets present in the image tags were then compared with the results of previous research into image queries.

Findings

The results reveal that there are broad similarities between the facets present in image tags and queries, with people and objects being the most common facet, followed by location. However, the results also show that there are differences in the level of specificity between tags and queries, with image tags containing more generic terms and image queries consisting of more specific terms. The study concludes that users do describe and search for images using similar image facets, but that measures to close the gap between specific queries and generic tags would improve the value of user tags in indexing image collections.

Originality/value

Research into tagging has tended to focus on textual resources with less research into non‐textual documents. In particular, little research has been undertaken into how user tags compare to the terms used in search queries, particularly in the context of digital images.
Readers' advisory and underestimated roles of escapist reading
Authors: Begum Soheli
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper, aimed primarily at readers' advisors in public libraries, is to take a critical look at the concept of escapism in leisure reading, highlight the multiple aspects of escapism, present it in a more positive light, and show that escapism is associated not only with light entertaining reading but also with the reading of serious literature.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of a critical review of literature and real‐life examples.

Findings

It is found that escapism in leisure reading is a very complex and composite concept. Although it is not always associated with pleasure and relaxation, it is always a transformative and thus instrumental and functional experience in the reader's life.

Research limitations/implications

The paper provides a valuable discussion of the literature on escapist reading.

Practical implications

The paper considers the importance of escapist reading and whether would this be of benefit to library professionals involved in the public library sphere.

Originality/value

Multiple and diversified examples of escapism through leisure reading are reviewed and critically analyzed; and the application of this knowledge in readers' advisory work is clearly delineated.
Training cataloguing professionals at the University of the West Indies, St Augustine: part 2
Authors: Hosein Yacoob , Bowen‐Chang Portia
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the effectiveness of cataloguing training for professionals at the St Augustine Campus Libraries of the University of the West Indies, Trinidad and Tobago, with emphasis on the cataloguing of special formats and the overall importance of continuing education.

Design/methodology/approach

The research methodology is based on a questionnaire which involved the use of a rolling survey for the periods 2005‐2007 and 2007‐2010, and utilized a five‐point Likert scale.

Findings

The findings clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of cataloguing training in the quest for professional development amongst librarians and also serve to highlight the need for greater collaboration between libraries, library schools and library associations.

Practical implications

The paper considers effectiveness of training in cataloguing and thus of the skills adopted in practice.

Originality/value

The study brings to the fore the importance of structured training for cataloguing professionals over a five‐year period. It also provides further insights into bridging the gap between entry level and working cataloguers in a developing country.
Information literacy competency of freshman business students of a private university in Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Shoeb Zahid
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess basic information literacy (IL) competency and the perception of IL behaviour of freshman undergraduate business students of Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB).

Design/methodology/approach

Freshman business students were asked to fill a set of structured and sample questions which assessed their level of information skills and basic IL behaviour. The questionnaire incorporated different questions concerning their previous experience of information use and access to information sources.

Findings

It has been found that IUB freshman business students require more competencies to solve information‐related problems. Before answering the questions and statements of the questionnaire, most of them mentioned that they are aware of IL and they think they have IL‐related efficiencies. But the competency results showed that only one‐fourth of them gave correct answers. Regarding the concluding statement, most of them realized that they need information literacy education (ILE) to solve their information‐related problems.

Originality/value

This assessment related to IL is the first in any private university in Bangladesh, which will foster more research to design valid and relevant curricula of ILE for the students of IUB and possibly the wider higher education community in Bangladesh.
Exploring reader response to minority ethnic fiction
Authors: Birdi Briony , Syed Mostafa
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present findings of a study investigating the reading of, and engagement with minority ethnic fiction in UK public libraries, with a particular focus on Black British fiction and Asian fiction in English.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative study of the reading behaviour of a large population of public library users (n=1,047) from the East Midlands region. A survey was distributed at issue points in 16 libraries in nine participating local authorities, to investigate respondents' reading choices, and factors that may affect these choices.

Findings

Findings have emerged regarding the readers and non‐readers of Black British and Asian fiction in English. Social identity theory and reader response theory, whilst initially appearing contradictory, are helpful in understanding patterns of reading behaviour.

Research limitations/implications

The paper provides a valuable starting point for future research in materials portraying, and originating from, minority ethnic communities.

Practical implications

The paper identifies areas in which public libraries, publishing houses and minority ethnic community groups can improve the provision and promotion of minority ethnic fiction.

Social implications

It is hoped that longer‐term effects will be to increase the involvement of members of all communities in the selection and promotion of culturally appropriate materials.

Originality/value

The paper addresses a gap in previous research and practice, whereby the provision of multicultural resources was always considered only in linguistic, rather than in broader cultural terms, the latter felt to be more appropriate to contemporary society.
A new space‐time correlation coefficient and its comparison with Moran's Index on evaluation
Authors: Song Malin , Wang Shuhong , Wu Jie , Yang Li
Published: October 2011

Purpose

This article aims to discuss the binary matrix of spatial association which is suggested by Moran, and proposes a new method of the definition of the w matrix to obtain a new space‐time correlation coefficient considering the correlation of both time and space.

Design/methodology/approach

From the perspective of the multi‐dimension of space and time, this article proposes a new computational method of a correlation coefficient considering both temporal and spatial factors, based on the analysis of the characteristics of Moran's Global Index and Moran's Local Index. The number of patents granted in mainland China's provinces and municipalities is taken as an example of multi‐dimensional analysis.

Findings

The results of quantitative analysis using this space‐time correlation coefficient show that the outcomes calculated by this new correlation coefficient are not only highly correlated with Moran's Index, but also have advantages in analyzing the trends of both spatial and temporal indicators simultaneously, which is verified by the illustration of the algorithm.

Research limitations/implications

Due to a scarcity of data in China, the algorithm is based on data for the last 20 years, which may not be long enough for this research. Although this does not reduce the value of the conclusions of this article, a closer look should be taken at the effectiveness of the new space‐time correlation coefficient in the future.

Practical implications

The results of space‐time correlation coefficient are highly correlated with Moran's Index. In addition, it can not only analyze the “flow” indicators in a certain period but also analyze the “stock” indicators to reflect both space and time changes. These may reflect superiority of space‐time correlation coefficient to Moran's Index.

Originality/value

This new correlation coefficient that considers both temporal and spatial factors and will provide a more scientific and effective tool for spatial econometric analysis in time and space changes of management on society and the economy.
Multi‐dimensional nature of service innovation
Authors: Agarwal Renu , Selen Willem
Published: October 2011

Purpose

Innovation in services is thought to be multi‐dimensional in nature, and in this context the purpose of this paper is to present and operationalise the concept of “elevated service offerings” (ESO) in collaborating service organisations. ESO stands for new or enhanced service offerings which can only be eventuated as a result of partnering, and which could not be delivered on individual organisational merit. ESO helps us expand our understanding of service innovation to include a service network or service system's dimension.

Design/methodology/approach

A structural equation model is specified and estimated based on constructs and relationships grounded in the literature, as well as self‐developed constructs, using empirical data from 449 respondents in an Australian telecommunications service provider (SP) and its partnering organisations.

Findings

Results show that ESO is a multi‐dimensional construct which was operationalised and validated through an extensive literature review, exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modelling using a holdout sample.

Research limitations/implications

Qualitative and empirical data analysis was undertaken with data collected from a single large telecommunications SP organisation, and its partnering organisations. Future research may seek to collect data from the entire telecommunications industry sector and their partnering organisations, across other service sectors, or even any other organisation where collaboration is pivotal to their success.

Practical implications

Service organisations today need to understand that innovation in services is not just about process or product innovation, or even performance and productivity improvements, but in fact includes organisational forms of innovation. Indeed, the interactions and complementarities between the three different aspects of ESO – strategic, productivity, and performance – highlight the increasing complex and multi‐dimensional character of innovation and the ongoing iterative process.

Originality/value

This research provides empirical evidence for the existence of a multi‐dimensional innovation in services construct – known as elevated service offerings in a collaborative service network, along with an adapted definition of service and a service innovation model.
Supply chain innovation and organizational performance in the healthcare industry
Authors: Lee Sang M. , Lee DonHee , Schniederjans Marc J.
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine supply chain (SC) innovation for improving organisational performance in the healthcare industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A research model is proposed which describes the impact of SC innovation, supplier cooperation, SC efficiency, and quality management (QM) practices on organisational performance. The proposed research model and hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling based on data collected from 243 hospitals.

Findings

The results of the study support that organisational performance is positively associated with constructs of each SC innovation factor. Innovative design of SC has a significant impact on selection of and cooperation with excellent suppliers, improved SC efficiency, and encouragement of QM practices.

Research limitations/implications

The data used in this study were collected from relatively large hospitals with more than 100 beds in South Korea. The generalization of the study results may be limited by the size of sample hospitals.

Originality/value

This study provides useful planning information in the healthcare industry. The results suggest successful implementation of SC management is attained through continuous SC innovation with supplier cooperation, which in turn improves organisational performance.
Does ICT influence supply chain management and performance?
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Pieter van Donk Dirk , van der Vaart Taco
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review and classify survey‐based research connecting information and communication technology (ICT), supply chain management (SCM), and supply chain (SC) performance. The review evaluates present empirical results and aims at detecting explanations for similarities and differences in reported findings in the current literature.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based upon a structured literature review of the major journals in the fields of operations management, logistics, and information systems.

Findings

The point of departure in this paper is the possible inconsistency in reported findings within this field of research. The paper finds that measurements and constructs in all three major variables (ICT, SCM, SC performance) are different and often incomparable, and contextual factors are not systematically considered. Surprisingly, despite these differences, the papers reviewed show that generally, there is a positive direct or indirect effect of ICT on performance and SCM.

Research limitations/implications

The paper aims at reviewing the survey‐based literature only. Findings from case studies and other types of studies are not considered. An implication of this paper might be to reconsider how future survey studies should be designed and what constructs and issues need to be incorporated. Specifically, the relationships between single technologies, aspects of SCM and performance dimensions need specific attention in future research.

Originality/value

The paper offers a systematic review that helps to further develop our understanding of the relationship of SCM, ICT, and SC performance.
Respect, trust and engagement: creating an Australian indigenous data archive
Authors: Gardiner Gabrielle , McDonald Jemima , Byrne Alex , Thorpe Kirsten
Published: October 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to demonstrate the work being done to develop a trusted digital archive for social sciences data relating to the indigenous peoples of Australia. It explores the issues that arise through respectful engagement with both indigenous communities and research communities as well as the development of pragmatic and effective data management planning strategies for higher education researchers.

Design/methodology/approach

As a conceptual paper, the approach consists of a review of the current situation, a discussion of the work already undertaken by the project team, and an analysis of the challenges being faced and plans for ongoing development of the project.

Findings

There are major challenges in tackling a project with issues of such complexity but the project has great significance because its success could contribute enormously to the indigenous communities to which the research relates while building the capacity of researchers to design respectful and effective data management strategies.

Practical implications

This project is rapidly evolving and the strategies for managing it are dynamic as the layers of complexity are unfolded and the project team addresses issues arising from the materials and groups with which it is working.

Social implications

The impact of this project has already reaped dividends for the communities involved. Indigenous communities whose intellectual property or knowledge has seeded the research are having material returned to them in digital formats that are useful to them and which provide accurate portrayals of their knowledge, communities and culture. Researchers using the service provided by ATSIDA are confident that their material is being curated and reused appropriately. The work done by the ATSIDA team in building protocols and guidelines around research data will influence public policy, particularly in the work of collecting agencies and in their application to situations other than indigenous.

Originality/value

ATSIDA fills a gap in informed research management. There is no other project like it anywhere in the world. This paper is valuable to anyone working in or considering higher education research in an indigenous area and is applicable to other research dealing with identifiable and vulnerable communities.
Collection development in public libraries of Tehran
Authors: Walia Paramjeet K. , Momeni Esmat
Published: October 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to determine the adequacy of the public library system with respect to the total population as well as the viable population of different regions of Tehran city, the capital of Iran, especially pertaining to book collections in accordance with the IFLA/UNESCO Guidelines.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted through a questionnaire distributed to librarians of the public libraries under study. The other resources of data used for this study are annual reports and official records of the libraries at the provincial and national level.

Findings

The findings reveal the ratio of book collections with respect to the viable population of different regions of Tehran. Only one of 22 regions has a book collection as per IFLA/UNESCO Guidelines.

Originality/value

This paper highlights how public libraries in Tehran are providing access to information resources and whether the book collections of the libraries are adequate as per international standards. It also suggests certain improvements for the existing system.
Random proportional Weibull hazard model for large‐scale information systems
Authors: Kobayashi Kiyoshi , Kaito Kiyoyuki
Published: October 2011

Purpose

This study aims to focus on asset management of large‐scale information systems supporting infrastructures and especially seeks to address a methodology of their statistical deterioration prediction based on their historical inspection data. Information systems are composed of many devices. Deterioration process i.e. wear‐out failure generation process of those devices is formulated by a Weibull hazard model. Furthermore, in order to consider the heterogeneity of the hazard rate of each device, the random proportional Weibull hazard model, which expresses the heterogeneity of the hazard rate as random variables, is to be proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

Large‐scale information systems comprise many components, and different types of components might have different hazard rates. Therefore, when analyzing faults of information systems that comprise various types of devices and components, it is important to consider the heterogeneity of the hazard rates that exist between the different types of components. In this study, with this in consideration, the random proportional Weibull hazard model, whose heterogeneity of hazard rates is subject to a gamma distribution, is formulated and a methodology is proposed which estimates the failure rate of various components comprising an information system.

Findings

Through a case study using a traffic control system for expressways, the validity of the proposed model is empirically verified. Concretely, as for HDD, the service life at which the survival probability is 50 percent is estimated as 158 months. However, even for the same HDD, use environment differs according to usage. Actually, among the three different usages (PC, server, others), failures happen earliest in the case of PCs, which have the highest heterogeneity parameter and a survival probability of 50 percent after 135 months of usage. On the other hand, as for others, its survival probability is 50 percent at 303 months.

Originality/value

To operationally express the heterogeneity of failure rates, the Weibull hazard model is employed as a base, and a random proportional Weibull hazard model expressing the proportional heterogeneity of hazard rates with a standard gamma distribution is formulated. By estimating the parameter of the standard proportional Weibull hazard function and the parameter of the probability distribution that expresses the heterogeneity of the proportionality constant between the types, the random proportional Weibull hazard model can easily express the heterogeneity of the hazard rates between types and components.
Public property management in Italian municipalities
Authors: Vermiglio Carlo
Published: October 2011

Purpose

This article aims to present an overview of the main issues related to public real estate management in Italian local governments and to define a reliable approach for the employment of real estate properties during the time.

Design/methodology/approach

The research defines a theoretical framework that takes under consideration the “key variables” that affect the strategic management of a real estate asset portfolio. The suggested approach may help public managers in the decision‐making process, enhancing the performance of the organization and the accountability in favor of the stakeholders.

Findings

The results demonstrate that there are still several omissions in the management of these assets and that strategies adopted have not been centered on a preliminary analysis of the financial, economic and social fallouts in the mid‐long term, mainly answering to short‐term political needs and budgetary constraints. Unlike experiences developed in other European countries, in Italy the main answer was the divestment of real estate assets, assumed as a “first best solution”.

Practical implications

The article suggests a systemic and multidimensional approach for the management of a real estate portfolio and aims at developing a depth of knowledge in a field such as public property management, which can still be considered essentially unexplored by Italian literature.

Originality/value

The paper emphasizes the strategic relevance of the subject for politicians, managers, technicians and researchers involved in the management of a real estate portfolio.
Real estate education: an investigation of multiple stakeholders
Authors: Poon Joanna , Hoxley Mike , Fuchs Willow
Published: October 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to report the detailed findings of a Centre for Education in the Built Environment (CEBE) funded study into real estate programmes of study in UK universities. The aim is to critically evaluate the gaps in the professional practice firm employers' expectations of real estate graduates, real estate graduates' perceptions of what they attained during their studies and universities' views of the content of Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) accredited real estate courses.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents the research findings from questionnaire surveys of professional practice firm employers and graduates and of interviews with RICS accredited courses providers and with the human resource managers of major surveying firms.

Findings

The findings of the questionnaire survey should provide some comfort to real estate education providers since the top employer rated knowledge and skills are by and large found in most programmes of study. Universities would argue that they cannot actually do much about the personal attributes that graduates possess. There are significant differences in the views of employers and graduates and the only area of knowledge in which graduates currently exceed the requirements of employers is “research methods”. The comments made by both groups suggest that practical experience is considered to be missing from courses but most universities would not see this as one of their principal areas of responsibility. The RICS accredited course directors mentioned that they provide alternative simulated work experience for students. Apart from practical experience, the human resource managers also raised concerns about graduates' levels of commercial awareness.

Practical implications

The findings of this research will enable those designing real estate programmes of study in real estate in the UK and around the world to ensure that their curricula are current and relevant to the needs of employers, from a UK perspective.

Originality/value

The paper presents the findings of questionnaire surveys of employers and graduates and of interviews with RICS accredited courses providers and human resource managers, which suggest that employers and graduates would like to see more practical skills and knowledge incorporated within university curricula.
Numerical model of electrode induction melting for gas atomization
Authors: Bojarevics Valdis , Roy Alan , Pericleous Koulis
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to create a numerical model of electrode induction melting process for the gas atomization (EIGA) and process and investigate the complex interaction of the electromagnetic and thermal fields on the fluid flow with free surface.

Design/methodology/approach

The modelling approach is based on the free surface code SPHINX which includes time dependent electromagnetic, thermal and fluid flow with free surface modelling and the commercial software COMSOL for investigating 3D electromagnetic effects.

Findings

The melting dynamics, liquid film formation and the outflow free surface behavior are predicted by SPHINX using an optimized geometry. Quasi‐stationary AC electromagnetic solutions with COMSOL predict some 3D effects of the coil, including frequency dependent estimates of voltage, electric current and power.

Originality/value

The importance of magnetic forces controlling the free surface jet formation, partial semi‐levitation and the outflow superheat is uncovered by numerical modelling tools. An optimized geometry is presented for the EIGA process.
A cell method‐based numerical model for resistance welding
Authors: Alotto P. , Guarnieri M. , Moro F. , Stella A.
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to simulate in the time domain three‐dimensional electrical, thermal, mechanical coupled contact problems arising in electric resistance welding (ERW) processes.

Design/methodology/approach

A three‐dimensional multiphysical numerical model for analyzing contact problems is proposed. Electrical and thermal field equations in bulk domains are discretized with the cell method (CM). Welding resistance at contact interfaces is described locally by synthetic statistic parameters and contacting domains are matched together by a non‐overlapping domain decomposition method. Contact pressure distribution is resolved by a finite‐element procedure. The model is validated with 3D FEM software package.

Findings

The semi‐analytical model describing the electric and thermal resistances at contact interfaces can be easily embedded in CM formulations, where problem variables are expressed directly in integral form. Compatibility conditions between contact members are enforced by a domain decomposition approach. System conditioning and computing time are improved by a solution strategy based on the Schur complement method.

Research limitations/implications

The electrical‐thermal analysis is not coupled strongly with the mechanical analysis and contact pressure distribution is assumed to be not depending on thermal stresses, which can be considerable near the contact area where localized joule heating occurs.

Practical implications

Resistance welding processes involve mechanical, electrical, and thermal non‐linear coupled effects that cannot be simulated by standard commercial software packages. The proposed numerical model can be used instead for designing and optimizing ERW processes.

Originality/value

The paper shows that numerical modeling of ERW processes requires a careful prediction of the localized joule heating occurring at the electrode‐material interface. This effect is reconstructed by the proposed approach simulating coupled electrical, thermal, and mechanical effects on different spatial scales.
The stand for determining of thermal‐electrical material properties of induction heated charge
Authors: Zgraja Jerzy
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the efficiency of indirect determining of the thermal and electrical material characteristics of induction heated charges.

Design/methodology/approach

In the paper, the indirect method based on comparing the experimental and simulation results of temperature distribution has been considered. An influence of the type of the optimization techniques and the objective function form on its effectiveness was analysed. The experimental stand used in the described method was presented too.

Findings

The method of indirect determining of material characteristics can contribute to correcting the accuracy of the simulation of the induction heating systems. Its main problem is however the explicitness of determination of the material properties. It can be reduced by initial estimation of material characteristics, which can be made on the same experimental stand.

Originality/value

The paper describes how the response surface methodology was tested in indirect method of determining the thermal and electrical material characteristics.
Numerical simulation of electromagnetic stirring in continuous casting of wires
Authors: Turewicz P. , Baake E. , Umbrashko A.
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe how electromagnetic stirring during continuous casting of ferrous and non‐ferrous metals is applied in order to increase the homogeneity and the material properties by improving the grain refinement in the solidification process. The fluid flow and thermal modeling was performed for studying the metal wire pulling process, where melt is being stirred at the solidification front (SF) by electromagnetic forces. Transient simulation has been carried out in order to investigate the periodical character of the process.

Design/methodology/approach

The numerical analysis was performed in 2D utilizing the rotational symmetry of the problem. First the electromagnetic fields were estimated using FEM and were subsequently exported as source terms in a coupled thermal and flow simulation with FVM.

Findings

The presented numerical model estimated the most suitable position between the stirring coil and the SF to achieve high flow velocities which improve the grain refinement process.

Originality/value

This work enables estimation of the melt solidification in an electromagnetic stirred continuous casting process with oscillating pull velocities.
Higher‐order finite element modeling of rotational induction heating of nonferromagnetic cylindrical billets
Authors: Karban Pavel , Mach František , Dolezel Ivo , Barglik Jerzy
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a methodology of high‐precision finite element modeling of induction heating of rotating nonferromagnetic cylindrical billets in static magnetic field produced by appropriately arranged permanent magnets.

Design/methodology/approach

The mathematical model consisting of two partial differential equations describing the distribution of the magnetic and temperature fields are solved by a fully adaptive higher‐order finite element method in the monolithic formulation and selected results are validated experimentally.

Findings

The method of solution realized by own code is very fast, robust and exhibits much more powerful features when compared with classical low‐order numerical methods implemented in existing commercial codes.

Research limitations/implications

For sufficiently long arrangements the method provides good results even for 2D model. The principal limitation consists in problems with determining correct boundary conditions for the temperature field (generalized coefficient of convective heat transfer as a function of the temperature and revolutions).

Practical implications

The methodology can successfully be used for design of devices for induction heating of cylindrical nonmagnetic bodies by rotation and determination of their operation parameters.

Originality/value

The paper is a presentation of the fully adaptive higher‐order finite element and its utilization for a monolithic numerical solution of a relatively complicated coupled problem.